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Premier League Preview: Fulham - Blackburn Rovers
Rovers looking for second away win in less than a week…
24 Nov 2009 14:46:28
By Ollie Irish
Blackburn Rovers did the double over Fulham last season - no mean feat against Roy Hodgson's much-improved team, which enjoyed a fine campaign in 2008-09. Indeed, the Cottagers have not won in their last six meetings with the Lancastrian club, their last victory in this fixture coming as long ago as December 2005.
The ill-health of manager Sam Allardyce, who is set to undergo an angioplasty later this week, seemingly inspired Rovers to a 2-0 win at his former club Bolton Wanderers on Sunday. Assistant manager Neil McDonald, who oversaw the much-needed victory at the Reebok Stadium, will once again take charge as Blackburn look to win three consecutive games for the first time since January 2008.
By last season's high standards, Fulham have made a less-than-satisfactory start, but when you consider they are only two points down on where they were at the same stage in 2008-09, things don't look quite as gloomy. And after three away games in a row, including a trip to Rome in the Europa League, the comforts of Craven Cottage should result in a more assured performance.
FORM GUIDE
Fulham
Nov 21: Birmingham 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 8: Wigan 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 5: Roma 2-1 Fulham (Europa League)
Oct 31: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Oct 25: Man City 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)
Blackburn
Nov 22: Bolton 0-2 Blackburn (Premier League)
Nov 7: Blackburn 3-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Oct 31: Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
Oct 27: Blackburn 5-2 Peterborough (League Cup)
Oct 24: Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
TEAM NEWS
Fulham
Striker Andy Johnson (groin) and club captain Danny Murphy (knee) have both recovered and will be available for selection. Damien Duff and John Pantsil should both return to the starting line-up after substitutes' roles at St Andrew's.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Birmingham): Schwarzer, Kelly, Konchesky, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Gera, Dempsey, Greening, Davies, Zamora
Blackburn
Gael Givet is doubtful after suffering a thigh injury at Bolton, with either Lars Jocobsen or Michel Salgado set to deputise for the French defender.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Bolton): Robinson, Samba, Givet, Nelsen, Chimbonda, Emerton, Dunn, Nzonzi, Roberts, Diouf, Di Santo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fulham - Clint Dempsey
The American forward has been Fulham's most consistent performer in attack this season. His combination of strength and skill means he is frequently a thorn in the side of opposition defenders, even if he doesn't score quite as many goals as his clever play merits. Watch out too for Bobby Zamora, who has scored in each of Fulham's last two home games. Dempesy and Zamora are Fulham's joint top scorers in the league, with three goals apiece.
Blackburn - David Dunn
The English playmaker has been a revelation in the last two months, running the show for Rovers and scoring four league goals in the process. He is undoubtedly in the best form of his life, and if he continues to play this well, there will be calls for England boss Fabio Capello to reward him with another international cap, though a place on the plane to South Africa looks unlikely.
PREDICTION
Fulham 2-1 Blackburn
Wednesday, November 25, Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Craven Cottage, West London
Craven Cottage, West London
Blackburn Rovers did the double over Fulham last season - no mean feat against Roy Hodgson's much-improved team, which enjoyed a fine campaign in 2008-09. Indeed, the Cottagers have not won in their last six meetings with the Lancastrian club, their last victory in this fixture coming as long ago as December 2005.
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The ill-health of manager Sam Allardyce, who is set to undergo an angioplasty later this week, seemingly inspired Rovers to a 2-0 win at his former club Bolton Wanderers on Sunday. Assistant manager Neil McDonald, who oversaw the much-needed victory at the Reebok Stadium, will once again take charge as Blackburn look to win three consecutive games for the first time since January 2008.
By last season's high standards, Fulham have made a less-than-satisfactory start, but when you consider they are only two points down on where they were at the same stage in 2008-09, things don't look quite as gloomy. And after three away games in a row, including a trip to Rome in the Europa League, the comforts of Craven Cottage should result in a more assured performance.
FORM GUIDE
Fulham
Nov 21: Birmingham 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 8: Wigan 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 5: Roma 2-1 Fulham (Europa League)
Oct 31: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Oct 25: Man City 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)
Blackburn
Nov 22: Bolton 0-2 Blackburn (Premier League)
Nov 7: Blackburn 3-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Oct 31: Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
Oct 27: Blackburn 5-2 Peterborough (League Cup)
Oct 24: Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
TEAM NEWS
Fulham
Striker Andy Johnson (groin) and club captain Danny Murphy (knee) have both recovered and will be available for selection. Damien Duff and John Pantsil should both return to the starting line-up after substitutes' roles at St Andrew's.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Birmingham): Schwarzer, Kelly, Konchesky, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Gera, Dempsey, Greening, Davies, Zamora
Blackburn
Gael Givet is doubtful after suffering a thigh injury at Bolton, with either Lars Jocobsen or Michel Salgado set to deputise for the French defender.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Bolton): Robinson, Samba, Givet, Nelsen, Chimbonda, Emerton, Dunn, Nzonzi, Roberts, Diouf, Di Santo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fulham - Clint Dempsey
The American forward has been Fulham's most consistent performer in attack this season. His combination of strength and skill means he is frequently a thorn in the side of opposition defenders, even if he doesn't score quite as many goals as his clever play merits. Watch out too for Bobby Zamora, who has scored in each of Fulham's last two home games. Dempesy and Zamora are Fulham's joint top scorers in the league, with three goals apiece.
Blackburn - David Dunn
The English playmaker has been a revelation in the last two months, running the show for Rovers and scoring four league goals in the process. He is undoubtedly in the best form of his life, and if he continues to play this well, there will be calls for England boss Fabio Capello to reward him with another international cap, though a place on the plane to South Africa looks unlikely.
PREDICTION
Fulham 2-1 Blackburn
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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