Fulham, Crystal Palace play out entertaining draw

By Nicholas Mendola and Joe Prince-WrightMay 21, 2023, 1:48 AM EDT

Fulham and Crystal Palace played out an action-packed 2-2 draw in the sun at Craven Cottage as both teams continued their fine end to the season.

FULL MATCH REPLAY

Palace went ahead against the run of play as Odsonne Edouard hammered home but Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a penalty kick before the break to make it 1-1. Mitrovic then headed home at the start of the season half to give Fulham a deserved 2-1 lead but then Palace equalized late on through Joel Ward and could have won it.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

The draw means Fulham are on 52 points and are all-but guaranteed a top 10 finish for the first time in over a decade, while Palace move up to 11th on 44 points.

End of season saunter shows why both teams can dazzle next season

Willian and Mitrovic combining with quality in the final third for Fulham coupled with flashes of brilliance from Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise at the other end proved how fun both Fulham and Palace can be when they are at their best. When the pressure is off both of these teams have players who can express themselves and finishing in the top 10 is not out of the question for next season. Both could push for Europe if they get their summer recruitment right, plus Marco Silva stays at Fulham and Palace figure out the direction they want to go in whether or not Roy Hodgson sticks around in some kind of capacity. Yes, both teams were ‘on the beach’ down by the banks of the River Thames as some mistakes were made by both sets of players. But when the sun is shinning and both teams have impressed given their resources, the beach is fun. So are Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Stars of the show; Fulham vs Crystal Palace player ratings

Willian: Lovely cross for Mitrovic’s goal and denied a stunner thanks to a great save from Sam Johnstone. Continues to roll back the years.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Scored twice, took a whack early and now has three goals in the two games since he returned from suspension. Maybe if he was around for the last few months Fulham would have been in the European hunt?

Eberechi Eze: Couldn’t dictate the tempo of the game as he usually likes to but crucial in the first goal and delivered quality when he did get on the ball.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace — Graphic via FotMob.com

What’s next?

Fulham head to Manchester United on the final day of the season, while Crystal Palace host Nottingham Forest.

How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 10am ET Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Stream: Online via Peacock Premium

FULL TIME: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace – A really good game as two teams who have had a fine end to the campaign both went for the win.

CHANCE! Almost 3-2 to Palace. Mateta is on over the top but Tosin clears the danger just as Mateta is about to slot home. Then Olise curls just wide from the corner. It is all Palace now.

GOALLL! Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace – The Eagles are level as Joel Ward bundles home after his initial effort was saved. Michael Olise’s free kick from the left caused chaos and Roy Hodgson looks pleased. Well, mildly pleased.

CLOSE! So close to an equalizer for Palace as Mateta races away and crosses for Ayew but Issa Diop just gets there ahead of him and pokes it away.

SAVE! Willian cuts inside and his superb curling effort towards the top corner is brilliantly saved by Sam Johnstone.

GOALLLL! Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace – Willian’s free kick from the right finds Mitrovic who is somehow unmarked and he heads home his second of the game to give Fulham a deserved lead.

CHANCE! Straight from the kick off it should be 2-1 to Fulham. A flowing move sees Mitrovic, Wilson and Reed combine as Reed then picked out Mitro at the back post but he slotted wide. What a chance.

HALF TIME: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace – A very entertaining first half as Palace soaked up pressure and Edouard put them ahead but Fulham, who have had plenty of the ball, get level right before the break as Mitrovic smashes home a penalty. Game on!

GOALLL! Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace – Aleksandar Mitrovic scores his 13th goal of the Premier League season as he slams home the spot kick.

PENALTY TO FULHAM! Right on half time Fulham have a chance to get level. A long ball over the top finds Harry Wilson and Tyrick Mitchell takes him out. Such an obvious penalty kick.

GOALLLL! Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace – Odsonne Edouard hammers home a beauty of a shot at the near post after a rapid Palace counter from a Fulham corner. Eze at the heart of that counter.

An almighty scramble as Jordan Ayew crossed into the box but Fulham somehow cleared. Palace looked certain to score.

