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The European sideshow

Fulham get their ultra busy December schedule underway with a trip to Holland. The top two clash in Group K, but having already qualified, how motivated will Twente be?

With Liverpool, United and Chelsea all looming in the fixture list, the Whites may be forgiven for downgrading the importance of Thursday night's Europa clash at Twente Enschede. Fulham can probably afford to drop points here but still qualify by beating Odense at the Cottage in our last group game on the 14th. That game incidentally comes ahead of two home fixtures in four days - lowly Bolton and then Fergie's faltering champions - yes, United may be playing catch up to arch rivals Citeh, but any game against the Old Trafford all stars remains daunting.

The main concern for our paper thin squad going forward to January will be keeping injuries to a minimum. And that's something you simply cannot legislate for in football. A major loss for the season in defence was seeing Grygera damage his anterior cruciate ligament, and in the most innocuous of challenges against Spurs. So, in reality our biggest games in the coming month are the likes of Swansea, Bolton and Norwich - unsung sides off whom it's imperative we take points. If we don't - and both Swansea and the Canaries are on their patch, Fulham will be going into the 2nd half of the season well shy of 20 points - and that spells the spectre of relegation.

Put like that, it doesn't make for much seasonal cheer. Sure we like to cheer Fulham on in every game, but you'll forgive me if I see Thursday's trip to Holland as a bit of a sideshow. Once I saw the game confirmed on TV I cancelled my travel plans. Dare to be greedy and wish for further nights of Europa Cup glory in 2012 by all means if you will, but not at the expense of slipping out of the Prem. None of us want that.

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© Getty Images

Anyway, we are a professional and well run football club with a battery of big internationals and no doubt Jol will send out the best team he'll feel he can field to give Twente a contest. After the way we turned out the lights at Arsenal there's no reason for fear. I'm expecting the core of our first team with maybe two or three changes and AJ given a start. Let's look for a bit of sparkle, maybe from an unexpected source, and give it our best shot. Both sides looked evenly matched at the Cottage until we ran out of steam, and Jol will surely have one eye on Liverpool's visit Monday. Does he risk Zamora, or Sa after his two reserve team run outs?

My feeling? Our ironclad defence will turn in a typically resilient European away night, and with the Dutch already through, the game will end all square. Hope our travelling fans enjoy themselves in this most hospitable part of Europe and act appropriately.

And that the scattering of mouthy cretins around me at the back of the stand in Cracow have all had their travel plans ruined by today's industrial action. We don't need them at Fulham.

COYW! The game is there to be accessed through Setanta, ESPN etc across different territories so remember, it's no crime to shout the side on from the sofa...I do it all the time.

Twitter@fulhamphil


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Preview: FC Twente v Fulham (Thurs)

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Damien Duff and Simon Davies will sit out Fulham's Europa League Group K encounter with FC Twente in Holland on Thursday.


The Dutch side have already qualified for the last 32 and Fulham will join them with a win, or if their game is a draw and Odense and Wisla Krakow also share the spoils in Thursday's other group encounter.

Fulham's cause, however, is not helped by the absences of wide midfielders Duff and Davies, with the former set to miss out with a calf problem. Davies has been out for a while with a knee knock.

With former Twente man Bryan Ruiz cup-tied, Cottagers boss Martin Jol is short on wide options, so Moussa Dembele – back from a European suspension – could drop back, allowing forward Andrew Johnson to continue a fine scoring run in Europe this season.

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly is fit and should start at right back after a thigh injury. Fellow right back Zdenek Grygera is out for up to six months with a knee knock. Midfielder Steve Sidwell, meanwhile, has had a hernia operation and is unlikely to face the group leaders.

Twente's top scorer, the Austrian striker Marc Janko, is a doubt and if he does not play then the home side's formation may be switched around to allow Leroy Fer a start in midfield.

Nacer Chadli and Luuk de Jong are among the men to watch, according to Ruiz who knows the Twente squad very, very well. The sides drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage in their opening game in the group in September.

Fulham (from): TBC



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Why Twente will beat Fulham in a high-scoring affair
The Dutch side are very strong at their De Grotsch Veste stadium, where bucket loads of goals have been scored this season.

Fulham's trip to Twente in the Europa League on Thursday represents a homecoming of sorts for manager Martin Jol, as the affable Dutchman returns to his native land for what should be a real test of his side's continental credentials.

The hosts are odds-on to beat Fulham at 19/20, which on the surface may seem a tad small, but considering their home form this season it actually looks like a decent bet.

The team from the unappealingly industrial town of Enschede are unbeaten at the De Grolsch Veste stadium in the current campaign.

The one defeat so far for the leaders of the Eredivisie, AZ Alkmaar, came away to Twente, while Portuguese side Benfica, currently posing Manchester United all sorts of problems in the Champions League, could only manage a 2-2 draw away at Twente in their qualifying play-off for the tournament.

It is results such as these which perhaps explain why Jol's men are priced at 29/10 to win in Holland, while the draw is available at 23/10.

If only two things in life are certain, they being death and taxes, allow me to suggest the possibility of a third item being added to that list – more than 2.5 goals in this game.

A decent-sized investment in a Twente win is well worth considering, then, and the man who could give them that victory is striker Luuk de Jong.

Both Newcastle and Liverpool are said to be monitoring the progress of the exciting forward, who, with 11 goals this season for club and country, has established himself as one of the most impressive players in the Dutch top flight.

Seven of those goals have come at home and on six occasions he has scored the final goal of the game. Back him at 5/1 to score the last goal against Fulham or at 7/5 to score at any time.

Against English opposition and with the possibility of a move to the Premier League, De Jong will no doubt be desperate to impress any visiting scouts.

If only two things in life are certain, they being death and taxes, allow me to suggest the possibility of a third item being added to that list – more than 2.5 goals in this game.

Twente's home ties have seen an absurd amount of goals this term. In the eight home games between their first fixture of the season in front of their own fans – a 2-0 win over AZ Alkmaar – and last Sunday's goalless draw against Vitesse Arnhem, every single encounter had more than three goals.

In fact, these six matches all had more than 3.5 goals. While Fulham on their travels have not been prolific, the game on Thursday looks likely to see plenty of attacking action and the most enticing bet of the night may well be the 2/1 offered on a Twente victory coupled with more than 2.5 goals in the game.



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Fulham Enter Hugo Rodallega Race

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Richard Heathcote - Getty Images

So the rumours are all ready resurfacing about where our Colombian striker will be heading this January; that is if the club can't agree a new contract for him. It has recently appeared this week that Fulham are looking to make a move for the striker and get it wrapped up ahead of the January window.

Hugo who has yet to score this season, has been an important player at the club since signing under Steve Bruce in January 2010. We paid £4.5 million for the striker, so any fee for the player must come on that or over that fee. So a rumoured £3 million bid by Fulham is not acceptable.



Rodallega talking to the Sun newspaper said all he is concentrating on his getting his first goal for Wigan this season and to help keep us in the Premier League. Moving anywhere else is not at all in his mind.

