Fulham FC (La Doce): CARDIFF CITY (H)- MATCH PREVIEW

It seems like an age since the Whites put Newcastle in their place at the Cottage, but tomorrow we "welcome" the mouthy Cardiff fans to our home. In this fixture last year their fans spent most of the match goading us singing songs about "the English", and how they were going to "sort us out" in France. I don't have anything against the Welsh, but for some unknown reason Cardiff fans hate the English, and for that reason alone this match takes on extra significance for me.

It's been a great start for our lads, and despite some disappointment with the late equalizer by Leeds, we couldn't have wished for a better start. Now, as Slavisa knows, we need to make it "fortress Cottage" again, and tomorrow should provide us with the perfect opportunity to get another 3 points on the board. Cardiff lost their first two games, and beat Blackburn with the help of two o.g.s from Duffy. That would suggest that they have a problem with scoring as they are yet to find the net via one of their own players. But, it is early days, so I doubt our lads will be too complacent about that fact.

Cardiff City-

It is difficult to predict what we will get from Cardiff, with Paul Trollope still trying to put his own style on the team. As with Wales, we can expect a high work ethic, with them trying to pressure us in midfield. On paper they have a solid midfield with Immers, Pilkington, Whittingham, and Noone who can be a tricky player. Most people know about Marshall in goal who is a solid and consistent performer. Defensively they don't have so many household names, and up front there is nobody well known. Trollope may decide to go 1 up front, which will suit Fulham, but we will have to watch out for Noone, who on his day has the skill to beat most defenders. I can't see Cardiff storming forward, as Trollope will probably want his team to try an nullify our slick midfield passing.

Fulham-

Slavisa has finally got one of his conundrums in place with the signing of Jozabed. It gives him options in midfield, but I would expect the gaffer to go with the same midfield as against Leeds, with Jozabed making an appearance from the bench. It would be unfair to drop any of Aluko, Ayite, or Cairney after their impressive appearances so far. McDonald is becoming a shoe-in, and with the rejuvenated Parker being subbed at Leeds, he will probably start over Tunners. Sessegnon may get the nod over Malone, but with Malone's knowledge of Cardiff, he may be a second half option. I see no reason why Betts will take over from Button, just yet, in goal. Upfront, we will probably go with big Matt Smith again, with Woodrow making a second half appearance to give us some pace against tiring legs. Kalas, Madl and Odoi, are the easiest to predict as certain starters.

Match prediction-

I can see Cardiff sitting back and trying to hit us on the break. At times in the Leeds game our midfield tore them to strips, and I would think that is what Slav will want again, forcing them deeper and deeper, and allowing Sess, Ayite and Aluko to make runs into the box. Cardiff may try and hit balls into the box hoping to force errors from our defenders, but I doubt any of our defenders will be as generous as Duffy was when they played Blackburn. On current form this has "home win" written all over it.