NOTE FROM IAIN: The Predictor League for Fulham on Saturday is open HERE. Entries can be submitted until 5pm on Saturday.
Unfortunately, missing Michail Antonio West Ham stuttered a bit against Liverpool last weekend. This week we welcome Fulham to the London Stadium for a Saturday evening kick-off. Before the game I called across the street to ask what my neighbor, and long-suffering Fulham fan Jan du Boulay thinks of the season so far, and this game in particular.
Hi Jan. Welcome back to the Premier League. You were ultimately promoted via the Play-off final, but at what stage did you think you had a good chance of being promoted?
Thank you, though most people thought Brentford would edge the final I was quietly confident despite our league results against them but would say I only thought we had a good chance when the second Joe Bryan goal went in!
You’ve finally got off the mark in the League on Monday night against West Brom, is this season going to be a struggle, or will you now start to push on?
I think it’s going to be a struggle though a clean sheet was really important, we have a fantastic keeper and am hoping the centre backs will settle in quickly now, we have the players going forward it has always been our defence that is the issue.
Fulham have made a squad load of signings over the summer, which of last year’s stars will remain stalwarts of the team this season?
Mitrovic of course, though he seems to have become more a provider than scorer recently and Tom Cairney who when in form can pick a pass and score some important(and special) goals.
Which players have stood out for you so far this year, and who has yet to step up to the mark?
Anguissa who had a fantastic season in Spain and he has carried that in to the premiership, looks to have really developed from when he joined us though towards the end of that premiership season he started to show his quality. Lookman has been great, dangerous and happy to run at players which is great to watch and also stretches opposition giving other players more space. Ola Aina after his cracking goal at the weekend.
How is West Ham’s old player, Scott Parker coping this season after last year’s success? Will his long term tenure ultimately depend on keeping you up this year?
I think he is coping ok considering the pressure he will have been under, getting a win will have been a huge relief for him and everyone else at the club. His success in getting us up in his first full season should be celebrated and I am hopeful we have enough success that there is no question mark over his future. I believe consistency is so important(after our disastrous 3 manager season) so am hoping that we stay up and Parker stays on.
Early days yet, but do you think you will still be in the Premier League next year? What position do you think Fulham will finish come next May, and who are your early picks for relegation?
If we do we will just scrape in around 16th or 17th, I would think we are in there with any 3 of the current other bottom 5, Burnley BHA Sheffield Utd and WBA.
While we’re at it who are going to occupy the top four places?
Liverpool Spurs Man City Man Utd (not in that order)
West Ham fans of my age will have fond memories of our cup final victory over you a generation ago: do you have any particular memories of West Ham v Fulham matches in the past?
There are a few (not many!) but it has to be the win with Sylvan Legwinksi (who I bumped into once around this time: he was shocked anyone recognised him!) and Steed Malbranque scoring, both fantastic players. That team with Rufus Brevett (who you will all know well) and Barry Hayles have a lot of good memories for me as does the shock and disbelief when we signed Edwin van der Sar. Also I just double checked and John Collins and Collins John were both on the field late on in that game!
Ha ha. Which, if any of the current West Ham team would you like to see playing for Fulham, and why?
I’d take Ryan Fredericks back, he was a fantastic player for us. I admire Michael Antonio for his versatility strength and all round work rate.
How will Fulham line up against us on Saturday? Players/formation please.
Areola
Robinson
Andersen
Adarabioyo
Aina
Zambo
Lemina
Lookman
Cairney
Loftus Cheek
Mitrovic
Will play with a 4 3 3 I think which might well end up more 4 5 1.
Finally, are you confident that you can build on you recent victory when you come to the East of the Capital? Prediction for score please.
I think it will be a tough game and being a realist will go with home win though I think we will score, 3-1.
Well many thanks to Jan for his time and thoughts. It’s strange how we’ve never seen the best out of Fulham players like Frederick’s and especially Luis Boa More, who was great for them. Although I suppose there was my near namesake Tony Gale! Anyway, I hope he’s right and we can return once more to winning ways. I’m going for 2-0. COYI