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Title: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:05:57 AM
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Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:07:25 AM
Fulham have 'no fear' of Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of tough run, insists Andersen

The Danish defender is confident that the relegation fighting Cottagers "will take a lot of points" from their next three Premier League matches

Fulham have "no fear' of Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of a tough run of Premier League fixtures, insists Joachim Andersen.

The Cottagers extended their recent unbeaten run to five matches after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday, which leaves them just three points adrift of 17th placed Newcastle in the battle to avoid relegation.

Scott Parker's men will now prepare to face three of the traditional "big six" over the next fortnight, starting with Spurs at Craven Cottage on Thursday, and Andersen is confident that they can spring a surprise.

What was said?
"It is not the end of the world, we need to continue and I am sure we will take a lot of points," the Danish defender told Fulham's official website. "We are really difficult to beat.

"There is no need to show fear, we know and we have showed all season that no matter who we are playing we can show a good performance. Last time we played them I feel we could have won so let's go win on Thursday.

"We should have won by two or three goals [against Palace]. It is really frustrating but again a really positive performance and something we need to build on. We have to believe the goals will come and they will."

Parker's outlook
Fulham's head coach echoed Andersen's sentiments while highlighting the Tottenham game as a big opportunity for his side to close the gap on Newcastle even further.

"I see points coming from the next game," said Parker. "I believe in this team and the team believes as well. I believe we can beat Spurs. We can go into the Thursday game and cause them problems."

The bigger picture
The general consensus on Fulham this season is that Parker has got them heading in the right direction, with only a lack of cutting edge in the final third preventing them from rising up the table.

The Cottagers have been well organised and difficult to beat in recent times, having only conceded one goal in their last five games, and the January loan signing of Josh Maja from Bordeaux has given them a valuable extra option in the final third.

Fulham only have 12 games left to beat the drop and Tottenham, Liverpool and City will all be expected to beat the west London outfit, but they will surely put up a stern fight against all three teams.

Spurs have lost their last three matches on the road, while the Reds have lost four of their last five games, with City likely to provide the biggest test after a 20-match winning streak in all competitions.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/fulham-no-fear-spurs-liverpool-man-city-andersen/17byw5szrsi1a16ebsh3usq4c1
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:08:01 AM
Fulham academy product Adebayo named in EFL TOTW after goal and assist for Luton Town

Fulham academy product Elijah Adebayo has been recognized for his outstanding display this past weekend with the English Football League naming the striker in its Team of the Week powered by Whoscored.com ratings.

The lanky striker was the star of the show as Luton Town fought back from two goals down to win a five-goal thriller against  Osaze Urhoghide's Sheffield Wednesday at Kenilworth Road.

Tunnicliffe fired in at the far post to draw the Hatters level in the 58th minute after he was fed by Adebayo and the Anglo-Nigerian netted the game-winning goal when he headed home at the near post four minutes from time.

In a 3-5-2 formation, Adebayo, who joined Luton Town in the winter transfer market, was partnered in attack by Matt.

Rated 9.05, Adebayo showed his aerial qualities by winning a team-high seven aerial duels, played two shots one of which ended up in the back of the net and made one key pass.

The 23-year-old finished with a team-high three tackles, made one interception and one clearance, completed two take-ons and won two fouls for his team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=39111
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:09:40 AM
Gary Neville sends Brighton and Newcastle a warning as Premier League relegation battle hots up

Brighton are hovering just three points above 18th-placed Fulham and the relegation zone after their 1-0 defeat to West Brom at the weekend

Gary Neville says there would be a great deal of "panic" from Brighton and the teams around them if Fulham and West Brom put some wins together.

The Seagulls suffered a demoralising 1-0 defeat to the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Saturday as they missed two penalties and had a Lewis Dunk goal controversially disallowed.

Coupled with Fulham drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Sunday, Graham Potter's side are just three points above of the relegation zone and face third-placed Leicester City at the Amex on Saturday.

Brighton have won just once in the Premier League at home this season and the Foxes have the joint-best away record in the division, with nine wins, three draws, and just one loss on the road this term.

