Swansea v Fulham: Accomplished Cottagers backed in Wales

Swansea v Fulham
Friday November 29, 19:45
Sky Sports

Swansea unimpress in midweek

Swansea earned a 1-1 draw in a lively encounter at Huddersfield in midweek despite creating precious little at the John Smith's Stadium. Jay Fulton netted his first goal of the campaign - against the run of play - with what was the Swans' first shot on-target on Tuesday night, only to concede the equalising goal just before half-time.

Steve Cooper's side only twice managed to hit the target against Huddersfield and have been struggling for invention and inspiration following a goal-laden August. The Welsh club have tried each of Borja Baston, Sam Surridge and Andre Ayew in the No. 9 role without success and were fortunate their hosts failed to work Freddie Woodman too regularly.

Cooper made four changes to his team for the Terriers tie with Connor Roberts, Kristoffer Peterson, Fulton and Borja returning. But with the latter failing to impress, Surridge could be recalled to the starting XI on Friday night. Elsewhere, Mike van der Hoorn is rated doubtful with young centre-back Ben Cabango ready to fill-in if required.

Fulham swat Derby aside

Fulham made it three consecutive Championship wins on the spin on Tuesday as the Cottagers swiped Derby aside 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Bobby Decordova-Reid put the Londoners on their way when breaking the deadlock inside the opening 10 minutes before Aleksandar Mitrovic's 13th league goal of the season doubled the lead before the break.

Following Fulham's first-half dominance, the hosts could have added to their advantage had Serbia striker Mitrovic not headed a presentable opportunity over. However, the division's leading goal-getter turned provider late on, setting up Tom Cairney to slot home the Cottagers' third. Despite not scoring, Aboubakar Kamara again impressed for the hosts.

Derby failed to register a single shot on-target at the Cottage and Fulham boss Scott Parker was pleased with his players' efforts, saying: "I thought we executed everything we spoke about in the last few days, I don't think they had any shots on-target and we really executed in the final third. I'm really pleased with the team and really pleased with the lads."

Out-of-form Swans can be opposed

Swansea and Fulham are locking horns for the first time in league football since the pair were Premier League clubs back in 2013/14. Swansea took top honours in five of the duos six league meetings this century, although the teams haven't met at this level since 1984.

Swansea 2.86 started the season like a train under Steve Cooper. The Welsh club earned 16 points from a possible 18 in August (W5-D1-L0) but have since collected 14 points from their following 12 tussles (W3-D5-L4). The hosts have proven particularly untrustworthy at the Liberty Stadium, returning W1-D1-L4 here since September's international break.

Fulham 2.56 were fancied to be Leeds' major challenger for top Championship honours in pre-season. The Cottagers have endured a largely inconsistent campaign, although three consecutive victories have put the West Londoners back on-track for a promotion challenge. However, Scott Parker's side have only tabled three triumphs on their travels (W3-D3-L2).

Cottages can pick up positive result

Neither Swansea nor Fulham have proven reliable operators for goals-based backers this term. Swansea boast a 50% success rate for Over 2.5 Goals 1.79 backers with their alarming lack of offensive creativity the chief concern surrounding the Liberty Stadium.

Fulham have also delivered the same 50% hit-rate for Over 2.5 Goals but the Cottagers' contests outside of the capital have largely been low-scoring affairs. The Whites have seen Under 2.5 Goals land in 6/8 (75%) encounters with an average of just 2.00 goals per-game delivered across those eight away days.

The visitors look the most adept at picking up a positive result on Friday and should be well capable of avoiding defeat in a match that might not ignite. Therefore, the 2.06 available on Fulham in the Double Chance market, alongside Under 3.5 Goals is well worth supporting. We'll have the 0-0, 1-1 draws onside, as well as a 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 or 2-1 away victory.