Manchester City V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

Long-time leaders of the Barclay’s Premier League, Manchester City find themselves under enormous pressure from their cross-city rivals after seeing their lead at the summit whittled down to goal difference alone following their 1-0 defeat to Everton on Tuesday. However in spite of their latest setback, Roberto Mancini’s men remain favourites for the title and could even restore their lead on a favourable weekend which sees them host Fulham and United go to Chelsea.

It has so far been a disastrous start to 2012 for Manchester City, who began the year clear at the top of the Premier League, on the cusp of reaching the Carling Cup final, and about to begin the defence of their FA Cup crown. Within a month they find themselves out of both aforementioned cup competitions, losing to Liverpool in the former and Man United in the latter, as well as teetering under the pressure being applied by Sir Alex Ferguson and his United charges.

Who knew the absence of Yaya Toure would be so critical? Everyone, that’s who. City have struggled immensely without the Ivorian’s services, so it was little surprise Roberto Mancini sought out a stop-gap during the January transfer window. David Pizarro, a Chilean central midfielder the Italian chief knows well from his time at Inter Milan, has joined on loan for the remainder of the season and will be included in the squad to face Fulham.

Also back in the City squad is captain Vincent Kompany, the Belgian who featured for the first time on Tuesday, in the loss to Everton, since receiving a four-match suspension for a red card offence in last month’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United. While he could not stop his team from recording their third league defeat of the season, he will definitely improve upon City’s last performance at home – which was a fortuitous 3-2 defeat of Tottenham.

Fulham, too, are boosted by the arrival of a new face. While Bobby Zamora departed for QPR for a fee believed to be £4million, Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak signed on a permanent deal from VFB Stuttgart. At 6ft 2in, and boasting a powerful frame, the Russian could be a useful addition to a team which has lacked goals in the forward department: midfielder Clint Dempsey is their leading marksmen yet again, the American who is now into double figures (10) after netting the opening goal in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at Craven Cottage.

Goals haven’t been that hard to come by at home for Martin Jol’s side, with 22 from 11 home games a very reasonable sum, however, 7 from 11 away games is very worrying indeed. Hence the Fulham manager’s decision to seek out a more potent threat in front of goal. The Cottagers are, though, in reasonable form, having followed up their 5-2 thrashing of Newcastle on 21 January with a 1-1 draw with West Brom in midweek. It’s a different story entirely on the road however, having won only once on their travels all season (W1 D5 L5 away from home in PL).

However, Fulham are without defeat in their last four visits to Manchester City in the league, drawing 1-1 on their visit to the Etihad Stadium last season.

Match Facts

Last League Meeting: Fulham 2-2 Manchester City; 18 September, 2011. Two goals either side of half-time from Sergio Aguero appeared to give Man City an unassailable 2-0 at Craven Cottage, but then Fulham stormed back with two goals of their own – via Bobby Zamora and a Vincent Kompany OG – to earn an unlikely point.

- Last season, Fulham earned a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium after Damien Duff cancelled out Mario Balotelli’s opener for Man City shortly after half-time.

- Manchester City haven’t beaten Fulham at home in the Premier League in their previous four attempts (D2 L2), since a 3-1 victory in November 2006.

- Both teams have scored in each of the previous fifteen league meetings.

Manchester City

- The Citizens (League Position: 1ST; Form: LWWWL) have seen their lead at the Premier League summit reduced to rubble, with arch rivals United now level on points but with an inferior goal difference.

- Manchester City have yet to drop a single point at home this season, winning eleven out of eleven at the Etihad Stadium, by an aggregate score of 34-6.

- Goalkeeper Joe Hart has kept six clean sheets at home, although he did concede twice in his last match at home, in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Fulham

- Fulham (League Position: 13TH; Form: DWLWD) have won just once on their travels in the league this season (W1 D5 L5), drawing four of their previous six away matches since a 2-0 victory at rock-bottom Wigan on 29 October, 2011.

- No team in the Premier League has plundered fewer goals away from home than Fulham (7), three of which were scored by American Clint Dempsey, with the Cottagers failing to score in five of their eleven away matches thus far.

- Fulham have lost just one of their last six Premier League matches (W2 D3 L1).

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN  3/10 (Bet365)

The history of this fixture would indicate a tricky match for Man City, who are clearly rocking after Tuesday’s narrow loss at Everton. Too many key players have gone off the boil, including the most influential of them from an attacking perspective, with Spaniard David Silva no longer pulling the strings like he was in the first quarter of the season. However, that defeat to Everton should serve as a wake-up call to everyone, especially those who’ve been slacking, so I’m expecting an emphatic response from Roberto Mancini’s men.

Fulham will no doubt set themselves up to absorb as much pressure as possible and try to hit their hosts on the break. With Vincent Kompany now marshalling the City rearguard, I don’t envisage the visitors enjoying much success up against the leanest home defence in the division. So business as usual for me, here.

Value Bet: Manchester City 3-0 (Correct Score) @ 8/1 (Coral)

I really do think this will be comfortable for Man City. Their recent performances would suggest the complete opposite, while Fulham can be a problematic opponent. Still, I don’t expect any more complacency from the long-time league leaders, not after Tuesday’s lacklustre display at Everton. A comfortable 3-0 success would be the perfect response to their critics. The final score should be somewhere in this ball park.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (BetVictor)

Fulham – 11/1 (Ladbrokes)

Fulham V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage

Preview

A second trip to the capital in the space of four days for Manchester United as they prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage a little over 72 hours since their comfortable 2-0 victory over QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday.

It really was a stroll in the park for Sir Alex Ferguson and his charges away to QPR, with goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick enough to secure their sixth league win in seven games and continue their fine vein of form away from home: United remain unbeaten on their travels in the Premier League this season (W6 D2 L0), winning their last four in succession without conceding a goal.

