Fulham v Cardiff City.Match preview

Last updated : 20 August 2016 By Michael Morris

Will today be the day we see a Cardiff City player score a goal? Fixtures between Fulham and Cardiff at Craven Cottage ususally mean goals with the last seven meeting producing goals for both sides in all the games.

Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon could be set for his home debut when Cardiff visit Craven Cottage.

The 16-year-old left-back produced an impressive display in what was a first league outing for Slavisa Jokanovic's side in the 1-1 midweek draw at Leeds.

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Defender Scott Malone dropped to the bench at Elland Road, where midfielder Jozabed Sanchez Ruiz made a brief substitute appearance following his arrival from Rayo Vallecano.

David Button could keep his place in goal, despite the return to fitness of Marcus Bettinelli. Defender Ryan Fredericks remains unavailable as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Cardiff defender Jazz Richards should return to play against the club he left last month.

Richards sat out the 2-1 victory over Blackburn on Wednesday night after taking kicks to his calf and shin in training, but he is expected to recover in time as the Bluebirds seek to build on a first win of the season.

Lee Peltier replaced Richards in midweek but he was forced off with an ankle injury in the second half and will be assessed ahead of the trip.

Anthony Pilkington and Lex Immers will continue to fill the striking spots after Frederic Gounongbe was dropped to the bench in midweek.

 

Match officials:

Referee: JEREMY SIMPSON 
Assistants: Michael George and Tony Peart 
Fourth Official: Marc Wilson 

 

Match facts:

  • The last seven league meetings between these sides at Craven Cottage have seen both sides on the scoresheet and 30 goals scored (12 for Fulham, 18 for Cardiff).
  • Cardiff have scored in each of their last 14 league games against the Whites, last failing to do so in March 1989.
  • Fulham last went the opening four games of a league season without defeat in 2010-11 (W1 D3 that season).
  • Cardiff are winless in seven away from home in all competitions (D3 L4) and haven't scored in any of their last three.
  • Ryan Sessegnon made his Championship debut for Fulham in midweek against Leeds, aged just 16 years and 88 days.
  • Both of Cardiff's league goals so far this season have been own-goals from Blackburn's Shane Duffy - the last Cardiff player to score for the Bluebirds was Anthony Pilkington in May 2016 against Birmingham.