Leaky Rearguards

Having just completed a course on diversity, the title of this article is probably a big no-no,but any Premier League teams that have designs on survival in this tightest of tight seasons would do well to address the leaks.

A look through the history book re-inforces that teams with the worst defences are relegated 9 out of 10 times.

Build from the back, keep clean sheets and grind out results - its boring for a lot of Premier League fans, but all credit to Roy Hodgson at Fulham.

He inherited a dogs dinner from Lawrie Sanchez (a man who should never work in football again in any capacity) and has slowly organised a renaissance by the Thames.

Brede Hangeland remains the best kept secret in the PL, and his partnership with the experienced Hughes gives Fulham the platform to field a midfield 4 that should get rolled over week in week out.

Gera, Davies, Bullard and Murphy break every stereotype and cliche in football - where is the ballwinner? where is the athlete? where is the width? where is the power?

Despite their obvious inadequacies, 4 footballers who can pass the ball, keep possession and play within the tight regime layed down by Hodgson are providing an adequate screen to frustrate more vaunted opponents.

Team shape and organisation are the basics for any team and Hodgson probably the most technically astute manager outside of Arsene Wenger has embraced the basics to revive the fortunes of the super whites.

Rejuvenated Spurs visit the Cottage on Saturday with their ridiculous band of quasi fans predicting a comfortable win against their 'small neighbours'.

The Odds compilers have also made their standard mistake in pricing up a game based on tradition and size of club and make Spurs hot favourites to damage Fulham's strong home record.

I fancy Hangeland & co to nullify the threat of Darren Bent and an overrated Spurs side at fancy prices.

My bias may lead me to the poorhouse, but backing Fulham at home at 9/4 is just too good to miss.

Come on Zamora, time to deliver!