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Fulham are the Cottage cream as it all goes sour for Birmingham and Reading

It's a last-day cliffhanger – expect flaky FA Cup finalists Portsmouth to do Roy Hodgson's boys a favour while Alex McLeish and Steve Coppell drop through the trap door.

by 101greatgoals.com on 05 May 2008

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Another dramatic Saturday afternoon in the relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League has left an intriguing final set of games going into week 38 next Sunday afternoon. But, if all goes to form it appears that Fulham will stay up and Reading and Birmingham will have to face up to playing Championship football.

With wins for Wigan and Middlesbrough yesterday, both Steve Bruce and Gareth Southgate can start preparing for another season in the Premier League. And although Bolton are not definitely secure, their superior goal difference means they can travel to Stamford Bridge next Sunday assured that only a miracle set of results will see them relegated.

So, it is two out of Reading, Birmingham and Fulham – here is a guide to recent form and what they have to do to avoid the dreaded drop:

‘If the Cottagers could have picked one team to play in the last week of the season, it would probably have been Portsmouth ...’

Fulham - Recent form: Fulham have in recent weeks been nothing short of sensational. At one stage they looked a certainty to go down but three wins in their last four games, including the incredible comeback at Manchester City look to have secured their Premier League status.

Roy Hodgson deserves an immense amount of credit. He has trusted match-winners such as Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard, who kept their nerve at the crucial time. And the former Inter Milan boss also bought well in January, with the signings of Erik Nevland and, more crucially, Brede Hangeland, who has improved what was a rather leaky backline.

What they have to do: If the Cottagers could have picked one team to play in the last week of the season it would probably have been Portsmouth. With more than one eye on the FA Cup Final against Cardiff, Harry Redknapp’s side have gone off the boil in recent games losing three on the trot. Whilst there may be Pompey players playing for a place at Wembley, the smart money is on Fulham to win this and cap the great escape.

Win this and they are up.

Comments (4)

by emmanuel noye on May 05, 2008

contact him at +233273361678

by Mani Thangadurai on May 05, 2008

The pressure will be on Fulham to do well, since I believe Harry Redknapp will put out a better side than one ones which lost three straight. It's fair to say that he's probably been resting some of his key players for the Wembley date, but I don't think that Portsmouth will lose easily. Fulham will have to work their socks off and if they win it will be well deserved. What a pity Dejan Stefanovic isn't in the scheme of thins-he'd have chomped at the bit to play against his ex-team! Reading have a much easier time of it and I don't think they should have any trouble disposing of Derby, who have really been exposed this season as poor in quality. Derby have nothing to play for, and always look set to leak goals at inopportune times. Birmingham have a very tough task against a Blackburn side looking to try and snatch a European lifeline via the Intertoto Cup. A point behind both Reading and Fulham, I don't think that they will manage it. Bolton are themselves on 36 points and have a trip to Chelsea who will look to score as many as possible, so they to cannot count their chickens yet! Predictions: Reading to stay up with a win against Derby, while Fulham and Birmingham both draw. I will hope that Fulham win, but it might be a bridge too far!

by gerry t damptash on May 05, 2008

brummies to go down please because they're crap.

by Middle White on May 06, 2008

It's true to say that we, Fulham, have done ever so well to get to where we have. Despite all the doggerel - it will be a weakened Pompey team - it's only human nature, but make no mistake, if squad players, such as Sean Davis are playing, they won't be holding back. So it's down to Fulham to play - play with passion, resolution, panache & skill. If we can do this for one more match, then we've achieved. If WE don't then Reading & Birmingham are just as able to get a result. So, final push - final victory & we're there - no victory & we're not - that's the simple equation.

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