FULHAM FIGHTING: SCOTT PARKER CAN PULL OFF A MIRACLE AND THIS IS WHY

Featured Image Credit: The Independent

With 14 games left in the 2020/21 campaign, Scott Parker faces the toughest task of his managerial career so far as he looks to keep his struggling Fulham in the Premier League.

Scott Parker took charge at Craven Cottage as caretaker manager in February 2019.

Despite some promising performances, Fulham would inevitably be relegated. In May, Parker would be given a permanent two-year contract.

In the Londoners' first full season in charge, Tom Cairney and co finished 4th in an exciting Championship campaign.

Up against a high scoring Brentford side in the playoff final, a brace in extra time from left back Joe Bryan sent Fulham back to the top-flight of English football.

Fulham find themselves 18th in what has been a difficult season for The Cottagers. It was a rough start to life back in the Premier League for the London side, collecting their first three points of the season after seven games in a 2-0 win at home to West Brom.

Parkers side have only recorded another three wins this season, along with ten draws and 11 defeats.

When teams find themselves in the relegation zone it is often down to a leaky defence with a high number of goals conceded.

This has not been the case for the London side. Their troubles have been at the opposite end of the pitch. A lack of goals is the real reason behind their struggles this time around.

Bobby Decordova-Reid is the Whites top goalscorer this year with five goals. This is a stat that would worry fans as they look forward to the tail end of the season.

Looking to bolster his attacking options, the January transfer window would see Scott Parker bring in Josh Maja from Bordeaux on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Parker will be delighted with his new signing after Maja scored both goals, in a 2-0 win over Everton, in the Nigerian’s first start for the club.

Fulham have been without Tom Cairney for a large part of the campaign. This has undoubtedly been a big factor in their poor form. The two-time player of the year has been a vital player since his arrival in 2015.

Scott Parker is one of the most promising English coaches in the game right now. His playing career saw him captain several teams. His clear leadership skills on the pitch have carried on into the dugout.

Many players have come forward and spoken about his excellent man-management skills and how it has been key to their development.

There is no doubt that Fulham have looked a lot stronger mentally under Parker. Their defensive solidity and desire in games is seen right throughout his squad.

As for the football on show, Parker’s possession style football has seen his side dominate games. Should they stay up, the potential in his side is huge.

However, to stay up Fulham are going to have to start turning draws into wins. Should Maja keep producing the goods, Parker will be confident that this is possible.

The Cottagers will be looking ahead to their next two games, at home to Sheffield United and away to Crystal Palace, in the hope of coming away with six points. While Newcastle who sit 6 points above them come up against Manchester United and Wolves in what will be two difficult encounters for Steve Bruce’s side.

Fulham are by no means down and out as the battle for survival at the bottom end of the table.

If Parker’s side can continue to play the attractive football they have shown this season, Maja can get back to scoring ways and the Cottagers can get a run of victories behind them AND should other results go their way, there is definitely potential that we will be watching Fulham in the top-flight again next year.