Southampton vs Fulham: 5 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

Even the most avid Saints and Fulham fans will have to question why Sky Sports chose to air this match at the same time as El Classico. There is no glamour or glitz about it, just as there wasn't for the visit of West Ham in September, nor was there on Monday night when the Craven Cottage outfit travelled to Crystal Palace. Having said that, that does not make the game any less entertaining, just that from a business standpoint, there are more attractive games to show. Indeed, Fulham's trip to Selhurst Park provided two of the best goals seen so far this season in a solid display. Both teams will be going into this game on a high. Fulham played some great football in the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, which turned out to be Ian Holloway's last game in charge for Palace, while the Saints grabbed a well-deserved point at Old Trafford on Saturday. Mark Lawrenson said in his pre-game predictions that two games ago, Martin Jol was looking at the sack, now riding high on two back to back wins, he has a legitimate claim to Manager of the Month, though Mauricio Pochettino may claim the same. In fact, whoever wins the clash on Saturday teatime, will put themselves in a very strong position for the accolade. Not to diminish the importance of those two wins, they came against a struggling Stoke and a doomed Crystal Palace, so a trip to St Mary's will provide a really tough test. Despite back-to-back wins, Fulham will be desperate add a third victory to that tally, as they have two tough games coming up with a visit from Manchester United followed by a trip to Liverpool, before Swansea travels to Craven Cottage. The Saints have already taken four points of those two sides, and will be looking to build on an impressive start. So let's take a look at where this game will be won or lost.