Fulham Vs Leicester City: Opponent watch with Football London’s Ryan O’Donovan

As Leicester City prepare to go against Claudio Ranieri’s Fulham on Wednesday, we spoke to Football London’s Ryan O’Donovan to discuss what the Lillywhites are up to.

Q. 14 games into the Premier League season and Fulham have only won twice. Is it something that you anticipated at all – especially considering just how good Fulham were in the transfer window?

"“No, I have to admit that I thought Fulham would be pushing for the mid-table spots this season. The football they played last year in the Championship is some of the best I’ve ever seen a side play, while they added what looked like some real talent in the shape of Jean-Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle, but it just hasn’t worked out for them in the Premier League.“The players brought in have yet to make their mark on the side, while it can be argued that 12 new faces in the space of a few weeks is far too much.”"

Q. How much of the blame would you put on Slavisa Jokanovic? And, if I may add to that question, how much do you agree with the decision to sack him?

"“I think the former head coach has to take some of the blame – he struggled to find out what worked best for his side in the Premier League and that’s what eventually put the nail in the coffin for him.“That said, it’s a tough ask when you’ve been given so many new players in the transfer window and are tasked with implementing them into a team in one of the most competitive divisions in the world in just a few weeks.“I was always a strong supporter of Jokanovic and I still don’t think they shoud’ve sacked him myself, but that’s in the past now and everyone at the club has gotten fully behind Claudio Ranieri."

Q. You’ve seen two games of a Claudio Ranieri-led Fulham already. Although it isn’t the right time to ask this question, but can you tell us if you do find any similarities of system or tactics to the Leicester City of 2015/16?

"“There’s been hints of the counter attacking style he had at Leicester, but apart from that there’s very little similarities. Ranieri’s major task here is trying to sort out the leakiest defence in England, so there’s been a heavy emphasis on defensive tactics and shape.”"

Q. The managerial impact apart, tell us something about the strengths of this team. Do you see any individual who can single-handedly change the course of a game? 

"“I don’t think they have that kind of player for the Premier League, but Tom Cairney has proved to be someone that can turn a game on its head in the Championship.“Aleksandar Mitrovic is an obvious strength – he’s the side’s top scorer with seven goals and he causes problems for any defender, as David Luiz found out on Sunday. He’s their go-to man and I think I’m safe in saying that when he plays well, Fulham do too.”"

Q5. Tough to pick a single weakness based on the campaign that Fulham have so far had, but there must be that one issue that is playing its part in every aspect of the team’s overall play. What is it?

"“Saying the defence might sound like a blanket statement, but it’s their biggest issue by a country mile. There’s also been a lot of individual errors that have led to goals this season and that’s been a worrying trait of this side, but their inability to defend and keep clean sheets is the biggest red flag I’ve seen watching Fulham.”"

Finally, can Claudio Ranieri hoodwink his former side and purloin a win?

"“It’d make a great story, but I don’t think so. James Maddison has the ability to trouble Fulham’s midfield and run the game, while the side are still getting on board with Ranieri’s tactics.“It will be on they’re aiming to win, though, so I think we’ll see a decent game.If I’m pushed for a result, I’d go 2-1 Leicester.”"

Ryan O’Donovan is a Digital Football Writer for Football London, who also simultaneously tries “to not let following the Republic of Ireland get to me too much”. Alternatively, you can always find him making sense on his Facebook page here as well his Twitter account here.