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Cottagers romp shocks Jol
Fulham boss taken aback by ease of victory over QPR

(http://img.skysports.com/11/09/660x350/jol_2655209.jpg)
Martin Jol: Fulham boss surprised by margin of victory over QPR in last outing

Fulham boss Martin Jol has admitted he was taken aback by the ease of their victory over QPR and hopes it will be a catalyst for their season.

The Cottagers finally secured their first win of the Premier League season at the seventh time of asking as they romped to a 6-0 home victory over their London rivals.

Andy Johnson bagged a hat-trick, with Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora also on target for a result which Jol hopes will spurs his side on when they tackle Stoke on Saturday.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," he said.

Helps mentally

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."

Team news

Fulham will be boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes from a groin injury for their trip to the Britannia Stadium, although Jol admits several first-team players will miss out.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said. "We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training today but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad.

"He probably needs another seven or eight days."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7238951,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7238951,00.html?)

 
Fulham boosted by Hughes return

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/8/4/aaron-hughes-image-3-925135198.jpg)

Stoke City v Fulham

FULHAM are boosted by the return of Aaron Hughes for Saturday's trip to the Britannia.

The Northern Irishman has been sidelined with a groin injury since last month's draw with Blackburn Rovers.

But the 31-year-old is now back in full training and set to return to the defence against Stoke.

However, Martin Jol is counting the cost of the international break after two of his players returned with injuries.

Philippe Senderos (thigh) and Kerim Frei (ankle) suffered knocks while on duty with Switzerland, and Bryan Ruiz (knee) also misses out.

Simon Davies (knee) is the only long-term absentee.



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Andy Johnson to renew Fulham talks

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/jul2011/2/6/andy-johnson-image-1-786598705.jpg)

MARTIN Jol says Fulham plan to renew contract talks with Andy Johnson soon in a bid to persuade the striker to stay at Craven Cottage.

The former England frontman has so far stalled on signing the two-year extension on the table, putting west London rivals QPR on red alert.

Johnson has declared his intentions to extend his time in SW6, although the new deal is understood to be on reduced wages to the four-year contract he agreed when he signed for the Whites in 2008.

But Jol is still hopeful the 30-year-old, who has already fired nine goals in all competitions this season, will commit his future to the club.

He said: "We will have to sit down again and hopefully we can come to a solution.

"We've made him and offer and he's thinking about it. Our financial people are coming back from a break and will start talking to him in the next couple of weeks."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/13/andy-johnson-to-renew-fulham-talks-64767-29591707/?#ixzz1ajgLgtyz (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/13/andy-johnson-to-renew-fulham-talks-64767-29591707/?#ixzz1ajgLgtyz)

 
Jol: QPR win has lifted team

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes the resounding defeat of QPR can be the turning point in their campaign.

Andrew Johnson's hat-trick spurred the Cottagers to their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season before the international break.

Danny Murphy's penalty along with efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora complemented Johnson's treble in a 6-0 win over their near neighbours.

Jol said: "I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR. They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid. That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them. We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need. Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table. Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-qpr-win-has-lifted-team-1309363.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-qpr-win-has-lifted-team-1309363.html?)

 
Fulham boss willing to let winger stay at Portsmouth

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/6/6/bjorn-helge-riise-image-1-94088714.jpg)

MARTIN Jol has given the green light for Bjorn Helge Riise to extend his loan at Portsmouth.

The Fulham winger has made two appearances since his switch to Fratton Park last month, but is due to return to Craven Cottage on November 7.

Riise is keen to stay on the south coast, and boss Jol says he would be willing to extend the deal.

He said: "For him it's very important that he will play. When we took him he was playing in the national team and one of the best players.

"He's been a bit unfortunate with injuries and players in his position who are better. I thought it was a good thing for him to go on loan and I'd be willing to extend it."



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Play-Off Confirmed

The Euro 2012 play-off draw took place on Thursday afternoon and Fulham's Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff will play Estonia for a place at next summer's Finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

Thursday's play-off draw took place in Krakow where Fulham will head next week for their UEFA Europa League match against Wisla Krakow.

The first leg will be played in Estonia on the 11/12 November before the tie returns to Dublin on the 15th November at the Aviva Stadium.

The other play-offs see Turkey up against Croatia, the Czech Republic take on Montenegro and Portugal face Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Republic of Ireland secured second spot in their qualifying group by four points and now have the chance to put their painful 2010 World Cup play-off defeat to France firmly in the past next month.

Already through to the finals, alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, are Spain, Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Holland, Greece, England, Denmark and Sweden.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/KellyDuffPlay0ff.aspx?#ixzz1ajilbV8f (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/KellyDuffPlay0ff.aspx?#ixzz1ajilbV8f)

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol hoping to build on confidence from thrashing of QPR

Dutchman expected a more difficult fight out of rivals following their 6-0 win, but now hopes that belief gained will translate into more immediate points in the table

(http://u.goal.com/144000/144070hp2.jpg)
PROSHOTS

Fulham manager Martin Jol hopes the confidence gained after thrashing rivals QPR 6-0 two weeks ago wasn't all lost through the international break.

The Dutchman admitted he was surprised by the margin of victory in the derby, but is now focused on continuing that momentum against Stoke on Saturday after an ill-timed international break.

"Obviously a few players had defeats and a few had good results so it was okay, but for us there is not a lot of difference," he told reporters.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said.

"We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training on Thursday but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad. He probably needs another seven or eight days."

The Dutchman admitted that he was suprised by the size victory against their derby rivals three weeks ago, particularly considering the start the season QPR had enjoyed.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," Jol continued.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"If you get a game like that and win 6-0, it is probably the best feeling you can have."

The scoreline was inflated in part an Andy Johnson hat trick, something his manager was obviously very happy to witness.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/13/2709741/fulham-boss-martin-jol-hoping-to-build-on-confidence-from? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/13/2709741/fulham-boss-martin-jol-hoping-to-build-on-confidence-from?)

 
Steve Sidwell explodes into a sweet special one nirvana

Or something.  In any case, Martin Jol said today that Sidwell's peformance against QPR only lacked a goal to have been perfect.  I noticed this at the time but didn't get round to chalkboarding it, but Jol's right, Sidwell had a stormer of the highest order (also clattered Taraabt early doors (you must always clatter in the early doors) to announce himself).

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sidwell.png?w=600&h=327)

Oof!



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/steve-sidwell-explodes-into-a-sweet-special one-nirvana/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/steve-sidwell-explodes-into-a-sweet-special%20one-nirvana/?)

 
Stoke v Fulham

Stoke are looking to push their away-day blues to one side this weekend as they take on Fulham at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters lost 2-0 at Swansea in their last Premier League fixture and will be keen to get back to winning ways in the comfort of their own home this Saturday.

The Cottagers ran out 2-0 winners in this fixture last year, with a brace from the unlikely source of defender Chris Baird, condemning Stoke to an unlikely home defeat.

There's been a bit of history in recent years between Fulham and Stoke, Pulis didn't really seen eye to eye with Mark Hughes and midfielder Danny Murphy's comments only added fuel to the fire.

The West-London side have a new man in charge this time around,though, and Martin Jol will be keen to prove that his success at Tottenham wasn't just a mere flash in the pan.

Vital Quotes:
Stoke City Team News:
Home team news will be added shortly
Player to watch: Jermaine Pennant
I'm pretty sure that Fulham will arrive at the Britannia content in playing for a point.

So that said, they'll try and frustrate us. This will mean our forwards(most likely Crouch & Walters) will have to be on the top of their game, but the man who I'm looking to win us the game on Saturday is Jermaine Pennant - the 28-year-old winger has picked up from where he left off last season and it's looking like he'll have a major say in Stoke's season this year.

We all know of Jon Arne Riise's attacking abilities, but he's not really renowned for his defensive abilities, and Pennant could profit from that.

Fulham Team News:
Away team news will be added shortly
Player to watch: Andy Johnson
Fulham have got a batch of quality players and it's clear to see why they've done so well and held their position in the top flight for so long.

Brede Hangeland always seems to relish the task of coming up against Stoke, but I doubt he'll have faced an opponent who's taller than him - and with Peter Crouch certain to start on Saturday, he'll have his hands full.

Clint Dempsey is a quality player who always seems to pop up with a goal when needed, and the Potters will have to be alert to the danger the USA star possesses. Not only is he very tidy on the deck, but he's a big threat from set-pieces.

However, my pick for the Fulham player to watch has to be Andy Johnson, the former England man netted a stunning hat-trick in his team's 6-0 win over QPR and will be thriving with confidence.

In fact, the 30-year-old has already scored a hat-trick against Stoke. He bagged 3 goals in a 6-3 thriller for Crystal Palace back in 2003, and he's always been a confidence player...

Finally, Zamora's a top player when fit, so he's bound to cause a few problems, and don't forget - Fulham didn't splash out £10 million on Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz for nothing...

Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
I respect Fulham as a team, but I think we'll have too much for them at home. I'm expecting a really convincing performance from Stoke. Stoke 2-0 Fulham

Next Fixtures:
Stoke entertain Israeli giants Maccabi Tel-Aviv on 20th October, but the Potters' next Premier League fixture is away to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal




Read more: http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=258716#ixzz1ajo7OISE (http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=258716#ixzz1ajo7OISE)

 
Fulham boss Jol could be in hot water for defending under-fire ref Atkinson

Fulham boss Martin Jol has run the risk of FA disciplinary action by praising referee Martin Atkinson.

The official takes charge of Fulham's Premier League clash with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday despite his red card for Everton's Jack Rodwell being rescinded.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/13/article-2048869-0E2FE93D00000578-164_468x286.jpg)
Controversy: Rodwell, right, is shown a red card by ref Atkinson

Although the FA have been clamping down on pre-match comments about referees, Jol said: 'He's a good referee and he's proved that.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2048869/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-risks-FA-action-praising-ref.html#ixzz1ajoXLV7L (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2048869/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-risks-FA-action-praising-ref.html#ixzz1ajoXLV7L)

 
Referee Atkinson gets Jol's backing

Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, has praised the decision to appoint Martin Atkinson to a Premier League match this weekend following his controversial dismissal of Everton's Jack Rodwell a fortnight ago.

"He's a good referee and he proved that," Jol said. "If you are in the Premier League your quality is high." Fulham's trip to Stoke City tomorrow is Atkinson's first domestic match since Goodison Park.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referee-atkinson-gets-jols-backing-2370201.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referee-atkinson-gets-jols-backing-2370201.html?)

 
FULHAM MANAGER JOL SEES FUTURE POSITIVE

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes the resounding defeat of QPR can be the turning point in their campaign.

Andrew Johnson's hat-trick spurred the Cottagers to their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season before the international break.

Danny Murphy's penalty along with efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora complemented Johnson's treble in a 6-0 win over their near neighbours.

Jol admitted he was shocked by the nature of Fulham's victory but believes it bodes well for the future.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," he said.

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."