Not much going on in terms of chances created. Individual battles all over the pitch.

Penalty shout for Fulham! Aleksandar Mitrovic goes down in the box but it looks like he and Tyrick Mitchell both got there at the same time. Nothing given. That was a close one for Palace as it looked like Mitro just got there before Mitchell.

KICK OFF! We are underway at Craven Cottage but there is a lengthy delay right away as Aleksandar Mitrovic collides with Joachim Andersen and it looks like the Fulham skipper has broken his nose. Ouch.

Key storylines & star players

Fulham has Aleksandar Mitrovic back and the big center forward makes the Cottagers a far more dangerous side than when he’s out of the lineup.

There’s talk that Wilfried Zaha could sign another deal and stay at Palace despite seemingly annual status as a potential transfer. Zaha, 30, has played 458 times for the Eagles and boasts 90 goals and 76 assists.

Fulham team news, injuries, lineup

OUT: Daniel James (thigh), Layvin Kurzawa (knee), Andreas Pereira (ankle), Tim Ream (arm).

Mitro back in the XI! 🔥#FULCRY pic.twitter.com/gGQv5o2j65

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 20, 2023

Crystal Palace team news, injuries, lineup

OUT: Jeff Schlupp (knock), Nathan Ferguson (muscular), James Tomkins (calf), Luka Milivojevic (calf), Wilfried Zaha (thigh).

This afternoon's starting XI 🙌

🤝 @shophumm #CPFC | #FULCRY

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 20, 2023

Follow @NicholasMendola

10 things we learned in the Premier League – Matchweek 36

By Andy EdwardsMay 15, 2023, 1:25 PM EDT

Matchweek 36 of the 2022-23 Premier League season is 9/10 of the way in the book, and it’ll be one that a few clubs’ fans remember for quite some time — for good and for bad.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

For Manchester City, it will remind fans of a third straight Premier League title so nearly in the bag. For Arsenal, their title hopes stomped out. For Southampton, the day their 11-year run in the Premier League ended in relegation.

Here’s where our writers are living, as Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Andy Edwards (AE), and Nicholas Mendola (NM) share their observations from across the most recent PL games.

10 things we learned in the Premier League – Week 36

1. Man City prove that “experience is key” is no cliche (Everton 0-3 Manchester City): So many cliches are rolled out at the business end of the season: ‘they know how to get it done’ and ‘they’ve been here before’ and ‘we have been in this situation’ and on and on. Ilkay Gundogan rolled out the latter in his post-match interview and it proved that City’s players are feeling no pressure whatsoever in this type of situation. They embrace the pressure, live for it and play better for it. City did what they had to do against Everton and after a slow start Gundogan’s class in a couple of minutes blew Everton away as he revealed that defenders are so focused on 52-goal man Haaland that City’s other attackers have more space to operate in. City have ‘been there, done that and got the t-shirt’ and now all of their focus is on the Champions League semifinal second leg against Real Madrid. (JPW)

2. End-of-season collapses becoming an Arsenal theme (Arsenal 0-3 Brighton): The Gunners held an eight-point lead on April 1, just six short weeks ago, with only nine games left to play (one more game played at the time). Since then, Mikel Arteta’s side has gone 2W-3D-2L. Last season, they were in the driver’s seat for 4th place and a return to the Champions League, before losing five of their last 10 games, including the pivotal decider away to rivals Tottenham. There is no doubt that progress was made in terms of results this season, as they climb from 69 points to 81 (with two games left to play). But, the young side’s mentality has taken another tough hit as they watch eight months of hard work circle the drain for a second straight season. Spurs-y. (AE)

3. Embarrassing end to Southampton’s Premier League stay (Southampton 0-2 Fulham): Only the big-six sides and Everton have been in the Premier League longer than Southampton’s 11-year stay and after four-straight top eight finishes, European action, FA Cup semifinals and a League Cup final over the last decade, the way it has ended this season is nothing short of shambolic. From sacking Ralph Hasenhuttl to hiring Nathan Jones, then firing Jones eight PL games later and then putting assistant Ruben Selles in charge, Southampton have been all over the place this season. Sport Republic arrived as Southampton’s owners 18 months ago and spent heavily on young talents to rejuvenate the squad and it was a risky strategy. It hasn’t worked. At all. (JPW)

