Preview: Fulham vs. Southampton

Fulham and Southampton clash at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day with both teams entering the match off the back of disappointing results at the weekend.

Fulham's struggles away from home continued as they were thumped 4-0 by Liverpool, while Southampton were defeated by Sunderland in a relegation six-pointer at St Mary's.

The Cottagers have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, but were victorious last time out on their own patch against Newcastle United.

Southampton have also picked up morale-boosting wins over Reading and Newcastle United in recent weeks, but they remain level on points with 18th-placed Wigan Athletic. The two sides have already met this season at St Mary's and the points were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Fulham boss Martin Jol is expected to make changes from the defeat to Liverpool, with Pajtim Kasami and Hugo Rodallega both pushing for starts.

Southampton, meanwhile, could recall Jay Rodriguez at the expense of Emmanuel Mayuka. However, Jason Puncheon has shaken off a muscular injury and is expected to start.

Recent form:

Fulham: DLWLL Southampton: WDLWL

Possible lineups:

Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise; Kacaniklic, Kasami, Karagounis, Richardson; Berbatov, Rodallega

Southampton: Davis; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Cork, Ramirez; Puncheon, Lambert, Rodriguez

Sports Mole says: 2-0