Friday Fulham Stuff (18/04/14)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Team Focus: Improved Fulham Dreaming of Great Escape Under Magath

Despite a result that had offered Fulham so much new optimism, and created a genuine vibrancy around Craven Cottage, Felix Magath was striking a slightly different tone. "I am not satisfied," the German manager simply said. What could possibly have brought such a response, after a 1-0 victory over Norwich City that completely transformed the relegation battle?

"Because we are not leading the game," Magath explained of his side's performance. "We have to respect that Norwich was the better team. We were very lucky and had a very good goalkeeper that saved us from defeat."

In the circumstances, he was absolutely right. Fulham's job is far from done. And, while victories like that against Norwich give Magath a fine start, it is ultimately the nature of his side's displays that indicate whether he can finish it; whether he can secure survival. His complaint cuts to the core of the often odd dynamic between result and performance. The former is not necessarily a consequence of the latter in the short-term, but good displays tend to lead to positive end product with a modicum of faith. It is obviously going to be something a task-master like Magath obsesses about, particularly given the immediacy of this relegation battle.

There can be no denying that his approach has had an impact on the table, that results so far have been better. In the short sample of his eight games so far, Fulham have improved their win percentage, their defensive record and their points ratio. Their goalscoring has stayed steady at one a game, meanwhile, which is significant given his predecessors Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen were much more expansive managers.

If you were to take the table only since the date Magath took over on 14 February, Fulham would be a comfortable 12th. As it is, after rising from rock-bottom, they are now just two points off safety. There is an understandable sense of excitement, that the great escape of 2008 can be repeated, and it may not even require the same exertion.

The issue that Magath alluded to, however, is that it all could have been so different so easily. In fact, it could have been decisive. Had David Stockdale not made that fine first-half save against Norwich, Fulham would still be five points away from survival and the mood would be rather different. They would be all but down.

It reflects the reality that Magath's team were not at their best, that his solid structure allowed such fragility. It was also a remove from the rousing display in defeat against Everton just two weeks before. As such, the Norwich game was something of an aberration, perhaps born of the away side's own desperate situation and change of manager. Because, as regards performance, Magath has also offered plenty of encouragement.

Just as with results, Fulham have improved in almost every aspect under Magath. They produce more shots (12.4 compared to 11.0), they concede far fewer (18.7 down to 15.8), they make more tackles (up to 22.6 from 17.0). That last stat is more relevant because of the drop-off in Fulham's passing. Magath's side have less possession (down 2.3%), inevitably playing fewer passes (down to 249.3 per game from 320.3) and hit a greater amount of crosses and long balls.

That is no surprise given Jol and Meulensteen favoured a purer approach, but Magath has at least seemed to bolster the structure of a team that will see less of the ball. The net effect, so far, has been greater.

The understanding of Magath's approach is obviously greater too, as the manager said on Match of the Day. "The players are now more confident than before. They get used, the players to me, I to the players. We are very close together and we work together as a group. We stand up and fight, 90 minutes today, and that is often enough for the moment."

It gives confidence, however, for the medium term. Fulham just look much more of a team. "I am convinced we will stay in the league," Magath said, striking a very different tone.


http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/x6CSD1g0B0iga6vLvlTm0Q

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham v Fulham

By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: White Hart Lane Date: Saturday, 19 April

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele could face his previous club Fulham after recovering from a hip problem.

However, Roberto Soldado, Etienne Capoue, Jan Vertonghen, Kyle Walker, Michael Dawson and Erik Lamela remain unavailable because of injury.

Fulham's in-form loanee Lewis Holtby is ineligible to face his parent club on Saturday.

Club record signing Kostas Mitroglou has an ongoing knee injury and is the only other confirmed absentee.


MATCH PREVIEW

Fulham's 30 points this season have been won evenly between their three managers, and the stats would suggest that in Felix Magath they have made a good appointment - though they might have made it too late.

Fulham's first 10 points were amassed in 13 games under Martin Jol, and their next 10 with Rene Meulensteen in charge also came in 13 matches. But the last 10 points have come in just eight games with Magath at the helm.

The tag of "Europe's last dictator " has stuck to Magath since it was coined by former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Bachirou Salou over a decade ago, but his methods look to be working.

