A month ago, it seemed like the top four race was all but over. Now, four wins in a row for Everton and just four points from a possible 12 for Arsenal has changed everything. The Toffees’ distant top four hopes have just sprung back to life.
When Fulham won against Newcastle, their manager Felix Magath said that was going to be their season’s turning point but that result was followed by a 5-0 loss to Manchester City.
Magath reacted by pointing out that it is more important that they win their home game and the loss to Manchester City was a non-event. The west Londoners are still bottom of the league and are running out of games. They will have to have to try and win this game despite their leaky defence.
Dan Burn, Damien Duff and Ashkan Dejagah are all out through injuries. Kostas Mitroglou and Scott Parker are doubts, while Fernando Amorebieta is suspended after he was sent-off against City last weekend. Mahamadou Diarra re-signed for the Cottagers on a pay as you play so he could be given his debut at some point in this game.
Everton are now just six points behind an injury-ravaged Arsenal, who are facing a ravenous Manchester City. Roberto Martinez said that he will look at City’s game against Arsenal only because he is a fan of football and not because he will not be expecting favours from the Mancunians. Everton fans will take a keen interest on what happens at the Emirates Stadium, though.
Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone, Steven Pienaar, Bryan Oviedo and Lacina Traore are all out through injuries. Phil Jagielka is back to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring problem, so he could return to partner Sylvain Distin at the heart of defence.
Ross Barkley is in good form, as demonstrated by his solo goal against Newcastle, and will aim to continue that. The movement of Barkley, Leon Osman and Gerard Deulofeu will be key as Fulham are very poor at stopping opponents from creating chances.
If the Cottagers can put in a solid performance then they can try to exploit spaces in wide areas. Everton can be open at wide areas because Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines both constantly go forward and past the attacking midfielders, so Fulham can cause problems by counter attacking the spaces Everton’s full-backs leave.
The Toffees are in great form and Fulham will struggle to stay in the game so an away win is likely.
