Fulham vs Cardiff City Preview: Three questions with Inside Welsh Football

Cottagers Confidential: Cardiff City are far enough ahead of the relegation places to not have to worry too much about dropping down. Conversely, the playoffs are quite a few points away, and the number of teams between them and the playoffs makes it almost impossible to reach them. What exactly will Cardiff be playing for the rest of the year?

Jamie Kemble: City have come a long way since Neil Warnock's arrival both on and off the pitch. We were 23rd when he took over and four months later sit 12th, closer to the top six than the bottom three. Some fans haven't given up on the play-offs, but although it's still possible, it would require a huge swing and another very good run. Of course, it's unrealistic so I think the target is to finish as high as possible - perhaps top eight - end the season on good form and go again next year, hopefully with Neil Warnock. Under him, City have proved they can beat anyone in the division, but it seems he was a month too late to keep the play-offs a realistic target.

CC: Fulham have forged a strong identity with their style of play this year. What is the identity of this Cardiff squad if any?

JK: Fulham have been one of my favorite teams to watch this season, and indeed in years past but in recent times, as you know you have just been far too leaky at the back. Jokanovic seems to have found more of a balance and with the likes of Cairney in midfield, I have to say you're a joy to watch.

We begun the season under Paul Trollope who brought in a few Welsh players and wanted to play exciting football, but it just didn't work out. Warnock hasn't spent any money so he largely has the same squad but there's a big difference. City are an open, attacking side but as far as an 'identity' goes, I'd say they just do what they have to in order to get three points, in typical Neil Warnock fashion. The identity really is based around hard work rather than any sort of tactical pattern.

CC: Both teams are entering the game on a hot streak. What makes you think Cardiff will win? What makes you think they will lose?

JK: This is set up to be a very exciting clash and based on the way both teams play, you would expect it to be very open, much like the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage earlier this season. You can't read into the FA Cup meeting though, because Cardiff fielded a side with around 5 or 6 changes and there's been a lot of improvement since then, as the league table will tell you.

Both teams go into this one on the back of three consecutive wins which makes it interesting, and that probably makes it one of the most likely games to finish in a draw this weekend.

I really can't see Cardiff losing after the recent run and how impressive things have been at home of late, but equally, Fulham will present a very stern challenge, Warnock knows that.

I think this will be quite an open game but I do expect both defences to into it with a very clear game plan. I think Cardiff are the more likely winners, simply because it's at the Cardiff City Stadium, but I'll go 1-1.

Team:

McGregor
Richards
Morrison
Bamba
Connolly
Harris
Ralls
Gunnarsson
Noone
Hoilett
Zohore