Having won back-to-back games for only the second time this season, Fulham can travel to Tottenham with some hope of making it three wins on the spin, something they last achieved more than two years ago.

After Spurs, Fulham's last three games are against Hull, Stoke, and Crystal Palace - two wins and two draws would probably keep them safe.

If they do stay up it will add to Magath's already well-established reputation as a man to fight fires. It would be as impressive an escape as the one orchestrated by Roy Hodgson in 2008 when the Cottagers' won four of their last five to avoid the trap-door.

Spurs' run-in gives them the opportunity to finish a turbulent season in a positive frame of mind.

Games against Stoke, West Ham and Aston Villa follow the Fulham clash and their aim now must be to hold off Manchester United and to finish in the top six. That should allow them entry to the Europa League, though at such an early stage that they could be playing in some far-flung outpost of Europe just five days after the last game of their pre-season tour in America.

Whether that's a problem for manager Tim Sherwood or somebody else remains to be seen.


MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
In 34 league meetings at White Hart Lane, Fulham have won only three matches. However, the most recent of those came on their last visit in March 2013 when former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov scored the only goal.

There has not been a goalless league match between these sides in the last eight fixtures.

Tottenham
Last weekend's 3-3 thriller at West Brom was only the second time in Premier League history that Spurs successfully fought back from three goals down - the other was a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa in October 2007.

But they conceded two goals inside the first four minutes on Saturday, the first top-flight side to do that since Norwich at home to Manchester City in December 2012.

Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has scored four goals and assisted three more in his last four Premier League appearances.

Tottenham have the best powers of recovery in the division after conceding the opening goal - they have recovered 17 points from such a position this campaign.

Tim Sherwood's side are one of only two clubs yet to lose a game from a winning position. Manchester United are the other.

Fulham
None of Fulham's last 46 Premier League games have ended goalless - the longest current run of all Premier League teams.

Manager Felix Magath has earned as many points in eight matches in charge (10) as both Rene Meulensteen and Martin Jol managed in 13 games apiece.

Saturday's 1-0 win over Norwich was only Fulham's fifth clean sheet - the fewest in the division.

Hugo Rodallega has scored in successive Premier League matches for the first time in nearly five years.

Fulham have the worst goal difference in the league (-40), the worst defensive record (74 goals against) and have also kept just two clean sheets in their last 19 league fixtures.

No side has taken fewer points from Premier League London derbies this season than Fulham's six.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26998951

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Felix Magath would take Tottenham team details

Fulham manager Felix Magath says he has no problem in asking anyone for an insight into an opposing team, and will do so ahead of their game against Tottenham.

He says that he will ask Tottenham loanee Lewis Holtby for information about his parent club in the same way he asked Johnny Heitinga for information about his former team Everton.

The questions came in the wake of Cardiff City's complaint to the FA that their team selection was leaked to Crystal Palace prior to a game earlier this month.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27073947

[WhiteJC]

 
Felix Magath sees no problem in getting information on opponents

Fulham boss Felix Magath says he sees no problem in asking anyone for an insight into the opposition.

After Cardiff reported Crystal Palace for allegedly obtaining their starting XI, the German admits he will be trying to get as much information as he can on Tottenham ahead of Saturday's match.

"I think Tottenham will also try to get information from us," said Magath.

"You cannot blame anyone for trying to get information. If you are lucky, you can, so it is good."

The ex-Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg boss says he will be asking Lewis Holtby, who is currently on loan from Spurs, for information ahead of the weekend and says he also quizzed former Everton defender John Heitinga before a match against the Toffees.

"Sure I ask Lewis how he sees the situation, but it is not the only kind of information I will get," said Magath. "I try to get all the information I can."

Cardiff's complaint, sent by club lawyers to the Premier League, alleges Palace boss Tony Pulis knew sporting director Iain Moody was trying to obtain Cardiff's starting line-up before the game.

The Welsh club, facing relegation from the top flight, claims it has proof Moody succeeded and says this breaches league rules.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27072077

[WhiteJC]

 
The Big Match Tactical View: Tottenham v Fulham

Can Felix Magath complete Fulham's great escape?

Saturday's early kick-off is a London derby, with Tottenham taking on Fulham at White Hart Lane. Michael Cox and Alan Thompson preview the action...