Unsurprisingly, then, United boast the strongest away record in the top flight. The Red Devils have taken 20 from a possible 24 points on the road, which is three more than second-best Man City, and have only conceded three times. However, their away mettle will be tested to the maximum on Wednesday night by a Fulham side with an impressive record in this fixture.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last three home Premier League games versus Manchester United, and they include a couple of to-nil successes (2-0 in 2008/09 and 3-0 in 2009/10). Last season saw the Cottagers score right at the death to maintain their undefeated run versus United at home, with defender Brede Hangeland hammering home a last-gasp headed equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Are we to expect more drama? Judging by some of Fulham’s matches at Craven Cottage so far this season, I believe so. Although their record on home soil isn’t anything to write home about (W3 D3 L2), their results against Man City (2-2), in which they fought from 2-0 down to earn a hard-fought point, and Liverpool (1-0) certainly suggest Martin Jol’s side have few problems rising to the occasion.

Striker Bobby Zamora will face a late fitness test on the knee injury which kept him out of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bolton, Fulham’s second successive league win at Craven Cottage, as will Steve Sidwell. Goalkeeper David Stockdale will continue to deputise between the sticks for the injured Mark Schwarzer.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t have any fresh setbacks, which is just as well considering he’s shorn of so many already. Nemanaja Vidic, Darren Gibson, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Anderson remain on the sidelines, although Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez are back in contention after featuring from the bench at QPR on Sunday.

Stat Attack

- Fulham are without defeat in their last three matches at home to Manchester United in the league, winning two.

- The Cottagers have won their last two home games without conceding, beating Liverpool 1-0 and Bolton 2-0.

- Manchester United have won six and lost none of eight Premier League games away from home (W6 D2 L0), winning their last four without shipping a single goal.

- The Red Devils are without defeat in seven overall in the league, winning six.

- Fourteen of the eighteen goals Fulham have scored in the league this season were at Craven Cottage.

- Five of the six Premier League goals Javier Hernandez has scored this season were netted away from home.

Our Prediction: Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Anyone who watched United at the weekend will be too frightened to oppose them at Craven Cottage, where their record in recent years is miserable to say the least. However, you have to take into consideration the opposition and how easy they made it. I actually thought QPR could spring a surprise, but boy was I wrong. Defensively they were all over the shop and it was a shock United didn’t plunder more than just the two, as it could have been four, five or even six such was the joy they had in the final third.

Fulham aren’t QPR. In fact, Fulham did the exact same to QPR as United, which was tear their hapless defence to pieces at Craven Cottage earlier in the season in a 6-0 thrashing. So don’t read too much into United’s result at Loftus Road. Fulham like to run a tight ship at home; they get the ball down and play it around; they make sure their defence is compact and organised, while their build-up play is patient – and at times a little methodical – but effect nonetheless.

A very tricky outing, this, for the defending champs, one I envisage them dropping points in. Make no mistake, Ferguson will send his team out in the mindset to win, but Fulham are no pushovers at home, as they shown on two particular occasions this season, against Man City and Liverpool, and will do their best to ensure the scoring in this contest is kept to an absolute minimum.

Value Bet: 1-1 Correct Score – 13/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Fulham – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Manchester United – 8/11 Bet365

Fulham V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 5 November – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage

Preview

Having watched the teams above them take maximum points over the weekend, Liverpool will be feeling a fair bit of pressure ahead of their Monday night encounter with Fulham at Craven Cottage – which you can see live on Sky Sports 1.

Craven Cottage has been a problematic ground for most teams in the Barclay’s Premier League over the years, but that hasn’t really been the case for Liverpool who have grown rather fond of West London. The Reds have been victorious on three of their last four visits to Fulham in the league, including last season’s emphatic 5-2 victory in which Maxi Rodriguez scored a hat-trick, and are targeting yet more spoils in this particular region of the capital having recently recorded quick-fire wins over Fulham’s West London rivals Chelsea in both the league and Carling Cup.

Furthermore, Tuesday’s victory over Chelsea, which set up a mouthwatering semi-final tie with Manchester City, was Liverpool’s fourth successive away win in all competitions and means Fulham, who go into the game on a real downer after succumbing to FC Twente on Thursday in the Europa League, have it all to do despite boasting home advantage, which isn’t much of an advantage considering they’ve won only one of six in the league this season at Craven Cottage.

Fulham

League Position: 17th

League Form: LWLDD

On the back of Thursday’s agonising defeat to FC Twente in the Europa League, Fulham entertain a Liverpool side whose last competitive defeat occurred almost three months prior to Monday’s Craven Cottage encounter. It’s also the same fixture the Cottagers conceded five in last season. Daunting stuff.

Are three days enough for any team to recover from their European exertions in time for the arrival of Kenny Dalglsih’s Liverpool, who are bidding to win for the fourth occasion in a row away from home? For some, possibly, but probably not for Fulham, whose hectic schedule this season means they’ve played more competitive games than any other team in the Premier League, a competition they’ve laboured in so far.

Fulham sit fifth from bottom in the league going into this match, just two points above the relegation zone. They’ve only won two of thirteen altogether, and just once at Craven Cottage, which, under former managers Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes, was previously a fortress. Not anymore, not under Martin Jol, who is still to convince some sections of the Fulham faithful.

Thursday’s 1-0 loss to FC Twente, a defeat which left them needing to win their final group game in order to qualify for the latter stages of the Europa League, has only heaped more pressure on the Dutch coach and his underachieving batch of experienced pros. The fact they conceded in the final minutes only makes it harder to take, demoralising, especially on the back of their miserable three-game winless run domestically.

Jol will also have to do without a couple of key players on Monday. Stephen Kelly should be fit and available but Simon Davies, Steve Sidwell and Damien Duff are all doubts. John Arne Riise will face Liverpool, his former club with whom he collected several major honours with, for the first time since completing his switch from Merseyside to AS Roma in 2008.

Liverpool

League Position: 7th

League Form: DWDWD

Confidence was high in the Liverpool camp following Tuesday’s comfortable win over Fulham’s West London rivals Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup which helped extend their unbeaten run to ten games, but the mood has dampened following the news regarding Lucas and the injury he sustained in the aforementioned victory.

The Brazilian is set to undergo surgery after damaging ligaments in his right knee at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, meaning the 24-year-old is unlikely to feature again until next season. It’s a huge blow for Lucas, who was named man of the match in last week’s 1-1 draw at Anfield at home to leaders Man City, and was instrumental in his team’s back-to-back victories over Chelsea inside a fortnight. However it’s one of monumental proportion for Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool boss who is now shorn of the player voted fans’ player of the season last year.

