After that historic first away win of the season, up at the Reebok, last Saturday, Fulham face a tough test against Manchester United at Craven Cottage this weekend. Could Fulham spring a surprise?
Vital Quotes:
We know it`s going to be hard to get a result but can someone have a word with Dickson Etuhu, who seems to be ready to be too willing to sing the praises of United remarking,
“I think it will be different this time. At the end of the day you can`t take anything away from Manchester United as they are the best team in the world’
‘It will be a tough game for us as they [United] want to prove a point after losing to Liverpool last week.”
Fulham Team News:
As far as we know Roy Hodgson has no injury worries. Aaron Hughes overcame a rib injury to play last time out and Bobby Zamora had overcome a hip injury to play as well.
Therefore, with the formidable ‘Red Army` in West London, we doubt whether Roy will make many changes.
Therefore, unless we`ve missed any suspensions, we expect Fulham to line up as follows,
Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson and Zamora.
Player to watch: Andrew Johnson
It`s time for AJ to show that he can score against the best teams in the Premier League and what better opposition to start against
Man United Team News:
Manchester United arrive in West London with a plethora of talent at Sir Alex Ferguson`s disposal. It`s probably fair to say that Sir Alex could select two teams to give us a run for our money out of his large squad.
However, if we`ve worked this out right, their centre-back, Vidic will be missing on Saturday, through suspension, after picking up a red card last Saturday.
Also missing, through injury, will be Gary Neville, Wes Brown and possibly John O`Shea.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez
We understand there is every chance the Argentine striker will be looking for anew club come the summer, he`s a class act and if he fancies a trial at Craven Cottage we`re sure Roy can sort him out with one.
Match Facts & Stats
This is the third time we`ve faced United in only a matter of weeks. In the reciprocating fixture, up at Old Trafford, we were soundly beaten 3-0. Then, days later, when faced with a visit from United in the FA Cup, we were beaten 4-0. Let`s hope it`s not a sign of things to come.
But, if we look through the record books for games played between the two on home turf, the records show its Fulham 0 wins, Manchester United 4 wins and 3 draws, in Premier League fixtures.
Continuing on the same theme, if we look at all League games on our turf, it`s Fulham 8 wins, Manchester United 10 wins and 10 draws
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd is the man looking to keep law and order.
Match Prediction:
Would they take me away to a secure location if I were to predict a Fulham win? Sadly, it`s hard, after United were turned over 4-1 by Liverpool, to envisage the current World, European and Domestic champions from suffering two defeats on the trot in their run in for the title. Therefore, I`ll still be brave and I`ll go for the spoils being shared in a 2-2 draw.
Next Fixtures:
Things don`t get that much easier. After a visit from Manchester United it`s a visit from their title rivals, Liverpool.
