On Thursday night, at 19:45, Fulham hopes to qualify for the final of the promotion play-off in the Championship: the Londoners have the return of the semifinals against Cardiff City, and the band from Craven Cottage won away, in the first leg , score 2-0 in Wales. There is little chance that the white-blues will surprise on the go.
Fulham do not have Cavaleiro at their disposal, while Cardiff come to London without Cunningham and Vassell, older absences. In the first round, Fulham prevailed with the goals scored in the second half by Onomah (’49) and Kebano (’90 +1). Cardiff had no answer in front of the black and whites, who dominated in all chapters: 63% possession, 13-6 goal shots and 4-0 corner ratio. We expect a more “vigorous” match in the decisive round.
In the regular season, Cardiff was 5th (goal average 68-58), with 73 points, eight “lengths” behind Fulham, which was 4th (goal average 64-48). In terms of form, Fulham also played better at the end of the league, with victories over Sheffield Wednesday (5-3), Cardiff (2-0), Nottingham Forest (1-0), Birmingham (1-0 ) and QPR (2-1). Cardiff had won three games before the defeat with Fulham, in good matches: 3-0 with Hull, 3-1 with Middlesbrough and 2-1 with Derby County. Thus, Fulham has won 3 of the last 4 direct duels with Cardiff.
Fulham: Rodak; Christie, Ream, Hector, Bryan; Reed, Cairney; Knockaert, Onomah, Kebano; Mitrovic
Coach: Scott Parker
Cardiff City: Smithies; Bacuna, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett; Ralls, Pack; Murphy, Tomlin, Hoilett; Glatzel
Coach: Neil Harris
In the last 4 direct duels, less than three goals were scored each time;
In 3 of Fulham’s last 7 matches, Under 1.5 goals have been scored;
In 3 of Cardiff’s last 4 matches I have seen at least three goals scored;
Fulham was on the 3rd place in the top of the matches played at home, in Championship (47 points);
Cardiff was ranked 9th in the away matches in the Championship (31 points);
Cardiff have won just one direct duel in the last 12 games against Fulham;
PREDICTION: Fulham to win @ 2,05
