Our Focus turns to Fulham’s last game of 2019 against Stoke City at the Cottage. The Potters have improved under Michael O’Neill and have climbed out of the bottom three on goal difference thanks to an impressive win over Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day. It’s been a decade full of the highest of highs with the Europa League journey and Wembley fever, and of course the lowest of lows with two relegations from the Premier League.
Nevertheless, the 2010’s have been good to Fulham, so let’s bow out of the decade with a victory that does it justice. Come on the Fulham!
Head To Head
- Fulham wins 32 | Draws 15 | Stoke wins 31.
- In the 78 matches against each other, Stoke have scored 109 goals, Fulham have scored 106.
- Fulham have won 6 of the last 8 meetings with Stoke at Craven Cottage.
- The first goal could be vital as both teams have scored just 3 times in the past 19 clashes.
- Stoke’s record at Craven Cottage is Wins 11 Wins | 7 Draws | 21 Defeats.
- Both teams have won 5 each in the last 10 meetings.
- However, Stoke have won the last 3 in a row.
Stoke City in 2019/20
- League Position: 21st
- League Form: WLDWL
- Average Possession: 48.8%
- Form Table (Last 6 Matches): 13th (7pts – same as Fulham)
- Clean sheets: 4
- Top Scorers: Sam Clucas (6), Sam Vokes (5)
- Discipline: 29 Yellows | 1 Red
- Both teams have scored in 14 of their 24 matches in the league
Players in Common
Steve Sidwell
Fulham: 113 apps, 17 goals (2011-2014)
Stoke: 20 apps (2014-2016)
Micky Adams, Paul Bracewell, Viv Busby, John Dreyer, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Stephen Kelly, Kyle Lightbourne, Paul Peschisolido, Steven Sidwell, Kostas Stafylidis, Brian Talbot & Gabriel Zakuani.
Tom’s View (@ShadowBriton)
Going into the game against Leeds, I was fearing the worst. Going into the Boxing Day trip to Luton I was feeling optimistic. As a result, I don’t know how to feel ahead of tomorrow’s game. Stoke may be struggling, but under Michael O’Neill they’ve improved and their 3-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day has proved that they won’t go down without a fight. I don’t need to remind any Fulham fan about the 2-0 defeat we suffered against the Potters at theirs a few months back which gave them their first league win of the season. So there’s more than enough reason to be a bit nervous about facing a team like Stoke again, particularly with our inconsistency.
In terms of the line-up, I’d put Alfie Mawson on the left side of our central defence as he’s much better suited there than he is on the right. Drop Ream whose been poor of late and partner Alf with the returning Denis Odoi as we play our final game before pinning all hope on Michael Hector improving our back line! I’ll be more than happy to keep the midfield, but the front three (we already know Mitro will be in the team without question), is going to be difficult. You’ve got three quality players in Ivan Cavaleiro, Bobby Reid and Anthony Knockaert. But as much as I love Cav, the team has to be chosen on merit, so I’d give Knocky and Bobby the nod based on their performances against Luton. Bobby was outstanding and Knock made a very positive impact off the bench.
As for the result, it’ll be a grind because Stoke aren’t an easy side to play against but I’m hopeful we’ll be ending the year with the three points and renewed optimism. Fulham 2-1 Stoke
