Preview and Prediction
The Premier League last season was a nightmare for Fulham as they barely moved out of the bottom in the standings after being promoted in the previous season. There is no time like this season for Scott Parker’s men to make up for the failure they did in 2018/2019 by going to the top flight once more and staying longer. They have had a good start in the 1st leg but there are still two more steps before following Leeds and WBA to make their return in EPL next season.
Both teams’ previous match
In the previous encounter in Millenium stadium, Fulham managed to clinch a 2-0 victory over Cardiff. Their winning goals were scored by Josh Onomah after making a wonderful acceleration in the host’s defense line before finding the back of the net, and Neeskens Kebano’s free kick. The visitor dominated the game with some other decent chances, including Tom Cairney’s strike which only hit the post.
Possible tactic
The former Chelsea and Fulham man in 2000s and early 2010s, Scott Parker often deploys his favourite 4-3-3 formation with transition to 4-2-3-1 sometimes. He normally counts on the Serbian international Alexander Mitrovic as the front man supported by the Portuguese Ivan Cavaleiro. Unfortunately, both are ruled out. However, he seems to have found the proper replacement, Bobby de Cordova-Reid as the targetman and Neeskens Kebano. Both have performed quite well and are likely to repeat here in Craven Cottage.
His counterpart, Neil Harris tends to deploy the similar formation as his current opponent. Callum Paterson will be the main front man supported by Josh Murphy, the Canadian David Holiet and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. There are three figures on the sideline for this fixture, the German striker Robert Glatzel, Greg Cunningham and Isaac Vassell.
Players to watch
Since Mitrovic and Ivan Cavaliero are sidelined, Scott Parker’s men will be relying on Josh Onomah who scored in the previous encounter as the number ten. The 23-year old attacking midfielder has bagged four goals and provided three assists. Some other key men in the squad are Tom Cairney, the former Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert and the Irish international wing back Cyrus Christie.
Meanwhile, Cardiff City’s top performers this season are the defenders Sean Morrison and Aden Flint, the defensive midfielder Marlon Pack and LeeTomlin, the top assists provider as well as the top scorer.
Fulham vs Cardiff Prediction
The host’s success in securing a win on the road at the first leg, despite losing their two key figures, has bumped up their confidence. Tom Cairney and Co will not be losing points here, considering the visitor’s unimpressive form. A win for the home side is definite here and will surely bring them to the play off final in Wembley.
Betting odds
The Whites are seemingly regarded as the slight favourite. Their win market is at 2.05, whereas Lee Tomlin and Co are projected to win only at 3.75. The draw result is at the value of 3.30.
