Norwich City go into Boxing Day in 14th place and going unbeaten in four of their last five matches including three consecutive. They played Sunderland to a 0-0 draw over the weekend, but probably should have done more against a ten man team at the bottom of the table. Inconsistency continues to be a problem despite the recent return of results.
Fulham’s struggles this season have been at both ends of the pitch as well with a -17 goal difference from scoring 17 and allowing 34. While the hiring of Rene Meulensteen has given the team a boost, they have been unfortunate with their recent fixture list having just lost 4-1 at Everton and 4-2 to Manchester City. They are currently in 19th place with just 13 points (10 more than Sunderland) and their recent run of form has seen them win just once in their last nine Premier League matches.
What to expect
Norwich are now unbeaten in 3 games and boast an impressive home record, losing just three of 17 league matches at Carrow Road in 2013. Fulham have looked better under their new management but are still poor away from home, losing each of their last 4 matches on the road and conceding 13 goals in the process.
Robert Snodgrass made a successful return to the first team last time out but Chris Hughton will be wary of rushing him back into action so he will monitor the Scot’s progress during the game. Elsewhere Ricky van Wolfswinkel is also back fit and will vie for a start up front with Johan Elmander. Jonny Howson missed out at the weekend with a back injury and remains a doubt.
Dimitar Berbatov missed the game with City after failing a late fitness test but should be back in contention for the trip to Norwich. Philippe Senderos picked up a knock last time out so he is a doubt, meaning Meulensteen has problems at the back with Brede Hangeland still sidelined. Adel Taarabt impressed at the weekend and could be given a free role behind Berbatov or start up front once again if the Bulgarian is not fit.
Fulham have lost 8 of their last 9 matches in the Premier League and have conceded at least 3 goals in their last 3 away matches in the Premier League.However, they have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 matches against Norwich in all competitions and are undefeated in their last 8 matches against Norwich in all competitions.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Match Prediction
The visitors are unlikely to have as many troubles at the back against a Norwich side that have scored just 15 goals this season, however, and this is likely to be a tight affair.
Norwich City 1-1 Fulham