Match Analysis: Fulham vs Everton

Saturday, February 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 ET (15:00 UK) Venue: Craven Cottage, London Broadcast Information: Peacock (US), No UK TV selected (highlights on Sky Sports/Match of the Day)

Fulham host Everton at Craven Cottage in a Premier League fixture that brings together two mid-table sides with similar points tallies and ambitions for a comfortable, uneventful season finish. Fulham, sitting around 10th-12th with approximately 35-38 points from 24 games, have been solid at home under their management, blending attacking intent with improved defensive organization. Players like Raúl Jiménez, Andreas Pereira, and Alex Iwobi provide creativity and goal threat, allowing Fulham to compete against most opponents. Everton, positioned nearby in the table with a similar points haul (around 34-37 points from 24 games), continue their rebuild with a focus on resilience, physicality, and counter-attacking efficiency led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye. Their away form has shown signs of progress, though they remain vulnerable to technical, possession-based sides. The stakes are moderate but meaningful: both teams aim to secure a top-half finish and build momentum for the run-in, avoiding any late-season slip toward the lower reaches. Tactical contrast features Fulham’s fluid, possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 against Everton’s more pragmatic, compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 that emphasizes work rate and second-ball wins. Key battles include Fulham’s attacking midfielders testing Everton’s backline versus Calvert-Lewin’s aerial presence against Fulham’s center-backs. Expect a lively atmosphere at the historic Craven Cottage, where the close proximity of fans to the pitch creates an intimate, vocal environment that can lift the home side.

Insights

• Fulham have a strong recent home record at Craven Cottage, earning points consistently against mid-to-lower table opposition through controlled possession and creative play.
• Everton have improved their away resilience this season, collecting several draws and occasional wins on the road with a disciplined, hard-working approach.
• Fulham typically line up in a 4-2-3-1, focusing on quick combinations, wide overloads, and exploiting spaces with technical midfielders.
• Everton often use a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, prioritizing defensive solidity, winning duels, and launching counters through pacey forwards.
• Key matchup: Andreas Pereira’s vision and set-piece delivery against Everton’s midfield pressing, which could influence control in central areas.
• Head-to-head history is fairly even in recent years, with several tight, low-scoring draws and occasional narrow wins for either side.
• Season stakes see both teams targeting a secure top-half position, avoiding any late drop and building confidence for future campaigns.
• Injury updates suggest largely fit squads for both clubs, with only minor doubts over fringe players and typical rotation management.
• Fan atmosphere at Craven Cottage is passionate and engaging, with the historic riverside setting and close stands generating significant noise and support.

Match Forecasts

• Raúl Jiménez and Alex Iwobi are likely to be influential for Fulham, using movement and link-up play to create high-quality chances.
• Main tactical battle centers on midfield dominance, where Fulham seek to dictate tempo through possession versus Everton’s efforts to disrupt and transition quickly.
• Set-piece threats are notable for both sides, with Fulham dangerous from dead-ball situations and Everton strong aerially on corners and free-kicks.
• Substitutes such as Adama Traoré for Fulham or Beto for Everton could add pace and physicality to change the game in the second half.
• Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities may appear if Fulham maintain high pressing and force turnovers in advanced areas.
• Game tempo is expected to be measured early but could become more open as both teams search for a breakthrough.
• Late-game scenarios often involve one side protecting a slender lead or the other pushing for a late equalizer, increasing drama in stoppage time.

Match Facts

• Recent head-to-head record shows a tendency toward draws and low-scoring affairs, with both teams sharing points in several of the last meetings.
• Craven Cottage has a capacity of around 25,700, providing an intimate, atmospheric venue where home advantage is tangible for Fulham.
• Referee notes for these mid-table encounters typically focus on managing physical battles and ensuring fair play in competitive fixtures.
• Broadcast live on Peacock in the US, with UK viewers able to access extended highlights on Sky Sports or BBC platforms post-match.
• Weather forecast for London in early February indicates cool temperatures around 5-9°C, with possible cloud cover or light rain.
• Team milestones include Fulham approaching records for home points totals in recent seasons and Everton eyeing away clean-sheet benchmarks.
• Player records feature potential landmarks for veterans like Raúl Jiménez in goals or appearances against familiar opposition.

This matchup promises a competitive, tactical battle between two well-matched Premier League sides. Fulham will look to impose their technical quality and home rhythm, using width and combinations to probe Everton’s compact shape. Everton, known for their grit and organization, are likely to sit deep when necessary, absorb pressure, and seek transitions or set-piece opportunities. The contest could hinge on discipline in midfield, effectiveness from wide areas, and composure in the final third. Craven Cottage’s unique setting amplifies the occasion, with the home crowd pushing Fulham in key moments and making it tough for visitors to settle. Both teams have shown enough quality this season to suggest an entertaining encounter, even if goals are at a premium in these types of fixtures. A positive result would reinforce momentum for either side as the campaign enters its decisive phase, underlining the Premier League’s depth and competitiveness across the table.