Tottenham v Fulham
Saturday 12:45, BT Sport 1.
Match Odds: Tottenham 1.54, Fulham 7.0, The Draw 4.8.

At this stage of the season, considering the mentality and motivation of both sides is crucial when deciding how to bet. That's the case for any football match, of course, but this is a clear example of a match where the two sides have different levels of interest - Fulham are desperately battling to avoid relegation, but do Tottenham really care about claiming a Europa League place?

Tim Sherwood is in a strange situation - likely to remain at Tottenham in some capacity next season, but not as manager. It's difficult to know his current objective, beyond introducing youngsters into the first team, and his tactical decision-making in recent weeks has often been baffling, with a variety of systems used, seemingly without much logic or continuation from one match to the next.

After an experiment with more 'modern' systems, Sherwood has used a 4-4-2 for the last two matches, and will probably continue that way against Fulham. The form of Harry Kane - two goals in two starts - makes him undroppable alongside Emmanuel Adebayor, and that essentially decides Sherwood's formation.

Felix Magath switched to three centre-backs for the nervy but crucial 1-0 victory over Norwich last weekend, and against a side likely to play two upfront, continuing with that system makes sense. Fernando Amorebieta, Brede Hangeland and Johnny Heitinga is a formidable, highly physical if technically unspectacular backline, but exactly the kind of trio you need in a relegation scrap. They won't be afraid of Adebayor's power, although his pace - and that of Kane - might cause them more problems.

You can imagine Fulham containing that front two, while they'll guard against Christian Eriksen's drifts inside from the left flank by using Steve Sidwell and Mahamadou Diarra in the holding roles. An individual battle should take place on the opposite flank, with Aaron Lennon up against Kieran Richardson in a pacey wide clash.

Fulham should be able to get joy going forward, however. Sascha Riether played a very advanced wing-back role against Norwich, and should be able to take advantage of Eriksen's lack of interest in defending, and Danny Rose's rather inconsistent left-back play. The German could be Fulham's key attacking weapon.

Fulham will also hope to take advantage of the fact Spurs could play without a natural holding midfielder - a combination of Nacer Chadli and Paulinho - although the absence of Lewis Holtby, ineligible against his parent club, is a big blow in this respect. Pajtim Kasami and Ashkan Dejagah will hope to play something akin to Holtby's role, and while neither are particularly creative, both are dangerous goal threats from long-range.

Then, upfront, Magath will be confident of Hugo Rodallega continuing his goalscoring run. Like Kane at the other end, the Colombian has surprisingly been drafted into the side in the final weeks of the campaign, and has responded with two goals in his last two starts. He runs the channels tirelessly and offers pace in behind - and against the unconvincing centre-back combination of Vlad Chiriches and Younes Kaboul, should get a couple of half-chances.

Overall, 1.54 for a Tottenham victory strikes me as extremely short. Yes, over the course of the season they've been far superior to Fulham, and the stats point to a Spurs home victory - they've won seven of their last eight games against this opposition.

But Fulham are fighting for their lives, and doing quite a good job of it. That extra determination shouldn't be underestimated, and while Fulham might not collect three points, I'm extremely keen to lay Spurs at 1.54.


Recommended Bet
Lay Tottenham at 1.54


The Betfair Trader's View: Alan Thompson
Fulham have given themselves a real chance at survival with back-to-back league wins. However, since escaping relegation by goal difference in 2008, they have only once won three in a row in the top flight (March 2012).

And the stats are against the Cottagers.

Spurs have only conceded in three of their eight games against bottom half opposition this season, shipping just five goals in total, three of which came against West Ham in their only defeat. That was the only game in which they failed to score against such opposition. Recently though Spurs have developed a habit of conceding the opening goal, going behind in each of their last six starts, coming back to win against Southampton and Sunderland at the Lane and getting a point at West Brom last week. Five of the six games produced a result over 3.5 goals.

Fulham have managed only one clean sheet away from home this campaign (at Sunderland) and White Hart Lane hasn't been the best hunting ground for them during the Premier League years - picking up just nine points from the 36 available. They did, however, win on their last visit (0-1), but that was one of only two goals they'd scored in their last nine visits. If Fulham are to survive again I think they will have more chance of picking up points in their remaining three fixtures, two of which come at home against Hull and the now safe Palace.

