With one boot to the ball, Jimmy Bullard became an instant Fulham legend. The upset at the Cottage this past Sunday brought jubilation to thousands for Fulham supporters world wide. This could mark the turning point of the season!

Or was it just a win?

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, hell, I’m guilty of it myself. After the match, I screamed out “We’re staying up!” but one victory certainly doesn’t save our season, but it’s a good start.

It’s Tuesday which means “back to reality” for yours truly. Time to put my emotions behind me a bit and look a head, as we have  five (possibly six) tough fixtures a head of us, starting with a trip to “The Riverside” this weekend.

Every match from here on out is huge for Fulham and even though Middlesbrough sits in 13th, I’m not all that impressed with their club. That being said, it will be at “The Riverside” which of course means this is an away fixture and we all know how much trouble we’ve had winning road games.  I’m hoping the boys will keep their confidence up and steal a victory but I’m afraid it will end in a draw or a loss.  I’m hoping for a victory but I’d settle for a draw. Middlesbrough defeated Fulham at the Cottage 2-1 back in August.

Fulham’s Next 7 Fixtures

Here are your fixtures through the end of March. I personally feel that if Fulham are to stay up, we need as many points as possible through the end of March. If we are still in the bottom 3 at the end of March, “staying up” may be tough.

2/9/08-Middlesbrough-Away

2/23/08-West Ham-Home

3/1/08- Manchester United-Home

3/8/08- Blackburn-Away

3/16/08- Everton-Home

3/22/08- Newcastle-Away

3/29/08- Derby-Away

So as you can see, it will be tough. Sure, we should be able to beat Derby & Newcastle…BUT…both of those are away fixtures (and an away fixture at Blackburn for good measure).  At home we have tough matches versus Manchester United, West Ham & Everton. I stated that in order for us to stay up, we needed road points (wins or draws) and home wins. Getting those home victories will be very tough, so I suppose I need to re-think my math a bit.

The joy I’m feeling after last Sunday can’t be described. But how long will it last?

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Roy Hodgson & the boys need a win as badly as I need a full week away from work. In other words…badly. It won’t come easy tomorrow when the Gunners invade Craven Cottage.

Fulham enters the derby match sitting in 19th place and even with a victory, they won’t be able to climb out of the relegation zone just yet. Arsenal sits at the top of the table wtih 51 points a long side Man U. On paper, you would say that the Whites have no chance in hell tomorrow. Well to that I say, games are not played on paper…and that you are probably right.

I’m going to throw out 2 predictions for this game, what my heart tells me and what my brain tells me. Let’s start with my heart. It’s been a very exciting week at the Cottage. Brede Hangeland was signed, Marlon King is close to signing and Eddie Johnson may get his work permit next week, which would allow him to sign. Brian McBride is back training with the first team and Jimmy Bullard will make his first start of the season on Saturday. Many positives! Perhaps Fulham can harness all this positive energy and shock the Gunners tomorrow. My heart says Jimmy scores twice and Fulham hangs on for a 2-1 victory!!! COME ON YOU WHITES!!!

Snap back to reality. I feel Fulham will be up for this match and it will remain close for most of the match. Arsenal is just too strong. My brain tells me Arsenal wins 2-0.

Perhaps we can meet in the middle and share the points tomorrow? I’d take that. Get a good look at the team tomorrow and take a picture, because the starting 11 should look much different when Fulham travels to Bristol on Tuesday for their FA Cup replay.

Playing well versus Arsenal will give our boys a confidence boost. The “new look” Cottagers will finally break their away losing streak on Tuesday and then the march towards escaping the drop zone begins.

For those living in the United States, the match is live tomorrow morning at 10pm ET on Fox Soccer Channel.