*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
In a year where Sam Allardyce has been drafted in to take charge of West Brom, it seems that somehow, the only potential for a great escape comes via someone who couldn’t be more unlike Big Sam if he tried. We’re nine games away from the table being finalised and while we can finally be certain that Allardyce has failed, there is still a glimmer of hope for Fulham as they’re being led by Scott Parker – a man who refused to go route one, and who believes that if you keep playing, good things will eventually come to you.
To this point, he might be correct. Their squad lacks any major attacking threats and being defensively sound could easily have been his modus operandi for the year but he’s been true to his principles and there’s goodwill for him for that.
Friday 8pm: Fulham v Leeds
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The problem might be that he’s got Leeds this weekend and if we know anything about them, it’s that we never know anything about them. Leeds are the side (bar Sheffield United who’ve got 14 points in the bank) to have drawn the fewest games in the league – just three. Fulham? The most – 11.
The fun thing here? A draw probably is no good to either. Here’s a bet builder for your punting pleasure.
Leeds to Win
The issue I have here is that while Leeds are ten points clear of Fulham in the league, that’s largely down to the naivety of Marcelo Bielsa – or, as I’d prefer to call it – the fact he couldn’t give a withering s***e about what you think.
For all that Leeds could be in with a huge chance of being in the top half had they taken a more measured approach, this is now very much who they are and it’s a lot easier to get buy-in from players when you tell them they have to go and win games rather than settling. Regardless of the opposition, they’ve attacked and Fulham, who are painfully slow in-build-up, are bound to lose possession a few times high up the pitch and be exposed in a Leeds Win.
Over 2.5 Goals
The only reason Over 2.5 Goals is such a big price is because only one of the last nine Premier League games featuring Fulham have seen both teams scoring, and only one of those has seen the overs land. I think the dynamic is changing ever so slightly now and the London club do have to start playing more on the front foot.
Previously, even when behind, they would try and control the tempo of the game – and that has to start going out the window.
MORE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY TIPS:
Half-Time: Leeds
The logic for this Half Time: Leeds selection is that they don’t start games slowly. It may not always end in a goal early doors, but only fatigue has ever neutralised Leeds – resulting In them lacking bite in the way they go after games. Given they’ve not had a midweek fixture, there should be no complaints in that department.
Patrick Bamford to Score Anytime
Patrick Bamford’s marked improvement has to be a major storyline for the year we’re in because nobody saw this coming pre-season, surely. His goal tally can easily be related to the high press they put on sides who like to play around the back all the time – but they usually do it against opposition that either use a half press, or only press in their own halves.
Leeds would probably press the away team bus as it rolled into Elland Road most weeks. Bamford is the primary beneficiary and we’re backing him to Score Anytime.
Tips for Fulham v Leeds
Leeds to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Half Time: Leeds
Patrick Bamford to Score Anytime
These selections in an acca-insured Bet Builder will give you odds of around 10/1 with Paddy Power.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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