I can't see past the stats here and will be backing Tottenham win to nil at anything better than 2.74 - a winning bet in three of the last four meetings between these two at the Lane.


https://betting.betfair.com/football/zonal-markings-tactical-view/the-big-match-tactical-view-tottenham-v-fulham-170414-60.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dejagah - Revenge in the Air!
   
This weekend we`re all off to White Hart Lane!

In this enthralling game whereby we`re involved in a re-make of the 'Great Escape` something we`ve experienced before, we`re heading to Spurs on the back of back-to-back wins, something we`ve not achieved to often in recent times.

In the reciprocating fixture, at Craven Cottage, many thought Fulham were unlucky to lose. Ashkan Dejagah had give the Cottagers the lead before Spurs took all three points courtesy of two late goals.

Perhaps fate will conspire, this weekend, to deliver us some kind of revenge, perhaps a late goal giving us something from the game.

Ahead of the clash Dejagah has reminded everybody about the last meeting, being quoted as having remarked,

"It was very unlucky. We should really have got something so we want to put that right at the weekend."

Indeed we do, although it`ll have to be done without the services of Lewis Holtby who, as the rules state, cannot play against his parent club.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=356278#ixzz2zAi5cqq6

[WhiteJC]

 
Felix Magath: 'We have a chance at Tottenham Hotspur'

Fulham manager Felix Magath has insisted that any team can beat any other in the Premier League this season, which means that his side are capable of going to White Hart Lane on Saturday and beating Tottenham Hotspur.

Magath said that he is on good terms with the club's owner Shahid Khan and that everyone at the club is just taking things one game at a time in the relegation battle.

"Sunderland [were very close to a win] at Manchester City, so at the end of the season almost everything is possible," he said in his pre-match press conference. "We can see in this game that everybody has a chance so we can go to Tottenham and try to win.

"I have spoken with Mr Khan, we speak every week. We were all very happy about the win against Norwich City, but he knows that it was only the first step and not the end. We must take care in the next games and the next opponent, which is Tottenham."

Magath also confirmed that only Kostas Mitroglou is an injury concern for the weekend.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/magath-we-have-a-chance-at-spurs_150356.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Magath: Too soon to celebrate

Felix Magath has warned his Fulham players that there is still work to be done to secure the club's Premier League status.

The Craven Cottage outfit looked to be heading for the drop until back-back wins over Aston Villa and Norwich City rekindled their survival hopes.

Fulham, who travel to Tottenham on Saturday, are now just two points from safety and have four games left to ensure their top-flight future.

But Magath has urged his players not to congratulate themselves too much after a recent upturn in form.

"At the end of the season almost anything is possible," the German said. "We can see that everybody has a chance (to stay up), so we can go to Tottenham and try to win.

"It's not the time for celebrating, there are a lot of days between when we can celebrate and now.

"Now we go to Tottenham and have a very tough game, we have to try and win that.

"This is a first step, not the end, we have to care about the next games and the next opponent."

Fulham surrendered a one-goal advantage with just 17 minutes remaining to lose 2-1 against Tottenham in December's reverse fixture.



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/magath-too-soon-celebrate#303SvqEprPZcLupZ.99

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Youngster hoping for Cottagers return

Youngster Ryan Williams is hoping he has impressed enough while on loan with Oxford United to work his way back into the Fulham squad.

Williams joined the U's on loan in August, initially for six months but his deal was eventually extended to run the course of the campaign. The 20-year-old has gone on to make 38 appearances, netting six goals and assisting five from the wing, and he believes the spell away from Craven Cottage has helped him to develop as a player. The Australia under-20 international revealed that he has been in contact with officials from the Premier League side following every fixture for Oxford and he remains optimistic of gaining chances under Felix Magath next term. Williams said: "I've been playing well and getting minutes, goals and assists under my belt, which is the reason I'm here. "After every game they contact me and ask me how it went and every now and then they come and watch. "I think (I'm ready), but you never fully know until you actually play and find out what it's like."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/youngster-hoping-for-cottagers-return-1721944.html?

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FA Youth Cup Final Dates

The Club can confirm the following dates for the FA Youth Cup Final – but fixtures will vary depending on our opponent.