4. A missed opportunity for both teams (Leeds 2-2 Newcastle): Leeds had the chance to go 2-0 up via the penalty spot but Patrick Bamford’s poor spot kick was saved. At 2-1 up Newcastle had the chance to kick on and finish the game off but Eddie Howe’s subs had the opposite impact he was hoping for. Both Leeds and Newcastle needed a win in their respective battles to stay in the Premier League and to finish in the top four and both teams will be feeling despondent with the point. Leeds will be the happier of the two as they are within touching distance of safety with games against West Ham and Tottenham remaining. As for Newcastle, well, they know if they win two of their final three games (they face Brighton, Leicester and Chelsea) they are in the Champions League next season. (JPW)

5. Aston Villa back in Europa League hunt after beating Tottenham (Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham): Aston Villa moved level on points with Tottenham, neck-and-neck for 6th (now 7th) place in the Premier League table, by way of a 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday. The victory sends Aston Villa up to 57 points, within an inch or two of the final Europa League place (Tottenham +6 GD; Aston Villa +4 GD). With 57 points in the bag, this season will be Aston Villa’s highest Premier League points total since they hit 64 in 2009-10. (AE)

6. Bees may be fine without Toney (Brentford 2-0 West Ham): Yes, Ivan Toney is a wonderful player and any team would miss him. But Brentford didn’t on Sunday. The English striker missed the win against West Ham with a hamstring issue and given that he may be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of breaching betting charges, Brentford may have to plan for playing without Toney for some time at the start of next season. Wissa, Mbuemo and Schade pulled West Ham all over the place and should have won by more than two goals. That is where Toney comes in and he would have had a field day. If one of the big boys comes in for Toney this summer then perhaps Brentford may not stand in his way because the other forwards proved they can operate effectively without him and if you replace Toney with a proper poacher then the Bees could still maintain their Premier League status and continue their top-10 charges. (JPW)

7. Dominant Red Devils take time putting away Wolves (Manchester United 2-0 Wolves): Manchester United was energetic with the ball and resolute without it, as Raphael Varane’s return was successful alongside Victor Lindelof at the back and Casemiro in front of them. But while United took 20 of the game’s first 25 shots, there was only Anthony Martial’s first-half goal to show for it. And so the Red Devils’ top four hopes felt safe but were one bad break away from the brink, so to speak, as Wolves stretched the affair long enough to allow Adama Traore to sub into the game with just over a quarter-hour to play. Fortunately, Alejandro Garnacho was the man to get the next goal and United wasn’t left to rue a performance with everyone but the goal(s). (NM)

8. Crystal Palace pushing on for mid-table finish (Crystal Palace 2-0 Bournemouth): Eberechi Eze scored a sensational brace to reach double-figure goals on the season, as Crystal Palace soared past a belabored Bournemouth side for a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The victory keeps Crystal Palace (43 points) 12th in the Premier League table, now three points clear of 13th-place Wolves. Bournemouth (39 points) are also safe from relegation in 14th, where they remain. (AE)

9. Blues’ sad season continues as Tricky Trees strengthen roots (Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forest): Chelsea fans might’ve felt a bit of normalcy when Raheem Sterling snapped his second goal of Saturday home. After all, Sterling was one of the big buys meant to show that Chelsea wasn’t going to falter under new ownership this season. But that’s not what’s happened, and Steve Cooper’s Forest never backed down despite the pressure of a relegation fight and the stage of Stamford Bridge. The mystique just isn’t at “The Bridge” right now and Chelsea’s next boss is going to have to find a way to rebuild it with meaning and not words. Lampard might’ve been an okay caretaker to get to the end of the season, but substance must arrive in a new system. (NM)

10. Leicester vs Liverpool – Monday, 3 pm ET (WATCH HERE)

Follow @AndyEdMLS

Reasons why Southampton were relegated from Premier League

By Joe Prince-WrightMay 15, 2023, 6:00 AM EDT

Southampton were relegated from the Premier League as a 2-0 home defeat to Fulham ended the Saints’ 11-year stay in the top-flight.

