Fulham have started this season poorly and they sit in 18th place with four points while scoring three goals and allowing seven. This compares to the newly promoted Cardiff City who are in 16th place on five points having scored four and allowed six.Fulham have taken only one point from their last six Barclays Premier League home games (L5 D1). No team has won more points from losing positions than Cardiff (4) this season in the Barclays Premier League.
What to expect from the Match
Two teams very close to one another in the table and in stats. However, this is probably the only similarities. Cardiff have been a hard working team that has largely overachieved, despite having only one win. Fulham have largely underachieved considering the players they have at their disposal.Fulham have won 30%, drawn 20% and lost 50% of their last 20 home games, having kept a clean sheet in 15% and failing to score in 20% of those games.
Cardiff are a team that have been playing well against strong competition, including beating Manchester City and coming very close to holding off Tottenham last weekend. They were also able to hold Everton to a 0-0 draw. Cardiff have won 40%, drawn 30% and lost 30% of their last 20 away gameshaving kept a clean sheet in 30% and failing to score in 15% of those games.
Players to watch out for
DimitarBerbatov (Fulham):The Bulgarian is back from injury and scored in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Everton. Fulham will be looking towards him to provide the goals necessary to clinch the three points.
Frazier Campbell(Cardiff City):Campbell has been in good form this season, scoring two and providing one already this season, and Cardiff will be looking forward to him to break open a resolute Fulham defense.
Predicted Starting line ups
Fulham: Fulham may decide to give Darren Bent a start following his goal-scoring exploits against Everton in midweek. Berbatov may also start following his return from injury.
Cardiff City:Cardiff will likely field an unchanged side with Bellamy and Whittingham on the two wings supporting Campbell upfront.
Predictions
Fulham will need to rely on more individual brilliance from the likes of Dimitar Berbatov if they want to get anything out of this match. Fulham do have it in them to get a draw or a win, but their only win this season was away to the even poorer Sunderland.
Fulham 1-0 Cardiff City