Former Manchester United defender Neville admits Sheffield United, West Brom, and Fulham looked cut adrift as Brighton opened up a 10-point lead on the drop zone in early-February.

While he thinks it would be a "miracle" for West Brom to survive, the Seagulls, Newcastle and Burnley have a big relegation fight on their hands.

The former England international said on The Gary Neville Podcast: "It looked dead. Two weeks ago on Monday Night Football we said they [the teams in the bottom three] are so far away. It would have to be a real mess up from the teams fourth from bottom up.

"But then you just looked at Fulham's form, and Brighton and Newcastle not winning, you think, 'They could get dragged back'.

"I still don't think for one second that West Brom, that would be the miracle. If Sam Allardyce can get West Brom from where they are out of this mess.

"This would be a miracle. Not just because they [West Brom] are so far behind, but because of the quality of the team and the quality of the football.

"Although I watched them a couple of weeks ago. They were better against Manchester United, there is no doubt they are better, there is something there that is picking up but you just think they are so far adrift.

"Fulham are looking in better form, Brighton are still playing decent football, Newcastle have got something about them."

Neville added that the Magpies will be concerned that Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin picked up injuries against Wolves at the weekend.

Not to mention top scorer Callum Wilson being out with a hamstring injury for at least another month.

Neville added: "The worry for Newcastle is the injuries. Saint-Maximin and Almiron may be injured as well. That would cause a problem.

"We have got a big top-four fight and I think we have a big relegation fight. I think the title probably looks like it's gone to Man City.

"But right down there at the bottom it is getting just a little bit closer. If West Brom can put one or two wins on the board in the next week or two and Fulham could put one or two more wins on the board it really would get interesting.

"There would be some big panic down there."

Despite Fulham picking up nine points from a possible 15 in recent weeks, they have a tough run of games coming up.

The Cottagers host Spurs on Thursday, are away to Liverpool on Sunday, and then face Manchester City at Craven Cottage the following weekend.

The Baggies have, on paper, an easier run of games, with home clashes against Everton and Newcastle, followed by an away trip to Palace.

Steve Bruce's men are away to the Baggies next, host Aston Villa, and then travel to Brighton.

And finally Brighton host Leicester, travel to Southampton, and host Newcastle later this month.



https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neville-sends-brighton-newcastle-warning-5057137
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:13:29 AM
Which Premier League clubs have the hardest run-ins? How Newcastle United, Fulham and West Brom compare in relegation dogfight
Newcastle United have 12 games to save their Premier League blushes – but how does their run-in compare to their relegation rivals?

With a dozen games left to play, Steve Bruce's side are deep relegation trouble and a third season in the Championship under Mike Ashley's tenure is a distinct possibility.

Just three points separate the Magpies in 17th and Fulham, managed by former captain Scott Parker, in 18th, who are unbeaten in five matches.

The Cottagers' upturn in form is a real worry for United but in the words of Steve Bruce, "there are six or seven teams" looking over their shoulder.

All eyes are on each relegation-threatened club's remaining fixtures – which includes Crystal Palace, Southampton, Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United.

So, who has the hardest run-in on paper? We've worked out the average league position of United and their rivals' remaining opponents – and it's to say, there isn't much in it.

1. 13th - Crystal Palace - 33 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 9th. Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (H), Tottenham (A), West Brom (H), Everton (A), Chelsea (H), Southampton (A), Leicester City (A), Manchester City (H), Sheffield United (A), Aston Villa (H), Arsenal (H), Liverpool (A).

2. 14th - Southampton - 30 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 11th. Remaining fixtures: Everton (A), Sheffield United (A), Manchester City (A), Brighton (H), Burnley (H), West Brom (A), Crystal Palace (H), Leicester City (H), Liverpool (A), Fulham (H), Leeds (H), West Ham (A), Tottenham (A) - date TBC.

3. 15th - Burnley - 28 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 10th. Remaining fixtures: Leicester City (H), Arsenal (H), Everton (A), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Manchester United (A), Wolves (A), West Ham (H), Fulham (A), Leeds (H), Liverpool (H), Sheffield United (A).

