http://www.thisisdorset.net/sport/8889069.Fulham_striker_Dalla_Valle_to_train_with_Cherries/?ref=rss
Fulham striker Dalla Valle to train with Cherries
6:48pm Thursday 3rd March 2011
Comments(2) By Neil Perrett »
FULHAM striker Lauri Dalla Valle has been invited to train with Cherries as boss Lee Bradbury continues his search for new recruits.
The 19-year-old is tomorrow set to link up with Bradbury's squad at Canford School and could be a possible loan target for the club.
Dalla Valle signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Liverpool in November 2007 and starred as the Reds reached the 2009 FA Youth Cup final.
The Finnish teenager, who was also a target for Chelsea, moved to Craven Cottage at the start of this season as part of the deal that took Paul Konchesky in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, in a surprise move, Cherries midfielder Harry Arter has joined Carlisle United on a month's loan.
A summer signing from Woking, Arter has been restricted to just 15 appearances this term, nine of which came from the bench.
And with Mark Molesley on the verge of a return, Cherries boss Bradbury agreed to Arter's request to go out on loan.
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/match-preview-fulham-vs-blackburn-rovers.html
Match Preview: Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers
By: samg | March 3rd, 2011
Manchester City on Sunday and Blackburn Rovers this Saturday, it's a nostalgic seven days for Mark Hughes.
Hughes takes on another former club this weekend. This time, Blackburn Rovers. A team he guided to 6th and 7th in the league during his last two seasons as manager there.
Blackburn don't look like they'll be reaching similar heights this season. Three points from the relegation zone and sitting at 15th place, they need a win soon to avoid real fears of relegation.
Yet Blackburn are five points from 7th place and share the same amount of points (32) with Blackpool and Fulham. The league table is so tight that it's difficult to judge whether a team will be a relegation candidate or a contender for the Europa League.
With league positions a bit of a gray area, a comparison of form between Fulham and Blackburn can distinguish these two teams.
Fulham can go into the tie with an air of confidence. Excluding the FA cup exit to Bolton, Fulham are on fine form at home, with three wins, one draw and one loss. While Blackburn, on the road, have won once and lost four times in their last five. So, by the law of form, Fulham edge it.
But by the law of history and bogey team status, Blackburn edge it. In the previous four meetings, Blackburn have won two and Fulham have won one and drawn one. Two seasons ago, a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage for Blackburn still lingers in recent history.
Regardless of form or history, a win for either team might simply help shape up this league table. As, usually by this stage of the season, teams would break off into their assorted groups: Top Four; Europa League spots; Mid-table; Lower-Mid; and Relegation Zone. Three points from this game, and in other fixtures this weekend, could start to determine which club will go where.
So Saturday's match will probably be a draw.
The Managerial Sack Race -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1362674/The-Firing-Line-Robs-job-scrutiny--Latics-lack-goals-cost-Martinez.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1362674/The-Firing-Line-Robs-job-scrutiny--Latics-lack-goals-cost-Martinez.html)
http://thewildblackburnrover.blogspot.com/2011/03/enigma-that-is-rovers-away-support.html
The enigma that is the Rovers away support
I must admit I was more than a little surprised when I heard yesterday that Rovers have sold out their away allocation for this weekend's clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Not surprised in a "wow that never happens" sort of a way... more a "I wasn't expecting that" fashion.
For many years the travelling Rovers away contingent has been something of a Jekell and Hyde. At times it has been an embarrassment, with recent trips to Villa Park and White Hart Lane giving birth to the dreaded "what time's your minibus?" chant.
For years there have been times where the small local population has greatly hindered the numbers we take on away trips, when at times poor turnouts and a lack of noise meaning we might as well had sat at home with a brew, pipe and slippers.
Only Wigan, Fulham and Bolton give us a run for our money in the worst Premier League away support awards - if such awards existed.
But there are times when the Rovers travelling faithful can thrive. Little times here and there where the away support can be amongst the best out there and the numbers taken to some matches can be rightly described as a force.
Trips to Wigan, Bolton and Burnley in recent times have seen the Blue and White Army out in force but to a certain extent this is to be expected such is the proximity of the opposition.
But even in less fashionable fixtures such as in the 2-1 victory over Fulham two seasons ago (Wednesday night, relegation scrap, Diouf and Roberts scored for those with short memories) the Rovers fans can be deafening in noise and that night was one example of how loud we can be.
Further evidence can be found in this season's trip to West Brom at Christmas, the end of season trip to Villa last season and the season before that's visit to Hull City. On all those occasions, the blue and white was visible and loud.
It's just a shame that we can't be like that all the time. Saturday's visit to Craven Cottage seems to be an impressive away following which makes for a nice change - let's just hope the players respond to that.
Matchday Programme
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Programme/1011/BlackburnHome.jpg)
Damien Duff gives his first in-depth interview since joining Fulham in this week's Official Matchday Programme as the club where he began his career visit SW6.
Blackburn Rovers are this weekend's opponents in a crucial game for both sides who share the same points tally, and thus the mutual aim of pulling away from the relegation zone.
The fixture also sees Rovers boss Steve Kean return to the Cottage, having been Assistant Manager here for a number of years, as well as Mark Hughes face-off against the team where he began his club management career.
The stage is therefore set for a thrilling Premier League encounter, and what better way to remember it in years to come than with the ultimate game day souvenir, the award winning Official Matchday Programme?
Buy a copy this weekend and you will also automatically be entered into a draw to win more than £100 worth of Jack Wolfskin goodies.
This week's essential Matchday read includes:
Damien Duff's first feature interview since joining the Club.
Manager Mark Hughes reflects on the draw achieved at Eastlands.
Danny Murphy sets targets for the remainder of the campaign in his Captain's Column.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge discusses his rise to stardom in the Philippines.
Hot prospect Danny Hoesen on his return from injury and First Team goals.
Expert Analysis from former Blackburn winger Jason Wilcox.
The popular Black & White Eye, rounds-up recent media coverage.
Match action from the matches against Bolton and Manchester City.
Contributions from the Fulham Faithful, interaction, and loads of fun for younger fans too.
Plus, so much more besides!
The brilliant publication will be on sale in and around the ground from two hours before kick-off and at half-time.
If you miss your copy outside then look out for sellers on the Putney and Hammersmith Terrace, or at half-time from the programme room situated inside the Johnny Haynes Stand by Block E (opposite Turnstile 24).
Buy Matchday Programmes online|
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Fanzone/FFCMatchdayProgramme.aspx#ixzz1FYwLgKbt (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Fanzone/FFCMatchdayProgramme.aspx#ixzz1FYwLgKbt)
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03032011/58/premier-league-match-facts-fulham-v-blackburn.html
Premier League - Match facts: Fulham v Blackburn
Thu, 03 Mar 12:44:00 2011
(http://d.yimg.com/i//ng/sp/eurosport/20110303/25/07882df26c40b26563699a65b0a15c20.jpg)
Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Blackburn.
Chris Samba has scored in the last two matches for Rovers against Fulham.
Fulham have won just one of the last nine Premier League games against Blackburn.
The Whites have kept just one shut out in their last 14 Premier League matches against Rovers.
Mark Hughes is unbeaten against his former club as a manager (two wins, two draws).
Fulham have kept four clean sheets in a row on home soil in the Premier League.
Blackburn have gone 14 Premier League away matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Rovers have lost six of their last seven Premier League away games.
Fulham have scored with just 10% of their shots this season, a lower conversion rate than any other team in the top flight.
Fulham are the only team in the top flight who have not picked up a red card this season.
Opta
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/03/football-news/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-blackburn
Premier League preview: Fulham v Blackburn
Date: 3rd March 2011 at 11:09 am
Written by FFC News Desk
(http://www.footballfancast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/a49c8771c213000.jpg.jpg)
Blackburn manager Steve Kean wants at least 10 more points to ensure Rovers stay in the Premier League.
Kean believes his players can make a start on the 42-point mark at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Saturday.
Rovers have collected 32 points so far but remain just four clear of the relegation zone.
With just six points covering the entire bottom half of the division, Kean feels teams will need to do more than usual to stay afloat.
"What we have seen is bottom can beat top. For the neutral it is exciting but for teams not in the top half you look at the fixture list and think go and get your own points," he said.
"The bottom three is changing every week and I am thinking everyone beneath the top is improving week on week."
"Maybe that is the reason why you are getting the results that will take the points tally I think to 42 points. You are going to need at least 42 points."
Rovers had appeared safe just a few weeks ago but a four-match winless run has dragged them back into the relegation battle.
"It is my job to make sure I get across to the players we need to pick up the points," Kean said.
"I hope I can get across we as a staff, me as a manager, the players, we are taking full responsibility for the blip and it is a blip."
