Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, 30th January – 16:30 (GMT)
Venue: Craven Cottage
TV Coverage: ESPN

Fulham

Although Fulham have turned a corner recently with regards to their previously ailing levels of form – Mark Hughes’ men were inside the bottom three at Christmas, the Cottagers will nonetheless be delighted to escape doldrums of the Premier League as they prepare to play host to one of their London rivals on Sunday in the form of a Tottenham Hotspur team who beat them 2-1 at Craven Cottage back in October, a defeat which ended Fulham’s seven-match unbeaten start to the season.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes was left stunned during the week. The Welshman, who was honest enough to say he has made many a visit to Anfield during his career and been completely outplayed, whether that be as a manager or a player, but on this occasion he genuinely felt hard done by. We feel he has justification to be feeling more than just a little aggrieved at the final result, not least because it ended a promising run of four games without defeat.

A calamity own goal from Fulham full-back John Pantsil handed Liverpool a fortuitous 1-0 victory at Anfield in a match Fulham dominated for large periods. Comfortable yet authoritative in possession, on the whole very solid and resolute at the back, no-one actually knows how Fulham lost that encounter. They had chances, some of which were golden, but it was just one of those nights I’m afraid where whatever they touched, Fulham just weren’t going to prosper. It was like a slap in the face mind, an emphatic sucker-punch which may have taken some of the winds out of the Fulham sails as previously Mark Hughes had seen his side not only embark on a four-match unbeaten run, but win three of their last four games in all competitions whilst scoring an encouraging amount of goals.

So Mark Hughes will have to do what he’s paid for to perfection this week, which is to galvanise his demoralised dressing room following Wednesday’s hard-to-accept defeat to Liverpool. In fairness, though, Hughes had plenty of positives to take from that match, as well as their impressive form beforehand, that his only real concern is the mood back at base camp. But that shouldn’t be a problem when you consider that Sunday’s opponents are that of Tottenham, their local rivals and the team which inflicted their very first defeat of the season upon.

Team News: Despite tasting defeat for the very first time in 2011 on Wednesday, Mark Hughes will be reluctant to make too many changes to his starting eleven after the Cottagers produced one of their most accomplished performances of the season. Andy Johnson looked something like his former lively and energetic self up front and should retain his place in the team, though Moussa Dembele, who wasn’t particularly impressive, may lose out to Diomansy Kamara who scored a hat-trick in the previous round at home to Peterborough. Dickson Etuhu also scored that day although the combative midfielder is out with a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is still away with the Australia team. Gael Kakuta, who recently signed for Fulham on loan from Chelsea, is unfortunately cup-tied.

Tottenham Hotspur

While many found the festive schedule too arduous to handle, Tottenham found it a breeze. In fact, Harry Redknapp’s side were one of only two teams to have won all three of their league games over Christmas, a run which significantly boosted their claims for a first Premier League crown but also raised the levels of expectations around White Hart Lane. But it would appear the Spurs of old are back, the North Londoner’s reverting to type almost, as all this pent-up potential looks set to deliver nothing but brief memories of what it was like to be considered a genuine threat for a change, though clearly not a champion.

To be honest, they only have themselves to blame. Architects of their own downfall are what Spurs are, a club with far too many distractions to concentrate on the matters at hand. We said it at the beginning of the year and we’ll say it again, because we were right, but the Beckham saga has backfired massively. Some may argue it was a ploy to further enhance their profile around Europe by lavishing Europe’s paparazzi with inarguably the biggest icon in football, while the club would also profit from the sale of various merchandise involving Beckham and Spurs. But with regards to the football side of things, the most important aspect of all, Beckham has brought far too much unwanted attention to the club.

Instead of all the focus being on a title challenge, it is instead on David Beckham and this on going feud between them and West Ham over the Olympic Stadium. Quite frankly, Spurs didn’t need to get involved in either. Of course, had Tottenham began 2011 as they finished 2010, nothing would be said about all of the off-pitch drama which has unfolded. However, it would appear both have taken a toll on their concentration levels and all of a sudden, Spurs have gone from the Premier League’s dark horses straight back to top-four contenders following a lacklustre beginning to 2011 which has seen Spurs win just one of their opening four matches of the year, fittingly in this very competition.