4. 16th - Brighton & Hove Albion - 26 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 10th. Remaining fixtures: Leicester City (H), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Manchester United (A), Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Sheffield United (A), Leeds (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (H), Manchester City (H), Arsenal (A).

5. 17th - Newcastle United - 26 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 11th. Remaining fixtures: West Brom (A), Aston Villa (H), Brighton (A), Tottenham (H), Burnley (A), West Ham (H), Liverpool (A), Arsenal (H), Leicester City (A), Manchester City (H), Sheffield United (H), Fulham (A).

6. 18th - Fulham - 23 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 9th. Remaining fixtures: Tottenham (H), Liverpool (A), Manchester City (H), Leeds (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Arsenal (A), Chelsea (A), Burnley (H), Southampton (A), Manchester United (A), Newcastle (H).

7. 19th - West Bromwich Albion - 17 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 9th. Remaining fixtures: Everton (H), Newcastle (H), Crystal Palace (A), Chelsea (A), Southampton (H), Leicester City (A), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Arsenal (A), Liverpool (H), West Ham (H), Leeds (A).

8. 20th - Sheffield United - 11 points

Average league position of remaining opponents: 11th. Remaining fixtures: Aston Villa (H), Southampton (H), Leicester City (A), Leeds (A), Arsenal (H), Wolves (A), Brighton (H), Tottenham (A), Crystal Palace (H), Everton (A), Newcastle (A), Burnley (H).



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/which-premier-league-clubs-have-the-hardest-run-ins-how-newcastle-united-fulham-and-west-brom-compare-in-relegation-dogfight-3150176
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:14:47 AM
Tottenham Hotspur team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur will aspire to keep the momentum going from their 4-0 drubbing of Burnley when they travel to Fulham for Thursday's London derby in the Premier League.

Just days after thrashing Wolfsberger 4-0 in the Europa League, Jose Mourinho's men struck a quartet of goals against the Clarets as Gareth Bale (2), Lucas Moura and Harry Kane all got on the scoresheet.

Tottenham rose to eighth in the table with that win, and they now sit six points behind fourth-placed West Ham United, with their game in hand taking place at Craven Cottage this week.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the match.

Giovani Lo Celso
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: March 7 (vs. Crystal Palace)

Giovani Lo Celso has been in the treatment room since December with an ongoing hamstring problem, but Mourinho has affirmed that the midfielder is "one more week, two weeks maximum" away from a comeback, so there is a slim chance he could return at the weekend against Crystal Palace.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for Thursday's derby.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/tottenham-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_437257.html?newsnow
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:15:24 AM
Crouch: 'Toxicity' makes Newcastle favourites to go down

Peter Crouch has claimed that Newcastle United's "crippled confidence" makes them the favourites to finish in 18th behind the likes of Fulham and Brighton.

Newcastle's poor form since December has dragged into a relegation battle. Since their 2-1 win over West Brom on December 12, the Magpies have only won twice in the Premier League.

This run has included ten defeats and three draws. Fulham are a place behind Newcastle and they are five games unbeaten in the league. This improved form has seen them close in to just three points of Steve Bruce's side.

Writing in his column for The Daily Mail, Crouch suggested that "the picture has completely changed" for Newcastle:

"When I made my predictions at the beginning of the season, I had Fulham and Brighton as two of my three to go down, along with West Brom.

"When Newcastle started with a win at West Ham, I said on these pages that Steve Bruce had bought well and they would be fine. You have asked me to make the prediction today, though, and the picture has completely changed.

"I've watched Brighton a lot recently and I've been won over by them. They play good football, they have got too many good players and they won't go down. They should have won at West Brom on Saturday.

"Fulham are putting a compelling argument together, too. Scott Parker looked like he had an impossible job at the start of the season — I was at Craven Cottage on the opening day and they didn't give me any confidence — but they have got momentum now.

