Calvin Bassey believes Fulham still have a real chance of qualifying for Europe this season, despite a recent dip in form, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles defender has called on his team-mates to stay focused and united as they chase what would be a historic achievement for the club.
Fulham are currently 11th in the Premier League table, but the gap between them and the European places is very small. Just four points separate them from seventh position, which could be enough to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
Several teams, including Brentford, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Everton, are also chasing that same target, making the race very tight.
Even though Fulham have not won any of their last three matches in all competitions, including a disappointing FA Cup exit to Southampton, Bassey remains positive about their chances.
“If you look at the last two or three seasons, we've been in and around it, and then the last four or five games it's sort of got away from us, [but] we're right there now,” he said as per BeinSports.
“We've got eight games left, and I feel like we can really push and achieve it. We're four points behind seventh, so it's all very close, that's why each game and point matters.
“We feel like we're so close to our goal. The atmosphere in the changing room is excitement, because we know we've got a chance to do something amazing, achieve something great, so we're just taking each game as it is.”
Fulham vs Burnley: Match preview and key stats
Fulham will hope to turn that belief into results when they welcome Burnley to Craven Cottage on Saturday. It is a very important match for both teams, but for very different reasons.
While Fulham are chasing a place in Europe, Burnley are fighting to stay in the Premier League. Their situation is much more difficult. According to Opta’s supercomputer, they have just a 0.4% chance of avoiding relegation.
Burnley showed some fight in their last game, holding Bournemouth to a 0-0 draw. That match was full of chances, with 37 shots taken in total, but neither side could score.
Looking at past meetings, Fulham will feel confident against Burnley. They won the reverse fixture 3-2 in December and are now aiming to complete a league double over Burnley for the first time since the 1950-51 season.
They also have a strong recent record against newly promoted teams, losing just once in their last 14 such games. However, there are warning signs. Fulham have failed to score in their last two league matches, losing 1-0 to West Ham United and drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest.
Burnley, on the other hand, have surprisingly done well in recent visits to Fulham, winning three of their last four away games at Craven Cottage. They have won their last two there by a 2-0 scoreline.
Still, their overall form is poor. Burnley have won just one of their last 21 Premier League matches. They also struggle defensively away from home, keeping only one clean sheet in their last 41 away league games and conceding in each of their last 25.
All of this sets up an interesting contest. Fulham have the better position and stronger motivation to push for Europe, but Burnley are desperate and fighting for survival. With so much at stake, every moment in this match could be crucial.
