Fulham v Blackburn preview

Cottagers could close the gap on the top six with victory over Rovers

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 9th January 2009

Fulham v Blackburn preview

Hodgson: Fulham are flying

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 2-1

SKY BET odds: Fulham evens, Draw 12/5, Blackburn 11/4

One to Watch: Andy Johnson

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Two teams looking to stretch impressive unbeaten runs meet on Saturday as Fulham play host to Blackburn.

The Cottagers have lost just one of their last 13 games, and are unbeaten in nine.

However, Roy Hodgson's side have drawn six of their last seven Premier League fixtures and have been held on more occasions this season (eight) than any other side.

Fulham are strong at home, though, with only title-chasing Manchester United and Liverpool having accumulated more points in front of their supporters than the Cottagers.

Hodgson has also seen his side tighten up at the back of late, with five clean sheets secured in their last seven outings.

Blackburn, meanwhile, have gone unbeaten through Sam Allardyce's first four games in charge to give them cause for optimism in their bid for top-flight survival.

They now stand just two points adrift of safety and could clamber out of the relegation zone this weekend if results go their way.

Rovers can also boast an enviable record against Fulham, picking up at least a point in each of their last five meetings with the capital club.

Allardyce has only won one of his last nine clashes with the Cottagers, during his time at Newcastle, but is unbeaten in four.

Doubts over duo

Fulham must wait to see whether Jimmy Bullard and Zoltan Gera are fit enough to resume first-team duties this weekend.

Bullard has been carrying a hip problem, while Gera has been struggling with a calf complaint.

Both men are closing in on a return to full fitness but Saturday could come too soon.

Seol Ki-hyeon definitely misses out as he remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury and Diomansy Kamara is still out despite stepping up his rehabilitation from a similar problem.

No concerns

Rovers have no fresh injury concerns to contend with, although Allardyce is likely to make sweeping changes to the side which claimed a narrow 1-0 FA Cup success against non-league Blyth Spartans on Monday.

The Blackburn boss used that game to run the rule over those players on the fringes of his squad, but will resort back to his tried and tested regulars for the resumption of top-flight action.

The likes of Paul Robinson, Ryan Nelsen, Keith Andrews, Brett Emerton, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Benni McCarthy are all expected to be handed recalls.

David Dunn (hamstring) and Steven Reid (knee) remain on the sidelines, while Roque Santa Cruz is also ruled out with a knee problem as speculation surrounding his future continues to drag on.

Possible starting X1s

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Samba, Warnock, Emerton, Andrews, Tugay, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts.