Ranieri Convinced 2/5 Fulham Will Survive

Manager Claudio Ranieri is expecting a tough challenge between now and the end of the season – but has still backed Fulham to beat the drop (Fulham 2/5 – To Be Relegated).

The Italian replaced Slavisa Jokanovic as Cottagers boss in November but did not see the usual ‘bounce’ when results pick up with a new man in the dugout.

The west Londoners head into the weekend’s fixtures sitting 19th in the Premier League table, five points from safety, with the former Leicester City and Chelsea chief having overseen just two league wins since taking the helm.

Next up for Fulham is the visit of third-placed Tottenham on Sunday and getting anything from the game will be seen as a bonus (Fulham 9/2, Tottenham 8/11, draw 11/4 – Match Betting).

However, regardless of the weekend’s result, the veteran tactician is steadfast in his belief there will be top-flight football at Craven Cottage next term.

“Of course I am positive – and I think at the end we survive,” he told Sky Sports. “Of course it’s not easy, but at the end, we will survive.”

Ranieri has vast experience of England’s top division, famously leading the Foxes to the title in 2015-16, and the much-travelled manager confessed he was under no illusions over the size of his task when signing on the dotted line.

“I expected a very tough season for Fulham,” he added. “Because when you grow up and arrive at the Premier League, it’s important to realise the tempo, the intensity the quality of the players.

“I hope now that in the last matches that there are, we can do something good for the team.”

Odds subject to change.