Predicted Fulham Lineup To Face Reading
Having finished the season on a real high to grab 6th place from Leeds, Fulham will look to keep their momentum going here and get themselves to Wembley.
Their own attacking ambition is matched by Reading and so they will need to be more careful than normal in this game. That said, they’ll find it hard to keep a lid on Malone, Johansen and the front four. So a hugely attacking game is anticipated between two of the league’s most open teams.
Reading, despite their 3rd place finish have not faced the very strongest of opposition recently and when they have, such as at Norwich, they have succumbed and see Slavisa Jokanovic could go for the jugular here using his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation.
Probable Fulham XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
GK – Marcus Bettinelli
The young ‘keeper seems to have established himself in the side late in the season and will be given the responsibility of keeping out a good attacking outfit here.
RB – Ryan Fredericks
Although Odoi played at Hillsborough last time, Fredericks offers a good attacking threat and may come back in. If Reading don’t attack it will feel unnatural to them. However, if they do and the likes of Obita and Gunter stay forward then the narrow nature of the other defenders can leave space for Fredericks and Malone to slide into.
CB – Tomas Kalas
Forming a good partnership with Ream and they will need to be on their guard if Reading go with two up front.
CB – Tim Ream
Showing all his experience of late at the back and will be important once again. Should start this important game for Fulham.
LB – Scott Malone
Provides a huge attacking threat and should be encouraged once again to keep piling forward. A nervy and a more defensive-minded performance wouldn’t suit Fulham and especially Malone.
CM – Kevin MacDonald
Going under the radar of the wider football world, but MacDonald has had a good season and is needed here.
CM – Stefan Johansen
Rested last time, Johansen is yet another player who can get forward and contribute with goals. So a fresher version of him is not good news for Reading.
RW – Sone Aluko
A long season for the Rangers man could yet end with Premier League football being achieved and he is a certain starter.
CAM – Tom Cairney
Fulham’s main man Cairney should return to a more familiar position further up the pitch following his more withdrawn role at Sheffield Wednesday.
LW – Ryan Sessegnon
The youngster should come back into the side now and will provide a great attacking threat down the left. He has been brilliant this season and will look to keep going.
ST – Floyd Ayite
Another player who was rested last time in favour of Martin, he should regain his place and make life difficult for the Reading back three.