Fulham FC v Tottenham Hotspur [Premier League]

A new era begins at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night with Tottenham Hotspur the first opponents to take on Rene Meulensteen’s Fulham.

The Whites’ 3-0 defeat to struggling London rivals West Ham United was the latest in a run of five successive Premier League losses which ultimately spelled the end of Martin Jol’s reign in SW6.

Former Manchester United Assistant Manager, Meulensteen was hired by Fulham just over three weeks ago as Head Coach, but was promoted to fill the void left by fellow Dutchman Jol on Sunday.

The incoming coach has a huge job on his hands in recovering from Fulham’s worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1967, but has already made changes to the background staff – promoting Kit Symons to deal with first team affairs, whilst former Manchester United academy coach Jonathan Hill has also arrived in West London.

Both Fulham and Tottenham will be aiming to put a miserable November behind them at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. Neither side managed to pick up a Premier League win last month, scoring just four goals between them, while conceding a combined 23 goals at the other end.

The London rivals have both scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season, a tally higher than struggling Sunderland and Crystal Palace only. However, despite a 6-0 mauling at Manchester City in their last away fixture, Tottenham have been impressive on the road this season – second only to Arsenal and Manchester United on away form.

Fulham will be boosted by the potential return of former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian forward scored 27 goals in 70 appearances for Tottenham, but has been unavailable due to an illness. Berbatov scored in the last meeting between Fulham and Spurs, helping the Cottagers to a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane last season.

Head to head

Tottenham have won on each of their last three visits to Craven Cottage. In fact, Spurs have won six of their last seven Premier League games against Fulham.

In total the two sides have met 79 times in all competition down the years. Spurs have won more than half of the meetings (40), while Fulham boast 13 victories.

Team news

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov could return from illness to play against his former club, while skipper Brede Hangeland may have overcome a sciatic nerve injury. Hugo Rodallega and Matthew Briggs miss out. Enigmatic youngster Moussa Dembele – who made his debut in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to West Ham United – looks set to miss out with a hamstring strain.

Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose are both absent with ankle injuries for Tottenham, while striker Emmanuel Adebayor is doubtful with a groin injury. Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele is expected to line-up against his former side with striker Harry Kane still nursing a back injury.