MX23RW : Tuesday, August 31 01:46:37| >> :600:201933:201933:
Aug 28, 2021 at 3pm UK at Craven Cottage
FulhamFulham
3-0
StokeStoke City
Wilson (5'), Reid (53'), Mitrovic (72')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Wilmot (40')

Preview: Fulham vs. Stoke City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Fulham and Stoke City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Fulham and Stoke City put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Both clubs have collected three wins and a draw from their opening four fixtures, the Cottagers only sitting at the top of the standings on goal difference.


Match preview

Fulham manager Marco Silva pictured on August 8, 2021© Reuters

Ahead of a return to the second tier, there would have been some Fulham supporters who had reservations about the appointment of Marco Silva.

However, after an indifferent start against Middlesbrough, the West Londoners have put together a four-match winning streak in all competitions, scoring 11 goals in the process.

While thrashing Huddersfield Town by a 5-1 scoreline remains the standout result, Silva will be pleased with how his side have dispatched Millwall, Hull City and Birmingham City respectively.

The latter result in the EFL Cup came with three prospects in the side, Jay Stansfield marking his first start for the club with a brilliantly-taken opener at St Andrew's.

Silva will revert back to his senior players for a game against potential title rivals, but the impact that they made on Tuesday evening only bodes well for the future.

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill pictured in December 2020© Reuters

As far as Stoke are concerned, Michael O'Neill worked wonders during the off-season to put together a squad which appears capable of challenging the best teams in the league.

The money brought in from the sale of Nathan Collins has been used to make five shrewd additions, and the ambition in the market has been rewarded with as many wins and a draw in all competitions.

Although promotion remains their sole priority this season, O'Neill will take encouragement from an entirely different team defeating Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup second round.

Six different players have already gotten on the scoresheet in the Championship, and last week's 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest came without top goalscorer Nick Powell in the side.

Fulham Championship form:
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • W

Fulham form (all competitions):
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W

Stoke City Championship form:
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • W

Stoke City form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • W



Team News

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the Premier League on December 13, 2020© Reuters

Fulham are sweating on the fitness of Kenny Tete, Tim Ream and Fabio Carvalho after they all sustained injuries against Hull.

Bobby Decordova-Reid, Alfie Mawson and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are ready to deputise if Silva is forced into any changes.

Stoke boss O'Neill will almost certainly name the 11 players which started against Forest last weekend.

However, Sam Surridge put himself in contention for a recall with a goal against Doncaster in midweek.

O'Neill has revealed that Powell will remain on the sidelines until after the international break.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Reid, Adarabioyo, Mawson, Robinson; Onomah, Seri; Kebano, Carvalho, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Ostigard, Souttar, Wilmot; Smith, Clucas, Allen, Vrancic, Tymon; Fletcher, Brown


SM words green background

We say: Fulham 2-1 Stoke City

Stoke are well rested from last weekend and will fancy their chances of outfighting their hosts on Saturday. However, we feel that Fulham's marginal extra threat in the final third will make all the difference, leading us to predict a narrow home win.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data


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How you voted: Fulham vs Stoke

Fulham
65.7%
Draw
18.1%
Stoke City
16.2%
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Fulham manager Marco Silva pictured on August 8, 2021
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Marco Silva feels Fulham's display left room for improvement in win over Hull
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