While Jol's side head to Stoke on Saturday on the back of a thumping win, there has been a two-week break due to international matches.

The Dutchman admits the break did not come at the ideal time for the west Londoners, but does not think it will take away too much momentum.

"If you get a game like that and win 6-0, it is probably the best feeling you can have," he said.

"Having a little break left us with four or five players, which was not a lot.

"With the other players, the only worry you have got is that they might get injured or even suffer a defeat, which won't help.

"Obviously a few players had defeats and a few had good results so it was okay, but for us there is not a lot of difference.

"Of course you would like to get together the next day and talk about it, but a win is a win. We don't have to talk too much."

Fulham will be boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes from a groin injury for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, although Jol admits several first-team players will miss out.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said.

"We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training on Thursday but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad. He probably needs another seven or eight days."



http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Fulham-manager-Jol-sees-future-positive.aspx (http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Fulham-manager-Jol-sees-future-positive.aspx)

 
MARTIN JOL RISKS FA WRATH OVER REFEREE

FULHAM manager Martin Jol could face FA censure for yesterday praising discredited referee Martin Atkinson.

Martin Jol came out in support of the official heavily criticised two weeks ago for sending off Everton's Jack Rodwell in the Merseyside derby, a decision that was later rescinded on appeal.

But Atkinson is in charge of Fulham's game at Stoke tomorrow and, despite Jol's words being of a positive nature, FA rules stipulate that "no manager should speak about a referee prior to a match".

Last May, Sir Alex Ferguson was charged with improper conduct after he praised Howard Webb prior to him overseeing United's clash with Chelsea.

Asked if he was surprised Atkinson was refereeing again so soon after his high-profile blunder, Jol said: "I am not surprised. I think he is a good referee. After all, if you are in the Premier League, your quality is high.

"But as for punishing a referee for a mistake, I don't think so. We all make mistakes. I remember in Holland a couple of years ago referees being demoted and it was awful to see. You saw the No1 referee officiating in the second division and I don't think that was a good solution."



http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/277404/Martin-Jol-risks-FA-wrath-over-referee (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/277404/Martin-Jol-risks-FA-wrath-over-referee)

 
Rooney's replacement: Who are the candidates to fill the void left by England's suspended star

Fabio Capello's answer to the first question was unequivocal. Will you take Wayne Rooney to the Euros? 'Yes.'

The follow-up, he avoided with a neat swerve. But what if it is a two-game ban? 'I hope it's one. I think it will be.'

Except it is not. And this morning the England manager knows he must prepare for Euro 2012 in the knowledge his star man, who contributed three goals, two yellow cards and a red to a successful qualifying campaign, will miss the entire group phase in Poland or Ukraine.

So, who will replace the Manchester United man?

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0B08E0DA000005DC-592_224x423.jpg)
JERMAIN DEFOE
Spurs, Age 29, Caps 46, Goals 15
Unlucky to be left out of the squad for last week's game, Defoe used to be viewed as a Rooney replacement. His winner against Slovenia at the World Cup and subsequent hat-trick in the opening Euro 2012 group game against Bulgaria debunked that view. Capello has already said he will get a chance.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0C8F4BD000000578-884_224x423.jpg)
DANIEL STURRIDGE
Chelsea. Age 22, Uncapped
Might have been selected already had it not been for the three-match ban that caused him to start the season in September. Now showing the talent Manchester City always felt he had, whilst losing some of the arrogance that ended his days with the Blues. New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is a fan.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0B6508A400000578-425_224x423.jpg)
DANNY WELBECK
Man United. Age 20, Caps 2, Goals 0
Like Sturridge, has access to Champions League combat, which Capello views as being so integral to a young player's development. Has made rapid progress over the past 12 months and if the feeling of Welbeck moving to number three in Sir Alex Ferguson's striking roster is confirmed, he will not be far away.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0ABCE638000005DC-896_224x423.jpg)
BOBBY ZAMORA
Fulham. Age 30, Caps 1, Goals 0
Laughingly described as one of the young players he was pinning his faith on post-World Cup by Capello, Zamora nevertheless has an ability the Italian quite likes. Ground to make up after missing so much of last season through injury and not a like-for-like Rooney replacement, but can bring others into play.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0B64C37100000578-879_224x423.jpg)
ANDY CARROLL
Liverpool. Age 22, Caps 3, Goals 1
Talked up as the future 12 months ago but now shoved to the periphery. Capello has expressed concern about the Liverpool man's lifestyle, although Kenny Dalglish has angrily denied there is a problem.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0C5ED55900000578-671_224x423.jpg)
DARREN BENT
Aston Villa. Age 27, Caps 11, Goals 4
Seems to have assumed the role of being a man whose scoring record Capello is loath to ignore, without ever seeming to be the Italian's first choice up front. May well end up being his most dependable substitute.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0CF036C8000005DC-697_224x423.jpg)
THEO WALCOTT
Arsenal. Age 22, Caps 19, Goals 3
Has long fought his own corner when it comes to playing as a central striker at club level. His final ball from wide is a source of frustration - the cross for Ashley Young's opener against Montenegro aside - but Capello loves the pace Walcott brings to the side on the flanks.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-2049014-0B64ED8500000578-306_224x423.jpg)
ASHLEY YOUNG
Man United. Age 26, Caps 18, Goals 4
A candidate for England's player of the year, Young first began to shine as a support striker in Denmark. It was a position he filled for Aston Villa under Gerard Houllier, although he has reverted back to the wide slots since his big-money summer move to Manchester United.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049014/Wayne-Rooneys-replacement-Who-be.html#ixzz1akqv5MWG (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049014/Wayne-Rooneys-replacement-Who-be.html#ixzz1akqv5MWG)

 
STOKE v Fulham: Etherington hoping sugar rush can aid return to side

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is waiting to see whether a sugar injection in Matthew Etherington's back has cured the winger's injury problems in time for him to play in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also doubtful for the match at the Britannia Stadium as they bid to recover from their own injury problems.

Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out, while Pulis will decide whether to rest Glenn Whelan after the midfielder helped the Republic of Ireland reach the play-offs for Euro 2012 over the past week.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Wilkinson, Woodgate, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Sorensen, Shotton, Arismendi, Pennant, Delap, Crouch, Jones, Jerome, Nash.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049006/STOKE-v-Fulham-Matthew-Etherington-hoping-sugar-rush-aid-return-side.html#ixzz1akrJFE2m (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049006/STOKE-v-Fulham-Matthew-Etherington-hoping-sugar-rush-aid-return-side.html#ixzz1akrJFE2m)

 
Defender denies Fulham fall-out

FULHAM must pull out all the stops to keep Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage.

So says team-mate Stephen Kelly, amid speculation the England striker wants to quit SW6 following a bust-up with Martin Jol.

The Whites boss has played down the spat with his star man, who was upset after being left out of the Europa League trip to Odense last month.

The reported fall-out has put potential suitors on red alert, with west London rivals QPR linked with an £8million move in the January transfer window.

But Kelly insists the morale in the camp is good, and says Fulham need to do all they can to hold on to their star man.

He said: "Bobby's huge for us. He's such an outlet and brings others into the game. A lot of our football is played around him and getting shots off his link-up play.

"He's an important player for the team, and it showed in the first-half of last season and for a couple of games this year when he's been missing.

"But we've bought a couple of players who have done well, and I'm sure with the way the manager rotates things sometimes others will play ahead of Bobby.

"I've not seen any bust-up – I think it's just stuff in the press. The manager's keeping things fresh and changing things to keep everyone on their toes.

"It means every game is a new team out there looking to impress. It only adds to the competition."



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Fulham star urges Zamora stay

FULHAM must pull out all the stops to keep Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage.

So says team-mate Stephen Kelly, amid speculation the England striker wants to quit SW6 following a bust-up with Martin Jol.

The Whites boss has played down the spat with his star man, who was upset after being left out of the Europa League trip to Odense last month.

The reported fall-out has put potential suitors on red alert, with west London rivals QPR linked with an £8million move in the January transfer window.

But Kelly insists the morale in the camp is good, and says Fulham need to do all they can to hold on to their star man.

He said: "Bobby's huge for us. He's such an outlet and brings others into the game. A lot of our football is played around him and getting shots off his link-up play.

"He's an important player for the team, and it showed in the first-half of last season and for a couple of games this year when he's been missing.

"But we've bought a couple of players who have done well, and I'm sure with the way the manager rotates things sometimes others will play ahead of Bobby.

"I've not seen any bust-up – I think it's just stuff in the press. The manager's keeping things fresh and changing things to keep everyone on their toes.

"It means every game is a new team out there looking to impress. It only adds to the competition."


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/14/fulham-star-urges-zamora-stay-64767-29594934/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/14/fulham-star-urges-zamora-stay-64767-29594934/?)

 
Stoke City - Fulham Preview: Tony Pulis' men eager to end month-long wait for Premier League win
While the hosts' season has stalled, Cottagers boss Martin Jol will be eager for his charges to build on the 6-0 demolition of QPR that handed them their first league victory

Although absentees Kenwyne Jones and Wilson Palacios have returned to training, but Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is expected to resist the urge to start the pair. Winger Matthew Etherington is likely to be on the team-sheet after he recovered from the dead leg that saw him miss the 2-0 defeat to Swansea City last time out. But midfielder Salif Diao is still out with a fractured cheekbone.

Fulham boss Martin Jol's plans have been hit by a series of injuries during the international break. A knee injury has put to Bryan Ruiz's involvement on hold, while thigh and ankle knocks have ruled out Swiss pair Philippe Senderos and Kerim Frei.

Long-term absentee Simon Davies also remains sidelined with a knee injury. But in better news, Aaron Hughes has recovered from the groin strain that ruled him out of going on international duty for Northern Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW?
In 70 meetings in all competitions, Stoke City have won 26, Fulham have won 29 and there have been 15 draws.
Fulham's 6-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers was their first of the season.
Stoke have not tasted victory in the league since the September 10, when they achieved a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Stoke new-boy Peter Crouch has scored three goals in his last five games against Fulham.
Seventy five per cent of the goals Stoke have conceded this term have been in the first half - the highest proportion in the division.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey has scored three goals in his last four games against Stoke.
Team-mate Bobby Zamora has scored four times in his last five league matches.
Martin Jol's last 17 matches in the Premier League - 10 with Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08 and seven this term with Fulham - have resulted in seven defeats, eight draws and two wins.
Stoke's misfiring attack has scored just four goals in their last nine league fixtures.
Stoke's tally of 17 shots on target this season is the lowest in the league.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60241/stoke-city-vs-fulham/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60241/stoke-city-vs-fulham/preview)

 
PULIS WAITS ON ETHERINGTON FITNESS
Team news for Saturday's clash between Stoke and Fulham.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is waiting to see whether a sugar injection in Matthew Etherington's back has cured the winger's injury problems in time for him to play in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also doubtful for the match at the Britannia Stadium as they bid to recover from their own injury problems.

Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out, while Pulis will decide whether to rest Glenn Whelan after the midfielder helped the Republic of Ireland reach the play-offs for Euro 2012 over the past week.

Fulham can welcome back Aaron Hughes but will be missing several other first-team regulars.

The defender has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, although manager Martin Jol will not be able to call upon Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz.

The former is out for at least a week with a thigh injury, while Ruiz faces the same amount of time on the sidelines with a knee complaint. Kerim Frei (ankle) is also out.

Teams:

Stoke (from): Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Wilkinson, Woodgate, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Sorensen, Shotton, Arismendi, Pennant, Delap, Crouch, Jones, Jerome, Nash.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, J Riise, Kelly, Briggs, Sidwell, Duff, Kasami, Murphy, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora, Etheridge, Briggs, Grygera, Gecov, Sa, Johnson.



http://www.football365.com/match/3407773/preview? (http://www.football365.com/match/3407773/preview?)

 
Lawro's prediction
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56012000/gif/_56012476_stokecity_fulham.gif)
Stoke v Fulham
Both these sides have had hectic starts to the season because of the Europa League, and have played lots of games.

Fulham only picked up their first league win of the campaign in their last game but it was a thumping one over QPR, and it looks like they are starting to find a bit of domestic form.

Stoke always look difficult to beat, and are a team that just continues to improve too, so I am going to go for a draw here. Fulham don't score many away from home but they are well organised and more than capable of pinching a point.

Prediction: 1-1



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15289261.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15289261.stm)

 
Hughes returns for Cottagers

Fulham can welcome back Aaron Hughes for tomorrow's clash at Stoke but will be missing several other first-team regulars.

The defender has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, although manager Martin Jol will not be able to call upon Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz.

The former is out for at least a week with a thigh injury, while Ruiz faces the same amount of time on the sidelines with a knee complaint. Kerim Frei (ankle) is also out.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, J Riise, Kelly, Briggs, Sidwell, Duff, Kasami, Murphy, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora, Etheridge, Briggs, Grygera, Gecov, Sa, Johnson.



Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/hughes-returns-for-cottagers-524396.html#ixzz1al0Of3nE (http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/hughes-returns-for-cottagers-524396.html#ixzz1al0Of3nE)

 
Stoke v FULHAM: Hughes returns but Jol without Senderos and Ruiz

Fulham can welcome back Aaron Hughes for Saturday's clash at Stoke but will be missing several other first-team regulars.

The defender has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, although manager Martin Jol will not be able to call upon Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/14/article-0-0DD5055800000578-59_468x305.jpg)
A week away: Ruiz (left) will miss out at Stoke

The former is out for at least a week with a thigh injury, while Ruiz faces the same amount of time on the sidelines with a knee complaint.

Kerim Frei (ankle) is also out.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, J Riise, Kelly, Briggs, Sidwell, Duff, Kasami, Murphy, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora, Etheridge, Briggs, Grygera, Gecov, Sa, Johnson.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049064/Stoke-v-FULHAM-Aaron-Hughes-returns-Martin-Jol-Philippe-Senderos-Bryan-Ruiz.html#ixzz1al0iC3Sv (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049064/Stoke-v-FULHAM-Aaron-Hughes-returns-Martin-Jol-Philippe-Senderos-Bryan-Ruiz.html#ixzz1al0iC3Sv)

 
Stoke    v    Fulham

By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Britannia Stadium Date: Saturday, 15 October Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Stoke winger Matthew Etherington will have a sugar injection in his back in the hope of being fit to face Fulham.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are all struggling with injury and Glenn Whelan could be rested after midweek international duty.

Fulham's Aaron Hughes returns from a groin injury but Philippe Senderos is out with a thigh problem.

Kerim Frei is nursing an ankle complaint so won't feature, while Bryan Ruiz is ruled out with a knee injury.

MATCH PREVIEW
The Britannia Stadium has long been a difficult venue for all visiting teams but everything about Stoke City seems to have gone up another level this season.

The determination to build on last season's success is there for all to see, and Tony Pulis recruited better than most in the last transfer window. After three years of comfortable consolidation, you can feel the real desire to push on and raise the level of expectation.

Pulis is learning how to juggle the demands of Premier League and European competition, and feels he now has a squad with enough depth and quality to compete on both fronts - although he is looking for a return to winning ways in this match.

In contrast, Fulham head north on the back of their first win of the season after the emphatic 6-0 victory over QPR which equalled their biggest ever victory in the Premier League.

Like their opponents, they are combining the rigours of domestic and European life, and incredibly this is already their 19th competitive match of the season.

The biggest result of them all for Martin Jol, though, was the three points last time out and the way they got them which was a timely boost for the Fulham manager. In particular, Andy Johnson, who was the hat-trick hero against QPR, has been a key figure in recent weeks with his pace, movement and goalscoring touch.

Now they look for some consistency and much-needed form away from Craven Cottage - but having seen Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all fail to win at the Britannia Stadium already this season, they know they'll have to reach the heights of a fortnight ago once again to achieve any kind of result.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

Fulham did the double over Stoke last season, winning 2-0 home and away. However, Stoke did beat Fulham in the Carling Cup third round, also by a 2-0 scoreline.
Stoke's biggest victory over Fulham is 6-1 in the first-ever meeting between the sides, in December 1907. Fulham's biggest win over Stoke is also 6-1, achieved in August 1958.
Stoke

Stoke have scored just four Premier League goals this season, fewer than any other team. They had scored twice as many at this stage last season, although were only one point and one place better off then.
They are unbeaten at home in this season's Premier League, having beaten Liverpool and held both Chelsea and Manchester United.
Stoke's Europa League campaign means this is their 15th competitive fixture of the season.
Ricardo Fuller has scored 49 goals for Stoke.
According to Opta, the ball is in play just 61% of the time during matches involving Stoke, the lowest proportion in the Premier League.
Fulham

Fulham are one of seven clubs yet to win away from home in this season's Premier League.
Martin Jol's side scored just four goals in their first six league matches - before putting six past QPR last time out, equalling their biggest win in the Premier League. It was their first league win of the season.
Fulham have been even busier than Stoke this season - this will be their 19th competitive match of the campaign.
Damien Duff needs to score to reach 50 career Premier League goals.
Fulham's only red card of last season came when referee Martin Atkinson sent off Zoltan Gera in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on the final day of the campaign. Atkinson has sent off four players in his seven matches this season, including Everton's Jack Rodwell a fortnight ago, a red card that was later rescinded.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15226162.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15226162.stm?)

 
Warnock admits to Fulham lesson

QPR boss Neil Warnock admits his side were taught a 'good lesson' by Fulham in their 6-0 drubbing last time out.


Warnock is looking for his side to bounce back in style against Blackburn once the Premier League kicks back into action this weekend but he won't forget the nature of their defeat to Fulham.

"I think it was a wake up call for us. We are going to get a few drubbings this season, but we need the back four to be injury free," he said.

"We have done well when we have had a steady back four, but it was decimated against Fulham.

"Traore was suspended so Luke Young had to go left back, Fitz Hall has been playing with a hamstring injury. Everything went wrong.

"It was like we were blase because we had done so well in the previous matches. We just thought it was going to be straight forward. It was bad enough to lose a goal after a few seconds, but we lost our discipline then.

"It was a good lesson."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/14/Boss-admits-to-Fulham-lesson/gnid-113198/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/14/Boss-admits-to-Fulham-lesson/gnid-113198/?)

 
Fulham look at Swede

No, Martin Jol is not looking at changing the players diets. Instead, he is looking at yet another new player to compliment his already fresh bunch.

Fulham, according to eatsleepsport, are rivalling Southampton in the race to secure the signature of Swedish right back, Mikael Lustig. The 24 year-old is set to be leaving Rosenborg in the January transfer window after his contract expires at the end of the year, and Jol is being claimed to have sent scouts to watch him in Sweden's 3-2 win over the Netherlands.

Zdenek Grygera has settled well into his right back role at the Cottage but manager Jol is said to want a full back with an eye to long-term security, as opposed to Grygera's one year deal.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/14/2489616/fulham-look-at-swede? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/14/2489616/fulham-look-at-swede?)

 
Arthurworrey signs for Fulham

(http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/resources/images/1799722/?type=display)

An England schoolboy international footballer has been handed a dream shot at life in the top flight after signing scholarship terms with Premier League outfit Fulham's Academy set-up.

Former Coombe Boys' School pupil Stephen Arthurworrey played for the England U17 team while he was in Year 11 and is now hoping to become a full-time professional player.

The 16-year-old also managed to achieve four As and three Bs in his GCSE exams this summer, despite his intensive training schedule.

Coombe Boys' School formed a partnership with the football academy four years ago and there are now 31 players at the school across Years seven to 11.

Deputy Head and liaison for the programme, Chris Fidler admitted Arthurworrey has not only been handed the chance of a lifetime, but also has the education to back it up.

He said: "I have absolutely no doubt of the benefit of the Fulham partnership.

"The school has seen dramatic improvements on the football field, and pupils in the programme have achieved excellent academic results."




http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/9306724.Arthurworrey_signs_for_Fulham/? (http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/9306724.Arthurworrey_signs_for_Fulham/?)

 
Win Fulham v Everton tickets!

A pair of tickets to next Sunday's Craven Cottage clash up for grabs

EA SPORT, the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Premier League, has teamed up with the Fulham Chronicle to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to your team's next Barclays Premier League Match on Sunday, October 2. The winner will also receive a copy of FIFA 12*.

EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Premier League Player Performance Index. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclay Premier League's official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.

The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.premierleague.com (http://www.premierleague.com) after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

To stand a chance of winning simply answer the following question:

Who is Everton's manager?

To enter, visit our Facebook page, Fulham FC News, click 'like' and post your answer underneath the question.

Closing date for entries is midday Monday.

*EA SPORTS FIFA 12 is out on Friday 30th September available for Xbox 360 and PS3.



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Bobby Zamora & Andy Johnson could play up front together for England at Euro 2012 - Mark Bright assesses Fabio Capello's options without Wayne Rooney
The forward-turned-TV pundit runs the rule over the players available to the Italian in the absence of the Manchester United star - and picks a few left-field choices

EXCLUSIVE
By James Daly

Wayne Rooney's three-game ban on the back of his red card against Montenegro throws up some pressing questions for England manager Fabio Capello, not least who is going to lead the line in the opening group games in next summer's Euro 2012 tournament?


And while Capello is likely to run the rule over the likes of Danny Welbeck and Liverpool's Andy Carroll, there are options at less fashionable clubs, says former Crystal Palace striker turned pundit Mark Bright, who admitted he was surprised that Rooney lashed out.

"The way Rooney has been playing this season has been fantastic so I was a little bit surprised," Bright said, at the launch of the Barclays Aspiring Football Writer competition. "It's just a reaction.

"He's so important for England of course, he's such a talented player but he's not the be all and end all. Let's hope it's only one game but because it's for violence it could of course be three games."

With Rooney to learn his fate on how many games he will miss, Goal.com asked Bright for his views on the options facing Capello during the United forward's absence, and when he returns to the fold.

