Martin Jol admitted his side were bullied at Stoke in November but Mark Schwarzer is confident Fulham are ready for the physical challenge awaiting them tomorrow.
Fulham struggled to deal with Stoke’s robust approach during a 1-0 defeat at the Britannia despite Jol warning his players about their rugged tactics beforehand.
Jol described their style of defending as “almost like a rugby team” but did not suggest any foul play and was disappointed with the way his players coped.
But Schwarzer says Fulham will be equipped to deal with the direct nature of Tony Pulis’s side when they visit Craven Cottage.
He said: “Stoke play a certain style of football that is always very physical and you have to be 100 per cent on your game to be able to compete against them.
“You always know what you’re in for, we know that we are going to be bombarded from any set-plays.”
Fulham were without suspended captain Brede Hangeland for the reverse fixture earlier this season and he will be key in combating those set-pieces tomorrow.
Schwarzer said: “We are going to have to be really switched on for their set-plays because that is one of their main strengths. It is going to be a very tough game.”
Fulham have won only three of their last 18 Premier League games and are just six points above the relegation zone.
Schwarzer told fulhamfc.com: “It is a great opportunity for us to win another game and pull ourselves further away from the bottom of the table.”
