Is Fulham a dark horse for Championship promotion?
It has been just over three seasons since Fulham were relegated to the Championship. Last term, the Cottagers nearly returned to the Premier League with a sixth-place finish in the Championship.
Unfortunately, Fulham were unable to navigate the tricky waters of the playoffs. The team is back once more, however. Currently one point from the Championship playoff places, Fulham could be the league's dark horse for promotion this term.
Fulham go into Saturday's match against Burton undefeated in their last five matches. Their unbeaten run has seen them score 13 goals while conceding just six times. Fulham have won their last four matches at Craven Cottage, and with the form the team is in, the club could make it five wins from five at home.
Seventeen-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon leads Fulham in goals with seven. The teenager is on the radar of several top clubs around Europe, and he could land a big money move with a strong finish to the campaign. Aboubakar Kamara has tallied six of his own in 22 matches. The striker's proficiency has been amazing, especially as Kamara has only started eight matches.
Burton on the other hand are mired in a fight for Championship survival. The team is third from bottom and are one point from safety going into Saturday's fixture. Burton's defence has been porous this term. The team has given up 46 goals to opponents, which is good (or bad) for second most in the Championship. The Brewers' attack hasn't been much better as it ranks second worst in terms of goals scored. Burton has relied on 35-year-old striker Lloyd Dyer this term, and the old man of the team has tallied five goals. His place atop the team's goal scoring charts shows the dearth of goal scoring options Burton currently possess.
While the team has been overall bad, the good news going into the match against Fulham is Burton have won three straight away games. The team's three consecutive road wins has seen the defence tighten up and keep two clean sheets. It is Burton's home form that has been atrocious as the team has lost 10 times at the Pirelli Stadium this year.
Burton defeated Fulham in the teams' previous meeting this season. The win was Burton's only victory during a two-month period in which the team only gained seven points from 33 possible. Despite the previous loss to Burton this term, Fulham head into the fixture as the heavy favourites. The Cottagers have lost just twice since November 18th.
Fulham's bid for promotion to the Premier League could take a hit this month, however. Fulham captain Tom Cairney is being courted by Premier League side West Brom Albion, and could move to the West Midlands for a £12 million transfer fee. His loss would be huge, and Fulham need to keep their key players, if promotion is to occur.
Fulham should emerge from the fixture against Burton with their winning running still intact. This will be a tricky fixture for the Cottagers thanks to Burton's solid away form. However, the Brewers will be taking a step up in competition, and Fulham should bag all three points.
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