There is, however, now a window of opportunity for several to stake a claim in Lucas’ absence. Jay Spearing would appear the most likely to fill the Brazilian’s boots, which will be no easy feat. Nevertheless, Dalglish is adamant his in-form Reds, who are closing in on three months without losing a competitive game but whom currently sit five points off the Champions League places in seventh going into Monday’s game, will shine in adversity, as they did last Sunday at home to Manchester City.

Goalkeepers have often been Liverpool’s nemesis this season, so it was no surprise to see Joe Hart produce a master-class in shot-stopping at Anfield last week. It was the closest the league leaders had come to losing in the league all season, having won a remarkable 11 of 12 going into the game, which in itself speaks volumes as to how impressive Kenny Dalglish’s side were. A repeat performance would see them win this fixture at a canter, as they did on their last visit to Craven Cottage back in May, running out comprehensive 5-2 winners.

Match Pointers

- Maxi Rodriguez scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season to help Liverpool run out comfortable 5-2 winners.

- Just one of the previous eight Premier League meetings were won by Fulham – a 3-1 win back in October 2009.

- Liverpool have won on three of their last four visits to Craven Cottage in the league.

- Fulham have failed to score in six of their last eight league meetings with Liverpool.

- The Cottagers, who were involved in European action in midweek, have only won one of six home Premier League games this season (W1 D3 L2) and have suffered back-to-back 3-1 defeats to Everton and Tottenham in their last two.

- Home and away, Fulham are without a win in three in the league (W0 D2 L1).

- Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool are without defeat in eight in the league (W4 D4), ten in all competitions, winning each of their previous three away from home at Everton (0-2), West Brom (0-2) and Chelsea (1-2).

Betting

I was made to look a little foolish on several occasions this weekend, where I felt teams had outstanding claims but ended up earning nought. Newcastle and Aston Villa were two, Stoke definitely another, so I am a little wary about backing Liverpool, who appear nailed-on certainties on paper.

Martin Jol will rotate his squad after Thursday’s Europa League defeat to FC Twente in Holland, but depth isn’t something the Dutch can boast so fatigue will be an issue. Especially against a team like Liverpool, who like to keep the ball, dictate the tempo of the game and have several very dangerous individuals in the final third of the pitch – none more so than Luis Suarez, who didn’t play any part in Tuesday’s Carling Cup win at Chelsea, so will be on the fresher players on the park, and whom single-handily dismantled Fulham’s defence in last season’s Craven Cottage meeting.

Liverpool ran out 5-2 winners on their most recent venture to Craven Cottage, last May, and while bookmakers are offering long odds on the same scoreline, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility based on their respective forms. Whereas Fulham are striving to avoid a third consecutive home defeat in the league, after suffering back-to-back 3-1 losses against Everton and Tottenham, Liverpool are chasing their fourth successive away win – their fifth if you include Tuesday’s defeat of Chelsea in the cup.

The only conceivable way Liverpool do not end up winning this match is another display of excellence between the sticks from the goalkeepers. Fortunately for Fulham, 39-year-old Mark Schwarzer is capable of such brilliance. Then again, he was in goal when Liverpool notched five at Craven Cottage last season.

Match Outcome: Liverpool to WIN – 6/5 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Luis Suarez to Score 2 or More – 12/1 Bet365

Match Odds

Fulham – 13/5 Boylesports

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Liverpool – 6/5 PaddyPower

Arsenal V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 26 November 2011 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

There isn’t a manager in the land who would envy Martin Jol this weekend. The Fulham manager has the unenviable task of pitting his wits against Arsene Wenger at the Emirates, which is where an Arsenal side who’ve won eight of their previous nine matches, and whom, as recently as Wednesday, have qualified for the knockouts of the UEFA Champions League, reside. I suppose it isn’t a good time to mention that Fulham have NEVER beaten Arsenal in the north of London?

So Fulham will try to succeed where Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Marseille all failed – and that’s beat Arsene Wenger’s rampant Gunners. To be fair, the latterly mentioned did nullify them to a degree – the only side to do so as well in three months – although their 0-0 draw at the Emirates was against a side shorn of the prolific Robin Van Persie, whom is unplayable at this moment in time.

Finding a way to nullify Robin Van Persie is half the battle for Martin Jol, whose Fulham team must somehow find a way of containing the Premier League’s leading marksmen. The Dutch ace has 13 in 12 Premier League appearances – 31 in 29 PL appearances in 2011 – while his brace against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, the goals which secured Arsenal’s place in the latter stages of the Champions League, took his tally for the season, in all competitions, to 17. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the modern day greats, can rival his scoring prowess this calender year.

All the best, Fulham!

Arsenal

League Position: 7th

League Form: WWWWW

Buoyed by progress in Europe, Arsenal now turn their attentions to the Premier League and enhancing their claims for Champions League football next season. Next up is a London derby with Fulham at home, a fixture they’ve won eight times out of ten in the Premier League, before a trip to hapless Wigan. Two matches they ought to gobble up.

Just a matter of months ago, the Gunners were being written off with regards to a top four finish, but five successive wins later and not only are they firmly in contention, their claims are arguably stronger than some of their rivals. With twelve games played, they are locked on the same amount of points as Chelsea and Liverpool, though they do have the ignominy of trailing arch rivals Tottenham by three points.

At the rate of knots at which Arsenal are scoring, which is around three per game during this five-match winning run of theirs in the league – they are, however, without defeat in nine in all competition, winning eight, it won’t be long before the Gunners soar to even greater heights in the league – especially with Liverpool hosting Man City on the Sunday.

A few more goals from the hitman himself, Robin Van Persie, whom has scored a brace in three of his last four league appearances at the Emirates, as well as five in seven versus Fulham, and Arsenal will make further inroads up the table. Though they mustn’t underestimate Saturday’s opponents; Fulham have only conceded six on their travels so far and weren’t in European action during the week, unlike the Gunners who were certainly put in a fair old shift during the week against an industrious Dortmund side.

