Alex Iwobi‘s Fulham travel to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, desperate to snap a dismal six-game losing streak in the Premier League without midfield general Wilfred Ndidi.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side, who sit 19th in the table, face mounting pressure to claw their way out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Marco Silva’s Fulham, buoyed by Iwobi’s superb form, will aim to consolidate their European aspirations after a rare defeat to West Ham earlier this week.
When the sides last met in August, Fulham secured a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage, and they’ll arrive in Leicester with confidence, having won their last three encounters against the Foxes.
Correct score prediction: Leicester City vs Fulham
Given Fulham’s defensive frailties and Leicester’s desperation for points, both teams are likely to find the net.
However, Fulham’s superior quality in attack, spearheaded by Iwobi and Raúl Jiménez, should prove decisive.
Expect Leicester to score but fall short in a tightly contested affair so we predict a win for Fulham at the King Power stadium.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-3 Fulham.
Iwobi to continue shining as Fulham chase Europe
The Hale End Academy product has been Fulham’s talisman this season, delivering his most productive campaign to date. With seven goals and three assists in 21 league appearances, the Nigerian international has directly contributed to 31% of Fulham’s goals this term.
Known for his ability to link play with “pre-assists,” Iwobi has become a creative force for Silva’s side, driving their push for a European spot.
The 28-year-old’s recent performances underscore his importance. Against West Ham, he scored both of Fulham’s goals, bringing his total goal contributions to double digits for the first time in his career. His influence extends beyond goals, as his tactical intelligence allows him to thrive in various roles, whether operating centrally or drifting wide.
Fulham, sitting 10th in the table, remain only seven points off fifth-placed Chelsea, with fifth now guaranteeing a Europa Conference League berth. Iwobi’s form will be pivotal if Fulham are to close that gap and sustain their challenge for continental football.
Bassey anchoring Fulham’s evolving backline
Calvin Bassey has been a regular in Fulham’s defence this season, featuring in 20 of their 21 league games. The Nigerian international has provided physicality and composure at the back, though the team’s recent defensive record raises concerns.
Fulham have conceded six goals in their last three games, and Silva’s switch to a three-man defence, featuring Bassey alongside Issa Diop and Joachim Andersen hasn’t yet delivered the desired stability.
While Bassey’s strength and aerial ability have been assets, the defence’s lapses have cost Fulham points. Against Leicester, he will need to be at his best to contain a Foxes attack desperate to end their goal drought at the King Power Stadium.
Ndidi’s absence leaves Leicester exposed
Leicester’s struggles this season have been exacerbated by Wilfred Ndidi’s injury absence. The Nigerian midfielder, sidelined since December with a hamstring issue, has been sorely missed in Van Nistelrooy’s setup.
Ndidi ranks fourth among Premier League midfielders for defensive actions this season, behind only Moisés Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Bruno Guimarães.
Without him, Leicester’s defensive solidity has crumbled. The Foxes have conceded at least two goals in every league match since Ndidi’s injury, managing just one win in all competitions—a narrow FA Cup victory over QPR.
His absence highlights Leicester’s lack of depth in midfield, as no other player in their ranks ranks among the league’s top 16 for defensive actions.
