Fulham Satisfied With Finishing In The Palace Zone
26/04/2024 10:20
As Palace head to Fulham hoping to make it four on the bounce, I caught up with Fulham super fan, football author, and season ticket holder Matt Walker.
We discussed our respective seasons, the discovery of number 9s who are actually pretty good and the prospects for the game, giving me the opposition view.
TEB – Matt, how are things feeling as a Fulham fan?
MW – Positive, we haven't had back-to-back mid-table finishes since the early 2010s. I said earlier in the season it would be good to finish in the 'Palace zone' of 11-15th and we are on track to do that. That feels like a success, especially after losing Mitrovic in the summer who was so talismanic for us.
There has been some inconsistency, basically we have done well against good teams – including picking up four points against Arsenal and six against West Ham, but we have dropped points against teams like Sheffield United.
TEB – Sounds like mid-table! What's been the highlight of the season so far?
MW – It would have to be our 'ten-nil week.' Beating Forest and West Ham in back-to-back games, 5-0 each – I doubt many teams have done that, ever. Also worth pointing out, that was with no penalties, or own goals either! A shout out as well to our cup run.
TEB – So, what's the ambition for the rest of the season?
MW – A good outcome would be two wins from the remaining four games. There are no real big games to get excited about – although we play Manchester City. It's hard for fans to get too excited about an extra place up the table, so playing well and scoring some goals.
TEB – Do you foresee major changes in the summer?
MW – I think it will be tweaks rather than major changes. Probably a change at centre back, Adebayo is out of contract, and he will have a market even as a back-up. Reid has been a great servant, but I think we need to strengthen.
There is also something of a question about Willian – he has an option for an extra year – but he is 35 already! Can't really rely on him for all the creative output. It's the control he offers and the release he provides for Robinson down the left. He basically doesn't give the ball away
TEB – If you had a magic wand, which player are you bringing into Fulham?
MW – Joachim Andersen! We've seen how good he is at Fulham when he was on loan. He would complement Bassey extremely well, his long passing would add a lot.
TEB – To the match, where do you think it will be won and lost?
MW – In general we'll need to nullify your attacking trident who have been electric these last few weeks. The key battles are likely to be between your wide attackers – Olise and Eze; and our full backs – Robinson and Castagne.
TEB – What's your prediction?
MW – 1-1 Attacking heroes Mateta and Muniz to bag one each.
TEB – Anything else?
MW – Just a word on two of our Brazilians: Muniz and Pereira.
It's worth saying Pereira wasn't having his best season, but since he was capped by Brazil it's like he has been reborn, can't underestimate how significant that might be for a player.
On Muniz, I like to think I can pick a player – but he has completely surprised me how he has developed. I didn't initially see the physicality or movement, but he has scored 8 in 8, and been unplayable at times. He has been an absolute revelation.
TEB – Thanks Matt! His excellent account of his quest to experience top-division league football in all 55 UEFA member countries in a single season is a feat of football fandom, so if you'd like to read all about it you can find his book here.
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