Fulham vs Middlesbrough Predictions

• Fulham have lost just one of their last seven matches.
• Five of the Cottagers’ last seven home games have featured at least three goals.
• Middlesbrough have earned just one clean sheet in their last 12 matches on the road.

Fulham could make a decent cup tilt

Fulham are once again punching above their weight in the Premier League and with no threat of relegation this year, the could make a bold bid for FA Cup glory which would be another sign of progress under manager Marco Silva.

One defeat in their last seven games should stand them in good stead and they have had some stirring matches at Craven Cottage lately, beating neighbours Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday and grabbing a 2-2 draw against Liverpool with a Harrison Reed screamer just a few days before.

A relentless festive Premier League schedule has been taking its toll on all members of the top flight, but it would still take a massive effort from Championship hopefuls Middlesbrough to come out on top of this one.

Boro away defending is a concern

Boro are in the thick of what is a congested second-tier promotion picture and that is plainly a much bigger priority for the Teessiders.

However, it is not just a different attitude that could dictate how this one goes, as while Kim Hellberg’#s side received the tonic of a 4-0 win over Southampton last week, there are questions to answer about their recent away defensive record.

They have kept just one clean sheet on the last 12 occasions they have been on the road, and they should be severely tested in this one, so it seems sensible to go for the Londoners to win a game that contains at least three goals, with a 2-1 home success recommended to correct-score enthusiasts.