Fulham v Everton: Europe’s in Fulham’s hands
Christmas has certainly come early for Roy Hodgson and Fulham. One more win will seal their place in next season’s Europa League and they couldn’t have asked for an easier opponent than Everton, as the Toffees haven’t even gained a point, let alone win, at the Cottage since 1966!
After last season’s relegation battle I’m sure most Fulham fans would have been happy with a mid-table finish, but they have surpassed everyone’s expectations and are now just 90 minutes away from Europe and recording their most successful season ever in the top flight.
Standing in their way though is this season’s FA Cup finalists Everton. David Moyes will no doubt have one eye on next weekend, but he will also be keen to hold off the threat from Aston Villa in order to finish fifth. Moyes will also be looking to see which players are the hungriest for a cup final start, so they won’t be in the capital just to fulfil their duties, they will be there to win.
Fulham’s success this season has ultimately been down to the stability of their defence. Schwarzer, Konchesky, Hangeland, Hughes and Pantsil have played the majority of their games and have struck up an excellent understanding. They have the best defensive record outside of the top three and this has enabled those in front of them to play with confidence, knowing the defence will do what they are paid to do.
David Moyes has a near fully-fit squad to choose from so former Fulham favourite Louis Saha could come back to dent their European dreams.
Roy Hodgson may have to do without former Everton striker Andrew Johnson, as he is struggling with a knee injury, but Bobby Zamora is pushing for a first team start. Giles Barnes though will miss out through an Achilles injury.
A win will seal Fulham’s fate but a point may also be enough on goal difference. However, Fulham also have the safety net of knowing that even if they do slip up against Everton, the only team that can pip them to that Europa League place is Tottenham Hotspur who are playing Liverpool at Anfield – a ground where they have only won in the league once in the past 24 years and Liverpool haven’t lost in front of their home fans in the league this season.
On paper it all looks good for Roy Hodgson’s men but football is anything but predictable, especially on the last day of the season. However, the majority of the panel believes that Fulham will get the points required to cap an excellent season.
