Fulham at Everton

Fulham makes their first trip to Everton's new stadium on Saturday. Kickoff from the Hill Dickson Stadium will be at 10am EST on USA Network.

Everton have done pretty well at their new home with just one loss against Tottenham and wins against Brighton and Palace. They sit just a point above Fulham in the table so this is a chance for Fulham to make a statement about where this season is headed. Beating 10-man Wolves at home was good just to put an end to the four game skid, but this will be a much clearer test of Fulham's potential. Fulham will come into this with just Robinson out so Silva should be able to put together his strongest squad. Will this version of Fulham be able to show the capability of moving up the table? Or will they struggle and leave us with the conclusion that 15th place may be appropriate for Fulham?

I really hope Fulham finally live up to the potential that we've seen. I'd like to see King, Iwobi, and Berger in the midfield although I suspect Silva will choose differently. I'd also prefer to see Kevin and Chukwueze on the wings despite Wilson finding the net last week. I think those options with Raul or Muniz up top will give Fulham the highest possibility of some early success against Everton.

 

One has to worry at this point whether Jedi's injury isn't career-threatening.

Like @MicahMan, I also suspect Silva will set us up in the usual 4231, even if I would like to see a more attacking posture.

 

You’re both right about the formation and MicahMan was close with the personnel. Kevin and Wilson on the wings, with Iwobi, Berge and Lukic in the middle, and Raul up top.

After finally turning around the 27 straight matches without a win at Goodison, Fulham has picked up favorable results there over the last few seasons. Who knows what the day will bring though given the new stadium and the big Graelish signing.

For me, today is the annual Virginia Bourbon Invitational. I have about an hour to decide if I want to attempt to avoid the scores and sports updates until midday tomorrow. It probably won’t happen, but I’ll still record the match in case I want to watch it later.

 

We were awful, especially in the first half. King brought some life into the match for us. I think it’s become clear that the Berge/Lukic double pivot isn’t going to work this season. We’re too predictable and get overrun in midfield. Each of them is a good player, but it’s like the whole is less than the sum of the parts.

We haven’t innovated in three seasons. Marco needs to figure out how to reinvigorate and change our strategy, or we’ll be pulled into a relegation fight. I’m starting to seriously worry.