Fulham to finish strongly
After the demoralising defeat to Sunderland on Thursday and being the only team that Sunderland have beaten at home all season, Fulham will look to bounce back against ‘Borough.
Chris Coleman
‘There’s a lot on Sunday’s game for us – we can jump two places if we win and finish in 12th position – which would be the second highest finish we’ve had in the Premiership.
‘I’ll pick my strongest team on Sunday – I want to finish the season on a high. In the last two years we’ve won the last match of the season and it sets you up for the next season. It means we’ve seen the job through but we’ll need another good performance against Middlesbrough. Sunday is all about Fulham finishing on a high, doing the job right and getting a win – finishing 12th is the only incentive we need.
‘We have no Zat Knight or Ian Pearce available on Sunday so my options at centre back will be from Carlos Bocanegra, Phillippe Christanval and Alain Goma.’
Fulham Team News:
It looks like Coleman will be forced to put out a much changed line-up to the one that lost at the Stadium of Light.
Zat Knight and Ian pearce are definitely ruled out while captain Luis Boa Morte is unlikely to feature and Papa Bouba Diop is also doubtful.
The one piece of good news is that Annti Niemi should feature after missing the game against Sunderland.
Vital predicted Line-up: Niemi, Rosenior, Bridge, Christanval, Bocanegra, Malbranque, Brown Radzinski, Elliot, John, McBride
Player to watch: Steed Malbranque
Has been in good form when available this season and has been one of the main driving forces behind Fulham’s recent run of 4 wins in 6 games.
Middlesbrough Team News:
‘Boro will be looking for a strong finish to the season to boost confidence ahead of the Uefa Cup Final.
McClaren is likely to be resting several key players in the run up to that match which means an expected start for Ross Turnbull in goal. Tony McMahon, David Wheater and Adam Johnson should also keep their places whilst parlour and Doriva will likely fill the midfield roles.
Player to watch: Lee Cattermole
Lee Cattermole has been in inspired form, playing with confidence and inspiration. Should feature and expect him to light up Craven Cottage.
Match Facts & Stats
Fulham have had 15 more shots in the Premiership this season than Borough, 359 to 344, and will be looking to make up a goal difference of -2 over Middlesbrough with both sides on 45 points.