Fulham and Everton are set to clash in a pivotal Premier League encounter this Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Craven Cottage. With both teams coming off challenging recent performances, the stakes are high as Fulham aims for European qualification while Everton seeks to end their season on a positive note.
Fulham, currently sitting in 11th place, finds themselves two points away from the coveted eighth position, which could secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League. However, their recent form has been concerning, with three defeats in their last four matches, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. This defeat marked their sixth loss in the last ten Premier League outings, a stark contrast to their earlier season performance where they had only recorded six defeats in their first 25 games.
Despite this dip in form, Fulham’s home record offers a glimmer of hope. They have taken six points from their last nine at Craven Cottage, thanks to impressive victories over Liverpool and Tottenham. The Cottagers also boast an impressive record against Everton, remaining unbeaten in their last seven encounters, which includes four wins and three draws.
On the injury front, Fulham will be without several key players. Rodrigo Muniz (Achilles), Reiss Nelson (hamstring), and Timothy Castagne (ankle) are confirmed absentees. Harrison Reed (calf) is doubtful, further complicating Marco Silva's selection options. Sports Mole predicts a starting XI of Bernd Leno in goal, with a defensive line of Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson. The midfield is expected to feature Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge, while the attacking trio will likely consist of Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, and Alex Iwobi, supporting striker Raul Jimenez.
Meanwhile, Everton, currently positioned 14th, is looking to regain their footing after a promising start under manager David Moyes. The Toffees enjoyed a brief resurgence, winning four of their first six matches upon his return, but have since struggled, managing just one win in their last ten outings, which includes six draws and three losses. Their last match ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Ipswich after back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea.
Everton's injury woes have also compounded their difficulties. The club will miss James Tarkowski (hamstring), Jesper Lindstrom (hernia), and Orel Mangala (knee) for the remainder of the season. However, there is a silver lining as Abdoulaye Doucoure returns from personal leave, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also made a comeback after a thigh injury. Sports Mole predicts Everton's lineup will see Jordan Pickford in goal, with a back four of Ashley Young, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko. In midfield, they are expected to field Dwight McNeil, Idrissa Gueye, and Nathaniel Garner, with Doucoure and Beto leading the attack.
As the match approaches, tactical considerations will be crucial. Fulham's recent struggles have seen them slip into the bottom half of the table, yet they remain within striking distance of a top-half finish. A victory against Everton, coupled with dropped points from Bournemouth, Brighton, and Brentford, could see them reestablish themselves in the European race.
On the other hand, Everton's focus will likely be on solidifying their defensive structure while looking to exploit Fulham's vulnerabilities during counter-attacks. With little left to play for this season, the Toffees will aim to finish strong and build momentum heading into the next campaign.
In terms of individual performances, Ryan Sessegnon has been a standout for Fulham, contributing to four goals in his last six matches. His attacking prowess will be vital for Fulham as they seek to break down Everton's defense. For the Toffees, Doucoure's ability to press and make late runs into the box will be crucial, particularly as Fulham is expected to dominate possession.
As both teams prepare for this crucial fixture, the atmosphere at Craven Cottage is expected to be electric. Fans will be hoping for an engaging contest that could see Fulham take a significant step towards European qualification or allow Everton to end their season on a high note.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT, and while the match will not be televised live in the UK, highlights will be available post-match. With both teams desperate for points and a rich history of competitive encounters, this match promises to be an exciting chapter in the Premier League saga.
As the teams take to the pitch, the question on everyone’s mind will be: who will emerge victorious in this clash of ambitions?