Hugo said:

"At the moment I can think only about Wigan, I know the club wants me to stay but there is still plenty of time for us to talk.

"There are many rumours about my future but I am focused on saving Wigan. The Premier League is the best in the world. I came here to triumph, not fail."

"Each day I dream about my first goal this season,I have never lived through a bad run like this and it's normal that I should be worried."

"What's happened to me is incredible and I'm very unhappy at my lack of goals. I'm not doing anything different - just suffering a very bad run.

"I am a striker and I've not forgotten how to score. I certainly feel for the fans who have supported me so well since my arrival."



http://www.pieeatersfootie.com/2011/11/30/2600385/fulham-enter-hugo-rodallega-race? (http://www.pieeatersfootie.com/2011/11/30/2600385/fulham-enter-hugo-rodallega-race?)

 
Europa Team News

On Wednesday evening Martin Jol revealed the latest team news ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League clash against FC Twente in Holland.

"Chris Baird stayed at home for personal reasons and Clint Dempsey has a slight thigh problem," Jol explained. "We've got 21 players with us for Thursday night's match."

The Whites will also be without Steve Sidwell, who is recovering from a hernia operation whilst Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly are back in contention after missing last weekend's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.

Fulham's lengthy 2011/12 European campaign has already been well documented but Jol maintains that the Whites have been able to take the additional fixtures in their stride.

"Tomorrow will be our 27th game but FC Twente have played a lot of games as well," the Manager stated. "I'm in favour of a winter break but it's impossible in England. We're working fine and our injury problems are not dramatic. I'm quite satisfied.

"There's more goals in us. We created plenty of chances in our recent away games - it's a matter of confidence and it coming right like it did against QPR."

Twente have already qualified for the Round of 32 but Jol dismissed notions that the home side will take it easy on Fulham.

"I think they'll think about changing the line-up but they will want to perform at home," he said. "They're getting bigger and bigger as a club. It's a very nice club and over the last few years they've been champions and moved to Champions League level. They've got a good structure and organisation and they're playing good football."



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Premier League clubs spend £71.8m on agents: City top list of big spenders

The major investments that Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool have made to their squads in the past 12 months saw them pay a combined total of £24.3million in agents fees.

The Barclays Premier League have published the table for payments made by clubs to agents for the period between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011 and it revealed an increase on the previous year's total from £70.7million to £71.8million.

Not surprisingly, the current league leaders (£9.7million), Tottenham (£7.6million) and Liverpool (£7million) dominated the first three places, having either significantly reshaped their playing staff or made significant new outlays.

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Big spenders: City have - unsurprisingly - become the top-flight's biggest spenders on agents in the past 12 months

During the period, City smashed their transfer record when signing Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid and supplemented his arrival with other big name buys such as Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Edin Dzeko.

Tottenham's determination to push for the title and return to the Champions League has seen them pay out for players like Scott Parker, Steven Pienaar, while Emmanuel Adebayor was a high-profile addition on loan.

Liverpool have been no less dynamic in their recruitment drive and the Fenway Sports Group Era has seen them make Andy Carroll the most expensive English player in history and add Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam to their ranks.

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Big spenders: Chelsea haven't had much return from their £50m investment in Torres

That Chelsea, who have signed Fernando Torres, David Luiz, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku, came fourth in the table, paying out £6.5m. Current champions Manchester United, meanwhile, fees totally a relatively modest £4.5m.

If there were no surprises at the top, the names in the bottom three failed to provide any shocks, too with Norwich (£900,000), Wigan (£660,000) and Swansea (£240,000) occupying those positions.
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Payments to Agents 2010/11

As a requirement of the Football Association Agents' Regulations, it is necessary for each club to publish the total Agents' Fees paid during the period 1 October to 30 September each year.

The following is Fulham's disclosure: £951,254 (exc VAT).



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Baird and Dempsey miss Twente clash
by DAN on NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that he will be without the services of defender Chris Baird and midfielder Clint Dempsey for tomorrow night's Europa League against FC Twente.

Chris Baird stayed at home for personal reasons and Clint Dempsey has a slight thigh problem. We've got 21 players with us for Thursday night's match.

Jol will also be without Steve Sidwell as the midfielder continues to recover from a hernia operation, although Republic of Ireland pair Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly are both available for selection after their injury lay-offs. The Fulham manager has shrugged off questions about fatigue despite Fulham's season starting in June.

Tomorrow will be our 27th game but FC Twente have played a lot of games as well. I'm in favour of a winter break but it's impossible in England. We're working fine and our injury problems are not dramatic. I'm quite satisfied.

Jol also believes Fulham can be more prolific in the final third.

There's more goals in us. We created plenty of chances in our recent away games – it's a matter of confidence and it coming right like it did against QPR.

He has dismissed suggestions that Twente might take their foot off the gas tomorrow night, having already qualified from Group K:

I think they'll think about changing the line-up but they will want to perform at home. They're getting bigger and bigger as a club. It's a very nice club and over the last few years they've been champions and moved to Champions League level. They've got a good structure and organisation and they're playing good football.


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Twente v Fulham: Both teams to be fairly happy with a point

Michael Lintorn suspects that neither Twente nor Fulham will be too saddened by a draw when they collide on Thursday teatime...

Twente v Fulham, Thursday 18:00 BST, ESPN, Match odds: Twente 2.02, Fulham 4.3, The Draw 3.55

Fulham have a chance to steal top spot in Europa League Group G by beating table-topping Twente in Enschede, but in reality they won't be too disappointed if they return to England with a draw to match the one earned at Craven Cottage.

Their hopes of victory aren't helped by the fact that none of the 13 visitors to the De Grolsch Veste since Villarreal in this competition last April have triumphed, with the likes of Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar, Benfica and PSV falling short there since.

The reality of the situation is that second place in the Europa League is far less of a disadvantage than it is in the Champions League, and a share of the spoils will see Fulham join Twente in the last 32 with a game to spare if Odense and Wisla Krakow tie.

Both clubs have important fixtures over the weekend with the Cottagers welcoming Liverpool and Twente heading to formidable hosts Utrecht, so may be tempted to rest a few players in a clash that needn't prove decisive to their campaigns.

That's not to suggest that they will conspire to draw, however on the basis of their results so far this season, neither need much help in that department, and 3.55 is a surprisingly chunky price.

Fulham have been held in precisely half of their domestic outings and each of their last two, while Twente have drawn four in seven - and three in six at home - including their last two as well. Given that their initial meeting ended level, a repeat is hardly unthinkable.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Both teams have goals in them, as evidenced by Fulham's 6-0 demolition of QPR a few months back and Twente scoring three or more on ten occasions already this term, but neither have scaled those heights of late.

The west Londoners have netted two in three - and both of those own goals - while the hosts fired their first blank in 22 games against Vitesse on Sunday, so side with under 2.5 goals at 1.95.

