Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
Over the past weekend, both clubs ended their matches with a 1:1 draw. In the League Cup, Preston North End will have a slight advantage as they play at home, where they have won their last two matches without conceding. Will this third match against a Premier League club follow suit?
Preston North End
A draw with Middlesbrough (1:1) still did not allow Preston to pull away from the relegation zone. The result can be considered fortunate, given that Preston created only 0.44 xG compared to Middlesbrough's 1.64 xG, with just 5 shots (one on target) against 16 (six on target). Their individual efficiency was high this time, and Middlesbrough’s assistance helped yet another opponent. In the first five rounds, Preston's players have averaged just 0.6 goals and 2.2 shots on target per game. Their efficiency is good, but they have significant issues creating chances.
Fulham
Fulham would have had better chances of success if they were playing at home. At Craven Cottage, they are noticeably more aggressive than away: averaging 19.5 shots (5.5 on target) and 1.5 goals at home, compared to only 9.5 shots (three on target) and 0.5 goals away. Thus, Preston have some hope for a positive result.
Preston North End vs Fulham Prediction
When Fulham played in the Championship, their last meeting in 2022 ended in a 3:0 victory for them. However, away from home, they managed only a draw, 1:1, scoring few goals in the process. In this match, we do not expect to see many goals either and it will result in a low-scoring game. Both teams currently struggle to create numerous chances and score goals.