Bright on Capello's options...

   Darren Bent

When you're playing away from home he is always the man to score. I don't know why he doesn't quite perform at home, but he away he seems more relaxed on the road and if he gets an opportunity he hits the back of the net.

   Danny Welbeck

Going to Sunderland has been fantastic for him, he's come back and he's a more confident person. He and Rooney work well with each other week in and week out for United. Their understanding is formidable for United and can be formidable for England.

   Peter Crouch

Crouch is always an option with his height. He's enjoying his time at Stoke, he's scored a few goals. He could play well alongside a little man like Andy Johnson and he has always scored goals for England.

   Jermain Defoe

He had a bad year last year, a really bad year for him, but with Defoe you can always say he's a finisher. I'd always have Defoe in and around the England squad because he can come off the bench and you never know.

   Daniel Sturridge

He has grown and grown and grown. Something about going to Bolton has been a springboard and now he is showing his ability; his ability to hold up the ball, to go past people. He's confident, he's cocky and scoring goals in the Champions League will add to his repertoire.

   Andy Carroll

It's not been a great start for him at Liverpool but when Gerrard gets back maybe he'll have a little bit more quality around him. He needs a little bit of nurturing but I do like him and I think he is difficult to play against.

   Andy Johnson & Bobby Zamora

I think Zamora's in the best form of his life and Johnson has had a horrible time out with injuries but has come back and just looks back to his best. Getting him involved again would give Capello a few different options in terms of a bit more pace up front someone who is direct as well. Why not try these two?

   Steven Gerrard

Gerrard is getting back fit now and I think if Capello wants to go for the lone striker I think play Wayne Rooney up there [when back] and play Gerrard off him. They have an understanding. Gerrard still has it! He is such a quality player.

   DJ Campbell

What you need to do as a player is put your cards on the table. DJ Campbell did well last year for Blackpool and he's doing well at QPR. If you are scoring week in, week out you deserve a crack at it, but I don't think DJ Campbell is the answer.




http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3284/euro-2012/2011/10/14/2708438/bobby-zamora-andy-johnson-could-play-up-front-together-for? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3284/euro-2012/2011/10/14/2708438/bobby-zamora-andy-johnson-could-play-up-front-together-for?)

 
EPL preview: Stoke v Fulham

Fulham are aiming for five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions when they travel to Stoke City on Saturday.

Martin Jol's men earned their first Premier League win of the season in their 6-0 thrashing of promoted Queens Park Rangers - but it was their fourth shutout with Australian shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer in goal.

Statistically, Stoke are the least attacking side in the Premier League, firing just 17 shots on target in seven games this season, meaning Schwarzer may have few worries at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke's attacking prowess has been boosted by the acquisition of tall striker Peter Crouch, who has fired home two goals in his past three matches.

Crouch has a scoring history against the Cottagers too, with three goals in his past five starts against the Londoners, suggesting the former Liverpool and Tottenham man may be the one to botch Fulham's clean streak.

A man who will be hoping Fulham preserve their run of no goals conceded is right-back Stephen Kelly, who believes he can hold his spot in the XI despite Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Zdenek Grygera all capable of filling the role.

"There's an opportunity at right-back and I've proven I'm in contention with my last couple of performances," the 28-year-old Irishman said.

"Over the last month or so I've really stepped up a gear. I've proven to the manager I'm capable of playing in the big games, like against Chelsea and Manchester City."

"I offer something a bit different to the others. My attributes are strong; I'm probably a bit more athletic and offer an attacking option as well."

"There's a few of us fighting for the position and it's difficult, but you can only go on your last performance."

In selection news, Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is hopeful of fronting up for the Potters after having a sugar injection in his back to help him recover from a hamstring complaint.

Striker Kenwyne Jones should return from a hamstring injury to partner Crouch up front.

Fulham's Hughes is unlikely to be fit after the Northern Ireland international missed the chance to their final Euro 2012 qualifier in midweek due to a groin injury.



http://www.sportal.co.in/football-news-display/preview-stoke-v-fulham-142467 (http://www.sportal.co.in/football-news-display/preview-stoke-v-fulham-142467)

 
Kasami pays for Fulham Christmas party

MARTIN Jol has no plans to scrap Fulham's fines system - because the cash goes towards their Christmas knees-up.

Pajtim Kasami has unwittingly contributed to the coffers after he was disciplined by his boss for missing a penalty against Chelsea last month as Orlando Sa was the designated taker.

Jol scoffed at rumours the move has caused unrest in the camp, and insists all the cash will go back into the pot for the players to enjoy.

He said: "I spoke to Kasami and he agreed he was wrong.

"If you've got a disciplined team and I tell someone to take the free-kicks, for example, a 19-year-old boy shouldn't take the ball off him. It's okay if he scores, but I still would've talked to him.

"Danny Murphy's my penalty taker and Bobby [Zamora] can take a penalty. I don't think in the next game somebody else should take the ball. That's undisciplined.

"If someone is late for dinner before an away match, I think it's undisciplined and I don't want that either.

"At the start of the season I spoke about it [a fines system], and the money's coming back to us for dinner and drinks."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/14/kasami-pays-for-fulham-christmas-party-82029-29596274/?#ixzz1al6BGxsg (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/14/kasami-pays-for-fulham-christmas-party-82029-29596274/?#ixzz1al6BGxsg)

 
Fulham Scene Setter

AN INTERNATIONAL break wasn't perhaps as welcome as you might expect for a team which had just played its eighteenth game so early in the season... not when you have just hit the opposition for six to record your first Premier League win.

Whilst on the one hand, Fulham have had the opportunity to rest weary legs and recharge the batteries over the past fortnight, they would probably have preferred an immediate chance to build upon such an emphatic victory over Queen's Park Rangers.

In contrast to their relatively comfortable progress through to the Group Stage of the Europa League, Martin Jol's side had experienced a frustrating start in the Premier League until newly-promoted Rangers made the short trip to Craven Cottage.

After a number of performances which promised so much, but delivered only scant reward, Fulham took all that frustration out on Neil Warnock's side in stunning fashion as Andy Johnson's coolly-taken hat-trick spearheaded their charge to a 6-0 victory.

They were fast becoming draw specialists with five in succession and three of them in the Premier League before a double from Johnson ended that sequence by securing a Europa League win over Odense just days before he went one better against Rangers.

Fulham certainly showed no signs of a European hangover two weeks ago, but then no club is better equipped to deal with the demands of Premier League and Europa League football, having coped admirably with it in the most successful season in their history.

In that instance, they reached the 2009-10 Europa League Final before eventually losing narrowly to Athletico Madrid in what was their 19th game in the competition which had seen them cover many thousands of miles to get all the way to the Hamburg showpiece.

Having qualified as one of the Fair Play entrants this season, they would play another four matches if they were to make it all the way to the 2011-12 Final in Bucharest and there is every reason to believe that they can enjoy another successful campaign, especially after taking four points from their first two matches against FC Twente and Odense in Group K.

But Fulham will also want to maintain their recent record of top ten finishes in the Premier League which has seen them achieve that feat twice in the past three seasons, so building upon the victory over Queen's Park Rangers will be an important objective.

They can draw further encouragement from the fact that they are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and gained a lot of heart from coming back from two goals down to draw with title challengers Manchester City in the early stages of that run.


FULHAM FACT-FILE
Name: Fulham
Nickname: The Cottagers / The Whites
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Capacity: 25,700
Chairman: Mohamed Al-Fayed
Manager: Martin Jol
2010/11: Premier League 8th

* Fulham's average attendance of 25,734 at Craven Cottage last season is the highest since the stadium was renovated in to an all seater in 1997.
* Johnny Haynes is the Club's all time record appearance maker featuring in 658 games, whilst he sits second in the goal scoring charts having hit the back of the net 158 times, 20 less that record holder Gordon Davies.
* Out of the current playing squad American international Clint Dempsey is the highest appearance maker and goalscorer (144 appearances, 33 goals).


FOR HE'S A 'JOL'LY GOOD FELLOW
MARTIN JOL would be forgiven for feeling that he has a point to prove... after being handed the opportunity to return to English football almost four years down the road from his rather abrupt and unwarranted departure from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 55-year-old Dutchman was appointed as Fulham's new manager in the summer when Mark Hughes decided to step down from the position and it provided him with an exciting new challenge in a managerial career that has spanned some 20 years.

Jol, who had previously had spells in England with West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City as a player, spent three years at White Hart Lane during which the club appeared to be making good progress after the ill-fated reign of Jacques Santini.

But although Spurs reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, the quarter finals of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup and had qualified for Europe again by finishing fifth in the table in 2006-07, speculation began to mount about the arrival of Juande Ramos at the start of the following campaign and it resulted in Jol's eventual departure in October.

He returned to management with Hamburg the following season where he enjoyed similar success to his final season at Spurs by steering them to fifth place in the Bundesliga while they also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup and German Cup.

The opportunity to move on to Dutch giants Ajax was simply too good to resist and he achieved considerable success in his first season by lifting the Dutch Cup, while they were just pipped to the title by Steve McClaren's FC Twente despite the fact that they won their final 14 League games and conceded only four goals in all their home games.

When Ajax failed to push on in the following season, Jol decided to step down from the post with the Amsterdam-based club lying fourth in the table.



TEAM NEWS
TONY PULIS has revealed that he will make a last minute decision on up to four possible starters ahead of Saturday's encounter against Martin Jol's side.

The City boss admits the quartet of Matthew Etherington, Jermaine Pennant, Kenwyne Jones and Marc Wilson are all still nursing minor niggles, but is hoping they could all play a part in the game.

Etherington has been having sugar injections in his back in hope of being deemed fit in time to feature, whilst Pennant aggrevated a knee injury against Swansea two weeks ago.

Wilson (hamstring) is expected to be fit, but the game may come a little too early for Jones, who only returned to full training on Thursday after picking up a hamstring injury against Spurs last month.

Danny Higginbotham and Mamady Sidibe, who both made returns from long term injuries in recent weeks, aren't expected to be included in the matchday squad.

The visitors are hoping Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes recovers from a groin strain in time to retain his spot in the backline, especially with Swiss star Phillipe Senderos being ruled out with a thigh injury.

£10m summer signing Bryan Ruiz is sidelined with a knee problem whilst Kerim Frei will also be absent after picking up a knock on his ankle in the 6-0 win against QPR.


HEAD-TO-HEAD
League: Won 24 Drew 15 Lost 27
FA Cup: Won 0 Drew 0 Lost 1
League Cup: Won 2 Drew 0 Lost 1
Total: Won 26 Drew 15 Lost 29

The last six encounters...