Steve Wigley's Under-18s reached the showpiece following a 5-4 aggregate victory over Reading, with Moussa Dembélé's 90th-minute winner proving to be the difference at Craven Cottage earlier this month.

Our opponents are yet to be decided with Arsenal and Chelsea entering Thursday night's second leg encounter with the tie finely poised. The Blues, though, take a slender 2-1 lead into the game at the Emirates with goals from Charlie Colkett and Alex Kiwomya cancelling out Chuba Akpom's opening strike.

If our West London rivals see the tie through, we will play the First Leg of the Final at Craven Cottage on Monday 28th April (7.45pm) with the Second Leg set for Stamford Bridge on Monday 5th May (7.45pm).

Should the Gunners prove successful, we will face the North London side at the Emirates on Wednesday 30th April (7.45pm) for the First Leg and resume the action at Craven Cottage on Monday 5th May (7.45pm).

Both legs will be live on ITV4, with further details and away ticket prices announced next week. The game at Craven Cottage, though, will be £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/17/fa-youth-cup?

[WhiteJC]

 
Swansea will stay up but I am backing Fulham to escape relegation


Fulham manager Felix Magath could help his side escape relegation from the Premier League (Picture: Getty Images)

Just four games to go this season and Sunderland's unlikely point against Manchester City sees them move a point closer to the tea,s, although they are still six points from the current safety mark.

They do, of course, still have one game in hand courtesy of their excellent cup runs this season but probably need to find three wins from five games to secure safety. However, they may fancy their chances of achieving this when you factor in that both us and Cardiff still have to visit the Stadium of Light this season.

Contrast that with Norwich, who hold the current last safety spot in the division, and they have to face Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal in their remaining four games where you would not stake much money on them getting any more points this season.

Maybe it is the eternal optimist in me but I don't see anyone other than the current bottom four in the division filling the three relegation spaces which means that fans of Fulham and Cardiff will be nervous from now on (if indeed they listen to my viewpoint!)

Why do I go along with that? Well I believe that both us and West Brom have one more win in us which will mean that Fulham and Cardiff need more than two victories to secure their ability to finish above the two teams mentioned and I just cannot see that happening.

For quite a while I have believed that Fulham, Cardiff and Sunderland would be the three teams but I can genuinely see now one of them coming out of the bottom three to be replaced by Norwich. I think that team will be Fulham, who have finally found that if you change managers often enough at some time it must make a difference!

Whether I am right or wrong remains to be seen but there you have my viewpoint and I can see the Swans getting the win that they require this weekend at Newcastle. Damn that optimist that lives inside my head!



http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/swansea-will-stay-up-but-i-am-backing-fulham-to-escape-relegation-4701737/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Magath's Spurs Preview

Fulham may have won two games on the bounce to boost their survival chances, but boss Felix Magath stressed that the hard work has only just begun.

Victories over Aston Villa and Norwich City moved the Whites to within two points of safety, but Magath insisted that we must not get carried away, with plenty of football still to be played – starting at White Hart Lane on Saturday (12.45pm).

"It's not the time for celebrating because our aim is to stay in the league," he said in Thursday's pre-match press conference. "You see, there are a lot of days between the time we can celebrate and now. Now we go to Tottenham and have a very tough game ahead and so we have to try to win.

"Nobody can be safe. If you realise the results, especially Sunderland who were close to getting a win at Manchester City, at the end of the season almost everything is possible. Everybody has a chance, so we can go to Tottenham and try to win."

Shahid Khan was present to watch his team defeat the Canaries last weekend but when Magath was asked to describe our Chairman's excitement at the victory, he stated: "We all, not only Mr. Khan, were very happy about the win on Saturday but he knows also that it was the first step, it was not the end.

"We have to take care in the next games and we have to take care about the next opponent, and this is Tottenham. Everybody knows our situation and everybody knows that every game is important. We need the next three points at the weekend to stay in the league, to avoid relegation, so we are used to this situation and I think we can manage it."

There is an argument in some quarters that Fulham's run-in is favourable considering that Spurs, Hull City, Stoke City and Crystal Palace may not have a great deal to play for, but Magath believes that things don't always work out like that.