"We need to make sure we get the results and we get them quick and we get back to the feeling of that winning formula and the feel-good factor that we are moving in the right direction."
Fulham are one spot ahead of Rovers on the league table in 13th, on the same number of points.
Mark Hughes' men have won only five league games at home this season but have drawn six with a shortage of goals at Craven Cottage (17 in 14 outings) a contributing factor.
The match will have special significance for Fulham's Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff.
Duff has great affection for Rovers but his heart now rests in London.
"Of course, that's where it all began for me," Duff told the Fulham website.
"I left Ireland at 16 and I went on to have seven or eight very happy years at Ewood Park."
"There were some good times, notably the League Cup win in 2002."
"They're a good side and like ourselves, one that should probably be higher up the league table. I may still look out for their results, but these days I'm Fulham through-and-through."
Duff is hoping to add to the equalising goal he scored against Manchester City on Sunday.
"It's still all very tight at the minute, at the top and the bottom," he said.
"Both teams will be looking at three points on Saturday, but we have to have confidence that it can be us that makes the difference when it matters."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9412535.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9412535.stm)
Lawro's prediction
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51502000/gif/_51502771_ful_bla_0506.gif)
Fulham v Blackburn
Blackburn were brilliant for about half-an-hour of the first half against Villa last week but they just couldn't sustain it. They made so many defensive errors in the second half it was frightening and Villa didn't have to play particularly well to beat them comfortably, which is worrying from a Rovers point of view.
Fulham, on the other hand, got a very good point at Manchester City on Sunday and looked solid. Their boss Mark Hughes has got through his own iffy spell and, although there is not much distance between them and the relegation zone, you just know they will be absolutely fine.
Prediction: 2-0
http://www.blackburnrovers-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_fulham_v_blackburn_rovers_05_mar_2011_653094/index.shtml
FM Preview: Fulham v Blackburn Rovers 05 Mar 2011
By Footymad
Updated Friday, 4th March 2011
Blackburn Rovers RSS Feed This week FootyMad's match preview focuses on the game between Fulham and Blackburn Rovers at 15:00 on 5th March 2011 in the Premier League.
History of the Fulham v Blackburn Rovers fixture
Blackburn Rovers face a trip to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, hoping to improve upon an average previous return from this fixture. Of the 247 games played, Rovers have recorded 70 wins, and Fulham have come away with 113 victories.
The most recent encounter between these two sides was just last season, in November 2009, with Fulham running out comfortable 3-0 winners in a Premier League match.
Recent encounters between the teams
Season Date Team Result Team Comp
2010/2011 Sat 18 Sep Blackburn R. 1 - 1 Fulham Premier League
2009/2010 Sun 17 Jan Blackburn R. 2 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2009/2010 Wed 25 Nov Fulham 3-0 Blackburn R. Premier League
2008/2009 Wed 11 Mar Fulham 1 - 2 Blackburn R. Premier League
2008/2009 Sat 20 Sep Blackburn R. 1 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2007/2008 Sat 08 Mar Blackburn R. 1 - 1 Fulham Premier League
2007/2008 Sun 25 Nov Fulham 2 - 2 Blackburn R. Premier League
For a detailed analysis of the complete head-to-head record between the two sides, click here
Recent respective form guides
Fulham have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. These high-scoring games have yielded a total of 13 goals for the Cottagers, with 3 goals against.
In complete contrast to Fulham, Blackburn Rovers are having a torrid time on their travels, chalking up just 1 victory, with 5 defeats, from the last six. While the Rovers have hit 8 goals, 17 have hit the back of the wrong net.
Fulham see themselves just below half way in the Barclays , showing a record of 32 points from their 28 games played so far,
Blackburn Rovers find themselves struggling down in 14th position in the league having picked up 32 points from their 28 matches.
Current overall team form
Team P W D L F A P
Fulham 6 2 3 1 8 4 9
Blackburn Rovers 6 1 1 4 7 12 4
For a detailed analysis of current team form guides in this or any division, click here
FootyMad's prediction ...
FootyMad see this game edging towards a narrow win for the Cottagers, as the Rovers have been none too clever on the road in recent matches. Home win
Sequence statistics
Team Sequences
Fulham Failed to win in previous 2 home matches.
Not won in the 4 most recent games.
Blackburn Rovers Lost each of the previous 5 away matches.
Not won in previous 5 away matches.
No win in the 5 most recent games.
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburnrovers/news/8889824.Junior_fit_for_Rovers/?ref=rss
Junior fit for Rovers
9:17am Friday 4th March 2011
Comments(1) By Andy Cryer »
JUNIOR Hoilett is fit for tomorrow's visit to Fulham after missing the defeat at Aston Villa through injury.
Rovers Canadian starlet is expected to return straight into the starting line up as they look to end a five match winless run.
Roque Santa Cruz is also expected to be fit after a back injury, having trained for the first time this week yesterday, but Phil Jones, Ryan Nelsen and David Dunn are out.
Spanish striker Ruben Rochina is expected to be included in the squad for the first time since his move from Barcelona.
Manager Steve Kean: "We know that Mark Hughes has got Fulham playing with a good pattern and they are dictating play.
"The Fulham crowd demand a certain style of play from their team and I am sure we will have an entertaining game."
http://www.goal.com/en/match/49004/fulham-vs-blackburn/preview
Premier League Preview: Fulham - Blackburn Rovers
By Oliver Yew
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Fulham: Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey; Johnson, Dembele.
Blackburn: Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Hanley, Olsson; Emerton, Andrews, Nzonzi, J Jones, Pedersen; Santa Cruz.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fulham have a 35.7 per cent win ratio at Craven Cottage this season.
Clint Dempsey has scored nine league goals so far this campaign. He is one short of equalling his last season's tally.
Fulham are unbeaten in five league matches. They haven't lost at home in the league in four matches.
In 37 league matches between the two sides at Craven Cottage, Fulham have won 15 times, Blackburn have emerged victorious on 10 occasions, while they have cancelled each other out in 12 matches.
But the past decade has seen Rovers have a better record against their west London opponents, winning four and drawing three in last 11 games.
Blackburn have conceded 35 goals on the road this season. It is only two goals less than the total number they conceded away from home last season.
Steve Kean's side have lost four of their last five games. The other result was a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
Rovers have not won on the road in their past five matches in all competitions, conceding 16 goals in the process.
The visitors have lost ten league games away from home and have a lowly win ratio of 21.4% on their travels.
Roque Santa Cruz scored 23 league goals in 57 league appearances in his first stint at the club. But the Paraguay international is yet to score in five appearances since re-joining Blackburn in January - on loan from Manchester City.
LAST MEETING
September 18, 2010: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham
Fulham came from behind at Ewood Park thanks to a Clint Dempsey equaliser to maintain what was then an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign.
El-Hadji Diouf appeared to block goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in the build up to Christopher Samba's controversial opener, but the Cottagers earned their point after USA international Dempsey headed home Carlos Salcido's floated cross.
Fulham v BLACKBURN: Christopher Samba returns with Ruben Rochina poised for debut
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:03 AM on 4th March 2011
Former Barcelona B striker Ruben Rochina is named in the Blackburn squad for the first time when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rochina's arrival in the group is a timely boost for manager Steve Kean as Roque Santa Cruz is doubtful because of a back problem.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/04/article-1362871-0B3E862A000005DC-121_468x323.jpg)
Laid low: Samba (left) has recovered from his virus
Christopher Samba returns after a virus while Junior Hoilett is expected to recover from a hamstring strain.
But Ryan Nelsen (suspension) and David Dunn (hip injury) are both ruled out.
Team (from): Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Olsson, Andrews, J Jones, MB Diouf, Santa Cruz, Pedersen, Bunn, Hanley, Emerton, Nzonzi, Grella, Benjani, Hoilett, Roberts, Kalinic, Rochina.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1362871/Fulham-v-BLACKBURN-Christopher-Samba-returns-Ruben-Rochina-poised-debut.html#ixzz1FczyGSF5 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1362871/Fulham-v-BLACKBURN-Christopher-Samba-returns-Ruben-Rochina-poised-debut.html#ixzz1FczyGSF5)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9411020.stm
Fulham v Blackburn
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Barclays Premier League
Fulham v Blackburn 15:00
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 5 March Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has reported no fresh injury concerns.
Striker Bobby Zamora, who missed the draw at Manchester City with a minor ankle problem, will be assessed.
Blackburn centre-back Chris Samba returns after illness and will replace the banned Ryan Nelsen, but midfielder David Dunn is out with a hip problem.