In the Premier League, Tottenham have yet to win this year following two draws and a loss. Their fixtures of late have been tough, however, pitted against Everton (LOST 2-1), Manchester United (Drew 1-1 at home) and Newcastle United (Drew 1-1 away). Nevertheless, there is little momentum to be had from those results despite the latter seeing Spurs score right at the death to take a point from their visit to St James’ last Saturday.

Interestingly, Harry Redknapp made wholesale changes in the previous round. An understrength Spurs comfortably saw to Charlton Athletic of League One, though they did take some time to get going and not before the introduction of Luka Modric. I doubt Harry will be taking Fulham lightly, though, so expect the big guns to return for Sunday’s all-London contest.

Team News: Spurs shot-stopper Gomes has been a minor doubt with a shoulder problem which kept him out of the match with Newcastle last weekend, however the Brazilian is in the squad and should regain the gloves. Wilson Palacios, who normally adds some steel to the Spurs midfield, is unlikely to start after suffering with knee problems. Jonathan Woodgate recently turned down the opportunity to join Wolves on loan and could be handed a rare window to impress Redknapp on Sunday. Tom Huddlestone and Ledley King are among those definitely ruled out, as is one of their stars of this season, Gareth Bale. The Welsh international has been ruled out after complaining of back problems.

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2010/2011 FA Cup Results

Fulham

Third Round: Fulham 6-2 Peterborough

Tottenham Hotspur

Third Round: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Charlton Athletic

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Pointers

Fulham

- Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat away at Liverpool was Fulham’s first in five games, the Cottagers having won three of their previous four matches.

- Since the start of the season, Fulham have hosted 15 games at Craven Cottage losing just three. However, one of those three teams was Tottenham.

- Only Everton and Sunderland have stopped Fulham from scoring at Craven Cottage this season.

- Fulham have a miserable record against fellow London clubs this season: W0 D1 L5.

Tottenham Hotspur

- Harry Redknapp’s charges have lost just one of their last 15 games in all competitions.

- Spurs have won just one of their last five games away from home in all competitions.

- Tottenham have scored in all but two of their away matches this season, Manchester United and West Ham United the only teams to have denied Spurs any spoils in front of goal (All competitions).

- All four of Tottenham’s last four away goals have been scored by midfielders.

Head-to-Head

- The FA Cup brought these two together at the Quarter-Final stage last season, Fulham holding their London rivals to a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage but, despite Bobby Zamora putting them in front in the replay, Spurs won 3-1 back at White Hart Lane.

- Fulham have never beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, Spurs winning five of the seven meetings in this competition.

- The Cottagers have won just one of the previous thirteen meetings with Tottenham.

- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Fulham, winning both league encounters last term.

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Match Prediction: Fulham to WIN – 21/10 Boylesports

Goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Tom Huddlestone helped Tottenham turn the last encounter between the two at Craven Cottage on its head following Diomansy Kamara’s opener for the hosts. Tottenham went from strength to strength thereafter and were gradually shaping up as genuine title contenders, however their hopes of winning a maiden Premiership crown have recently taken a massive hit courtesy of their lacklustre start to 2011 and with Fulham currently enjoying a richer vein of form, albeit hosting an always dangerous Spurs on the back of Wednesday’s disappointing defeat away at Liverpool, I’m quietly fancying Fulham’s chances of causing an upset on home soil.

Tottenham made it all the way to the semi-finals last season before losing to Portsmouth at Wembley, but without Gareth Bale and brandishing very little form, I just don’t see a great deal of value in backing Spurs to win away from home against a Fulham side who have been so strong at Craven Cottage for some time now. The old guard have started to show glimpses of their form of old, the likes of Damien Duff and Andy Johnson in particular recently looking sprightly and enthusiastic about their football, so definite value in the hosts, in my humble opinion.

Value Bet: Andy Johnson to Score – 3.50 PaddyPower

Match Odds:

Fulham – 21/10 Boylesports
Draw – 5/2 BetFred
Tottenham Hotspur – 7/5 WilliamHill

Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, 16th October – 15:00 GMT
Venue: Craven Cottage

Fulham

League Position: 10th
League Form: DWDDD

Mark Hughes tenure as Fulham manager has so far been marred with a barrage of injuries which has kept a number of his most prized assets out of the team. Despite this, the Cottagers should be mightily proud of themselves as they are now just one of two teams in the Premier League which can boast an unbeaten start to the season, but that monumental feat will be put to the test on Saturday when Fulham welcome London locals Tottenham Hotspur to Craven Cottage for a fixture which has hardly been kind to Fulham down the years.

