Follow every kick as Fulham take on Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in the Premier League
on 26-Dec-2009, kick off time 13:00
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur Live
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Roy Hodgson's Fulham should enjoy their Christmas dinner after disposing of champions Manchester United with some ease in a 3-0 victory last Saturday. They face a Boxing Day London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in what should be an explosive affair. Fulham cantered to their home success against the Red Devils thanks to goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff and they now sit in ninth place in the Premier League table.
Murphy, alongside Clint Dempsey in advanced midfield roles, have been excelling for the Cottagers in recent times and they will want to put on another show this time out. They now remain unbeaten in their last seven outings in all competition and they have secured their passage through to the knock-out stage of the Europa League, which has further excited the club's faithful. Spurs themselves should be in confident mood after winning back-to-back games against Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers in emphatic fashion without conceding.
Harry Redknapp will be wanting to see his side consolidate their challenge for a top-four finish this term and, sitting just two points behind Aston Villa in fifth, another win on the road will aid their quest. A midfield of Tom Huddlestone, Wilson Palacios, Aaron Lennon and the energetic Niko Kranjcar have been clicking into gear in recent times as they feed Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane up front.
Defensive duo Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King remain sidelined for the visitors. Luka Modric (ankle) is likely to miss out and out of favour David Bentley nurses a calf complaint. Long-term injury victim Carlo Cudicini will be out for the season after sustaining serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. Fulham have their own injury concerns with Diomansy Kamara (knee), Simon Davies (ankle) and Andrew Johnson (groin) struggling to be fit ahead of the big festive clash.
Source: DSG
