I lack the time for a comprehensive preview at this ungodly hour but can we really expect a massive turnaround in our form at Bolton later on today?
The Reebook Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years – indeed, I can only recall a single Premier League win there (inspired by a couple of Brian McBride goals on the final day of the 2003-04 season). We did manage to get a point last season on Brede Hangeland’s debut and we’ll be relying on the big man even more than usual with the news that we could be without Aaron Hughes for a while.
What are the chances of us ending our dismal away run with a win? Probably as remote as anyone stopping Kauto Star earlier today at Cheltenham. I don’t see us scoring too many – just the three away league goals this season – especially if we persist with playing with the one recognised striker. Yes, Dempsey does well in a more advanced position but we failed to take a number of chances against Blackburn that even Zamora (God bless him) might have gobbled up.
Can we hang on for a 0-0? I hope so, but it’s rather sad that’s the best I can hope for on a pessimistic Friday night.
I only heard that Eddie Lowe had passed away just before the minute’s silence on Wednesday. I was too young to see him play but, according to other members of the Fulham family, he was one of the best in the good old days. A character but his success owed more to hard work and determination than talent. Rest in peace, mate. Hopefully, the Maestro will be a willing distributor of the ball for you up in Heaven’s first eleven.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Konchesky, Kallio, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Davies, Dempsey; A. Johnson, Nevland. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Stoor, Dacourt, Gera, Gray, Kamara.
