Fulham v Boro preview
Graeme Bailey at SkySport
Middlesbrough warm-up for the biggest game in their history with a trip to Fulham as the Premiership season comes to a close on Sunday.
| Team |
Fulham |
Middlesbrough |
| Games Played |
37 |
37 |
| Goal Attempts |
| Goals |
47 |
48 |
| Ave Goals per game |
1.27 |
1.30 |
| Shots (excl blocked shots) |
359 |
344 |
| % Shots on Target |
42% |
43% |
| % Goals to Shots |
13% |
14% |
| Passing |
| Short Passes |
7,168 |
8,506 |
| Long Passes |
3,617 |
4,097 |
| Overall Pass Completion % |
69% |
74% |
| Crossing |
| Total Crosses |
793 |
665 |
| Cross Completion % |
23% |
22% |
| Defending |
| Goals Conceded |
58 |
57 |
| Ave goals conceded per game |
1.57 |
1.54 |
| Tackles |
1,166 |
1,184 |
| Tackles Won % |
73% |
72% |
| Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions |
2270 |
2115 |
| Discipline |
| Fouls |
498 |
526 |
| Yellow Cards |
65 |
50 |
| Red Cards |
2 |
3 |
Boro's minds are firmly fixed on next Wednesday when they travel to Eindhoven to face Sevilla in the Uefa Cup final.
As a result, Boro's side will be very much second-string for a game that also marks Steve McClaren's last match in English domestic football, before he takes up his role as England boss in August.
Fulham have little to play for, although they could still finish as high as 12th with victory over Boro - who too cannot finish any higher that that, should they win in West London.
It remains unlikely that any of the players involved in the Uefa Cup final will feature at Craven Cottage for Boro.
Ross Turnbull, who starred in goal on his debut in midweek, is set to retain his place, along with the likes of Tony McMahon, David Wheater and Adam Johnson.
Doriva and Ray Parlour could very well continue in midfield, while Malcolm Christie's rehabilitation is also likely to see him retaining his starting role.
It remains to be seen whether the likes of Ugo Ehiogu and Lee Cattermole - who both started the draw at Bolton in midweek, will be risked with the Uefa Cup in mind - although neither are likely starters in Holland.
Fulham are looking to finish with a win, and will be determined to bounce back from their defeat at Sunderland on Thursday.
Chris Coleman could also hand Claus Jensen his first outing since October.
Skysports.com Prediction: 1-0
Fulham to finish with a win.