Best Bet: The draw @ 3.55
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.95



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Schwarzer's Desire

During Wednesday evening's pre-match press conference in Holland, Mark Schwarzer was asked how he copes with the physical and mental demands of playing Club and international football for Fulham and Australia.

Schwarzer clearly relishes every fixture and is certainly not ready to take his foot off the gas in the next few years as he targets the 2014 World Cup Finals and further European and domestic success with Fulham.

"When people ask me about the travelling, especially with the national team and the amount of games I play, I always say that it's a mental approach," Schwarzer explained. "You're a long time retired and there's plenty of time to recuperate once you've finished playing football.

"When you talk about the demands of the Premier League – yes, they are tough but you're playing in one of the best leagues in the world and you wouldn't expect it to be any different.

"For me, I want to play for my national team as much as possible. It's an honour for me and whenever I get the opportunity to play I will take it.

"I want to play as many games as I can and when you come to play in Europe, you just learn to adapt. A lot of it is about your mental approach and of course your fitness.

"Off the back of the season that we reached the Europa League Final, in a campaign in which I played 70 games, I went to a World Cup. If that's not enough to lift anyone then nothing will. You want to be successful and together with the Team as long as possible."



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Schwarzer eager for more success
by DAN on NOVEMBER 30, 2011

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Mark Schwarzer has rejected any suggestions of retirement being on the horizon as he targets more success with Fulham and Australia.

The Australian goalkeeper, now 39, admits that travelling to represent his country can be gruelling at times but he is keen to continue his international career at another World Cup – in Brazil in 2014. He hopes to figure prominently for Fulham, with whom he reached the Europa League final back in 2010, as well. Speaking before Fulham's latest Europa League tie with FC Twente, Schwarzer left the assembled press pack in doubt as to the extent of his determination:

When people ask me about the travelling, especially with the national team and the amount of games I play, I always say that it's a mental approach. You're a long time retired and there's plenty of time to recuperate once you've finished playing football.

When you talk about the demands of the Premier League – yes, they are tough but you're playing in one of the best leagues in the world and you wouldn't expect it to be any different. For me, I want to play for my national team as much as possible. It's an honour for me and whenever I get the opportunity to play I will take it.

I want to play as many games as I can and when you come to play in Europe, you just learn to adapt. A lot of it is about your mental approach and of course your fitness.

Off the back of the season that we reached the Europa League Final, in a campaign in which I played 70 games, I went to a World Cup. If that's not enough to lift anyone then nothing will. You want to be successful and together with the Team as long as possible.



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Douglas: We will do everything to win

FC Twente defender Douglas insists his side will not take tomorrow's UEFA Europa League encounter with Fulham lightly despite having already made the knockout stages.

The Eredivisie side is unbeaten in Group K and have secured progression to the last 32, while the Cottagers need a win to join them. "This actually serves to motivate us to keep playing well and play better and always adding more points," Douglas said.

It will certainly be a game full of difficulties and emotions.
Douglas, FC Twente defender

"We have a very good campaign and the idea is to reach the next phase keeping this great sequence, so we will continue to seek victories. It will certainly be a game full of difficulties and emotions.

"The group stage is in its final rounds, we are in good condition, but Fulham will come with everything to win and secure a win. But we will do everything to get another win and finish this phase undefeated."



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JOL SINGS ZAMORA'S PRAISES

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Bobby Zamora is one of the Premier League's best target men and is capable of leading the England line at Euro 2012.

The 30-year-old has flourished at Craven Cottage since joining from West Ham in 2008, leading to several call-ups to the England team.

Zamora started for Fabio Capello's side against Sweden earlier this month and Fulham boss Jol believes the London-born striker will go to Poland and Ukraine next summer.

However, the Dutchman rejected the notion that Zamora could struggle with fatigue due to Premier League and Europa League exertions.

"We feel we have a situation where we have players that can replace him if it is getting a problem," said Jol, whose side face FC Twente on Thursday evening.

"I think he has a good rhythm now and if there is a physical problem, he will tell me. We will make an assessment and I feel Bobby is a typical number nine for us.

"He is different playing for England and, while you can always pick up an injury, I feel he has a great chance of going to the European Championships.

"Bobby is a target man and holds up the ball. He does that very well and is probably the best in England or one of the best.

"The only thing you hope for is by the end of the season he gets an average of 10 or 12 goals and I am 100 per cent certain [he will].

"Clint [Dempsey] did that before as a wide player, scoring 13 goals in the league."

Zamora impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal, although quotes from Jol after the match suggested he needs to become more prolific.

Asked about the comments, the Cottagers manager said: "No, I said there are more goals in us, [from] Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz.

"I think there are more goals in us but it is only about scoring once. I am 100% certain we will do that and defensively we are good. In the last 10 games away from home we conceded six.

"In the last five in the league, we conceded three so we are pretty organised and we create chances, as you saw against Arsenal.

"Against Sunderland and against Wigan - when we won 2-0 - we were very close.

"The thing is, like we did against Wigan, we had six or seven attempts and we scored two.

"Against Spurs we had 28 attempts and only scored an own goal so it is only a matter of confidence and getting it right, like we did against QPR.

"We scored six and it all came together so there are goals in us."

Jol will be hoping everything falls into place as Fulham look to progress to the Europa League knockout stages.

The west Londoners lie second in Group K behind Twente, but know that victory in Holland will seal their progression to the last 32.

"I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England," Jol said of the side he played for between 1979 and 1982.

"There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of.

"Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time.

"It is getting bigger and bigger so getting results goes with that responsibility.

"They have showed that over the past three or four years."



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Fulham duo out of Europa tie
Team news for Thursday night's Europa League clash between FC Twente and Fulham at De Grolsch Veste.

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Dempsey: Ruled out

Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird have not travelled for Fulham's Europa League tie on Thursday night.

Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, although Orlando Sa, Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly have all travelled to Holland after recovering from injury.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Etheridge, Somogyi, Riise, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Dembele, Briggs, Kasami, Duff, Murphy, Gecov, Etuhu, Dempsey, Frei, Johnson, Zamora, Sa.



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A draw would suit both sides as Fulham travel to FC Twente
A repeat of Craven Cottage stalemate looks to be on the cards in Holland

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Already qualified FC Twente could take their foot off the gas as Martin Jol returns to his homeland for Fulham's next Group K clash.

Fulham need a victory to guarantee progression, and the 2010 Europa League finalists are a big 3/1 to pick up a victory in Holland.

Jol, who turned out for Twente as a player, is likely to select a strong side, as he looks to appease fans who dare to dream in this competition following their terrific run in 2010.

A draw would likely suffice for the visitors though, who go into the match with seven points, and 12/5 is a fair price offered on this outcome bearing in mind the sides played out a 1-1 stalemate at Craven Cottage.

It's 6/1 for another 1-1 draw and that could prove a shrewd punt.

The home side, Champions League competitors last year, have nothing to play for with qualification already certified, but are still odds on at 10/11 to come out on top in the match.

