Fulham v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 09 April 2016 By Michael Morris

With Derby (6th place, 4 points ahead of City) at home to Bolton on Saturday it's almost certain that even if City win at Fulham they are still going to be four points behind the Rams.

Fulham are not safe yet in the Championship but after back to back wins they can breathe a little easier. They will be looking for three in a row to almost ensure survival, especially if it's coupled with an MK Dons defeat against Rotherham.

So there is pressure on City to deliver three points to keep themselves in the play off hunt.

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney could be a doubt for the visit of Cardiff.

Cairney limped off during Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Preston after apparently injuring himself making a challenge for which he also got booked.

Defender Chris Baird has shaken off the knock which kept him out for three matches but midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen remains sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele, who have scored two goals apiece in the back-to-back 2-1 wins over MK Dons and Preston which eased Fulham's relegation fears, continue up front.

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Anthony Pilkington could miss out for play-off chasing Cardiff.

Pilkington limped off during Tuesday night's goalless draw at Burnley and the trip to west London could come too soon, even though a subsequent scan revealed the Republic of Ireland international had not suffered a serious knee injury.

Matthew Connolly should be fit following illness and that will pose Bluebirds boss Russell Slade a defensive dilemma after centre-backs Sean Morrison and Bruno Ecuele Manga shut out the Championship leaders at Turf Moor.

Peter Whittingham and Craig Noone are both in contention to start after being rested at Burnley.

 

  • Fulham have conceded in each of their past 15 games in all competitions against Cardiff, conceding 30 goals.
  • Cardiff have won four of their past six league games against Fulham (D2).
  • Fulham striker Ross McCormack has been involved in 48% of their goals this season (29 of 61), the highest percentage in the Championship.
  • Four of Cardiff's past five goals have been headers, this after none of their previous 27 goals were scored this way.
  • Nine of Fulham's past 10 goals have been scored by either McCormack (5) or Moussa Dembele (4).

 

Referee: JEREMY SIMPSON 
Assistants: Daniel Leach and Josh Smith 
Fourth Official: Ian Rathbone

 

One to Watch: Former City striker Ross McCormack. Still banging in the goals with 23 scored this season.

 

Fulham v Cardiff City
Craven Cottage

Saturday 3:00pm.