http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8388962/Fulham-manager-Mark-Hughes-plays-down-flattering-link-to-Bayern-Munich-managers-job.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8388962/Fulham-manager-Mark-Hughes-plays-down-flattering-link-to-Bayern-Munich-managers-job.html)
Fulham manager Mark Hughes plays down 'flattering' link to Bayern Munich manager's job
Mark Hughes has admitted that it was "flattering" to be linked with the post of head coach of Bayern Munich.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01851/sparky_1851189c.jpg)
Content manager: Mark Hughes is happy at Fulham for now despite being linked to Bayern Munich manager's job Photo: PA
By Jason Burt 10:30PM GMT 17 Mar 2011
The Fulham manager said he had no intention of quitting Craven Cottage at present, although there is a break clause in his contract which would allow him to leave without compensation being paid.
Telegraph Sport revealed that Hughes, a former Bayern player, is on a three-strong shortlist to replace Louis van Gaal, who is leaving the German champions at the end of this season after a difficult campaign.
Bayern are also interested in Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes – who is regarded as the favourite in Germany – and the former national captain, Matthias Sammer.
It is understood that Bayern president Uli Hoeness has pushed for Hughes – who has also managed Blackburn, Wales and Manchester City – to be considered although there is some nervousness at employing the 47-year-old Welshman who would, despite his managerial ability, represent a greater risk.
"It's very flattering but I'm quite happy doing what I'm doing at the moment," Hughes said on Thursday when asked whether he would be interested in returning to the club he played for on loan from Barcelona in the late 1980s.
"Sometimes, when a job becomes vacant, people look around to see whether there are any connections in terms of past playing careers or whatever," he said.
Nevertheless Hughes admitted that he would like to manage overseas.
"If opportunities in the future present themselves, I think it would be part of my football education and something that I'd want to do," he said. "But I'm not looking to do it at the moment.
"I'm enjoying my work. I think it [Fulham] is a great club and we're going in the right direction. Certainly, if we can invest more in the players next year as well, then I think we can kick on."
Meanwhile, Hughes insisted that Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed had earned the right to erect a statue of his friend, the legendary late singer Michael Jackson, at Craven Cottage.
"In fairness to the chairman, he's fully supported this club for a long time now, put in something like £200 million. And if he wants to make that gesture to somebody who he knew personally, then who am I to pass comment on it."
http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/9032450/etuhu-expected-to-be-right-for-fulhams-trip-to-everton/ (http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/9032450/etuhu-expected-to-be-right-for-fulhams-trip-to-everton/)
Etuhu expected to be right for Fulham's trip to Everton
tribalfootball.com
March 18, 2011, 9:05 am
Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu is expected to be fit for Saturday's clash with Everton at Goodison Park.
The 28-year old slightly strained his hamstring in the last Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers on March 5 but has recovered in time for the trip to the Merseyside.
"Dickson trained today [Thursday] and we'll have to see how he is on Friday," Cottagers boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website.
"He may well be an option for us. He had a slight twinge on his hamstring last week so we'll see if he's okay."
The Managerial Sack Race -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367406/The-Firing-Line-Roberto-Martinezs-managerial-career-crossroads.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367406/The-Firing-Line-Roberto-Martinezs-managerial-career-crossroads.html)
Mark Hughes targets new Fulham deal to fend off interest from Bayern Munich
By Sami Mokbel
Last updated at 10:31 PM on 17th March 2011
Mark Hughes has swung the door open for Fulham to offer him a new long-term contract after Sportsmail revealed he was on Bayern Munich's shortlist of candidates to replace outgoing manager Louis van Gaal, a role that now seems certain to go to Jupp Heynckes.
The former Manchester City chief's current contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of next season.
'I have no influence on when talks could start about a new contract,' said Hughes. 'That would have to come from the club, not me. But I'd like those type of conversations if I'm perfectly honest.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/17/article-1367000-0D7BD2DB000005DC-277_306x461.jpg) (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/17/article-1367000-00E4F0D600000190-273_306x461.jpg)
Then and now: Hughes patrols the touchline at Craven Cottage (left) and appeals during his Bayern pomp
'If the club feel I'm doing a good a job and that's what they want to do then I'm open to it.' On the prospect of a return to Munich, Hughes added: 'The reports were flattering but I'm happy doing what I'm doing at the moment.
'It shows how fickle football is. It was only a couple of months ago I was being tipped for the sack and now I'm being linked with one of the biggest jobs in Europe.'
Dickson Etuhu returned to training yesterday after recovering from a hamstring strain but Steve Sidwell will miss Saturday's clash against Everton with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Hughes will let Diomansy Kamara decide if he wants to move to Leicester, who are interested in signing the striker on loan.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367351/Mark-Hughes-targets-new-Fulham-deal-fend-Bayern-Munich.html#ixzz1GuPo0yfT (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367351/Mark-Hughes-targets-new-Fulham-deal-fend-Bayern-Munich.html#ixzz1GuPo0yfT)
Sir Alex Ferguson's five-match ban will kick in with immediate effect after the Manchester United boss accepted his FA punishment.
United have confirmed to the FA that there would be no appeal and requested a quick start to the sanction.
That means Ferguson will sit in the stands for the Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton on Saturday, followed by the matches with West Ham, Fulham, Manchester City in the FA Cup and Everton. His first match back is due to be the league meeting with title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on May 1.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367290/Alex-Ferguson-accepts-match-ban.html#ixzz1GuQZ6oKe (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367290/Alex-Ferguson-accepts-match-ban.html#ixzz1GuQZ6oKe)
Fulham's Jacko statue is not Wacko! Hughes defends Al Fayed's controversial plans
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 5:38 PM on 17th March 2011
Mark Hughes has insisted Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed had earned the right to erect a statue of Michael Jackson at Craven Cottage.
Al Fayed, a close friend of the late performer, has caused controversy after announcing he had decided to place the tribute to Jackson outside the Cottagers' stadium.
The statue was commissioned following Jackson's death in June 2009 and was due to be erected at Harrods before Al Fayed sold the Knightsbridge store.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/17/article-1367251-0B34630E00000578-634_468x337.jpg)
Was it a Thriller? Jackson visited Fulham with Al Fayed in 1999
The decision to relocate it to Craven Cottage is likely to divide opinion, with statues at football grounds generally reserved for club legends.
Jackson's links to Fulham are tenuous to say the least - he watched a game there as a guest of Al Fayed in 1999 - while the singer was also dogged by controversy during his lifetime.
But Cottagers boss Hughes refused to criticise Al Fayed, saying: 'In fairness to the chairman, he's fully supported this club for a long time now, put in something like £200million.
'And if he wants to make that gesture to somebody who he knew personally then who am I to pass comment on it.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/17/article-1367251-0C95079E000005DC-437_468x360.jpg)
That's not how you moonwalk, Mark! Fulham's boss (right) shows off his footwork
'What has to be judged are the reasons behind it. And the reasons are he was a close personal friend of the chairman of Fulham Football Club, and he obviously wants to mark that and make people understand the respect and affection that he had for the guy.'
Hughes, who revealed he was a fan of Jackson's music, acknowledged the move would be controversial.
'The fact that it's at the football club will maybe cause a debate,' he said. 'But, really, we shouldn't question our chairman's motives.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367251/Fulhams-Michael-Jackson-statue-Wacko-insists-Mark-Hughes.html#ixzz1GuQvCzcM (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367251/Fulhams-Michael-Jackson-statue-Wacko-insists-Mark-Hughes.html#ixzz1GuQvCzcM)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-again-be-without-sidwell-weekend-1513641 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-again-be-without-sidwell-weekend-1513641)
Fulham to again be without Sidwell this weekend
17.03.11 | Andrew Slevison
Steve Sidwell will miss Fulham's trip to Everton on Saturday because of a knee injury.
The former Aston Villa midfielder has not played since the February 20 FA Cup clash with Bolton and Mark Hughes has confirmed that he will not be right for the Goodison Park fixture with the Toffees.
"Injury wise, Steve Sidwell is not available for Saturday's game," Hughes said. "We expect Steve to be back in training next week but then he'll need a number of sessions to get back to a level, but he's a fit guy.
"We don't anticipate he's lost much fitness in the time he's been out so hopefully we'll get him back very, very quickly.
"He's [Sidwell] done very well since he's come here and it would be good to have him as an option again."
Hughes added that Sidwell's absence has not affected the squad too much due to the fact that Dickson Etuhu has remained fit but said it would be nice to have the pair together in the centre of the pitch.
"We were compensated because his injury coincided with Dickson coming back. His injury hasn't had too much impact, which it would have done if Dickson wasn't available. It would be good to get them both fit and well for the games we have left," he added.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/03/17/dickson-etuhu-hands-fulham-fitness-boost-82029-28352784/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/03/17/dickson-etuhu-hands-fulham-fitness-boost-82029-28352784/)
Dickson Etuhu hands Fulham fitness boost
Mar 17 2011
By Paul Warburton
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/sep2010/1/5/dickson-etuhu-image-1-462385439.jpg)
DICKSON Etuhu is due to return to training this morning to hand boss Mark Hughes a major fitness boost ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.
The Fulham midfielder aggravated the hamstring injury which kept him out for a month earlier this year in the win against Blackburn a fortnight ago.
And the no-nonsense Nigerian reckons maybe two years of non-stop football has had something to do with it.
He said: "I've not had a summer for the last two years playing for Nigeria in the qualifiers or the World Cup itself, and we had the Europa League on top of everything else as well last season – not that I'm complaining."
Etuhu will join in sessions with his team-mates at Motspur Park today before the journey to Merseyside at the weekend.
FAN FORM: FULHAM
Thursday 17 March 2011, 09:16
by Antonia De Feo @antoniadefeo
Welcome to the Fan Form! Everton take on Fulham on Saturday desperately needing to increase their Premier League points tally.
With meetings between the clubs going back to 1925, Everton have never lost a home league game to the Cottagers.
So before Mark Hughes' side come to town, evertonfc.com caught up with Fulham fan James Andrew for a preview of Saturday's Premier League showdown.
I James Andrew confirm I am a fan of Fulham Football Club.
I have been supporting Fulham since I can remember! But started going regularly when I was about 11 in 1995 when we were in the old Division Three.
I am feeling strangely optimistic about this upcoming game between Everton and Fulham. I can't put my finger on why as the history books would suggest this game has a home win written all over it, but Fulham are playing quite well at the moment and the poor run at Goodison has to end sooner or later!
Our best performer this season has been Aaron Hughes. It has not really been a season where any individual has really stood out. But the partnership between Hughes and Brede Hangeland at the back has been key to us doing well in recent seasons. Hangeland is normally the one who gets singled out, but Hughes' contribution should not be underestimated. The ever-versatile Chris Baird deserves an honourable mention as well.
Aaron Hughes in action for Fulham
Our best result of the season so far has been the 2-0 home win over Stoke, not just the result but the performance that day was the best for a while. But a special mention has to go to the 4-0 win over Spurs in the FA Cup, it was just a shame we could not go on a longer Cup run.
Our form away from home has been better than results would suggest. So far we have only won once on the road this season, but we are a lot harder to beat compared to recent seasons and have picked up a lot of draws.
Our manager Mark Hughes is doing a decent job. Any manager coming in after Roy Hodgson was always going to have a difficult task, especially after the success of last season in the Europa League. Hughes had a tough start with injuries to key players such as Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele so he has done ok. I'm starting to warm to him more and more, especially when he keeps referring to Fulham as 'my team' in interviews.
Fulham's most important player is Bobby Zamora. He has been missed massively this season through injury, but he is back now and will hopefully provide a focal point for the rest of the team for the remainder of the season.
Bobby Zamora celebrates scoring for the Cottagers
Coming to Goodison Park will be very difficult because we have not won there in the League - ever! I remember being at Goodison about seven years ago for an FA Cup tie and Fulham were 1-0 up going into injury time when Francis Jeffers popped up to grab an equalizer – that is the closest I can remember us getting a result. Other than that I have normally seen us lose by two goals or more!
