Middlesbrough v Fulham @ The Riverside Stadium
October 4 @15.00
Fulham head to the Riverside this weekend looking to continue their recent encouraging form, following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
The Cottagers have now won their last three fixtures in all competitions, losing just once since caretaker managers Kit Symons appointment and the Welshman has made no secret of his desire to manage the club permanently.
Saturday’s game should provide a sterner test for Fulham however, as their opponents are unbeaten in their last five games and sit just three points behind league leaders Norwich City.
Aitor Karanka, Boro’s manager and Jose Mourinho’s former assistant at Real Madrid, has made some shrewd additions to his squad this season, including Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford who has the potential to worry Fulham’s backline.
The away side will be hoping Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega can continue his recent goalscoring form, while the re-integration of Costa Rican playmaker Bryan Ruiz could also be pivotal in unlocking a defence that has conceded just eight goals in the Championship.
Shaun Hutchinson could return to the squad after serving his three-match suspension meaning thataside from Adam Taggart who is recovering from groin surgery, Symons should have a full squad to choose from.
Star man: Hugo Rodallega
Danger man: Grant Leadbitter
Last time they met: April 18 2009, Middlesbrough 0 Fulham 0
Image courtesy of of Fulham FC via YouTube, with thanks
