Long-term injury victims Danny Murphy and Andy Johnson are both in line to make their comebacks as Fulham bid for a fifth win in six games against struggling Bolton. Roy Hodgson’s side comfortably saw off the challenge of Blackburn in midweek and will start as warm favourites to beat Gary Megson’s Trotters, who are bidding to avoid a fourth successive Premier League defeat.
Quick Check
Fulham
- Club captain Danny Murphy is hoping for a comeback after a month out with knee trouble.
- Andy Johnson could return in attack after a five-week absence with a groin injury.
- Clint Dempsey has scored five goals in Fulham’s last five games.
- Fulham have won four of their last five home matches in the league.
- The 3-0 midweek win over Blackburn equalled Fulham’s best result with Roy Hodgson in charge.
- Hodgson’s team won both games last season and are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Bolton.
- Striker Diomansy Kamara is doubtful with a knee injury.
- Midfielder Jonathan Greening also faces a late fitness test.
- Fulham’s defence has conceded in ten of their last 12 league matches.
Bolton Wanderers
- Midfielder Tamir Cohen is in line to return from a groin strain.
- Kevin Davies scored in both encounters against Fulham last season.
- Eleven of Bolton’s 14 Premier League goals have come from set pieces.
- The Trotters have conceded 15 goals and scored only one in their last four matches.
- Defeat at Fulham would be Bolton’s fourth straight loss in the Premier League.
- Gary Megson’s side are still the only Premier League team to concede in every match this season.
- Bolton’s winless spell in the league at Craven Cottage dates back ten games to 1992.
Expert Advice
After a slow start, Fulham have clicked into gear over the last month and have looked especially impressive at Craven Cottage. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson was critical of his team’s lack of energy in midweek but they still proved too powerful for Blackburn and, with Murphy and Johnson available again, should have too much firepower for the visitors. Things wouldn’t be too bad for Bolton if they were at least scoring goals but they have dried up of late while continuing to fly in at the wrong end of the pitch and they appear to have little answer if their threat from set pieces is snuffed out. The game may be closer than some people think but a home win looks on the cards and Betsson’s odds of 3.75 for Fulham to win by one goal appears a sound bet.
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