Opposition Preview: Fulham
Norwich take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday looking to extended their run of good form. Ahead of this, we spoke to Fulham fan and blogger Russ Goldman to get the lowdown on City’s opponents.
Who should Norwich be wary of?
I would say Tom Cairney especially if he is playing central behind Chris Martin. However, he came off injured late in the last match, so I am not sure what his status is for this match at this point. When Cairney is on his game, he can really be an influential presence on the pitch. The other player, if he plays well, Fulham seem to play well, and that is CM Scott Parker. He is not spectacular, but when he can protect the back four, and also help the play moving forward, Fulham tend to be in decent shape.
Which Norwich player do you fear the most?
The easy answer would be to say Cameron Jerome, but I am going with Jacob Murphy who could be a handful for us, with his ability to influence the match out wide.
What do you think about Fulham’s transfer business in the summer?
I have been happy with it as they filled the majority of the holes we had from last season, but to really judge how well they did, it is going to take more time for the players to learn to play with each other. This team has the potential to be in the top six with the talent they have added, but it is a wait and see game to see if all the pieces fall into place.
Fulham lost striker (and Norwich target) Ross McCormack in the summer. How has ex-Canary Chris Martin got on filling his boots?
Ross McCormack scored many goals for Fulham, and I will always be grateful for what he did, but ultimately moving forward I was unsure how he would fit into the style of play that Slavisa Jokanovic wants Fulham to play. On the flip side I think Chris Martin is a perfect fit, and even though he just scored his first goal with the club on Saturday, I can see his presence growing in the team. It is not all about the goals he can score, but also getting his teammates involved, and we are starting to see that. I could be wrong, but I think everything is just about to click for him with Fulham.
Where do you think Fulham will finish this season?
Before the season began, I predicted 5th, and I am not going to change my mind as I think we have a real chance to end up at that position.
Predicted XI?
Button, Odoi, Madl, Sigurddson, Sessegnon, Parker, McDonald, Aluko, Cairney, Piazon, Martin
Score Prediction?
Fulham have struggled at home against the teams they really should beat. However, when they beat Newcastle United, it was an open match and that suits Fulham real well, and I am expecting a similar style for this upcoming match. Before I give you a prediction, I think this is going to be real close. Fulham really need this match, and I think they are going to shock many, so I am going with a 2-1 Fulham victory.
Thanks very much to Russ for speaking to us!