Match Preview - Fulham (h)

[Jourdan]

Derby face the prospect of being officially relegated tomorrow if they lose to fellow strugglers Fulham and Birmingham overcome Manchester City. Fulham will be looking for their first away win in the Premier League this season to kick-start their bid for top-flight survival.

Last Time at Pride Park

Derby 0-1 Fulham (League - 2001/02)
Derby 1-1 Fulham (FA Cup – 2004/05)

Recent History

Fulham have had a rapid rise through the Football League in the past decade or so. Micky Adams led the Cottagers to promotion to Division Two (League One) in 1996/97. This was followed by promotion to Division One (Championship) under ex-Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan in 1998/99.

Keegan departed for international management with England to enable Paul Bracewell to take the reins but Bracewell’s reign was short-lived. Next through the doors was Frenchman Jean Tigana who guided the Whites to the Premier League in 2000/01.

Fulham have retained their Premier League status since their promotion and famously qualified for the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup in 2002. But besides this brief venture into Europe, the Cottagers’ fans have had to settle for mid-table security more often than not. Neither Chris Coleman nor Coleman’s successor Lawrie Sanchez have been capable of taking the club forward sufficiently after Tigana’s departure during the 2002/03 season.

Summer Signings

Lawrie Sanchez spent big in the summer to add to Fulham’s squad. The former Northern Ireland boss scoured the lower leagues to sign Diomansy Kamara, Hameur Bouazza and Chris Baird from Championship sides West Brom, Watford and Southampton respectively and used his links with Northern Ireland to lure David Healy away from League One misfits Leeds. For players playing outside the top-flight, it seemed risky to spend an estimated £14m on the quartet.

Sanchez did tempt some players established at Premier League level to Craven Cottage, but it could be argued that the likes of Kasey Keller, Danny Murphy and Dejan Stefanovic arrived at the Cottage long past their best and Paul Konchesky, Aaron Hughes, Dejan Stefanovic and Seol Ki-Hyeon had just been performing solidly during their time in the top flight.

Sanchez’s signings have failed to push the Whites on to bigger and better things and it has been left to Roy Hodgson to attempt to clean up the mess left by the former Wimbledon striker.

Form

The two relegation rivals met in October and Fulham have won just three of their 21 Premier League games since, with successes over teams in pursuit of European football - Everton, Aston Villa and Blackburn. It is their home form that has kept them within touching distance of the teams above, having collected 11 points in their last 10 outings at Craven Cottage. This is a horrifying contrast to their away form – they have lost 7 of the last 11 games on their travels, claiming draws against Sunderland, Birmingham, Bolton and Blackburn in the process.

The Cottagers’ struggles haven’t been confined to the league; they were knocked out in the Third Round of the FA Cup by eventual quarter-finalists Bristol Rovers, after the Gas earned a gutsy 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage before winning via penalty shoot-out in the replay at the Memorial Stadium. They were also dumped out of the Carling Cup at the third round stage, being humbled at home by Bolton.

Predicted Line-ups

Derby – Carroll, Edworthy, Moore, Leacock, McEveley, Sterjovski, Savage, Ghaly, Lewis, Miller, Earnshaw

Fulham – Keller, Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Murphy, Bullard, Andreasen, Davies, McBride

Ones to Watch

Clint Dempsey – The US international arrived at Craven Cottage during last season and after struggling to settle initially, he has become an integral part of the Fulham side. His versatility has been the key to his success – he is able to play as a striker, right-winger or as an attacking central midfielder. He is the club’s leading scorer in the Premier League, with 6 goals in 30 appearances.

Jimmy Bullard – The former Wigan star’s spell at Craven Cottage has been blighted by injury but he has still managed to establish himself as a fans’ favourite with some impressive displays in central midfield.

Brian McBride – McBride is an American striker that oozes experience and know-how. His aerial presence and instinct in and around the box will certainly keep the Derby defence on their toes. Despite only featuring on 10 occasions in the top flight this season, he has scored 2 goals – one less than Northern Ireland hot shot David Healy who has appeared on 15 more occasions.

Key Battles

Moore vs. McBride – Commanding centre back Darren Moore is equipped with the aerial ability and strength that may be able to nullify the threat of the US international.

Savage vs. Bullard – Bullard is the key man in Fulham’s midfield and it will up to Rams captain Robbie Savage to ruffle the danger man’s feathers.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 28/03/2008)

Derby to win – 7/4
Draw – 9/4
Fulham to win – 6/5

Virtual Betting

No bets had been placed at the time of writing.

Jourdan predicts...1-1

[GresleyRam]

2-2, relegated but a good performance today!

TITO, STERJOWSKI AND GHALY LOOKED GOOD!