Premier League (22/01/11) Fulham 2-0 Stoke
Premier League (28/12/10) Stoke 0-2 Fulham
Carling Cup(21/09/10) Stoke 2-0 Fulham
Premier League (05/05/10) Fulham 0-1 Stoke
Premier League (05/01/10) Stoke 3-2 Fulham
Premier League (25/04/09) Fulham 1-0 Stoke


FROM THE HORSES MOUTH
TONY PULIS

"Fulham are a very good side, and people mustn't forget that. Some people may get a little complacent and think that having done well against Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea here that we can turn up expecting to beat Fulham, but there is no way we will get the win with that mentality. They are a very, very good side, who finished 8th in the Premier League last season. They beat us home and away, so we know we are going to have to be at our absolute maximum if we are to get anything from the game."


BACK TO TRADITION...
FOOTBALL matches used to kick off regularly at 3pm, we're led to believe, before the demands of Premier League and Europa League football, plus the scheduling from television companies ensured fixtures take place at all sorts of times on any given date.

Saturday's 3pm kick off with Fulham is only our second of the season, with the only other one coming back in mid September where Jon Walters' first half penalty was enough to secure all three points in an entertaining affair against Liverpool.

Following the rescheduling of our forthcoming home game with Tottenham Hotspur to Sunday at 4pm, the Potters will now have had just five tradition kick off times throughout the first half of the season up until the December 28th clash against Wigan.

That's not to say that we're complaining, however, as we've already had the benefit of being broadcast to the watching millions, both online and on live televisions six times already this season.

With the quintet of upcoming home games against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also set to be on the box, the Club will then have seen eleven matches broadcast during the first half of the campaign.


'FUL' STEAM AHEAD
IN terms of fixtures Fulham have certainly not had it any easier than the Potters this season, having like ourselves been involved in the Europa League Qualifying campaign before the Premier League season had even started.

In fact there inclusion in the first and second qualifying rounds means they have undertaken four addition games to Stoke's 14, meaning they have already taken to the field on 18 occasions this season.

They do have more recent experience in dealing with the competition though, having reached the Final just two years ago.


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY... WILKO
THIS weekend marks the tenth anniversary of Stone born defender Andy Wilkinson making his competitive Potters debut.

'Wilko' came off the bench to replace Clive Clarke in a 3-2 defeat against Blackpool in the Auto Windscreens Shield, a club that would ironically go on to aid his development as he spent a period of time on loan at Bloomfield Road.

He has made a total of 132 appearances in the red and white stripes, plus further ones on loan at Telford United, Partick Thistle, Shrewsbury Town and Blackpool to give him a total of 174.

His solitary professional came whilst on loan at Partick, in the 1-1 draw at Clyde in 2004.


THE MAN IN CHARGE

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistants: R Pollock & M Mullarkey
4th Official: S Attwell


BETTING NEWS
ALL odds shown are the most recent with official Club betting partner Bet365 - For the most up to date odds click HERE

Stoke to win - 6/5
Draw - 11/5
Fulham to win - 6/2



http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchPreview/0,,10310~2481854,00.html? (http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchPreview/0,,10310~2481854,00.html?)

 
Nonsensical hindsight: In his mind this match is all about Nicklas Bendtner

he international break is bittersweet.

On the one hand, it gives me a break from my standard Thursday night spent banging my head on my desk until something to say about our London clubs falls out of my brain.

On the other hand, watching England play football makes me want to cry.

This means that the Premier League returns on Saturday, I'm feeling entirely neutral. Whatever the case, here's what my brain produced last night.

Stoke vs Fulham

Andy Johnson's hat trick last weekend reminded all of us that a) he's still a half-decent striker and b) he looks like a bald David Beckham.

In fact, if AJ continues in this vein of form people might soon be referring to the ex-England captain as a 'hairy Andy Johnson'.

You'll notice I used the word 'might'.

My reservations are threefold. Firstly, women are very protective of David Beckham's good looks, and would never admit to this particular lookalike for fear of being accused of fancying Andy Johnson. Secondly, a 'hairy Andy Johnson' musters up images of Tom Cruise's character in Tropic Thunder, which makes me laugh and shudder at the same time.

Finally, Andy Johnson will have to continue in this vein of form. Which he obviously won't. This leads handily into my prediction of a Stoke win, which is necessary given that the previous four paragraphs have largely consisted of lookalike-related waffle.

Verdict: 3-1



http://www.london24.com/sport/chelsea/nonsensical_hindsight_in_his_mind_this_match_is_all_about_nicklas_bendtner_1_1090677? (http://www.london24.com/sport/chelsea/nonsensical_hindsight_in_his_mind_this_match_is_all_about_nicklas_bendtner_1_1090677?)

 
PULIS WARY OF FULHAM STRIKEFORCE

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has warned his defenders they will be coming up against one of the best strike partnerships in the Barclays Premier League when Fulham visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson have scored a combined 14 goals in all competitions so far this season, with the latter hitting in hat-trick in the 6-0 hammering of west London rivals QPR last time out.

The pair will be looking to continue that impressive form, especially with a possible place in England's Euro 2012 team up for grabs following UEFA's decision to hand Wayne Rooney a three-match ban for his red card in Montenegro.

"Johnson and Zamora are as good as anything in the Premier League on their day," Pulis said.

"Zamora is a very, very good player, a very good hold-up player and he can score goals as well. Johnson is bright, clever and very quick, he's always scored goals. It's going to be a tough game for us."

Pulis admitted he was a particular admirer of Zamora, who is definitely on England manager Fabio Capello's radar after having being included in the squad for the Montenegro game.

Johnson has been out of the international picture since 2007 following a succession of injury setbacks.

"I knew Bob when he started off, at Brighton, Bristol Rovers," the Potters chief added. "I've seen Bobby come through his career and it was lovely to see him get selected the other week for England as well."

Zamora's and Johnson's goals have helped Martin Jol's side recover from a slow start to the season and they are unbeaten since August, including games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

"I don't think you should forget they finished eighth last year in the Premier League," Pulis said.

"The year before they got to a European final, a major European final, so they're no mugs.

"They've got some very good players. Last year they did the double over us, they're a good side and we and certainly won't be underestimating them.

"They were a very good side under Roy (Hodgson, who led them to the Europa League final in 2010), and they finished eighth last year under Mark (Hughes) so Martin's picked up a decent club.

"They've got a system of playing that suits their team and have got a very experienced group of players.

"They haven't changed the players very much, it's 90% the same players and it's going to be a really tough game."

Pulis is waiting to see whether winger Matthew Etherington is fit after having a sugar injection in his back in a bid to cure a hamstring problem.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also doubtful, while Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/14/SOCCER_Stoke_Nightlead.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/14/SOCCER_Stoke_Nightlead.html)

 
The Statto - Fulham

THE Statto brings you all of the facts and stats surrounding Saturday's hotly anticipated Barclays Premier League encounter between the Potters and Fulham at the Britannia Stadium...

* Tony Pulis' side are unbeaten at home in seven games in all competitions this season. They have beaten Liverpool, Spurs, Hajduk Split, FC thun and Besiktas, whilst drawing with both Manchester United and Chelsea.

* Fulham did the double over Stoke last season, winning 2-0 home and away. However, Stoke did beat Fulham in the Carling Cup third round, also by a 2-0 scoreline.

* Stoke's biggest victory over Fulham is 6-1 in the first-ever meeting between the sides, in December 1907. Fulham's biggest win over Stoke is also 6-1, achieved in August 1958.

* Fulham are one of seven clubs yet to win away from home in this season's Premier League.

* The Potters have scored just four Premier League goals this season, fewer than any other team. They had scored twice as many at this stage last season, although were only one point and one place better off then.

* Martin Jol's side scored just four goals in their first six league matches - before putting six past QPR last time out, equalling their biggest win in the Premier League. It was their first league win of the season.

* Stoke's Europa League campaign means this is their 15th competitive fixture of the season. However, Fulham have been even busier having competed in four addition Europa League Qualifiers. This will be their 19th competitive match of the campaign.

* Ricardo Fuller has scored 49 goals for Stoke but is unlikely to reach half a century until at least next month having missed the start of the season through injury. Fulham's Damien Duff could net his 50th strike though if he features in the game.

* According to Opta, the ball is in play just 61% of the time during matches involving Stoke, the lowest proportion in the Premier League.

* Fulham's only red card of last season came when referee Martin Atkinson sent off Zoltan Gera in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on the final day of the campaign. Atkinson has sent off four players in his seven matches this season, including Everton's Jack Rodwell a fortnight ago, a red card that was later rescinded.

* Stone born defender Andy Wilkinson will reach ten years as a professional at the Britannia Stadium this weekend, after making his bow against Blackpool in October 2001.

* Fulham's Clint Dempsey has scored three goals in his last four games against Stoke, whilst team-mate Bobby Zamora has scored four times in his last five league matches.

* Peter Crouch though has scored three goals in his last five games against Fulham, whilst he will be looking to hit the back of the net in his fourth successive game at the Britannia Stadium. The England ace scored against both Manchester United and Besiktas, whilst he fired home from the spot in the Carling Cup penalty shoot-out victory against former Club Tottenham.

* Seventy five per cent of the goals Stoke have conceded this term have been in the first half - the highest proportion in the division.

* Martin Jol's last 17 matches in the Premier League - 10 with Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08 and seven this term with Fulham - have resulted in seven defeats, eight draws and just two wins.



http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2481878,00.html? (http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2481878,00.html?)

 
Hughes fit for Potters trip

Fulham welcome back Aaron Hughes for the clash at Stoke this weekend but will be missing several other first-team regulars.

The defender has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, although manager Martin Jol will not be able to call upon Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz.

Senderos is out for at least a week with a thigh injury while Ruiz faces the same amount of time on the sidelines with a knee complaint. Kerim Frei (ankle) is also out.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hughes-fit-for-potters-trip-1309887.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hughes-fit-for-potters-trip-1309887.html?)

 
AJ Visits The Foundation

After scoring five goals in Fulham's last two fixtures, striker Andrew Johnson visited a Fulham Football Club Foundation volunteering workshop after training on Monday afternoon.

Thirty young adults aged between 16 and 30 from South West London, attended a two-hour football coaching workshop at Fulham FC's Motspur Park training ground.

The participants were all part of the Fulham Football Club Foundation Community Champions Volunteer Programme which aims to give volunteering and training opportunities for people looking to become involved with a Premier League football club.

Volunteers were given an opportunity to meet and ask Fulham FC's volunteering ambassador, Andrew Johnson, questions about his playing career, football coaching and changes in all aspects of the sport over the past 20 years. They also received expert football coaching tuition from some of FFC Foundation's qualified coaches and a certificate of attendance.

Fulham FC Foundation's Volunteering Ambassador, Andrew Johnson said:

"It was great to meet some of the volunteers from Fulham FC Foundation's Community Champions programme. They all showed a passion for football coaching and by volunteering with the FFC Foundation and getting involved in positive work with local projects, will provide them with a great opportunity to develop their skills."

Fulham FC Foundation has been delivering its successful Community Champions programme since 2008. Funded by the Premier League Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Community Fund, the aim of the project is to increase the number of young people involved in sports based volunteering whilst helping to raise the profile of the initiative and highlighting the many available opportunities in volunteering, either within Fulham Football Club or other local organisations.

