 |
| Fulham striker Louis Saha |
|
|
"It is good to go to Old Trafford knowing I have scored goals against a big team like Manchester United already. It is great for my confidence," said Louis Saha, referring to the two he claimed in Fulham's baptismal game in the Premiership two years ago, on both occasions gliding past Gary Neville.
The Frenchman was talking minutes before Fulham's last training session prior to travelling to the biggest test of the season: the champions on their home turf (closely followed by Liverpool at home).
Understandable, you might think, to look to the past for inspiration after the "wake-up call" when, in the space of three days, they drew at home to Wolves, and then lost 3-2 against Newcastle, despite scoring two goals in the first seven minutes.
Understandable, but wrong. Saha, while conceding the frustration and disappointment of the results which represent the first glitch in Chris Coleman's shrewd turnaround of the West London club, embodied the steely fighting spirit that has made Fulham a surprise feature in the top six this season. Joint top scorer on five goals with Luis Boa Morte - who returns today - Saha's talk was all about getting a point or a win.
"I think we will have to play the ball around a bit more and try to keep our confidence as high as possible. It will be a very hard game, but we are all enjoying ourselves," he said.
"To have Alan Shearer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Michael Owen in successive games is a test, but not a new experience. This is our third year in the Premiership. As a team we know each other well, we've been through a lot. It is a great, great pleasure to play together in high-pressure games."
Judged in isolation, Paul Scholes is Saha's favourite player - "because he can give you 20 assists in one game, he's a magic player" - and Van Nistelrooy the striker he rates the best in England.
Judged in terms of today's encounter, however, Saha is confident that Fulham's new no-nonsense 4-5-1 shape, will hinder the striker he praises for cleverness of play, speed of thought and 100 per cent determination.
Source D. Telegraph by Sarah Edworthy