by johntheclaret » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:56 am
Fulham v Blackburn
Two former international managers are pitted against each other at Craven Cottage. Mark Hughes, whose side have lost only once away in the league this season, signed a new contract at Ewood Park yesterday. Lawrie Sanchez has no new injury problems.
Fulham (possible; 4-4-2): A Niemi – C Baird, A Hughes, C Bocanegra, P Konchesky – S Davies, D Murphy, S Davis, C Dempsey – D Healy, S Kuqi. Injuries and suspensions: N Ashton (thigh), J Bullard (knee), P Christanval (knee), L Cook (knee), S Elliott (calf), K Keller (bicep), B McBride (knee), I Pearce (ankle).
Blackburn Rovers (possible; 4-4-2): B Friedel – B Emerton, C Samba, R Nelsen, S Warnock – D Bentley, A Mokoena, R Savage, M G Pedersen – B McCarthy, R Santa Cruz. Injuries and suspensions: S Reid (knee), A Todd (knee), D Dunn (one match).
These teams gained automatic promotion to the top flight together in 2001 and have finished between sixth and sixteenth since.
Referee M Dean Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 7-4, Away 5-4, Draw 11-5 Fink Tank prediction: Home win 40% Away win 35% Draw 24%
West Ham v Tottenham
Robert Green, the West Ham goalkeeper, gets the chance to show Steve McClaren why he should have been in the England squad. West Ham’s injury problems are easing and Dean Ashton, Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins are ready to start.
West Ham United (possible; 4-4-2): R Green – L Neill, D Gabbidon, M Upson, G McCartney – N Solano, M Noble, S Parker, M Etherington – L Boa Morte, C Cole. Injuries and suspensions: C Bellamy (groin), K Dyer (broken leg), J Faubert (Achilles), L Bowyer (one match).
Tottenham Hotspur (possible; 4-4-2): P Robinson – P Stalteri, P Chimbonda, M Dawson, Lee Young Pyo – A Lennon, D Zokora, J Jenas, K-P Boateng – D Berbatov, R Keane. Injuries and suspensions: B Assou-Ekotto (knee), A Gardner (ankle), L King (knee), S Malbranque (ankle), R Rocha (ankle).
This will be the first top-flight match to pit Lennon against McCartney, if selected. Aaron Lennon (right wing) and George McCartney (left back) could be in direct opposition.
Referee M Riley Odds: Ladbrokes: Home 11-8, Away 8-5, Draw 11-5 Fink Tank prediction: Home win 32% Away win 43% Draw 25%