Cardiff City vs Fulham
Cardiff City play host to fellow
strugglers Fulham on Saturday afternoon in a game that could all but relegate
one of them. The two sides find themselves in 19th and 20th
positions respectively, separated by only a single point. A win for either side
would put them right back in contention for survival, while defeat could open
the relegation trap door slightly wider.
Much was made of Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer taking the helm at Cardiff given his work with Molde in Norway, but
this weekend’s hosts have only tasted victory twice under his leadership – only
one of which coming in the league (2-1 vs Norwich). In fact, they have only won
two home games in their last nine, which is somewhat puzzling when looking at
the squad man for man. There is real quality in every position on the pitch,
from David Marshall who has the most saves in the Premier League this season,
to the wily talents of veteran striker Craig Bellamy. The Bluebirds are now
requiring a spark to turn their creditable performances in the face of defeat
into positive results for their points tally.
While Fulham have also made use
of a new manager’s services, they themselves are showing poor form, taking only
2 points from their last 6 games. They have missed languid striker Dimitar
Berbatov since his January move to Monaco and now look low on goals as they
move to the last games of the season. However, Felix Magath has already put his
stamp on the team. The effort put in during the first half against Chelsea,
particularly central midfielders Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell, was there for
all to see and it was the fitness of Mourinho’s men which saw them run out easy
winners. Yet against lesser opposition, that effort could very well end up
translating into 3 points on Saturday.
Both sides come into this game
on the back of defeats against London opposition - the Bluebirds losing 1-0 at
Tottenham and Fulham 3-1 at home to Chelsea. Yet both sides will fancy getting
a result in this game, and will need to if they’re to avoid the drop. As in any
game where relegation is a threat, it is sure to be end to end with a lot of
talking points throughout. This is one of those games that could be full of
goals or a more technical-minded game that sees very few.
Prediction: Fulham’s improvements under
Felix Magath to see them to a narrow win. 0-1
By Daniel Frazer
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