London derbies seem to be ten-a-penny lately and this Saturday we have another. This time though we`re off on the short journey to take on a Queens Park Rangers side who have yet to register a win this season, in the Premier League, surely we`ll not be the first to be beaten by them will we?
Vital Quotes:
To follow shortly!
Queens Park Rangers Team News:
Harry Redknapp has a few injury concerns. Definitely out are the ex-Fulham striking duo of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson whilst there signing from Manchester United, in the summer, Park Si-Jong will be absent with a knee injury.
On the positive side, Harry is hoping to have back his regular keeper Julio Cesar.
Player to watch: Cisse
A controversial character but one who can swing games if he`s up for it.
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol takes his squad the short distance to Shepherds Bush with doubts about Diarra and Simon Davies, although back in training, is not in contention. Bryan Ruiz also remains side-lined as the squad gets stretched as we approach the nitty-gritty part of the season.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov
I`m sure most Fulham supporters will agree that Christmas came early when Martin Jol persuaded Dimitar to come to Craven Cottage.
Match Facts & Stats
It appears we have the upper hand in recent matches between the two clubs. Queens Park Rangers fans will still be smarting from the 6-0 thrashing we handed out the last time we met them. They`ll also be smarting that we`ve won the last four fixtures that have taken place. But, to really rub it in, ask them when was the last time they scored against us. Apparently it was back in January 1980 when Gary Waddock and Steve Burke netted against us in a 2-0 win – that`s over thirty-one years!
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle, at Loftus Road, will be Martin Atkinson, ably assisted by C. Breakspear (assistant), M Scholes (assistant) and Mike Jones (fourth official).
Match Prediction:
It`s hard to comprehend how a side can almost reach Christmas and not have a Premier League victory to their name! Something tells me that Harry Redknapp will put that straight soon, but not on Saturday, please, I`m going for a narrow Fulham win, with our class just edging it.
Next Fixtures:
Next weekend we`re off to Liverpool for a Premier League fixture, just what the doctor ordered so close too Christmas
