After basking in the satisfaction of our goal rush last week in the Cup, as if the squad didn't know it, a glance at the league standings reminds us all we still face a nervous few weeks. A trip to Wigan, not the most daunting of fixtures, gives us a chance to notch back to back wins for the first time in a year and complete a double over the Northerners.
With just about every basement side picking up some points recently the pack is getting shuffled on a weekly basis. A dip in form could easily see sides like Blackburn, Stoke and Blackpool down in the mire by Easter. And, whisper it if you dare, maybe even Liverpool...
Our squad know all about the teams around us by now. As seasoned pros I suspect they're also conscious the current side is more than capable of holding its own in this division. However, Wigan should not be under-estimated, and only 100% concentration and commitment will ensure three points - this is a match both managers will see as a 'must win' game.
How Wigan must wish they'd started the season a week late. From the first two games their GD took a hammering from which they will not recover all season, and what could be a decisive factor come May. Opening up with a 0-4 reverse v Blackpool, then being smashed for six by Chelsea. Martinez pulled them into shape however and their season to date mirrors our own. Too many drawn, results tight, no more big hidings, but blighted by a lack of goals - Boselli proving to be a £6.5 million misfit.
Last time out they claimed a point at Bolton, coming into Christmas they were unbeaten in four - three draws and one win. The Bolton game however saw them lose Tom Cleverley for a month - a big loss for their small squad. Martinez does have N'Zogbia back from suspension, and Rodallega can turn any game in a moment if in the mood.
Man for man I think we are superior. If the 'feel good' factor continues and we set out to take control of the match from the first whistle, I sense our first ever win at the DW is on the cards, having drawn on our last four visits. It would be madness to drop Joe after his hat-trick last week. I think we'll go with the same eleven to start, with Sidwell, AJ and Dembele on the bench. That already gives us more options than 10 days ago.
Finally a word on transfer activity - or lack of it. This trip to NW England gives Mark the ideal opportunity to stop in on Citeh and talk SWP business...I personally still hope it does not happen. As the month slips by, I wonder if Mark might be tempted to keep Mo's money in his pocket should Fulham round out the month with maximum points from Wigan and Stoke - and perhaps even a point or three from wobbling Liverpool? January is not a good time to be shopping for players. Agents hold the whip hand and decisions are made on fear and emotion. Never a wise investment strategy!
More points on the board, extra daylight between us and the bottom three, BZ's imminent return. Hughes and the board may feel a corner has been turned. Nothing Saturday from Wigan and it's back out with the worry beads. And the cash.
COYW - give us a weekend of cheer. Twitter@fulhamphil
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