Everton's best player is Louis Saha because on his day and when fit he is one of the best strikers in this League. Having seen him first hand fire Fulham up into the Premier League 10 years ago I know how good he can be. He's the best striker I've seen in a Fulham shirt. Left foot, right foot or with his head he is lethal. Unfortunately for him and all the clubs he has played for his career has been blighted by injury problems.
A successful season for Fulham would be survival, first and foremost. This season was always going to have an 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' feel about it following the Europa League campaign last season, and so it has proved. So the key is staying up this year and trying to push on next season.
By the time May comes around I reckon we finish 12th and you will probably be a few of places above us in 9th.
Fulham fans question plan for Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage
By Dan Hodges
Mar 17 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/mar2011/4/7/jacko-3-173056162.JPG)
It has been more than a decade since a statue of Michael Jackson last overlooked the Thames – but thanks to Fulham FC chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, the king of pop is to become a permanent fixture.
The club has revealed that a statue of Jacko will be unveiled at Craven Cottage before the match against Blackpool on April 3, in tribute to the friendship Mr Al Fayed enjoyed with the late superstar.
The specially commissioned statue was originally mooted to be put up outside the Harrods store in Knightsbridge, but has been moved to the Fulham FC ground after the department store was put up for sale.
It comes 16 years after Jackson floated a gigantic statue of himself down the Thames to promote his album HIStory.
Announcing the erection of the statue next to the club's Riverside and Hammersmith stands, Mr Al Fayed said: "Michael Jackson was truly a legend, a term used too often in this modern world saturated in the hyperbole surrounding celebrity.
"He was my friend, a man with whom I shared many happy memories and who died a tragic and untimely death. He left behind a legacy of music so vast it takes one's breath away, from a precocious talent to an ingenuity and ground breaking modernity that shall never be repeated. It shall often be imitated, but it will never be replicated, Michael Jackson was, and shall always remain, one of a kind."
The chairman added that he hoped fans of the singer would visit craven Cottage 'from far and wide' and that Fulham fans 'will appreciate seeing the finest performer in the world, in and amongst them, the finest fans in the world.'
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/mar2011/4/2/jacko-2-847798812.JPG)
But the prospect of a Jacko statue drew anger from a number of Fulham supporters, with more than 60 people signing a petition on the club's website calling for the move to be abandoned within 24 hours of it being announced.
One writing as Colonel Bennett branded the statue 'cheap tat', adding: "No consultation with fans, no clue or complete contempt about this club's fine history."
Another said: "I keep hoping that this is a premature, and embarrassing, April fool's joke."
Others struck a more pragmatic tone.
One fan using the name Logicman said supporters would have to accept some of Mr Al Fayed's 'eccentricities' if the chairman is to continue giving the club his financial backing.
He said: "The place this statue appears is not as prominent as some people might believe, and if it was a straight choice between keeping the statue or losing Mohamed Al Fayed's backing, I know which side I would fall on, and when push comes to shove, and all the hue and cry has died down, I feel a lot of people will feel the same."
The statue is already thought to be in place and will be officially unveiled at 12pm on April 3.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2011/03/17/fulham-fans-question-plan-for-michael-jackson-statue-at-craven-cottage-82029-28354186/#ixzz1GuimUfpe (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2011/03/17/fulham-fans-question-plan-for-michael-jackson-statue-at-craven-cottage-82029-28354186/#ixzz1GuimUfpe)
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/03/game_on.php (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/03/game_on.php)
Game On!
Posted by Phil Mison 15 hours, 59 minutes ago
Have we all been suffering withdrawal symptoms? Breathless as the Blackburn action was, I'm gagging to see the boys back in action this weekend. A decent result at Everton is long overdue
Unless you're lucky enough to be following a side still in contention for European or domestic cup honours, things have been pretty humdrum for the past ten days. I thought about blogging just for the sake of it, but scanning the press pages over the days for Fulham related stuff, nothing substantial commanded my attention. Oh, and I've also just had a month of visiting an ailing mother in hospital. She passed away Tuesday night. No sympathy notes necessary dear readers, she was 84, died peacefully in her sleep, and had a dignified end. Death is an inevitable part of life. Just remember to say all the things that matter while you can and treat time as a thief - live every day to the max.
So to Goodison. Will that unenviable record of defeats continue, or can we find inspiration for a second away win of the season? Whites fans travel with more optimism than recent years after our improved run of results since January. We have all our big players back in contention - bar Sidwell - while Everton are missing big names, Cahill, Arteta and Fellaini for starters. Nothing personal, 'cause he's my favourite Fulham players of the past 10 years, but I'm praying Saha does not start.
Last week Moyes boys could only scramble a point against distinctly average Birmingham. Everton remain light years away from turning into a top six side and finances there are tight. Yet they sit just above us in the table, and after a poor start to the season still came down to the Cottage at the end of September to play the better football in a game we deserved to lose. With the bottom half of the table so closely packed, Hughes knows we remain very much part of the relegation dog fight, being just 4 points better off than 18th placed West Ham. I feel Wigan now are doomed, and probably Wolves, though their spirit has yet to be broken, as they showed against Spurs. The team taking the third relegation place could come from any one of 7, including FFC. Bottom at Christmas, I can even see WHU finishing above us. It's been a crazy season. And one where, but for one limp display last month, we could well have got to Wembley...a big opportunity missed.
Hand on heart, I genuinely sense in the league we are going to be fine. Defensively we are the best equipped of all the sides in the bottom half. A win Saturday would indeed allow a mass collective sigh of relief in this difficult campaign. By Easter I predict we will be clear of danger, with a top ten final placing very much within grasp. Lose to Everton, pick up a red card for one of the back four and lose three key figures to injury in the next 10 days...well, there's a knee-trembling scenario to put us all on valium. Pray this doomsday prediction does NOT come to pass. But that's the unpredictability of football, and as I write this on the anniversary of our unforgettable win over Juventus, we all know following the Fulham does have a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Following Fulham from next month will also allow you to be photographed next to a statue saluting the King of Pop. Yes, Michael Jackson somehow finds his way to a commemorative corner of the ground (usually populated by a large burger van) because, apparently he and the chairman had a 'special bond.' You couldn't make this stuff up. Today's press release from Mo's office tells us, "He was my friend, a man with whom I shared many happy memories and who died a tragic and untimely death".
Now I do know the bizarre crotch fondling popster did make one visit for a game back in 1999 as al Fayed's guest. Unkind cynics would have you believe this was nothing more than a publicity stunt two years after Mo took the club over...who am I to doubt that Michael perhaps then raided the club shop for replica kit, key fobs and teddy bears on leaving before establishing regular transatlantic calls from LA each Saturday to get an update from Maf on the team's progess. Do I think the Thriller album finds its way regularly onto Mo's hi-fi system at home, or that in more private moments our chairman is practising his moonwalk in front of the mirror? Er...no. But a Michael Jackson statue will be unveiled on the day of the Blackpool game. Will anyone be keeping a straight face? Let's hope the casting achieves the right level of pigmentation...or perhaps it will be designed to change with the seasons?
To another story that also requires elasticity of the imagination. Hughes to Bayern Munich? There's much speculative journalism on this topic today I note. When have Bundesliga clubs ever courted English managers? Why would they when their own are genetically stamped to coach the best footballers in Europe? One journo describes Mark as heading the short list after 'steadying the ship' at Fulham. Some might say it only started rocking once he turned up. Disregarding the unfortunate injuries early season to Zamora and Dembele, the Steve Sidwell deal was all but sealed by Woy before he left. Mark only had to rubber stamp it. He chose not to. We've all witnessed the upsurge of energy from midfield in the short time Steve's been with us, and we all saw the mediocrity served up by our old and slow midfielders in the dark days up to Christmas. The replacement front men were given nothing to feed off - a situation entirely avoidable.
Bayern need a big figure to regain their dominance of German football, winning European Cups is a further stretch entirely. And Mark is the man for that? Apparently Mark 'forged a close relationship with Bayern president Uli Hoeness during his stint there as a player in 87-88.' Really? In just one season? I worked in Germany for ten years...no German becomes your bosom buddy inside 12 months. Trust me.
Enough of this twaddle. The blogger is back, it's just that the world seems rather more crazy at the moment. I wonder if it's all related to the massive increase in solar flare activity last January?
Back with all the Fulham news later in the week as we return to reality. COYW!
Twitter@fulhamphil
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/fulham/67199/fulham-to-plonk-michael-jackson-statue-outside-craven-cottage.html (http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/fulham/67199/fulham-to-plonk-michael-jackson-statue-outside-craven-cottage.html)
Fulham To Plonk Michael Jackson Statue Outside Craven Cottage
By Chris Wright
(http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Koons1.jpg)
Image: Artist's representation
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has announced that he plans to unveil a statue of his close friend Michael Jackson at Craven Cottage, after missing out on the chance to erect it outside Harrods (as he originally planned) due to the sale of the Knightsbridge store.
The Jacko memorial is to be situated alongside the existing statue of Fulham legend Johnny Haynes next to the Riverside and Hammersmith Stands at the Cottage, though no further details have been released – other than that the unveiling ceremony has reportedly been pencilled in for April 3rd, before Fulham's game with Blackpool.
Said Al Fayed:
"Michael Jackson was truly a legend, a term used too often in this modern world saturated in the hyperbole surrounding celebrity.
"He was my friend, a man with whom I shared many happy memories and who died a tragic and untimely death. He left behind a legacy of music so vast it takes one's breath away; from a precocious talent to an ingenuity and ground breaking modernity that shall never be repeated.
"It shall often be imitated, but it will never be replicated, Michael Jackson was, and shall always remain, one of a kind.
"I hope that many fans of his will visit the statue at the Cottage from far and wide, and that Fulham fans will appreciate seeing the finest performer in the world, in and amongst them, the finest fans in the world."
How utterly ridiculous, and how presumptuous of Al Fayed to think that the Fulham fans would want to share in such a vain folly.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy expensive public tributes to deceased multi-millionaire wackjobs as much as the next man, but there is a lengthy list of vastly more worthy Fulham alumni (George Best, Sir Bobby, even Roy Hodgson) that should be comfortably in front of Jackson in the queue for a statue at Craven Cottage.
For posterity's sake, here's a clip of 'No. 1 Fulham fan' Jacko waving a scarf around his partially-melted head at the Cottage back in 1999...
michael jackson @ craven cottage 1999 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK7POGGUULM#)
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/mark-hughes-confirms-leicester-city-s-interest-in-diomansy-kamara-82029-28355251/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/mark-hughes-confirms-leicester-city-s-interest-in-diomansy-kamara-82029-28355251/)
Mark Hughes confirms Leicester City's interest in Diomansy Kamara
By Jacob Murtagh
Mar 17 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/oct2010/3/6/diomansy-kamara-image-5-231265988.jpg)
FULHAM boss Mark Hughes is willing to let Diomansy Kamara join Leicester City on loan.
The Foxes have been linked with a move for the Senegalese striker, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Kamara is way down the pecking order at Craven Cottage after the return to fitness of Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele, and the January arrivals of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Gael Kakuta.
The former West Brom frontman has failed to even make the bench in recent weeks, and Hughes has given him the green light to move to the Walkers stadium.
He said: "There is interest but it hasn't come to a conclusion. He has to have a discussion with his advisers.
"It's an opportunity for him because he is not in my first 18 at the moment."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/mark-hughes-confirms-leicester-city-s-interest-in-diomansy-kamara-82029-28355251/#ixzz1GumHKzUp (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/mark-hughes-confirms-leicester-city-s-interest-in-diomansy-kamara-82029-28355251/#ixzz1GumHKzUp)
Fulham's losses won't affect Sparky's transfer plans
By Jacob Murtagh
Mar 17 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/aug2010/0/6/mark-hughes-image-3-359247349.jpg)
MARK Hughes insists Fulham's £16.9million loss for the past financial year will have no impact on his transfer plans for next season.
