Another international break done and now it’s back to proper business of the league, and what better way to get resume the hard graft than with a West London derby at the Cottage!
The Whites have had 2 weeks to dwell on a truly dreadful performance in the Midlands, and whilst we’re far from 6-pointer territory, a loss would certainly not be good for morale (and would probably cause Twitter to implode), especially as it would see the Shepherd’s Bush lot go above us.
Meetings between the two sides often throw up competitive and exciting games, and Saturday’s lunchtime kick off should be no exception given these are the division’s two highest scorers…who’s for a turgid 0-0 then?
Mark Warburton has got his team playing some decent football this season and they are arguably one of the surprise packages so far alongside Coventry. However, they are team with some quality individuals – especially at this level – so there can be no complacency or we could well be on the end of another reverse. But on a positive note, history is on Fulham’s side with 5 wins out of 7 games at the Cottage since the start of the 21st Century.
As with any hiatus for internationals, the big hope is those involved with their nations come back fit and healthy, although with thousands of miles travelled, there’s always the concern that even if their bodies are raring to go, spending several hours in a cigar tube traipsing across time zones may not leave them in the best shape mentally – even if they are in the posh seats.
With that in mind, Marco’s team selection may throw up a few curve balls, but I think it’s unlikely there’ll be wholesale changes. Given the challenge that will be posed by Warburton’s well-organised side, the team will have to be back to their early-season best and while at the time of writing it hasn’t been confirmed whether he’s available, a return to action of Fabio Carvalho could be integral to a resurgence in form, so fingers crossed he makes an appearance even if it is off the bench. We probably don’t want him starting anyway given we know StefJo will likely be commanding the midfield for QPR and I’m not sure Fabio’s shins are ready for that kind of abuse.
One position where I do hope to see a change is at left back, where the double whammy of long-distance travel and probably being the worst of a terrible bunch at the Ricoh Arena, should see Robinson replaced by Joe Bryan. Oh how we could do with his pin-point crosses finding that marvellous Serbian head once again! I would expect to see Seri come back into the XI after his somewhat confusing absence last time around, and I think BDR could find himself on the bench or rested after only getting back from Jamaican duty barely 24 hours before the match. The no.10 role is up for grabs, and if Fabio isn’t ready to start then we may see Quina given another outing – or maybe Cavaleiro will sneak his way off the bench again. Hopefully Domingos is ready. And will the centre-back pairing revert to Captain Ream being partnered by Tosin or will Mawson get another go? Obviously, the pair weren’t covered in glory by the last results, but not sure Alfie was culpable enough to lose his place straight away.
Finally, an area of the pitch that is causing much debate (almost all of it on one side of the argument), is in goal. Does Rodak deserve an opportunity to stake his claim? For sure. Will he get it in this game? I think it’s unlikely. But if we get another questionable performance from Gazzaniga, we may well be seeing Marek donning the gloves against Cardiff midweek.
SCORE PREDICTION: Fulham 3-2 QPR
PREDICTED LINE-UP: 4-2-3-1
H2H LEAGUE RECORD (OVERALL)
- PLAYED – 34
- FULHAM WINS – 14
- DRAWS – 6
- QPR WINS – 14
- GOALS SCORED – 50
- GOALS CONCEDED – 42
H2H LEAGUE RECORD (HOME)
- PLAYED – 17
- FULHAM WINS – 8
- DRAWS – 2
- QPR WINS – 7
- GOALS SCORED – 33
- GOALS CONCEDED – 22
LAST 5 GAMES
- QPR 0-2 FULHAM AET (FA CUP)
- QPR 1-2 FULHAM
- FULHAM 2-1 QPR
- FULHAM 2-2 QPR
- QPR 1-2 FULHAM
BIGGEST WINS AT CRAVEN COTTAGE
- FULHAM 6-0 QPR (2011/12)
- FULHAM 5-0 QPR (1928/29, 1948/49)
- FULHAM 4-0 QPR (2015/16)
PLAYERS IN COMMON
Jordan Archer, John Beck, Roy Bentley, Matt Brazier, Rufus Brevett, Dean Coney, Lee Cook, Luke Cornwall, Danny Cullip, Iain Dowie, Heidar Helguson, Robbie Herrera, Ernie Howe, Aaron Hughes, Stefan Johansen, Andy Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Jim Langley, Frank Large, Rodney Marsh, Paul Parker, Tony Parks, Paul Peschisolido, Zesh Rehman, Leroy Rosenior, Wayne Routledge, Jim Taylor, Tony Sealy, Matt Smith, Tony Thorpe, Callum Willock, Bobby Zamora.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the Riverside Stand being under construction and capacity reduced to three stands. Craven Cottage still has a bigger capacity than Loftus Road.
LEAGUE POSITION: 6TH
LEAGUE FORM: WWLLL
AWAY FORM: LLDWW
LAST RESULT: QPR 3-2 PRESTON
GOALS SCORED: 22 (2ND)
GOALS CONCEDED: 16 (4TH)
AVERAGE POSSESSION: 58% (4TH)
DISCIPLINE: 15 YELLOWS 1 RED (21ST)
TOP SCORER: ILLIAS CHAIR, LYNDON DYKES (4)
MOST ASSISTS: CHRIS WILLOCK, JORDY DE WIJS, LYNDON DYKES, MOSES ODUBAJO, STEFAN JOHANSEN (2)