Roque Santa Cruz is a slight doubt, but Junior Hoilett should return from injury and January signing Ruben Rochina is ready to make his debut.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham
Doubtful: Zamora (ankle)
Injured: Kamara & Senderos (both back), Sidwell (knee)
Blackburn
Suspended: Nelsen (one match)
Doubtful: Hoilett (hamstring), Santa Cruz (back)
Injured/unavailable: Dunn (hip), Formica (fitness), P Jones (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham boss Mark Hughes made a point on his return to Manchester City last weekend, but the aborted handshake with successor Roberto Mancini shows the manner of his departure still rankles with the Welshman.
They are big boys, grown professionals... [I'll] use that apprehension and bat it straight back to the players
Blackburn boss Steve Kean
Relations with Blackburn, another of his former clubs, should be more cordial, although Hughes did criticise Rovers' surprise decision to axe manager Sam Allardyce earlier this season. The way in which Steve Kean was quickly installed at Ewood Park by the club's ruthless new owners certainly had some parallels with Hughes' sacking at Eastlands.
Kean said in December that a top-five finish was a possibility for Blackburn if they avoided injuries, but with the club's Indian backers providing little support in the transfer window, survival is now the focus for Rovers, who have lost three of their last four. Kean, who spent four years as Chris Coleman's assistant at Fulham, believes his side are 10 points shy of the 42 needed to guarantee safety.
Like Rovers, Fulham begin the weekend four points above the relegation zone, but the Londoners' recent form has seen them pull away from trouble - they have lost only once since New Year's Day.
Mark Clattenburg will take charge of the game at Craven Cottage after escaping censure for his display at Wigan last weekend, when many observers felt he should have shown Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney a red card.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Blackburn's 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage last season is their only loss in their last nine games against Fulham (W4, D4).
Fulham
• Fulham have lost only one of their last eight league games, although they have drawn the last three.
• Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last four games against Blackburn.
• Since leaving Ewood Park, Mark Hughes has taken charge of four games against Rovers, winning two and drawing two.
• Opta stats show Fulham have converted just 10% of shots into goals this season - the lowest figure in the Premier League.
Blackburn
• Rovers have won three of 11 league games under Steve Kean (W3, D2, L6).
• They have lost their last four away games, leaking 13 goals in the process.
• Rovers have conceded 35 goals away from home this season, the highest figure in the top flight.
• They have not kept a clean sheet in an away league game since beating Aston Villa 1-0 on the final day of last season, a run of 14 matches.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Fulham
Dempsey: 10 goals (9 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)
Blackburn
Kalinic: 6 goals (5 league); Mame Diouf: 6 goals (3 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & Martin Yerby
Fourth official: Mick Russell
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (D1-1 v Man City, a): Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey, Johnson (Gudjohnsen 79), Dembele. Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Gera, Kakuta, Greening, Davies.
Blackburn (L1-4 v Aston Villa, a): Robinson, Salgado, Hanley, Nelsen, Olsson, Jermaine Jones, Grella (Roberts 66), Emerton, Andrews (Nzonzi 79), Pedersen, Santa Cruz (Kalinic 66). Subs not used: Bunn, Givet, Benjani, Diouf.
http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/03/04/fulham-v-blackburn-preview-steve-kean-sets-ten-point-survival-t/ (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/03/04/fulham-v-blackburn-preview-steve-kean-sets-ten-point-survival-t/)
Fulham v Blackburn Preview: Steve Kean Sets Ten-Point Survival Target
04/3/2011 6:17 AM GMT By Ben Hunt
PREMIER LEAGUE: CRAVEN COTTAGE, SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 GMT
Both these sides have ambitions of finishing in the top half of the table, but for the time being they are more preoccupied with staving off the threat of relegation.
Fulham have reason to be more optimistic about their chances of not being pulled back towards the bottom three. If they are to maintain the healthy return of points they have achieved from recent results, then they should be assured of playing top-flight football next season.
For Blackburn, it is another matter. Rovers are currently without a win in their last five games and the momentum built during the early weeks of manager Steve Kean's tenure has now disappeared
Rovers's ambitious owners spoke about finishing in the top six this season, a target that always apeared ludicrously optimistic and now seems just plain ludicrous. Nevertheless, Kean will be demanding more from his players as he aims to prove to the club's owners he is capable of leading the side forward in .
Key Match-up: Danny Murphy v Keith Andrews. Much of Fulham's good play comes through Murphy, who is enjoying another good season for Fulham. The captain is able to stop opposing teams from dominating the midfield while his accurate and incisive passing helps set up the Cottagers's strikers. While Murphy is held in high regard by Fulham's supporters, it is a different story for Andrews at Blackburn. The midfielder has been barracked by some sections of the crowd at Ewood Park this season and Kean has said the player is in a "fragile" state. Not the sort of confidence you need when coming up a tough competitor like Murphy.
Form Guide: Fuham have steadied the ship with one defeat in their last six games. They also have an impressive home record with just three defeats at Craven Cottage this season. Blackburn do not travel well. They have lost ten of 14 away games this season. Fulham beat them 3-0 in the same fixture last season.
Odds: Fulham 8-11, Blackburn 4-1, Draw 13-5
FULHAM
Fulham midfielder, Damien Duff, is hoping his side can extend their run of form over Rovers, who first gave him his chance in English football.
He told Fulham's website: "Blackburn's where it all began for me. I left Ireland at 16 and I went on to have seven or eight very happy years at Ewood Park.
"There were some good times, notably the League Cup win in 2002. They're a good side and like ourselves, one that should probably be higher up the league table. I may still look out for their results, but these days I'm Fulham through-and-through."
Fulham are level on points with Blackburn but are one place above them in the table down to their better goal difference. Duff is now eager to increase their points tally and try to finish in the Europa League places.
He added: "It's still all very tight at the minute, at the top and the bottom. We're still only talking seven points separating the 13th place we currently find ourselves in and sixth-placed Liverpool.
"Both teams will be looking at three points on Saturday, but we have to have confidence that it can be us that makes the difference when it matters.
"We know how strong we can be at Craven Cottage - which has become a bit of a fortress for us in recent seasons.
"I can see no reason why we can't get the three points and push further up the table."
Strategy: Fulham's 4-4-2 system is dependent on Murphy and either Dickson Etuhu or Steve Sidwell forming a barrier across the centre of the pitch. They will stick to their defensive duties allowing Duff and Simon Davies to press forward from the flanks. Clint Dempsey also drops back into midfield to pick up loose passes to good effect.
Injury Update: Fulham are boosted by the news they have no new injuries to contend with. Philippe Senderos is the only absentee with his calf problem but he is closing in on making his debut for the club.
BLACKBURN:
The next couple of weeks will go a long way towards defining how Rovers' season will turn out, summing up the bizarre nature of the league this term.
After a winless run of five games, they are just four points above the relegation zone and while a couple of victories will soon cure that, extending that grim period would see them slip further into trouble.
No-one in the bottom half should feel safe but Blackburn have chosen the wrong time for such a dip.
They have won just once away from home since Kean took charge and if that record continues, they will place intolerable pressure on their results at Ewood Park.
Five matches remain at Ewood Park but two of those are against Manchester United and City and Kean knows they will have to start picking up points on their travels if they are to reach 40 points with something to spare.
"We know we've got to pick up points," Kean said. "We've got five away games and they're all tough games.
"We've looked at the away form and told the lads it's something that we've got to face up to otherwise it makes those five home games against City and United, puts pressure on us.
"But we've got to be positive in our play. I think you'll need 42 points to stay up this year. There are 30 points still available to us and 10 are required so we've said to the lads, 'Let's go and do it away from home' and we want to get it done as quickly as possible."
Strategy: Kean feels his team have paid the price for not being cute enough when they give the ball away and he expects his players to be far sharper in getting behind the ball after drilling them all week in training. Much will depend on whether Roque Santa Cruz is fit and the Paraguayan, who was tracked by former manager Hughes, will play a key role in making the ball stick up front. Kean wants his team to be positive at Fulham but would take a clean sheet with both hands.
Injury Update: Gael Givet will return from a groin problem but David Dunn is sidelined with a hamstring problem and defender Ryan Nelsen is suspended. Junior Hoilett is fit after hamstring trouble and Phil Jones should return from a knee injury in a fortnight.
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8889740.Rovers_can_Steady_the_ship_with_Fulham_win/?ref=rss
Rovers can Steady the ship with Fulham win
11:00am Friday 4th March 2011
Comments(2) By Andy Cryer
FOR a man who only scored eight goals and made 33 starts in a 16-month Blackburn Rovers career, Jon Stead would appear an unlikely hero to the football neutral.
But, for the Ewood Park faithful, the striker's short spell in East Lancashire back in 2004 and 2005 ensured him a place in their hearts for ever after making an unforgettable and unexpected impact.
Many Rovers fans still insist it was Stead who saved them from relegation, with his six goals in 13 appearances in his first four months at the club helping a star-studded squad out of a precarious predicament.
