Fulham Under-18s will be looking for their fourth straight win in all competitions on Saturday, when they host current league leaders Southampton (KO 11am).
Form
Fulham:
Following a difficult couple of months, Ali Melloul's side have sprung back into life with wins over Chelsea and Brighton in the league and Manchester City in the Premier League Cup. The young Whites are currently nine points behind the Saints, but with 11 games still to play it remains all to play for.
Southampton:
It's been some season so far for this Southampton side, who lead the way in what is a very competitive title race. They've secured victories in their previous three league games, most notably smashing Aston Villa 5-0 away from home.
Last Time Out
Our lads weren't quite at the races for the reverse fixture and suffered a 2-0 defeat as a result. A first half Dominic Ballard brace was enough to see the hosts take all three points.
Player Thoughts
Captain Stefan Parkes fully understands the challenge ahead for his team, but confidence and belief remains as high as always.
"It’s going to be another tough battle this weekend, but I’m sure all the boys are up for it! Southampton are a top side in great form and a win against them this Saturday would be a great testament to the work we put in week in week out."
When asked what he thinks has 'clicked' in recent weeks, the 17-year-old responded: "I wouldn’t say we’ve changed much to be honest. I mean each week we constantly keep training hard, in and around the training ground and so it was only a matter of time before we got back to winning ways.
"I also feel it says a lot about the characters that we have in the squad, that we were able to endure a rough spell and yet still be able to fight as hard as we do now."
Our lads suffered defeat on the south coast in the reverse fixture, but Parkes isn't too fussed about the idea of 'revenge'.
"Of course, getting one back over them would be nice and obviously no one wants to lose, but revenge isn’t on the forefront of our minds and we can’t get caught up in that mindset. Our main focus is to be the best we can be, improve as much as we can and give it 110% everyday. If we continue to hold ourselves to these high standards then come Saturday, I feel the result will take care of itself.
