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Let The Opposition Have Their Say
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Written by Chestermackem
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 Each game over the past month or so has been billed as a “must win game” for Sunderland. But this game at home to in-form Fulham really is a big one! it’s the start of a string of home games for us and we desperately need to start picking up wins as we fall closer and closer to the drop zone.
I spoke to Fulham season ticket holder Anthony ahead of our Sunday clash at the SoL……
Name? Anthony
Age? 27
Location? Exeter, originally from Hammersmith. Proper Fulham territory.
Occupation? I work in a bank.
Favourite Fulham player of all time? Louis Saha was a legend here during my time as a supporter but we have some true greats to have plied their trade for Fulham over the years. The late great Bobby Moore, Johnny Haynes, etc. Legend footballers.
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Thanks Anthony, onto the real questions…….
Roy Hodgson has done a great job at Fulham, you must be chuffed to bits?
Yeah of course I am. When he came into the club we were heading back to the Championship but he master minded our great escape and ever since, he has built and stabilised the club and brought in some great players. I raised my eyebrows when Hodgson was first appointed. I was a big supporter of Coleman who was loved by the Fulham supporters, and never in a million years thought Roy could connect with the fans the way Coleman did. But Hodgson, Kelly and Lewington work so well together and we are playing free flowing football with the belief that we can get better and better.
I’m buzzing at the moment. Great 2010 so far.
Fulham are unbeaten in a while too?
Yeah January was hit and miss and we looked tired but we’ve since gone 7 games unbeaten in all competitions and I think you’d have to agree we looked strong again on Thursday to beat the reigning champions of the UEFA cup in Shakhtar. Bring on Juventus, we have nothing to lose now.
Fulham are still in the Europa Cup & FA Cup. Can you win either of these?
You may or may not be aware but Fulham have never won a major honour. We are one of the oldest clubs in England but despite the history and tradition we don’t have the silverware. So whilst its my dream to see us lift the FA cup this season I cant help but stay grounded.
I would absolutely go ape if we did though. Would be bloody fantastic. A good family focused, friendly club like Fulham lifting the FA cup or winning Europe would be the bomb.
Cross everything for us!
Do you think Hodgson is more focused on winning a cup or improving in the league?
I think the league must always come first. The Premiership is where every team wants to be and what good is winning a cup but getting relegated?
The great thing is that we seem focused in all competitions at the moment and long may it continue.
Fulham are very much like Sunderland in respect that were both shite away from home! Why do you think that is?
Yeah, I mean I can only speak for Fulham here but we just struggle to get going away from home. At the cottage we play with confidence, pass the ball, retain possession and create chances but once we go on our travels we play a lot more reserved and invite pressure. We haven’t won away from home since the opening game of the season and I really hope that changes on Sunday but I can see a draw on the cards to be honest.
Which Fulham players have stood out for you this season?
I have a few players who Id like to single out so far this season. Firstly, Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes have built up a brilliant partnership at the back and can read each other well. Their performances at the back have been nothing short of superb at times. We are not perfect, and have off days but more often than not this season those two have been brilliant for us.
In midfield Murphy has been playing some of the best football of his Fulham career this season and if he can stay fit he could lead us to glory this season. (fingers crossed)
New signing Duff has made an impact and has gave us width and variety in midfield. He has also scored some massively important goals for us. Up front it would be difficult not to mention Bobby. He has been scoring goals, leading the line and looking well up for it. Shame he has picked up an injury and will miss the Sunderland game.
What’s your opinion of Sunderland this season?
When we beat you at the Cottage back in early December I would never have thought you would go on such a poor run of form. The players Sunderland have signed such as Bent, Cattermole, Mensah, etc should have easily took your club up to the top 10 threshold.
I hope you turn it round though because you have some top fans and its always a good atmosphere at the cottage with Sunderland. Id sooner see Sunderland doing well over those obnoxious Geordies!
Any Sunderland players impressed you?
Darren Bent. His goals will keep you up. But Bobby might nick his seat to South Africa J
Where do you expect both clubs to finish in the league this season?
I think we will struggle to finish as highly as last season especially with our participation in other competitions. I’m going to say 9th and Id be happy with that. Sunderland are a tough one. The club has the potential to finish top half but could so easily get embroiled in a relegation dogfight.
Ill be positive for you and say 13th. Unlucky for some but I bet you would take that at the moment?
The top four in the league?
I hate to say any of the London clubs because my father taught me to loathe them all, but realistically Id have to say Chelsea to win the Premiership, pipping Man Utd who will finish close by in second. Arsenal third and I’m going to say Liverpool to recover and steal fourth. No change to the top 4 this season.
Who will be relegated?
Possibly Portsmouth? Hmm.lol
Id say Burnley and Hull also.
Bridge or Terry?
Well being a Fulham fan I despise John Terry. So I hope Bridge knocks his block off on Saturday. Not that I condone violence….
Can England win the World Cup?
In a word. No. The media and public heap to much pressure on the National team and unfortunately I don’t think the players can live up to the expectations. Spain to win the World cup.
Thanks Anthony. Much Appreciated.
Chester's Conclusion: "This game is a tricky one. Fulham are poor away from home but unbeaten in 7 games. They were playing in Europe on Thursday night and will no doubt have abit of fatigue. With Zamora out we need to capitalise on that and make sure we score a few goals. I dont think they will have the firepower to beat us so to avoid a draw, lets get the goals!!!!
Easier said than done. Im going to be ever the optimist and say 3-1 SAFC." |
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