Indeed, those famous resilient qualities which aided Fulham in their second successive top-ten finish, as well as an extraordinary run to the UEFA Europa League final, have been inherited by new manager Mark Hughes. However, while tenacity is something Fulham have an abundance of, cutting edge they do not. Seven fixtures down and Fulham have only one win to their name – A 2-1 victory over Wolves at home – having drawn a somewhat staggering 86% (6) of their opening games.

Fulham’s imperious record at Craven Cottage last season was what ultimately kept them afloat, as once again playing away from home proved their Achilles heel, as it has done in every campaign to date. Under the experienced guidance of Roy Hodgson, Fulham racked up eleven wins from their nineteen home fixtures, suffering just five defeats at Craven Cottage. They’ve began in a similar vein in fairness, ensuring every opponent has a rough ride no matter what their circumstances, and they’ll no doubt make life as difficult as humanely possible for Spurs, who have a Champions League tie with Inter Milan just on the horizon.

In the wake of injuries to forwards Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele, with the latter close to a return to first-team action, Clint Dempsey has deputised up front and it was his goal which kept the team’s unbeaten start to the season in tact last time out at West Ham, while goalkeeping heroics from wantaway keeper Mark Schwarzer was all that stood between Fulham and defeat against Everton in their last home encounter, so while this run of theirs may look impressive at first glance, it hasn’t come without its fair share of bumps, classy individuals performances and a slice of good fortune. But how long will Fulham continue to get the rub of the green on the field?

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th
League Form: LDWLW

It’s been a stop-start season for Harry’s Tottenham thus far, with a lack of continuity with regards to the general starting XI leading to a distinct lack of consistency in league form, with Spurs having yet to string a couple of victories together. Nevertheless, the team still find themselves in a healthy league position of fifth, just outside where they wish to finish at the end of the season, and victory at Craven Cottage over an unbeaten Fulham would go some way to bolstering the club’s claims for more Champions League football.

As already mentioned, Tottenham have yet to win back-to-back games this season but could do so on Saturday should they end Fulham’s impressive start to the season, with the Cottagers yet to taste defeat while in league action but will do well to fend off Tottenham’s challenge this weekend. Saying that, Tottenham have been well below par with their away displays this season and haven’t won away from home since beating Stoke City 2-1 at The Brittania back in August, so this is no means a foregone conclusion for a Spurs side packed full of quality and technically gifted individuals as Tottenham go in search of just their second away win of the season.

Harry Redknapp has bemoaned the negative effects of playing in the Champions League on more than occasion, claiming players naturally find it difficult to focus on domestic matters when an exciting Champions League encounter is just around the corner. On Wednesday, a game which will be shown live on ITV1, Spurs tackle European champions Inter Milan in Italy. An almost one-off fixture full of glamour and prestige. In stark comparison is Saturday’s local meeting with Fulham, a routine fixture with the Cottagers which comes round every year. So it’s understandable why some players’ motivation levels drop for fixtures such as these, although that doesn’t mean we bare any sympathy, none whatsoever in fact, and actually view Spurs as a great laying opportunity considering how they’ve struggled in league fixtures leading up to high profile and more glamorous European encounters: Drawing 1-1 at West Brom before their début Champions League clash with Werder Bremen, while they were beaten 1-0 by West Ham in the lead up to their first Champions League match at White Hart Lane.

As of yet, Harry Redknapp hasn’t found the right balancing act to really remain consistent at both ends of the spectrum. The fact of the matter is, these Tottenham players are getting so excited about the upcoming Champions League games that they aren’t quite giving their all in the just as important league fixtures which precede. Having your treatment room full of casualties doesn’t help your cause, that goes without saying, but Harry must somehow make haste of a difficult, but at the same time exciting, situation to which he hasn’t done so thus far. And to make matters worse, Redknapp has doubts over a number of key players including Younes Kaboul, Aaron Lennon, Alan Hutton and Roman Pavlyuchenko, while William Gallas and Jermain Defoe will definitely miss out through injury.

