Fulham v West Ham preview

Cottagers have plenty left to play for

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 22nd February 2008

Paul Konchesky

Konchesky: Facing former club

Skysports.com prediction: Fulham 1 West Ham 2

Sky Bet odds: Fulham 6/4 Draw 11/5 West Ham 6/4

One to watch: Dean Ashton

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Struggling Fulham head into Saturday's home clash with West Ham second from bottom in the Premier League but still within striking distance of safety.

There are just seven points between themselves and 14th placed Sunderland so there is plenty left to play for over the last 12 games of the season.

Paul Konchesky will face his former club - and the team he has supported since he was a boy - following his switch across London last summer.

The defender went on to help West Ham in their successful battle against relegation last term and will be hoping he can do the same for the Cottagers this time around.

The Cottagers suffered defeat at Middlesbrough last time out but had previously claimed their first victory since November at home to Aston Villa so West Ham will have to be wary at Craven Cottage.

McBride

Striker Brian McBride could feature in attack for Fulham as he continues his return from six months out with a knee injury. Midfielder Hameur Bouazza will miss out with a shoulder injury.

The Hammers failed to build on their victory over Liverpool as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham and lost away at Wigan in their last two games.

Boss Alan Curbishley got neither the results nor the performances he wanted in those games and frustrated fans greeted the draw with a chorus of boos.

Europe

On top of that, the Hammers' rivals for European qualification were able to edge further clear and they are 10th in the table heading into the weekend, seven points off the European pace.

But UEFA's announcement that England top the Fair Play League, and the chance of Chelsea winning the Carling Cup on Sunday, could mean seventh place will be good enough to qualify.

Forward Bobby Zamora has come through two reserve team games but he may be rested for a further week before he makes his return.

Craig Bellamy remains out of action after undergoing an abdominal strengthening operation on Wednesday and will be out for a minimum of six weeks.