FULL MATCH REPLAY

Second half goals from Carlos Vinicius and the returning Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed the win for Fulham as Marco Silva’s side showed their class and look certain to finish in the top 10.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Southampton rarely threatened and Ruben Selles has now seen his side go 11 games without a win as barring a miraculous finish to the season with two wins from two and given their goal difference, they are all-but confirmed to finish bottom of the Premier League table.

The home fans vented their anger at the full time whistle, chanting ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ as Southampton’s players have been out of their depth for most of this season and they haven’t been helped by the constant managerial changes and change of direction at the top of the club.

This is the first full season new owners Sport Republic have been in charge and they issued a statement saying: “Our work begins today to return Southampton Football Club to where it belongs… We understand that significant improvement is required, and at the end of the season we will announce our immediate next steps and provide details of how the club will operate moving forward.”

Reasons why Southampton were relegated – Timeline of decline

Previous owner Jisheng Gao did not invest in Southampton for almost five years before Sport Republic arrived as owners in January 2021. Due to that the squad was already short on quality and experience and that had already caught up with Saints over the last 18 months.
Sport Republic then kept Ralph Hasenhuttl in charge too long as the rot set in last season (One win in their final 13 games) and the Austrian coach was kept around in the summer despite many believing it was the right time for everyone to part ways after he had done a fine job. Saints would have had more managerial options in the summer if Hasenhuttl was moved on.
They embarked on a risky strategy of signing young players and getting rid of a whole host of experience with Fraser Forster, Nathan Redmond, Oriol Romeu and Jack Stephens (loan) all leaving. Romeo Lavia and Armel Bella-Kotchap worked out but other summer signings Gavin Bazunu, Duje Caleta-Car, Sam Edozie, Joe Aribo and Sekou Mara have all struggled.
When they fired Hasenhuttl in November they went for an inexperienced coach in Nathan Jones who had never managed in the Premier League. That decision was based purely on stats from the lower leagues and backfired spectacularly as Jones lost seven of his eight PL games in charge and managed to upset pretty much the entire fanbase and several key players with his abrasive nature.
In January they panicked and spent big money on forwards Kamaldeen Sulemana, Mislav Orsic and Paul Onuachu but didn’t really have a plan of how to use them in their system. Only Chelsea spent more than Southampton in January and Sport Republic spent big, but not well, over the last two transfer windows.
When they fired Jones in February they tried to hire Jesse Marsch but the deal fell through at the last minute and then they just sort of gave up and gave the job to assistant coach Ruben Selles on a permanent basis after he won his first game in charge, a 1-0 win at Chelsea.
After winning two of his first three games in charge 1-0, Selles set Saints up in a very negative fashion and they just didn’t have the players to play that way. The recruitment strategy for years had been about signing players who can high-press and then Selles asked them to sit back and tried to keep the ball. The end result was 13 defeats by a one-goal margin over the season.
Lack of leadership from top to bottom. This is something that usually happens when a team is relegated but Sport Republic — led by Rasmus Ankersen on the football side, a man who worked wonders at Brentford and Midtjylland in terms of recruitment — have barely discussed their plans for Saints. Key leaders at every level of the club have left throughout the season and on the pitch Ward-Prowse has looked a shadow of himself and Selles could not instil belief in his tactics.
Southampton need a reset across the entire club and it could be the best thing that’s happened to them since the Ronald Koeman era in 2016. Ever since he left and the ownership changed Saints have been treading water and this season a multitude of mistakes, on and off the pitch, was too much for them to handle. They truly deserved to be relegated.

Embarrassing end to Southampton’s Premier League stay

Only the ‘big six’ and Everton have been in the Premier League longer than Southampton’s 11-year stay and after four-straight top eight finishes, European action, FA Cup semifinals and a League Cup final over the last decade, the way it has ended this season is nothing short of shambolic. From sacking Ralph Hasenhuttl to hiring Nathan Jones, then firing Jones eight PL games later and then putting assistant Ruben Selles in charge, Southampton have been all over the place this season. Sport Republic arrived as Southampton’s owners 18 months ago and spent heavily on young talents to rejuvenate the squad and it was a risky strategy. It hasn’t worked. At all.