Fulham

League Position: 16th

League Form: LLWLD

Notorious bad travellers Fulham are the equivalent of lambs to the slaughter, with the West London side forced to pay their capital rivals Arsenal a visit at the Emirates on Saturday for a fixture even the commanding leaders of the Premier League would dread. But it has to be done, and at least the Cottagers head to north London with some fairly encouraging foundations upon which to build upwards from.

Although their away record in the Premier League isn’t great – they have only won five of their previous 44 away matches – Fulham can at least take heart from their recent exploits on the road. A couple of goalless draws with Sunderland and West Brom coupled with a tidy 2-0 win at Wigan means there are now 294 minutes on the clock since Martin Jol’s defence last conceded away from home.

So perhaps we do have a team, in Fulham, who are actually capable of keeping tabs on an Arsenal outfit in imperious form, fronted by an unstoppable Robin Van Persie? It still looks a monumental ask, though, saying that, the Cottagers did give their London rivals a run for their money at the Emirates last season. Only some brilliance from Samir Nasri, as well as some Fulham profligacy, denied them a rare draw there back in December of last year.

Another hugely significant factor working in Martin Jol’s favour is the lack of European football during the week – for them, anyway. For the first time this season, the Champions League and Europa League matches weren’t scheduled for the same week, meaning Fulham should have the slight edge in the conditioning department. This coming Thursday will see them back in Europa League action, though their immediate focus is on Saturday’s live ESPN clash with Arsenal.

Match Pointers

- In their 132-year history, Fulham have never recorded an away win against Arsenal, losing on eight of their ten visits to north London in the Premier League.

- Arsenal are unbeaten in all competition for nine games, eight of which were wins, while they’ve not lost a match at the Emirates since losing 2-0 to Liverpool back in August, winning nine and drawing one of ten since.

- The Gunners have won five Premier League matches in a row, scoring 15 and conceding 6.

- Robin Van Persie has scored ten goals in his last five league appearances for Arsenal, scoring two or more on three occasions at the Emirates this season (make that four if you include his brace against Borussia Dortmund in midweek in the Champions League).

- Fulham have won only two of 12 Premier League games this season (W2 D5 L5).

- Only bottom of the league Wigan have netted fewer times on their travels than Martin Jol’s Cottagers (3), whose team have failed to score in four of six away matches.

Betting

The history book would suggest a comfortable evening for Arsenal, who have won eight of the previous ten Premier League encounters on home soil, whether that be at the old Highbury or the swanky new Emirates, which isn’t that new anymore. However, Fulham should appreciate the lack of European football during the week, whereas Arsenal may well feel the effects of an exhausting night in Europe against one of the more industrious teams around in reigning German champions Borussia Dortmund.

The final 20 minutes could be a crucial period, then, which means ensuring they are within striking distance of the Gunners heading into the closing stages is imperative for Fulham if they’re to spring any sort of surprise. With the form they are in currently, you suspect Arsenal may well be home and hosed before we even get a chance to see the benefit of Fulham’s fresher legs.

The Gunners have scored in the opening 45 minutes in every match during this five-game winning streak of theirs in the league, and although they only went in at the break with the lead on two occasions, it could pay to back Arsenal HT/FT considering Fulham have only mustered three away goals all season.

Match Outcome: Arsenal to WIN – 4/9 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Arsenal/Arsenal (HT/FT) – 11/10 Bet365

Match Odds

Arsenal – 4/9 PaddyPower

Draw – 7/2 Boylesports

Fulham – 8/1 Totesport

Sunderland V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

The last thing these pair of stragglers needed was an influx of injuries – yet that is the card that has been dealt to both managers. The only positive for both is their teams go head-to-head with each other at the weekend, both eager to capitalise on the other’s misfortunes – on and off the pitch.

A knee injury sustained in the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Manchester United will keep young Connor Wickham sidelined until after Christmas, leaving his manager with only on-loan Nicklas Bendtner as a viable striking option. Now that in itself is a frightening prospect. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is also out injured with a suspected fractured eye socket, while set-piece specialist Seb Larsson, who just so happens to be Sunderland’s leading marksmen this season, will serve a one-match suspension on Saturday for an accumulation of cautions.

Sunderland have won only two matches thus far this season, even exiting the Carling Cup at the earliest possible departure point, so the absence of several influential figures will only handicap them further – as well as heap yet more pressure on manager Steve Bruce, who is one of the front runners in the ‘Next Managerial Departure’ betting market.

Despite only managing two league wins since taking charge in the summer, Fulham chief Martin Jol isn’t in the frame for the sack according to bookmaker StanJames, who have the Dutchman at long odds of 40/1 to be the next manager to leave his post. In fairness, the club do have a reputation for granting struggling managers time, as Mark Hughes was given the entirety of last season despite a sluggish start to his reign. Even so, his position is far from secure based on his team’s current wayward form.

The Cottagers reside in 16th, level on points with Sunderland but just one clear of third from bottom Bolton. What that means is a fourth away loss of the season at the Stadium of Light this weekend could relegate Martin Jol’s team to a stint in the relegation zone. However, a 2-0 victory at Wigan in their last away assignment does enhance their claims somewhat, as does their 3-0 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture on Wearside.

Martin Jol’s injury problems aren’t as widespread as Steve Bruce’s, with the former shorn of defenders in particular. Central defender Aaron Hughes sat out Fulham’s 3-1 home defeat to Tottenham before the international break and is rated doubtful for the trip to Sunderland. Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos are both carrying knocks while summer signing Zdenek Grygera has been ruled out for six months after damaging knee ligaments.

So, which of the two – if either – will pounce on the other’s shortcomings? Neither boast a great deal of depth to their squads. The international will have helped Sunderland a whole lot more than Fulham, whose ageing squad has played more competitive matches this season than any other in the Premier League, while most featured prominently during the break for their country.

Match Pointers

Sunderland

League Position: 15th

League Form: DLWDL

- Sunderland are without a win in their last four league meetings with Fulham, while the Black Cats have only won three of their fourteen encounters in the Premier League overall (W3 D5 L6).

