Back from injury and
with a second-half substitute appearance against Aston Villa under
his belt, centre-half Alain Goma is looking forward to the Ipswich
game on Sunday as an opportunity to establish himself back in the
side, and also for Fulham to get three valuable points as they look
to climb up the Premiership table.
"I played against them last season and they were very good. For
a promoted team to come up and do what they did was exceptional. But
it doesn't matter who you play in the Premiership; all the games are
hard. What's important for us is that we are ready for the challenge
because they are going to fight, so we have to be ready
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Alain Goma fit and rearing to go
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to fight as well."
After such an impressive season, winning a UEFA Cup spot by finishing
fifth in their first season back in the Premiership, Ipswich are currently
suffering something of a hangover, and like Fulham, are finding wins
very difficult to come by. Alain does not think the league table gives
a true reflection of either team's true worth.
"Compared to last season, Ipswich are not doing so well,"
he said, "But I think they are still playing with a good spirit
even if they're not getting it right technically. So if we want to
win, first we have to get it right mentally and then we can get it
right on the pitch. We saw last season that Ipswich are a good side,
but if we're right then we can be better."
Preparation is obviously a big part of the modern game, not just in
getting your own players right, but also in being thoroughly briefed
on the opposition.
"It's a very big part of our job," agreed Alain. "The
level of detail that we go into is what makes this Club so professional.
We spend a lot of time looking at who we are going to play against,
so there are no surprises when we go out onto the pitch. We know the
skills of the strikers who we are up against and the way they play.
Ipswich have some very good players, Marcus Stewart will be difficult
opponent if he plays."
It will be a tough game, no doubt, but should the Fulham fans be optimistic?
"Yes, of course. It's now time to start winning the points, and
after the disappointing game at Aston Villa, it's important to do
well at home. The spirit in the team is very good and we have a lot
of confidence. I would say that Fulham will win on Sunday."
A fit again Alain Goma will be a very welcome sight back at the heart
of the Fulham defence. Let's hope that it coincides with an equally
welcome three points, and the start of the assault on the upper reaches
of the Premiership.
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Source Fulham Today by Ian McCulloch