Although Fulham have managed just one win from the last seven opening day encounters, Whites fans at the Cottage today will be confident of three points off the Villa. We’ve come through our Europa League ties largely unscathed, done precisely what was needed, and shown all the hallmarks of continuity under Jol with a cohesive, confident and settled side. We surely have the edge in fitness too over today’s opposition.
Here’s the view from a Villa perspective thanks to an old colleague and Sky reporter. Sense the lack of optimism for yourself. He writes, “I would be more than happy with an opening day draw on Saturday, although we've done ok in West London over the past couple of seasons. We could even nick it 1-0, but I'm wary that we've had a mediocre pre-season under McLeish. We need Ireland to find his best form again, while a lot will depend on Bent, Albrighton and N'Zogbia this season.
I predict we'll finish between 10th and 14th place. I'm not expecting big things because we've lost some big name players over the summer and it's a tough task for any manager. I just hope McLeish doesn't get us playing kick and rush, which could be a worry because that's never been our style and fans won't accept that.
I believe Houllier should not have been brought in Macoun last winter although Bent was worth the money. N'Zogbia will do well. He's experienced at this level. Other than that, maybe a decent Cup run but I fear West Brom will finish above us”.
Can’t argue with that. We know McLeish was not a popular choice with the fans. I reckon his first battle is to win the confidence of his players. The senior pros at Villa Park would surely have hoped for a bigger figure.
Enough about the side in claret. Fulham need to go out and put down a marker for the rest of the Premiership. The club is really buzzing after the flat monotone of Sparky’s brief tenure. Although Brede sat out Norway’s game in mid-week, I’ve seen no hints he may be missing. Dembele and Sidwell are set to start, you can’t ignore Clint of course, but across the back someone has to miss out. Could it be Baird, or Senderos?
With Villa going 4-5-1 with Bent as the lone striker, do we actually need to field three CB’s? Tricky one for Martin’s first game in charge – just glad I don’t have to make the call. But however the game pans out, and let’s face it, Mark could drop a clanger in the first 5 minutes, our bench too is gonna look pretty strong.
Post your match comments to this story. I shall spend Sunday trying to chase up FFC transfer plans re the rumours surrounding Hitzlsperger, Kakuta and the rest.
At the end of a very difficult week for Britain’s image across the world, and despite some mischievous copy from myself on this platform, I genuinely wish good luck to the fans of all other 19 Premiership clubs over the season, and hope you enjoy travelling down to the friendliest ground in the Football League. Now, let’s see some ACTION!
COYW!!! Twitter@fulhamphil
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