Premier League Preview: Fulham - Bolton Wanderers

Kick-Off: Saturday, November 28, 15:00.
Craven Cottage, west London.

Fulham meet Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday with seven points already separating them in the Premier League table.

It was always going to be a tough ask for Fulham to repeat last season’s fantastic seventh place finish, and while it looks like they will be operating at a level slightly lower than that this season, they look set to stay comfortably clear of any relegation battle, such is the progress they have made under Roy Hodgson.

The Cottagers currently sit 10th with 18 points from 13 games – a steady start to the Premier League season, while the club have also been participating in the Europa League.

Things have not been quite as comfortable for Bolton. Gary Megson has never fully won over the fans at the Reebok Stadium, despite preserving the club’s top-flight status without spending much money to reinforce his squad.

However, the doubters now have reason to complain with the Trotters firmly in the relegation scrap having lost four consecutive matches while scoring only one goal and conceding 15 in those games.

To make matters worse, Megson recently admitted to the press that there was dressing room unrest at the club, so a win in the near future is much needed to lift the current doom and gloom.

The home side go in as favorites to secure all three points and increase Bolton’s recent misery.

FORM GUIDE

Fulham

Nov 25: Fulham 3-0 Blackburn
Nov 21: Birmingham 1-0 Fulham
Nov 08: Wigan 1-1 Fulham
Nov 05: Roma 2-1 Fulham (Europa League)
Oct 31: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool

Bolton

Nov 22: Bolton 0-2 Blackburn
Nov 07: Aston Villa 5-1 Bolton
Oct 31: Bolton 0-4 Chelsea
Oct 28: Chelsea 4-0 Bolton (League Cup)
Oct 25: Bolton 3-2 Everton

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Fulham will make late decisions on the fitness of both Andy Johnson and Danny Murphy, who are available for selection again after long absences.

Diomansy Kamara is definitely out for at least another two weeks after undergoing surgery.

Possible starting XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Greening, Murphy, Duff, Zamora, Nevland.

Bolton

Key midfielder Tamir Cohen (groin) could return for Bolton, while manager Gary Megson is also hopeful that both Ricardo Gardner and Jlloyd Samuel can shake off knocks to play a full part in proceedings.

Possible starting XI (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, O'Brien, Samuel, Taylor, Muamba, McCann, Gardner, Elmander, Kevin Davies.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham – Clint Dempsey

USA international Clint Dempsey has had an impressive campaign to date – he currently tops the club’s goal-scoring charts despite playing predominantly from out wide so far. He will be hoping to add to his current tally of six goals for the season on Saturday.

Bolton – Tamir Cohen

Tamir Cohen has been one of the few Bolton players to impress so far this season. If he can overcome injury to play a part in the game, he should be one of the main attacking threats for Fulham’s back-line to deal with.

PREDICTION

Fulham are currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, and if they can finish mid-table while enjoying their Europa League experience it will be another excellent season for the club.

Bolton, on the other hand, are embroiled in a big relegation scrap, and although it only takes a couple of wins to move clear of trouble, many observers are struggling to see where their next three points are going to come from.

For me this will be a victory for Roy Hodgson’s side, although they may have to work a bit harder than many people expect.

Fulham 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Chris Myson, Goal.com