He scored just two more goals for Rovers in his only full season at the club and, after a £1.8m move to Sunderland turned sour, has spent the last few seasons unable to repeat the form that will always guarantee him a place in Ewood folklore.
Now one of the game's journeymen, the 28-year-old's work rate and eye for goal sees him a fans' favourite at Championship Bristol City but, having hit the Premier League heights, Stead admits he always thinks about where his Rovers career went wrong.
He said: "I have always thought long and hard about what happened at Blackburn and why I didn't go on and build on that first season I had. It is difficult to say still.
"At the time I thought I was doing all the right things, I thought I had my feet firmly on the ground and I believed that I would go from there to make a real success of it and to do even bigger and better things.
"From there my career has tippled a bit since hitting those heights at Blackburn and I am never going to get that consistency or confidence back.
"Maybe I didn't do things right though looking back. Perhaps in my head I thought I had already made it, maybe I took my foot off the pedal and stopped doing the ins and outs that I was doing when I joined the club and the stuff I was doing to rise through the leagues.
"It is difficult for me to look back after though. All I do know is you can never take away what happened for me at Blackburn Rovers."
While Stead continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury at Ashton Gate, his former club travel to the scene of one of his greatest moments, Fulham tomorrow, on the back of a four match winless league run.
Stead's late winner in a thrilling 4-3 win at Craven Cottage is seen by many as a turning point in that 2003/04 season, with him going on to fire priceless winners against Everton and Manchester United to send Rovers to safety, and hopes similar can happen in London tomorrow.
He said: "That Fulham game was a fantastic game, a real memorable momen.
"That back end of the season I remember as the happiest time of my career and I will do for the rest of my life I'm sure. I am never going to beat what happened for me in those few months.
"To score the goals I did with the club in the position it was, well you don't even dream of things going so well. It was an incredible part of my life and one I will be always thankful to Blackburn Rovers for.
"The Fulham game was a bit of a turning point. To win in such an exciting way reinforced the belief and lifted the confidence. We went on a good run then and from there I think we knew we were going to be okay.
"For me, it was scoring the winner against Manchester United that will always stick with me.
"Blackburn definitely need 'that moment' now. I still follow the club and have no doubt they can pick up some results again soon. A win at Fulham could be that turning point like it was for us."
Graeme Souness brought a raw 20-year-old Stead to Rovers from League One Huddersfield for £1.25m back in February 2004 to the surprise of many.
No one could have expected the part he had to play that season, including the player himself, after describing the move as a 'whirlwind'.
"I was coming back from an away game with Huddersfield and as I was getting off the coach the manager told me Rovers had had a bid accepted for me," said Stead.
"I was at the club the next day and the following weekend I was making my Premier League debut and scoring against Middlesbrough.
"Thinking back maybe being thrown into the deep end so quickly actually helped me do what I did in those first few months.
"It is a fantastic, family, friendly club. Even now people around the place ask how I am and how my family are. That just shows what a special club it is."
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-vs-blackburn-hughes-unbeaten-against-sides-he%e2%80%99s-managed_051932.html
Fulham vs Blackburn – Hughes unbeaten against former sides
(http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MarkHughesBig.jpg)
Bet on Blackburn to be relegated at 5/1 before Steve Kean's side lose to Fulham on Saturday
They may be level on points in the Barclays Premier League, but the betting suggests that there is only one outcome when Fulham and Blackburn Rovers meet on Saturday.
A loss for either side would leave them lingering dangerously close to the relegation zone but the relegation odds provide a strong insight into the form of the two clubs with Fulham 12/1 to be relegated and Blackburn 5/1 to be relegated.
Match Odds
Despite being level on points Fulham are as short as 8/11 to beat Blackburn at home after winning four and drawing one of their last five league games.
Blackburn are on a run of five straight away defeats and are 4/1 to beat Fulham, but Fulham have won just two of their last ten meetings with Blackburn and the draw may offer the better value at 5/2.
Fulham have drawn 50 per cent of their Premier League games this season and four of the last ten between the two have ended in draws.
Total Goals
A repeat of the 1-1 draw at Ewood Park earlier in the season is the favoured result at 11/2 and considering Fulham have kept just one clean sheet in 14 league matches with Blackburn suggesting they have to score twice.
But in Clint Dempsey, Fulham have a forward who has scored four goals in his last four appearances against Blackburn and the striker is 9/2 to get the first goal.
Blackburn's Chris Samba enjoys facing Fulham and has consecutive goals against the Cottagers in their last two games, and at 7/1 he is a big price to score at any time.
Fulham may be in great league form but 8/11 seems too short for the home side and backing either side to come from behind and draw at 15/2 would provide a health return.
A £25 stake on a 1-1 draw would return £162.50. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
Bet on Blackburn,Bet on Chris Samba,Bet on Clint Dempsey,Bet on Fulham
Dalla Valle Loan
Friday 4th March 2011
The Club can confirm that Development Squad striker Lauri Dalla Valle has joined AFC Bournemouth on loan until the 2nd April.
Dalla Valle will team up the Cherries ahead of Saturday's home match against Oldham Athletic. AFC Bournemouth have six fixtures to be played before the youngster's loan deal expires at the start of April.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LoanDeal.aspx#ixzz1FdvZFAfr (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LoanDeal.aspx#ixzz1FdvZFAfr)
http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_6794015,00.html (http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_6794015,00.html)
Mid-table decider at Cottage
Both sides have 32 points from 28 games with the 13th-placed Cottagers one place higher on the table with a better goal difference.
Mark Hughes' side will look to build on their creditable draw at Manchester City last Sunday, while Rover boss Steve Kean can only hope for an improved showing after his team went down 4-1 at Aston Villa.
The biggest talking point could be Mark Clattenburg, who will take charge of the fixture after escaping censure for his performance at Wigan last weekend following his criticised failure to dismiss Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
Fulham's Bobby Zamora, who missed the draw at City with a minor ankle problem, will face a late fitness test.
Blackburn's Chris Samba returns after illness and will replace the banned Ryan Nelsen, but David Dunn is out with a hip problem. Roque Santa Cruz is doubtful, but Junior Hoilett should return from injury and new signing Ruben Rochina will make his debut.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/03/04/fulham-v-blackburn-rovers-82029-28281050/
Fulham v Blackburn Rovers
Mar 4 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2010/3/1/bobby-zamora-image-1-958349662.jpg)
FULHAM are boosted by the return of Bobby Zamora for tomorrow's clash at Craven Cottage.
The England striker missed last weekend's draw at Manchester City after turning his ankle in training, but will be included in the squad to face Steve Kean's side.
However, Steve Sidwell (knee) is still a few weeks away from a return, while Philippe Senderos has a hamstring problem.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794263,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794263,00.html)
Cherries eye Fulham forward
Bradbury targets Finnish starlet
By Pete O'Rourke
Last updated: 4th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/10/07/218x298/Dalla-Valle_2482493.jpg)
Dalla Valle: Bournemouth target
Skysports.com understands Bournemouth are set to sign Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle on loan.
Cherries boss Lee Bradbury has targeted a move for the Finnish ace to help bolster his attacking options.
Dalla Valle is highly rated after joining Liverpool from local Finnish side JIPPO in 2008
However, the 19-year-old was unable to break into the Liverpool first team despite impressing at youth and reserve-team level.
Dalla Valle joined Fulham last summer along with Alex Kacaniklic as part of the deal that took Paul Konchesky Anfield.
Dalla Valle is yet to make is debut for Fulham, but he is believed to have impressed at Craven Cottage.
Cottagers boss Mark Hughes is happy to loan him out so that he can gain valuable first-team action at League One hopefuls Bournemouth.
http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Fulham-welcome-Blackburn-~-Match-Preview.aspx (http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Fulham-welcome-Blackburn-~-Match-Preview.aspx)
Fulham welcome Blackburn ~ Match Preview
last updated Friday 04th March 2011, 1:30 PM
Fulham boss Mark Hughes made a point on his return to Manchester City last weekend, but the aborted handshake with successor Roberto Mancini shows the manner of his departure still rankles with the Welshman.
Relations with Blackburn, another of his former clubs, should be more cordial, although Hughes did criticise Rovers' surprise decision to axe manager Sam Allardyce earlier this season. The way in which Steve Kean was quickly installed at Ewood Park by the club's ruthless new owners certainly had some parallels with Hughes' sacking at Eastlands.
Kean said in December that a top-five finish was a possibility for Blackburn if they avoided injuries, but with the club's Indian backers providing little support in the transfer window, survival is now the focus for Rovers, who have lost three of their last four. Kean, who spent four years as Chris Coleman's assistant at Fulham, believes his side are 10 points shy of the 42 needed to guarantee safety.