The former Dutch champions currently sit third in their domestic table, above the likes of Ajax and Feyenoord, whilst Fulham have struggled to find their feet under Jol as of yet domestically, and are placed 15th in the Premier League.

Both sides look strongest going forwards, and the respective outfits boast players with impressive European goal scoring and assist records for the campaign.

Andy Johnson has hit five goals to rise to second in the race for the Europa League golden boot, and he is very big at 8/1 to notch the first goal in this tie.

Meanwhile, the home side will likely field Ola John, brother of former Fulham striker Collins, and he has been impressive in registering four European assists this season.

The likes of striker Marc Janko can prosper from John's tricky play, and could prove a fruitful bet to find the net first at 5/1.



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Jol heaps praise on Zamora
Fulham boss sings striker's praises

(http://img.skysports.com/11/10/660x350/Bobby-Zamora_2669977.jpg)
Bobby Zamora: Rated as one of the Premier League's top target men by Jol

Martin Jol has hailed Fulham striker Bobby Zamora as one of the Premier League's top target men and has backed him to lead the England line at Euro 2012.

The 30-year-old has flourished at Craven Cottage since joining from West Ham in 2008, leading to several call-ups to the Three Lionsteam.

Zamora started for Fabio Capello's side against Sweden earlier this month and Fulham boss Jolbelieves the London-born striker will go to Poland and Ukraine next summer.

However, the Dutchman rejected the notion that Zamora could struggle with fatigue due to Premier League and UEFA Europa League exertions.

Praise

"We feel we have a situation where we have players that can replace him if it is getting a problem," said Jol, whose side face FC Twente on Thursday evening.

"I think he has a good rhythm now and if there is a physical problem, he will tell me. We will make an assessment and I feel Bobby is a typical number nine for us.

"He is different playing for England and, while you can always pick up an injury, I feel he has a great chance of going to the European Championships.

"Bobby is a target man and holds up the ball. He does that very well and is probably the best in England or one of the best.

"The only thing you hope for is by the end of the season he gets an average of 10 or 12 goals and I am 100 per cent certain [he will].

"Clint [Dempsey] did that before as a wide player, scoring 13 goals in the league."

Zamora impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal, although quotes from Jol after the match suggested he needs to become more prolific.

Goals

Asked about the comments, the Cottagers manager said: "No, I said there are more goals in us, [from] Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz.
"I think there are more goals in us but it is only about scoring once. I am 100% certain we will do that and defensively we are good. In the last 10 games away from home we conceded six.

"In the last five in the league, we conceded three so we are pretty organised and we create chances, as you saw against Arsenal."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7343720/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7343720/?)

 
FC Twente    v    Fulham

Europa League
Venue: FC Twente Stadion Date: Thursday, 1 December Kick-off: 1800 GMT Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and ESPN

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57050000/jpg/_57050290_57050258.jpg)
Jol will be without Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird for the trip to Twente

Fulham manager Martin Jol is planning to make changes for the trip to face his former side FC Twente.

Jol - who played for the Dutch side between 1979 and 1982 - will definitely be without Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird.

Forward Dempsey has a thigh problem while defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Jol said: "Twente have developed into a very good club. It is getting bigger and bigger and are getting results."

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, but Orlando Sa, Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly are all available while Bryan Ruiz could features against the side he left to join the Cottagers in the summer.

Fulham are three points adrift of Twente and need all three points to draw level with the Dutch club, who are unbeaten in this season's competition and have already qualified.

"Thursday will be our 27th game of the season but FC Twente have played a lot of games as well," Jol added.

"I'm in favour of a winter break but it's impossible in England. We're working fine and our injury problems are not dramatic. I'm quite satisfied."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15867389.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15867389.stm?)

 
Fulham announce further Craven Cottage consultation
by DAN on NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Fulham have announced that they are soon to embark on another round of consultation about their plans to redevelop Craven Cottage.

The club detailed the results of an online questionnaire in an email to supporters earlier this afternoon. More than 3,000 fans responded to the survey on the club's official website last month, with 94% of respondents saying they were in favour of Fulham staying at Craven Cottage and expanding the stadium to a 30,000 capacity. 75% said that the Riverside Stand was the most appropriate one to develop and 72% chose the riverside walk as the best product of a redevelopment.

The club have also announced three dates for their consultation forum at the Johnny Haynes Cafe in Stevenage Road, which are as follows:

Thursday 8 December 2011 (10am–12 noon; 4pm–8pm)

Friday 9 December 2011 (10am–12noon; 4pm–8pm)

Saturday 10 December 2011 (10am–3pm)

More information about the plans will appear on a special website from December 8th.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/fulham-announce-further-craven-cottage-consultation/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/fulham-announce-further-craven-cottage-consultation/?)

DOUGLAS: NO LETTING UP

FC Twente defender Douglas insists his side will not take the Europa League encounter with Fulham lightly despite having already made the knockout stages.

The Tukkers are unbeaten in Group K and have secured progression to the last 32, while the Cottagers need a win to join them.

"This actually serves to motivate us to keep playing well and play better and always adding more points," Douglas said.

"We have a very good campaign and the idea is to reach the next phase keeping this great sequence, so we will continue to seek victories.

"It will certainly be a game full of difficulties and emotions.

"The group stage is in its final rounds, we are in good condition, but Fulham will come with everything to win and secure a win.

"But we will do everything to get another win and finish this phase undefeated."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/holland/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/11/30/SOCCER_FC_Twente.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/holland/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/11/30/SOCCER_FC_Twente.html)

 
The Evidence

Well look who popped up on soccernet's homepage...

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/kg.png?w=600&h=629)


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/the-evidence/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/the-evidence/?)

 
Douglas Talks About The Duel Of Leaders Of Group K

nbeaten in the group stage of the competition with four games and added 10 points, Twente receives Fulham, from England, next Thursday, on the 1st of December, at home, at Twente Stadium, to defend the group's leadership.


"It will certainly be a game full of difficulties and emotions. The group stage is in its final rounds, we are in good condition, but Fulham will come with everything to win and secure a win. But we will do everything to get another win and finish this phase undefeated," said the defender Douglas.

Twente, with two games left to the end of this stage, has seven points clear of third place Odense and has already secured a spot in the next phase. However, for the Brazilian, there is not grounds for accommodation.

"This actually serves to motivate us to keep playing weel and play better and always adding more points. We have a very good campaign and the ideal is to reach the next phase keeping this great sequence, so we will continue to seek victories, "said Douglas.

The opponents of the team of Douglas, Fulham, is in the second place on the group with seven points.



http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-179813.html (http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-179813.html)

 
Duff returns for Twente test

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/9/7/damien-duff-image-3-697414825.jpg)

FC Twente v Fulham
FULHAM are boosted by the return of Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly for tomorrow night's trip to FC Twente.

The Irish duo missed Saturday's draw with Arsenal through injury, but have travelled to Holland for the Europa League Group K clash.

Striker Orlando Sa is also back in the reckoning after stepping up his recovery from injury with 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday night.

