Fulham vs Leicester City Match Preview

Fulham will look to bounce back after a narrow opening day defeat to Manchester United as they host newly-promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s side will be keen to secure their first points of the season in front of their home fans, while Leicester, fresh from a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, aim to make their mark on their return to the Premier League.

Form Guide

It's obviously still early in the season but Fulham probably have a slightly better record coming in to this game with a solid preseason and their recent loss coming against Man Utd. Leicester had a good result against Spurs but had a fairly poor pre-season, struggling to find the back of the net.

Head-to-Head Record

Fulham have enjoyed recent success against Leicester, winning both home and away last time both sides were in the Premier League together. The Cottagers will be confident in extending that run, having only lost to Leicester at home once since 1983.

Key Player Analysis

Jamie Vardy Despite being 37 years old, Jamie Vardy continues to be the key threat for Leicester City. His last season in the Premier League was a disappointment, scoring just 3 league goals but he bounced back to score 18 in 35 appearances in the Championship last season. With a goal in Leicester's first game of the season, Vardy will be key to their chances of survival and will need to be firing more often than not to save the Foxes from relegation.

Tactical Preview

Fulham are likely to come into this game with the same 11 that took the field against Man Utd. Expect to see Leicester attempt to press Fulham's backline who looked a little shaky with the lack of a calm, ball-playing CB. With Iwobi, ESR and Adama likely to start again and Muniz up front, Fulham will rely on their physicality against a Leicester defence who could struggle to contain the pace and power Fulham have on offer. Expect Leicester to press our backline hard early on and then attempt to frustrate Fulham by sitting deep whilst out of possession. When on the ball, Leicester will likely relying on counter-attacks led by Jamie Vardy and their pacey wingers. Marco Silva’s side will need to break down a compact defence, with set-pieces potentially playing a crucial role.

Injuries and Suspensions

Fulham got through the game against Man Utd unscathed and have no fresh injury concerns going into the first game at the Cottage. Leicester will still be without Patson Daka, Connor Coady and Luke Thomas but will be pretty happy with their current injury situation

Predicted Lineups

• Fulham: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

  
  

• Leicester City: Hermansen; Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Decordova-Reid; Vardy

Jack's Top Tip

While Manchester United are the favourites at home, Fulham’s strong preseason and their recent win at Old Trafford will give them confidence. United’s injuries could level the playing field, but their home form is formidable. Luke Shaw's likely absence will potentially open space in behind for Adam Traore to exploit so Jack's Top Tip returns with very favourable odds!

Fun Facts

• Did You Know? Fulham have only failed to score once in their last 12 meetings against Leicester City across all competitions.

• Fun Fact: Fulham legend Graham Leggat holds the record for the most goals scored in this fixture, with 13 goals against Leicester during his career.

  
  

Shared Players