Everton vs. Fulham: English Premier League Matchup Preview

With only a two-point deficit to their hosts, Fulham travels to Goodison Park where they will contend for the seventh-place position this Saturday. 

Although both sides are ineligible for Champions League qualification, this match still carries some significance.  Neither team has suffered a league loss in April and both are looking for a decisive conclusion, while transitioning into the summer transfer season.

David Moyes and the Merseyside club enjoyed a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford last weekend. 

Manchester United has been in excellent form recently, but Everton managed two goals in the last ten minutes to execute an amazing comeback. 

This performance proves that the season's lack of silverware has not affected their work ethic.  Everton are currently in seventh place, but their cross-town rivals, Liverpool, are only two points shy of drawing level. 

Lead by the American forward, Clint Dempsey, Fulham have experienced a similar bout of recent success.  Their best fixture was the April 9 draw against sixth-ranked Chelsea who has been in superb form since the takeover of interim manager Roberto di Matteo.

Both teams want to end the season on a high note to allure prospective transfers. 

The key player for Everton will be Marouane Fellaini.  Although Nikica Jelavić makes the headlines, the Belgian midfielder plays a crucial role in their success. 

Fellaini is a strong defending and passing midfielder who also presents a scoring threat.  Everton will also likely start Sylvain Distin in place of the injured Leighton Baines.

The key player for Fulham is Dempsey whose scintillating season has made him an English Premier League phenomenon.  Against Newcastle earlier this season, he proved he was capable of netting a hat-trick.

Everton is the likely winner because they will be playing at home and have more on the line—for a win will ensure their table position over Liverpool.  Additionally, they show better form, especially in their draw against Manchester United.

The last meeting between these teams saw a 2-1 Everton victory.

Expected result on Saturday: Everton 3 - Fulham 2