However, the Whites are without Chris Baird (personal reasons) and Clint Dempsey (thigh), who have been left back in England.

Steve Sidwell (hernia) and Simon Davies (knee) are also sidelined.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/30/duff-returns-for-twente-test-82029-29874762/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/30/duff-returns-for-twente-test-82029-29874762/?)

 
Fulham fight to keep Dembele with Lokomotiv Moscow to bid for Tottenham target in January

Lokomotiv Moscow are ready to test Fulham's resolve to hold on to striker Moussa Dembele in the January window.

The 24-year-old has been in a rich vein of form over recent weeks and manager Martin Jol insisted he was not for sale following continued interest from London rivals Tottenham.

Lokomotiv wanted Dembele last January and failed but are ready to make an £8million bid next month. Fulham are already wary of losing Andy Johnson who is out of contract in the summer.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/11/30/article-0-0EDD596D00000578-384_468x414.jpg)
Rich vein of form: Dembele (left) has impressed at Fulham

He has so far rejected offers of a cut-price new contract and is ready to make a decision between QPR and Blackburn in January should they agree a fee of around £2m with Fulham.

Jol has been scouting for new recruits up front and would most likely have to sell to bring in the quality he wants but does not want to risk letting players go before he has new signings agreed.

Andre-Pierre Gignac at Marseille remains an option but will be expensive.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2068300/Lokomotiv-Moscow-bid-Fulhams-Moussa-Dembele.html#ixzz1fGhq3Srf (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2068300/Lokomotiv-Moscow-bid-Fulhams-Moussa-Dembele.html#ixzz1fGhq3Srf)

 
Jol admits that the Fulham is the toughest job of his career ahead of FC Twente test

Martin Jol has admitted taking charge of Fulham ranks as the most difficult period of his 20-year career in management.

The Dutchman, 55, has overseen only two wins in 13 Barclays Premier League matches as boss of Fulham, who are 15th, three points above the relegation zone.

Jol blamed a lack of strength in depth, particularly up front, but insisted the team are improving and he will look to strengthen in January.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/11/30/article-0-0F013A7C00000578-541_468x312.jpg)
Tough task: But Jol is relishing the challenge at Fulham

Fulham play FC Twente in Holland tonight, knowing a win would guarantee qualification to the Europa League knockout stage.

Jol, who was sacked by Tottenham during a UEFA Cup game in 2007, said: 'This is the most difficult it's been for me as a manager. We know we've been so close.

'We have a very experienced team but you need specific qualities. You need goals if you have a few injuries, like Bobby Zamora last season.

'Our aim is to get two players in every position, to do well and play different sides in all the competitions. We are getting there.

'When I spoke to (Fulham chairman Mohamed) Fayed I told him we are the oldest team in the Premier League. We lowered the average age of the squad (in the summer) but my line-up is not much different from last season. We are always looking to improve the squad.'

TV: LIVE on ESPN at 5.30pm, KO 6pm.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2068369/Martin-Jol-Fulham-toughest-job-career.html#ixzz1fGiHkQWB (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2068369/Martin-Jol-Fulham-toughest-job-career.html#ixzz1fGiHkQWB)

 
Lokomotiv prepare £8m bid for Dembele
by DAN on NOVEMBER 30, 2011

(http://live4liverpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Moussa-Dembele.jpg)

An update on our earlier story regarding Russian interest in Fulham forward Moussa Dembele. The Daily Mail websitecarries a report tonight claiming that Lokomotiv Moscow are lining up an £8m move for the Belgian striker when the transfer window reopens in January.

Martin Jol remains keen to keep hold of the 24 year-old, whom he regards as one of the club's prize assets as he continues to reshape his squad. Jol moved to quell reports of renewed interest from Tottenham, who have already had two bids for Dembele rebuffed, and the club released a statement to dispute quotes attributed to Dembele during the international break, which suggested that the Belgian international believed a move to White Hart Lane would be a step up.

Reports in the Italian press earlier this afternoon suggested that CSKA Moscow were also interested in the former AZ Alkmaar forward, although there has been nothing to further substantiate that claim. The reported £8m bid from Lokomotiv would fall short of the amount offered by Spurs in the past and is probably lower than Fulham's valuation of a player Jol remains desperate to retain.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/lokomotiv-prepare-8m-bid-for-dembele/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/lokomotiv-prepare-8m-bid-for-dembele/?)

 
Jol: This is my toughest time in management
by DAN on NOVEMBER 30, 2011

(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk33_11_martin_jol_1_1139013!image/180279779.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/180279779.jpg)

Martin Jol has admitted that he is facing his toughest time in management as he struggles to record wins at Fulham.

The Dutchman has only managed two victories in fifteen league games since taking over from Mark Hughes at Craven Cottage, leaving Fulham just three points off the drop zone in fifteenth place. He tried to lower the average age of the top flight's oldest squad during the summer transfer window, but despite some impressive performances, the results haven't been forthcoming.

There have been positive signs of late, however. An away win at Wigan and a draw at Sunderland were followed by a battling point at Arsenal on Saturday and Fulham can book their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League should they beat FC Twente tomorrow night. Jol is confident he can turn things around.

This is the most difficult it's been for me as a manager. We know we've been so close. We have a very experienced team but you need specific qualities. You need goals if you have a few injuries, like Bobby Zamora last season.

Our aim is to get two players in every position, to do well and play different sides in all the competitions. We are getting there.

When I spoke to (Mohamed Al-) Fayed I told him we are the oldest team in the Premier League. We lowered the average age of the squad but my line-up is not much different from last season. We are always looking to improve the squad.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/jol-this-is-my-toughest-time-in-management/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/jol-this-is-my-toughest-time-in-management/?)

 
Ruiz warns Fulham that his former club will be 'offensive'

Bryan Ruiz has not exactly started his Fulham career with a bang – more of a pop, barring one superb chipped goal against Everton – but the Londoners would be delighted to have him on the pitch tonight in the Netherlands as they face Twente in the Europa League. That they will not is thanks to Twente, from where the striker was signed for £10.6m in August and for whom he had already played in Europe this season.

But if Ruiz cannot be any use on the pitch – and his performance against Arsenal on Sunday suggests there is plenty more where that Everton goal came from – he at least can give them the lowdown on tonight's opponents, who have been one of the Netherlands' best sides in recent years. Twente were title winners in 2010 – pipping Martin Jol's Ajax – and second last season, and have already booked their place in the next round. Ruiz says Fulham, who are second in Group K, must be ready for a serious challenge.

"They will play very offensive because at home they normally do that," Ruiz said. "They will try to press us and try to keep the ball. I think we can win the game but we have to be really focused, defend well and also keep the ball when we have it. I think for sure we'll have chances so we have to convert the chances we create.

"We have to take care of Nacer Chadli, Luuk de Jong and Ola John and also Emir Bajrami – if those players play, they are very good. Twente are not having the best season but they are doing well in the Europa League, they know that they are through – but they will like to finish well."