Huge questions need to be asked of the ownership and those (most notably Rasmus Ankersen) who have made the big decisions but it all boils down to this: Southampton’s squad isn’t good enough and those making the decisions at the top of the club have made bad decisions. An almighty rebuild will need to take place this summer and Southampton need to regain their identity as a club. For so long they have put faith in youth and they need to do that once again, while also adding a more experienced core, if they’re going to come straight back up to the Premier League. After giving the Premier League so much over the last 11 years it was sad to see Saints depart in this manner.

Stars of the show; Southampton vs Fulham player ratings

Harry Wilson: Heavily involved in both goals and was a constant threat on the counter.

Harrison Reed: On his return to Southampton he dominated midfield and was involved in the first goal.

Southampton vs Fulham — Graphic via FotMob.com

What’s next?

Southampton head to Brighton on Sunday, May 21. Fulham host Crystal Palace on Saturday, May 20.

How to watch Southampton vs Fulham live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 10am ET
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium

Southampton vs Fulham live analysis! – By Joe Prince-Wright

FULL TIME – Southampton 0-2 Fulham – Saints’ relegation from the Premier League is confirmed and it is a sorry sight at St Mary’s as most fans have already left. A fine away win for Fulham, who look set to seal a top 10 finish.

GOALLLL! Southampton 0-2 Fulham – Aleksandar Mitrovic with a brilliant header as he marks his return from suspension with a goal. Lovely cross from Harry Wilson too.

Southampton’s Premier League status is going to end with a whimper. They are struggling to create anything against Fulham.

CLOSE! Paul Onuachu heads over from inside the six yard box. Decent ball from Kyle Walker-Peters to find the big man at the back post.

GOALLL! Southampton 0-1 Fulham – After a good ball across to Harry Wilson and he finds Harrison Reed, a lucky deflection falls straight to Carlos Vinicius and Fulham are ahead.

Carlos Alcaraz has the ball in the back of the net… but he was clearly offside. That has got the home fans going.

The second half is underway at St Mary’s. Can the Saints save themselves from relegation? At least for now…

HALF TIME: Southampton 0-0 Fulham – 45 minutes gone and aside from Lyanco’s goal-line clearance there hasn’t been much action at either end. Remember: Southampton need to win this game to stay in the Premier League. They may only have 45 minutes left as a PL club…

OFF THE LINE! Lyanco heads away brilliantly as Wilson got in down the right and set up Reed and his pass found Willian at the back post. The Brazilian controlled and volleyed superbly towards goal but his fellow Brazilian Lyanco was there to head if off the line.

Not much going on at either end but Southampton have battled back into things and Fulham have not got going in the final third. Bit of a stalemate in the sun, this.

VAR check for a possible penalty for Fulham after the ball appeared to hit Lyanco on the arm in the box. But nothing is given. The referee then stops Southampton from taking a quick throw when they had a chance to be clean through. The home fans are not happy.

Stuart Armstrong surges down the left but his cross is straight at Bernd Leno in the Fulham goal. Again, better from the hosts.

First bit of forward play from Southampton as Romeo Lavia clips the ball over the top but Theo Walcott was just offside and Antonee Robinson dealt with it and cleared the danger. Still, Saints may look for that long ball more often.

Fulham have dominated possession early on and Southampton have barely had a touch in the Fulham half.

Last Saturday British PM Rishi Sunak was involved in the King's Coronation. This Saturday #SaintsFC fan Rishi Sunak is sat in the stands at St Mary's at Southampton vs Fulham.

— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) May 13, 2023

KICK OFF! We are off in the sunshine at St Mary’s. Can Southampton get the win they need to keep their survival hopes alive for at least one more day?

