Scott Parker is fully aware of the mammoth task Fulham face at Manchester City tomorrow, but morale is high despite their poor recent record there.
The Cottagers’ manager said everyone had gained confidence from the 2-1 win against Leicester on Monday especially after Ivan Cavaleiro finally scored a penalty.
In their last four games against Man City Fulham have lost by a combined 11-0, but Parker felt Fulham could face their mammoth task unafraid.
He said: “There is no fear, 100% no fear. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.
“We understand the challenges we’re going to face against Man City, you prepare right along the way, you ride your luck a bit, you show your quality at times you never know.
“There’s no denying this is arguably one of our toughest fixtures this year.
“I think any team sitting in the Premier League whether you’re at the top or down near the bottom will be saying the same thing stay disciplined and we’re going to need to be at our best to try and get a result.”
Fulham’s start to the season was marred by two penalty misses against West Ham and Sheffield United, and the table therefore may not represent where Fulham really are.
Parker said: “Other than maybe the first game against Arsenal and Aston Villa which were two disappointing results really we’ve been in games.
“When you look back at it, if West Ham and Sheffield United had flipped I think everyone would be looking at us and would probably be seeing the better stuff that we’re about.
“But because that’s not been the case automatically you look at the results and maybe you’re influenced a little bit more.
“But from my point of view I see a team moving in the right direction I see a team that on their day in the division can compete and be proud of themselves.
“The fine margins have meant we’re not sitting on 10-11 points otherwise everyone would be saying exactly what I’m saying.”
The Leicester win was the best proof of their ability this season and it will help their mentality going into the Man City and Liverpool games next.
Parker said: “I don’t think anyone expected us to go and get a result, with that brings an extra bit of confidence an extra bit of belief that helps along the way something to build on for the remainder of the season.”
Joachim Andersen captained Fulham on Monday with Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic on the bench, Parker hasn’t decided who will have the armband on Saturday.
Parker said: “Joachim was the captain against Leicester because other players weren’t on the pitch and he’s done a fantastic job.
“Our main focus and concentration is on putting a team together for a tough game at the weekend.”
Tosin Adarabioyo will face his former parent club in Saturday and Parker is pleased with his progress and the skillset he brings influenced by Pep Guardiola.
Parker said: “Adarabioyo was a great value for money deal for us, he’s young, lovely on the ball has got loads and loads of development in him.
“But there’s no doubt he’s coming and for someone so young in a new environment this is the first time he’s played in the Premier League over a consistent basis I’m really pleased with him.
You can definitely see the way he is a ball playing centre half who plays through the lines, nice with the ball there’s definitely that element.
“You can tell that he’s been schooled in a certain way, it’s probably the other side that we need to keep working on, defending, the bread and butter of what he is and Adarabioyo knows that as well he can keep growing and become a top Premier League centre half.”
You can read about Fulham’s return to the big time here.
