Premier League preview: Fulham v Everton

1 November 2012 14:29

European hopefuls Everton travel to Fulham in an important English Premier League clash on Saturday.

David Moyes' Everton have made a fine start to the season, sitting fifth having lost just once in the league.

But three straight draws – including Sunday's 2-2 result at home to Merseyside rivals Liverpool – has seen them fall behind the top three.

Martin Jol's Fulham have shown they know how to find the net, but the problem has been at the other end, highlighted by their 3-3 draw against Reading last time out.

If the west Londoners are unable to improve in defence, Everton's attacking weapons are sure to punish them.

Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic (four goals) and Belgian Marouane Fellaini (three) are a constant threat, while Moyes will regain Steven Pienaar from suspension.

Kevin Mirallas looked dangerous against Liverpool before being substituted at half-time with a foot injury.

In another boost for Everton, the Belgian international is expected to be fit, meaning he should again be causing problems down the left.

Everton were often caught on the counter-attack during the second half against Liverpool and Moyes will want to avoid the same mistakes against a dangerous Fulham attack.

Dimitar Berbatov, Damien Duff and Mladen Petric have all netted three league goals this season for Fulham.

Bulgarian Berbatov may miss the clash against Everton because of a suspected broken rib suffered in the draw against Reading.

Fulham have conceded 14 league goals – more than any other top-10 team – with their defence struggling to keep teams at bay.

Jol will be aware his back four of Sascha Riether, Adam Hughes, Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise need to do better if Fulham are to compete for a European spot this season.

Draws against Reading and Southampton already shape as being costly, with Fulham – on both occasions – giving up a lead late in the game.

Fulham must start holding onto their leads and they must avoid making the same mistakes against Everton.