Figures announced this week showed that wages and new contracts meant the club's losses had increased by £10m on the previous year, despite raking in £12.5m for their run to the Europa League final.
Chairman Mohammed Al-Fayed reaffirmed his commitment to the club this week, and boss Hughes doesn't expect the latest figures to stop him strengthening the squad in the summer.
"The losses weren't unexpected," he said. "They will have no impact on what I want to do in the summer."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/fulham-s-losses-won-t-affect-sparky-s-transfer-plans-64767-28355422/#ixzz1GumrsDOG (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/fulham-s-losses-won-t-affect-sparky-s-transfer-plans-64767-28355422/#ixzz1GumrsDOG)
Everton v Fulham
By Jacob Murtagh
Mar 17 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/jul2010/0/6/bobby-zamora-image-1-586236664.jpg)
BOBBY Zamora will have to settle for a place on the bench for Saturday's trip to Goodison Park.
The England striker was a super-sub in the last-gasp win against Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago, but isn't ready to play 90 minutes yet according to boss Mark Hughes.
Dickson Etuhu returned to training today and should be available after shaking off a hamstring problem, but Steve Sidwell (knee) is still out.
Philippe Senderos is set to return to full training next week after suffering stiffness in his hamstring.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/everton-v-fulham-64767-28355492/#ixzz1GunAqtxy (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/17/everton-v-fulham-64767-28355492/#ixzz1GunAqtxy)
Strength in Numbers
Thursday 17th March 2011
Fulham return to competitive action this weekend with a trip to Everton, and with the Whites boasting a number of attacking options, Simon Davies is looking ahead to the encounter at Goodison Park.
"The squad's looking really healthy," Davies told fulhamfc.com. "I looked at the squad board today and every one of them are top players. It's good for the Manager to have selection headaches and hopefully we'll be able to keep everyone fit and really have a strong finish to the season.
"It's a strong squad and the Team's been doing really well – so you sometimes find yourself not being involved as much. But at the end of the day, we're all rooting for the same thing so you've got to stay positive and keep the spirit in the dressing room strong."
The Whites moved up the table to 11th following a well-earned victory over Blackburn at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago and go into Saturday's game in the knowledge that a victory over the Toffees will put them above Everton in the table.
"It's going to be a tough game," Davies explained. "It's a tough place to go and if one of us gets the win it's going to push us one step closer to being safe. The incentive is the same for both sides. We've been involved with every game so far this season; we've only really had one bad defeat against Manchester City at home so hopefully we can give it a go.
"We had a few days off after the Blackburn game but training's been good this week and everyone's looking forward to Saturday now.
"There hasn't been any let up in the intensity of our training, we definitely get the work in. It's important that the manager gives the lads two or three days to rest and recuperate – you have to take those chances when you get them."
And with Bobby Zamora finding his goal scoring touch against Blackburn, Davies acknowledges that last season's top scorer is getting back to his best at just the right time.
"I think it's a confidence thing once you've had an injury like that, so Bobby says. He's looking stronger every day, his movement's getting better so he'll be looking to play a part come the weekend."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DaviesEvertonPreview.aspx#ixzz1GunPHUS4 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DaviesEvertonPreview.aspx#ixzz1GunPHUS4)
Team News
Thursday 17th March 2011
Fulham manager Mark Hughes is hoping Dickson Etuhu will be fit for Saturday's trip to Goodison Park to face Everton after the midfielder returned to training on Thursday.
With Steve Sidwell unavailable Hughes will be hoping Etuhu will be fit to partner captain Danny Murphy in central midfield.
"Injury wise, Steve Sidwell is not available for Saturday's game," said Hughes during Thursday's pre-match press conference. "We expect Steve to be back in training next week but then he'll need a number of sessions to get back to a level, but he's a fit guy. We don't anticipate he's lost much fitness in the time he's been out so hopefully we'll get him back very, very quickly.
"He's [Sidwell] done very well since he's come here and it would be good to have him as an option again. We were compensated because his injury coincided with Dickson coming back. His injury hasn't had too much impact, which it would have done if Dickson wasn't available. It would be good to get them both fit and well for the games we have left.
"Dickson trained today [Thursday] and we'll have to see how he is on Friday. He may well be an option for us. He had a slight twinge on his hamstring last week so we'll see if he's okay. Other than that we're okay."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/EvertonTeamNews.aspx#ixzz1Gundj5TQ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/EvertonTeamNews.aspx#ixzz1Gundj5TQ)
Dalla Valle Loan Extended
Thursday 17th March 2011
Following an impressive start to his time at AFC Bournemouth, Lauri Dalla Valle's loan spell has been extended until the end of the 2010/11 Football League season.
The young Fulham striker has made an immediate impact for the Cherries, netting goals against Oldham and Southampton.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DallaValleLoanExtended.aspx#ixzz1GunpJ2m2 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DallaValleLoanExtended.aspx#ixzz1GunpJ2m2)
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/everton-captain-back-in-action (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/everton-captain-back-in-action)
Everton captain back in action
By GMF Editor March 17, 2011
Everton have received a much needed boost to their midfield with the possible return of Phil Neville for the weekend match up with Fulham.
The Liverpool Daily Post are reporting that David Moyes will be looking to make Neville available after adequately recovering from a hamstring strain suffered at St James' Park against Newcastle.
Currently sitting mid table, but only six points from the relegation zone, the Toffees face Fulham in a match which will determine how difficult it is for the club to stay in the Premiership flight.
If Everton were to be relegated, it would be only the third time in history for the club. Everton are currently the second side behind Arsenal to spend the most time in the top flight.
But Everton have more statistics on their side going into the weekend than a small amount of relegations. They also have a 100 percent winning record against Fulham at home, and that coupled with Neville's return, leaves Everton midfielder Tony Hibbert with the belief that the Toffees can take away three points this weekend.
"It should be a good game," Hibbert said.
"It probably does help a bit when you know you have a good record against a team."
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/03/chairman-mo-announces-new-statue/ (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/03/chairman-mo-announces-new-statue/)
Chairman Mo Announces New Statue
by gatesy on March 17, 2011
Yesterday the club announced that prior to out home match against Blackpool on Sunday April 3rd, Chairman Mo would be unveiling a statue to his mate Michael Jackson. But why? And who is he? Let me take you by the hand and explain all:
Seen in the media, and on some Fulham internet forums, as strange, amusing or even a bonkers idea, the statue will feature the big man in one of his most iconic poses and will stand looking out over Old Father Thames between the Hammersmith and Riverside stands.
Jackson was born in the town of Runcorn in 1973. And twenty years later he made his first senior appearance for Crewe Alexandra. Going on to make 560 appearances for his six league clubs as well as a handful of games for hometown club Runcorn. Retiring in January 2010 owing to serious knee problems he is now a coach at the club he finished his playing career with, Shrewsbury Town and is a hot tip to step up into the managers seat there in the near future.
When you think about all of the legends that have graced the turf at Craven Cottage over its history it seems an odd choice to erect a statue of a player who never actually played for Fulham. Speculation that the club are considering striking a statue for either Paul Benson or Junior Agogo have yet to be confirmed.
**CORRECTION**
It has been brought to my attention that the statue will actually represent the American Singer/Songwriter/fruitcake Michael 'King of Pop' Jackson and not the retired northern footballer. If you think about it, that kinda makes more sense.
Apologies for any confusion, gang.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/5972/4/exclusive-dembele-england-are-jealous-belgiums-young-talent
Exclusive - Dembele: 'England are jealous of Belgium's young talent'
By Warren Haughton
Thursday, March 17
Mousa Dembele has told talkSPORT the new generation of Belgian players are the envy of Europe's elite.
Belgium are struggling to qualify for Euro 2012 next summer, but Dembele is confident the future is bright for his country's international team.
He told talkSPORT: "We have a very good team and, even if you compare us to England, we have talent England is very jealous of. We should be qualifying for tournaments.
"If our players were English they would play for the English national team. I hope more Belgian players come to the Premier League."
More pressing for Dembele right now is to end the season on a high with Fulham and to banish any lingering fears of relegation.
The Cottagers face a tough challenge this weekend when they travel to Everton, but Dembele feels his side has been boosted by the return of England man Bobby Zamora, who has missed much of the season through season.
"Everybody is happy he's back," added the Belgian striker. "He's shown us already he's a good player. He is very strong in the air and can keep the ball.
"It's a very important game and we have proved ourselves against the good teams. At the start of the season, we played well but did not have much luck, but now our luck has changed."
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/5973/6/hughes-reveals-senderos-closing-fulham-debut
Hughes reveals Senderos closing in on Fulham debut
By talkSPORT
Thursday, March 17
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has revealed that defender Philippe Senderos will finally return to full training next week.
A serious Achilles tendon injury has prevented the Switzerland international from making his Fulham debut, despite joining them seven months ago.
But Hughes has confirmed that the former Arsenal and AC Milan defender is now on the verge of finally shaking off the problem and could be fit enough to take part in Fulham's run in this season.
Ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, the manager said: "Philippe Senderos is still unavailable.
"He's got some stiffness in his hamstring, so he had to have some treatment from the medical people, but he should be back in full training next week."
Sorry, Fulham fans, but Mark Hughes is the perfect fit for Bayern Munich.
Sparky still has many connections there from his time as a Bayern player and when I played for him at Blackburn, the club even arranged for us to stage a training camp at their pre-season site on the German/Austrian border.
Bayern are struggling this season and their fans would appreciate Mark's determination and the demands he makes on his team.
With Champions League football virtually guaranteed every year – although it might be beyond them this time – it's an ideal stage for a manager who should still be in a job at Manchester City, even though Jupp Heynckes appears to be in pole position for the role.
I've said it before but Fulham seems to me to be too cosy a club for someone like Sparky.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-Blackburn-Rovers-sinking-towards-relegation-under-Steve-Kean-Mark-Hughes-should-quit-Fulham-for-Bayern-Munich-Simon-Grayson-could-make-Leeds-fans-stop-talking-about-Don-Revie-article714758.html#ixzz1GupYO4Ar (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-Blackburn-Rovers-sinking-towards-relegation-under-Steve-Kean-Mark-Hughes-should-quit-Fulham-for-Bayern-Munich-Simon-Grayson-could-make-Leeds-fans-stop-talking-about-Don-Revie-article714758.html#ixzz1GupYO4Ar)
http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/03/manchester-united-track-dutch-wonderkid (http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/03/manchester-united-track-dutch-wonderkid)
Manchester United track Dutch wonderkid
Published on March 17, 2011
by Rob Morris
(http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ola-John-Manchester-United-2011-300x169.jpg)
Manchester United are tracking 18-year-old FC Twente wonderkid Ola John.
John, who is the younger brother of former Fulham striker Collins John, has reportedly been scouted by both United and Ajax this season.
John said: "I speak to Collins every day. He is proud of me and told me to continue here.
"In any case it is too early to go to England and FC Twente is a good club, so why would I want to leave?"
John has a contract at the Eredivisie club until 2014.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9428120.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9428120.stm)
Lawro's prediction
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51725000/gif/_51725030_eve_ful_0506.gif)
Everton v Fulham (1730)
Everton have been hit by injuries to key players at a really important time. They may sit ninth going into the weekend but only six points separate them from West Ham in 18th and without Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Neville they could have problems.
However, they do put teams under real pressure at Goodison and Fulham continue to look unconvincing on the road. They got a draw at Manchester City in February, which showed they're no pushovers.
That said, I think Everton will edge it and they need to. They've got mounting debts and chairman Bill Kenwright recently said that if someone came in for manager David Moyes they wouldn't be able to stand in his way. These are slightly worrying times for Evertonians.
