Fulham v Sunderland; Clint's Last Cottage Rodeo?

The only thing that doesn't change is change itself. As the Premier League season comes to a close and Fulham's final home match is upon us, we know the squad could look quite different come fall. No other player on the team is more likely to leave (not including the dead wood) than Clint Dempsey.

Our Texas import will wait and see what interest is out there for his services this summer. If Champion's League football is something he HAS to have on his resume then he's probably gone. However, only Clint knows what price he'd pay to make that happen. Would he move to France? Germany? Not sure, but if a certain club in North London with a french manager makes a bid, he'll leave, plain and simple.

The other player frequently mentioned leaving is Moussa Dembele. In my opinion this would be a MAJOR mistake on his part. The Belgian would be better served in staying another season and improving his game. Not sure who has his ear, but if it's someone who works on a commission then his best interests aren't being looked after. It would would painful to watch him go to a 'big' club, and find him mired on the bench. If Dempsey were to leave, Moose could slide into his spot, and really see his game take off.

As for the match itself, let's hope for open play. A win would put Fulham one shy of it's best ever Premiership point total (53 in the 08/09 season). Sunderland comes into the match in 11th place on 45 points. The teams met on November 19th in a very forgettable 0-0 draw. Mark Schwartzer denied the Black Cats leading scorer Stephane Sessgnon in second half stoppage time with perhaps his best save of the season. Sessgnon is tied in goals with the injured Sebastian Larsson. Nicklas Bendtner thinks more of himself then his game warrants, but still can find the back of the net.

Prediction; Sunderland comes into the match with the identical away record as Fulham (4 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses). I like the Mighty Whites to win 3-1. Dempsey will notch his 50th Premier League goal in a Fulham kit in what sadly could be his Cottage (as a Fulham player) swan song.

Discuss here: http://fulhamusa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=453

or in the comments below.