Fulham travel to St Mary’s on Saturday evening seeking a third consecutive victory following their convincing thumping of Crystal Palace on Monday night. Their opponents are the rampant Southampton, whose draw at Old Trafford last time out continued a fine start to the season.
Confidence is very much the key for these two sides, and that shown by Pajtim Kasami in having the audacity to attempt, let along score from, that volley from Monday night was the catalyst for a change in mind-set that brought great reward in a convincing and dominating performance away from home. The damning nature of the result ended Ian Holloway’s twelve month tenure in the Eagles’ hot seat, and will see Martin Jol’s travel south in buoyant mood. They face a Southampton side, however, who are certainly not lacking in this department. Recent results have lead them to sixth in the league, a position that does not flatter them on bit.
The confidence of Pajtim Kasami following his performance against Crystal Palace could once again be pivotal
Mauricio Pochettino has drilled his side into an organised, cohesive unit, and his reward is a defensive record that is only bettered across Europe by a resurgent Roma in Serie A. They come into the game high on confidence following last week’s draw at Old Trafford in which Dejan Lovren equalised in a game they had dominated and could have won. This, along with a home record overseeing no away goals scored for two months, means the Saints are formidable opponents and should not be underestimated come Saturday evening.
There is room for optimism in both camps, our opponents will look at our polar opposite defensive record and see just one clean sheet recorded so far, while poor results against Norwich, West Brom and West Ham have denied them of being occupants of a top four spot. The defeat of Liverpool at Anfield impresses in eight games which have seen little correlation. The Whites will go into the game knowing that while the Saints’ defence will be difficult to breach, if this is done then there could be little in the way of reply. Eight goals in as many games is not a strong return and is only being looked due to their more efficient back line, four goals on Monday night should give Fulham the belief to attack this side and go for the three points required.
Fulham summer target Pablo Osvaldo signed for the Saints in August for £12.8 Million
Despite reported Fulham target Osvaldo lining up against us most likely alongside Jay Rodriguez, there is not too much to fear in the way of attacking prowess in the Satins ranks. I, for one, would have more trepidation if Rickie Lambert were to feature, such is our fragility in defending set pieces. A talented midfield will need to be contained but their hopes to dominate possession must be countered by a desire to keep the ball in the opposition half from the away side, while Parker and Sidwell do the industrious work in keeping the talents of Lallana and Schneiderlin in check.
While doubts surrounding skipper Brede Hangeland suggest a starting birth for Fernando Amorebieta, similar doubts regarding Bryan Ruiz and his potential replacement are more up for interpretation, and should give us an indication as to how Jol is approaching the game. Should Duff feature, then a precautious approach is clearly the desired effect, but it would be far more exciting to Alex Kacaniklic, Adel Taarabt or even Ashkan Dejagah brought in to play on the flanks with man of the moment Paktim Kasami. Despite being on the periphery of Monday night’s game with just thirteen touches to his name, Darren Bent should be given the call to play just in front of Dimitar Berbatov, who should step in as deputy captain.
Dimitar Berbatov infamously unveiled his ‘Keep calm and pass me the ball’ base-layer after opening the scoring in the sides’ most recent encounter
Predicted Line-up: (4-4-1-1) Stekelenburg/ Reither Senderos Amorebieta Richardson/ Duff Parker Sidwell Kasami/ Berbatov/Bent
I forsee Jol airing on the side of caution, with Duff being the best option to contain Adam Lallana and his inward runs off the flank. Berbatov must be careful he does not become too distant from Bent as was the case on Monday night, as this leaves the English striker surplus to any build-up play and starved of service, almost deeming him redundant.
Darren Bent must be careful not to become a peripheral figure as was the case at Selhurst Park
After Monday night’s emphatic result and performance optimism should be the feeling going into the game while also being cautious that Southampton have plenty of match-winners in their side that can turn a tight game in their favour instantaneously. I can see it being far less open and expansive than our most recent away trip and I feel Jol will settle for a point, something I believe we should be able to get., and also the result seen in both games last season. With a tough set of fixtures awaiting us either side of the next international break it is imperative we keep our confidence high and avoid defeat.
Prediction – 1-1
Bartram By The River 
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