The club currently has 60 volunteers in this year's Community Champions programme and is looking to recruit a further 100 volunteers. Volunteering posts range from football coaching in the community, social inclusion assignments and office based positions. These placements are all designed to allow volunteers to develop a wide range of skills and provide motivation and guidance on choosing or planning particular career pathways.

Fulham Football Club Foundation is currently inviting local young people to register for the forthcoming Community Champions recruitment drive. For further information, please call: 0870 442 5432 or email: [email protected]



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AJvisitstheFoundation.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AJvisitstheFoundation.aspx?)

 
JOL WOULD SETTLE FOR A POINT

Fulham manager Martin Jol would be pleased to come away from Saturday's trip to Stoke with a goalless draw.

The Cottagers head into the match on the back of their first Barclays Premier League win of the season, having hammered near neighbours QPR 6-0 before the two-week international break.

And while Jol believes the result has raised confidence within the camp, he admits it will be tough to get a result at the Britannia Stadium.

So much so, in fact, that he revealed that sneaking a 0-0 draw would represent a good day at the office for his side.

"We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle," he said.

"Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich. It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team.

"It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result. But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals."

Fulham grabbed a surprise 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium last season, with Chris Baird grabbing both goals.

Former Tottenham manager Jol has never faced Stoke during his managerial career but knows what to expect in the Potteries.

"There are a few things [that can help break them down]," he said.

"Last year we had a good result there. We defended and scored two goals through Chris Baird.

"It was a very good performance and probably the turning point for Fulham last season.

"But, as everybody knows, Stoke away is a difficult game.

"They have the same problem as we have in Europe. They are very good team with different qualities.

"They have (Peter) Crouch up front now who is a target and an outlet with their throw-ins too.

"They are quite a physical team that can play as well so it is a good team."

Jol admitted that Fulham will have to deal with a barrage of attacks in Staffordshire but does not think he will need to change his side too much.

The Dutchman plumped for an attack-minded philosophy for the resounding 6-0 defeat of QPR, against whom Andrew Johnson netted a hat-trick.

Asked whether he would need to change things for Stoke, he said: "Not with the line-up because I feel the same players could start again if that is my decision, but they will have to defend more than we did at home.

"That is the normal thing and we had to defend against West Bromwich, where he were trying to get initiative.

"Nil-nil would probably be a good result but I feel we have opportunities to score and that is what Fulham did last year."

Fulham will be boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes from a groin injury for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, although Jol concedes several first-team players will miss out.

Defender Hughes has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, but Philippe Senderos (thigh), Bryan Ruiz (knee) and Kerim Frei (ankle) are all out.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/14/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/14/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)

 
Pulis lauds Cottagers strikers
Tony Pulis has warned his Stoke side that Fulham have one of the best strike pairings in the Premier League in Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson.

Zamora and Johnson have scored a combined 14 goals in all competitions so far this season, with the latter hitting in hat-trick in the 6-0 hammering of west London rivals QPR last time out.

The pair will be looking to continue that impressive form, especially with a possible place in England's Euro 2012 team up for grabs following UEFA's decision to hand Wayne Rooney a three-match ban for his red card in Montenegro.

"Johnson and Zamora are as good as anything in the Premier League on their day," Pulis said.

"Zamora is a very, very good player, a very good hold-up player and he can score goals as well. Johnson is bright, clever and very quick, he's always scored goals. It's going to be a tough game for us."

Pulis admitted he was a particular admirer of Zamora, who is definitely on England manager Fabio Capello's radar after having being included in the squad for the Montenegro game.

Johnson has been out of the international picture since 2007 following a succession of injury setbacks.

"I knew Bob when he started off, at Brighton, Bristol Rovers," the Potters chief added. "I've seen Bobby come through his career and it was lovely to see him get selected the other week for England as well."

Zamora's and Johnson's goals have helped Martin Jol's side recover from a slow start to the season and they are unbeaten since August, including games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

"I don't think you should forget they finished eighth last year in the Premier League," Pulis said.

"The year before they got to a European final, a major European final, so they're no mugs.

"They've got some very good players. Last year they did the double over us, they're a good side and we and certainly won't be underestimating them.

"They were a very good side under Roy (Hodgson, who led them to the Europa League final in 2010), and they finished eighth last year under Mark (Hughes) so Martin's picked up a decent club.

"They've got a system of playing that suits their team and have got a very experienced group of players.

"They haven't changed the players very much, it's 90% the same players and it's going to be a really tough game."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7240963/Pulis-lauds-Cottagers-strikers? (http://www.football365.com/fulham/7240963/Pulis-lauds-Cottagers-strikers?)

 
Game preview - Stoke City (a)


A break wasn't really what we needed after humiliating Queens Park Rangers in early October. We were arguably fatigued, what with our current battle on two fronts, but we were clearly in form. Two weeks later, though, and who knows?

Well, what we do know is Pajtim Kasami is funding the boys' Christmas party, Jol is already looking at January signings and Craven Cottage is set to get bigger. Doesn't make a visit to the Britannia any easier to predict, however.



Stoke City have had the chance to undergo a new revolution this year and it's safe to say they have done so. Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios are but two of their illustrious summer signings and it is clear that chairman Peter Coates and manager Tony Pulis have bigger and better things aimed at in their cross-hair.

For all their lavish spending, though, their style of play has only altered marginally. We can still expect a physical battle of the utmost proportion on Saturday afternoon but there'll be a new craft to their play which has undoubtedly made them harder to contain. They currently sit in 8th place and have had a mixed bag of form.

In the league, wins over Liverpool and West Brom have lifted them up the table whilst well oiled European performances have given them 4 points from a possible 6, in what is a very tough Europa League group. Their last outing, though, saw them out-gunned in Wales by a resilient Swansea side. Stoke hit the woodwork twice while Swansea were ironically clinical, getting two goals, after a relatively fruitless start to the campaign.

Fulham, meanwhile, are on a high after defeating local rivals QPR by six goals to nil. For all the outlandishness in the scoreline, it is still fair to say the result reflected the performance as Fulham looked creative and deadly in equal proportions. Two competitive wins out of two should give Fulham an edge, but the international break was not timed quite as astutely as Jol would have hoped.

In the same fixture last season, Chris Baird single handedly got Mark Hughes his first away Premier League victory in his Fulham reign, scoring two well struck goals to give Fulham a 2-0 win. At Craven Cottage, the scoreline was repeated in what was a polished performance by Hughes' men.

Matthew Etherington may return for the hosts, following treatment for a hamstring complaint. Kenwyne Jones may be welcomed back to the line up after a similar problem. Palacios, Fuller and Higginbotham are confirmed non-starters.

For Fulham, Aaron Hughes is given a grateful return to the first team but Bryan Ruiz and Phillipe Senderos cannot take part. Stephen Kelly has also put to bed rumours of a Jol-Zamora bust up which should pave the way for the striker to lead the line on Saturday:

'Bobby's huge for us. He's such an outlet and brings others into the game. A lot of our football is played around him and getting shots off his link-up play.

'I've not seen any bust-up - I think it's just stuff in the press. The manager's keeping things fresh and changing things to keep everyone on their toes.'

Predicted line-up: Schwarzer; Riise, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird; Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Zamora, Johnson

Score prediction: Stoke 0 - 0 Fulham



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/14/2489668/game-preview-stoke-city-a? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/14/2489668/game-preview-stoke-city-a?)

 
Stoke City v Fulham tickets

Barclays Premier League
Saturday 15th October
Kick-Off 15:00

On-sale dates

Season Ticket Holders Now On Sale (Max 6 tickets)
Members Now On Sale  (Max 6 tickets)
General Sale Now On Sale (Max 6 tickets)
Loyalty points: 3 (more info)

Prices

Adults - £25
Over 65s - £19
Under 17s - £15
Under 12s - £12
There is space for 4 Wheelchairs and helpers

Adults - £19
Over 65s - £19
Under 17s - £15
Under 12s - £12

Travel

Coaches depart from Motspur Park at 9:45am – Craven Cottage 10:15am

Coach travel price

Season Ticket Holders - Adults £17; Juniors £12
Non Season Ticket Holders – Adults £22; Juniors £17
To book coach tickets, call 0843 208 1234 option 3.

How to Buy tickets

Tickets are no longer available to buy online (postal deadline)
by phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 3) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
Tickets can be purchased at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking 



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/StokeCityAway.aspx#ixzz1alOA5qea (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/StokeCityAway.aspx#ixzz1alOA5qea)

 
Extra Time

Fulham Football Club Foundation delivers inspirational initiatives and projects which have a positive influence on the communities in which they operate.

The Foundation's mission is "building better lives through sport" for both young and old.

Fulham FC Foundation is launching Extra Time, a project which encourages men and women over 50 to keep active and meet new friends.

Project sessions will take place next week and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of:

Social meetings
Meeting new friends
Keeping active
Experience events at Craven Cottage
Monday Evenings – commences on Monday 17th October 2011

Physical Activity from 6pm – 7pm at Craven Cottage



Wednesday Evenings – currently underway

Over 50's Football TBC at Masbro Centre, running now



Friday Afternoons – Starts 21st October 2011

Physical Activity from 2pm – 3pm at Craven Cottage

To register your interest please contact Paul Strong at the Foundation on 0870 442 5432 or email [email protected].



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ExtraTime.aspx?#ixzz1alOaJizu (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ExtraTime.aspx?#ixzz1alOaJizu)

 
Stoke vs Fulham: Stoke look overpriced at Britannia
Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd have all failed to win their away games with Stoke this season

Based on their solid home performances so far this season, Stoke look massive value to claim victory as Fulham brace themselves for a trip to the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters' great start to the season has seen them take points from all their home games against tough opposition including Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Stoke are 1/1 in the Premier League odds to triumph and their chances are also boosted by the fact they are hosting opposition with a reputation of being bad travellers.

Fulham may have only won once this season, but this was in their last game and it was a 6-0 mauling against QPR.

They are 14/5 to inflict a first home defeat on Stoke this season and manager Martin Jol will hope that the international break will not have negatively impacted his camp too much.

At 21/10, a draw may not be a bad shout, considering Stoke do tend to struggle for goals and are averaging less than a goal a game through their opening seven fixtures of the campaign.

The goal markets present some other solid betting propositions, including 5/2 that Stoke win with two or fewer goals scored. In light of their defensive solidity this could prove good value.

Meanwhile, new signing Peter Crouch opened his Stoke account against Manchester United and has scored in three of his last five games against Fulham.

He is 6/4 to score at any time in the 90 minutes against them again.

Fulham have only scored once on the road in the league this season, so do not expect a goal fest – it is 8/1 that the game ends goalless

However, Bobby Zamora has netted in four of his last five Premier League appearances and looks a good punt at 7/1 to break the deadlock.