"Newcastle, on the other hand, are sinking. It pains me to say because I am a fan of Bruce — I have never hidden that — but the toxicity around them, together with crippled confidence and big injuries, is dragging them down.

"We are all looking forward to seeing fans back inside stadiums but I'd argue that Newcastle are better off playing behind closed doors for as long as possible, as the discontent is so apparent.

"It isn't helpful. I love them as a club but I'd now have them as favourites for the last relegation place."



https://www.football365.com/news/crouch-toxicity-makes-newcastle-favourites-to-go-down
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:17:04 AM
Jose Mourinho answers whether Bale can face Fulham and Crystal Palace

Jose Mourinho has revealed that in an ideal scenario, he would like Gareth Bale to feature on Thursday against Fulham, along with the upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Dinamo Zagreb.

The 31-year-old put in his most impressive performance following his return to North London after scoring two goals and providing an assist in the 4-0 win against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Mourinho admitted that doubts that Bale will be able to play in all three of the upcoming fixtures but will discuss with the Welshman about how is body is coping in the next few days.

Bale had struggled to show signs of his former glory after rejoining the club on a season long loan switch from Real Madrid, but certainly reminded everyone yesterday that he is still capable of putting in a display of the highest standard.

Bale lasted 70 minutes against the Clarets and will now play a key role in deciding on his involvement in whether he will be ready for the two Premier League games in four days next week.

Mourinho told Football.London when asked if he is confident that Bale can play against both Fulham and Crystal Palace: "Day after day, day after day, and as I was saying, he is experienced and his knowledge of his body and his feelings are going to be fundamental.

"A player that gives me this kind of performance of course I want to play him on Thursday and on Sunday, and I want to play him next week against Dinamo Zagreb but I don't think I can. I don't think I can.

"So this is a process that we have to manage day by day and see how he feels tomorrow and see how he feels after tomorrow. He's a very important part of this decision-making because he has a lot of experience."



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/jose-mourinho-answers-whether-bale-can-face-fulham-and-crystal-palace/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:17:55 AM
Reed: Nothing Has Changed

Harrison Reed was slightly frustrated with a point at Selhurst Park on Sunday but knows his side are heading in the right direction.

Fulham laid siege on the Palace goal without reward with the hosts happy to settle for a draw.

"If you look at how the game panned out, we maybe started a little bit slow, but we grew into the game well," he surmised. "We changed a few things at half time which helped us a lot and in the second half it was one-way traffic.

"There looked like only one team was going to win it but unfortunately our chances didn't go in the back of the net."

Roy Hodgson's Palace side well and truly shut up shop when the main creative spark in Eberechi Eze was replaced by holding midfielder James McCarthy.

"When you see their creative player go off for a holding player it's a positive. We knew Eze is a danger. We tried to nullify him and when you see him walking off it's a pat on the back that you've done your job.

"We're a tad disappointed we haven't come away with three points when you look at the stats. We had a few big chances."

Results elsewhere mean no real ground has been gained or lost in the race for survival, but Reed knows it's important to concentrate on internal performances.

"Nothing has changed," he stated. "Our focus is still on us and getting those results, we're confident we can pick up wins against any team. We've put in good performances but there's plenty to build on and we're looking forward to Thursday.

"We played both Spurs and Liverpool already and picked up a point on both occasions. We felt like we could've come away with three in both of them.

"We'll focus on Spurs, rest up and get back out on the training ground. We'll go into it with confidence and look to come away with a win."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Reed-Nothing-Has-Changed/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:19:08 AM
Fulham vs Tottenham: Premier League prediction, TV channel, team news, h2h, live stream, odds

Tottenham are aiming to record back-to-back league wins for the first time since November as they face Fulham in a London derby on Thursday.

A Gareth Bale-inspired 4-0 thumping of Burnley saw Spurs exude some much-needed confidence as they kicked off a short run of games against relegation candidates before the north London derby at Arsenal.

For all of their struggles this season - including five defeats from six before Sunday's win - Spurs somehow retain hope of breaking into the top four.

