Leyton Orient vs Fulham Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Fulham got off to the perfect start on Friday night in the Championship beating title favourites Newcastle 1-0 at Craven Cottage. Matt Smith stepped up to the plate with the goal and that was a welcome boost after the prolific Ross McCormack had left the club. It built on a strong pre-season showing from a new-look Fulham side and Slavisa Jokanovic will have been pleased with what he saw.

This will be a very different task though as Fulham head East across the capital to take on Leyton Orient. They have won 3 of their last 4 away ties in this competition although needed penalties at Burton three seasons ago. Their opponents here meanwhile caused a big shock two years ago when they won 1-0 at Aston Villa in the 2nd Round but exited at the first hurdle last term at MK Dons.

They started the new campaign in League Two with a solid 1-1 draw at Cheltenham at the weekend. Gavin Massey gave them a 3rd minute lead which they protected for over 70 minutes before conceding an equaliser. They played two London derbies in pre-season drawing with Charlton and beating Dagenham and there should be a good atmosphere at Brisbane Road for this one.

This could be a tricky evening for Fulham. They didn’t offer a great deal of attacking threat on Friday and the height of Matt Smith up front isn’t likely to pose League Two defenders as much concern as a player with real pace or skill might. The West London side look to have improved defensively though and they take on a Leyton Orient side who are usually involved in low-scoring games.

11 of their last 15 matches, including friendlies, have  had under 2.5 goals in it and backing there to be under 2.5 goals at Evens looks to offer good value here.