It could be the ideal time to thrust former favourite Niko Kranjcar back into the limelight. The Croatian play-maker scored twice while on international duty and may finally have done enough to convince Harry Redknapp to hand him his first league start of the season.

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Tottenham’s lack of concentration before crunch Champions League encounters is a massive concern, having  failed to win either of their league fixtures immediately before a European week. Fulham, though, have been arguably the most resilient side in the league this season, having yet to lose a league fixture, and could even be boosted by the return of Moussa Dembele, although Mark Hughes is unlikely to risk him just yet.

Looking at the respective odds, I only see one piece of value, and that’s with the draw. Fulham will fight tooth and nail to keep their unbeaten status in tact, whereas Tottenham’s class in the player department should see them pose a huge threat to Fulham’s unbeaten start. But with neither managed likely to be at all unhappy with a point, with Harry merely happy to avoid defeat before a big European encounter on Wednesday and Fulham happy enough to keep their unbeaten streak ticking over, the Draw represents considerable value.

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.85 Bet365
Correct Score: 1-1 Draw – 7.00 WilliamHill
First Goalscorer: Brede Hangeland – 34.00 SportingBet

Match Odds:

Fulham – 2.90 bWin
Draw – 3.40 SkyBet
Tottenham Hotspur – 2.60 VCBet

FA Cup: Quarter-Final

Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 17:15 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

Fulham

FA Cup Odds: 14/1 Ladbrokes

Roy Hodgeson was said to have been chuffed to bits, well in as many words, with Fulham’s draw at Sunderland on Sunday after an enthralling week and an arduous month of February. Not only was Sunday’s trip to Sunderland a mere 72 hours after their gruelling and lengthy trip the Ukraine after beating Shakhtar Donestk in the Europa League but it was also their eighth fixture within a month, so to go up North to Tyneside and get anything from the game was an amazing achievement for what is still a small time Premiership club.

We mean to disrespect to anyone at the club when we claim Fulham are a small club as that is our honest view on the London side in comparison to what is a league growing in stature. Their squad is tiny compared to others, while their budget is nothing in comparison to the majority in the league, even those below them in the table which just goes to show either how far Fulham have come or that the Cottagers are punching well above their weight. We’d be more inclined to think the first as Fulham, under the wise know-how of a managerial great in Roy Hodgeson, have proven a tough cookie in recent season and are no longer a relegation threatened club. They are instead far more reliable in that their performances are more consistent and their end-of-season finishes are now more respectable.

The problem for Fulham, and it’s been an ever present one from the day they first joined the Premiership, is that their form on the road isn’t up to the standard required. In the early days, several years back now, Fulham were scraping through seasons by the skin of their teeth because of their superb home form. Years down the line and their home form is even better, leading to more potential honours and better player form. However, their away form is still as bad as ever so these home games are crucial in building up confidence ahead of tricky away fixtures, and with Fulham out on the road once again after this FA Cup affair, winning on Saturday is so important in building up ahead of steam, especially as their very next league fixture is away at Old Trafford against the Carling Cup winners, Manchester United.

I was astounded when I heard Fulham had played more competitive games thus far than the likes of the ‘Big Four’ which just highlights the fantastic job Roy Hodgeson and his team have done this season, as well as the tremendous form and fitness levels of the Fulham squad. However, while it will be nearly a week since they last played, you would have to feel this long, endurance testing season will take affect soon enough and an encounter with a pacey and exuberant Tottenham Hotspur side isn’t ideal. However, they’re fortunate enough in that they were drawn at home at Craven Cottage, a venue they’ve lost just three times at all season, so can a capacity crowd at the Cottagers push their side, whom have lost just one of their last eleven home games against Premiership opposition; including a 0-0 draw with Spurs, onto victory, one that would be rewarded with a Semi-Final date with Wembley.

Tottenham Hotspur

FA Cup Odds: 5/1 BetFred

The strength in depth at Tottenham makes the club almost perfect for cup competition, and they’ve been proving that this season with a decent little run in the Carling Cup and this run in the FA Cup, one which is in jeopardy against a home orientated Fulham. However, unlike their London adversary’s, Tottenham do boast a win in their last game, one which could spark Spurs onto a memorable win at Craven Cottage, and it will need to be memorable if they are to overcome The Cottagers on their own patch.