Key storylines & in-form players to watch

Southampton are creating chances and had a real go at Forest but they just weren’t good enough at either end of the pitch and that is why they are bottom of the table. Carlos Alcaraz (20) and Romeo Lavia (19) are two young players who have been excellent for Saints, while James Ward-Prowse had a goal and an assist against Forest but he hasn’t been up to his usually high standards for most of the season. The biggest issue has been conceding goals as Saints have let in 64, the third-most in the PL.

Fulham have been a bit inconsistent in recent months but they’re still having a wonderful season and the likes of Willian, Tom Cairney, Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius have stepped up recently. The Cottagers are really good to watch and with Mitrovic now available after serving his eight-game suspension, it is likely he will appear at Southampton, probably off the bench.

Southampton team news, injuries, lineup

OUT: Juan Larios (thigh), Mohammed Salisu (pelvis), Romain Perraud (surgery), Valentino Livramento (other), Armel Bella-Kotchap (hamstring), Che Adams (knock)

Today’s team 😇

Here’s the side taking on #FFC at St Mary’s: pic.twitter.com/carLgfzWsP

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 13, 2023

Fulham team news, injuries, lineup

OUT: Layvin Kurzawa (knee), Tim Ream (broken arm), Andreas Pereira (lower leg)

Our #SOUFUL Starting XI is here! 📋

Mitro is back in the squad. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3Vkz1ydk2U

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 13, 2023

Follow @JPW_NBCSports

Fulham fire five past Foxes as Leicester worry heightens

By Nicholas Mendola and Joe Prince-WrightMay 9, 2023, 8:40 AM EDT

Tom Cairney and Willian each bagged a brace as Fulham thumped Leicester City 5-3 on Monday at Craven Cottage.

Carlos Vinicius also scored in the win, as Fulham stayed 10th place with the win. The Cottagers are six points clear of Chelsea and two points behind ninth-place Brentford.

WATCH FULHAM v LEICESTER FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM – LINK

Dean Smith and Leicester get no relief in the relegation fight but remain 16th with the best goal differential of three teams on 30 points.

Harvey Barnes scored a pair of goals and James Maddison converted the Foxes’ second penalty chance after Jamie Vardy missed their first opportunity from the spot.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Here’s everything you need for Fulham vs Leicester.

Leicester’s surprising no show at the back

Yes, Leicester got three goals and might’ve had a fourth if Jamie Vardy’s poor penalty period didn’t extend into another game. Away from home, that’s pretty good.

But the Foxes were the opposite of resolute at the back end, a shocking showing considering the general disposition of teams desperate to avoid the drop. And we know the Foxes entered the game with a poor defensive record, but Fulham were without Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira. (And Tim Ream, but that’s not about attack, is it?).

Fulham cut through Leicester as if the side was in the Championship and not a 16th-place team hoping to avoid that fate. Credit to Fulham for putting forth that performance, but it remains surprising that Leicester didn’t meet it.

Fulham vs Leicester player ratings: Stars of the Show

Willian

Palhinha

Harvey Barnes

Bernd Leno

Tom Cairney

James Maddison

What’s next?

Fulham is off to Southampton on Saturday, while Leicester City hosts Liverpool on Monday, May 15.

Willian goal video: Corridor of uncertainty wins again

Carlos Vinicius goal video: Wilson cues up cut finish

Tom Cairney goal video: Sweet curled finish for 3-0

Tom Cairney goal video: And it’s 4-0!

Harvey Barnes goal video: Foxes pull one back

Willian goal video: Beautiful brace

James Maddison goal video: Penalty converted

How to watch Fulham vs Leicester live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 10am ET, Monday (May 8)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com

Key storylines & in-form players to watch

Fulham probably need one more win to secure a top 10 finish and that would be an incredible achievement for Marco Silva’s side in their first season back in the Premier League. Their form has stalled in recent weeks due to the suspension of Aleksandar Mitrovic and key injuries (Tim Ream and Andreas Pereira) impacting their relatively small squad. Willian, Harry Wilson and Joao Palhinha are stepping up and trying to get the Cottagers back on the front foot after seven defeats in their last nine games.

