Since Felix Magath left the Fulham manager’s job in September, the club have won three of their next five to propel themselves off the bottom of the table. They remain in the relegation zone but there’s little doubt it’s a more positive atmosphere which surrounds the Cottagers. Kit Symons remains in caretaker charge despite there being plenty of speculation surrounding the new manager in recent days. He will be aiming to get the team back to winning ways following a 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in their last game, in what could well be his last game in charge.
Following relegation from the Premier League last season, Norwich have adapted well to life in the Championship, and come into this game joint top of the table. They have stuttered slightly in recent weeks, managing only one win from their last four. The international break could well have come at the right time for Neil Adams side as they look to get back to the sort of for which seen them five out of six between August and September. They can take great confidence from their away form having won their last four on the road.
Magath oversaw huge changes in the playing staff during his short spell in charge so whoever takes over on a permanent basis will have some headaches trying to find the best starting eleven. The inconsistency in team selection is not only exhibited by their current league position, but also their defensive record which is the worst in the division, conceding on average two goals per game. That’s a statistic which will definitely have to improve, and in fairness to Symons, things have improved slightly under his reign, allowing five goals in five games.
Fulham’s defence will come under plenty of scrutiny this weekend as they come up against the best attack in the division. Norwich have scored in all but two of their Championship games and managed 11 in their last four away games, conceding just two in that time. Cameron Jerome and Lewis Grabban have 12 goals between them as they look to cement their places as the preferred striking partnership.
This was a Premier League fixture only last season and both clubs have had different experiences early on in their return to the Championship. Fulham look like their sorting themselves out since Magath was sacked. They are going for three straight home wins in all competitions but this will be by far their biggest test. Norwich have been inconsistent of late but their away form has been very impressive. Neither side convinces in defence, so rather than pick a side here, go for goals as there are bound to be plenty of them.
Over 2.5 goals 10/11 @ Coral