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ruiz-warns-fulham-that-his-former-club-will-be-offensive-6270084.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ruiz-warns-fulham-that-his-former-club-will-be-offensive-6270084.html?)

 
MARTIN JOL'S TWENTE-20 VISION

MARTIN JOL claims managing Fulham is the toughest job he has had in 20 years as a boss.

The Dutchman returns to former club FC Twente tonight hoping to seal qualification for the knockout stage.

But Fulham are 15th in the Premier League three points above the drop zone.

Jol, who has also managed Tottenham, Hamburg and Ajax, said: "It could be my toughest job. I think so, yes. At other clubs where I've been you win six out of 10 games, and it is easier of course.

"But remember, Danny Murphy scored in 2008 in the final game at Portsmouth to keep Fulham in the top flight.

"Last season in the first half of the season they had a problem and after Christmas they improved and finished eighth.

"When Bobby Zamora was injured they had two wins out of 18 or 19 games, and then you can end up with a problem.

"Our aim is to get two players in every position, to do well and play different sides in all the competitions. We are getting there.

"We are out of the bottom three but we need the wins." Victory tonight would see Fulham through Group K.

Twente got a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage when the teams met in September but have failed to win in 12 games against English opposition.

Jol spent three years as a player at Twente and signed Bryan Ruiz from the Dutch side for £10m on deadline day.

Ruiz cannot play in the game because he is cup-tied. Fulham are also without Clint Dempsey, who has a thigh injury, and Chris Baird, who has stayed in London for personal reasons.

Fulham (probable): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise; Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dembele; Zamora, Johnson.

Twente (probable): Mihaylov; Rosales, Wisgerhof, Tiendalli, Douglas; Fer, Landzaat, Brama; De Jong, John, Chadli. Referee: Marijo Strahonja (Croatia)



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/223371/Martin-Jol-s-Twente-20-vision/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/223371/Martin-Jol-s-Twente-20-vision/?)

 
Jol denies criticising Zamora's Fulham scoring record

Fulham boss Martin Jol insists Bobby Zamora has his total respect.

Zamora impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal, although quotes from Jol after the match suggested he needs to become more prolific.

Asked about the comments, the Cottagers manager said: "No, I said there are more goals in us, [from] Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz.

"I think there are more goals in us but it is only about scoring once. I am 100% certain we will do that and defensively we are good. In the last 10 games away from home we conceded six.

"In the last five in the league, we conceded three so we are pretty organised and we create chances, as you saw against Arsenal.

"Against Sunderland and against Wigan - when we won 2-0 - we were very close.

"The thing is, like we did against Wigan, we had six or seven attempts and we scored two.

"Against Spurs we had 28 attempts and only scored an own goal so it is only a matter of confidence and getting it right, like we did against QPR.

"We scored six and it all came together so there are goals in us."



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/jol-denies-criticising-zamoras-fulham-scoring-record-2418581?utm_source=main_feed (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/jol-denies-criticising-zamoras-fulham-scoring-record-2418581?utm_source=main_feed)

 
FULHAM FACE COMPETITION IN RACE FOR ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC

FULHAM, who play FC Twente in the Europa League tonight, face competition from German side Wolfsburg for Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.


http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/287080/Fulham-face-competition-in-race-for-Andre-Pierre-Gignac? (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/287080/Fulham-face-competition-in-race-for-Andre-Pierre-Gignac?)

 
Fulham Face Opposition for Marseille Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac

Fulham look set to face opposition from Turkey in their bid to sign Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The Cottagers were on the verge of signing Gignac on a season-long loan deal in the summer, but Marseille called off the move at the last minute following their own failure to secure Amauri from Juventus.

The 25-year-old has long not seen eye to eye with coach Didier Deschamps and Fulham boss Martin Jol is set to revive his interest in the January transfer window.

But now there is interest from elsewhere in Gignac's services, with Fenerbahce having asked for details about the Frenchman.

The Turkish giants are believed to have spoken to Gignac's agent to discuss how much the striker would expect to earn in Istanbul.

There is also thought to be the possibility of an approach from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.


http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/12/01/fulham-face-opposition-for-marseille-striker-andre-pierre-gignac/53537/? (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/12/01/fulham-face-opposition-for-marseille-striker-andre-pierre-gignac/53537/?)

 
Fulham star wants to make up for Europa League heartbreak

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/9/0/stephen-kelly-image-1-373012249.jpg)

STEPHEN Kelly is desperate to get to the Europa League final with Fulham to make up for the heartbreak of 2010.

The Irishman failed to even make the bench for the defeat to Atletico Madrid in Hamburg, despite featuring heavily in the earlier rounds.

Martin Jol's men could clinch qualification from Group K with victory at FC Twente tonight, and Kelly, who is back in the squad following a groin problem, is determined to put things right.

He said: "It was upsetting missing out on the final to say the least, especially after playing every game building up to it.

"It was something that I was very disappointed with as I played a huge part in Fulham there. I only missed two games, and that was through injury.

"It was very frustrating and very annoying but stuff like that makes you stronger.

"I still got a me dal, but a runners-up me dal when you haven't played's not great. It's disappointing but hopefully I might get an opportunity again this season."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/01/fulham-star-wants-to-make-up-for-europa-league-heartbreak-82029-29873581/?#ixzz1fGkyaOTf (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/01/fulham-star-wants-to-make-up-for-europa-league-heartbreak-82029-29873581/?#ixzz1fGkyaOTf)

 
VIDEO: Watch the striker Fulham are after

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article816348.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/gignac-song-marseille-arsenal-cropped)

Fulham face competition from German side Wolfsburg as they try to sign France striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

Martin Jol missed out on a deadline-day move for the Marseille star in the summer, but is now weighing up another move.

The powerfully-built six-footer, who turns 26 next week, has been frozen out at his club and relegated to the reserves.

Here's Gignac in action (and seemingly proving that the camera DOES add 20lb):

André Pierre Gignac Goals and Skills (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh15tZ8jhzY#)


http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-transfer-gossip-Andre-Pierre-Gignac-Marseille-and-France-striker-wanted-by-Cottagers-and-Wolfsburg-article836777.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-transfer-gossip-Andre-Pierre-Gignac-Marseille-and-France-striker-wanted-by-Cottagers-and-Wolfsburg-article836777.html)

 
Martin Jol ready for Twente

(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/martinjol_415.jpg)

Fulham manager Martin Jol is preparing for a tough clash against his former club FC Twente tonight.

The west Londoners lie behind the 'Tukkers' in Europa League Group K, but know that victory in Holland will seal their progression to the last 32.

Jol played for Twente between 1979 and 1982 and, while confident of the Cottagers' ability, expects a tough match at De Grolsch Veste.

"I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England," he said.

"There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of. Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time.

"It is getting bigger and bigger so getting results goes with that responsibility. They have showed that over the past three or four years.

"It was a nice club [when I played there]. We had good players and maybe we didn't realise how good we were. We were always a good club but, over the past four or five years, they have gone to the Champions League level or at least to the qualification stage.