"It is always different," he explained. "You see, last weekend Cardiff won at Southampton; also a team that is not going up, not going down. So at the end of the season everything can happen and you have to prepare for every situation and nobody knows how they will do. Some teams do very well because there is no pressure and some of the other teams don't do so well. You never know."

Fulham will be backed by another sell-out away following in North London on Saturday, and our Manager has been delighted with the way the supporters have got behind his team in recent matches.

"You have seen our last away game at Aston Villa was a great atmosphere," he said. "The Fulham fans pushed us to the win so I'm very glad that they will come again on Saturday. I think that is necessary for us so that we can go for a win, with the support from our fans."

Magath rewarded his team with two days off following their heroics in their previous outing, and he's hoping to be able to do likewise following three points on Saturday, stating: "They've come back refreshed and I hope that they enjoyed it so much that they ask for another two days at the weekend!"


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/17/magaths-spurs-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham v Fulham: Felix Magath hopes Lewis Holtby can be his inside man in bid to take down Spurs and avoid relegation

Magath admits he asked John Heitinga about Everton and has looked to Holtby to give him information on his parent club

Fulham boss Felix Magath has been consulting Lewis Holtby for advice on Tottenham ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at White Hart Lane.

Magath sees no problem in securing inside information on opponents and refuses to criticise Crystal Palace for allegedly trying to obtain Cardiff's starting line-up before their match on April 5.

The German rejects calls to have the game replayed and revealed he has been speaking to Holtby, who is ruled out of Saturday due to the terms of his loan agreement from Spurs, over what to expect.

"I always ask the players - John Heitinga against Everton and now Lewis against Tottenham," he said.

"Sure I ask Lewis how he sees the situation, how a certain player is, but it is not the only one kind of information I will get. I try to get all the information I can get.

"You try to get any information you can get. I'll try also to get any information from Tottenham for Saturday.


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-v-fulham-felix-magath-hopes-lewis-holtby-can-be-his-inside-man-in-bid-to-take-down-spurs-and-avoid-relegation-9267878.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham v Fulham is Must-Win Affair for Both Feels Mousa Dembele

Mousa Dembele has termed Tottenham Hotspur's game against his former club Fulham as 'must-win' match for both London clubs.

Dembele made the short move from west London to north London when Tottenham paid £15m to Fulham for the Belgian in 2012.

Dembele believes that the game is important for both clubs as Spurs are still chasing a Champions League spot for next season and Fulham are in the relegation dogfight and in desperate need of points.

"I think it's a good game in prospect because both teams have to win", the 26-year-old told the Tottenham Hotspur's official site.

"We always want to win, of course, but it's a massive game for them as well so we know it's not going to be easy."

Dembele joined Fulham from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 for a transfer fee of £5m and made 62 league appearances for the west Londoners before joining Tottenham.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/04/17/tottenham-v-fulham-is-must-win-affair-for-both-feels-mousa-dembele/136499/#f9aAUU1kuWSdYB64.99

[WhiteJC]

 
The Parent Trap: Why Lewis Holtby's absence at Tottenham will derail's Fulham's survival momentum

Felix Magath's Fulham have a huge opportunity to haul themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane this weekend, but they will have to do it without midfielder Lewis Holtby.

The 23-year-old joined the west Londoners on loan in January and is ineligible to play against his parent club as a result.

Fulham have slowly started to build some momentum in their battle to beat the drop, with a brace of victories against fellow relegation threatened sides Aston Villa and Norwich, but their survival hopes could be stopped in their tracks in the German international's absence.

Holtby decided to leave Spurs temporarily having grown frustrated at a lack of game time this season, with one eye on earning a place in Germany's World Cup squad. He has proven in a short space of time that he is a cut above a side that is scrapping for survival in England's top tier.

Many believe Holtby should be given a second chance at Spurs, but the managerial uncertainty at White Hart Lane could mean he is destined for a return to the Bundesliga.

Dead and buried a matter of weeks ago, his performances have dragged the Cottagers back from the brink, but his team-mates will struggle to fill the void he will leave behind against his parent club.

Since his arrival the midfielder has appeared in every Premier League game, completing a full 90 minutes on seven occasions. However, far from just being on the pitch to make up the numbers, Holtby has provided the side with an attacking threat that has been a clear weakness throughout the campaign and has created 20 chances, 10 more than any other player.