Prediction: 2-1
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6819843,00.html
Palace loan star impressing
Clubs check on Fulham midfielder
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey
Last updated: 18th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/03/218x298/KagishoDikgacoi_2574981.jpg)
Dikgacoi: Impressing
Kagisho Dikgacoi is attracting attention after an impressive spell on loan at Crystal Palace, skysports.com understands.
The South Africa international is on loan with the Eagles from Premier League Fulham.
He has started six games for Palace and has played a major role for them as they look to try and avoid relegation from the Championship.
And his displays with the South London club have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Roy Hodgson, the man who took him to Fulham and now in charge of West Bromwich Albion, is thought to be keeping close tabs on his progress.
West Brom's Black Country rivals Wolves are also believed to be taking a look, while Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers are believed to be showing an interest.
Dikgacoi joined Fulham in 2009 from Golden Arrows, but has been limited to just 13 appearances for the Cottagers in that time.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/03/18/sidwell-s-arrival-will-make-me-a-better-player-etuhu-64767-28359846/
Sidwell's arrival will make me a better player - Etuhu
Mar 18 2011
By Paul Warburton
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/sep2010/6/9/dickson-etuhu-image-1-84570166.jpg)
DICKSON Etuhu reckons Steve Sidwell's attempt to snatch his Fulham place will make the Nigerian international a better player.
The defensive midfielder throws his hat into the ring for a slot at Everton tomorrow (Saturday) knowing he could bang nails into his mate's coffin if he holds down the place that has been his for the last two years.
Etuhu said: "It's not for me to make those kind of decisions, but the competition with Siddy will only make me want to perform better.
"It's true there's not really been anyone else to go for my particular role. And I think I have built up a particularly good partnership with Danny Murphy in midfield, but ideally the club needs two good players for every position."
Sidwell, who is sidelined with a knee problem, has insisted every chance he gets in a white shirt is a step closer to a long deal when his current six-month contract runs out in the summer, and the former Chelsea and Aston Villa player made his Fulham debut when he replaced Etuhu during the 2-0 win over Stoke in January.
Etuhu was straight back in to the Cottage with a hamstring strain after he made way – but aggravated the injury in the 3-2 win over Blackburn a fortnight ago.
However, he returned to training yesterday ahead of the trip to Merseyside as the Whites look to continue their climb up the table.
And with a string of Fulham wins, Etuhu is eyeing a return to Europe next season – so concertinaed is the Premiership from sixth down.
It would do the Cottage cause no harm at all if Chelsea were to win the Champions League at Wembley – and free up one more Euro spot for Fulham and other English contenders.
"I've also got mates at Chelsea," said Etuhu. "The African players there like John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien and Didier (Drogba) I get on well with – although I'd better say I Manchester United as well, so I don't get so much stick from their fans the next time we play them."
Race to the Finish
Friday 18th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Etuhu/EtuhuScores.jpg)
Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu is hoping to be fit for Saturday's clash against Everton at Goodison Park after picking up a hamstring injury following the game against Blackburn Rovers.
The recent break in fixtures has allowed additional recovery time for the Nigerian international who is now looking to finish the season on a high with nine Barclays Premier League fixtures remaining of the 2010/11 campaign.
"I did my hamstring against Stoke and I tried to come back about ten days later and I did it again. That kept me out another ten days and then I did it again after the Blackburn game," Dickson told fulhamfc.com. "I'd not trained for two weeks. I've started training this week to be fit for the Everton game.
"The last game I played before my hamstring injury was against Stoke when we won 2-0. At the time I was flying and getting stronger with every game and enjoying my football so much. I came off just after we'd scored the second goal and we absolutely battered them.
"From a personal point of view I was doing well and I was fit and now I have to build myself up again. Obviously the Team's doing well and now I'm coming back and ready to fight for my spot. There are still a lot of games left to go this season and I'm looking forward to finishing strong."
Etuhu is confident that Fulham are more than capable of achieving a top ten finish this season and with Mark Hughes' Team enjoying several fine wins in 2011, the midfielder is focusing on pushing hard until the finish line on Sunday, 22nd May.
"If you look at the League table you can see we haven't lost many games," explained Dickson. "I've always thought we've done okay and that we've just drawn too many games and sooner or later we'll turn those draws into wins. That's what we're doing now.
"At the end of the day I believe we can finish a lot higher than where we are at the moment. We all believe that and it's about focusing on trying to take maximum points from every game. We've got to keep pushing in the right direction."
Etuhu has a healthy respect for Saturday's opponents, having been on the receiving end of a heavy defeat at Goodison Park during his Sunderland days, and Fulham will clearly not be underestimating the challenge that lies ahead this weekend after a tough encounter against David Moyes' side at the Cottage earlier in the season.
"It's a tough place to go," said Etuhu. "I played there for Sunderland when they got battered 7-1! I remember that beating. I didn't play at Goodison last season because I was rested. It's tough against them and they're a good team. They gave us a tough match at the Cottage this season and if I'm honest I thought we were lucky to get a draw on the day. They played very well."
Etuhu is now in direct competition with January signing Steve Sidwell for the midfield berth alongside captain Danny Murphy and Etuhu expects both players to remain at the very top of their game with such fierce competition for places.
"It's good to have that challenge and I'm looking forward to it," Etuhu explained. "It keeps you on your toes and probably makes you deliver better performances so everybody wins. It's good to have competition and I'll fight for my spot.
"It's up to the manager to choose who he feels is right for his Team but whatever happens I'll be pushing to get a shirt. Steve [Sidwell] will be doing the same – he's a good lad and we get on well. It's football and there are only eleven shirts so not everyone can play and like I said, it helps both of us because it keeps us at the top of our game."
Etuhu will enjoy his first break from football this summer after two non-stop years of playing and whilst the midfielder is looking forward to giving his body a well-earned rest, his desire and passion for the game shines through.
"The summer before the World Cup I was playing World Cup Qualifiers for six weeks so I've had no break over the past two summers. I've had 10 days off - after a while your body starts to feel it but I'm trying to get as many breaks as I can here and there, but I wouldn't change it for anything and it's great to be playing football. I love the game and the buzz."
.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/EtuhuInterview.aspx#ixzz1GwjVTgIN (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/EtuhuInterview.aspx#ixzz1GwjVTgIN)
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_6811_club-focus-everton-saha-and-johnson-prepare-to-face-former-clubs.html (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_6811_club-focus-everton-saha-and-johnson-prepare-to-face-former-clubs.html)
Club Focus - Everton - Saha and Johnson prepare to face former clubs
By Andrew Tuft - Football Correspondent
Friday 18 March 2011
After a break for the FA Cup Everton return to action this weekend as they host Fulham in the Premier League, and with just two points separating the sides a victory for either team would keep flickering hopes of European qualification alive. Both David Moyes and Mark Hughes, however, will be reliant upon an injury-plagued striker facing a former club - Louis Saha for the Toffees and Andy Johnson for the Cottagers.
Saha spent four years at Craven Cottage, 2000-2004, scoring 63 goals in 142 games and gaining promotion from the First Division to the Premier League in his first season. The Frenchman was an instant hit in London after a taste of English football during a brief loan spell at Newcastle United, finding the net 32 times in 48 second-tier games, and only really began to suffer the serious injury woes that have stifled his career after leaving for Manchester United. At Old Trafford, Saha began the pattern that has continued into his Everton tenure - goals and impressive performances coming sporadically, with long spells out injured much more frequent. Having scored nine goals in 25 appearances this season - from a possible 35 - Saha has featured in the overwhelming majority of Everton games but his injuries have come at the worst possible time, such as the knock suffered in training just days after scoring four times against Blackpool. His stats do compare favourably with Johnson's, however.
Johnson, who left Everton for Fulham in 2008 for a £10m fee, £2.5m more than Everton paid Crystal Palace two years earlier, has scored only twice from 21 games, and managed only three goals in 13 appearances last season after a serious knee injury. It is a far cry from the striker's Palace heyday, when 84 goals in 160 games, including 21 in 37 Premier League games, convinced Everton to make him their record signing. Johnson did make an encouraging start upon his return to the capital, netting 10 goals in 36 games during his first season as a Fulham player, the same tally as his final season on Merseyside and only two behind his first. Considering the money spent on Johnson - not only the £8.5m transfer fee but the wages around £40,000 a week - his time at Everton must be considered a disappointment for all concerned, with only 17 league goals, although, since two of those goals came in a 3-0 Merseyside derby win over Liverpool, he will always be fondly remembered and can expect a warm welcome on Saturday evening.
When Johnson left Everton in 2008 Saha was drafted in to replace him, and scored his first Everton goal against Fulham, with Johnson in the visitors' line-up, in November. Johnson, however, has not scored against his former employers while Saha has not scored against anyone since that quartet against Blackpool in early February. The law of the ex in football often rears its head and few would be surprised if Johnson breaks his Everton duck or Saha gets back on the goal trail against sides they know so well.
Everton midfielder Seamus Coleman ready to fight for his place as he warns of Fulham's Irish threat
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Mar 18 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp2/feb2011/9/8/seamus-coleman-300-805292862.jpg)
SEAMUS COLEMAN is determined to win back his starting role for Everton tomorrow – as he warned of the Irish threat from Fulham.
Having started 16 games in a row, Coleman was rested to the bench for the victory at Newcastle United and the home draw against Birmingham City earlier this month.
Coleman, though, was pressed back into action just nine minutes into the Midlanders' visit following an injury to Mikel Arteta.
With the Spaniard out for a month with a hamstring tear, Marouane Fellaini missing for the rest of the season, Tim Cahill having been absent for three weeks with a foot problem and Phil Neville nursing his own hamstring concern, Everton manager David Moyes is running short of midfielders.
And that should open the way for Coleman to return to the starting line-up against the team he made his full Premier League debut against at Craven Cottage in September.
"I played a lot of games and the manager decided to take me out and I have no complaints about that," said Coleman. "Hopefully I have worked hard in training and convinced him to put me back in. I'll always remember my first start and that was against Fulham, playing right midfield, I have been lucky and played a lot of games since then.
"I remember the manager telling me I was starting and that was a great feeling. I was a bit nervous because playing for Everton in the Premier League is a big thing and hopefully I can go on and play a lot more games for the club."
Coleman could find himself in direct opposition with international team-mate Damien Duff tomorrow, and the Everton man is wary of the threat posed by the winger.
"When I was a kid, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane were the players me and my friends looked up to," he added. "The 2002 World Cup was fantastic, they were superb and had a great tournament. He (Duff) is a top player and seems to be close to his best. He has been a good player for Fulham this season, scoring goals and he will be a threat."
Despite his injury, Cahill has been named in the Australia squad for their friendly in Germany on March 29 in Mönchengladbach with the 31-year-old expected to recover in time.
Tim Howard has been named in the USA squad for friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay later this month, while goalkeeper Iain Turner – currently out on loan to Preston North End – has been named in the Scotland squad to face Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on March 27.
Meanwhile, npower Championship side Hull City have signed Everton's reserve midfielder Hope Akpan on loan until the end of the season, with an option to sign the 19-year-old on a permanent deal in the summer.
"We do have options to make the deal permanent should we feel that it's right," said Hull manager Nigel Pearson. "We've got an agreement in place, and hopefully it'll be a good addition to the squad."
Akpan has made one appearance for the Everton first team as a substitute in the Europa League tie against BATE Borisov in December 2009.
Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news/2011/03/18/everton-midfielder-seamus-coleman-ready-to-fight-for-his-place-as-he-warns-of-fulham-s-irish-threat-92534-28359081/#ixzz1GwkXMpQh (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news/2011/03/18/everton-midfielder-seamus-coleman-ready-to-fight-for-his-place-as-he-warns-of-fulham-s-irish-threat-92534-28359081/#ixzz1GwkXMpQh)
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_everton_v_fulham_19_mar_2011_658661/index.shtml
FM Preview: Everton v Fulham 19 Mar 2011
By Footymad
Updated Friday, 18th March 2011
FootyMad attempt to assist you with their form guide as Everton take on Fulham in a Premier League match on 19th March 2011 at 17:30.
