OPPOSITION VIEW: FULHAM

Football is back, after yet another international break, with Sunderland heading to Craven Cottage. We spoke to John Clarke from the Fulham Focus team, to discuss their disappointing start to the season and how he thinks today's game will go...

15th in the Premier League after 11 games, what's been the story of Fulham's season so far?

Overall it’s been a pretty disappointing start to the season. A last-gasp equaliser from Rodrigo Muniz in the first game of the season at Brighton, plus the news he was staying at Fulham, was very welcome. We then played well enough against Man Utd and Chelsea only for VAR to restrict our return to just a point from the two games when we deserved much more. Two home wins against Leeds (fortuitous) and Brentford (well deserved) saw us reach the season’s high water mark. Since then, injuries to key players have taken their toll and a run of five defeats in six games have us nervously looking over our shoulder.

With that poor run of form in your last six, do you feel the international break game at the right time for Fulham to regroup ahead of this game?

We can only hope so - although the news that Muniz is out until at least the New Year has only added to the air of gloom. In fairness we didn’t play too badly in the four defeats at the start of that run. The win over Wolves that snapped the losing streak gave rise to the hope we’d kick on again but the last outing at Everton was truly worrying. It was probably the worst we’ve played since Marco Silva took us back to the Premier League as the home side’s energy just seemed to overwhelm us in every department 

What are your thoughts on manager Silva?

As the song goes, he’s a genius. He got us promoted in style and has since consolidated our position in the PL after years of yo-yoing and instability. His brand of football is easy on the eye especially after the turgid fare we’d been offered under Scott Parker. Some of our fanbase are getting a little restless in light of current form and are citing the fact his contract expires at the end of the season as a reason why he’s losing motivation. For my money, it would be a huge mistake to consider a change of manager now. It’s far too early to panic and he’s hardly become a bad manager overnight. With a fully fit squad I’m sure Silva can keep us out of danger.

Who's been your best player so far this season?

That’s an easy one. Josh King has been a shining light in our campaign so far. We saw a glimpse of his potential last season and wondered if Silva might give him more minutes this term. However his form has been so good that he’s almost a permanent fixture in the side. At the age of 18 he’s wise beyond his years and could have the football world at his feet in the coming years. Unfortunately, if that proves to be true the footballing food chain dictates that it’s unlikely to be with us.

On the other hand, are there any major weaknesses that Regis Le Bris will aim to exploit on Saturday?

If we play as poorly as we did at Everton then Sunderland will just need to bring the high energy and intensity that has served them so well in the season so far. Our centre back Joachim Andersen is classy enough on the ball but is far too susceptible to the long ball over his head. His partner Calvin Bassey hasn’t been in the same Player of the Year form of last season either so we could be vulnerable at the heart of our defence.

What have you made of Sunderland's return to life in the top-flight?

For me, they’re the story of the season so far. For the last couple of seasons the promoted sides have been cannon fodder and the play-off winners traditionally fare badly. I was aware that Sunderland finished last season poorly and after watching your home play-off semi vs Coventry on the box I thought you were fortunate to get through. On that limited knowledge, I was expecting them to struggle badly in the PL.

However, they’ve obviously recruited really wisely and have looked a real match for every opponent so far. Confidence is coursing through their veins and the punters at the Stadium of Light must be loving life after so many lean years in the recent past.

Do any of our players stand out in particular?

Dan Ballard initially caught my eye with his winner against Coventry in the play-offs, and he was also outstanding at both ends of the pitch in the last game against Arsenal. I was aware of Wilson Isidor scoring some crucial goals last season and it seems he’s still got the knack at the higher level this term. From a fan's point of view it’s lovely to see your Championship players make the step up. Silva kept faith with a lot of our Championship winning side in our first season up which proves survival is not purely about flashing the cash. Having said that, Sunderland have definitely spent well - with Granit Xhaka proving particularly influential in midfield.

Are you going to the game on Saturday?

I’m mortified to say no. I bought tickets to see Chris McCausland at the Assembly Rooms in Worthing about a year ago when he was at the height of his Strictly fame. I was hoping Sky would do the decent thing (for once) and switch our game so I could still come. Instead, I’ve given my season ticket to my daughter (she’s 32 now so it no longer qualifies as child cruelty) and will instead be fretting at home before a date night with my wife... the lucky woman!

Where would you recommend for food or drink around the ground for travelling Sunderland fans?

As a Fulham fan I can only really recommend a few hipster chic places that serve craft beer while offering a menu of artisan cheeses and Victoria Sponge.

Seriously though, there’s any number of decent boozers in and around the area. The Spotted Horse in Putney High Street is an old stomping ground of mine and like most establishments happily serves away fans. I believe the Eight Bells near Putney Bridge tube station is a designated away pub, but us Fulham fans are generally a friendly bunch so don’t feel obligated to go there.

What's your score prediction?

My heart says Fulham will overcome their current problems and nick a close fought 1-0 win with Raul Jimenez on target. Unfortunately, my head says Sunderland will get their second 2-1 win in SW6 this season. I’m not too au fait with your current lineup so in terms of goalscorers, I will plump for Fulham old boy and 1973 Sunderland cup hero Vic Halom with a brace. Apparently he’s only 77 so will still be able to cause our defence trouble.

Finally, where do you think both sides will finish this season?

I think Sunderland’s initial impetus might slow and they’ll end up between about 10th and 12th. I’m sure fans would have bitten a few hands off for a mid -able finish before the season started. As for us, I’d have predicted a similar finish back in August but as of now think we might end up a lot lower. To be honest I wouldn’t mind 17th if we could finally win a domestic cup. I’m sure Sunderland supporters will be wishing us well in our League Cup quarter final next month.