The first part of the playoff doubleheader between Fulham and Derby County ended in Derby’s favor. The score was only 1:0, meaning that the game is still on. Fulham do have a good chance to win on Craven Cottage on Monday evening and get themselves one step closer to the Premier League. Can they take this chance? Find out in Fulham vs. Derby County match preview!
Fulham
Fulham were the better side in the first leg of the playoff but failed to score against Derby. They had the ball in their possession for almost three-quarters of the time, with 13 goal attempts. Derby, on the other hand, had only three goal chances but managed to take advantage of one of those. Luck wasn’t Fulham’s ally in that game, but their fans are hoping it’ll be different this time when the match is played at the Craven Cottage.
The Craven Cottage is the place where Fulham won 13 games this season. It’s not too impressive to be honest, considering that they played 23 home games. What is impressive is that they lost only twice at home in the 2017/2018 season. And both of those defeats happened in the first part of the season.
Actually, since the year 2018 started, Fulham have been playing on a top level. Their good form might be contributed to the fact that Aleksandar Mitrovic joined the club in January. The striker has scored 12 goals since his arrival, which is only three goals fewer than what Fulham’s top scorer Ryan Sessegnon scored.
Derby County
Derby County finished the regular part of the season at the sixth place, after beating Burnley in the final round, which got Burnley relegated to the League 1. Obviously, Derby County are great in big matches and the victory against Burnley isn’t the only proof of that. This team also managed to beat Cardiff and play draw with Aston Villa in the last couple of rounds.
Derby County fans are hopeful of a good result on Monday, given the fact that their team did very well in most of the away games in the season 2017/2018. Actually, they lost just five away games this season, which only they and Wolves managed to do.
Derby County have in their squad the top scorer of the Championship. I’m talking about Matej Vydra, the man who scored 21 goals this season. There’s no doubt that they have a great attack, but on Monday, I think Derby will focus on defense. Actually, that has been their strongest link in the last couple of weeks.
The captain of the Rams is Richard Keogh, a central defender who’s been crucial for their success this season. There’s also the ex-Fulham defender Chris Baird, as well as former Hull and Aston Villa center back, Curtis Davies. Another Derby County player who deserves a mention is their goalie, Scott Carson, who’s featured in every single match this season.
Team News
Fulham absentees:
- Sheyi Ojo (doubtful)
Derby County absentees:
- Marcus Olsson (injury)
- Sam Winnall (injury)
- Kyle McAllister (injury)
Possible Lineups
Fulham:
Bettinelli – Ream, Odoi, Fredericks, Targett – McDonald, Cairney, Johansen – Sessegnon, Piazon, Mitrovic
Derby County:
Carson – Keogh, Davies, Forsyth, Wisdom, Hanson – Huddlestone, Johnson, Lawrence – Jerome, Vydra
Fulham vs. Derby County Match Prediction
Fulham are big favorites to win this match, but they might not get to the second round that easily. It won’t be a big surprise if the match went to the extra time. Remember that there’s no away rule in these matches, so even a 2:1 Fulham win would take the match into the extra time.
Fulham vs. Derby County Betting Tips
- Fulham @1.60 (bet365)