History of the Everton v Fulham fixture
Fulham face a trip to Everton at Goodison Park at tea-time on Saturday, and have come away with little in previous meetings, having taken no points from 18 of the 26 contests.
The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in April 2010, the Toffees carving out a narrow 2-1 victory in a Premier League match.
Recent encounters between the teams
Season Date Team Result Team Comp
2010/2011 Sat 25 Sep Fulham 0 - 0 Everton Premier League
2009/2010 Sun 25 Apr Everton 2-1 Fulham Premier League
2009/2010 Sun 13 Sep Fulham 2 - 1 Everton Premier League
2008/2009 Sun 24 May Fulham 0 - 2 Everton Premier League
2008/2009 Sat 01 Nov Everton 1 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2007/2008 Sun 16 Mar Fulham 1 - 0 Everton Premier League
2007/2008 Sat 08 Dec Everton 3 - 0 Fulham Premier League
For a detailed analysis of the complete head-to-head record between the two sides, click here
Recent respective form guides
Everton have collected 2 wins and 3 draws from their last six home matches. A total of 11 goals have been scored by the Toffees in those games, with 8 conceded.
Fulham have an average recent record on the road, collecting 1 win and 3 draws from the last six played. A generous 6 goals have been both scored and conceded in this period.
Everton lie just outside the playoff positions in the Barclays Premier League, picking up 37 points from their 29 games so far.
Fulham see themselves just below half way in the Barclays Premier League, showing a record of 35 points from their 29 games played so far,
Current overall team form
Team P W D L F A P
Everton 6 2 2 2 6 6 8
Fulham 6 2 3 1 7 6 9
For a detailed analysis of current team form guides in this or any division, click here
FootyMad's prediction ...
Not a lot has been going right generally for Fulham on their travels as of late, but we can certainly see them gleaning a point from their game against Everton. No-score draw
Sequence statistics
Team Sequences
Everton Failed to win in previous 2 home matches.
Fulham Previous 2 away games have finished all-square.
Not won in previous 5 away matches.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23933348-fury-as-mohamed-fayed-brings-michael-jackson-statue-to-fulham.do
Fury as Mohamed Fayed brings Michael Jackson statue to Fulham
Oliver Poole and Jonathan Prynn
18 Mar 2011
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2010/03/16-jacko-415.jpg)
He is one of London's most bizarre figures and even planned a mausoleum for himself on the roof of Harrods.
But now Mohamed Fayed has alienated the one group of people he could rely on for support whatever the headlines - grateful Fulham football fans.
Supporters of the west London Premier League club are furious at the Egyptian tycoon's latest scheme, a statue of "the king of pop" Michael Jackson at its Craven Cottage ground.
The six-foot figure, complete with ammunition belts strapped across his chest and with what appear to be underpants over his trousers, will show the singer "in one of his most iconic poses."
It was originally due to stand at Harrods. But after Mr Fayed sold the store to the Qatari royal family for £1.5 billion last May he decided to plant the tribute to his "friend" by the side of the club he owns.
He will join Fulham Fifties footballing legend Johnny Haynes as the only two club "figures" immortalised at the stadium. But hundreds of fans have already signed a petition protesting against the statue and a demonstration is planned on the day of its unveiling on April 3 when Fulham play Blackpool.
Jackson's only known involvement with the club was in 1999 when Fayed invited him to watch the Second Division victory over Wigan,
Fans complained that Mr Fayed was using Craven Cottage as a "dumping ground for his weird statue", would make Fulham a "laughing stock" and asked if the ground should be renamed Madame Tussauds.
Mr Fayed insisted that the statue, which has been placed on the Thames side of the ground between the Riverside and Hammersmith stands, was an appropriate tribute to the singer.
"He was my friend, a man with whom I shared many happy memories and who died a tragic and untimely death," he said.
"I hope that many fans of his will visit the statue at the Cottage from far and wide."
Away Gain
Friday 18th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/General3.jpg)
Mark Hughes is looking for his Team to continue their progressive form away from home when they travel to Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Whites will be looking to record their first ever league win over the Toffees at Goodison Park this weekend - and following impressive away draws against Manchester City and Aston Villa in February, the Fulham Manager outlined his intentions for Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter
"Our record at Everton is not very good at all," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "In fact I don't think we've ever won at Goodison Park. If we can change that on Saturday it will show we are making progress. I think people can see by the way we approach games, certainly more so away from home, we're more positive and we create more chances than we have done in the past.
"We've picked up a decent amount of points on the road and we want to continue in that vein because it's important in our progression as a Team and a Club that we continue to improve our away form, which has hampered the Team in previous seasons.
"I think it's a good group of players and we can add quality as we go along. I think the way I want my teams to play, and the work that's gone on before, we can become better and there have been signs of that in recent weeks."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/HughesAwayGain.aspx#ixzz1GxEduDgt (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/HughesAwayGain.aspx#ixzz1GxEduDgt)
Striking Matters
Friday 18th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/AJohnson/General1.jpg)
Andrew Johnson returns to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon as Fulham face David Moyes' Everton - and Mark Hughes is hoping that his striker will have a point to prove against his former club.
Johnson has returned to the Fulham First Team in fine form and has been a key asset in the Whites' attacking play, setting up an interesting encounter this weekend.
"He's obviously an ex-player and he's looking forward to going back," Hughes said ahead of the match. "He had a good time there and I think he enjoyed being an Everton player.
"It's always good for a player to go back and I think it's in the back of a player's mind. You want to show people that you've moved and improved as a player they once remember.
"That's the attitude a lot of players will try and show and certainly AJ, given his attitude to work and the way he approaches games, he's very much in that mould. He'll want to show everyone how good he is."
Bobby Zamora continues improving on his fitness levels and, as Hughes explained, it's only a matter of time before he comes into starting contention.
"He's probably not ready yet but he's getting up to speed," the Fulham Manager explained. "We're really pleased with what he's producing, not only when he gets a taste of the action but also every day he's getting stronger and more confident in training.
"We're really pleased where he is at the moment and he's very positive in his own mind which is important after a serious injury. He's obviously going to start games before the end of the season."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/StrikingMatters.aspx#ixzz1GxEzQXvW (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/StrikingMatters.aspx#ixzz1GxEzQXvW)
Bobby Zamora: Tricks of the trade
Get the edge over your marker with a trick of the trade from Fulham and England striker Bobby Zamora
You've had no change out of a centre back all game. Nothing seems to be working. He's wily, quick, strong and aggressive. How are you going to break free of his Velcro tight marking?
Wouldn't it be nice if an established Premier League striker whispered a piece of magic advice in your ear?
Well guess what? Fulham's Bobby Zamora has let us in on a trick of the striker's trade and we're going to share it with you.
Click play and find out his confidential intel.
http://performance.fourfourtwo.com/pro-tips/bobby-zamora-tricks-of-the-trade (http://performance.fourfourtwo.com/pro-tips/bobby-zamora-tricks-of-the-trade)
http://footytweets.com/fulham/news/468170 (http://footytweets.com/fulham/news/468170)
Everton v Fulham preview
Everton chief hoping they can end their season on a high
By Soriebah Kajue
Last updated: 18th March 2011
Form guide:
Everton: DWWLWL
Fulham: WDDDWL
Injuries:
Everton: Cahill, Fellaini, Arteta
Fulham: Sidwell, Senderos
SKY BET odds: Everton evens, Draw 21/10, Fulham 16/5
Opta stat: Everton have won their last 17 home league games against Fulham and all nine in the Premier League era.
David Moyes is desperate for a strong end to Everton's season as they bid to snatch a European place.
So much was expected from the Toffees this term but a combination of injuries and poor form saw them tumble down the table.
Everton are unbeaten in their last three games and look to be finally producing the kind of form that was expected after back-to-back wins against Sunderland and Newcastle.
Everton have won just five games at home this year and will look to better that record as they enter the final phase of the season.
Mark Hughes will make an emotional return to Goodison Park where enjoyed a two-year spell towards the end of a glittering career.
After a slow start to his career at Craven Cottage, the former Wales international manager is now starting to make his mark at Fulham.
They have suffered just two defeats in their last 11 league games and will be buoyed by their performance in their last outing when they edged past Blackburn 3-2.
Everton team news
Moyes will hope to be able to call on the calming experience and presence of skipper Phil Neville who missed last week's draw to Birmingham with a hamstring injury.
Australia midfielder Tim Cahill is a doubt with a foot injury but the Blues will give him every opportunity to prove his fitness as his goals are so vital to the team.
However, they will definitely be without the talents of playmaker Mikel Arteta and towering presence of Marouane Fellaini.
Fulham team news
Bobby Zamora will have to be content with a place on the bench despite scoring a last-minute winner against Blackburn a fortnight ago.
But after such a long period out with a broken ankle, Hughes will not be rushed into playing the England international for 90 minutes.
Dickson Etuhu has returned to training and looks like he could shake off a hamstring complaint to line up in midfield.
Sadly for Steve Sidwell, his knee injury will exclude him from this fixture, while Philippe Senderos remains sidelined with his hamstring injury.
Possible starting XIs:
Everton: Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Heitinga, Rodwell, Osman, Beckford, Saha
Fulham: Schwarzer, Salcido, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23933275-mark-hughes-proves-that-money-cant-buy-happiness.do (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23933275-mark-hughes-proves-that-money-cant-buy-happiness.do)
Mark Hughes proves that money can't buy happiness
David Smith
18 Mar 2011
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/MarkHughes_415.jpg)
Mark Hughes sat back in his office overlooking the white-lined lawns of Fulham's Motspur Park training ground, and smiled. There was a serenity about the man that was in keeping with the serenity of his surroundings.
The money-fuelled maelstrom of Manchester City seemed a million miles away. Down here, in hushed Surrey, Hughes is in no danger of being accosted by petulant superstar footballers, of being harassed by agents shouting percentages, of being accused by owners and assorted cohorts of not returning sufficient bang for their megabucks.
Oh yes, Hughes admitted, he does receive phone calls from Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed. But these calls are of the welcome variety. The soft-spoken Welshman said: "Before games he'll ring up out of the blue and wish everybody well. And he makes sure I pass on those comments.
"The chairman has a real input and a real enthusiasm for everything that we do. And it is much appreciated because, goodness me, if he hadn't come in and invested heavily in the club when he did then this club might have folded. So we're forever in his debt.
"It's a little different from other relationships I've had with chairmen and owners. But it works and it's fruitful, and that's really key. He has been really supportive. He has been really encouraging in terms of always asking whether I need anything. I've enjoyed that."
It is little wonder Hughes has shrugged off reports that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich might be interested in his services at the end of the season.
The silver-haired 47-year-old has been around the block enough times as a player and now as a manager to realise that the thickest cheque book and the most glittering of trophy cabinets do not necessarily make for happy employment.
Fayed is thought to have invested some £200million in 13 years at Fulham. That is, of course, a substantial sum yet one that roughly equates to the amount Hughes, backed first by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and later by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, spent in the transfer market before his 18-month tenure at Manchester City ended abruptly in December 2009.
The absence of City-scale resources have certainly not dulled Hughes's enthusiasm for his latest job. Ahead of tomorrow's visit to Premier League rivals Everton, he said: "I've been really pleased with what I've found. There are good people here, it's a good club, well run, with good facilities.
"On a day-to-day basis, if you've got all those things in place, it stands comparison to any club irrespective of their stature."
Indeed, Hughes sees potential in Fulham that might include backdoor entry into Europe - if the season was to end now, Fulham would qualify for a second Europa League campaign in three years through the Fair Play tables run by UEFA and the Barclays Premier League.
