Fulham have yet to win since earning promotion back to the Premier League, but the Cottagers could be well placed to end that wait when London rivals Crystal Palace visit Craven Cottage on Saturday.
It has been a struggle for Scott Parker’s side so far this term as they lost their opening four fixtures before claiming a point at fellow strugglers Sheffield United last weekend.
The Cottagers arguably deserved to win that game and they were only denied all three points after conceding a late penalty, but it was certainly an improved performance and suggests a first win may be just round the corner.
Palace could prove ideal opponents for Fulham as the Eagles have failed to win any of their last three games and were thumped 4-0 at Chelsea in their last away fixture.
A home win is available at 7/4 and looks a tempting option, although Fulham’s recent record in London derbies is abysmal, as they have lost each of their last 11 Premier League games against clubs from capital, including both meetings with Palace when they were last in the top flight.
Wolves to Put Newcastle to the Sword
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have not been at their best so far this season, but they have ground out 1-0 victories in each of their last two games against Fulham and Leeds and look as hard to beat as ever.
The same cannot be said for Newcastle, who have conceded, on average, more shots per game than any other side in the division so far this term, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow arguably being their best player over their opening five games.
However, Darlow is a major injury doubt for Sunday’s trip to Molineux and with regular number one Martin Dubravka already on the sidelines, Newcastle could be forced to hand a Premier League debut to Mark Gillespie.
Such uncertainty in an already suspect defence could prove the Magpies undoing on Sunday, particularly given how efficient Wolves can be, so backing a home win to zero at 29/20 could prove shrewd.
Gunners to Prove Too Strong on Home Soil
Arsenal and Leicester are locked together on nine points heading into their meeting at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, while both sides were in Europa League action during the week.
While the Gunners are used to juggling European and domestic commitments, the same cannot be said of the Foxes as they are embarking on just their second campaign on the continent in 20 years.
Many teams have struggled with that fixture overload in the past and the injuries are already beginning to mount up for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with the likes of Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi ruled out for a prolonged period, while Jamie Vardy is a major doubt for Sunday’s game.
That should play into Arsenal’s hands and the Gunners are priced at 10/11 to win the match.
History is certainly on the Gunners’ side, as Arsenal have not lost at home to Leicester since September 1973 when goals from Len Glover and Mike Stringfellow helped the Foxes to a 2-0 win at Highbury.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