Leicester look more dangerous in attack and Dean Smith has figured out how to get the best out of James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka. Defensively there are still some issues but the Foxes are hanging in games and have worked out they are much better off just going for it. They could be back in the bottom three by the time they kick off on Monday and with Liverpool and Newcastle up next, this trip to Fulham just has to yield a vital three points.

Fulham team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: Aleksandar Mitrovic (suspension – MORE), Layvin Kurzawa (knee), Tim Ream (broken arm), Andreas Pereira (lower leg)

Two changes to the side. ✌️#FULLEI pic.twitter.com/6ExjhfbGTc

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 8, 2023

Leicester team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: James Justin (achilles), Jannik Vestergaard (calf), Kelechi Iheanacho (adductor), Ricardo Pereira (hamstring), Ryan Bertrand (knee)

Your City team, let's GO! 📝 💪#FULLEI pic.twitter.com/kcAwdCXhOi

— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 8, 2023

Follow @JPW_NBCSports

Liverpool make it five straight wins by beating Fulham

By Andy Edwards and Joe Prince-WrightMay 4, 2023, 9:17 AM EDT

Liverpool rode a Mohamed Salah penalty kick to three tenuous points and a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

The victory moves Liverpool to within four points of 4th-place Manchester United, though the Red Devils have two games in hand at this point. Despite winning five straight in the PL, all the Reds can do is hope for an almighty collapse by their bitter rivals, or it’ll be the Europa League for Jurgen Klopp and Co., next season.

Fulham (45 points – 10th place), meanwhile, are clinging to their place in the top half of the table, five points above Crystal Palace and six above Chelsea, with four games left to play.

WATCH LIVERPOOL vs FULHAM FULL MATCH REPLAY

Darwin Nunez won the penalty for Liverpool in the 37th minute, when he was cut down by Issa Diop inside the penalty area. Salah smashed the ball straight down the middle and beat Bernd Leno with pure power for his 18th goal of the season. Salah is now just two goals away from three straight 20-goal season, and 20 (or more) goals in five of his six seasons at Liverpool.

Stars of the show

What’s next?

Liverpool will try to keep their faint top-four hopes alive on Saturday (12:30 pm ET), when they welcome Brentford (50 points – 9th place) to Anfield. Fulham will be back in action on Monday (10 am ET), when relegation-threatened Leicester (30 points – 16th place) visit west London.

Follow @AndyEdMLS

Liverpool vs Fulham, live score: 1-0

39th minute – Mohamed Salah converts from penalty spot, gives Liverpool 1-0 lead

Mo Salah smashes it home from the spot!

📺: @peacock | #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/udaMtmzwjy

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 3, 2023

How to watch Liverpool vs Fulham live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 3pm ET, Wednesday
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium

Key storylines & in-form players to watch

Liverpool’s attacking trio of Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota look very dangerous and Klopp has received a huge boost with the return of Diaz from injury. The balance of Liverpool is still off as defensively they are coughing up big chances but it is a case of attack being the best form of defense.

Fulham have some injury issues to contend with and their relatively small squad is being stretched to its limits as they make up plenty of games late in the season. Marco Silva’s side put up a great battle against Manchester City and all season long they have been in games and make it very tough for opponents. Carlos Vinicius scoring against City will give him confidence he can step up in the next few games before Aleksandar Mitrovic returns from his lengthy ban.

Liverpool team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: Roberto Firmino (undisclosed), Stefan Bajcetic (undisclosed), Calvin Ramsay (knee), Naby Keita (undisclosed)

🔴 TEAM NEWS 🔴

Our line-up to face Fulham tonight in the @PremierLeague 👊#LIVFUL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 3, 2023

Fulham team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: Aleksandar Mitrovic (suspension – MORE), Layvin Kurzawa (knee), Tim Ream (broken arm), Andreas Pereira (lower leg)

Our #LIVFUL line-up! 📜

Five changes for this one. 🔄 pic.twitter.com/rk5rUvlpkR

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 3, 2023

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Kick off: 10am ET Saturday TV Channel: Peacock Premium Stream: Online via Peacock Premium

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Kick off: 10am ET Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Stream: Online via Peacock Premium