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/stoke-vs-fulham-stoke-look-overpriced-at-britannia_079100.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/stoke-vs-fulham-stoke-look-overpriced-at-britannia_079100.html)

 
Jol would take a point
by DAN on OCTOBER 14, 2011

(http://www.bet365.com/News/GlobalImages/News/bet365/Article-Small-238x178/Football/Premier-League/2011x12/fulham/110829-martin-jol-238x178.jpg)

It might strike some people as unambitious, but Fulham manager Martin Jol will be happy with a boring 0-0 at Stoke tomorrow.

We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich. It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team.

It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result. But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals.

It will Jol's first visit to the Britannia Stadium as a manager, but he feels Fulham can draw confidence from the 2-0 win there last season which revived the side's fortunes under Mark Hughes.

There are a few things [that can help break them down]. Last year we had a good result there. We defended and scored two goals through Chris Baird.

It was a very good performance and probably the turning point for Fulham last season. But, as everybody knows, Stoke away is a difficult game. They have the same problem as we have in Europe. They are very good team with different qualities.

They have (Peter) Crouch up front now who is a target and an outlet with their throw-ins too. They are quite a physical team that can play as well so it is a good team.

Jol hinted that he may stick with the same system that saw Fulham thrash QPR, offering a chance for Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora to continue their partnership up front.

Not with the line-up because I feel the same players could start again if that is my decision, but they will have to defend more than we did at home. That is the normal thing and we had to defend against West Bromwich, where he were trying to get initiative.

Nil-nil would probably be a good result but I feel we have opportunities to score and that is what Fulham did last year.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/jol-would-take-a-point/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/jol-would-take-a-point/?)

 
Fly like Paraguay

Ah, what a missed opportunity.  Here's the latest home shirt of Olimpia of Paraguay. How good would that have been?  Modern Kappa with a nod to recent glories....

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/olimpia.png?w=600&h=334)



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/fly-like-paraguay/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/fly-like-paraguay/?)

 
Jol would be happy with point
Cottagers boss would settle for stalemate at Britannia

(http://img.skysports.com/11/08/660x350/Martin_2638143.jpg)
Martin Jol: Would be happy to come away from Stoke with a goalless draw


Fulham manager Martin Jol says he would be satisfied if the Cottagers came away from Saturday's visit to Stoke with a goalless draw.

Jol's men travel to the Britannia Stadium feeling buoyed by their first Premier League win of the season, having thumped West London neighbours QPR 6-0 before the international break.

And while Jol believes the result has raised confidence within the camp, he admits it will be tough to get a result in Staffordshire.

So much so, in fact, that he revealed that sneaking a 0-0 draw would represent a good day at the office for his side.

Draw

"We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle," he said.

"Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich. It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team.

"It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result. But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals."

Fulham grabbed a surprise 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium last season, with Chris Baird grabbing both goals.

Former Tottenham manager Jol has never faced Stoke during his managerial career but knows what to expect in the Potteries.

"There are a few things [that can help break them down]," he said. "Last year we had a good result there. We defended and scored two goals through Chris Baird.

"It was a very good performance and probably the turning point for Fulham last season.

"But, as everybody knows, Stoke away is a difficult game.

Qualities

"They have the same problem as we have in Europe. They are very good team with different qualities.

"They have (Peter) Crouch up front now who is a target and an outlet with their throw-ins too.

"They are quite a physical team that can play as well so it is a good team."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7241126,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7241126,00.html?)

 
Pulis warns of Fulham threat
Stoke boss wary of Fulham's Euro 2012 hopefuls

(http://img.skysports.com/11/09/660x350/pulis_2649428.jpg)
Pulis: Has praised the Cottagers' in-form strike pair


Tony Pulis believes his Stoke side will be up against one of the best strike partnerships in the Premier League on Saturday.

Fulham visit the Britannia Stadium this weekend on the back of a 6-0 win against QPR a fortnight ago, in which Andy Johnsonscored a hat-trick to take his goal tally to nine in all competitions this term.

Bobby Zamora has scored five himself, including three in his last three Premier League games, and the England internationals will be eager to continue that form with a Euro 2012 place potentially up for grabs.

"Johnson and Zamora are as good as anything in the Premier League on their day," said Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
"Zamora is a very, very good player, a very good hold-up player and he can score goals as well.

Tough game

"Johnson is bright, clever and very quick, he's always scored goals. It's going to be a tough game for us."

Johnson has been out of the international picture since 2007 following a succession of injury setbacks, while Zamora was included in England's squad for their final Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro last Friday.

Wayne Rooney picked up a suspension in that game that rules him out for the start of next summer's finals, and both Johnson and Zamora will be keen to take advantage.

Their goals have helped Martin Jol's side recover from a slow start to the season and they are unbeaten in four Premier League games.

Pulis insists he wouldn't have been taking the game lightly even if the Cottagers were still struggling, though.

"I don't think you should forget they finished eighth last year in the Premier League and the year before they got to a European final - a major European final - so they're no mugs," warned Pulis.

Did the double

"They've got some very good players. Last year they did the double over us, they're a good side and we certainly won't be underestimating them.

"They were a very good side under Roy (Hodgson), and they finished eighth last year under Mark (Hughes) so Martin's picked up a decent club.

"They've got a system of playing that suits their team and have got a very experienced group of players.

"They haven't changed the players very much, it's 90% the same players and it's going to be a really tough game."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11701_7241130,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11701_7241130,00.html?)

 
Draw would do - Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol would be pleased to come away from Saturday's trip to Stoke with a goalless draw.

The Cottagers head into the match on the back of their first Barclays Premier League win of the season, having hammered near neighbours QPR 6-0 before the two-week international break. And while Jol believes the result has raised confidence within the camp, he admits it will be tough to get a result at the Britannia Stadium.

"We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle," he said. "Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich. It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team. It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result."

He added: "But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals."

Fulham grabbed a surprise 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium last season, with Chris Baird scoring both goals.

Former Tottenham manager Jol has never faced Stoke during his managerial career but knows what to expect in the Potteries.

"There are a few things [that can help break them down]," he said. "Last year we had a good result there. We defended and scored two goals through Chris Baird.

"It was a very good performance and probably the turning point for Fulham last season. But, as everybody knows, Stoke away is a difficult game.

"They have the same problem as we have in Europe. They are very good team with different qualities.

"They have (Peter) Crouch up front now who is a target and an outlet with their throw-ins too. They are quite a physical team that can play as well so it is a good team."

Press Association



http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/draw-would-do-jol-2906802.html? (http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/draw-would-do-jol-2906802.html?)

 
Kagisho Dikgacoi backs Pitso Mosimane stay as South Africa coach
The midfielder has been injured recently, and did not take part in Bafana's Afcon qualifier against Sierra Leone, but believes the coach should remain at the helm

Kagisho Dikgacoi has backed Pitso Mosimane stay on as Bafana Bafana coach - even if the team fail to make it to next year's Africa Nations Cup finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

After Saturday's 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone meant Niger qualified as the winners of Group G, Safa has launched an appeal against Caf's criteria for judging which side finishes top when two or more nations are tied on points.

Mosimane has come under increasing pressure after the confusion caused by events at the Mbombela Stadium but Crystal Palace midfielder Dikgacoi - who missed the Sierra Leone match with injury - insists 'Jingles' is still the right man for the job.

"He's done well from the day he started – we've mostly been winning and drawing games and just because we didn't qualify doesn't mean he is a flop," he told KickOff.com.

"For me he is the right person to take us forward whatever happens with the appeal. The coach has been there a long time and understands us very well. It's just a matter of time until we can really show what we can do in the World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Nations Cup on home soil if we don't make it next year."

After leaving Fulham in the close season, KG has made just two starts for his new club in the English Championship following a hamstring injury. He is back in contention to play in Saturday's match against Watford but watched Bafana's match against Sierra Leone in his home town of Brandfort in the Free State.

"Everyone thought we had qualified so I celebrated as well but I was very disappointed when I heard we hadn't made it," said Dikgacoi.

"I must say I found it strange that we could finish ahead on goal difference but not make it, so I think it's best to appeal. We deserve to go because we finished top of the group. Everything was structured towards making it to the finals so it will be really disappointing if we are not there."



http://www.goal.com/en/news/1659/south-africa/2011/10/14/2709198/kagisho-dikgacoi-backs-pitso-mosimane-stay-as-south-africa? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1659/south-africa/2011/10/14/2709198/kagisho-dikgacoi-backs-pitso-mosimane-stay-as-south-africa?)

 
Academy Talent

Kit Symons' U18 Academy team will be looking to record their sixth successive win on Saturday afternoon when they take on London rivals Crystal Palace.

Having scored 27 goals in just seven games this season, Fulham's latest crop of youngsters are showing great promise and Symons is clearly enjoying his second season in charge after guiding Fulham to the Academy League Final last year.

"There's a very different dynamic to this year's group compared to last year," Symons explained. "They're a different set of boys in their personalities and the way they are.

"Last year the second year boys were the dominant figures who led the group and I had a really good rapport with the lads. They were a super bunch.

"This year Ronnie Minkwitz is the dominant figure. He's captain of the team and the biggest personality. Fortunately we've got a really good group of lads again this year.

"There's a lot to work on but that's a good thing. There's a lot more to come and I'm expecting a lot more from them and hopefully they know they can do better themselves."

The Academy's scintillating form on the pitch this season is reflected by their second place standing in the League table, but Symons prefers to discuss the bigger picture, and his desire to see more scholars play for Fulham's First Team.

"We don't put up a League table and I don't look at it," said Symons. "Come the end of the season you start focusing on it but we know we're doing well because we've been winning.

"It's not what our focus is on and it's not what it's about. If that was the case we'd be playing third year scholars all the time. It's quite the opposite at Fulham; we give the younger players the chance to come in and show what they can do.

"We've got some good young boys pushing on now. We've got Joshua Passley, who's had a few injuries, but he's been up with the Reserves and he's only a first year scholar.

"Stephen Arthurworrey was playing in the Reserves last year as a school boy which is phenomenal. Cauley Woodrow is another first year who's been up with the Reserves so I've not seen a lot of him lately.

"Getting up to the Reserves is one step and it's great, but now we need them reach the First Team which is our ultimate goal. Kerim Frei's done that and Matthew Briggs is there and we want more of them moving up."

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Frei/FreiHomeShirtNews.jpg)

Kerim Frei's development over the past 18 months has been a source of great excitement in recent months. After helping guide the U18s to the Academy League Final last season the Swiss youth international caused havoc at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup last month and Symons believes there are more success stories in the making at Fulham.

"Reaching the First Team is what it's all about," said Symons. "Kerim could still be playing for the U18s but obviously we haven't seen him this season because he's moved up to the Reserves and First Team, which is fabulous.

"I don't think Marcello Trotta is that far away and we want them to be pushing on. As a youth coach you take enormous satisfaction from seeing the boys reaching the First Team.

"We try and get the players to a level that we feel they'll be able to play in the First Team and then it's at the Manager's discretion whether he chooses to play them or not. It gives the Manager a choice and hopefully we can send players up that will be good enough to play in his team."

