Fulham Vs West Ham match preview
Fresh from their European heroics, Fulham get ready to take on fellow Londoners West Ham United. The European engagements can have 2 extreme effects on the cottagers:
While it can act as inspiration for them to carry on the momentum and show the same form on domestic front,
Or on the contrary fatigue and tiredness might creep in hampering their performance in the big London derby.
As far as West hams morale is concerned the Hammers are relieved and jubilant after last week’s success, which ensured another season in the top flight for Franco Zola’s men. Although third from bottom Hull City could end up with equal number of points and Hammers' vastly superior goal difference will make the difference.
Roy Hodgson has not hesitated to shuffle his team around in domestic league given their European ties, and one would not be surprised if Roy decides to do that again this Sunday. The cottagers will be missing the services of their inform striker Bobby Zamora, after limping out in the 2-1 win over Hamburg. He was replaced by Clint Dempsey in the 57th minute at Craven Cottage and the American could start in his place on Sunday. Meanwhile John Pantsil is available after fully recovering form injury, and returned to the side at right-back in Thursday's memorable victory for the suspended Chris Baird.
Last week return of the inspirational midfield marshal Scott Parker after serving a 2 match suspension was a big plus. Parker immediately made his presence felt by scoring a long distance scorcher which turned out to be the eventual winner against Wigan. West Ham is still missing some key players due to injuries; Kieron Dyer is suffering from a hamstring injury, Jack Collision is out with an knee problem, Herita Ilungs also with a knee problem and James Tomkins is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Another Premiership season for West Hams is almost guaranteed but they are looking forward to getting all 3 points from their neighbors this Sunday. An away win would take the Hammers to within six points of their hosts and a ninth placed finish would equal their last year's best ever showing in the Barclays Premier League.
Fulham’s manager Roy Hodgson is being tipped to win the coach of the year award. The 62-year-old began his coaching career in 1976 with Swedish side Halmstads. Eight years before Zola, made his playing debut with USD Nuorese Calcio in his native Sardinia. And Hodgson has already made history at Fulham by making it to the Europe league final. He is looking forward to set another record straight by winning this Sunday’s game.
Fulham's last home league victory over West Ham was 44 years ago, it was a 4-2 victory at Craven Cottage. Since Fulham has already reached the UEFA Europa League Final with last night's win over Hamburg, they most likely will rest several key players for the Irons' visit, All in all it should be cracker of a game.
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