MARTIN'S XMAS GIFT- ROTHERHAM (H) PREVIEW

After the weird and wonderful at Wolves, the Whites should get back to winning ways at home to struggling Rotherham tonight. The game on Staurday was more than a rollercoaster, with Fulham 3-1 up at half time, before going behind and then Floyd Ayite nicking the late equalizer. Whether we were too complacent, or maybe too cocky, Lambert must have fired Wolves up for the second half. Maybe there was a hangover from the 5-0 thrashing of Reading, and we thought that at 3-1 we could go on and score more. We remember that the lads and Slav had been saying, after Brighton, that we need to push on when we lead by the odd goal, and that the second goal is all important. It is possible that, at 3-1, the lads wanted more. This comes down to game management, and we are still a work in progress, and that game management will come in time. The bottom line is that we stilled scored four, and with a poor history at Molineux, a point isn't that bad. 
Rotherham are a different kettle of fish, and we have every right to expect the Whites to get 3 points, but it will not be as easy as the table would suggest. 

Rotherham United- What a disastrous season they have had so far. The 1-0 win over QPR was a massive boost for them, but they were hanging on near the end, against a Rangers side in their own doldrums at the moment. Whether Warne can inspire Rotherham to put a decent run together, remains to be seen. Saturday's win may have restored a little confidence, but players look at tables, and it is hard to imagine that their dressing room is brimming with confidence. Looking through their squad there are no household names, apart from Peter Odemwingie, but he has only started 4 games and, at 35, he is near the end of his career. Ward has 8 goals which is impressive enough given where the team are in the table. An away record of W0 D1 L9 F9 A30,  hardly bodes well for a team who have to travel down to London midweek. With the Whites in fine scoring form, we can expect Rotherham to "park the bus", and hope for a break away or set piece goal. Having said that, they will work hard and be physical.

FFC- With Derby coming to the Cottage on Saturday, and after the craziness of last Saturday, we may see a couple of changes. No reason to change Button, despite some negative comments on social media. Fredericks and Kalas should continue, but Sigurdsson may replace Ream, and don;t be surprised to see Sessegnon given some game time, in order to rest Malone for Saturday. McDonald and Johansen will give the cover, and Cairney and Aluko will be partnered by Ayite. If Floyd hadn't scored 2 on Saturday, Piazon may have come in with the Derby game in the back of Slav's mind. allowing Ayite a rest and Piazon some game time. Chris Martin cannot play against Derby, so expect him to be fired up for this game, where he will be hoping to bag at least a brace. He has nothing to lose, knowing that he will have a good rest after tonight. 

Match prediction- Rotherham will defend, and given that we dominate every game possession wise, expect the ball to be at a Fulham player's feet for most of the game. In fact, we may dominate more than we did against Reading. The problem will be breaking them down, as they will sit deep, probably making us play out wide. Patience is the name of the game for FFC tonight, and we the fans have to show the same patience. An early goal and it could be a rout, but defending any set pieces Rotherham may get is of paramount importance. 

Score prediction- 4-0

Key Player- Chris Martin, to be fired up and give us all some early Christmas presents, with a couple of goals at least.

We must get behind the team from start to finish.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs

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