The number six seems to be Fulham's lucky number in recent weeks. After Martin Jol's team beat QPR 6-0, Billy McKinlay's Reserve Team followed up with a 6-2 win over Norwich last week. Tomorrow the U18s have the chance to extend their winning run to six games, but Symons is not underestimating the task at hand.

"We're away to Palace this weekend and we won't be helped by the fact that there's a Reserve Team match away to Swansea on Monday, so there'll be quite a few of mine that won't be available this weekend," Symons explained.

"We've been in this situation before and as much as we're numerically light I'm really pleased with the quality of players we have here at Fulham. That's much more important and I'm delighted with what we've got."

Fulham U18 Academy team are back in action on Saturday morning in a Premier League Academy fixture against Crystal Palace (a). The match will be played at Crystal Palace's Training Ground in Beckenham. The result will be published online after the final whistle.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AcademyReview.aspx?#ixzz1alw9HJUB (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AcademyReview.aspx?#ixzz1alw9HJUB)

 
Jol happy to take a draw

Fulham manager Martin Jol would be pleased to come away from Saturday's trip to Stoke with a goalless draw.


The Cottagers head into the match on the back of their first Barclays Premier League win of the season, having hammered near neighbours QPR 6-0 before the two-week international break.

While Jol believes the result has raised confidence within the camp, he admits it will be tough to get a result at the Britannia Stadium.

So much so, in fact, that he revealed that sneaking a 0-0 draw would represent a good day at the office for his side.

"We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle," he said. "Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich.

"It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team. It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result.

"But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/14/Boss-happy-to-take-a-draw/gnid-113272/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/14/Boss-happy-to-take-a-draw/gnid-113272/?)

 
Fulham track Eastleigh 16-year-old striker Sam Wilson

Fulham have been given first refusal on Eastleigh's 17-year-old striker Sam Wilson, after he impressed the Cottagers at a recent one-week trial.

Eastleigh have confirmed they will not covet interest from any club for Wilson other than Fulham until the new year.

Wilson was a member of Portsmouth's academy before joining the Eastleigh youth set-up last season and has made one start in the current campaign.

"Fulham were very impressed with Sam," said an Eastleigh statement.

Wilson, who scored two goals in a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth while on a second trial at Fulham last week, is also interesting several other clubs.

He scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for the Eastleigh reserve team last season, and made his senior debut in the Hampshire Senior Cup tie with Havant & Waterlooville in January aged 16.

"Eastleigh have had a long conversation with Fulham in respect of Sam Wilson. They will continue to monitor his progress in the coming months," added the statement.

Eastleigh face Oxford City in the FA Cup third qualifying round this weekend and Wilson will be in the squad for Saturday's game.

"If he works hard and plays well then he has every chance of realising his dream of playing professional football," Spitfires manager Ian Baird told BBC Sport.

"Sam is a young, hungry, pacy striker who is not afraid to hassle and chase things down and loves scoring goals.

"The Blue Square Bet South is a very good standard of football and professional clubs would be fools not to come and have a look at our players.

"Sam has a got a good family around him, who give him good advise and he realises that the most important thing for him at the moment, is to try and get into the Eastleigh first team on a regular basis."

Fulham have got a good recent history of plucking young talent from non-league football after signing defender Chris Smalling from Maidstone United.

Smalling went on to sign for Manchester United and also made his England debut last month.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15310921.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15310921.stm?)

 
Zamora`s Big Chance!

Although it was tough on Wayne Rooney, picking up a three game ban for his latest indiscretion, it could open a door for one of our players.

With Wayne not available for all the group stage game sin the Euro 2012 finals, there is every chance that Fabio Capello will dabble with finding a suitable replacement between now and when the finals start.

With the Italian having already suggested that Zamora will be given a chance, we`re praying that when that chance comes Bobby is given the service he craves and is allowed to show what he can do.

It`d make us so proud to see the name of Zamora on the team sheet when Fabio names his first starting eleven in our first fixture in those aforementioned 2012 Euro Finals!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258851#ixzz1alyFhIj8 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258851#ixzz1alyFhIj8)

 
Opta Stats: England audition for Stoke and Fulham forwards

The Opta trends point to Peter Crouch, Bobby Zamora and Gabriel Agbonlahor getting amongst the goals in the Premier League this weekend...

Stoke v Fulham (Saturday, 15:00)
Peter Crouch has scored in three of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham

While England fans fret, Wayne Rooney's three-match Euro 2012 suspension is great news for recent call-up Bobby Zamora - who Opta note has fired in four of his last five Premier League outings - and Stoke's Peter Crouch, who has played down his international prospects. Both have a chance to shine here.

Recommended Bets: Crouch to score @ 3.8; Zamora to score @ 4.6



http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/opta-stats-england-audition-for-stoke-and-fulham-forwards-141011.html? (http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/opta-stats-england-audition-for-stoke-and-fulham-forwards-141011.html?)

 
Jol to Get FA Rap!

Sat watching the Merseyside derby, the red card awarded to Jack Rodwell, by Martin Atkinson, did appear harsh.

In the end, common sense prevailed and the red card was rescinded.

Since then, there have been calls for the referee, Martin Atkinson, to be demoted to the Championship as some kind of punishment.

Martin Jol doesn`t think that should be the case and ahead of the trip to Stoke, a fixture Atkinson will take charge of, Jol is attributed as having commented by the tabloid press,

"A good referee making one mistake, I don`t think you should punish him."

"I won`t be warning my players about him."

Now you`d think there was nothing wrong in what Jol has said. Unfortunately, the FA take a dim view of any talk about referee`s and it`ll be interesting to see if Jol cops an FA rap similar to those dished out to Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti last season when they committed a similar offence(?).



http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258852 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258852)

 
Fine`s Fine!


I`m beginning to think that, in the world of football, £500 is a really, really large amount of money!

But we know it`s not, it`s a drop in the ocean to the amount of cash that the game generates.

Therefore, it`s starting to get a bit laborious when the tabloid press continues to drag up the fact that Martin Jol fined Kasami that sum for disobeying orders.

Hopefully the matter will finally be laid to rest now that Martin Jol has issued a statement on the matter, a statement that reads,

"If I tell someone to take the free-kicks, there shouldn`t be a 19 year old taking the ball off you."

Exactly! Who is running the show you`d have to ask.

Incidentally, it has also been revealed that the sum of money has been deposited in the player`s kitty, however we`re not sure what use the kitty is destined for!



http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258853 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258853)

 
Stoke v Fulham Preview!

It seems an age ago that we drifted out of Craven Cottage having walloped Queens Park Rangers 6-0, but international football does have that sort of effect on you does it not! But, Premier League football is back with a vengeance and we`re faced with a difficult trip to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City. It`s a game that many don`t expect us to get much from!

Vital Quotes:
Although we`ve yet to win away this season, Martin Jol appears to be happy to come away from the Britannia Stadium, on Saturday, with a bore draw, with Jol commenting,

"We have to play our own game like we did, for example, against Newcastle,'

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I think we had the initiative for most of the game against West Bromwich.

'It was the same but we couldn't score although I thought we were the better team. It was a 0-0 there and I think a 0-0 at Stoke would be a good result. But I still hope that with the confidence we have got we are capable of scoring a couple of goals.'

I`ll pack the ipod then Martin if that`s the entertainment level we can expect!

Stoke City Team News:
Tony Pulis will be anxious to keep his sides good start to the season going, but the Welshman will be without several key players this weekend.

Missing through injury will be Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson.

Struggling to get fit is Matthew Etherington who`ll be undertaking a form of alternative medicine in having a sugar injection, in his back, to try and make the starting eleven.

One player that might be rested, according to some sources, is the Irish international, Glenn Whelan, after his midweek exertions for his country.

Player to watch: Rory Delap
The bane of many a sides visit to the Britannia Stadium with those devastating long throws, just clear it lads anyway you can!

Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol takes his side to the Potteries with Aaron Hughes hoping to make a comeback from injury. Fulham do have some injury concerns though with Bryan Ruiz (knee) and Phillipe Senderos (thigh) are both definitely out.

Also struggling is Kerim Frei who has an ankle problem.

Player to watch: Andrew Johnson
Having scored five goals in the last two games, AJ is on fire. Hopefully his fine scoring form will continue at the Britannia and we`ll have a good reason to celebrate come Saturday evening,

Match Facts & Stats
Although we`ve struggled to win on the road in the last two or three seasons, we did actually do the double over Stoke last season, winning 2-0 on both occasions, although Stoke did knock us out of the FA Cup, by the same score, on the road to Wembley.

Ref Watch:
Martin Atkinson will be the man in charge of the whistle and the man in black will be looking for an incident free afternoon after the shenanigans of his last outing whereby he wrongly sent off Jack Rodwell in the Merseyside derby.

Match Prediction:
Stoke are a far more difficult proposition on there own pitch and when you add into the mix our poor away form with that fact it`d take a brave person to predict a Fulham win, even if we`re full of confidence following the 6-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers.

I`d like to go against the tide but, to be brutally honest, I reckon we`d do well to get a draw! A further indication of how good Stoke can be at home is the fact that both Manchester united and Chelsea only managed draws whilst Liverpool were beaten.

Next Fixtures:
Next up is a return to Europa League action with a visit to Poland to take on Wisla Krakow, on Thursday, followed by a visit from Everton, next Sunday, in the Premier League.




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=258858#ixzz1alzk5fiZ (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=258858#ixzz1alzk5fiZ)

 
Family Fun Zone

You'll be pleased to hear that Fulham's upcoming Barclays Premier League home fixtures will see the return of the amazing Family Fun Zone in the Johnny Haynes Stand, where the famous Billy the Badger can be found meeting and greeting fans!

Once you enter the ground, make your way to the Cottage end of the Johnny Haynes Stand and take advantage of the Family Fun Zone that is exclusive to you, located below blocks K and KL. On the day of our emphatic 6-0 win against QPR, Junior Fulham fans received a free Match of the Day magazine as a welcome – with more gifts available at the game with Everton!

Fans have also been able to get their faces painted with the Fulham crest and we will have many more surprises in store over the course of the season!

If you're still contemplating a Season Ticket and you have a young Fulham fan under the age of 16 then the Family Fun Zone could be for you. What's more if they are under 8 their Season Ticket is FREE (when purchased with a paying adult in Blocks A, AL, K and KL). Full details are available online or via the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 3)

The Family Fun Zone opens from an hour-and-a-half prior to kick off and ends 45 minutes before the start of the game so come down early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you at the Cottage very soon.

Your next opportunity to visit the Family Fun Zone is on Sunday 23rd October when Fulham face Everton, tickets are priced from just £30 for adults and £10 for juniors and the Family Fun Zone will be open from midday until 12.45pm. Come along, meet Billy the Badger and get your free gifts.

Buy your Everton tickets today!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/FamilyFunZone.aspx?#ixzz1am0NNnVD (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/FamilyFunZone.aspx?#ixzz1am0NNnVD)