Fulham v West Brom
Football: English Premier League
Wednesday 1 February 2012 - Kick Off 8pm

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Fulham

This will be the first time that Fulham will take on their former manager Roy Hodgson in his position as manager of West Brom at Craven Cottage after the teams played out a goalless draw earlier this season. I think there has been enough changes at Fulham since Hodgson moved on though that he may not be familiar with all the players in the starting line up.

Fulham have begun to show the form that had them finishing in the top half of the Premier League table over the last couple of seasons as well as getting to the Final of the Europa League. After a tough start under Martin Jol, they have moved up to 14th in the table while a win here could see them move up into the top half of the table. Fulham are 5-3-3 at home this season, scoring 21 goals and conceding 17.

It was a little disappointing for Fulham that they exited the FA Cup last Friday, but they have shown some good form in the Premier League recently. The team have lost just 1 of their last 5 Premier League games, while they have won 4 of their last 5 games at home, including against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Moussa Dembele could return to the squad for this game, but Bobby Zamora has been sold to QPR. Pavel Pogrebnyak has been signed and could potentially make his debut here.

West Brom

Roy Hodgson has to make it clear to his critics that it is survival in the Premier League that is his priority and not an FA Cup run after he was given a couple of volleys following the 1-2 loss to Norwich City on Saturday. He made it clear that the club needs Premier League survival far more than they need a run that could potentially end in the Quarter Finals of the Cup.

West Brom have got a cushion of 7 points between themselves and Blackburn Rovers in the final relegation position, while they would have been glad to see both Wigan and Wolves lose on Tuesday night. The Baggies are 15th in the Premier League and have been far more effective away from the Hawthornes. They are 5-2-4 away from home, scoring 14 goals and conceding 17.

The team have been going through a bit of a tough run since their 0-0 home draw with Manchester City, winning 2 and losing 4 of their next 6 games in all competitions. It is a surprising statistic, particularly when it comes to teams managed by Roy Hodgson, but it is the home form that is letting West Brom down- they have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League games away from the Hawthornes, but they haven't kept a clean sheet in 9 away League games.

Jerome Thomas looks set to miss this game, while Gonzalo Jara and Paul Scharner will need to pass late fitness tests to take their place in the starting line up.

Head to Head

Fulham and West Brom drew 0-0 at the Hawthornes earlier this season, but the Baggies have struggled in recent visits to this part of West London.

The Cottagers have won their last 3 home games in the League against West Brom, all in fairly comfortable and routine fashion, including a 3-0 win last season.

Prediction

We have already seen a few goals scored in the Premier League games on Tuesday, and I think this game has the potential to see a few more as both sides should have plenty of confidence from their recent results at home and away respectively.

Neither team has been brilliant in defensive positions, a surprise from a Roy Hodgson coached side, but both do have the attacking potential to take advantage of any shortcomings.

I do think Fulham will be too strong for West Brom when it is all said and done, particularly as the Baggies have struggled to keep the ball out of their net, but they are going to have to work hard to reach that position.

Fulham themselves have not been watertight at home so I do expect both sides will score at least one goal, so backing the 'Over 2.75 Goals' at odds against looks to be the call.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Fulham 3-2 West Brom

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll chance the Over 2.75 Goals @ 2.25 (188Bet)