Premier League Preview: Fulham - Hull

Neither side are yet to light the league alight, so both will be opn the prowl for maximum points.

Oct 18, 2009 9:04:14 PM

More On :  Fulham, Hull, Fulham vs Hull
EPL: Jimmy Bullard, Fulham - Middlesbrough (PA)
Kick-off: Monday, October 19, 2009 - 20:00 BST
Craven Cottage, Fulham, London

It will be with some irony if Jimmy Bullard can cement his return to Phil Brown's senior Hull City squad against the side who sold him during the winter window - Fulham.

The 30-year-old has mustered less than 30 minutes of competitive football for the Tigers since his January transfer, due to injuring the same knee that he had dislocated whilst a Cottager on his debut. However, the two injuries are not said to be related.

The break-up of a formidable midfield, between Bullard and Danny Murphy, was cited as a potential downfall for Fulham's second-half of the season in 2008-09, yet Hodgson was able to bring in Dickson Etuhu who helped dominate the central zones (along with Murphy) against sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal.

The £5 million Hull splashed on Bullard is yet to be re-paid. The 30-year-old scored in a recent reserve game designed to build-up his match fitness, and he will be eager to make an impression on Monday evening should he be given the all-clear.

Hull have embarked on some rotten form of late, but appeared to remedy that with a 2-1 win over Wigan. Fulham will want to ensure they return to their losing ways as the west Londoners are celebrating their 130th year of existence.

The anniversary could not fall on a trickier week. A Europa League clash, against Roma, will be contested midweek, prior to a Sunday showdown versus Manchester City, and Fulham have not fared well after continental exploits…


FORM GUIDE

Fulham

West Ham 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)
Fulham 1-0 Basle (Europa League)
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Manchester City 2-1 Fulham (League Cup)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Hull

Hull 2-1 Wigan (Premier League)
Liverpool 6-1 Hull (Premier League)
Hull 0-4 Everton (League Cup)
Hull 0-1 Birmingham (Premier League)
Sunderland 4-1 Hull (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson may rue the absence of influential attacker Clint Dempsey, who is out of action due to a shoulder injury.

Simon Davies is yet to return from an ankle knock, while David Stockdale and Toni Kallio are also out.

Damien Duff could be set to return.

Kigasho Dikgacoi is suspended.

Last XI, versus West Ham United (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Painstil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Gera, Murphy, Dikgacoi, Dempsey, Johnson, Kamara.

Hull

Tigers physios currently have three injured players to look after; Liam Cooper, Richard Garcia, and Ian Ashbee.

Jim Bullard will face a late fitness test.

Last XI, versus Wigan (4-2-3-1): Myhill, McShane, Sonko, Kilbane, Dawson, Zayette, Barmby, Geovanni, Marney, Hunt, Vennegoor of Hesselink.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham

With the injury to key attacker Dempsey, Danny Murphy will have to shoulder the creative and playmaking responsibilities - more so than usual.

Hull

Stephen Hunt has been enjoying a productive campaign so far, and in-form players are always worth keeping an eye on.


PREDICTION

Fulham 1-0 Hull

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK
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