After the Europa League fixture against Odense, we return to the bread and butter of the Premier League for a home clash with near-neighbours Queens Park Rangers. It feels kind of strange to have another team from our part of London in the Premier League but it promises to be an exciting clash. May the best team, on the day, win.
Vital Quotes:
Having gained promotion, Queens Park Rangers have signed a multitude of players. Although it is a fact of life, if promotion is to be turned into a prolonged Premier League stay, it is something that Danny Murphy has some thoughts on.
See what you think,
“I feel a bit for the lads who got them up as I don`t think many of them are in the team.”
“I know that`s the way the Premier League works but it`s kind of a quick evolution if you like.”
“They`ve made some astute signings, SWP maybe being the most important as he ca switch defence into attack as quickly as possible.”
“He`s so very dangerous for us.”
I`d probably add that, apart from Joey Barton, he`s the only decent other player they`ve signed!
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol, having travelled to Denmark without three influential players in Dembele, Moussa and Hughes will have the first two of that trio available again. The third, Hughes, will undertake a fitness test on Sunday. But, young Matthew Briggs s unlikely to be available having picked up a knock in Odense!
Player to watch: Andrew Johnson
After his two goal burst in Denmark, it`d take a brave manager to drop him!
QPR Team News:
Neil Warnock goes into this fixture without his full-back, Traore, who received a red card last time out, against Aston Villa, and is suspended. Matt Connolly is expected to step into the void.
Former West Ham defender, Danny Gabiddon is out injured.
Having recently changed owners, QPR spent wildly as the transfer window closed but one player form last year, Adel Taarabt, could be one man to watch.
Player to watch: Shaun Wright-Phillips
Already singled out by Danny Murphy as a major threat so who are we to argue?
Match Facts & Stats
With Queens Park Rangers having earned promotion last season, this is the first Premier League meeting between the two clubs.
In fact trawling the record books it seems we`ve only played each other four times in the last 28 years, back at the turn of the decade seasons. Fulham won all four of those.
Searching a little more, you find that QPR haven`t scored against Fulham since 2 May 1983!
Match Prediction:
Having ended that run of eight games without a win, winning 2-0 in Denmark, it`s time to get a Premier League win to move us up the table. With Queens Park Rangers, under Neil Warnock, playing attractive football, it promises to be an enthralling local derby. Pressed to name a winner, I`ll go 3-2 to Fulham!
Next Fixtures:
After we`ve suffered another international break, we resume our Premier League fixture programme with a game against fellow Europa League competitors, Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