Like Rovers, Fulham begin the weekend four points above the relegation zone, but the Londoners' recent form has seen them pull away from trouble - they have lost only once since New Year's Day.
Mark Clattenburg will take charge of the game at Craven Cottage after escaping censure for his display at Wigan last weekend, when many observers felt he should have shown Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney a red card.
•Blackburn's 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage last season is their only loss in their last nine games against Fulham (W4, D4).
•Fulham have lost only one of their last eight league games, although they have drawn the last three.
•Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last four games against Blackburn.
•Since leaving Ewood Park, Mark Hughes has taken charge of four games against Rovers, winning two and drawing two.
•Opta stats show Fulham have converted just 10% of shots into goals this season - the lowest figure in the Premier League.
•Rovers have won three of 11 league games under Steve Kean (W3, D2, L6).
•They have lost their last four away games, leaking 13 goals in the process.
•Rovers have conceded 35 goals away from home this season, the highest figure in the top flight.
•They have not kept a clean sheet in an away league game since beating Aston Villa 1-0 on the final day of last season, a run of 14 matches.
•Fulham - Leading goalscorers
Dempsey: 10 goals (9 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)
•Blackburn - Leading goalscorers
Kalinic: 6 goals (5 league); Mame Diouf: 6 goals (3 league)
•Referee:Mark Clattenburg
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3284566,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3284566,00.html)
Fulham v Blackburn preview
Hughes welcomes former club while Rovers aim to arrest slump
By Ben Collins
Last updated: 4th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/02/218x298/Manchester-City-v-Fulham-Mark-Hughes_2568174.jpg)
Hughes: Successful spell at Blackburn
Mark Hughes hopes Fulham take another step towards survival as they host his former club Blackburn.
After managing his native Wales, Hughes began his club career at Blackburn in 2004 and left for Manchester City after a successful four-year stint at Ewood Park.
Hughes was handed the Fulham job last summer and after a shaky start the Cottagers were in the bottom three on New Year's Day.
But a run of one defeat in eight league games since has seen Hughes steer Fulham up to 13th, four points above the drop zone with 10 games left.
Having been ninth at the turn of the year, Blackburn have moved the other way, with one point from their last four league games seeing them slide to 14th and they are level on points with Fulham ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage.
Rovers slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend while Fulham virtually killed off Man City's title hopes by claiming a 1-1 draw at Eastlands.
Damien Duff will also be facing his former club on Saturday and the Irish winger has been back in form of late, equalising against City for his second goal in four games.
Hughes signed Roque Santa Cruz for Blackburn and City and was linked with a move for the Paraguay striker again last summer and in January.
Instead the 29-year-old returned to Ewood Park on loan and is yet to reproduce the form of his first spell. He has failed to score in four appearances so far and is struggling with a back injury so Nikola Kalinic could come in after coming off the bench at Villa to score his fourth goal in six games.
The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture in September, while the home team won each of their games last season, with Fulham's Clint Dempsey having scored four goals in the last four games against Rovers.
Team news
Bobby Zamora is unlikely to be risked after the England striker's recovery from a broken leg was set back by a minor ankle injury in training.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell (knee) is set to be out for another three weeks while Philippe Senderos and Diomansy Kamara have both had back problems.
Steve Kean may make changes in a bid to arrest Rovers' recent slump and has named former Barcelona B striker Ruben Rochina in his squad for the first time.
The January signing could be handed a chance to impress with Santa Cruz (back) doubtful while Kalinic is pushing for a recall.
Although centre-half Ryan Nelsen is suspended after being sent off late on against Villa, Christopher Samba is set to be a direct replacement after a virus.
Junior Hoilett is expected to recover from a hamstring strain but Phil Jones (knee) and David Dunn (hip) remain out.
Possible starting XIs:
Fulham: Schwarzer, Salcido, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele.
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Hanley, Olsson, Emerton, Grella, J Jones, Pedersen, Kalinic, Rochina.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04032011/58/premier-league-matchpack-fulham-v-blackburn.html
Premier League - Matchpack: Fulham v Blackburn
Fri, 04 Mar 14:34:00 2011
Fulham to follow...
Former Barcelona B striker Ruben Rochina is named in the Blackburn squad for the first time.
Rochina's arrival in the group is a timely boost for manager Steve Kean as Roque Santa Cruz is doubtful because of a back problem.
Christopher Samba returns after a virus while Junior Hoilett is expected to recover from a hamstring strain. But Ryan Nelsen (suspension) and David Dunn (hip injury) are both ruled out.
MATCH FACTS
Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Blackburn.
Chris Samba has scored in the last two matches for Rovers against Fulham.
Fulham have won just one of the last nine Premier League games against Blackburn.
The Whites have kept just one shut out in their last 14 Premier League matches against Rovers.
Mark Hughes is unbeaten against his former club as a manager (two wins, two draws).
Fulham have kept four clean sheets in a row on home soil in the Premier League.
Blackburn have gone 14 Premier League away matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Rovers have lost six of their last seven Premier League away games.
Fulham have scored with just 10% of their shots this season, a lower conversion rate than any other team in the top flight.
Fulham are the only team in the top flight who have not picked up a red card this season.
ODDS
Fulham 4/6, Draw 13/5, Blackburn 9/2
PA Sport / Opta .
Rochina ready for Blackburn debut
Published 11:14 04/03/11
By MirrorFootball
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article686851.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/England-Nathaniel-Clyne-Spain-Ruben-Rochina+cropped)
Former Barcelona B striker Ruben Rochina is named in the Blackburn squad for the first time for their visit to Fulham.
The Spain Under-19 international's arrival in the group is a timely boost for manager Steve Kean, as frontman Roque Santa Cruz is doubtful because of a back problem.
Christopher Samba returns in defence after a virus while Junior Hoilett is expected to recover from a hamstring strain, but centre-back Ryan Nelsen (suspension) and midfielder David Dunn (hip) are out.
Team (from): Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Olsson, Andrews, J Jones, MB Diouf, Santa Cruz, Pedersen, Bunn, Hanley, Emerton, Nzonzi, Grella, Benjani, Hoilett, Roberts, Kalinic, Rochina.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Blackburn-team-news-Striker-Rochina-makes-squad-for-first-time-Samba-and-Hoilett-are-fit-but-Nelsen-is-banned-Dunn-is-out-and-Santa-Cruz-is-a-doubt-article710433.html#ixzz1Fe1107ts (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Blackburn-team-news-Striker-Rochina-makes-squad-for-first-time-Samba-and-Hoilett-are-fit-but-Nelsen-is-banned-Dunn-is-out-and-Santa-Cruz-is-a-doubt-article710433.html#ixzz1Fe1107ts)
Sidwell Injury Update
Friday 4th March 2011
Mark Hughes revealed on Friday afternoon that Steve Sidwell is on course to return to fitness at the end of the month as he recovers from a knee injury sustained in training last week.
"It's still early days for him and it's quite an unusual injury, in terms of where it is," Hughes explained. "It's outside his knee and quite high on the ligament so I'm going to be cautious with him, but he's on track.
"Hopefully the timescale we've been given (2-3 weeks) in terms of his recovery will be okay."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/SidwellInjuryUpdate.aspx#ixzz1FeREqxOY (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/SidwellInjuryUpdate.aspx#ixzz1FeREqxOY)
Bobby's Back
Friday 4th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Zamora/ZamoraEngland.jpg)
On Friday afternoon Mark Hughes revealed some positive news ahead of this weekend's match against Blackburn Rovers, informing the press at Fulham's pre-match press conference that Bobby Zamora is fit and ready for Saturday's game after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during training last week.
"Obviously Bobby wasn't available for last weekend's match against Manchester City but he's okay now," Hughes explained. "He's an option for us, and apart from Philippe Senderos, who needs a little bit more work, we're okay.
"He's [Zamora] been training and it was only a setback last week. He just went over on his ankle and it wasn't a consequence of his injury. It was just one of those things that happens out there on the training pitch sometimes.
"He's had a decent few days training and he looks good. Bobby is happy now because he had a long time out and there were obviously times during that period when it was difficult for him.
"He's come through that and he's always right in the middle of things and gets things going; the Team has missed that. We've got Bobby back basically. He's loud and he's shouting so we know that he's positive in his own mind!
"It was a huge loss for us losing Bobby and to have him back for the run-in is great for us. Even when he came on against Bolton everyone saw, with the way he plays and the quality he has, what we've lacked on occasions this year. We have that again now and it's great that he's back."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BobbysBack.aspx#ixzz1FeRoR6tW (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BobbysBack.aspx#ixzz1FeRoR6tW)
Season Tickets
This season has seen an unprecedented demand for Season Tickets with a record number of supporters securing their place at all 19 Barclays Premier League home matches.
