Fulham at Bournemouth

Fulham kicks off this weekend's matches at Bournemouth on Friday night, 3pm EDT. The match is, once again, on USA Network

Bournemouth had a rough start against Liverpool, but haven't lost since that opening day defeat and now have their best start ever in the Premier League. They've gotten clean sheets in three of their matches after giving up 4 to Liverpool. That is impressive after losing key defensive players over the summer. Bournemouth is also riding three straight wins against Fulham at home. All that leads me to believe this is going to be a frustrating day for Fulham even if VAR doesn't get involved.

Fulham will be without Tete and Muniz "for a while". Raul is day-to-day. I think the current preferred starting lineup up in the midfield needs a revamp, but I don't think we will see it this week. I expect one more disappointing showing before Silva changes things.

Some random stats of interest:

• Fulham has the same number of points through six matches as they did in 2022-23 and 2023-24. So despite all of the changes in the squad, the results have stayed the same. (Fulham is 3 points behind last season)
• Fulham have given up 5 of their 8 goals in the second half. ALL FIVE of the second half goals have come in the 10 minutes spanning the 49th and 58th minute. If you could remove those 10 minutes of the games Fulham would be in third place with 13 points. I know what to do! Fulham should play defense the ENTIRE match! Genius! Unfortunately if recent patterns hold, Bournemouth should get a hat trick in that span on Friday.
• Fulham have been much worse on the road. Of the 8 goals given up this season, 6 have been on the road. Of the 7 goals scored, only two have been on the road.