HOME COMFORTS- FFC vs HTFC PREVIEW

As far as the Mighty Whites are concerned there is little comfort to be found at home at this moment in time. In a previous article, I suggested that the influx of new players was partly to blame for this, as they not only cope with team integration, but they also become accustomed to Craven Cottage with all of it's little quirks. Even as a big fan of Slavisa, I cannot keep using this excuse as to why our home form is so bad. The team should be bedding in now, so it is time we made the Cottage the fortress it should be. Although I would think that many teams would love to have our away record, history shows that teams with excellent home records are the most successful, and once teams visit with a little fear already in their mind, it can be the equivalent of being a goal up before a ball has been kicked. This Saturday, tomorrow, we see the visit of surprise team, of the season so far, Huddersfield. This is a must win game, not only for the three points on the board, but also for team confidence along with sending a message to our rivals that we are no longer weak at home.

The best stadium view in England

Huddersfield Town
The terriers have shocked everybody in the Championship and with 28 points safely in the bag, they can already feel safe from relegation. That is a big bonus as they can play with more freedom, and added to the fact that nobody expects them to continue their good form, they have nothing to lose. Wagner has built a good solid team, and Huddersfield will be very difficult to break down. Add to that, that skipper Hudson is likely to be available for the defence, and it could be a game of patience for Fulham. However, Huddersfield didn't get so many points from just a mean defence, and they are capable of good flowing football. Nahki Wells, is a proven Championship goalscorer and it would have been nice if FFC had tried to sign him. Given the profile of Wells, it would be easy to think of him as the main threat, but the Whites will need to be wary of Van La Parra, and current top goalscorer, Kachunga. It is anybody's guess how Wagner will approach this game, but he may just think that we are there for the taking, which could easily play into our hands.

Fulham
Many loyal Whites' fans are become disgruntled that our excellent start has disintegrated, and they have every right to feel that way. I, for one, will keep faith in Slavisa, and our squad that many other Championship coaches rate highly. The biggest headache for Slav tomorrow is what to do about the goalkeeping situation, with many fans calling for Button to be dropped. Slavisa, quite rightly, wants to show confidence in Button, and even after his howler against Villa, he will probably keep his place. Whatever we as fans think of players making cock-ups, no coach should publicly criticize his own players. Whether Button's "f..k up", was solely down to him, or whether it was down to tactics of always playing out from defence, I can see him keeping his place, but Bettinelli will be pushing him hard. The defence is likely to be missing the excellent Kalas yet again, so expect Sigurdsson and Madl to start. Odoi, should keep his place ahead of the fit again Fredericks, and Malone will probably replace Sess. The defensive midfield pairing virtually picks itself, so Tunnicliffe will have to be on the bench as Parker and McDonald continue. We should see fan's favourite Cairney return for this game, and hopefully he will be given a central role where he is more effective. Piazon should keep his place, but with Ayite fit again, he may miss out. Who else partners Cairney and Piazon is guess work. Aluko took a knock at Villa, Kebano seems to have fallen out of favour, and Johansen has yet to impress, although he looks much more effective when played further forward. Upfront it is hard to see Martin being dropped, so Smith will have to make do with the bench again. 
Predicted team- Button. Odoi, Madl, Sigurdsson, Malone. Parker, McDonald. Piazon, Cairney, Johansen. Martin.

Match prediction
Expect Huddersfield to be cautious but not as defensive as past visitors to the Cottage. They are likely to play quick passing football, hoping to get the ball to Wells before we have gotten back in shape. The Whites will try and play their possession football, but don't be surprised if there are a few longer balls played out from defence. The Whites need an early goal to draw them out, and if we can get that then I expect a FFC win.

Score- 3-1 to Fulham

MOM- Piazon

Travelling tip- Don't bother with McDonalds in Putney as the new system means you will have to wait app. 30 mins for some "fast" food.

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