Fulham concludes their pre-season tour of Portugal on Wednesday with a friendly against Primeira Liga outfit Estoril Praia with kickoff at 8 pm.
Fulham’s pre-season has been somewhat of a slow burner. The newly promoted Premier League side posted a good win against Nice in the Algarve Cup, with penalties from Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson proving to be the difference.
However, a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Benfica followed 24 hours later, leaving Marco Silva to question where his side is as they enter the final phases of their schedule. On a positive note, Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira are eye-catching additions to the midfield, effectively replacing Jean Michael Seri and Fabio Carvalho.
Nevertheless, more additions will follow over the coming weeks as Fulham prepares for their opener with Liverpool by playing Estoril and Villarreal.
After managing Estoril to promotion in 2011-12, Paulo Silva eventually got the opportunity to manage Sporting Lisbon.
In 2015, Estoril was back in the top flight and emerged as the surprise package of the campaign as they finished in the ninth position in Primeira Liga.
Hopes are high that they can achieve a similar standing this time, perhaps even higher. But after a 4-1 reverse to Brighton & Hove Albion in their most recent outing, there is much work ahead.
Estoril Praia vs. Fulham Head to Head
Both sides have yet to face each other, which marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Estoril Praia 1-4 Brighton
- FC Porto 2-0 Estoril Praia
- Estoril Praia 1-0 Moreirense
- FC Famalicao 3-1 Estoril Praia
Away
- Benfica 5-1 Fulham
- Fulham 2-0 Nice
- Sheffield United 4-0 Fulham
- Fulham 7-0 Luton Town
Estoril Praia Team News
Fulham’s lineup could mirror the team which lost to Benfica last week. Palhinha and Pereira started that contest and will be looking to help their side deliver a much better performance.
Fulham Team News
The first eleven for Estoril’s game against Brighton is not yet public, but Verissimo will likely play his best side. Rodrigo Martins, Tiago Araujo, Titouan Thomas, Pedro Alvaro, and Fran Pereira are all new signings who hope to make a good impression in their team’s first pre-season game.
Prediction and Odds
Both teams will be feeling less than confident following recent defeats. The Cottagers, however, have the quality to return to winning ways.
- Fulham Win
- Away Win
- Goals Over 2.5