He has also provided three assists, which is by no means a colossal number, but taking into account that the side has only managed to score 12 goals during his time at the club, he has provided the killer pass for massive 25% of their goals. Two of his assists have come against stern opposition in Manchester United and Everton, while the third lead to Ashkan Dejagah's vital winner against Newcastle.

Comfortable on the flank as well as infield, Holtby has played behind the striker in a central role as well as his more familiar position out wide. However, he has not been restricted to creating from one area, he provides driving runs and a cutting thrust across the pitch. Fulham's lackadaisical and predictable build-up play will miss his energy and flair at White Hart Lane.

Fulham turned a corner at Goodison Park despite their 3-1 loss and Holtby was certainly up for the fight. Lesser players might have grown uninterested as he knows he will not be playing in the Championship next season if the club fail to beat the drop, but he got stuck in, with a huge 11 successful tackles as he defended from the front and lead the team's work rate.

His overall duel success rate from Fulham's last three Premier League fixtures are impressive as he has also racked up seven completed take ons with a 78% success rate, in such tight games at the business end of the season, small victories can result in large consequences.

Lewis Holtby duels in last three Premier League fixtures

Fulham's strikers have been woeful this season. Dimitar Berbatov should not have been allowed to leave, Hugo Rodallega has only just started to find form, while Darren Bent and Kostas Mitroglou have been all but anonymous.

Without a clear-cut striker to score the goals to keep them in the league the midfield suffers from an alarming lack of spark. The Cottagers' away form has not been good with their only victories coming against Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Norwich and Aston Villa.

Despite Tottenham's shaky back line and uninspiring performances under Tim Sherwood, without Holtby in their ranks, expect them to halt Fulham's momentum for the time being.



http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/04/17/why-fulham-will-miss-holtbys-attacking-influence-against-parent-club-spurs/2014041797942?

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SPURS VS FULHAM - NACER WARY OF COTTAGERS

Nacer Chadli says we only have to look at yesterday's Premier League results to know that we cannot under-estimate lowly Fulham this weekend

Wednesday proved to be a night of shocks in the top flight as bottom club Sunderland put a huge dent in Manchester City's championship challenge with a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, while Crystal Palace's 3-2 win at Goodison Park dealt a real blow to Everton's hopes of a top four finish and a Champions League berth.

They were two results which showed the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and our Belgian international knows we will have to be fully focused right from kick-off to prevent Fulham producing another surprise result. The Cottagers arrive in N17 in the relegation zone, two points from safety and will be desperate to pick up a win which would boost their survival aspirations.

"Every team in this division is tough to play against, but when you see Sunderland and Crystal Palace getting such fantastic results against top sides, it shows that any team can beat any other on their day," said Nacer.

"It doesn't matter who we are playing, we have to have the right attitude and focus and it will be no different against Fulham this weekend. We're at home and we want to win every game here.

"Hopefully we can make a sharp start to the game and not concede early like we have done in our last few matches. We've played very well at times in recent games, have created chances and scored quite a few goals as well, so if we can continue that on Saturday then I'm confident we can pick up three points."


http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/nacer-on-fulham-170414/?

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Johnny Heitinga is up for the fight! Fulham star warns Spurs over feisty derby

JOHN HEITINGA has warned Spurs to expect a feisty lunchtime London derby tomorrow after Fulham have finally found the fight to go with their quality.


Fulham defender John Heitinga has warned Tottenham that the Cottagers will be fired up[GETTY]

The Cottagers beat Norwich 1-0 in a relegation six-pointer on Saturday after a win at Aston Villa the week before.

And with Spurs still entertaining faint outside hopes of a top-four finish, Heitinga said: "The dressing room feeling is good but last Saturday is just the beginning. Norwich played well but a victory is a victory.

"There is more confidence in the team now. If you win you always have a better feeling. It started two weeks ago with the win against Aston Villa. One win is not enough. You need a second one.

"So hopefully we have got a lot of confidence and hopefully we can beat Spurs.

"There are only four games left and we want to survive. We don't want to go down. For every single player the Premier League is the best league in the world. Everyone realises that.


http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/471036/Johnny-Heitinga-is-up-for-the-fight-Fulham-star-warns-Spurs-over-feisty-derby