MATCH PREVIEW - FULHAM

Match Previews

All you need to know ahead of City's trip to the Cottage

Fulham v Cardiff City
Venue: Craven Cottage
Date: 28th September 2013, KO 3pm
Match-tag:#FULCAR (Live tweets on @CardiffCityFC)
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The Bluebirds go in search of their first Barclays Premier League away victory as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

MATCH FACTS

- The match is the first meeting between the sides in over 15-years.
- No team has won more points from losing positions than Cardiff (4) this season in the Barclays Premier League.
- Fulham have allowed their opponents to attempt 100 shots (including blocked shots) so far this season; a Premier League high.
- If he plays, Brede Hangeland will make his 200th Premier League appearance.

KEY PLAYER – Dimitar Berbatov



Although yet to score in the Premier League this season, classy 32-year old Dimitar Berbatov striker remains the vocal point of a Fulham side that has so far scored just three goals in the league this season.

Berbatov got his first goal of the campaign in the Cottagers’ Capital One Cup third round tie with Everton on Tuesday night, his first goal since Fulham’s 3-0 win over Swansea City on the final day of the 2012-13 season.

IN-FORM PLAYER- Pajtim Kasami



Since returning to Craven Cottage following a season-long loan spell back in his native country Switzerland with Lucerne, the 21-year old Swiss International has been a an ever present for Martin Jol’s side so far this season.

He netted his first Fulham goal to help secure a vital three points for the Cottagers in a 1-0 win over Sunderland on the opening day and has remained an important part of the Cottagers’ midfield ever since.

RECENT FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS):

Fulham: LDLDLW
Last time out - Fulham 2-1 Everton – Tuesday, 24th September, Capital One Cup third round.

 

A goal apiece from front men Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent in the second-half saw the Cottagers come from behind to secure a 2-1 win and a place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup against Everton.

Steven Naismith had given Roberto Martinez’ side an early lead with his twelfth minute strike before Berbatov’s close range finish and Bent’s shot from the near post earned Fulham the win.

Team - Fulham: Stockdale, Zverotic, Riise (Amorebieta), Parker, Senderos, Hangeland, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Berbatov, Kasami, Taarabt (Bent). Subs not used: Etheridge, Riether, Sidwell, Mesca, Rodallega. 

Cardiff City:  LWWDDL
Last time out – West Ham United 3-2 Cardiff City – Tuesday, 24th September, Capital One Cup third round



City came back from two early goals from Ravel Morrison and Matty Jarvis to push the Hammers all the way in a thrilling Capital One Cup tie at Upton Park. A Craig Noone stunner got ‘City back into the match before half-time before Peter Odemwingie’s first goal for the club drew both sides level.

With the Bluebirds pushing for a late winner it was the home side who snatched it; Ricardo Vaz Te heading home from close range late on to secure a 3-2 win and a place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

Starting line-up - Cardiff City: Lewis, Connolly, Hudson (C), Odemwingie, Brayford (McNaughton 45), Noone, Mutch, Cowie, Mason (Smith 55), Maynard (Gestede 90), John. Subs not used: Moore, Gestede,Harris, Lappin, Healey

LAST MEETING:
1998-99 League Cup, Ninian Park, Tuesday 18th August 1998 – CardiffCity 1-2 Fulham

First-half goals from John Salako and Simon Morgan put the Cottagers in command in the second-leg of this League Cup tie before a late consolation goal from defender Jeff Eckhardt reduced the deficit. Fulham won the tie 4-2 on aggregate following their 2-1 win in the first leg at Craven Cottage in the previous week.

Cardiff line-up: Hallworth, Delaney, Mitchell (Eckhardt 45), Phillips, Young, Bonner, Carpenter, Roberts (O’Sullivan 45), Fowler, Nugent, Williams. Subs not used: Kelly, Cadette, Earnshaw.
         
REFEREE: Craig Pawson

Referee Craig Pawson made his Barclays Premier League debut as he took charge of Swansea City’s clash with Newcastle United on 2 March 2013, and now he has been placed in the Select Group of Premier League officials for the 2013/14 season.

Prior to his top flight debut, Yorkshire-based referee Pawson took charge of 12 Championship matches and the 2012 League Two Play-Off Final, which saw Crewe Alexandra beat Cheltenham 2-0 at Wembley.

Pawson has been a referee since 1993, working his way up to regularly officiating in the Football League in the 2012/13 season.

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