- Steve Bruce’s Sunderland have kept only one clean sheet in thirteen Premier League home games, and they’ve conceded precisely two goals in three of their previous four at the Stadium of Light.

Fulham

League Position: 16th

League Form: WLLWL

- Fulham have kept clean sheets in five of the pair’s six previous meetings, including last season’s encounter at the Stadium of Light in which the West London outfit ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

- Since the start of last season, Fulham have won just four times away from home in the Premier League (W4 D10 L10).

Betting

Sunderland are extremely hit and miss and would usually be an easy favourite to pass up, but their opponents this weekend are a Fulham side who have contested more fixtures this season than anyone else. A recent break for internationals will have done more harm than good considering most of Martin Jol’s ranks are full-time internationals. So I suspect the fresher legs on Sunderland’s part will come in handy, especially in breaking down a Fulham defence shorn of a few useful individuals who would have started had they been fit.

The hosts for me then, with Sunderland bidding to avenge last season’s 3-0 hammering sustained in this very fixture. It’s 22/1 they reverse that scoreline.

Match Outcome: Sunderland to WIN @ 11/8 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Sunderland 3-0 @ 22/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Sunderland – 11/8 VictorChandler

Draw – 23/10 SkyBet

Fulham – 23/10 Boylesports

Fulham V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 September 2011 (16:00 GMT)

Venue: Craven Cottage

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

So far it has been a season to forget for Fulham and Blackburn, two of eight sides who are still to register their first win of 2011/12, and no doubt both will have appreciated the recent time-out from domestic affairs due to recent internationals, a period of reflection perhaps, but who, if any, will come back revitalised?

The smart money will be on the hosts, a Fulham team who have an incredible record on their own patch in 2011 – Liverpool are the only Premier League side to have overhauled the Cottagers at Craven Cottage since the turn of the year in a highly impressive ten-game sequence comprising of six wins, nineteen goals and a staggering seven clean sheets.

Blackburn last triumphed away to Fulham three seasons ago, having lost on each of their last two visits shipping three goals in both. The omens are not promising a successful return to West London either, with Steve Kean’s side having made a truly retched start to the campaign with three successive defeats, all against sides the Rovers boss would have tipped his team to get something from: Wolves (h) L 1-2, Aston Villa (a) L 3-1 and Everton (h) L 0-1, the latter Rovers spurning two glorious opportunities to go ahead from the spot, emphasising that luck is most definitely not on their side, nor confidence for that matter.

Rovers have now won only five times in the league under Steve Kean, and just twice away from home, so it’s fair to say that the Scot isn’t the fans favourite person right now. The under-fire Blackburn boss will be pinning his hopes on his deadline captures bedding in as quickly as possible then, with Scott Dann and Yakubu set to be handed their débuts on Saturday at Craven Cottage in a match the club can ill afford to lose else run the risk of ending the weekend rock-bottom; they’re already languishing down in 19th without a single point to their name.

Meanwhile Fulham, who do at least have a point to their name, although it is just the solitary point, will also field a few new faces. One who has the potential to light up Craven Cottage for years to come is Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, last season’s top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 24 goals as well as someone with valuable Champions League experience under his belt. The 26-year-old set the club back just over £10Mil but looks an exciting proposition, a player equally adept in the air as he is on the ground despite not being the tallest, but also someone with genuine ingenuity and imagination in the final third that will help the Cottagers prize open opposing defences.

Former Juventus and Czech Republic international Zdenek Grygera also arrived on the final day of the transfer window, the experienced 31-year-old seemingly a ready-made replacement for injured full-back John Arne Riise.

Match Pointers

Met 20 times in Premier League – Fulham winning 5 to Blackburn’s 10.

It’s honours-even at Craven Cottage after ten PL meetings, with 4 wins each.

Blackburn lost just two of previous ten league clashes with Fulham, however that does include a 3-2 loss in West London last term.

Fulham lost last three matches in all competitions, conjuring up just one goal in that disappointing spell.

The Cottagers, though, have lost just one of last ten at home in league (W6 D3 L1), keeping seven clean sheets.

Rovers won only 5 of 24 PL games under Steve Kean, and just 2 of 11 on the road.

Betting Verdict

Hardly a fixture to get excited about is this between two of the league’s slow starters, Fulham and Blackburn. The Cottagers are favourites for one reason and one reason only, their incredible recent record in West London of just one defeat in their last ten Premiership matches, and that does include a staggering seven clean sheets. However, Martin Jol has overseen just one game at Craven Cottage, a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, so it isn’t as though he can claim any credit for Fulham’s home form.

Negating their form at home is Fulham’s current run of two successive defeats, although Blackburn can better that with a 100% record in the losses column. Rovers are still to collect their first points but manager Steve Kean, who bolstered his ranks with the astute signings of Scott Dann from Birmingham and Yakubu from Everton, is happy with the way his team are playing and strongly believe the rewards for their positive displays on the pitch are just around the corner. They’ll do well to leave West London with maximum points but a hard-earned draw certainly isn’t beyond them.

Match Prediction: Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Correct Score – 9/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Fulham – 8/11 Coral

Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Blackburn – 9/2 VictorChandler

FULHAM V ASTON VILLA

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 13th August 2011; 15:00 BST
Venue: Craven Cottage

PREVIEW

Draw backers will be champing at the bit ahead of this particular fixture as Fulham play host to Aston Villa in a match-up which down the years has produced an unhealthy amount of honours-even contests. Yet bookmakers have the home side down as firm favourites to begin the new season with a bang – and the reasons behind this are more obvious than you think.

Bookies have gone for substance over history and, in this instance, overwhelming statistical figures, which is just as well I suppose, as had they done otherwise the odds on what would appear a predictable draw, after studying various bits of background information, would be ludicrous. Eight of the pair’s previous thirteen encounters in the Premier League have finished in draws; all the spoils in both their league meetings at Craven Cottage and Villa Park last season were shared, while only the slimmest of margins separated the duo in the final standings as Fulham finished a solitary point ahead of the Villains in 8th.

