The run up to Christmas, on paper, looks difficult, and next week's away game at Brighton is going to be our trickiest test yet. But first we face last season's surprise team in Sheffield Wednesday.
So far this season, the Owls have struggled to repeat their form of last season, although they are sniffing around just outside the play-offs, with the same points as us. Last season they had one of the meanest defences in the league, but the fact that they have conceded more goals than Fulham may go towards explaining some of their adverse form. Add into this, their problems with Forestieri, and Carvalhal may struggle to repeat last season's success. However, even though all does not seem perfect at Hillsborough, we should not take them lightly and we will need to be at the top of our game to get the three points we need in the bag before the trip to the South Coast.
Sheffield Wednesday-
Last season, Wednesday built the foundations of a solid defence, and given their current, indifferent form, we should expect to see them tight at the back. Westwood in goal has been around a long time and is a good solid keeper. None of the defenders are household names, but that does not mean we should underestimate their defensive understanding. Abdi, Lee and Bannon, in midfield are all good performers at this level, but the real threat lies upfront where Hooper is making up for Forestieri's tantrums, by being leading scorer. If Forestieri has patched up his differences, then he may have a point to prove, so we should be wary of his threat. We should expect the Owls to be cautious, but if we allow them to build up any pressure then they have the fire power to score from midfield as well as up front. After all, who can forget the "worldie" they scored last year to beat us.
FULHAM
There are no major injuries or doubts for the visit of the Owls, so Slavisa should be able to pick his strongest squad. I would be very suprised if the boss doesn't stick with the same team who did magnificently against Huddersfield and Brentford. Although Slav understands the need for a deep squad in the slog of the Championship, he also knows that a settled team can build consistency. Button showed against Brentford that he is making decisions as to when to play short or kick long, and hopefully the rest of the team are realizing that although it is effective to retain possession, there has to be a mix to avoid the mistake we saw at Villa. The back four is looking solid, and Slav has singled out Kalas for praise this week. Kalas is too good for the Championship, and we can only hope he stays injury free as he starts to lead, and organize, the defence. Sigurdsson has replaced the impressive Madl, so we have strength in that position. Fredericks has come back well from injury, and Odoi, despite his impressive games, will likely miss out again. I would also expect Malone to keep his place above prodigy Sessegnon. Johansen seems to have settled in now, and is showing amazing stamina, proving that he can be an excellent box-to-box midfielder. McDonald has an excellent array of passing and with a little terrier next to him, it gives him the space to pick his passes. Aluko and Cairney, are virtual shoes-ins, and Piazon is showing the talent that should give him the nod above Ayite, and Kebano. Martin is looking leaner and fitter, and it is impossible to see big Matty Smith getting a start above him.
Match prediction-
Expect the Whites to have possession early on as Wednesday start off cagily. Fulham need an early goal to allow their possession football to frustrate the Owls, allowing Aluko to get forward on the break. If Wednesday score early on then we, the fans, will need patience as they will become more and more difficult to break down. This game looks like one where whoever scores first will dictate the rest of the game, so that early goal is even more important for Slav and the Lads.
Score prediction-
I can't see this being high scoring, but the Whites may just have the edge. 2-1 or 2-0 to FFC.
Worth a punt-
Scott Malone to be first goalscorer. Odds of anywhere between 25/1 to 33/1 look good value given that Scott gets high up the pitch and isn't afraid to have a go at goal. Other than that, William Hill have Piazon at 10/1 to be first goal scorer, whereas Aluko at 7/1 (with some bookies) looks a little mean.
Whatever happens on Saturday we need to get behind the boys.
IN SLAVISA WE TRUST.
COYWs
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© Nic Smith
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