Wolverhampton Wanderers V Fulham

Kick-Off: Sunday 20^th September – 14:00 GMT

Venue: Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Positon: 16th

Recent Form: LWLDL

Wolves already find themselves in a precarious position after just five games. Just one win in five has left Wolves flirting with the bottom three, with just one point separating them from those currently occupying the three relegation spots. A defeat at home to Fulham could see them return to the relegation zone whereas a win would see them put a bit of breathing space between them and the zone they so desperately want to avoid.

Yet another defeat at the weekend, their third of the season, now means Wolves have gone three matches without a win, with two defeats and a draw in their previous three outings in the league. What’s more of a concern is that Wolves have yet to register a home victory and that’s especially bad as their two home fixtures played to date have been against West Ham and Hull City, both teams, on paper anyway, Wolves could of beaten. However, they could redeem themselves with victory over Fulham who are beatable but this fixture looks a much sterner test then the ones gone before.

Fulham

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: WLLW

Fulham, under Roy Hodgeson, enjoyed a terrific season last year and many were quick to dash hopes of Fulham replicating the form they shown last season. However, although their early form does consist of two wins and two defeats, they have still put in the sort of gallant displays that has reassured us that Fulham will once again embrace the upper half of the table.

Fulham’s two victories came against Portsmouth and Everton, with their win at home to Everton their most recent fixture. Not only will that win do them the world of good in terms of their league status but a win over a side of Everton’s calibre should give the players a deserved confidence boost. The key player in Fulham’s victory over Everton was new signing Damien Duff. The Republic of Ireland international appears to have found his best form despite only featuring twice in a Fulham shirt. He was a persistent nuisance for Everton and his goal in the latter part of the second half was enough to give his side all three points.

If Fulham out in another shift like they did at home to Everton then the London outfit will be very hard to overcome. They looked very solid at back, although Tim Cahill’s headed goal will be a concern, while the pace of Damien Duff in midfield gives Fulham a bit more cutting edge, especially in terms of creativity. The Irishman can carve out a goalscoring opportunity from nothing and both Andy Johnson & Bobby Zamora should profit from Duff this season. Who knows, possibly in this game.

Head-to-Head:

Wolves W: 1 Fulham W: 0 Draws: 1

The pair clashed for the very first time in the Premiership six years ago, back in the 2004/2004 season. A lot has changed since then but for the record, Wolves do have the edge over Fulham, with one win and a draw to their name, earning four points from a possibly six from previous meetings.

Match Verdict: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Mick McCarthy and Wolves will look upon their home fixtures as games where they stand the bets chance of earning some vital points. However, strangely enough, their only victory thus far did come away from Molineux, but that rare away win will probably be just that… rare! This is a match where Wolves could earn their second three points of the season but Fulham will also eye this fixture as a glorious opportunity to bolster their point tally and extend their stay in the top ten. This has the makings to be a real tight affair and with Fulham boasting an impressive defence now, this game looks more and more likely to end in a share of the spoils.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 6/4 Bet365

Fulham – 19/10 totesport

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals – 8/11 SkyBet