Demand for 2011/12 Season Tickets will be high given the significant number of SOLD OUT matches we've seen this season, seats will be extremely limited at Craven Cottage next season so get in early.
All current Season Ticket Holders will be contacted directly via email in the coming weeks with information on how to renew their season tickets online for the 2011/12 season. This will also include all other relevant 2011/12 Season Ticket package information.
For those fans that don't have a 2010/11 Season Ticket who are interested in purchasing a 2011/12 Season Ticket, please register your interest below to be the first in line when 2011/12 Season Tickets are launched.
Make sure you don't miss out!
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/SeasonTickets.aspx#ixzz1FeSF8xQ3 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/SeasonTickets.aspx#ixzz1FeSF8xQ3)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794769,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794769,00.html)
Hughes sets top-half challenge
Fulham boss is looking up the table rather than down it
Last updated: 4th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/02/218x298/Manchester-City-v-Fulham-Mark-Hughes_2568174.jpg)
Hughes: Pleased with progress
Mark Hughes believes his Fulham side have a bright future and has targeted a top-half finish this season.
Hughes took over from Roy Hodgson last summer and after a shaky start the Cottagers were in the bottom three on New Year's Day.
But one defeat from their last eight league games has seen Fulham climb to 13th, four points above the drop zone with 10 games left.
And the former Blackburn and Manchester City boss feels they should be even better off heading into the run-in having drawn 14 of their 28 games - more than any other Premier League club.
"I think we are doing well, we've moved on," said Hughes. "The team has added qualities that maybe it didn't have before we came.
"Certainly the way we approach away games and the way we take the game to the opposition away from home is something that is a positive for us.
Calm
"In terms of points accumulated, we would say we feel we are probably better than the points we have. We have had a hell of a lot of draws that even if we had converted a very small number of those draws then we would be very comfortably in the top 10, which is where I feel we should be.
"But we are quite calm and reasonably pleased with where we are and certainly next year we feel we can kick on."
Hodgson led Fulham to a seventh-placed finish in 2008/09 to secure a place in Europe and they went all the way to last season's Europa League final while coming 12th in the Premier League.
But Hughes is confident of matching those achievements if his side can become more consistent.
"We have been playing well for a long time," he added. "I would be more concerned if we were showing inconsistent form, struggling in games and conceding poor goals.
"That's not the case in our view and we're playing good stuff, creating chances against top quality opposition.
"I'm very pleased with what we're doing at the moment and that's why I look at the teams above us rather than the ones below us."
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/857257-eric-cantona-and-mark-hughes-the-game-misses-physical-characters-like-them
'Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes: The game misses physical characters like them'
In his regular chat with Metro.co.uk, FootballFanCast's Neil Ruddock tells us why football's losing its soul because it's lacking physical challenges and characters like Manchester United legends Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes.
Football is changing, as the authorities do their level best to take the physical nature out of the game and slowly make it something of a non-contact sport.
I played in an era when it was all about outsmarting your opponents with your skill and abilities, not looking to deceive officials by getting your rivals booked or sent off. A lack of professionalism and personal pride has been removed from the game and I fear it has gone forever.
There is no place in football anymore for the tough tackling footballer; hence why the Lee Cattermole's of this world find themselves suspended as often as they do.
I wonder how many games the likes of Terry Hurlock and Stuart Pearce would have missed over the course of the season, given the nature of officiating these days.
.I don't blame referees as they have little option but to follow the current letter of the law that is in place, but long gone are the old days when I could take out a centre forward only to be told by referees like Roger Milford 'that's your one challenge now, the next time you will be going in the book for that'. The physical nature was accepted as a part of the game then and the opposition strikers would certainly give it out as much as they received it.
If you asked any footballer the one question that supporters always ask of them then it will be who is the hardest player you ever played with or against? Jimmy Case was by far the hardest I ever played with, but in terms of against it is never an easy answer for me to give as there have been many who have tested my 6ft 3" frame to the very limit.
Billy Whitehurst used to scare the life out of me as a youngster and put the wind up most defenders with his... should we say... committed approach.
Likewise, Cyrille Regis was a formidable opponent and you knew you were in a game with him. United's front two of the mid 90s, Cantona and Hughes, would give you the toughest game out of the lot as both players were as strong as an ox who not only provided a physical presence, but were top-class footballers to boot - making them doubly hard to contain.
Unfortunately those physical battles are now a thing of the past as strikers tend to take the easy option and plead with officials for free kicks at the slightest nudge.
It is why for me the game has become incredibly frustrating to watch as a spectacle with the way players fall over at will and clearly having a lack of personal pride about them. You wouldn't have had the likes of Cantona, Hughes or Regis falling over at the slightest nudge in the back or shoulder charge as they were made of a lot sterner stuff than the modern footballer.
Maybe it is just the current climate of harsh officiating that has turned them soft, but there is certainly no place for physicality in the current game.
Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/857257-eric-cantona-and-mark-hughes-the-game-misses-physical-characters-like-them#ixzz1FesfqKaU (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/857257-eric-cantona-and-mark-hughes-the-game-misses-physical-characters-like-them#ixzz1FesfqKaU)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/04/squad-sheets-fulham-blackburn-rovers
Squad sheets: Fulham v Blackburn Rovers
Share guardian.co.uk, Friday 4 March 2011 17.07 GMT
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/3/4/1299258362784/Fulham-Probabale-starters-001.jpg)
Probabale starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic
Viewed by some as an upstart in managerial circles, Steve Kean would be forgiven for practising his post-match handshake ahead of Blackburn Rovers' trip to Fulham. Mark Hughes's apparent need for validation from his peers – he clashed with Roberto Mancini in last weekend's draw with Manchester City – does his side no credit as they creep up the table. Blackburn, who could give a debut to the former Barcelona B forward Rubén Rochina, were ninth on New Year's Day but are now heading in the wrong direction. James Callow
Venue Craven Cottage Tickets Sold out Last season Fulham 3 Blackburn 0 Referee M Clattenburg
This season's matches 20 Y54, R3, 2.85 cards per game
Odds Fulham 7-10 Blackburn 7-2 Draw 12-5
Fulham
Subs from Stockdale, Pantsil, Etheridge, Kelly, Briggs, Riise, Halliche, Greening, E Johnson, Dikgacoi, Gera, A Johnson, Gudjohnsen Doubtful Zamora (ankle)
Injured Kamara (back, 12 Mar), Senderos (back, 12 Mar), Sidwell (knee, Apr)
Suspended None Form guide DDDWLW
Disciplinary record Y34 R0
Leading scorer Dempsey 9
Blackburn
Subs from Kalinic, Hoilett, Roberts, Givet, Diouf, Benjani, Linganzi, Goulon, Bunn, Lowe, Doran, Morris, Rochina
Doubtful Santa Cruz (back), Hoilett (hamstring)
Injured Dunn (hip, 19 Mar), P Jones (knee, 19 Mar)
Suspended Nelsen (one match)
Form guide LDLLWL
Disciplinary record Y47 R3
Leading scorer Kalinic 5
Match pointers
• Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last four matches against Blackburn
• Chris Samba has scored in his last two games against the hosts
• Fulham have scored with 10% of their shots this season, the lowest conversion rate in the top flight
• Blackburn have not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 away league matches
• Mark Hughes is undefeated as a manager against his former club
• Fulham have not received a red card this season
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/3/4/2029862/blackburn-rovers-h (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/3/4/2029862/blackburn-rovers-h)
Blackburn Rovers (H)
by Kristian Balkin on Mar 4, 2011 5:34 PM GMT
Mark Hughes will come up against one of his old sides for the second consecutive week on Saturday afternoon, when the Cottagers play host to Steve Kean's Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League.
Caught between the kick and run football of Sam Allardyce and the more elegant play of Kean, Rovers will bring a unique test for Mark Hughes and his men. Hughes will take heart, however, in that Steve Kean brings his men to South West London off the back of an abysmal 4-1 defeat at Villa Park last week. It is likely to be a tight game but home advantage will be crucial for Fulham, as well as a host of injuries to some of Blackburn's key players.
Another man that faces his old club will be Steve Kean himself. The ex-Scottish winger played the role of assistant manager at the Cottage between 2003 and 2007, which saw him fall under the tutorship of Chris Coleman. He's sure to get a warm welcome from the Fulham faithful.
Blackburn, as mentioned, come into this tie with an inconsistent, if not shameful, form book. They haven't won since January and have conceded 8 goals in their last three games.
Following the respectable and understated draw at The City of Manchester Stadium last Sunday, Fulham still haven't won since their 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on 2nd February.
