1 users online

Michaelelawn

Fulham at home to Liverpool:- Match Preview

last updated Friday 10th May 2013, 5:51 PM


Fulham manager Martin Jol
Fulham manager
Martin Jol
Other
Martin Jol
Stories
Fulham's name has never been mentioned as speculation has mounted in recent weeks about which clubs might be dragged into the relegation issue but if the season had another four games to go rather than two, there would be a few thousand fingernails being bitten and chewed down at the Cottage.

Fulham hit the magic 40-point mark four weeks ago and have been stuck there ever since. Mathematically, they still need another two points to be safe, but realistically their current points tally coupled with a healthy goal difference will be enough.

So motivation needs to come from a desire not to finish another steady season this badly. Four straight defeats culminating in last week's 4-2 humiliation at home to already relegated Reading is their worst run in over three years.

The rot needs to stop now otherwise Fulham will record their lowest Premier League finish and their lowest points tally since their last day survival in 2008.

On the face of it Liverpool have nothing to play for, unlikely to move up or down from seventh place.

They arrive in confident mood, unbeaten in their last six games and looking to rip apart another defence on foreign soil. Newcastle were lucky to escape at 6-0 at St James' Park a fortnight ago and only champions Manchester United have scored more away goals than Liverpool.

I'll be thrilled if Philippe Coutinho can pull the strings again. Equally I'd be chuffed if Dimitar Berbatov hits the heights. As long as somebody, somewhere scores. After three successive goalless draws for Match of the Day at Swansea, Reading and West Ham I'm beginning to fear I'll never commentate on a goal again!

    Head-to-head



  • Both sides have won two matches each out of the last four fixtures between the teams.


  • There has not been a draw at Craven Cottage in in 11 Premier League fixtures. Fulham have won five matches and Liverpool six.


  • There have been three players sent off in the last three clashes between the two sides at Craven Cottage.


  • This is the 64th meeting between the sides. Liverpool have won 36 times, Fulham 12 and there have been 16 draws.


  • Fulham



  • In scoring his first goal against Reading last Saturday, Bryan Ruiz was the first Fulham player to score a Premier League goal in 588 minutes (excluding own goals).


  • Fulham are yet to win a game after going behind this season, picking up only five draws from losing positions.


  • They have won none of the eight games they have played this season without Steve Sidwell in the Premier League (D2 L6). In the 28 matches Sidwell has played Fulham have won 10 (D8 L10).


  • Liverpool



  • Liverpool have lost just one of their last 10 league matches.


  • They have taken more shots per game (19.2) than any team in the top five divisions in Europe.


  • Brendan Rodgers' side have struck 19 times in the 15 minutes immediately after half-time; more than any other team in the Premier League.
























Source Martin Fisher at BBCSports
Since 1998
"It's been updated!"