Sessegnon demands Fulham take 'a hard look' at themselves ahead of Hull clash
Sessegnon calls for togetherness as Fulham search for first win
Ryan Sessegnon says everyone at Fulham must take a hard look at themselves after the club's winless start to the Premier League season, stressing that togetherness will be key ahead of the visit of Hull City.
Fulham are in desperate need of a win. They have picked up just two points from six games, leaving them bottom of the table, and Alvaro Arbeloa's future is already under major doubt. With two more games against newly promoted opposition in the next two weeks, at home to Hull and away to Coventry City, there is mounting speculation that his spell in charge could be a short one.
The latest setback was particularly painful. Fulham led with 88 minutes on the clock at Ipswich Town, but Abdoul Ouattara and Dara O'Shea struck to hand Ipswich a remarkable 2-1 win. Sessegnon's rasping strike from distance was rendered inconsequential by the late turnaround.
'We need to stick together'
Only once before have Fulham endured a longer winless start to a top-flight campaign, failing to win any of their first seven games in 1951-52. Sessegnon insists the squad must respond collectively.
"We need more togetherness, to demand more from each other and set higher standards for ourselves, because it's going to be a hard season, so we need to stick together," Sessegnon told the club's website.
"Obviously, we're very frustrated, disappointed and we need to take a hard look at ourselves. We need to stick together and keep going.
"The gaffer even said before the game, the last two wins they [Ipswich] have had, they've scored in the last minute, and it happened again.
"Everyone's a bit down at the moment, understandably, but we need to keep fighting hard to get that first win."
Hull's positive start
Hull City, who have nine points, drew 2-2 with Everton last time out at the MKM Stadium. Forward Joe Gelhardt believes Sergej Jakirovic's side have carried their momentum out of the extended international break.
"I think it is a great start. We have picked up where we left off from the last international break," Gelhardt told the club's website. "We had a strong start with good results, and we've got another good point on the board."
Players to watch
Fulham – Josh King: King has been involved in four goals in his last four Premier League starts for Fulham at Craven Cottage, scoring three and assisting one. Only Bryan Mbeumo (nine), Julio Enciso (eight) and Joe Willock (seven) have had more carries ending in a shot than King (six) in the Premier League this season.
Hull City – Mohamed Belloumi: Belloumi is averaging a goal or assist once every 85 minutes in the Premier League for Hull, the best rate of any player to play at least five games for the Tigers in the top flight.
Head-to-head and prediction
This will be the 100th meeting between the sides in all competitions. Fulham have won their last four against Hull, the best winning run by either side in this fixture. However, Hull have won four Premier League games against Fulham, their most against a single opponent.
Fulham have failed to win any of their first three home Premier League matches this season (D1 L2), so Saturday's game is a chance to make home advantage count. Hull have won just nine of their last 93 away Premier League games (D24 L60), including one of their last 21 (D4 L16).
Opta win probability
- Fulham: 45.4%
- Hull City: 27.7%
- Draw: 26.9%