In 1904 the legendary Russian leader Lenin wrote a book reflecting on the political divisions around him; he called it One Step Forward, Two Steps Back. The title coined the well-known phrase which, more than a 100 years later, sums up current events at Blackburn Rovers, where any signs of progress appear at best fleeting.
Most sage fans weren't the least bit surprised that their magnificent victory at Old Trafford has not proved the positive catalyst they had all hoped for; that win has been followed by two successive defeats.
As if to highlight the "two steps back" theme, they lost 2-1 in both of those games - in fact, their last five defeats have been by the same scoreline. These results have only served to exacerbate the continuing off-field angst, with manager Steve Kean and owners Venky's the target of seemingly unrelenting bitter protests.
Kean's problems even extend to seeking a new assistant manager after Paul Clement left the club to take up a post at Paris Saint-Germain less than two months after his appointment.
While his own search for new players has so far proved fruitless, Kean's also been fending off circling suitors for skipper Chris Samba. He also now appears resigned to losing one of his most gifted young players, Junior Hoilett, whose contract expires in the summer.
By contrast, Fulham arrive at Ewood Park on the back of an encouraging run of just two defeats in their last nine league games, a sequence which has elevated them seven points above the drop zone and nine clear of Rovers. Taking recent Blackburn events into consideration, perhaps a 2-1 away win may be the wisest prediction?
Head-to-head
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Blackburn have lost only two of their last 11 games against Fulham.
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They are unbeaten in their last six home matches against the Cottagers (W4, D2).
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This fixture has not produced a goalless draw since the sides met at Ewood Park in 1983 in a Division Two game.
Blackburn
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Fulham embark on their 36th match of the season, and on a home tie in the FA Cup for the sixth Rovers have suffered eight defeats in their 10 home league games this season.
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They have conceded two goals or more in 15 of their 20 top-flight matches this term, and have not kept a clean sheet since April.
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They scored 11 Premier league goals in December - only Manchester United (19) managed more.
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Blackburn have dropped more points from winning positions (14) than any other team in the Premier League.
Fulham
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Martin Jol's side have drawn five of their 10 away league games this term, with their only win coming at Wigan in October.
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Clint Dempsey has scored seven goals in his last nine league and cup appearances. He has scored four goals in his last six league games against Blackburn.
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Fulham have scored 14 of their 22 league goals this season in the second half, which equates to 64%.