Fulham vs. Watford – Craven Cottage
Sky Bet Championship – 19:45
Fulham manager Kit Symons is optimistic ahead of his side’s clash with Watford tonight despite the disparity in league positions between the two clubs.
The Whites have resurrected their season under the former academy coach, who replaced the cantankerous Felix Magath in October after a dismal start to the season.
The former Welsh international knows there remains a long way to go in the season but is upbeat about what he has seen so far.
Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “It’s been a good positive start but it needs to continue. We’ve set the standards but we need to continually raise the bar.”
Symons added that since he took the job on a full-time basis, he has instilled three key motivations into the team –belief, honesty and trust.
These factors are paying dividends as Fulham have only lost one of their last eight games in the Sky Bet Championship – losing 2-1 at high-flying Brentford.
Fulham have no fresh injury concerns with only the long-term absentees of Tim Hoogland, Fernando Amorebieta and Jesse Joronen unavailable.
However the defensive pairing of Dan Burn and Sean Kavanagh could feature in tonight’s game, returning from suspension and injury respectively.
Symons reserved special praise for his Colombian goal machine Hugo Rodallega, who is the club’s leading scorer with eight league goals.
“Since I’ve been in charge Hugo’s been brilliant,” he said. “He’s playing with a huge smile on his face, the way I like the game to be played.”
While eulogising over Rodallega, Symons later added that his happiness with the balance of his squad too, which is a mix of guile and industriousness.
Watford travel to Craven Cottage in a poor run of form having lost their last four successive games, and struggling for away form too.
Former Chelsea midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic is the club’s fourth manager of the season and has only witnessed two victories in seven games since taking the reins at Watford.
Star man: Lasse Vigen Christensen – the 20-year old academy graduate has made 10 league appearances, scoring twice and has added a youthful, creative spark from midfield.
Danger man: Matej Vydra – the Czech international has scored seven goals so far this campaign and has formed a formidable partnership with Troy Deeney.
Last meeting: Fulham 0-0 Watford, January 1, 2007 (Premier League)
Image courtesy of Fulham FC via YouTube, with thanks