So what swung it for Fulham? Their European commitments, basically. The Cottagers qualified for this season’s Europa League courtesy of the Fair Play League last season, which meant they would have to contest three two-legged qualifiers before they could even compete in the group stage. As a result, Jol’s squad have been back in training a good two weeks longer than their league rivals, including Aston Villa, and should be sharper and fitter because of it.

Can Villa bridge the gap? Well, if Fulham are to make their superiority in the conditioning department count then surely it will occur in the latter stages of the game, which, funnily enough, was when Villa conceded more goals than any other top-flight team last season, shipping a third of their goals in the final 15 minutes of matches. New Villa manager Alex McLeish will need to ensure his team have their wits about them, then, right up until the final whistle if they’re to leave fortress Craven Cottage – where Fulham won six and lost just one of nine in the second half of last term – with a positive outcome.

Oh, and in case it wasn’t all that apparent, this fixtures sees both sets of managers making their managerial débuts in the Premier League with their new clubs, with Martin Jol filling the void left by Mark Hughes, who resigned at the end of last season, while the pressure is well and truly on Alex McLeish who was a highly controversial appointment at Villa Park due to his previous involvement with Second City rivals Birmingham City.

TEAM PREVIEWS

Fulham

If you did a poll asking Premier League managers which team they dreaded playing the most last season, I reckon a fair few would nominate Fulham. Under Mark Hughes, the Cottagers were extremely well-organised at the back; only four teams could better their tally of 15 clean sheets, he had every player singing from the same hymn sheet, working tirelessly for the cause, while up front they were surprisingly clinical, especially in the final few months of the term, which was when Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora played more prominent roles in the first-team following lengthy spells on the sidelines.

So new Fulham boss Martin Jol is very fortunate that he has inherited a very accomplished squad, one packed full of experienced professionals, most of which are current internationals. However, there are question marks hanging over the former Tottenham tactician, as his style of management is unlike Fulham’s two previous managers, of whom Jol will inevitably be compared throughout the season.

Both Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes were successful in leading the club to a top-ten finish, the former within a whisker of winning the UEFA Europa League, a competition Fulham will also be competing in this season provided they come through the qualifying rounds unscathed. Baring all this in mind nothing less than a third consecutive top-half finish in the Premier League and an exciting run in Europe will suffice from Fulham and Martin Jol in 2011-2012.

Summer signings are few and far between, however, Fulham do have a Champions League winner in their amidst and could hand former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise his club Premier League début on Saturday. Simon Davies will unfortunately sit this one out with a knee injury during his team’s Europa League encounter with NSI Runavik.

Aston Villa

The less said about Aston Villa’s 2010-2011 Premier League campaign the better, but it’s either that or an Alex McLeish fact file. Which is it to be, Villa fans? I can assure you, there are no winners.

Unquestionably the most controversial managerial appointment of the entire summer came in the Second City, where Alex McLeish switched his allegiances from Birmingham to Aston Villa. It was a move which enraged both sets of supporters; Villa fans even resorted to staging several protests right outside Villa Park, to no avail come the end.

To be honest, it was a bold move from Randy Lerner, owner of Aston Villa FC, as tensions were already running high following last season’s debacle. Only a late flurry of results spared the team’s blushes from the humilation of relegation, after a dismal six or seven months under Gerard Houllier, who made some rather bizarre decision throughout his tenure and whom the Villa faithful never really warmed to. At least in ‘Big Eck’ they posses a manager who won’t leave important players out of the big occasions, and who won’t announce his undying love for his former employers.

McLeish also takes over a talented squad, one which albeit has been weakened thanks in no small part to the big-money departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. Nevertheless, Villa are a club with potential – hasn’t that always been the case, though? Bringing in Charles N’Zogbia for £9.5M looks a stunning piece of business for a player who regularly chipped in with his fair share of goals and plenty of assist during his time at Wigan. In Darren Bent McLeish has one of the Premiership’s most ruthless strikers. And in Shay Given a reliable shot-stopper who is a more than worthy replacement for Brad Friedel, who ditched Villa for Spurs.

So it really should be onwards and upwards from here you feel for Villa under their new regime, and I quietly fancy them to surprise a few on the opening day at a ground where their hosts were imperious last season – and were Villa have won only once in their last seven visits.

 

TEAM NEWS

Available on Friday.

BETTING

A Fulham side who should have already found their rhythm and fitness are the bookmakers’ idea of a likely winner at Craven Cottage this weekend, with Martin Jol’s side as short as 6/5 with Bet365, PaddyPower and WilliamHill.

However, there is a lot to like about the odds on yet another stalemate between these two sides. Although, having said that, just one of the last four Craven Cottage encounters have actually ended all-square. Either way, there isn’t a great deal to choose between them on paper and so 12/5 on the draw will be someone’s idea of tremendous value.

An away win for the travelling Villains is a best-priced 11/4 with Coral.

Match Odds:

Fulham – 6/5 (2.20) Bet365
Draw – 12/5 (3.40) SkyBet
Aston Villa – 11/4 (3.75) Coral

My Prediction: Aston Villa to Win @ 11/4 (3.75) (Coral)
Value Bet: Aston Villa to be winning at Half-Time @ 17/5 (4.40) (bWin)

I’m taken with Aston Villa’s chances. Yes, Fulham should have the edge in the stamina stakes and what not, but going forward I’d rather having my money on an exciting Villa attack containing the pace and trickery or N’Zogbia and Albrighton out wide, which will be complimented by the predatory instincts of England’s Darren Bent in the middle. And that defence which leaked too many last season has not only been shored up by the arrival of Shay Given in goal but has also had some sense knocked into it by Alex McLeish, the manager who turned Birmingham’s defence into Fort Knox while under his stewardship.

As for my value bet, Villa have gone in at half-time with the advantage in each of their last four clashes with Fulham.

Chelsea

Manager: Andre Villas-Boas
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Star Man: Fernando Torres
2010-2011 Position: 2nd

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Thibaut Courtois (Out on loan), Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu,

Departures – Fabio Borini, Nemanja Matic, Jeffrey Bruma (loan), Jack Cork, Michael Mancienne, Yuri Zhirkov

Overview: One of the biggest stories of the entire summer was Andre Villas-Boas leaving Europa League winners and Portuguese champions FC Porto for Chelsea and Stamford Bridge, with the 33-year-old out to achieve what all seven previous managers that were appointed by club owner Roman Abramovich could not – to bring the Champions League trophy to West London.

