Can a Claudio Ranieri inspired Fulham haul themselves off the bottom against Southampton?

After Slavisa Jokanovic was sacked last week, Claudio Ranieri immediately took over the reigns. In what was a surprising move for many, the Cottagers are no doubt hoping the Italian can replicate the spirit he captured at Leicester, and instantly galvanize a struggling squad.

For a season that was set full of promise, Fulham now find themselves at the foot of the table, winless in nine games. With plenty of movement in and out of Craven Cottage during the summer window, there is a feeling of instability at the club. Many new signings have found it difficult to make an impact, including big money marquee names such as Jean Michael Seri and Luciano Vietto. Incoming boss, Ranieri accepts the Whites need to find consistency noting:

“It is important  to maintain more or less, the same lineup for matches.”

For Southampton, the pressure is mounting on Mark Hughes to record the club’s second win of the season. With just three points in seven games, it looks set to be another hard going season on the south coast. With goals hard to come by and defensive vulnerability, it is no surprise to see the Saints slip to seventeenth in the table.

In terms of lineups for the teams, Fulham have welcomed back Joe Bryan into the fold, returning to first team training. However, Claudio Ranieri admitted in his press conference on Thursday that he “doesn’t know” whether Bryan is ready for ninety minutes. After withdrawing from the Scotland Squad, Fulham have Kevin Mcdonald unavailable. André Zambo Anguissa is the only other absentee from Ranieri’s squad.

For Southampton, captain Ryan Bertrand misses out due to suspension, giving Matt Targett an opportunity to start against his former club. Shane Long is also unlikely to feature after picking up an ankle injury three weeks ago. The good news for the Saints is that top scorer, Danny Ings, looks to have recovered from an hamstring tweak he suffered in the controversial draw at home to Watford.

With five goals so far this season, Aleksandar Mitrovic has undoubtedly been the leading light in Fulham’s dark start to the campaign. Making his move permanent in the summer, the Serbian has been in great form. With a strong physical presence in both boxes, Southampton will be weary of his aerial threat. Goals at international level during the break will have helped him stay sharp and confident.

With Danny Ings returning to the set-up, after a superb start to life with his boyhood club, he remains Southampton’s biggest threat. Given regular first team action this season, Ings has already developed into an integral part of the side.

Prediction:  The appointment of Claudio Ranieri coupled with the visit of fellow strugglers, Southampton, will give the Fulham supporters a major boost heading into the game.

Seeing this a great chance to pick up the much needed three points on home turf, Craven Cottage will be hostile for the Saints. If they can remain defensively resilient whilst being clinical in front of goal, Southampton might just edge the contest as Fulham adapt to a new boss.

Prediction: Fulham 1 Southampton 2