Harry Redknapp was found bemoaning his teams injury problems after Tottenham’s hard-fought victory over Everton at the weekend; winning 2-1. It was actually a reality check for us in that even we have forgotten just how flooded the Tottenham physio room must be at the present time. While only a handful are certain to miss Saturday’s trip across London; Johnathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Carlo Cudicini, Redknapp has doubts over as many as nine first team players. David Bentley, Aaron Lennon and now Tom Huddlestone are all serious doubts for Saturday’s crunch fixtures, while Jermaine Jenas is a definite no-no. That injury room of theirs must be cluttered, and while they’re enjoying a bit of luck on the field, they could do with plenty more off it. 

In Tottenham’s last competitive outing, it was a tale of two halves as Tottenham dominated the opening 45 minutes with Everton, scoring two first half goals through a resurgent Pavlychenko and Luka Modric in what should have been far more for the home side. However, Tottenham clearly underestimated their opponents and their arrogance so nearly got the better of them as they fell asleep during the second half and could count themselves very lucky to have walked away from White Hart Lane with all the spoils after the visitors missed a host of chances. Spurs are due their bit of good luck, that little rub of the green, but they can ill-afford to think the football Gods will shine down on them forever as a similarly lacklustre effort at Craven Cottage this weekend would almost certainly see them punished.

Tottenham are a team full of confidence, however, and were they to emulate their first half performance against Everton, then they should go close. However, their second half no-show was a huge concern and it does cast awful memories of their shocking start to the game at Bolton in the previous round, with their sluggish start almost costing them dear. They did get away with it but they won’t against a clinical Fulham, so it’s imperative Harry Redknapp gets his starting eleven fired up for this clash right from the off. It’s a tough game for Spurs but it’s a draw they will certainly fancy themselves to get through providing they approach it in the right manner, with a professional attitude.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

This was probably the hardest of the four ties to weight up in that Fulham are tremendously strong at Craven Cottage while we don’t see Tottenham going out just yet. The only remaining outcome is a draw with Tottenham completing the job back at White Hart Lane in a replay. That doesn’t look a too bad punt in all fairness considering Tottenham have progressed via replays in the previous two rounds. Fulham, however, have had by far and away the easiest run of all the teams still standing, with Spurs being their first Premiership opposition of the competition thus far. Will Fulham crumble against their first real test of the tournament to date or will they leave to fight another day; by that of a win or a draw.

Match Odds:

Fulham – 3.00 SkyBet

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – 2.40 PaddyPower

Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday 26^th December (Boxing Day) – 13:00 GMT

Fulham

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WDWDW

Fulham, arguably, have the toughest fixture period of the lot as they try to get into the spirit of things. After their clash with Tottenham on Saturday, Roy Hodgeson’s cottagers take on Chelsea. This after their emphatic success at the weekend over Manchester United. The champions of England. So, although the fixture list hasn’t been kind to them, Fulham have already made the best possible start and aim to make it two huge wins in quick succession as London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, pay them a 90 minute visit.

Fulham have struck up a bit of form ahead of the new year and are now unbeaten in five league encounters after their sensational display and victory over the current champions, Manchester United. Roy Hodgeson’s side were so organised in both defence and midfield that is was hard to believe who were the actual champions on the day. Fulham, quite literally, bossed the game from start to finish and really could of won by a much bigger margin than just 3-0. Damien Duff, a late signing over the summer, was a constant thorn for United down the right, while Bobby Zamora appears to have found new life up front and his superb holding up of the ball enabled Fulham to get forward in numbers and overhaul an exposed United defence. A tactical ploy which will have surely been plotted by Roy Hodgeson and he deserves most of the plaudits for Fulham’s weekend scalp.

Fulham have now lost just once in eleven league games, a 1-0 defeat at in form Birmingham City their only disappointing result in a strong three month spell for Fulham. Draws have cropped up a few times but not too many have scuppered their home form, with Fulham unbeaten at Craven Cottage in six outings, winning a magnificent five and drawing just the one. Since the beginning of October, only Bolton have left Craven Cottage with any pride still in tact after Bolton held Fulham to a 1-1 draw. Ivan Klasnic’s goal in that game is also the only goal that Fulham have conceded in four appearances at Craven Cottage, with clean sheets coming against Blackburn Rovers (3-0), Sunderland (1-0) and even Man Utd (3-0).

