Premier League preview: Fulham v Blackpool

Relegation-threatened Blackpool had some good news ahead of Sunday’s clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Skipper Charlie Adam has shaken off the knee injury he suffered in Scotland’s 2-0 loss to Brazil last Sunday and will take his place in the crucial Premier League clash.

“Charlie had a clash of knees in the Scotland game but he hasn?t reported to (Blackpool physio) Phil Horner, so there should be no problems there,” assistant manager Steve Thompson told the Blackpool Gazette:

“Both Charlie and Stephen Crainey (who also played against Brazil at Arsenal) were a little bit stiff and leggy in their first training session back.”

“We are monitoring them, and (Wales?) David Vaughan, to make sure we get the balance between rest and work right.”

Meanwhile, Fulham’s Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has warned his team-mates they are in for a tough afternoon, in a fixture he describes as ‘huge’.

Schwarzer knows maximum points are needed with the Cottagers on 35 points, two ahead of Blackpool, who are only three ahead of cellar dweller Wigan.

“It?s a huge game but Blackpool have shown on their away trips that they are a very difficult team to play against,” he said.

“They have done tremendously well this season and we know we?re in for a very tough afternoon.

“But we believe we should be picking up three points, especially at home. It is imperative we get results at home and nick some away.”

Fulham?s defeat at Everton, their last game, was their first loss in six.

Blackpool, meanwhile, have gone three games without a win and have only one victory in their last 10 in the Premier League.

At Bloomfield Road in August Dickson Etuhu stole a late equaliser for Fulham to earn a 2-2 draw.

Blackpool have lost on their last four league visits to Craven Cottage and have failed to score in their last five. They last won there in April 1990.

Fulham are still without Steven Sidwell, Philippe Senderos and Matthew Briggs.

Blackpool have lost Paul Rachubka, Chris Basham, Matt Gilks and Billy Clarke, while DJ Campbell completes a three-match ban.