 | Fulham versus Wigan AthleticLocation: Craven Cottage (London)Date: Saturday, October 30 Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Records (W-D-L, +/-, Place): Fulham, 1-6-2, -1, 16th Wigan, 2-4-3, -9, 15th |  |
English Premier League Week 10 Preview: Fulham Looks To Stem Losing Tide Against Wigan
An injury-riddled Cottager side was decidedly second-best last week at The Hawthorns. They get little relief this weekend, with half of their choice midfield out. Simon Davies is set to return, Danny Murphy could go from doubt to dressed, but the most notable return will be Andrew Johnson. The long-term injury absence got a late run-out last week. Against Wigan, he likely pushes Diomansy Kamara to the bench.
Against Wigan, a team that employs a system similar to Brom's, the Cottager midfield will be the question. The Baggies dominated Mark Hughes's men, easily moving through the central duo of Chris Baird and Jonathan Greening. Though West Brom is executing better than Wigan, the Latics have comparable talent, even without James McCarthy, out for near three months after last weekend's leg injury. Jordi Gomez, Mohamed Diamé and eandry Thomas could be as effective and Phil Scharner, James Morrison and Youssuf Mulumbu.
Projected Lineup, Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer - Salcido, Hangeland, Hughes, Kelly - Dempsey, Greening, Baird, Davies - Dembele, Johnson
Projected Lineup, Wigan (4-3-3): Abasi - Figueroa, Alcaraz, S. Caldwell, Boyce - Thomas, Diame, Gomez - Roadallega, Di Santo, N’Zogbia
Key Matchup: Beyond the way Fulham's central midfield performs, watch how Wigan deals with Clint Dempsey coming down their right side. If Charles N'Zogbia has to play a more right-sided midfield than the preferred right wing, Wigan's already struggling attack will be handcuffed. While their goal last week was absent any contribution from the Frenchman, N'Zgobia remains the team's best player, having scored both goals in the draw at Newcastle. If he's not able to contribute as much to the attack, Wigan may see a fruitless day at Craven Cottage.
Battle Within The Battle: Neither of these teams are very adept at creating their own goals. A Fulham team trained in the ways of Hodgson thrives on accountability plus opportunism. Wigan’s last three goals have converted on opponent mistakes. Should both teams remain solid at the back, we could see a nil-nil, though mistake-free football and Wigan are rarely coupled.
Pick: Fulham 2 (Demebele 36’, Dempsey 78’), Wigan 0 - Fulham snaps their losing streak, avoiding a mini-crisis of confidence.
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