Fulham are a team brimming with confidence, not only because of their stunning result against Man Utd but also this fantastic run of form they’ve fought so hard to build up. The Cottagers will have plenty of momentum, especially playing at home in a venue they’ve won their last two in, so perhaps it’s a case of will Tottenham cause Fulham any problems rather than will Fulham close the supposed big gulf in class between the two sides. League wise, though, Fulham are still nine points behind Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: DDLWW

A double from Peter Crouch against Blackburn Rovers gave Spurs a quick fire double themselves after beating Manchester City three days earlier. That was two very big wins but it wasn’t enough to overhaul an on song Aston Villa in fourth position. However, the race is far from over, just warming up in fact, and a win at Craven Cottage could be enough to leapfrog Aston Villa in that elusive fourth place providing Villa slip up elsewhere.

Tottenham appear to be back to their glorious best but Spurs, this season anyway, have a tendency to suddenly go off the boil when you least expect it. However, although Harry Redknapp has come a cropper against some of the smallest teams in the league, losing to both Stoke City and Wolves at home, he hasn’t had too many problems getting his squad fired up for the big encounters, and, surprising as it is, a trip to Fulham is now a big encounter, and Spurs better be aware of this. They are facing a team fresh off a success over Man Utd, a team that beat Spurs 3-1 earlier on in the season, so any complacency will be punished.

Peter Crouch claimed all the plaudits with his double at Ewood Park in a game Tottenham had to work damn hard for all three points. It was far from a walk in the park. In fact, it was probably the hardest Spurs have had to work for a victory all season, which just goes to show how far Tottenham have come as they’ve never been battlers, that’s for sure. Another surprising positive about Tottenham’s play last Saturday was their immense defending. Michael Dawson was a rock at the back, blocking anything that was targeted at a usually ‘sketchy’ Gomes. If Dawson carries on like this then an England call up wouldn’t be out of the question. While if Tottenham continue to defend like they are then they shouldn’t have too many problems at least mounting a challenge on the top four spots.

Tottenham have now won back-to-back games in the league but that run is made more impressive by two successive clean sheets. The latter, the 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers, was their first away shut out of the season, so that should stand the defence, which has had it’s fair share of critics in recent seasons, in good stead ahead of what will be an extremely tough outings for Harry Redknapp & Co. Still, Spurs are showing are the signs of a top four team at present but, like we said earlier, Tottenham do have a terrible knack of straying and a defeat at Craven Cottage wouldn’t surprise us in the slightest after a solid run of form.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Fulham W: 3 Tottenham Hotspur W: 3 Draw: 4

It’s been impossible to split the two meetings, although Fulham will be the confident of the two sides heading into this fixture in the knowledge that they didn’t suffer defeat in this fixture at home nor away at White Hart Lane. The Cottagers beat Tottenham 2-1 at Crane Cottage whilst the pair played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.

A crucial statistic is that Fulham have never lost at home to Tottenham since their arrival to the Premiership back in 2002, winning five and drawing two. Fulham have, though, been held to draws in two of the previous three encounters at Craven Cottage. Also, there has never been a goalless game at Craven Cottage between the two, so hopefully we will be treated to some goals.

Match Verdict: Fulham – 2.90 Boylesports

Fulham get the nod from us as they were nothing short of outstanding last weekend against a depleted Man Utd. Spurs, to their credit, put in a battling performance in their weekend encounter against Blackburn. Their workmanlike display earned them all three points and they’ll be very confident after two straight victories. However, Spurs turn ‘hot and cold’ too much for liking and preference is for a more consistent Fulham side, one we can’t see losing on Saturday if they put in a similar performance to the one we were treated to last weekend..

Match Odds:

Fulham – 2.90 Boylesports

Draw – 3.50 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – 2.63 VCbet

Fancy a challenge?! – Tottenham have scored at least once in each of their last three away fixtures, whereas Fulham have managed at least one goal in their previous six home encounters. So will both manage to get on the score sheet in Saturday’s contest at Craven Cottage.

Yes – 1.75 BlueSquare

No – 2.25 Coral

Our challenge pick – Yes!

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For those of you who fancy yourself against Matt, feel free to send us your challenge selection and those who do beat Matt will get a mention on the related preview. There is no actual prize up for grabs… just bragging rights?!

Send us your challenge pick to: challenge@soccerbetting.info