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Fulham host fellow relegation strugglers Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on Saturday night in a must-win survival battle.
Scott Parker will be hoping that his players can take a huge step towards Premier League safety, as a win could see the West London side move three points behind Newcastle United who sit one place above the drop zone.
With only 14 games remaining, Sheffield United need to start picking up points if they are to avoid relegation. The visitors sit rock bottom, 14 points adrift, with desperation soon kicking in.
The Cottagers recent change in results have given the Whites new belief survival can be achieved. Fulham are unbeaten in three games, one of those their highly impressive performance at Goodison Park as Josh Maja’s double secured a 2-0 win.
The hosts have improved away performances but are yet to repeat that same feat on home soil. They have only managed to pick up one point from their last five home games- a 0-0 draw to West Ham- although they have faced Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in that time.
In their last outing, Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor in their rescheduled fixture that had been postponed due to a Covid outbreak in their squad at the beginning of January. Despite taking the lead through Ola Aina four minutes into the second half, Burnley levelled three minutes later and the score finished level.
Fulham manager Scott Parker was pleased with the point, saying his side have belief and confidence ahead of Saturday’s game:
“We take the point- its four points so far this week. This team has an honest belief and confidence. Every game is big for us.”
The Blades were one of last season’s surprise packages and prior to lockdown held a Europa League place. After the restart of football, United’s form dropped significantly and as a result, they missed out on European football by five points.
This poor run of form continued into the new season as Chris Wilder’s men have struggled to score goals, scoring the lowest in the division. After 24 games last season the Blades were eighth in the table, however now, they find themselves 22 points worse off and in a state of scrambling for wins.
The Yorkshire side have gained some confidence in recent weeks after picking up an important home win against West Brom, and one on the road at Old Trafford where they stunned title challengers, Manchester United to leave with all three points.
Although, on the whole, Sheffield United’s poor start to the season looks to have sealed their fate. Away from Bramall Lane, they have only picked up four points and scored just six goals on the road as they arrive at a ground they are winless at since 1985 in league competition.
The reverse fixture saw Sheffield United claim their first point of the season when Billy Sharp’s late penalty rescued a 1-1 draw. Ademola Lookman looked to have won it for the Whites when he put them in front with 10 minutes remaining, however, the Blades’ experienced captain stepped up from the spot to deny the visitors.
Fulham will be without Aleksandar Mitrovic who has recently tested positive for the coronavirus, as well as Tom Cairney who is still absent with a knee injury.
Wilder’s Blades have bigger injury concerns with a number of important players currently side-lined. Sander Berge (hamstring), Jack O’Connell (knee), John Egan (toe) and Jack Robinson will all miss out.
John Fleck looks set to miss out once again with an illness that led to the Scotsman having a spell in hospital. The Blades manager revealed he is not optimistic the midfielder will be available:
“After thorough tests on John Fleck, we got the results back and he’s been monitored. We’ve got no real news regarding his return which is hugely disappointing.”
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