Aleksandar Mitrovic, the star player for Fulham, was instrumental in his team earning three crucial points on Monday at Selhurst Park when Marco Silva’s team defeated rivals from London Crystal Palace.
The visitors took advantage of a sluggish Palace team that finished the game with just nine men, but it was the Serbian striker’s two assists in a “Man of the Match” performance that stood out the most.
After assisting Bobby Decordova-Reid and captain Tim Ream, the latter of whom scored with a crisp half-volley on the turn, Mitrovic later scored his tenth Premier League goal since his promotion in August.
His effortless adjustment reflects that of his teammates at Craven Cottage this season, as Fulham have risen to the top half of the table in part due to an impressive away record that is on par with Chelsea’s and better than Liverpool’s.
After losing to both Manchester clubs within the space of a week just before attention turned to Qatar, the victory on Boxing Day also ensured a positive start to the second phase of a unique campaign. They will now cap off a fruitful season at home against the bottom team in the league.
While Fulham has scored 27 goals in the Premier League so far, Southampton’s struggles are the result of a pitiful return of just 13 goals.
Ralph Hasenhuttl replaced Nathan Jones, the former Luton Town manager, last month due to the South Coast club’s lack of bite in the final third and a gradual loss of momentum behind his leadership. However, on Boxing Day, Jones’ top-flight debut did not go as planned.
Saints found themselves two goals down at halftime against Brighton, and despite James Ward-goal Prowse’s midway through the second half, they were doomed to a 3-1 home loss. This came just days after Saints defeated Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.
Southampton is currently visiting a location where they have only won once in their last 16 league visits – and not at all since 2014. As a result, they have lost each of their last four Premier League games.
Jones will have his work cut out for him as the new year approaches with his team in 20th place. Despite this, they are still only two points away from safety in a crowded bottom half of the table.
Before 2023 begins, Saints must win their final match of the year for the first time since 2011 in order to have any chance of passing other teams to escape the bottom three. Fulham are not likely to be helpful hosts in that regard.
1×2 Betting Odds
When Fulham returned to play, they got off to a great start. With confidence coursing through their veins, they can take advantage of Southampton’s struggles to end 2022 with a winning streak.
The Saints lack spark in the final third and have lost six of their first eight away games!
The home side are the favourites to win this one with odds @ 2.13.
Southampton, who have struggled while playing away, are the underdogs in this with odds @ 3.88.
The possibility of a stalemate according to the market stands @ 3.66.
Total goals over/under
The odds that the total number of goals scored will be over 2.5, stands @ 1.78.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 2.22.
The market expects there to be around 3 goals in this one… but believes the home side got enough to win this at the end!