UEFA have reserved three places in the first qualifying round for the top three national associations in their Respect Fair Play League - points are awarded according to criteria that include positive play, respect for the opposition and the referee, behaviour of the crowd, as well as cautions and dismissals. In the latest table, England are in second place behind Norway.
The Football Association would award England's place to the top club in the Premier League's Fair Play table that have not already qualified for Europe. And currently Fulham lie second to Chelsea, who will almost certainly get in to Europe based on their final Premier League position.
Hughes, whose vast collection of medals gained as a player includes those won in the European Cup Winners' Cup with Manchester United and Chelsea, is excited by the prospect of a Europa League challenge with Fulham, whose sensational march to the final last season was worth £12.5m according to the club's latest financial report.
"Let's hope we have the opportunity," he said. "It would be great to get back in. We would benefit from the experience we had last year and I would argue that we've added to the quality that was at Fulham's disposal last season, so there is no reason why we couldn't do well."
'Sparky' is glowing with professional ambition and personal contentment at the moment. He only returned to his former stamping ground of west London in late summer when he replaced Roy Hodgson at Fulham, yet already he has bought a house off the King's Road.
"I like the London life," he said. "And I'm at a good club with good people. I like the place in the world where I'm living."
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2011/03/18/everton-seek-perfect-10-against-fulham-180301/
Everton seek perfect 10 against Fulham
By Brian Sears
18 March 2011
In many ways, Everton have struggled to hit the statistical heights in the Premier League era. Of the seven ever-present Premier League clubs, Everton will be the last to reach the coveted 1,000 points total – they are still 39 points short.
(Tottenham were the sixth club to reach the target this February when they won 2-1 at Sunderland, while Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa had already reach the grand total).
Even at Goodison, the "Big Four" have taken more points away with them than they have left for The Toffees: Manchester United's PL points tally on that side of Stanley Park reads 42-12, Arsenal's is 33-18, Chelsea's 28-19 and Liverpool's 28-25. Tottenham are also in Goodison credit by 30 points to 18, while Aston Villa are all square at 18-18.
But in one contest at Goodison Park Everton reign supreme. Oh yes. And how.
Fulham have come visiting nine times in the Premier League era and each time – yes, nine from nine – Everton have claimed the three points, for a magnificent 27 from 27 in total. This 100 per cent record has been achieved with a whopping total goals aggregate of 21-5.
And who do Everton play on Saturday, at tea-time? Fulham of course. If Everton don't make it a perfect 10, then truly that's a sign of their most mediocre campaign in some time.
Everton's home record against every club in the Premier League era is detailed below. The only other 100 per cent Goodison record against a current Premier League clubs is over Blackpool, from one match.
Fulham should not despair. For the first seven seasons of Fulham-Everton Premier League meetings, Fulham always retaliated with Craven Cottage victories. But two seasons ago that remarkable sequence was broken when Everton won 2-0 on the banks of the Thames. Then last September that same location saw a 0-0 draw ... the first drawn game in 19 Premier League games between the clubs.
With both clubs racking-up a lot of draws so far this season (Everton 13 Fulham 14), what are the chances of a double draw being played out at Goodison on Saturday and ending Everton's worthy 100 per cent sequence over the Londoners?
In the Premier League, Everton have played 362 Goodison games to date, winning 159, drawing 104 and losing 99, gaining 581 home points.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/80122.html?CMP=OTC-RSS (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/80122.html?CMP=OTC-RSS)
Everton v Fulham - LIVE ON ESPN
Form: Since beating Chelsea in the FA Cup last month, Everton have enjoyed an unbeaten run in the league, winning twice and drawing once. The Toffees sit ninth in the table, though they are only six points above West Ham in 18th, so they are not out of the woods yet in terms of relegation. Fulham, meanwhile, are in the middle of a purple patch themselves, stringing together an unbeaten run in the league lasting five games.
Key battle: Jack Rodwell has been in the headlines recently, with Everton boss David Moyes insisting the England youngster won't be going anywhere in the summer. If he gets the better of Danny Murphy in midfield, Rodwell's admirers will only increase.
Player to watch: With Tim Cahill missing, the onus will be on Jermaine Beckford to lead both the line and Everton's goal threat. He's shown he is capable on occasions, bagging six in the league in an encouraging season for the front man.
Talking point: Everton's home record against Fulham in the Premier League is remarkable. In nine games at Goodison Park, they've been victorious on every occasion. An undoubted bogey team for the Cottagers.
Bet of the day: Beckford to score first and Everton to win 2-1: 45/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1
http://www.clubcall.com/wolverhampton-wanderers/cottagers-midfielder-targeted-1183697.html (http://www.clubcall.com/wolverhampton-wanderers/cottagers-midfielder-targeted-1183697.html)
Cottagers midfielder targeted
Wolverhampton Wanderers, 11:39, March 18, 2011
Wolves are believed to be eyeing Fulham midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi after a series of impressive displays on loan at Crystal Palace.
The South Africa international has started six games for Palace in the fight to avoid relegation from the Championship and his efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed.
QPR and West Brom are also thought to be considering a summer bid for the player, who Baggies boss Roy Hodgson signed for the Cottagers during his time there.
His opportunities at Fulham have been limited though since his 2009 move from Golden Arrows, and since then Dikgacoi has played only 13 times for their first team.
Quote from: White Noise on March 18, 2011, 02:49:10 AM
Sorry, Fulham fans, but Mark Hughes is the perfect fit for Bayern Munich.
Sparky still has many connections there from his time as a Bayern player and when I played for him at Blackburn, the club even arranged for us to stage a training camp at their pre-season site on the German/Austrian border.
Bayern are struggling this season and their fans would appreciate Mark's determination and the demands he makes on his team.
With Champions League football virtually guaranteed every year – although it might be beyond them this time – it's an ideal stage for a manager who should still be in a job at Manchester City, even though Jupp Heynckes appears to be in pole position for the role.
I've said it before but Fulham seems to me to be too cosy a club for someone like Sparky.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-Blackburn-Rovers-sinking-towards-relegation-under-Steve-Kean-Mark-Hughes-should-quit-Fulham-for-Bayern-Munich-Simon-Grayson-could-make-Leeds-fans-stop-talking-about-Don-Revie-article714758.html#ixzz1GupYO4Ar (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-Blackburn-Rovers-sinking-towards-relegation-under-Steve-Kean-Mark-Hughes-should-quit-Fulham-for-Bayern-Munich-Simon-Grayson-could-make-Leeds-fans-stop-talking-about-Don-Revie-article714758.html#ixzz1GupYO4Ar)
Robbie Savage is a twit, hands down.....knows nothing about Bayern and what they need... :dead horse:
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6820394,00.html
Dalla Valle stays at Cherries
Bradbury happy with striker's initial impact
Last updated: 18th March 2011
Bournemouth have extended the loan deal of Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle until the end of the season.
Dalla Valle joined the Cherries on an initial month-long loan in early March and has scored twice in three appearances.
The 19-year-old will now see out the campaign at Dean Court and Bournemouth boss Lee Bradbury is happy to have agreed an extension.
"I'm delighted that he's staying," Bradbury told the club's official website.
"It's unfortunate for him that we've lost the two games that he's started, but he's scored two in three games, so he has shown what a good finisher he is.
"He'll now be looking to get as many goals as possible until the end of the season, hopefully starting at Carlisle!
"He is good for us and gives us another dimension and that's exactly why we brought him in."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9426572.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9426572.stm)
Everton v Fulham
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Barclays Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Everton v Fulham 17:30
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Saturday, 19 March Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside , watch live on ESPN and highlights on Match of the Day; listen on talkSPORT; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Everton captain Phil Neville remains a doubt with the hamstring injury that ruled him out against Birmingham.
Tim Cahill is struggling with a foot problem, while Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini are definitely out.
Fulham will keep Bobby Zamora on the bench despite his match-winning exploits last time out as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
Dickson Etuhu could miss out with a hamstring strain, while Philippe Senderos has suffered a setback.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everton
Doubtful: Cahill (foot), Neville (hamstring)
Injured: Arteta (hamstring), Fellaini (ankle)
Fulham
Doubtful: Etuhu (hamstring)
Injured: Senderos (Achilles), Sidwell (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
David Moyes celebrated nine years as Everton manager last Tuesday. He is the third-longest serving manager in the Premier League behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, and the second-longest continuous manager in Everton history, behind the legendary Harry Catterick, who spent 12 years at the helm.
People don't see the relationships he (Moyes) has around the club, or with his players... He has thrived under occasionally difficult circumstances, and under financial restraints that other clubs the same size haven't got. For that he deserves all the accolades
David Unsworth, former Everton defender
Coincidentally, Moyes's first fixture in charge was a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Goodison Park, with David Unsworth and Duncan Ferguson on target. Current Everton right-back Tony Hibbert started that game, as did Louis Saha, who was playing for Fulham that day.
It is 11 years ago this week that Fulham boss Mark Hughes, then aged 36, signed for Everton on a free transfer from Southampton. It was to prove fourth time lucky for the Toffees in their attempts to sign him, although a return of one goal in 19 appearances during an eight-month spell wasn't quite the impact that all parties were hoping for.
Hughes is currently faring rather better in charge of Fulham, who have only lost once in their last nine league games. They could even end the day in the top half of the table for the first time since October.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Fulham have never won a league game at Goodison Park (D4, L18). They have lost on their last 17 trips, which is the longest ever top-flight run of one club losing at a particular ground. Their last point at Everton came in a goalless draw in September 1959.
• Fulham's last win on Merseyside was a 4-1 win at Tranmere in a second-tier match in March 2001.
• The home side in this fixture has won 17 of their 19 Premier League encounters - the only away win was Everton's 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage in May 2009.
• Everton have drawn 13 league matches this season - only Fulham (14) have had more.
Everton
• The Toffees have won only one of eight league matches against London opposition this season (D5, L2). That victory was 2-1 at home against Tottenham in January.
• The last five goals scored by David Moyes's side have come in the first half of their matches. Four of them have been between the 30th and 40th minute.
• Everton have used 21 players this season - the fewest in the division.
• If selected, Louis Saha will be appearing in his 250th Premier League game.
Fulham
• Mark Hughes has won only one of his last nine league matches against David Moyes - Manchester City's 2-1 win at Goodison Park in April 2009. In total, he has won two of his 11 Premier League matches against him, losing on four occasions.
• Fulham have won only one of their 14 matches against teams currently in the top half of the table - a 1-0 home win against Newcastle in February.
• The club have picked up 16 points from 10 league matches in 2011 - only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have taken more points during this period.
• Damien Duff is one goal away from scoring 50 in the Premier League. He can become the third Irishman to reach this milestone after Robbie Keane (122 goals) and Niall Quinn (58).
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Everton
Cahill: 9 goals (9 league); Saha: 9 goals (6 league)
Fulham
Dempsey: 10 goals (9 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant referees: Mike Mullarkey & Sian Massey
Fourth official: Nigel Miller
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Everton (D1-1 v Birmingham, h): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Heitinga (Bilyaletdinov 86), Arteta (Coleman 9), Osman, Rodwell Saha, Beckford (Anichebe 78). Subs not used: Mucha, Shkodran Mustafi, Duffy, Baxter.
Fulham (W3-2 v Blackburn, h): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy (Zamora 70), Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele (Kakuta 78). Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Gudjohnsen, Greening, Davies.
http://www.grandoldteam.com/news/match-previews/2011/mar/18/everton-vs-fulham
Everton vs Fulham
Written by GrandOldTeam on Fri 18th March 11, 13:36
It sounds like an excuse and maybe it is one but one can't help but wonder how differently the game against Birmingham would have panned out if Mikel Arteta not gone off injured after 10 minutes.
