Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction, odds and preview

London rivals Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur close out this weekend’s action at Craven Cottage on Monday night, with nothing separating them in the Premier League standings after 20 games.

In their most recent meeting, Marco Silva’s team lost late to Newcastle United 1-0, while the guests’ midweek setback to Manchester City 4-2 left them regretting individual errors.

Despite being in seventh place, Fulham still has a strong chance of finishing in the top five teams on Monday. The Cottagers are only two points behind Spurs and one behind Brighton & Hove Albion, who drew with Leicester City on Saturday.

The Cottagers’ five-game winning streak since the start of domestic play came to an end against Newcastle, but Silva’s team is showing they can compete with Champions League contenders as they host Spurs to Craven Cottage less than two weeks after beating Chelsea at home.

Only Newcastle and Manchester United have defeated the Cottagers at home this season; Fulham hasn’t won three straight home games in the Premier League since 2012.

Conte’s team is still in the top five after Brighton lost to Leicester, and the distance to fourth-placed Newcastle United is now six points following the Magpies’ goalless draw against Crystal Palace. Conte lamented the fact that his team is making “many, many mistakes” after losing their third Premier League game in four since the start of the year.

The Lilywhites have won each of their last six Premier League games at Craven Cottage, while Conte’s team narrowly defeated Fulham 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season. However, prior victories will mean nothing if Spurs’ shaky defense cannot tighten up quickly.