Stoke vs Fulham Preview

Fulham go into their last couple of fixtures this season with their Premier League status hanging by a thread. Yet the relegation battle at the foot of the Premier League is so condensed that the Cottagers know that one win could be the difference between them retaining their place in the Premier League and the bitter pill of relegation.

Usually the last place you would want to travel knowing that you need a win is the Britannia Stadium. Stoke is known as being one of the least convivial atmospheres in the league for away teams, and their players have always made it extremely tough for visitors there as well. Although their rough edges have been filed down somewhat by their incumbent manager Mark Hughes this season, the Potters have retained their excellent home record this term, and remain a hugely competitive outfit at all times, but particularly on their home turf.

Nonetheless, there are worse time to be playing Stoke, considering that the home side have already secured their Premier League status for next season and ultimately have very little to play for. However, there is a covenant of trust among Premier League teams that they will try at all times whether they have anything to gain or not, and Stoke are one of the most likely teams to buy into this collective ethic given their highly competitive and combative nature. So Fulham cannot expect any half measure from the home side in this game, and must approach the fixture with due diligence.

The Cottagers are the sort of team that most would expect to be hugely reliant on their home form in order to stay in the league. Craven Cottage has always been a tricky place to visit, with its compact nature and supporters’ proximity to the players. Yet Fulham’s home record has been extremely disappointing this term, while they have picked up useful points away from home. So being away from Craven Cottage might not be the disadvantage that many would expect it to be.

Having said that, Stoke are a tough team to beat at home. Outside of the elite of the Premier League, they must be the strongest side on their home turf in their division. Only three teams (Liverpool, Tottenham and, surprisingly, Norwich City) have managed to win at the Britannia this season, while Stoke have seen off nine Premier League opponents this year, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Thus, much though Fulham fans would like me to predict an away win here, Fulham will in fact do well to pick up a point. While a draw wouldn’t be enough to secure their Premier League status, it would not be a result to be sniffed at, with a winnable home game against Crystal Palace to come in their last match of the season. If the Cottagers are targeting one win to stay in the division then this would seem to be a much more achievable prospect.

Because I don’t think they’ll pick up anything here. Stoke have shown time and time again during their stay in the Premier League that they’re a strong side on home turf, and I fully expect them to beat Fulham.

Safe Bet – Stoke win
Value Bet – Stoke to win by 1 goal

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02/05/2014     © Frixo 2026