Everton dominated possession and had far more opportunities to score but there was just a little guile missing at times. Something the cultured feet of the Spaniard would have been able to provide. Probably. There's never any way of knowing how things would have panned out had he remained but the cutting edge issues which tethered Everton in the bottom half of the table for much of the season returned and David Moyes had to settle for a point in a game he'll feel his side should have won with some comfort.
This week there'll be no Arteta from the start and with Fellaini gone for this season and Tim Cahill touch and go, Moyes may look to his wide men to do the damage down the wings. That could see Seamus Coleman get the nod on the right of midfield and the young Irishman has shown an eye for goal so would be worth a small flutter at 14/1 to score first. Up front Saha will be Everton's main threat regardless of tactics and his ability in the air make him the obvious choice to score first at 5/1 if the wide players have success getting to the byline. Tim Cahill, at the time of writing, is still in with a shout of starting and if he does then this is the kind of game where he comes good. He's 6/1 to score last.
Fulham may have won just one Premier League match away from Craven Cottage this season but they have managed eight draws and conceded just fifteen goals, giving them the joint second best away defence in the league. So this isn't going to be easy and with Damien Duff in great form and Bobby Zamora back in the mix, Fulham will cause some problems going forward as well as being typically obstinate at the back. Some good news on the stat front is that this is Fulham's tenth Premier League visit to Goodison Park and so far so good for the home side, with Everton winning all nine previous encounters. That has to make you feel good about taking the Blues on at 10/11. Given the visitor's away record and Everton's creativity issues, this may be one of the tighter wins and 1-0 at 5/1 and 2-1 at 15/2 are the unspectacular but more likely results.
European football next season is still a possibility for David Moyes but he knows his side can't afford to drop points at home. He won't care if it's not a ten out of ten performance as long as it's a tenth straight home league win over Fulham and three points in the bag.
Everton v FULHAM: Mark Hughes struggling for midfield options with Dickson Etuhu doubtful
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:26 PM on 18th March 2011
Fulham could be faced with a midfield dilemma for their Barclays Premier League game at Everton.
Dickson Etuhu is a doubt with a hamstring strain, while the game comes too soon for Steve Sidwell (knee), meaning manager Mark Hughes may need to find a new partner for Danny Murphy in the middle of the park.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/18/article-1367604-0D7C0ABA000005DC-636_468x286.jpg)
Strain: Etuhu (centre) is likely to miss out
Bobby Zamora will continue his comeback from the bench, but Philippe Senderos has suffered another setback in his recovery from a serious achilles injury after complaining yet again about tightness in his hamstrings.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Briggs, Etuhu, Davies, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Gera, Dembele, Salcido, Greening, Johnson, Zamora, Halliche.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367604/Everton-v-FULHAM-Mark-Hughes-struggling-midfield-options-Dickson-Etuhu-doubtful.html#ixzz1GxoVtiqw (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367604/Everton-v-FULHAM-Mark-Hughes-struggling-midfield-options-Dickson-Etuhu-doubtful.html#ixzz1GxoVtiqw)
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18032011/63/hughes-sets-sights-success-fulham.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18032011/63/hughes-sets-sights-success-fulham.html)
Hughes sets sights on success at Fulham
Fri, 18 Mar 13:44:16 2011
Mark Hughes believes he can achieve more at Fulham than he did with Blackburn.
Cottagers boss Hughes helped Rovers reach two FA Cup semi-finals and qualify for Europe twice during his near four years in charge at Ewood Park.
But despite arguably not having the same financial resources at Fulham, Hughes reckons he inherited better group of players than those he took over at Blackburn six and a half years ago.
He said: "I feel that there's certainly the capacity to do a similar job here and, obviously, I've come in at a better level because the group of players here is better technically than the one I inherited at Blackburn.
"Why can't we achieve regular top-10 positions in the Premier League and, on certain occasions, who knows? Maybe we can push for sixth position, fifth position.
"In terms of achievement, given the resources this club has, it reflects greatly on everybody involved."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/895806/mark-hughes:-i-can-take-fulham-further-than-blackburn-rovers?cc=5739
Hughes excited by Fulham potential
March 18, 2011
Mark Hughes believes he can achieve more at Fulham than he did with Blackburn.
Cottagers boss Hughes helped Rovers reach two FA Cup semi-finals and qualify for Europe twice during his near four years in charge at Ewood Park.
But despite arguably not having the same financial resources at Fulham, Hughes reckons he inherited better group of players than those he took over at Blackburn six and a half years ago.
He said: "I feel that there's certainly the capacity to do a similar job here and, obviously, I've come in at a better level because the group of players here is better technically than the one I inherited at Blackburn.
"Why can't we achieve regular top-10 positions in the Premier League and, on certain occasions, who knows? Maybe we can push for sixth position, fifth position. In terms of achievement, given the resources this club has, it reflects greatly on everybody involved.''
After a difficult start to life at Fulham, Hughes has managed to stabilise the club in mid-table in the Barclays Premier League with nine matches remaining.
And despite being seven points behind sixth-placed Liverpool, Europe currently beckons for Fulham through the Fair Play League.
"I think it's ourselves and Chelsea in the top two positions at the moment,'' said Hughes, who took charge after the Cottagers reached last season's Europa League final. Chelsea almost certainly will qualify for Europe through other avenues, so we're in the mix for that.
"Given the club's had a fantastic taste for European football in recent times, we'd love to get it back. If, initially, it's through the position in the Fair Play League then we'll take that. But in the future, we expect to do it by virtue of our position in the Premier League.''
Doing that this season looks highly unlikely considering the number of teams Fulham will have to overhaul. They face one of them, Everton, tomorrow and victory will see them leapfrog their opponents.
However, the west Londoners have never won a league game at Goodison Park and have lost every one of their Premier League matches there.
"Our record at Everton's not very good at all,'' Hughes said. "I don't think we've actually won in the Premier League and I think I'm right in saying we've not even got a point from our travels to Goodison Park. If we can change that then that shows that we've been making some kind of progress.''
Fulham have not played for a fortnight but Hughes is sure rustiness will not be a problem on Saturday.
"I think at this time of year, you've just got to make sure your quality of work is correct and you're just bringing it to the boil,'' he said.
Reports emerged this week that Hughes was Bayern Munich's number one target to succeed Louis van Gaal as manager. The 47-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season and, despite admitting he would one day like to manage overseas, he was open to extending his stay at Craven Cottage.
"I like those types of conversations, to be perfectly honest,'' he said. "If the club feel I'm doing a good job and that's what they want to do then certainly I'm open to those discussions. We just need to get this season out the way and maybe we can sit down and speak about those things.''
http://www.evertonfc.com//news/archive/2011/03/18/moyes-expects-ambitious-fulham?utm_source=rss_everton&utm_medium=rss_feed&utm_term=Moyes+Expects+Ambitious+Fulham (http://www.evertonfc.com//news/archive/2011/03/18/moyes-expects-ambitious-fulham?utm_source=rss_everton&utm_medium=rss_feed&utm_term=Moyes+Expects+Ambitious+Fulham)
HOPE TO STRETCH SUPERB RUN
Friday 18 March 2011, 16:21
by Andy Lewis @efc_andylewis
David Moyes believes his side will have to overcome a more attacking Fulham team than they have encountered in the past if they are to extend their magnificent record against Fulham.
The Blues take on the Cottagers at Goodison Park on Saturday evening, looking to continue a run of 17 straight home league wins over the West London club.
Moyes has taken on and beaten four different Fulham bosses so far in his nine-year Everton reign in shape of Jean Tigana, Chris Coleman, Lawrie Sanchez and Roy Hodgson.
This year they arrive under the leadership of Mark Hughes who, according to Moyes, has given them greater licence to roam forward – even if they largely boast the same personnel that served Hodgson so well.
"I think Moussa Dembélé is the only change from the side that Roy had," said Moyes.
"I think he has maybe altered what they do a bit but it is still the likes of Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu, who I know well. Then there is Damien Duff and Simon Davies is also about the team, but I think Dembélé and the left back Salcido are the only changes.
"I think they probably push forward a bit more with their style," he added.
"I think it will take a bit of time for Mark to get his feet under the table. But Fulham have been a steady Premier League club for quite a while now and they look a side which in the main has got relatively good Premier League experience."
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18032011/58/premier-league-matchpack-everton-v-fulham.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18032011/58/premier-league-matchpack-everton-v-fulham.html)
Premier League - Matchpack: Everton v Fulham
Fri, 18 Mar 15:28:00 2011
Video preview, stats and team news ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park.
Everton v Fulham: LIVE on Saturday at 5.30pm
..TEAM NEWS:
Everton
Everton captain Phil Neville and midfielder Tim Cahill have a chance of returning to the side.
Neville missed the last match against Birmingham with a hamstring injury while Cahill has not played since February 26 because of a foot problem.
Mikel Arteta (hamstring) is still missing while fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Forward Victor Anichebe should also be in the squad after recovering from a knock.
Fulham
Fulham could be faced with a midfield dilemma for Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Everton.
Dickson Etuhu is a doubt with a hamstring strain, while the game comes too soon for Steve Sidwell (knee), meaning manager Mark Hughes may need to find a new partner for Danny Murphy in the middle of the park.
Bobby Zamora will continue his comeback from the bench, but Philippe Senderos has suffered another setback in his recovery from a serious Achilles injury after complaining yet again about tightness in his hamstrings.
MATCH FACTS:
Clint Dempsey has scored five headed goals from just six headed attempts on target.
Tim Cahill has scored six headed goals from just eight headers on target this season.
Everton have not had any players booked in six of their last eight Premier League games against Fulham and only one in the each of the other two.
Everton have won their last 17 home league games against Fulham and all nine in the Premier League era.
Fulham have won only one of their last 32 Premier League away games.
The Londoners have only lost one of their last nine Premier League matches, but that came on Merseyside against Liverpool.
If the Premier League only counted the second half of games this season, Fulham would be fourth with 45 points.
No player has scored the final goal of the game on more occasions than Clint Dempsey (5) in the Premier League this season.
Fulham have conceded a league-low proportion of their goals in the second half of Premier League games this term (39%).
10 of the last 12 goals that Fulham have scored in the Premier League have been netted in the second half.
PA Sport / Opta
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/big-match-preview-everton-v-fulham (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/big-match-preview-everton-v-fulham)
Big Match Preview: Everton v Fulham
Dickson Etuhu is determined to reclaim his rightful place
By Dave Smith March 18, 2011
(http://www.givemefootball.com/GMF/files/f1/f14e7cbd-2d94-411e-8f61-d4f5f87eefe9.jpg)
Troublesome hamstring might throw a spanner in the works for Dickson.Picture GalleryNew
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Goodison Park
Date: March 19 – Kick off: 5.30pm
TV Coverage: Live on ESPN
TEAM NEWS
Dickson Etuhu is a doubt with a hamstring strain, while the game comes too soon for Steve Sidwell (knee), meaning manager Mark Hughes may need to find a new partner for Danny Murphy in the middle of the park.
Bobby Zamora will continue his comeback from the bench, but Philippe Senderos has suffered another setback in his recovery from a serious Achilles injury after complaining yet again about tightness in his hamstrings.
Dickson Etuhu reckons competition provided by his mate Steve Sidwell will make the Nigerian international a better player.
The defensive midfielder throws his hat into the ring for a slot at Everton tomorrow although he is still struggling with a hamstring strain.
With Sidewell sidelined, Etuhu is keen to hold down the place that has been his for the last two years.
Etuhu said: "It's not for me to make those kind of decisions, but the competition with Siddy will only make me want to perform better.
"It's true there's not really been anyone else to go for my particular role. And I think I have built up a particularly good partnership with Danny Murphy in midfield, but ideally the club needs two good players for every position."
Sidwell, who is sidelined with a knee problem, has insisted every chance he gets in a white shirt is a step closer to a long deal when his current six-month contract runs out in the summer,
The former Chelsea and Aston Villa player made his Fulham debut when he replaced Etuhu during the 2-0 win over Stoke in January.
