Premier League Odds, Betting Picks & Predictions for Fulham vs. Sheffield United (Saturday, Feb. 20)
Jason Cairnduff/PA Images via Getty Images. Pictured: Fulham standout Josh Maja, center, celebrates a goal with his teammates.
- Fulham gets a prime opportunity to pick up points in Saturday's Premier League affair with last-place Sheffield United.
- Can the Cottagers take another step toward safety in this contest?
- Jeremy Pond thinks they can and explains why he's backing the host below.
Fulham vs. Sheffield United Odds
| Fulham Odds | +114 |
| Sheffield United Odds | +275 |
| Draw | +220 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (+123/-155) |
| Day | Time | Saturday | 3 p.m. ET |
| How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds updated as of Saturday at 12:50 p.m. ET and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.
Life in the Premier League relegation zone will be on full display Saturday when Fulham hosts last-place Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers, who sit in 18th place on 19 points, have actually been in fine form as of late. They're unbeaten in their last three fixtures, including Wednesday's 1-1 stalemate with Burnley. Prior to that, the hosts pulled off a stunning 2-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park.
Despite its placement on the table, Fulham is just six points behind struggling Newcastle United in its pursuit for safety in England's top flight.
As for the Blades, the visitors have all but locked in their departure to the Championship. Sheffield United looked lifeless and completely uninterested in Monday's 3-0 shutout loss against West Ham United.
Fulham
The Cottagers haven't showed any signs of fading in the final months of the season in any way, shape or form. In fact, they've gotten better and the results are proof in the pudding.
That Valentine's Day surprise against Everton showed just how good this outfit can be when it wants to show up. Josh Maja recorded the second-half brace in the victory for the Cottagers, who held a 2.7-0.4 xG edge against the Toffees.
Statistically, Fulham continues to be one of the league's weaker outfits when it comes to the advanced numbers. The Cottagers sit on a mediocre 27.2 expected goals (xG) and subpar 33.1 expected goals against, resulting in -5.9 xGDiff and -0.25 xGDiff/90 minutes.
The one piece of thing Fulham and its supporters can take as a positive is the fact these figures are better than the likes of Crystal Palace (14th place), Burnley (15th place) and Newcastle United (17th place) on the table.
So, if the Cottagers can go on any sort of winning tear, there is still a chance it could leapfrog one of these teams (likely Newcastle United) into safety.
Sheffield United
There was a sense of optimism surrounding the Blades after their stunning victory over Manchester United on Jan. 27 at Old Trafford. However, that was short-lived after three losses in the four matches that followed the win and relegation reality set back in.
Sheffield United has lost 12 of its last 14 away league fixtures, plus it has been blanked in six of its last eight league games away from Bramall Lane.
David McGoldrick leads the Blades with five goals, which is actually a third of their brutal total output of 15 goals in 24 league contests. You don't have to be a genius to figure out that's not going to cut it at this level of competition.
When comparing numbers with Fulham, Sheffield United's overall figures trail in all major categories. The Blades sit on a lowly 21.7 expected goals and disappointing 35.1 expected goals against, resulting in a dismal -13.4 xGDiff and -0.56 xGDiff/90 minutes.
Betting Analysis & Picks
This is a huge opportunity for the Cottagers to put away an opponent that's headed straight to the Championship at the end of the campaign.
Sheffield United, which I erroneously backed in Monday's defeat against West Ham United, looked awful at London Stadium and won't do any better here.
That said, I am backing Fulham to get things done in style at Craven Cottage and take another step closer to safety. That was a hard-earned point against Burnley, which I think sets the Cottagers up for a big home performance.
I will also jump on the total going over the alternative number of two goals as well. My feeling is Fulham will come out directly on its front foot and keep driving forward even if gets on the scoreboard early in the opening half.
Expect the Cottagers to pour it on the Blades en route to a crucial victory.
Picks: Fulham ML (+114) | Total Over 2 Goals (-132)
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