Fulham welcome Pompey

17 June 2009 10:03
Fulham will kick-off their campaign with a trip to Portsmouth as manager Roy Hodgson looks to build on last season's success. Seen by many as the surprise package of the campaign last term, as Hodgson led his side to seventh in the table and ultimately the final European place, expectations may have risen at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers then host Blackburn on the 18th before welcoming Chelsea to the Cottage on the 22nd for what promises to be a fiercely contested derby. Fulham end the month with another tough encounter when they visit Aston Villa. Looking further afield December appears to be a difficult month with Hodgson's side facing Manchester United (H), Tottenham (H) and Chelsea (A) in quick succession. However the club's three games prior to that are against Sunderland (H), Burnley (A) and Stoke (A) so Fulham will be hoping they can get some points in the bag. Fulham also face 'big four' sides Arsenal and Liverpool within a matter of weeks of each other. The Cottagers host Arsenal on the 26th September before welcoming Liverpool on the October 31st. Fulham Fixtures 2009-10 August 15 Portsmouth (A) 18 Blackburn (H) 22 Chelsea (H) 29 Aston Villa (A) September 12 Everton (H) 19 Wolverhampton (A) 26 Arsenal (H) October 3 West Ham (A) 17 Hull (H) 24 Man City (A) 31 Liverpool (H) November 7 Wigan (A) 21 Birmingham (A) 28 Bolton (H) December 5 Sunderland (H) 12 Burnley (A) 15 Stoke (A) 19 Man Utd (H) 26 Tottenham (H) 28 Chelsea (A) January 9 Portsmouth (H) 16 Blackburn (A) 26 Tottenham (A) 30 Aston Villa (H) February 6 Bolton (A) 9 Burnley (H) 20 Birmingham (H) 27 Sunderland (A) March 6 Stoke (H) 13 Man Utd (A) 20 Man City (H) 27 Hull (A) April 3 Wigan (H) 10 Liverpool (A) 17 Wolverhampton H) 24 Everton (A) May 1 West Ham (H) 9 Arsenal (A)

Source: SKY_Sports