Tottenham face Fulham on Sunday, aiming to break their inconsistent run of results and secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since September. However, this clash against a well-organised Fulham side promises to be anything but straightforward.
After a clumsy draw against Roma midweek, Spurs return to league action knowing they need to improve their attacking fluidity against compact defences. Fulham, known for their defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat, won’t make it easy. It’s a classic case of attack versus defence, but can Spurs make it count?
What time does Tottenham v Fulham kick-off?
Location: London, England
Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Kick-off Time: 1:30 pm BST
Referee: Darren Bond
VAR: Craig Pawson
How both teams go into Tottenham v Fulham
Spurs are 6th in the table and, frankly, lucky to still be in the top six given their WLWLWL form. Their last seven league matches have swung between dominant wins against Manchester City and United, and baffling losses to relegation candidates. Fans will be hoping this isn’t another case of the “one step forward, two steps back.”
Fulham, just a point behind in 9th, come into this fixture on a solid run of seven points from their last four games. Marco Silva’s men have been clinical, with an 11-game scoring streak, the longest in the league this season. However, they are the same team that have dropped 13 points from winning positions—second only to Brentford. This vulnerability could give Spurs hope even if they concede first.
Tottenham Team News
Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature as he continues to recover from foot and hamstring issues. Guglielmo Vicario is still sidelined after his ankle surgery allowing Fraser Forster to make his first Premier League start since May 2023. Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, and Micky van de Ven are all unavailable with hamstring injuries, while Rodrigo Bentancur serves the second of his seven-game domestic ban. Mikey Moore is also unavailable as he recovers from a virus.
James Maddison is expected to start after being rested midweek, while Ange Postecoglou faces a big decision at No.8 between Pape Matar Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski/Brennan Johnson. Kulusevski could also feature on the right wing, replacing Brennan Johnson.
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Fulham Team News
Fulham will be without Harrison Reed, who is sidelined with a knee injury, while Carlos Vinicius is unlikely to feature after picking up a knock. Marco Silva’s side will likely rely on Emile Smith Rowe, who has an xG of 2.19 this season, to spearhead their attack.
The Cottagers boast the league’s most accurate crosses per match and will look to exploit Spurs’ defence, which has ironically looked pretty decent without their both first-choice centre-backs.
Predicted Tottenham Line-Up
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Our Prediction
This match is as much about tactics as it is about execution. Fulham’s compact low block and aggressive pressing after losing possession have troubled teams all season. Spurs will need to remain composed, especially in tight spaces, and avoid conceding sloppy turnovers. If they can transition quickly and find gaps in Fulham’s midfield, the likes of Maddison and Son could thrive.
Key battles will likely include Maddison vs Fulham’s midfield enforcers and Pedro Porro’s ability to exploit space on the flanks. Fulham’s record of dropping points from winning positions should give Spurs hope if things don’t go their way early on.
Despite their inconsistencies, Tottenham’s attacking quality should see them through this one. But they can’t afford to wait until the closing stages to switch on. A fast start is crucial.
With home advantage and quality in attack, Spurs should have just enough to edge past their stubborn opponents.