Paul Merson is forecasting a stern challenge for Leicester City as they prepare to face Fulham this weekend. Steve Cooper, who is seeking his first victory as Leicester City manager, will be keen to build on the promising start his team made in their Premier League opener.

Leicester City entered this season with expectations of a relegation battle following their promotion, but their performance in the early stages suggests they may have the resilience to defy those predictions.

The Foxes opened their 2024/25 campaign with a commendable 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium on Monday evening. Jamie Vardy’s equaliser, cancelling out Pedro Porro’s early goal, provided a boost of confidence for Cooper’s men.

New signing Facundo Buonanotte particularly impressed Leicester fans with his performance, and he will be looked upon to maintain that form as the Foxes head to Craven Cottage for a 3pm BST kick-off against Marco Silva’s Fulham on August 24th.

However, not everyone is convinced by Leicester’s prospects. Paul Merson, the former Middlesbrough and Arsenal midfielder, has cast doubt on Leicester’s ability to secure Premier League survival.

Merson, who previewed every fixture for the upcoming Premier League gameweek with Sportskeeda, was scathing in his assessment of Leicester’s first-half performance against Spurs, describing it as ‘embarrassing’.

Merson did acknowledge Jamie Vardy’s contribution, though, remarking:

“Credit to Jamie Vardy though. If I’m being honest, I saw the first half and I was like, ‘you need to retire mate’. But he proved me wrong with the goal and could have scored another one in that match. It’s amazing what he does at this age.”

Despite Vardy’s efforts, Merson remains unconvinced by Leicester’s overall quality and is predicting a comfortable 2-0 win for Fulham on Saturday.

“I thought Fulham were quite decent the other day against Manchester United and I’m backing them to beat Leicester,” Merson wrote.

“I’m not entirely buying into Leicester despite that draw against Tottenham because their first half display was embarrassing. Despite all of that, I don’t see Leicester troubling Fulham too much in this clash.” I’m backing Marco Silva’s men to secure a comfortable win on home turf.

“Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Leicester City”

While Merson’s prediction may cast a shadow over Leicester’s chances, there is a case to be made that Fulham could underestimate their opponents.

Silva’s side had a less-than-ideal start to the season, falling 1-0 to Manchester United on the opening day. In contrast, Leicester’s draw against a strong Tottenham side could provide them with the momentum they need to surprise Fulham.

Fulham, who finished 13th in the Premier League last season, are not anticipated to pose as significant a threat as Tottenham, despite their solid performance against Manchester United.

With a few decent signings, they remain a formidable side, but Leicester’s display against Spurs might suggest they are capable of more than many, including Merson, are willing to believe.

As Leicester head into the clash at Craven Cottage, they will be hoping to defy expectations and secure their first victory of the season, proving that their return to the Premier League will not be as straightforward as some have predicted.