Prediction: Blackpool vs Fulham

August 27th 2010

Premier League new boys Blackpool failed to build on their impressive start as they were hammered by Arsenal last week and they are now looking to make amends in front of their own fans. The Cottagers held Manchester United to record their second successive draw, but Fulham now want their first league win of the season.

Blackpool were deemed favorites for relegation by soccer betting experts even before the season started, mainly because the club failed to sign any notable players in the summer. Several unproven footballers arrived few days before the first game of the season but the Tangerines, nevertheless, enjoyed an impressive win over Wigan in their first ever Premier League game. Even though the 4:0 away win shouldn’t be underestimated, it was clearly a one-off result, as witnessed by their 6:0 defeat at the Emirates. Ian Holloway’s side look to be overwhelmed by the opportunity that has arisen and that is hardly a surprise considering that only a handful of players have ever played in the top flight before the Wigan game. On top of that, the gaffer will be deprived of players like Billy Clarke, Jason Euell, Paul Rachubka, Louis Almond and Keith Southern, although Ian Evatt is back after serving his suspension.

Despite the departure of legendary boss Roy Hodgson, Fulham have started the season brightly and it seems that Mark Hughes has already gotten used to the new surroundings. The Cottagers have only picked up two points so far but Bolton away and Manchester United at home are hardly easy games, and the performances the team have shown certainly give them something to build on. Even Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Fulham deserved a point from last week’s game and there is not much more I can add. The 6:0 win over Port Vale in the Carling Cup served as a big confidence boost for the players and they now have a very good chance to record one of the rare away wins in the Premiership. Mark Schwarzer, Andy Johnson, Diomansy Kamara and Philippe Senderos remain sidelined, but with Bobby Zamora and new signing Moussa Dembele scoring goals for fun, the team look more than capable of covering for the absentees.

Conclusion

While Ian Holloway probably didn’t want to upset the balance of the team by signing a lot of new players, I think he has made a big mistake with team selection and that it will cost him the survival this season. A team as experienced as Fulham will punish every mistake the newly-promoted side are bound to make and with the players full of confidence after the good start of the season, the Cottagers should be able to win this one.

Verdict: Away win Fulham (2)

Best odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: Paddy Power