"They were champions two years ago and that was awesome. They had 86 points and Ajax had 85 points [when I was manager] so we missed out by one point. I feel FC Twente are playing good football, play for results and it is a very good club."

Fulham will look for victory today without key first-team players Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird. Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, while Bryan Ruiz is ineligible to face his former club.

The Costa Rica international departed Twente for west London in the summer, but will be at the match today as he will be honoured by his former club.

"I think they have something up their sleeve," Jol said. "They want to celebrate something with him, a little party before or after the game.

"He asked if he could go there with his girlfriend and I gave him permission."



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24016357-martin-jol-ready-for-twente.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24016357-martin-jol-ready-for-twente.do?)

 
Football transfer rumours: Fulham to sign André-Pierre Gignac?
Today's Mill predicted this in the shower

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/12/1/1322731041002/Andre-Pierre-Gignac-002.jpg)
André-Pierre Gignac hears he's off to Fulham. Photograph: Francois Mori/AP

Scientists have worked for many generations to establish a formula for the perfect rumour. For years reporters laboured under the false impression that Foreign-Sounding Player + Famous Club was all that was required, but recent advances in research methods have shown us that the matter is actually far more complicated.

For starters, the club in question needs to be assessed – are we talking about a successful team, or simply one whose fans believe that they are relevant even though they last won trophies two weeks before Noddy Holder's last hairstyle? Those supporters – how likely are they to abandon a working day to stand outside their stadium to welcome a nonexistent signing? And, even if the rumour is totally false, is there any spurious information that could be thrown in to make it seem real?

Such considerations led to the widespread adoption of the following equation in newspaper offices worldwide: Rumour Strength =((Foreignness of Player + Famousness of Club) x ((Fan Expectations/Trophies Won in Last Five Years) + St James' Park Effect)) + Spurious Fact². And yet, even this formula missed out one key element: conviction of delivery.

It's all very well coming up with a glorious and unlikely piece of transfer twaddle, but it won't do you any good if you accompany it with an acknowledgement that it probably won't happen. Case in point: this morning's Gazzetta dello Sport, who note that Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to buy a house near Lake Como, and therefore could be on his way to Milan or Internazionale. But then accompany that suggestion with the phrase: "A deal seems improbable".

The Daily Mirror has no such qualms about its own big splash – Arsenal launching a "stunning" £30m bid for Borussia Dortmund's Mario Götze. They do, however, raise another imperfection in the Rumour Strength formula shown above. The final sum ought really to be divided by Number of Times We've Heard This One Before.

A trickier aspect to assess is that of corroborating sources. On the one hand, if more than one newspaper reports the same piece of transfer gossip, then it may gain greater traction among the readership. On the other hand, those papers can no longer preface the story with the word EXCLUSIVE!! Well, unless they just decide to anyway. Sharing stories today are the Mirror and Daily Mail, who both say Fulham are laying down a line of Tastykakes to lead André-Pierre Gignac all the way to west London.

Making way for Gignac at Craven Cottage will be Moussa Dembélé, who is wanted by Lokomotiv Moscow. The Premier League will not go short of attacking players called Moussa for long, however, as the Senegal centre-forward Moussa Sow is apparently pleading right this second for Arsenal to come and rescue him from Lille.

Elsewhere, this morning, Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be duking it out for the services of "new Cristiano Ronaldo" Lucas Ocampos, of River Plate; Manchester United fear that the 18-year-old Paul Pogba could soon be joining their noisy neighbours at the Etihad Stadium after talks over a new deal stalled; and Tottenham are planning January bids for Blackburn's Junior Hoilett and Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/01/football-transfer-rumours-fulham-gignac?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/01/football-transfer-rumours-fulham-gignac?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)

 
Cottage duo back for Euro trip

Fulham will be boosted by the return of Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly for the Europa League Group K clash away at FC Twente.

The Republic of Ireland international duo were both ruled out of Saturday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium due to injury. However, boss Martin Jol is set to draft both Duff and Kelly back into his starting XI for the relatively short trip to the Netherlands for their penultimate group game.

Striker Orlando Sa is also set to be in the squad after proving his fitness for the reserves on Monday evening, but Chris Baird and Clint Dempsey have not travelled due to personal reasons and a thigh problem respectively.

Steve Sidwell and Simon Davies also remain sidelined due to respective hernia and knee injuries with Bryan Ruiz ineligible.

Jol, who played for Twente between 1979 and 1982, is expecting a tough game at De Grolsch Veste, but is hoping the Cottagers can secure the win they need to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

"I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England," he said.

"There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of. Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time.

"It is getting bigger and bigger so getting results goes with that responsibility. They have showed that over the past three or four years."


http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottage-duo-back-for-euro-trip-1346060.html?#.Ttdox2AcI98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottage-duo-back-for-euro-trip-1346060.html?#.Ttdox2AcI98)

 
Russians join race for Cottage ace

Fulham could face a fight to keep hold of midfielder Moussa Dembele after it emerged that Lokomotiv Moscow are set to bid £8million.
The Russian outfit are reportedly the latest in a line of big clubs to express an interest in the highly-rated 24-year-old Belgium international, who has 18 months remaining on the contract he signed in summer 2010 when former boss Mark Hughes paid £5million to AZ Alkmaar for his signature.

Dembele, who has been compared to Tottenham's Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart, has been heavily linked with a move to join Harry Redknapp's men, while Liverpool were recently tipped to lodge a January bid.

However Lokomotiv Moscow are now looking to try and entice the Cottagers with an £8million offer which could result in their rivals CSKA Moscow also joining the battle for Dembele's services.

It is thought £8million would still fall below boss Martin Jol's valuation of the player, who he rates very highly and is desperate to keep at Craven Cottage.

He recently said: "Dembele will learn and go on to become one of the best players in the Premier League."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/russians-join-race-for-cottage-ace-1346064.html?#.TtdpDWAcI98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/russians-join-race-for-cottage-ace-1346064.html?#.TtdpDWAcI98)

 
Jol braced for tough Twente task

Fulham manager Martin Jol expects Twente Enschede to ring the changes for Thursday's Europa League clash in Holland, but the Dutchman is preparing for a tough clash against his former club.

The Cottagers head to Enschede, where Jol played between 1979 and 1982, in second place in Group K but know that victory against the group leaders will seal their progression to the last 32.

And despite Twente having all but qualified for the next phase, Jol expects the club to put up a good fight at De Grolsch Veste.

Jol said: "I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England. There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of.

"Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time. It is getting bigger and bigger so getting results goes with that responsibility. They have showed that over the past three or four years.

"It was a nice club [when I played there]. We had good players and maybe we didn't realise how good we were. We were always a good club but, over the past four or five years, they have gone to the Champions League level or at least to the qualification stage.

"They were champions two years ago and that was awesome. They had 86 points and Ajax had 85 points [when I was manager] so we missed out by one point. I feel FC Twente are playing good football, play for results and it is a very good club.''