In September, Fulham visited Ewood Park and picked up a valuable point; Dempsey scoring the only goal in a 1-1 draw. Over the years, the Whites haven't fared too well against Rovers in London, disregarding a 3-0 win in November 2009. In the previous season, we succumbed to a 2-1 defeat and the year before that saw us held to a 2-2 draw by a late Warnock goal.
Bobby Zamora is well in contention to start for the first time since that fateful day against Wolves, and it's thought likely that he will get a place in the first eleven. Steve Sidwell is still out, but his recovery is on track. Fulham fans will still await a glimpse of Phillipe Senderos, after feeling a tightness in his hamstring.
David Dunn will miss out for Blackburn Rovers, but he is only one of many that make up their injury list. Jones, Formica, Hoilett and our Summer/January target Santa Cruz are all doubtful.
Score Prediction: Fulham 1 - 0 Blackburn
Predicted Line-Up: Schwarzer; Baird. Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey; Zamora, Dembele.
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/03/bobby_give_us_a_wave.php
Bobby, Give Us a Wave
Posted by Phil Mison 5 hours, 35 minutes ago
The big man is fit and must surely make his first start since September against muscular Blackburn. News from the north is that nerves are getting to Rovers, they see Saturday as a relegation 6 pointer.
Much has happened since we blogged the fall out from our draw at Ewood last autumn. The two targets of my take on that 1-1 result, Big Sam and the biggest yob on the UK scene - you know who I mean - have both left Blackburn behind. North of the border, Diouf continues to act the barbarian, Old Firm games proving the ideal arena for his brand of incendiary indiscipline.
Will Blackburn be so blatant in their attempts to target Schwarzer this time around? I don't think so, though for such a tall man Mark does not handle the physical hurly burly as well as he should and punching remains the major weakness in his game. Will man mountain Chris Samba be fit for Rovers? I'm praying not. He's a big presence for them.
The good news is our visitors have lost six of the last seven, and from what I heard of his time as Coleman's number two at the Cottage, I don't rate Kean highly as a manager. Rovers midfield went missing in last week's 4-1 reverse at Villa Park, Robinson has been single-handedly keeping them afloat in recent weeks, Roque's made no impact since coming back and Wigan put four past them a month ago. A bit like us, the side is crying out for a real predator up front.
(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0efB7HSac2e1h/350x.jpg)
© Getty Images
But hey, we've got Bobby Zamora back. Yes, that's the England centre forward of last year. Having shaken off his ankle sprain, I'm going to stick my neck out and predict Bobby gets back on the goal trail Saturday and we see another home shut out from our defence. Clint also enjoys scoring against Blackburn, while Duff's goal from Sunday I hope will have whetted his appetite for more - both he and the boss of course are going up against a club where they enjoyed good times. Shame Steve's knee sees him sidelined till the end of the month, he would have been just right for mixing it in midfield for this one. Momentum with Fulham, so three points please by Saturday night and a few notches up the table.
In other news, I see Della Valle is going to get a month on loan at Bournemouth. Great for the boy to get a chance to show what he can do, and also for us all to get a look at him on TV too.
Congrats to Matthew Briggs, landing a new three year contract. I saw this boy look utterly composed last August against Port Vale, two operations to both calves and an ankle since have hampered his progress. This boy is a natural and will surely supplant Carlos once we've had the best out of Salcido.
On a lighter note, did you spot the story of Smalling and some low-lifers trashing his luxury hotel suite (£2,000 per night) following the Chelsea defeat? Young Chris splashed another £2,400 on room service for the chavs and agreed to settle the bill of the one guest who complained the loudest. Wow! Whatever would Uncle Woy have said to that?
Of course, it's no joke when you're on the receiving end. In 2007 I was at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas - that's a pretty high end hotel on the Strip. In the next room I had some weekend party animals when there was clearly a huge row between one girl and her fella. First we had her hysterics, then more verbals when he returned to the room, a scuffle, screaming, then an hour of high decibel phone chat to everyone in her address book. It went on till 4.00 am. I moaned like hell at reception the next day...and was offered a complimentary breakfast voucher!
While I'm in the mood for bitching, I think I know you all well enough to get a real bugbear off my chest. It's been Oscar week and social networking has been in the news. Facebook, I'm all for it - search my name and you'll find me. It's great for business links, finding old friends, people with the same interests...But, I'm sorry, the futile and meaningless drivel sane and well-educated people load up my wall with...it makes me want to reach for a gun. A sample from this week. These all from clever people I consider friends and fun people to know:
Nick is fixing a new chrome letter box to the front door, Lisa, 'Best job in the world...being mummy.' Antony is checking in to the Frankfurt Holiday Inn (he's cabin staff for BA, so what the f*** is remarkable about that?), In the week Libya is in uproar - 'Katy has a dilemma, should she bake a Batman or Spaceman cake for Ben's 1st birthday' ... GIVE ME STRENGTH!
Tim Berners-Lee (look it up), where did it all go wrong?
Keep smiling and...COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/March/04/subs-the-key-for-fulham/
Subs the key for Fulham
4 March 2011
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Mark Hughes will have a substitute's bench with a point to prove on Saturday when his side take on Blackburn at Craven Cottage. Mark Hughes will have a substitute's bench with a point to prove on Saturday when his side take on Blackburn at Craven Cottage.
Striker Bobby Zamora returned from his horrific broken leg in the FA Cup defeat to Bolton two weeks ago, only to suffer a minor setback in training afterwards that forced him out of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
Meanwhile, on-loan Gael Kakuta - the French prodigy that Chelsea worked so hard to sign - has featured for just 18 minutes since his arrival in the January window.
Both will be on the bench for the game against Steve Kean's side but Hughes believes they could hold the key to a victory and Fulham's Premier League survival.
"Bobby is training, it was only a setback, he went over on his ankle. He didn't compromise the break that he had, it was just one of those things that happen time and time again on the training pitch," Hughes said.
"He is happy where he is now, after a long time out, there were obviously times in that period when it was difficult for him but he has come through them."
"We've got Bobby back basically, we know that because he is loud and shouting so we know he is positive in his own mind."
Kakuta, on the other hand, has grown frustrated with the delayed start to his Fulham career after arriving from their local rivals with so much promise and expectation.
"It's no reflection on Gael, he is going to be involved from now until the end of the season because every day on the training ground we see quality from him that we will need to unlock defences," Hughes said.
"He is a little bit frustrated because he wasn't able to play against Chelsea and he was cup-tied for the Bolton game, so he has kicked his heels for a number of weeks, but he is free and able to play and we hope to see a lot more of him."
Another player Hughes has already seen a lot of but will be hoping is anonymous at the weekend is Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz, now on-loan at Blackburn, whom the Welshman signed while manager of both Blackburn and Manchester City.
"Roque is a good player," Hughes added. "I think it is well documented how highly I think of him. I spent significant amounts of money on him. I spent probably all of Blackburn's budget on him and a small part of Man City's."
"He is a good player and you just have to give him an opportunity and a run of games and then he will make an impact for you."
Midfielder Steve Sidwell is sidelined for up to three weeks with a knee injury and defender Philippe Senderos is not ready to return from Achilles tendon and hamstring injuries
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/179659/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-confident-of-continuing-impressive-Premier-League-run/
FULHAM BOSS MARK HUGHES CONFIDENT OF CONTINUING IMPRESSIVE PREMIER LEAGUE RUN
By Mauro Galluzzo for DailyStar.co.uk
FULHAM manager Mark Hughes has backed his players to secure a top-half finish in the Barclays Premier League.
The Cottagers' relegation worries have been quelled in recent times by an impressive run of form that has seen them beaten only once since New Year's Day, moving up to 13th place in the process.
However, Hughes' side still lie just four points above the relegation zone heading into Saturday's clash with his former club Blackburn and know they could yet be sucked into the relegation mire.
While Fulham have lost just eight of their 28 Premier League matches this season, the Londoners have drawn half of their games with the latest point coming last weekend at another of Hughes' former charges, Manchester City.
The Welshman believes such inability to eke out a victory has cost his side dearly since taking over from Roy Hodgson in the summer, yet he believes his players have the attitude and aptitude to push up the table.
"I think we are doing well, we've moved on," said Hughes.
"The team has added qualities that maybe it didn't have before we came, certainly the way we approach away games and the way we take the game to the opposition away from home is something that is a positive for us.
"In terms of points accumulated, we would say we feel we are probably better than the points we have.
"We have had a hell of a lot of draws that even if we had converted a very small number of those draws then we would be very comfortably in the top 10, which is where I feel we should be.
"But we are quite calm and reasonably pleased with where we are and certainly next year we feel we can kick on."
He added: "We have been playing well for a long time. I would be more concerned if we were showing inconsistent form, struggling in games and conceding poor goals.
"That's not the case in our view and we're playing good stuff, creating chances against top quality opposition.
