It is a battle of mid-table today with Reading visiting Craven Cottage for the first time in 7years. The last time these two teams met in the Second Division, Fulham walked out with a double whammy of victories.
However Steve Coppell`s men will be looking to change that today, facing their third London opponents on the trot, and looking to take add three points to the six they notched up against Spurs and Charlton.
Fulham started the season confidently but last week suffered a disheartening defeat at Maine Road, losing out 3-1 to Man City.
However if Fulham can maintain their home form and snatch a win today they could leapfrog Reading and depending on results take a place as high as 8th, while potentially leaving Reading in the bottom half of the table.
Fulham (from): Niemi, Rosenior, Knight, Pearce, Queudrue, Volz, Bocanegra, Brown, Diop, Boa Morte, Jensen, McBride, John, Helguson, Radzinski, Lastuvka, Routledge.
Reading (from): Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Little, Sidwell, Harper, Hunt, Seol, Doyle, Long, Lita, Gunnarsson, de la Cruz, Bikey, Oster, Federici.
Vital Quotes:
Fulham midfielder Michael Brown:
‘I’m not looking at who’s above us and who isn’t. We just need to get a win quickly so we can get back into that top half.
‘We’ve been in the top half of the table for most of the season and regardless of who we’re playing, we need to get the win to put us back up there.’
Reading manager Steve Coppell on ex player Chris Coleman:
‘When I signed him, I didn’t see him as a potential manager to be honest. I signed him from Swansea by tribunal and tried to convert him into a centre forward at one stage.
‘I thought he was all right up front actually but it’s probably right he has been better as a manager!
‘He’s doing really well at Craven Cottage and Saturday’s match will be a tough one.’
Fulham Team News:
Fulham are bolstered by the return of midfielder Michael Brown who has overcome an ankle injury, Moritz Volz or Carlos Bocanegra could lose out to him. However Papa Bouba Diop playing is an uncertainty, the Senegalese midfielder is struggling wit ha thigh injury.
Collins John could start after his impressive subsititues appearance against Man City last weekend, meanwhile Heidar Helguson will hoping for a place in the starting 11 too.
Finally Simon Elliot remains on the long-term injry list for the Cottagers. It is thought he won`t return for at least 3months.
Player to watch: Brian McBride
Lethal in the air, and Fulham’s lead goalscorer.
Reading Team News:
Reading could potentially field the same team that saw off Charlton last weekend, and this is most likely as Steve Coppell rarely changes a winning team.
Glen Little was a liability after foot problem had meant he missed training, but the winger will be available to start.
Meanwhile Bobby Convey is still across the pond recovering from his knee injury.
Stephen Hunt will make his 50th appearance in a Reading shirt, should he play today.
Dave Kitson had his hopes dashed of a quick return when he injured his hamstring in the week, he rejoins Peter Mate and Aaron Brown on the long-term injury list.
Player to watch: Stephen Hunt
Played the best football of his season last weekend, lets hope he imitates it in his 50th Reading match.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
As always optimistic of Reading walking out with a win, super sub Leroy Lita to come on and net his first goal since the open of the season to clinch it!
But i think 1-1 is probably more likely…
Could be an away win?
a great win and three points for you……………..
good work, though could of been so different 11 vs 11!! Coppell had some good comments about that “last man/goal scoring opportunity” rule!!