Premier League Round 35

White Hart Lane

19-04-2013 @ 12.45 UK

Fulham FC v Tottenham Hotspur

Craven Cottage

Premier League Round 14

04-12-2013 @ 20.00 UK

How are the two teams form?

Fulham have still only won three of their thirteen Premier League matches this season, and yesterday the club board lost patience with Martin Jol and sacked him. Meanwhile, Tottenham started well this season but have not been able to keep up with the expectations. Rumours says that AVB might soon be history at White Hart Lane, and a defeat against Fulham on Wednesday can result in Tottenham sacking their manager. Spurs drew against Manchester United yesterday and is expected to take three points at Craven Cottage. That said, Fulham won the last meeting between the two sides.

What are the probable starting line-ups?

The homeside is without Matthew Bridge and Hugo Rodallega for the match while there are doubts about Brede Hangeland and Dimitar Berbatov. For Tottenham, Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose are out with injuries while there is doubt about Emannuel Adebayor.

Stekelenburg

Reither - Hughes - Amorebieta - Richardson

Parker - Sidwell

Duff - Berbatov - Kasami

Bent

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Soldado

Lennon - Holtby - Lamela

Sandro - Paulinho

Vertonghen - Kaboul - Dawson - Walker

Lloris

What to expect from this match?

It will be interesting to see if the change of manager has any effect on the Fulham team against a struggling Tottenham. On the other hand, AVB will do what he can to set up his players for a victory knowing his job is on the line if Spurs lose. Tottenham usually have a good take on Fulham, and I expect them to win this match. That said, with their current form anything can happen. Even though it is a cliché both teams have to come out and play some attacking football on Wednesday and especially Fulham needs the three points.

What are the odds?

SkyBet holds a 8/11 bet on Tottenham to win while BetVictor gives back 14/5. Should Fulham surprise and win, you should place your money at Bet365 with a 9/2 bet.

When Roberto Martínez took over Everton, he brought some of his former players in Wigan with him. The 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles is one of them. Robles convinced Martínez in his 8 matches, during his loan spell to Wigan from Atlético Madrid last year. The Spaniard is a product of Gestafe's youth department which he left for Atlético Madrid in 2005. However, the talent never made a first team performance for the Madrid's before joining first Rayo Vallecano and later Wigan. It is very doubtful he will get much first team experience this season as Tim Howard seems to be the first pick in Everton. However, he will be worth watching once he gets his chance.

4. Vito Mannone, 24, Sunderland

Joined from Arsenal

When Simon Mignolet left Sunderland for Liverpool, the Black Cats were quick to bring in the former Italian youth national Vito Mannone. The Italian joined Arsenals youth department from Atalanta in 2005 and was given his debut in the Premier League against Hull in 2009 - 21 years old. Since his debut in 2009, it has only been to 15 matches for the Gunners, and two loan spells at Hull City. However, last season the Italian impressed with some good actions while both Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny were out with injuries. Despite his good performances, Mannone found himself as the third choice in Arsenal why a transfer to Sunderland seemed as the best option. In Sunderland, he will be battling with Kieren Westwood for the hot spot, but the Italian seems to be the first choice for Paolo Di Canio.

3. Adrián, 26, West Ham United

Joined from Real Betis

One season for Real Betis first team was enough for Adrián to impress West Ham. And no wonder - the Spanish goalkeeper was one of the best players for Real Betis last season reaching a 7th in La Liga. With his 11 matches without conceding a goal,  there can be no doubt that the Hammers has found themselves a classy goalkeeper. However, in West Ham Adrián will be battling with Jussi Jääskeläinen and Stephen Henderson, with the first as the hardest contender. That said, Jääskeläinen has reached an age where it is time to let a new player come through. I believe that we will see Adrián in the goal from the first round of the Premier League.

2. Maarten Stekelenburg, 30, Fulham

Joined from AS Roma

For many years,  Mark Schwarzer was for many years the goalkeeper in Fulham. However, the Australian rejected to sign a new contract and left for Chelsea this summer. Instead, Fulham brought in the Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from AS Roma. The 30-year-old is a product of Ajax Amsterdams youth system and was the first choice for the Dutch champions until 2011 where he left for Roma. With Stekelenburg, Fulham gets a routined goalkeeper with more than 50 international caps and experience from the Champions League and the Europa League. There is no doubt in my mind that Stekelenburg can be one of the best goalkeepers this season.

1. Simon Mignolet, 25, Liverpool

Joined from Sunderland

Simon Mignolet does not need much presentation; the Belgian goalkeeper was on everybody's lips last year with his outstanding performances for Sunderland. During the summer Mignolet has been reported to both Manchester clubs as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, but it was Liverpool who won the race. Here, the Belgians arrival has sent Pepe Reina to Napoli, leaving Mignolet as the first choice. The big question is if Mignolet can play as good as he did in Sunderland. In Liverpool,  he will be faced with greater expectations and a lot more pressure and this season will show if he is the star goalkeeper he has the potential to be.

A few transfer rumours has been spread this week! Great Dane Football Blog gives you an update!

Fulham is considering the free agent Nigel Reo-Coker (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Liverpool has offered Agger £15m to stay in the club (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Chelsea is planning to bid £45m for Atletico Madrids Falcao (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Arsenal, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs, are keeping an eye on unhappy Igor Denisov (The Mirror) - probability: High