Fulham F.C. have not received European honours since 2002 when they took down Bologna to win the Intertoto Cup. Their performance has been predictably mediocre in both the Premier League and
Europa League. After 4 games in Europa League group play, the Cottagers have only managed to accumulate 5 points. They have played better while at home, where they recorded their only win against
F.C. Basel. However, they are still 2 points behind
Roma and 4 points behind group leaders Basel, and have a good chance to improve their position as these teams face off in Rome the same day. Manager
Roy Hodgson knows how important it is to get 3 points on Thursday as there is only 1 more match in the group stages.
CSKA Sofia have by far been the worst performers in
Group E. In 4 games they have only managed 1 point in a home match against
Fulham this past September. Their domestic form has been better and they currently sit at 2nd in the Bulgarian Tables. Although they were able to hold Fulham to a draw when playing at the Bulgarian Army Stadium, the Reds will face a much more difficult task when travelling to Craven Cottage. With European hopes virtually gone, manager
Luboslav Penev will likely field a weaker side and save his best players for their match against 4th placed
Chernomorets this weekend.
Although
CSKA are 2nd in their domestic league, the gap in quality between Bulgarian and English football teams is considerable.
Fulham will be the more motivated side as they still have a chance to make it to the knockout stages, and the
Cottagers will try to take the lead early on to ensure all 3 points.
Fulham F.C. vs. CSKA Sofia
Thursday December 3, 2009
Kickoff: 21:05 CET
Tip: Fulham -1.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 2.05 @ Bet365
