The Premier League action returns to Craven Cottage as Fulham welcomes Bournemouth on December 29, 2024
This clash between two mid-table sides promises an intriguing contest, with both teams aiming to gain vital points in their quest for stability in England’s top flight. While the match is not among the most glamorous fixtures, Fulham vs. Bournemouth is an encounter where you are sure to have physical battles, individual brilliance, and quality strikes from both sides are sure to hit the back of the net.
Both clubs share a history of fluctuating between the Premier League and the Championship, with Fulham enjoying more established spells in the Premier League, while Bournemouth’s rise in recent years has been notable. The game offers an opportunity to see how both sides have progressed under their respective managers.
Fulham, also known as “The Cottagers,” have been a known name in English football since their founding in the 19th century. Though not among the traditional powerhouses, Fulham has consistently demonstrated persistence and the ability to punch above their weight. They boast a proud history, including memorable European runs, such as their UEFA Europa League final appearance in 2010 under Roy Hodgson.
Marco Silva has been at the helm of Fulham since 2021, guiding them back to the Premier League in the 2022/23 season with a dominant Championship-winning campaign. Known for his dynamic attacking philosophy, Silva has transformed Fulham into a competitive Premier League side capable of holding their own against stronger opponents.
This season, Fulham sits 12th in the Premier League table with 19 points from 12 games. They have displayed some impressive performances this season, particularly in attack, but inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Their last five matches have yielded two wins, one draw, and two losses, underlining their struggle to find momentum, and push higher in the Premier League. Fans of the Cottagers know they will have to support their team in their adventure to stay afloat and compete in the Premier League. For them to do so they will need to be vocal in the stadium, by purchasing Fulham tickets from an online resale store.
Bournemouth’s rise in English football has been quite meteoric. “The Cherries” spent much of their history in the lower divisions before Eddie Howe’s revolutionary tenure propelled them to the Premier League in 2015. While their stay in the top flight has seen ups and downs, they have built a reputation for playing an attractive, attacking brand of football.
Current manager Andoni Iraola, who took over in the summer of 2023, has continued that tradition. The Spanish tactician, known for his ultra attack football style and tactical dynamism has brought fresh energy to the team. However, the transition has not been without challenges with Bournemouth currently sitting 11th in the table, just four points below the European places.
Bournemouth’s form has been patchy, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. Their ability to stay focused on breaking down a Fulham side that can be very defensively tough to deal with will be key in unlocking the game for them. His side recorded a memorable victory over Wolves at the Molineux with Justin Kluivert scoring a hat trick of penalties to claim a 4-2 away win for the cherries. Here was what Andoni Iraola had to say about Brazilian striker, Evanilson who created all three penalties after the game;
“It’s true that he’s been very, very important for us,” he said. “He’s growing, he’s giving us every game more things on the ball, without the ball. Even if he doesn’t speak the language, he understands football very well and he smells the danger and he reads the opposition very well, where to place for the next ball. And I think this is very valuable, especially in the number nine.”
Iraola added, “Evanilson, he will not appear today on the score sheet, but he has been a difference maker today, I think has created a lot of chances. He has been really uncomfortable for them and I think his work rate without the ball, his fight, his spirit has given us a lot.”
“I know that Justin has scored three and the hattrick and the ball and this, and we have to value this. But I would like to recognise especially Evanilson.”
Match tickets
Craven Cottage, with its iconic riverside stand and capacity of just over 25,000, provides one of the most atmospheric venues in the Premier League. Fulham vs Bournemouth tickets are available via the official Fulham and Bournemouth websites, with separate allocations for away fans.
Supporters are advised to book early as mid table games often attract significant interest due to their unpredictable nature. For fans unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on Premier League’s official networks and streaming platforms.
Team news
Fulham
Fulham’s boss, Marco Silva will hope to have the full complement of his squad for this game, even as the whole country prepares for a battling season of fatigue and tiredness due to the usually hectic festive season.
Fulham XI: Bernd Leno, Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson, Sasa Lukic, Alex Iwobi, Andreas Pereira, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Raul Jimenez
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola will have to hope and pray not to have to deal with any key injury concerns, particularly in their defense area where they do not have so many legs. Evanilson, their leading striker, will lead the line, supported by the pace and trickery of Marcus Tavernier and Justin Kluivert.
Bournemouth XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Sensei, Zabaryni, Adam Smith, Milos Kerkez, Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie, Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Dan Brooks, Evanilson
Prediction
Both sides have their peculiar vulnerabilities, making this a potentially high scoring affair. Fulham’s home advantage and superior quality in midfield give them a slight edge, but Bournemouth’s counter attacking threat and pace cannot be underestimated, and could be a potential tool to hurt the Fulham’s defence.
Fulham 3-2 Bournemouth