Fulham vs Southampton Premier League Preview

PREVIEW

Southampton look to move away from relegation danger when they visit out-of-form Fulham on Boxing Day.

Saints are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and have lost all but one of their away matches in the Premier League this season.

And defeat to fellow strugglers Sunderland on Saturday would not have improved the mood around St Mary's. 

But a trip to west London represents an opportunity for Nigel Adkins' men given that Fulham have won just one of their last 10 matches. 

Martin Jol cut a downbeat figure after a four-goal beating at Liverpool at the weekend, bemoaning the loss of key players in the summer. 

But the Dutchman knows that keeping the Cottagers away from relegation trouble is part of his remit and it will alarm him that his team are just five points clear of the drop zone. 

And anxiety will increase dramatically should Southampton reduce that deficit to two points by 5pm on Boxing Day.

TEAM NEWS

FULHAM

Fulham boss Martin Jol is likely to make changes after a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday. 

Steve Sidwell is available again after serving a one-game suspension at Anfield and is expected to be restored to the starting line-up. 

But Bryan Ruiz is a doubt and Mahamadou Diarra remains on the sidelines with Damien Duff for the Cottagers.

SOUTHAMPTON

Adam Lallana is again likely to be missing as he continues to struggle with a knee injury. 

The Saints captain sat out Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Sunderland and looks set to miss out on the trip to Craven Cottage. 

But Nigel Adkins' side appeared to come through the defeat to the Black Cats without any new knocks.

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Source: SkySports