Fulham away to Middlesbrough

Quick turnaround travel up to struggling Middlesbrough. Was a little surprised to see Boro sitting in 21st, a look at recent results tells the story; 3 goals in their last 6 matches. After losing to Stoke I’m sure Parker will have the lads not looking ahead, but whether that translates to the pitch is a whole different question.

 

There's a recent history of poor performances at the Riverside by the Whites...please don't let away form from Stoke make an appearance. COYW!

From the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50105996
Aynsley Pears will continue in goal for Middlesbrough, who have Darren Randolph out (thigh) for up to a month.

Jonathan Woodgate will also be without full-back George Friend as he recovers from knee surgery, and striker Rudy Gestede (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Fulham hope to be able to call upon Harry Arter, who missed their midweek win over Luton with a knock.

The Cottagers are otherwise injury-free, with midfielder Stefan Johnansen pushing for a starting berth.

Match facts

• Middlesbrough have lost one of their last 14 home league games against Fulham (W9 D4 L1), though it was in their most recent meeting in January 2018.
• Fulham are looking to win consecutive away league games against Middlesbrough for the first time since winning four in a row between 1972 and 1984.
• Middlesbrough haven't scored more than twice in any of their last 29 home league games, scoring just 25 goals in those games at the Riverside Stadium since beating Sheffield United 3-0 in their opening home game of 2018-19.
• Fulham have won eight points from their six away league games this season (W2 D2 L2), three more than they managed in the whole of last term in the Premier League (W1 D2 L16).
• No side has scored fewer home goals in the Championship this season than Middlesbrough (5, level with Leeds).
• Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 11 goals in 13 league games this season, equalling his goal tally in 37 appearances in the Premier League last term. Last time out, Mitrovic became the first Fulham player to score a hat-trick in league competition since Ryan Sessegnon against Sheffield United in November 2017.

 

Bobby Reid gets pushed up front to take what had been Cavaleiro's spot, Cavaleiro slides over to replace Knockaert. Onomah makes his first start for Fulham. Rodak stays in goal:

Rodak
Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan
Onomah, Reed, Cairney
Cavaleiro, Mitrovic, Reid

Subs: Bettinelli, McDonald, Johansen, Le Marchand, Knockaert, Sessegnon, Kamara

Allowing this streak to end would seem to be a very Fulhamish thing to do. How about a clean sheet instead!

 

Rodak w/a red card??

 

Didn’t see it, but the live text on the offal said it was for a hand ball. But...a point on the road a man down for over 73 minutes? I’ll take it, thank you very much. Practically a gift.

 

I suppose keeping a clean sheet and earning a point on the road while being down a man for 70+ minutes is perhaps the best case scenario.

 

Other results went Fulham's way today with Wednesday and Leeds drawing along with West Brom and Charlton.

After the red card I think Fulham played even better. They pretty much gave up on playing from the back (which was getting them into trouble in the first 20 minutes) and had plenty of chances to score a winner. Fulham's defense and Middlesbrough ineptitude combined to limit them to just one shot on target and that happened late in injury time.

Rodak fully deserved the red card (don't let GJ tell you differently). However, Rodak swatting down the ball might have saved a goal so you could argue it was worth it. I wouldn't be one to argue that though and I expect Bettinelli to get the start again.

 

After posting my message I went out and mowed the lawn. About half-way through I had this "DUH" moment and I remembered he'd be out for three games! I was sure someone would set the record straight. Thanks Don!

 

Problem is, Marcus hasn't been very good this season either. I like him, but he's got to improve more...a LOT more. He's more than capable, but it hasn't happened yet this season for him. Time to seize the opportunity. Again.