Scott Parker's resurgent Fulham are unbeaten in five - winning two of their last four - to become a serious concern for the teams hovering perilously above the drop zone.

A win over Spurs would move them above the 17th-placed Newcastle on goal difference to pile more pressure on Steve Bruce, as well as leaving them level on points with Brighton.

Date, time and venue

Fulham vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 6pm GMT kick-off on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

The match will be held behind closed doors at Craven Cottage.

How to watch

TV channel: The match will be televised on BT Sport.

Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or BT Sport app.

Team news

Aleksandar Mitrovic returned from a coronavirus absence for a run out against Crystal Palace. Marek Rodak and Tom Cairney are still out.

Gareth Bale should start again after coming off against Burnley, while Dele Alli will be hoping for another run out after just 25 minutes on Sunday.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has shrugged off an injury concern, meaning Giovani Lo Celso remains Jose Mourinho's sole absentee.

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Tottenham

Spurs were as good as Burnley were bad on Sunday, and Fulham should prove slightly tougher opposition. More of the same from Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Gareth Bale should see out the win.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

    Fulham wins: 18
    Draws: 30
    Tottenham wins: 51

Bettings odds and tips (subject to change)

    Fulham: 3/1
    Draw: 5/2
    Tottenham: 20/23



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-tottenham-premier-league-2021-prediction-tv-channel-live-stream-team-news-h2h-results-latest-odds-b921684.html
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:21:23 AM
Fulham: Podcaster makes claim on Ivan Cavaleiro

Fulham podcaster Sammy James has been discussing Cottagers winger Ivan Cavaleiro and his role in the team.

This comes after James recently hosted the latest episode of The Athletic's Fulham-themed podcast Fulhamish where he spoke about a number of subjects concerning the west London club.

On the subject of Cavaleiro, who came on as a substitute during the second half of Fulham's recent 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League replacing Bobby De Cordova-Reid, James had this to say about the player. (8.31)

He said: "I hate to say but I think Cavaleiro's maybe deserves the start now, he's been bright ever since the Burnley game really.

"On the wing, he just looks really, really good and I really love Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but I think Cavaleiro's playing him out the team now."

Fulham originally signed Cavaleiro on a loan deal from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers back in July 2019 for a loan fee of £5.31 million.

Then in January last year, the west London club signed the winger on a permanent basis for a fee of £10.62 million.

Overall, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £7.2 million, has made 71 appearances for Fulham in which he has managed to score nine goals and provide seven assists along the way (per Transfermarkt).

TIF Thoughts on Sammy James' comments on Cavaleiro...

Given how Cavaleiro picked up a higher match rating (6.83/10) and made more key passes in his second-half cameo than De Cordova-Reid managed to do while he was on the pitch, it's understandable why James thinks Cavaleiro has earned himself a place in the starting XI for their next match.

In our view, if Cavaleiro does get picked to start in Thursday's match against Tottenham Hotspur and puts in a good shift, then he should be considered as Fulham's first-choice attackers.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/03/blogs/premier-league/fulham-podcaster-makes-claim-on-ivan-cavaleiro/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:22:39 AM
Fulham: Podcaster discusses Ruben Loftus-Cheek's form

Fulham podcaster Sammy James has been sharing his thoughts on Cottagers midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and his recent performances for the west London club.

This comes after James recently hosted the latest episode of The Athletic's Fulham-themed podcast Fulhamish where he spoke about a number of topics concerning Scott Parker's side.

On the subject of Loftus-Cheek, who played the full 90 minutes of Fulham's recent 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, James had this to say about the Englishman. (13.03)

He said: "There is an agenda against Loftus-Cheek and don't get me wrong, I think he has had some shocking performances for us this season, but he is getting better and better and better, and he was at the heart of everything good [against Palace].

"The way he carries the ball, I think is tremendous. I think sometimes I wish he was a tad more adventurous, and I sometimes still think he goes for the safe option rather than having an attempt on goal or trying to play a kind of real defence-splitting pass, however, I just think is all-round play is contributing so much to us."

Fulham signed Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan deal from fellow Premier League side Chelsea back in October.

