Fulham v Blackburn Rovers – English Premier League: Match Preview
As Fulham prepare to host Blackburn Rovers on March 5 2011 at Craven Cottage, both the teams will look towards getting their season back on track after inconsistent performances thus far. Let’s shed some light on how both the sides will line up against each
other on Saturday evening in London
Fulham
13th in the English Premier League at the moment, Fulham have their work cut out. The Cottagers have only gathered 32 points from a total of 28 matches this season and with 14 draws this season, Fulham have fell short of gaining well deserved
wins on several occasions in the 2010-2011 Premier League season.
Out of their last five competitive fixtures, Fulham have won one, drawn three and lost one, thus further outlining the belief that Mark Hughes’s team lacks quality in the offensive department.
Just five points above the relegation zone, Fulham must gain a favourable result against Blackburn Rovers to avoid involvement in a tough relegation battle near the end of the Premier League season.
Blackburn Rovers
After losing to Aston Villa in their last English Premier League encounter, Blackburn Rovers are on the rocks once more. They have suffered ever since the club’s new owners decided to part ways with Sam Allardyce, Blackburn’s ex-manager.
Nonetheless, the Lancashire club side are winless in their last five matches as they have drawn one and lost four times in the over the past month. Not only that, Blackburn have a serious problem with their striking department.
Despite signing Roque Santa Cruz in the January transfer window, Steve Kean’s men have found it hard in front of goal as they have only netted five goals in their last five games, three of which came against Wigan’s leaky defence in February, 2011.
Team news
Fulham are expected welcome back their star English striker, Bobby Zamora, after a lengthy lay-off due to a broken leg. The London club will be without the services of Steven Sidwell, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Philippe-Senderos-c29952, who are still long term injury doubts due to their
knee and thigh injuries respectively.
Expected Fulham line-up: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Etuhu, Davies, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Zamora
Blackburn are set to make a late decision on the fitness levels of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Dunn-c10475. Nelsen is
suspended due to a red card whereas David Dunn is out with a hip injury.
Expected Blackburn Rovers line-up: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Olsson, J Jones, MB Diouf, Santa Cruz, Pedersen, Emerton, Hoilett
Key Players
Fulham will bank on Bobby http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zamora-c40983 to return to his goal scoring form after fully recovering from his broken leg. The English striker was Fulham’s main man last season as they marched on to the final of the Europa League competition.
Blackburn’s offensive responsibilities will be carried on the strong shoulders of Santa Cruz. The former Manchester City striker was a fan favourite at Blackburn in his first spell at the club before his move to City.
However, the Paraguayan target man is yet to open his account for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385 ever since his arrival at the club in January.
Prediction
Fulham are favourites to win this matchup due to a home advantage and the return of Bobby Zamora to their starting line-up. Regardless, it won’t be easy for Mark Hughes’s side as Blackburn are a very physical outfit themselves. Prediction: 2-1 to Fulham
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