"I'm very pleased with what we're doing at the moment and that's why I look at the teams above us rather than the ones below us."
While much of the pre-match talk have been about the long-awaited league return of England striker Bobby Zamora, Hughes was instead quick to hail his side's recent defensive prowess.
Fulham have yet to concede a league goal at Craven Cottage in 2011 and now face a Rovers side on a four-game losing streak away from Ewood Park.
"We are playing well in terms of our defensive work and I think obviously the central partnership we have at the moment - Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland - are playing exceptionally well," he said.
"Their performance against Manchester City was exceptional and along with the form of Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird we look a good, solid unit.
"Obviously we make sure they have protection in front as well so the team is working collectively really well and I'm pleased with what we are doing."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794680,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6794680,00.html)
Bradbury happy with loan deal
Cherries secure Fulham striker on a month's loan
Last updated: 4th March 2011
Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury is confident Lauri Dalla Valle will be a 'great asset' after signing the striker on loan.
Skysports.com revealed earlier on Friday that the Cherries had lined up a deal to bring in the Fulham youngster on loan for a month.
Dalla Valle has now completed his switch to the League One club and Bradbury is looking forward to the opportunity of working with the Finn.
"It's brilliant for us and I'm really pleased," Bradbury told the club's official website. "He's come here and given extra strength to the squad and it will invigorate everyone.
Hungry
"He's a quick player who can play off our front men. He has a really good work rate and he can stretch the line. He can score goals and he will be a great asset for us
"He is very hungry to play and he will want to prove a point to Fulham that he is capable of being in their squad.
"For him to come down to a League One club from the Premier League shows how hungry he is.
"He has a lot of self belief and it's a good opportunity for him and this can only be good for us because it can help push us on."
Fine Form
Friday 4th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Hughes/HughesCeleb.jpg)
Fulham will be looking to build on two recent impressive Barclays Premier League performances against Chelsea and Manchester City with another positive result against Blackburn Rovers at the Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
However Mark Hughes' Team will not be underestimating Saturday's opponents and Fulham will need a fine collective performance to navigate their way past Steve Kean's side at the Cottage.
"We're playing well at the moment," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "We've come through the games against Chelsea and Manchester City with a lot of credit and taken two points from those games.
"We're looking forward to the game against Blackburn but it's a difficult one for us because they're a good side that have threats. When they play well collectively they're a difficult team to overcome. We have to approach the game in the right manner and make sure we get the job done."
Hughes took a moment to praise the form of his central defensive pairing of Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes on Friday afternoon as the duo enjoy another outstanding season at the back for Fulham.
"We're playing well defensively and our central partnership, Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes, are playing exceptionally well," said Hughes. "Their performance against Manchester City was exceptional and with the support of Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird, we look a good solid unit.
"We make sure they have protection in front as well but the Team is working well collectively and I'm pleased with what we're producing at the moment."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/HughesRoversPreview.aspx#ixzz1Ff67xrBt (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/HughesRoversPreview.aspx#ixzz1Ff67xrBt)
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/03/football-news/kean-hopes-hard-work-pays-off-for-rovers (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/03/football-news/kean-hopes-hard-work-pays-off-for-rovers)
Kean hopes hard work pays off for Rovers
Date: 4th March 2011 at 4:08 pm
Written by FFC News Desk
Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean cancelled his players' day off this week in a bid to halt his side's bad run ahead of their match at Fulham on Saturday.
Blackburn have lost four of their past six Premier League games including a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last week and Kean knows they desperately need to create more goal-scoring opportunities.
"We have got to make sure we get service to the front men and make sure we can dictate play. That has been one of the disappointing aspects of recent weeks; we have not had enough service to the front unit. We have been working to fix that," he said.
"We had a good meeting with the players on Tuesday afternoon and we watched certain aspects of the game against Aston Villa. We've worked on that all week and the mood is good."
The players have been forced to forego their usual Wednesday day off in order to get in an extra day's preparation for the Craven Cottage showdown.
With new club owners Venky's expecting great things from the Lancashire club, the manager will be trying everything he can to improve on the club's current 14th position in the Premier League table.
"We've had a long week; normally we train very hard on a Tuesday and I give them the Wednesday off but we've been in all week. They have put in a lot of hard work on the training ground so hopefully we will see the rewards on Saturday," Kean said.
"This match is an opportunity for us to bounce back. Fulham are in decent form so we know it will be a tough game."
Blackburn will be without David Dunne (hip), Mauro Formica (fitness) and Phil Jones (knee). Junior Hoilett (hamstring) and Roque Santa Cruz (back) are both doubtful.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/03/next-up-blackburn-h/
Next up: Blackburn (h)
by Tor on March 4, 2011
I shall try to make a better go of this than last week's Man City preview which was, frankly, rubbish. Although I did manage a correct result, even if not the correct score. Better than Lawro managed. Ha!
It's probably fair to say that Blackburn seem to have a few defensive concerns this season, or certainly they do away from home where they've conceded a massive 35 goals. And the less said about the 1-4 defeat at home at the hands of Aston Villa last weekend, the better. Is that poor defending, poor goalkeeping or a combination of the two? With the usually safe England international Paul Robinson between the sticks perhaps the weakness sits with the back four. Unfortunately for Blackburn that back four will be further weakened tomorrow by the enforced absence of the suspended captain Ryan Nelsen, but boosted by the return of Chris Samba who we should all be fairly familiar with as he's been rumoured to join us every transfer window since forever. Well, a couple of years. He's good though. And for a centre-back he's a bit of a Hangeland-esque goal machine with 13 goals in 135 appearances. It'll be interesting to see if they can contain Clint Dempsey who like scoring against Blackburn, with 5 goals in 5 games. They could also have fit-again Bobby Zamora to deal with. Zamora looked in good shape on his eagerly-awaited return to the Fulham fold back in the FA Cup game against Bolton – not only was he hassling the defence, he didn't look afraid to get stuck in which some feared he may after such a horrific injury. I can't see Zamora starting tomorrow but Moussa Dembele and Andrew Johnson should both be available and they seem to be building up a decent understanding together.
In midfield, Blackburn are without the wonderfully entertaining El Hadji Diouf who's currently plying his trade on loan to Rangers (and getting into a wee spot of bother, as you'll know if you watched the Old Firm game on Tuesday) and the two injured Davids, Dunn and Hoilett. Last week's match featured Jermain Jones, Grella, Brett Emerton, Keith Andrews and subs Jason Roberts and Nzonzi. Only Emerton has made it to double figures for league appearances so far this season. With 27 games played so far this season, that doesn't suggest the most stable midfield ever. There's a little fire power up front though with Morten Gamst Pedersen and this season's top-scorer Nikola Kalinic leading the line. Roque Santa Cruz, on loan from last week's opponents Manchester City, is another player recently mooted for a link-up with Fulham but for one reason or another it didn't pan out. We won't get to see whether that was a good or bad outcome tomorrow as he's likely to be out with a back injury. There's a lot of that going around at the moment – yes Mr Senderos, I'm lookin' at you. I shouldn't have thought there'd be too much there to worry Hughes and Hangeland who can together handle just about anything thrown at them. It probably goes without saying that Baird will start, probably at right back leaving Carlos Salcido on the left. With Matthew Briggs having signed a new contract in the week that'll keep him at Craven Cottage until 2013, I'd prefer to give him a bit of a run out and see how well he fares against a similar level team. I can't see it though, we may not look like relegation fodder at the moment but that table is still looking scarily tight and a slip-up could have dire consequences, a risk I'm not sure Mark Hughes will want to take in his first season in charge. In midfield, Steve Sidwell is still out with that knee injury although his recovery is progressing according to schedule. Duff's on form and hopefully neither the week's Twitter excitement (the person claiming to be him is actually an imposter) nor the fact that this is where his career started will put him off that stride. Dickson Etuhu did well on his return last Sunday although Murphy looked a bit off his game. Was it me or was there an unusually high number of misplaced passes courtesy of Captain Dan?
This will be Steve Kean's first trip back to Craven Cottage as a fully-fledged manager, having spent four years here as assistant to Cookie. The team has seen wholesale changes since then so Kean won't have much inside info to help him out. Historically Blackburn have done reasonably well against us at Craven Cottage if you ignore last season's rainy Wednesday night 3-0 defeat (starring Erik Nevland, *sighs*). Overall though I think we should out-muscle Blackburn even with our reluctance to shoot from more than 5 yards beyond the goal-line. With a strong defence; a midfield which, on its day, can control anyone's game; and a couple more options in attack than previously this season, I'm fully anticipating a home win. I hope it'll be pretty too but I'd happily snatch a scrappy 3 points from you if offered it. By goodness do we need them.
How about your prediction? And what would be your starting XI?
