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Fulham v Watford: Match preview

last updated Sunday 31st December 2006, 5:55 PM
Team Fulham Watford
Games Played 21 19
Goal Attempts
Goals 22 12
Ave Goals per game 1.05 0.63
Shots (excl blocked shots) 175 166
% Shots on Target 42% 42%
% Goals to Shots 13% 7%
Passing
Short Passes 5,423 3,821
Long Passes 1,423 1,368
Overall Pass Completion % 66% 54%
Crossing
Total Crosses 488 544
Cross Completion % 27% 22%
Defending
Goals Conceded 32 26
Ave goals conceded per game 1.52 1.37
Tackles 545 365
Tackles Won % 73% 76%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions 1008 762
Discipline
Fouls 303 315
Yellow Cards 29 24
Red Cards 1 1

Fulham welcome Watford to Craven Cottage on the back of a spirited 2-2 draw at champions Chelsea on Saturday.

Chris Coleman's side have now drawn their past three games but will be hopeful of improving on this against a Watford team that are rooted to the foot of the Premiership table.

While Fulham were delivering Manchester United a late Christmas present in the title race, Watford were trudging off against Wigan with the game abandoned at 1-1 due to torrential downpours at Vicarage Road.

In a congested festive period any respite is welcome and Watford will at least be fresh for their trip to West London, although Hameur Bouazza (shoulder), Marlon King (knee) and Clarke Carlisle (thigh) all continue to occupy the treatment room.

It is expected that Adrian Boothroyd will name an unchanged side, meaning Tamis Priskin (who scored Watford's goal against Wigan on his first Premiership start) will be given another opportunity to impress.

Fulham on home soil are notoriously difficult to beat and having picked up seven points from a past nine, Coleman will be demanding another maximum haul.

At Stamford Bridge Fulham were full value for a point and it seems likely Coleman will keep faith in those that helped eke out an unexpected but welcome point.

Collins John will continue alongside Brian McBride, with club captain Luis Boa Morte also pushing for a start after coming off the bench to good effect at Stamford Bridge.

Watford are well aware that they must start to pick up points if they are to have any chance of survival but a trip to West London may see them struggle to yield what they so crave.

Skysports.com Prediction: 2-0 
Fulham to ease to victory

Player to watch: Collins John















Source Alex Dunn at SkySport
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