The Portuguese tactician, who some have already likened to former Stamford Bridge favourite Jose Mourinho, must first mould a squad that underachieved last season into winners, as any Chelsea manager who ends a campaign empty-handed tends to end up out the door under Abramovich.

The good news for Villas-Boas is that he will inherit a very talented squad, one that on its day will be more than a match for any of their league rivals this season. The bad news is that it’s an ageing squad with plenty of in-house politics. Nevertheless, he has a squad capable of big things; defensively Chelsea are always  rock-solid while up front they have an embarrassment of riches. Having said all that, their expensive strike-force of Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and £50M-rated Fernando Torres was just that last season, embarrassing.

So, Chelsea’s latest coach certainly has his work cut out if he’s to continue where he left off at Porto. Funnily enough, I do think this one will be given time, even if he doesn’t win a single trophy in his first season in charge. But at the very least, the fans, and more importantly Roman Abramovich, expect Chelsea to be competitive on all fronts in 2011-2012 – especially in the league, after relinquishing their Barclay’s Premier League title to rivals Manchester United last season.

CHELSEA TO BE CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 3/1 TOTESPORT

Everton

Manager: David Moyes
Stadium: Goodison Park
Star Man: Leighton Baines
2010-2011 Position: 7th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals - NONE

Departures – James Vaughan (Norwich)

Overview: You’ll struggle to find a club with more traditional values than Everton, the Merseysiders who were once a dominant force in the English game during the 80′s – 1987 being the year when the Toffees were last crowned the best team in the land – but have since plummeted down the pecking order at a rapid rate of knots.

In the present, Everton are an enigma; a club which possess a rich squad of quality players, yet continue to under perform year in, year out. As a result, funds have completely dried up, to the point where David Moyes hasn’t spent a single penny during the summer – he hasn’t introduced a single new signing to his squad since the end of last season – and you do wonder just how long it is before David Moyes and this squad rich in potential run out of time and decide to go their separate ways.

I predict that unless the Blues either secure a major trophy this season or finish in the European places, one of either two things will happen: David Moyes will leave his post or the Scot will have to cash-in on one of his star men, probably either, or even both, Leighton Baines or Jack Rodwell. And then it really will be back to the drawing board for Moyes.

The sheer fact we’re even discussing Everton and success in the same sentence is proof of how highly I rate this Everton team. Everyone in the land recognises that this Everton team are capable of achieving something special; all the raw ingredients are in place, the one thing that’s missing is a regular scorer up top. So now more than ever, with this previously exciting Everton project potentially on the brink, Evertonians need Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford, the latter has the more scope for improvement, to really shine this season and score in a more frequent manner.

EVERTON TOP-SIX FINISH: 11/4 SKYBET

Fulham

Manager: Martin Jol
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Star Man: Clint Dempsey
2010-2011 Position: 8th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Marcel Gecov, Pajtim Kasami, John Arne Riise,

Departures – Kagisho Dikgacoi, Zoltan Gera, Jonathan Greening, Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, John Pantsil, David Stockdale (Loan)

Overview: A successful season at Craven Cottage is no longer just avoiding relegation. Fulham fans now expect nothing less than for the club to be knocking on the door of the European places, having competed in the Europa League for the last two campaigns, and at worst a top-ten finish. That’s because the bar has been raised by former managers Roy Hodgson, the man who led Fulham to their best ever finish in the Barclay’s Premier League of seventh in 2009-2010, and former Man City boss Mark Hughes, with the Welshman having guided the Cottagers to a highly respectable eighth last season before resigning.

So then, new Fulham boss Martin Jol has some big shoes to fill at the cottage. He was, however, the club’s original first-choice last summer, when Roy Hodgson’s departure for Liverpool meant there was a managerial vacancy at the West London club.

Jol hasn’t really been able to stamp his mark on the team just yet though, with only three players having arrived in the summer, including former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise. But, fortunately for the Dutchman, he inherits a squad packed with experienced internationals.

I’m sure the fans would have liked to have seen a few more new faces join in the summer, just to add some excitement to the forthcoming season. That hasn’t been the case, unfortunately. But that shouldn’t stop Fulham having another steady campaign.

FULHAM TOP-TEN FINISH: 6/4 CORAL

Liverpool

Manager: Kenny Dalglish
Stadium: Anfield
Star Man: Luis Suarez
2010-2011 Position: 6th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni, Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland)

Departures – Paul Konchesky,

Overview: The expectation levels at Liverpool are always sky-high and it will be no different this season, more so than ever before perhaps, as Kenny Dalglish spent handsomely over the summer, recruiting some of the finest home-grown talent the Premier League has to offer, in a bid to alter the club’s fortunes on the pitch following six whole years without a trophy and two years without Champions League football.

Realistically, a top-four finish has to Liverpool’s main aim this season. That isn’t to say this current crop of players aren’t capable of challenging for the title itself – something the fans are eager to see after several years of turmoil and disappointment, which was lamented back in May when arch rivals Manchester United were crowned champions of England for a record 19th occasion.

The latest players to be entrusted with bringing the good times back to Anfield are Charlie Adam, who finally sealed his switch to Merseyside from Blackpool, Jordan Henderson, the former Sunderland midfielder arriving after an outstanding 2010-2011 campaign that culminated in an England call-up, while winger Stewart Downing will add another dimension to the Liverpool attack, further complimenting lone-striker Andy Carroll, the target-man in a team now oozing creativity.

Liverpool really could be absolutely anything this year; mid-table settlers, top-four hopefuls or even, dare I say it, title contenders. Their form in the closing stages of last season under Dalglish was sublime, and it included winning results over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a resounding victory over Manchester United at Anfield. ‘King Kenny’ instilled a belief into this team that they could string wins together, that they could go to difficult venues and ground out results, and that on any given day they are definitely a match for the very best this exciting league has to offer.

