After the dramatic finale at Reading last weekend, where our hosts snatched a late equalizer to deprive us of all three points, we resume our Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Everton. David Moyes side has started the campaign well and will provide our improving side with a stern test. Will we emerge with all three points? Saturday afternoon will provide the answer.
Vital Quotes:
Fulham – Quotes
Ahead of the clash this weekend, Marti Jol has spoken in glowing terms about our opposition.
It`s almost as if Jol aspires to match Everton`s status when he remarked at the pre-match press conference,
“We always admire Everton”
“Everton are an example for so many clubs. Over the last 10 or 12 years most of the time they were in the top seven.”
“Outside the recognized clubs I think they are the best.”
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol has a relatively full squad to choose from. Grygera and Davies remain on the injury list but everybody else, as far as we know, is fit.
All that remains is for Martin to decide which of his four strikers should be deployed against Everton, or more importantly, who`ll partner Dimitar Berbatov.
Player to watch: Chris Baird
Two goals in two matches mark Chris down as one-to-watch when it comes to a surprise scorer. Here`s hoping that Chris can get on the end of yet another corner kick to make it three in three.
Everton Team News:
David Moyes has a few injury problems with Darron Gibson definitely out and concerns about the fitness of Kevin Miralles who impressed against Liverpool before an ankle injury forced him out of the action.
Returning after suspension is the dangerous Steven Pienaar.
Player to watch: Steven Pienaar
It never really worked out for the South African during his time at White Hart Lane but on returning to Goodison Park his career has been revitalized and he`ll be a constant threat with his running and ball skills.
Match Facts & Stats
The record books show that the clubs have met 56 times with Everton winning 26 compared to the 18 of Fulham.
In recent times, Everton have the upper hand. In the last 6 fixtures in all competitions between the two sides they`ve won 5 and drawn 1.
Time for a change in fortune I`d suggest.
Ref Watch:
The officials nominated for this game are:-
N. Swarbrick (referee), D. Bryan (assistant), M. Wilkes (assistant), M. Oliver (fourth official)
Match Prediction:
David Moyes side will be a tough proposition, they`ll come with a game plan with everybody knowing their roles, If we are to get three points from this game we may well require a piece of individual flair from Dimitar Berbatov to open up a defence usually superbly marshaled by Distin and Jagielka whilst also nullifying the threat the likes of Fellaini and Jelovic present. But, my heart reckons we`ll win and my head, for once, is agreeing, so I`ll go for 2-1 to Fulham.
Next Fixtures:
It`s a short trip across London next weekend, to the Emirates Stadium, to take on Arsenal in a Premier League fixture.