Since he arrived at Craven Cottage, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £21.6 million, has made 22 appearances for Scott Parker's side, scoring just one goal in the process (per Transfermarkt).

TIF Thoughts on Sammy James' comments on Loftus-Cheek...

Given how the midfielder managed to earn himself a decent match rating of 7.22/10 for his performance at Selhurst Park over the weekend, this shows that he can pull out a top performance for Fulham, despite the stalemate result.

However, with Loftus-Cheek having only managed to make 0.7 key passes per game with 27.4 overall passes per game, this suggests that he has some room for improvement in terms of getting involved in the midfield and making successful passes in our view.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/03/blogs/premier-league/fulham-podcaster-discusses-ruben-loftus-cheeks-form/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:24:13 AM

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham's 0-0 Draw Against Crystal Palace

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In the first half of the show, we looked back at this 0-0 draw for Fulham. The second part of the show was Cottage Talk's Points Prediction Game. All three of us predicted all of the matches for the rest of the season, and we came out with our points totals. Take a listen to hear our our predictions!


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/3/1/22308069/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulhams-0-0-draw-against-crystal-palace
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/21...
Post by: WhiteJC on March 02, 2021, 12:26:16 AM
Premier League predictions: Lawro v DJ, producer & Tottenham fan Majestic

Chelsea and Liverpool are among the teams fighting for a top-four finish but who will come out on top when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday?

"I would not be surprised if both of these sides ended up finishing in the top four," said BBC football expert and former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson. "But this is a game where avoiding defeat might be the main aim for both sides."

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For this week's midweek Premier League fixtures, from Tuesday to Thursday, he is up against DJ, MC and producer Majestic, who supports Tottenham.

As well as being a presenter on Kiss FM, Majestic has his own Tottenham podcast, Same Old Spurs.

"I've been doing a legends series on the show, and our first episode was with Darren Anderton," he told BBC Sport. "When I was a kid, number nine and 'Anderton' was on my shirt every time. He was my idol growing up, along with people like Teddy Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann and David Ginola.

"I actually got to play football with Anderton on my stag do. Ever since then we've been quite pally, which is how he came on the pod, but he talks about things that were happening with Spurs and England when I was a kid and it's all a bit surreal to be chatting to your hero. I have to pinch myself sometimes.

"I'm from north London so Tottenham were always going to be my team too. You are born into your shirt, pretty much, if supporting a club is part of your family tradition.

"For me it was through my dad. He was always following Spurs, going home and away when he was younger, and I grew up watching them too.

"My first real memory is of the 1991 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, and the Gazza goal. When that went in, I remember being thrown up in the air by my dad.

"When I was about four, I remember thinking I would wind him up and tell him I supported Arsenal now. He literally packed me a little bag and put me on the front doorstep then shut the door, saying 'no son of mine will support Arsenal!' That was never going to happen though."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Fulham v Tottenham (18:00 GMT)

Tottenham were very impressive against Burnley on Sunday and if they can repeat that performance, with Gareth Bale, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane all fully fit and playing well, they are going to have too much for Fulham too.

I know Fulham have had a few decent results in recent weeks, but it's hard to see them matching the draw they managed with Spurs in January, unless we see a dip from Jose Mourinho's side.

Lawro's prediction: 0-2

Majestic's prediction: I like Fulham and I want them to stay up, but off the back of Sunday, how we played in that game and with Bale finding his feet, I think if we go for it again then we could be rampant. 0-3

Majestic on Tottenham's season: "There are times when it feels like Jose doesn't want to let the attacking players we've got off the leash, he'd rather be safe. The thing with that is, if you look at the success he has had down the years, he has had the defensive personnel to do it - at Chelsea for example, first time around.

"You can't just shut up shop with the players we've got at the moment, while our attack is so strong - as we saw against Burnley, it is not just good on paper, it can really rip through teams.

"He needs to sometimes adopt the approach of 'we're going to score more than you' because that is our strength at the moment, and some of our forward play on Sunday was just great to see."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56201347