Etuhu was straight back in to the Cottage with a hamstring strain after he made way – but aggravated the injury in the 3-2 win over Blackburn a fortnight ago.
However, he returned to training yesterday ahead of the trip to Merseyside as the Cottagers look to continue their climb up the table.
EVERTON v Fulham: Skipper Phil Neville and Tim Cahill in line to feature
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:14 PM on 18th March 2011
Everton captain Phil Neville and midfielder Tim Cahill have a chance of returning to face Fulham at Goodison Park.
Neville missed the last match against Birmingham with a hamstring injury while Cahill has not played since February 26 because of a foot problem.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/18/article-1367651-0BD6A04D000005DC-540_468x305.jpg)
Boost: Neville is a welcome return for the Toffees
Mikel Arteta (hamstring) is still missing while fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Forward Victor Anichebe should also be in the squad after recovering from a knock.
Provisional squad: Howard, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Neville, Coleman, Rodwell, Osman, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Saha, Beckford, Gueye, Heitinga, Hibbert, Anichebe, Baxter, Duffy, Mucha.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367651/EVERTON-v-Fulham-Skipper-Phil-Neville-Tim-Cahill-line-feature.html#ixzz1GyXInqov (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1367651/EVERTON-v-Fulham-Skipper-Phil-Neville-Tim-Cahill-line-feature.html#ixzz1GyXInqov)
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/everton-vs-fulham-sat-19-mar-2011
Everton Vs Fulham, Sat 19 Mar 2011
Everton Vs Fulham: Match Preview
By GMF Editor March 18, 2011
Everton Vs Fulham DATE:Sat 19 Mar 2011
TIME:17:30
VENUE:Goodison Park
Manager David Moyes insists he is still driven to succeed at Everton after celebrating nine years in charge this week.
The Scot is desperately awaiting his first trophy since taking over at Goodison Park but stressed he is determined to go on and win some silverware, even if that means annoying some fans who maybe think a change at the top will bring a change in fortune.
By a quirk of coincidence Fulham are the visitors as they were for his first match in charge on March 16, 2002 when he began his Toffees career with a 2-1 win.
But Moyes will not waste any time on reminiscing on his past as the third longest-serving manager behind good friend Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
"It is not fashionable to be a manager for nine years, it is fashionable to change it around and get someone in a bit more trendy," said the manager, who is looking to extend the club's 62-year unbeaten record at home to the Cottagers.
"I don't think that tends to be the case and the most successful clubs have had longevity with their managers.
"Some people will get a bit fed up and think it is time for the manager to go but I feel it is time to kick on and get better.
"I am always driving myself to get more. Even if I had won the league two times I would be saying I wanted to win it three times so the fact I have not done any of that means I want to try to win something.
"But it has to be looked on as a success to stay in a job in the Premier League for that amount of time but it is not just down to me it is down to the players and a really stable board of directors, unlike a lot we see around the country.
"I work hard to stay in my job, I don't take it for granted and I have to keep working hard else someone else will be there to take my place.
"My ambition is to take Everton as far as I can, I would like to win something."
Despite not winning a trophy there have been a number of high points for Moyes.
However, he is still grateful to David Unsworth for getting his Everton career off to the ideal start.
"I was nervous because I was a young manager coming into the Premier League and we were not in the best position in the table," he recalled of his first game.
"I was hoping to get off to a good start and it was more than that because David Unsworth scored after about 30 seconds.
"Highlights since then would have to be qualifying for the Champions League, even if we didn't make the group stage, and also the years we qualified for the Europa League.
"There was also beating Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final - there have been lots of good times but as always I think the best is yet to come."
Mark Hughes believes he can achieve more at Fulham than he did with Blackburn.
Cottagers boss Hughes helped Rovers reach two FA Cup semi-finals and qualify for Europe twice during his near four years in charge at Ewood Park.
But despite arguably not having the same financial resources at Fulham, Hughes reckons he inherited a better group of players than those he took over at Blackburn six and a half years ago.
He said: "I feel that there's certainly the capacity to do a similar job here and, obviously, I've come in at a better level because the group of players here is better technically than the one I inherited at Blackburn.
"Why can't we achieve regular top-10 positions in the Premier League and, on certain occasions, who knows? Maybe we can push for sixth position, fifth position.
"In terms of achievement, given the resources this club has, it reflects greatly on everybody involved."
After a difficult start to life at Fulham, Hughes has managed to stabilise the club in mid-table in the Barclays Premier League with nine matches remaining.
And despite being seven points behind sixth-placed Liverpool, Europe currently beckons for Fulham through the Fair Play League.
"I think it's ourselves and Chelsea in the top two positions at the moment," said Hughes, who took charge after the Cottagers reached last season's Europa League final.
"Chelsea almost certainly will qualify for Europe through other avenues, so we're in the mix for that.
"Given the club's had a fantastic taste for European football in recent times, we'd love to get it back.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/18/squad-sheets-everton-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/18/squad-sheets-everton-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)
Squad sheets: Everton v Fulham
guardian.co.uk, Friday 18 March 2011 17.56
There are hoodoos and there is Fulham at Goodison Park – the Cottagers have lost their last 17 league matches at Everton. It was perhaps appropriate that they should have been David Moyes's first opponents as Everton manager and they return amid rather downbeat celebrations for his ninth anniversary. This will be a match of makeshift midfields. Fulham are without Dickson Etuhu and Steve Sidwell while Everton are missing Marouane Fellaini, Mikel Arteta and possibly Tim Cahill, although Phil Neville is likely to shake off a hamstring injury. Tim Rich
Venue Goodison Park, Saturday 5.30pm
Tickets £30-37 (0871 663 1878)
Last season Everton 2 Fulham 1
Referee Michael Oliver
This season's matches 12 Y43, R2, 3.75 cards per game
Odds Everton 15-14 Fulham 10-3 Draw 12-5
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/3/18/1300470739934/Everton-v-Fulham-001.jpg)
Everton v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Everton
Subs from Mucha, Hibbert, Beckford, Gueye, Coleman, Anichebe, Mustafi, Duffy, Baxter
Doubtful Cahill (foot), Neville (hamstring)
Injured Fellaini (ankle, Aug), Arteta (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended None
Form guide DWWLWL
Disciplinary record Y37 R3
Leading scorer Cahill 9
Fulham
Subs from Etheridge, Stockdale, Pantsil, Kelly, Briggs, Halliche, Zamora, Kamara, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Saunders
Doubtful Kamara (back)
Injured Etuhu (hamstring, 3 Apr), Sidwell (knee, 3 Apr), Senderos (achilles, unknown)
Suspended None
Form guide WDDDWL
Disciplinary record Y36 R0
Leading scorer Dempsey 9
Match pointers
• Everton have not lost at home to Fulham in the league since February 1948
• If only the second half of games counted this season, Fulham would be fourth with 45 points
• Clint Dempsey has scored five headed goals from just six attempts on target and Tim Cahill has managed eight headed goals from only eight shots in total
• Everton have used fewer players (21) than any other side in the division
• Damien Duff needs one more goal to reach 50 in the Premier League
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6821399,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6821399,00.html)
Gera agent coy on Toon link
Midfielder could move away from Britain in the summer
By Juha Pal
Last updated: 18th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/10/08/218x298/ZoltanGeraHungary_2485935.jpg)
Gera: Out of contract in the summer
The agent of Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera claims he does not know anything about reported interest from Newcastle.
Hungary international Gera is out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer and is not expected to sign an extension.
The 31-year-old's representative, Vladan Filipovic, has said in the past that 'half of the Premier League' would want to sign his client.
Gera's agent has repeated that statement, although he would not be drawn on Newcastle's apparent interest, and has also suggested that a move elsewhere in Europe could be a possibility.
"I don't know what is in the background, but Gera's contract will expire this summer so Fulham can't get money for him," Filipovic told Origo.hu.
"I can't confirm which teams are interested, but it's not a secret that the half of the Premier League want to sign Gera.
"At the moment it's not possible to sign Gera. In England it's not possible to sign a pre-contract before the end of the contract.
"He could only sign a pre-contract if a team would like to sign him from outside of Great Britain. This may also be a possibility for him."
http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10112328.php
BIG MATCH STATS AND FACTS
SportingPreview.com: 18 March 2011
Everton have not had any players booked in six of their last eight Premier League games against Fulham and only one in the each of the other two.
• Everton have won their last 17 home league games against Fulham and all nine in the Premier League era.
• Fulham have won only one of their last 32 Premier League away games.
• Fulham have never won a league game at Goodison Park (D4, L18). They have lost on their last 17 trips, which is the longest ever top-flight run of one club losing at a particular ground. Their last point at Everton came in a goalless draw in September 1959.
• Fulham's last win on Merseyside was a 4-1 win at Tranmere in a second-tier match in March 2001.
• The home side in this fixture has won 17 of their 19 Premier League encounters - the only away win was Everton's 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage in May 2009.
• Everton have drawn 13 league matches this season - only Fulham (14) have had more.
• The Londoners have only lost one of their last nine Premier League matches, but that came on Merseyside against Liverpool.
• If the Premier League only counted the second half of games this season, Fulham would be fourth with 45 points.
• Fulham have conceded a league-low proportion of their goals in the second half of Premier League games this term (39%).
• The Toffees have won only one of eight league matches against London opposition this season (D5, L2). That victory was 2-1 at home against Tottenham in January.
• The last five goals scored by David Moyes's side have come in the first half of their matches. Four of them have been between the 30th and 40th minute.
• Everton have used 21 players this season - the fewest in the division.
• If selected, Louis Saha will be appearing in his 250th Premier League game.
• Mark Hughes has won only one of his last nine league matches against David Moyes - Manchester City's 2-1 win at Goodison Park in April 2009. In total, he has won two of his 11 Premier League matches against him, losing on four occasions.
• Fulham have won only one of their 14 matches against teams currently in the top half of the table - a 1-0 home win against Newcastle in February.
• The club have picked up 16 points from 10 league matches in 2011 - only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have taken more points during this period.
• Damien Duff is one goal away from scoring 50 in the Premier League. He can become the third Irishman to reach this milestone after Robbie Keane (122 goals) and Niall Quinn (58).
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/match-preview-everton-vs-fulham.html
Match Preview: Everton vs Fulham
By: Sam | March 18th, 2011
At last! A game. This weekend Fulham travel to Goodison Park. A game with a tradition of sorts – Everton win, get three points, then, when Everton visit Fulham, Fulham win and invariably get their three points. Take a look at recent past meetings and you can see this tradition has more or less been kept.
Except this season, when Everton visitied the Cottage and earned a point. The match ended nil-nil but could well have been two to Everton as they were the better team that day and missed a couple of good chances.
This Saturday, Fulham may well be able to pull off a similar feat in flipping tradition upside down. Everton are without key players in midfield: Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Marouanne Fellani are all out due to injury. Fulham, however, have no major injury concerns and might have the advantage in midfield. An area of the pitch that Fulham used effectively in their last two games. The Blackburn match in particular, where a lot of passing took place in the right of midfield going into the opposition's box. Perhaps as a result of Damien Duff's good form.
In other news...
Well, Fulham haven't played a competitive match since March 5 but the last thirteen days has certainly thrown us a few surpises. Most noteworthy is Mohammad Al Fayed's decision to erect a statue of Michael Jackson. A bit bizarre but Al Fayed has said he was good friends with him. And also, as Mark Hughes says, the man has pumped a heck of a lot of money into the club and has the right to make such a gesture. (Still, it is a tad bizarre – do any other clubs have statues of pop singers outside their ground?)
And Sparky topped Bayern Munich's managerial wish-list as they prepare to replace Louis Van Gaal at the end of the season. But, although flattered, he declined the job offer and said he wants to see out his contract with Fulham.
