Fulham v Everton preview

Watch all the action from Craven Cottage on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 from 1pm

Last updated: 14th March 2008

yakubu aiyegbeni everton west ham

Yakubu: Hat-trick last time they met

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com predicts:
Fulham 0 Everton 1
SKY BET odds:
Fulham 9/4 Draw 5/2 Everton 10/11
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Everton aim for a quick pick-me-up after their Uefa Cup disappointment with victory at struggling Fulham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

After losing on penalties to Fiorentina in the Uefa Cup last 16 in midweek, Everton will be out to boost their prospects of more European football next season.

But which competition will provide the continental fare next term is up in the air as the Toffees battle local rivals Liverpool for the fourth UEFA Champions League.

By the time Everton kick-off at Craven Cottage, Liverpool may have moved three points ahead and David Moyes knows his players can not afford to slip up against lowly Fulham.

Yakubu danger

Moyes will take his side to the capital in great heart as Everton are on a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and have also lost just twice in 19 matches.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni was the difference between the two sides at Goodison Park earlier in the season as he rattled in a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory.

The Nigerian should again start up front alongside Andy Johnson, who has scored in his last two games, including the winner against Sunderland last weekend.

Lee Carsley is available after missing the Sunderland win through suspension, but Tim Cahill could miss out with a hip injury.

Bullard key

Fulham are in desperate need of the points for a different reason as Roy Hodgson wages a fight to keep the club in the Premier League.

Victory over Everton would move Fulham to within three points of safety, but a drastic improvement on one league win in 17 games is required in the coming weeks.

Jimmy Bullard appears likely to hold the key to the club's survival hopes, with the midfielder impressing greatly since his return from a serious knee injury.

His excellent free-kick clinched Hodgson's sole win to date over Aston Villa, and he also produced another stunning strike to secure a point at Blackburn last week.

Alexei Smertin is fit to start in midfield after a back strain, while Kasey Keller is expected to be preferred to Antti Niemi in goal.

But Fulham are still without Philippe Christanval and January signing Jari Litmanen.