Fulham vs Newcastle
December 14, 2007
15/12- Fulham, a side with 13 points from 16 matches but not in the relegation zone however only a spot above it just due to goal difference. This statement best defines the awkward position Fulham are currently in. They would be taking on Newcastle who would like to get back in the top half of the points table after they were pushed out of it last week. Newcastle has been handicapped with two of their best attacking options in Owen and Damien Duff being out of action due to injuries. Their performances in the recent times have been far from impressive but they were able to hold a spot in the top 10 until the last week when they finally fell out. This away tie at Fulham is hugely important as this is followed by matches against Wigan and Derby, both of which Newcastle would start as favorites as the teams are in terrible form. Hence 9 points in 3 matches could mean a jump in the top 10 positions for the club.
On the other hand the home crowd will be desperate for some good football from their side as they have not shown much of a positive sign this season. Fulham have had their share of problems as well and the next two weeks in the winter could well determine their fate in the top league. Dempsey is their best scoring bet and the side will be depending on him tremendously to deliver the killer kick. A win could be a temporary sigh of relief for the club but even a point here would be appreciated by the fans as the current form of the side has been not that encouraging for the viewers.
So it will be all to play for when the whistle blows away on this Saturday.
Prediction: 1-2, Newcastle win
Manchester United vs Fulham
December 2, 2007
3/12 – Man U will be looking to regain their second spot when they play Fulham at Old Trafford in a home tie. With Christiano Ronaldo being named the second best European player of the year he would want it to be reflected on field and regain the second spot which the club lost after the 1-0 away defeat at the hands of Bolton last week. They have already made a strong statement by beating Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League match and would hope for the same result.
Ronaldo will be ably supported by Rooney and Tevez, the other strikers who look in good form and the over all balance of this side is pretty impressive as well. The only missing aspect seems to be the hunger, Man U have not been able to pull off a real big win this season though they have not lost a home match. Fulham on the other hand have no away victory to show this season, in fact they have just won 2 of their 14 matches and their recent form does not reveal a different trend and just 2 points above the relegation zone Fulham will be under the constant pressure of slipping from their 13th spot.
Fulham would expect Dempsey and Kamara to create some opportunities and most importantly convert them, something they have not been able to do all this season. Though the match seems to be a one sided affair it might impact the positioning of the teams, a win would mean that Man U regain the lost position but a loss could mean edging towards the bottom 3 for Fulham. While if Fulham are able to take out a point from this they would be more than satisfied but Man U might just find themselves being overtaken by their city rivals.
Prediction: 2-0 Man U win
