FULHAM SLIP UP

Fulham slipped closer to the championship after a 3-1 defeat against relegation rivals Cardiff away from home. This was seen as the match that could save Fulham’s Premier league status since the club were up against one of their main contenders for the drop zone.

Fulham came into the match bottom of the table with only 10 matches remaining in the season. Their previous match had ended in a 3-1 defeat against London rivals Chelsea. Prior to the match, manager Jose Mourinho had stated that he would like Fulham to stay in the Premier league because matches against London clubs were extremely important to him.

Fulham have managed to stay in the Premier league for a long time since their promotion from the championship. They were almost relegated a few years ago before Roy Hodgson came in and saved the club. After two managerial changes already, the club are looking destined for the championship. The arrival of former Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath has done little to improve the fortunes of the club. Fulham have had very close matches against Chelsea in recent years. Mourinho said that he would go as far as saying Chelsea lose – as long as they win the title this season – if it meant Fulham would stay up.

"I would take defeat [if it helps Fulham stay up], then 10 victories [for Chelsea] and the [league] title. I'd like the London teams to stay up. I have that emotional connection with Fulham, our neighbours and our rivals. Rivals need each other. It is good for everybody, so hopefully they can keep their place in the division, but we have to try [to beat them]. We didn't train on Thursday or Friday [morning],” said the Portuguese, whose team were involved in the Champions League match against Galatasaray prior to his encounter.