NJ's Midweek Premier League Preview

By Nishant Joshi

Tottenham v Fulham



26th January 20:00 GMT
Sky Sports 2 (19:30-22:00), Sky Sports HD2 (19:30-22:00)

Both London clubs find themselves in a sticky patch at the moment, after respective impressive starts to the season, and Roy Hodgson's side will be hard to break down.

With it being a midweek match, I have noted a tendency for lower-scoring games than at weekends, and this game should be fairly low-tempo. With Fulham having lost three Premier League matches in a row, they are certainly not in peak form, despite progressing serenely through to the fifth round of the FA Cup, courtesy of a dream draw.

Most of this can be attributed to their lengthy injury list at the moment - Clint Dempsey (knee) and Bobby Zamora (shoulder) are criminally underrated and have been Fulham's top-scorers this season. Defenders Paul Konchesky (knee) and John Pantsil (knee) are also out, while holding midfielder Dickson Etuhu is at the African Nations Cup. Strikers Andy Johnson and Diomansy Kamara are also both doubtful for tonight's match with knee injuries.

Given the size of their squad, Tottenham's injury list should not affect them as badly as their opponents, but Spurs will still miss the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Ledley King (both knee) and key man Aaron Lennon (groin).

The last two games between these sides have both resulted in drab 0-0's - with the most recent match being on Boxing Day - and though Spurs can boast a strong 7-1-3 record at home, they have slipped up against Hull, Liverpool and Leeds in their last three matches. They are certainly going through a pronounced lull at the moment, although it should be noted that Fulham's 1-4-6 away record is nothing to write home about, and typical of their shocking away Premier League form. The Cottagers have won just 3 of 39 away London derbies in the Premier League

Even though Fulham's injury list will keep London's orthopaedists driving BMW's for years to come, under Roy Hodgson they have remarkable resilience, even with a depleted squad. The likes of Chris Baird have slotted in well to adapt to new roles, and Zoltan Gera is steady if unspectacular on the wings. At the same time, Damien Duff's form has been excellent, and Fulham's back line will always be very tough to break down with Schwarzer and Hangeland in top form.

Overall, I think this game is set up for Fulham to frustrate a jaded Spurs side, and ultimately I feel that both teams will settle for a point.

NJ's Bets:

Spurs/Fulham 1-1 correct score - 1.5pts @ 8.0 (Sportingbet )

Spurs/Fulham 0-0 correct score - 1pts @ 12.0 (Sportingbet )