LIVERPOOL TO BE CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 14/1 BETFRED

Fulham V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Craven Cottage

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Preview

Just like their season, Arsenal are finishing 2010/2011 in dismal fashion. Fulham, though, are all set for another top-ten finish and could even end up with Europa League football next term provided they keep their discipline in check, something they have failed to do in their last two matches.

Earlier in the week it was confirmed that UEFA have handed England one more Europa League berth courtesy of the Fair Play rankings. It means the team who have collected the fewest bookings during the course of the league campaign will have an opportunity to participate in next season’s Europa League providing they make it through two two-legged affairs first, and that team is currently Chelsea. The Blues, though, have already qualified for the Champions League via a top-four finish meaning Fulham, who are second in the Premiership Fair Play table, would capitalise.

Having said that, Fulham have picked up ten bookings in their last two matches alone and another indisciplined day at the office could pour cold water over their European aspirations, with Blackpool – of all the teams – also in contention.

The club are reportedly keen on playing in the Europa League, but I very much doubt Sunday will be about reigning in the commitment and the rash tackles. This is a London derby, lets not forget, and while clashes between Fulham and Arsenal have never really been hot-blooded affairs, neither takes defeat to their capital rivals lightly.

As far as this fixture goes, it has been dominated by Arsenal down the years. The Gunners have been victorious in fifteen of the nineteen Premiership meetings between the two London foes, including each of the last three.

Fulham, meanwhile, struggle to even locate the Arsenal net, let alone take points off of Arsene Wenger’s side. Four of the previous six league meetings have seen Fulham draw a blank, while on the nine occasions previously that these two have gone at it at Craven Cottage, Fulham have mustered just four goals to Arsenal’s seventeen.

But this is a confident Fulham outfit, one transformed under Mark Hughes, especially at home. To such an extent that many believe Fulham to be of exceptional value this weekend, and I wouldn’t disagree.

Put Fulham’s sublime form at Craven Cottage in 2011 with Arsenal’s lacklustre form over the last two or so months together and the outcome is fairly straightforward – a home win for Fulham.

The Cottagers have only lost one of eight league games at home since the turn of the year, albeit their most recent, and a whacking 5-2 defeat at that to in-form Liverpool. But they had won three on the spin previously, not to mention were unbeaten in seven, recording six wins, one draw with Chelsea and keeping an unbelievable tally of clean sheets, six in total.

In stark contrast, Arsenal have won just two of their last twelve league matches, and just one of their last seven on the road, and will arrive in West London with three defeats in their last four to their name, all against sides in close proximity to the Cottagers in the Premiership table.

To compound Arsenal’s cause for victory, key players, the likes of Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri among others, are all major doubts ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham. And then there’s Jack Wilshere’s decision to compete for the England U21′s in the summer, against his manager’s best wishes I may add, so we’re unlikely to see the 19-year-old in action either.

The one ray of light for Arsenal is the scintillating form of striker Robin Van Persie, with the Dutchman who has 18 goals since January aiming to score in a ninth consecutive away Premiership fixture, having already set a Premiership record by scoring in eight consecutive away games. But even his valiant efforts have proved in vein recently, with his strikes against Bolton, Stoke and Aston Villa not enough to stop Arsenal succumbing to embarrassing defeats at the hands of sides they really ought to have beaten quite comfortably on paper. I suspect another could be around the corner, quite literally in this instance.

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Form

Fulham – DWWLW (Wolves 1-1 Fulham, Fulham 3-0 Bolton, Sunderland 0-3 Fulham, Fulham 2-5 Liverpool, Birmingham 0-2 Fulham)

Arsenal – DLWLL (Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal, Bolton 2-1 Arsenal, Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd, Stoke 3-1 Arsenal, Arsenal 1-2 Aston Villa)

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Head-to-Head

Fulham wins: 2
Draws: 2
Arsenal wins: 15

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
2009/2010: Arsenal 4-0 Fulham
2009/2010: Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
2008/2009: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
2008/2009: Fulham 1-0 Arsenal
2007/2008: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal
2007/2008: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
2006/2007: Arsenal 3-1 Fulham
2006/2007: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Streaks & Trends

The head-to-head is dominated by Arsenal, who have reigned supreme in 15 of the 19 occasions these two have met in the Barclay’s Premier League.

Fulham have failed to even score in four of the last six encounters, ten overall.

The Cottagers, though, have won three of their last four league games and are without defeat in five.

A 5-2 defeat at home to Liverpool on 9 May is Fulham‘s solitary loss at Craven Cottage in the league for nearly five months, with Mark Hughes’ side previously unbeaten in seven at home in 2011, six of which were wins.

Arsenal have won just two of their last ten league games (W2 D5 L3), while a 3-1 victory over struggling Blackpool is Arsenal’s solitary away win in six, having lost their last two on the spin away at Bolton and then Stoke.

The Gunners have also lost three of their last four, all to mid-table teams like Fulham.

Robin Van Persie is aiming to stretch his record of having scored in each of Arsenal‘s last eight away league games by scoring his 18th goal of the season, what would be his 22nd in all competitions from just 33 appearances.

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Match Prediction: Fulham to WIN – 3.80 VictorChandler

I get the impression that Arsenal cannot wait a minute longer for the summer break to arrive, and their form has been indicative of this. Just two wins in twelve is appalling, and they’ve been even more lacklustre away from home. They were fortunate to leave West Brom with a share of the spoils back in March, wasteful and sloppy when drawing 3-3 at Tottenham, despite leading 3-1 at one point, while they were put in their place by Bolton (2-1) and Stoke (3-1) in their most recent away encounters.

It looks bleak from an Arsenal perspective, though their record against Fulham is outstanding and definitely merits a great deal of respect.

Craven Cottage is the deciding factor for me, what should clinch it for Fulham, as well as the return and form of forward Bobby Zamora. Just one defeat at home in eight is awe-inspiring stuff, the sort of form which may have won Arsenal the title. Hopefully, the 5-2 loss to Liverpool last time out in West London hasn’t left any scars.

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Match Odds

Fulham – 3.80 VictorChandler
Draw – 3.75 PaddyPower
Arsenal – 2.00 SkyBet