Stephen Pond/Getty Images. Pictured: Burnley standout Chris Wood.
Fulham vs. Burnley Odds
| Fulham Odds | +123 |
| Burnley Odds | +230 |
| Draw | +240 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (+100 / -124) |
| Day | Time | Monday | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCSN |
| Odds updated Sunday night via DraftKings. | |
Clubs whose Premier League futures are firmly connected to each other battle Monday when Fulham hosts Burnley in a huge match at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers are on the final lifeline, sitting in 18th place and nine points behind the Clarets in the table. If Fulham is to suffer a defeat at the hands of Burnley, the club will be officially relegated to the Championship next season.
That kind of result will also take any drama out of the relegation fight come Decision Day, with West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United already getting their walking papers. The Baggies were dropped following Sunday’s defeat against Arsenal.
In contrast, Burnley’s place to the first division isn’t 100 percent secure, but it would take a miracle of sorts for it to not stay up. The Clarets have that cushion on the Cottagers, but know a victory here would be seal their return.
Fulham
Well, it’s now or never for manager Scott Parker and the Cottagers. Earn a victory against the Clarets and you’re dreams of staying in England’s top flight are still intact. Lose and you’re headed back to the Championship. It’s that’s simple.
Granted, Fulham will still be on soccer’s version of life support, but it’s still better than the alternative and that’s being officially relegated.
If we go back to March 7, everything seemed to be turning in the right direction in terms of the Cottagers’ pursuit of exiting the drop zone. Parker’s lads pulled off a shocking, 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, even winning the battle of expected goals by a 1.1-1.0 margin in the contest.
However, the journey went completely south from that point on leading up to this game. Since that victory, the Cottagers have gone winless in their last six fixtures, including five defeats. Their lone point came in a 1-1 stalemate with Arsenal two games back at Emirates Stadium.
Burnley
At one point this season, it seemed as if the Clarets were destined for a long, drawn-out battle in or near the bottom three in the standings. However, a crucial 4-0 win over Wolves at Molineux Stadium on April 25 gave them the points they needed to steer clear of potential trouble.
Now, Burnley hopes to play the role of the bad guy and deliver Fulham its demotion papers on the opposition’s home pitch. The Clarets suffered a 2-1 loss to West Ham United at Turf Moor last time out, but played their talented foes to an 1.8-1.8 xG result.
Throw in the fact Burney has identical 1-1 draws against Leicester City and Arsenal, as well as a huge victory over Everton at Goodison Park, among its last eight league tilts and you have a team that really isn’t playing as poorly as its record shows in my opinion.
Betting Analysis & Pick
Let’s cut to the chase, folks. This confrontation has the words “tight affair” written all over it, with the majority of that belief brought on by the fact due to the fact host side has endured plenty of recent struggles in its own venue.
That said, I’m backing the total to stay under 2.5 goals at -124 odds via DraftKings as my top pick.
Fulham has been shut out in five of its last seven league contests at Craven Cottage, plus the club has lost its last four EPL games on home soil. And when you throw in the fact the Cottagers have only scored four goals in their last nine outings, you have a situation where I believe goals will be at a premium.
If you’re looking to play a side, take a swing on the Double Chance wager of Burnley or Draw at -148 odds. The number is a tad high, but I think there’s still value on the Clarets due to the fact they’re in better form at the moment.
Pick: Double Chance — Burnley or Draw (-148) | Total Under 2.5 Goals (-124)
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