Having brought a valuable point from Eastlands, Fulham are hoping to make a giant step towards survival by beating fellow strugglers Blackburn. Rovers slipped to the danger zone as they suffered a heavy defeat at Villa Park and they are desperately looking for a good result to kick-start their campaign.

Fulham still on the uptrend

The early season struggles sit in distant memory of Fulham fans after the Cottagers started playing to their potential in the second part of the season, and Mark Hughes’ side look to be cruising to safety. Fulham have recorded three straight draws in the Premiership, which could be considered a poor return if it wasn’t for the fact that their rivals during that period were Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester City. By completely matching the three very good Premiership sides, the Cottagers proved they enter the final stage of the season in great shape and now everything suggests they will continue the great home run that saw them win five straight games before Clint Dempsey missed a penalty against Chelsea to make it six in a row. With Blackburn largely struggling on the travels, this looks like a no contest for me.

Mark Hughes has no fresh injury worries, although Bobby Zamora is a doubt after missing the City game with an ankle problem. Steve Sidwell, Diomansy Kamara and Philippe Senderos remain in the infirmary.

Rovers fighting for survival

Despite being safely tucked away in the top part of the table just few weeks back, Blackburn now sit dangerously close to the relegation zone and they have no one else to blame but themselves. In all fairness, nobody expected Rovers to finish the league campaign in top part of the table, but the latest run of results is threatening to hurt their survival bid. Having lost four of their last five games, Rovers clearly enter this game low on confidence, with their performances on the travels giving an additional cause for concern. Blackburn lost last five away games, four of those by at least a two-goal margin, which should give you a clear picture of their showings away from home. With few important players unavailable for this clash, Steve Kean’s side could be in for a real beating at Craven Cottage.

Chris Samba returns to the side after missing the last game through illness, but Ryan Nelsen is suspended. Roque Santa Cruz is doubtful, while David Dunn, Mauro Formica and Phil Jones are definitely out.

Verdict

Fulham have raised their form a great deal lately and the Cottagers are very convincing at their Craven Cottage, so everything suggests they will win this game. With Rovers utterly disappointing on the travels, I expect a big home win.

Our prediction: Home win with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power