Match Preview: Cardiff City

CRAVEN COTTAGE | 15:00 K/O

Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency

Our Focus turns to tonight’s game under the floodlights as Fulham (4th) host Cardiff City (6th) at Craven Cottage…

Head To Head

  • Fulham Wins – 27
  • Draws – 13
  • Cardiff Wins – 25
  • Goals For – 102
  • Goals Against – 97
  • Biggest Wins – Fulham 4-0 Cardiff (1931/32), Fulham 4-0 Cardiff (1948/49), Fulham 1-5 Cardiff (1968/69), Fulham 4-0 Cardiff (1974/75), Cardiff 0-4 Fulham (1983/84)

Last 5 Games

  • Cardiff 1-1 Fulham
  • Fulham 1-0 Cardiff
  • Cardiff 4-2 Fulham
  • Cardiff 2-4 Fulham
  • Fulham 1-1 Cardiff

Last Time Out

Cardiff City 1-1 Fulham

In our last encounter with Cardiff we drew 1-1 away from home. Josh Murphy’s 42nd minute goal was cancelled out by a Mitro equaliser three minutes later. We had a decent hold of the game until Arter got sent off after two yellows in the space of two minutes, the second for a contentious dive. Mitro was then robbed of a penalty late after being grappled to the floor by Sean Morrison.


Players in Common 

Harry Arter, Bobby Brown, Richard Carpenter, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Jeff Eckhardt, Neil Etheridge, Kerim Frei, Julian Gray, Mark Grew, Heidar Helguson, Mark Hudson, Junichi Inamoto, Eddie Johnson, Mark Kelly, Peter Kitchen, Joe Lewis, Scott Malone, Ross McCormack, Brian McDermott, Chris Pike, Bobby Reid, Jazz Richards, Kieran Richardson, David Roberts, Wayne Routledge, Phil Stant, Mark Walton, Alan Warboys, Tony Warner, Paul Went.


Score Predictions

Fulham View: Sammy James (Fulhamish)

Fulham 2-0 Cardiff City

Cardiff City View: Three Little Birds Fan Page

Fulham 1-1 Cardiff City

Former Player: Ray Houghton

Fulham 2-1 Cardiff City


Battle To Watch

Aleksandar Mitrovic vs Sean Morrison

Despite Cardiff’s roller-coaster of a season, which now leaves them in a playoff position, one thing that has been consistent throughout is the form of captain Sean Morrison. Morrison has been solid in defence throughout the season and been a mainstay in both Neil Harris and Neil Warnock’s teams. Morrison’s battle with Mitro in the last fixture was a tough one with Mitro probably coming out on top. So with our goal machine back, it will be interesting who comes out best on Friday.


Sam’s View (@SamCole2468)

Three is the magic number. After two poor results coming back from the break it seems like Fulham are picking up some momentum heading into the Playoffs. Our important win over Forest at the weekend was our third in a row and hopefully we can make it our fourth on Friday night. Cardiff stand in our way who look rejuvenated under the leadership of Neil Harris. However a surprise loss to Blackburn in their last match shows they are vulnerable. The return of Mitro is definitely a welcome one and Knockaert signing permanently hopefully will give him a confidence boost.

I would make three changes from Tuesday’s win at Forest: in defence and up front. I would firstly bring the now fit Mawson into the team for Ream. Ream has been poor this season especially after the break and as Parker clearly doesn’t like Le Marchant so Mawson should come into the team. I would bring the now available Mitro in for Decordova-Reid. Decordova-Reid has done an alright job since playing up front with Parker deploying him as more of a False 9 but isn’t clinical enough to play there. The final change is bringing Knockaert in for Kebano. Nothing Kebano has done wrong I just think that Knockaert will have more confidence after signing permanently. I’m assuming Cairney isn’t fit for this match.

I think we will win 2-0 with Mitro and Knockaert getting the goals.

SAM’S LINE-UP