Fulham will look for victory without key first-team players Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird. Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, while Bryan Ruiz is ineligible to face his former club. The Costa Rica international departed Twente for west London in the summer, but will be at the match on Thursday as he will be honoured by his former club.

"I think they have something up their sleeve,'' Jol said. "They want to celebrate something with him, a little party before or after the game. He asked if he could go there with his girlfriend and I gave him permission.''



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/990656/jol-braced-for-tough-twente-task?&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/990656/jol-braced-for-tough-twente-task?&cc=5739)

 
FC Twente v Fulham preview
Dempsey and Baird unavailable; Adriaanse set to make changes

Fulham could qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League with victory over FC Twente in Group K on Thursday night.

The Craven Cottage club will kick-off in Enschede sitting three points behind their Dutch hosts after four matches.

But manager Martin Jol, who played for Twente between 1979 and 1982, knows a victory in his homeland would earn a place in the knockout stages.

The Andy Johnson-inspired 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow on Matchday Four provided Fulham, finalists in 2010, with an excellent chance to progress having already come through three qualifying rounds and the play-offs.

But Jol, who saw his side held to a 1-1 draw by Twente at Craven Cottage in September, knows his former club represent a significant test, although he is expecting counterpart Co Adriaanse to rotate his squad.

Jol said: "I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England.

Key

"There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of."

Twente are unbeaten in Group K and have already secured progression to the knockout stages, which will be a factor in their probable changed starting XI.

But, if he plays, striker Luuk de Jong will be a man to beware after scoring eight league goals this season to guide Twente to third in the Eredivisie.

Fulham will look for victory without key first-team players Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird.

Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, while Bryan Ruiz is ineligible to face his former club.

The Costa Rica international departed Twente for West London in the summer, but will be at the match, as he will be honoured by his former club.


http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3447390,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3447390,00.html?)

 
Jol expects Twente test for Fulham

Fulham manager Martin Jol expects Twente Enschede to ring the changes for Thursday's Europa League clash in Holland, but the Dutchman is preparing for a tough clash against his former club.

The Cottagers head to Enschede, where Jol played between 1979 and 1982, in second place in Group K but know that victory against the group leaders will seal their progression to the last 32.

And despite Twente having all but qualified for the next phase, Jol expects the club to put up a good fight at De Grolsch Veste.

Jol said: "I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England. There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of.

"Twente have developed into a very good club. When I was here they were getting [crowds of] 10,000 and now they are getting over 20,000 all the time. It is getting bigger and bigger so getting results goes with that responsibility. They have showed that over the past three or four years.

"It was a nice club [when I played there]. We had good players and maybe we didn't realise how good we were. We were always a good club but, over the past four or five years, they have gone to the Champions League level or at least to the qualification stage.

"They were champions two years ago and that was awesome. They had 86 points and Ajax had 85 points [when I was manager at Ajax] so we missed out by one point. I feel FC Twente are playing good football, play for results and it is a very good club.''

Fulham will look for victory without key first-team players Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird. Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, while Bryan Ruiz is ineligible to face his former club. The Costa Rica international departed Twente for west London in the summer, but will be at the match on Thursday as he will be honoured by his former club.

"I think they have something up their sleeve,'' Jol said. "They want to celebrate something with him, a little party before or after the game. He asked if he could go there with his girlfriend and I gave him permission.''


http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/124232.html?CMP=OTC-RSS (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/124232.html?CMP=OTC-RSS)

 
Fulham aim to seal last 32 berth

Fulham could qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League with victory over FC Twente in Group K on Thursday night.

The Craven Cottage club will kick-off in Enschede sitting three points behind their Dutch hosts after four matches.

But manager Martin Jol, who played for Twente between 1979 and 1982, knows a victory in his homeland would earn a place in the knockout stages.

The Andy Johnson-inspired 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow on Matchday Four provided Fulham, finalists in 2010, with an excellent chance to progress having already come through three qualifying rounds and the play-offs.

But Jol, who saw his side held to a 1-1 draw by Twente at Craven Cottage in September, knows his former club represent a significant test, although he is expecting counterpart Co Adriaanse to rotate his squad.

Jol said: "I feel that they will probably think about changing the line-up but not in the way we do in England.

KEY

"There could be two, three or four other players, but they are at home so have to show what they are capable of."

Twente are unbeaten in Group K and have already secured progression to the knockout stages, which will be a factor in their probable changed starting XI.

But, if he plays, striker Luuk de Jong will be a man to beware after scoring eight league goals this season to guide Twente to third in the Eredivisie.

Fulham will look for victory without key first-team players Clint Dempsey and Chris Baird.

Dempsey will miss the clash with a thigh complaint, while Northern Ireland defender Baird is out due to personal reasons.

Steve Sidwell remains out with a hernia injury, while Bryan Ruiz is ineligible to face his former club.

The Costa Rica international departed Twente for West London in the summer, but will be at the match, as he will be honoured by his former club.

FIXTURES
Lokomotiv Moscow v SK Sturm Graz
AEK v Maccabi Haifa
Schalke 04 v Steaua Bucuresti
Odense BK v Wisla Krakow
FC Twente v Fulham
AEK Athens v Anderlecht
Sporting v FC Zurich
FC Vaslui v Lazio
Stoke v Dynamo Kiev
Maccabi Tel-Aviv v Besiktas
Athletic Bilbao v Slovan Bratislava
SV Red Bull Salzburg v PSG



http://www.supersport.com/football/europa-league/news/111201/Fulham_aim_to_seal_last_32_berth (http://www.supersport.com/football/europa-league/news/111201/Fulham_aim_to_seal_last_32_berth)

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol reveals squad for FC Twente clash

The Fulham boss has a squad of 21 to choose from

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed his squad for tonight's Europa League Group K game at FC Twente.

Only three of Fulham's regulars are unavailable for the clash, leaving Jol a squad of 21 to choose from.

"Chris Baird stayed at home and Simon Davies will join us next week," he said. "Clint Dempsey has a slight thigh problem so he stayed in London. We've got 21 players with us for Thursday night's match."

Jol also maintains that the Whites have been able to take the additional fixtures in their stride.

"Tomorrow will be our 27th game but FC Twente have played a lot of games as well," the Manager stated. "I'm in favour of a winter break but it's impossible in England. We're working fine and our injury problems are not dramatic. I'm quite satisfied.

"There's more goals in us. We created plenty of chances in our recent away games - it's a matter of confidence and it coming right like it did against QPR."

Twente have already qualified for the next round but Jol also dismissed notions that the home side will take it easy on his side.

"I think they'll think about changing the line-up but they will want to perform at home," he said.

"They're getting bigger and bigger as a club. It's a very nice club and over the last few years they've been champions and moved to Champions League level.

"They've got a good structure and organisation and they're playing good football."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_martin_jol_reveals_squad_for_fc_twente_clash_1_1142396? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_martin_jol_reveals_squad_for_fc_twente_clash_1_1142396?)

 
Fulham star looking to qualify at FC Twente

Bryan Ruiz is looking to get the right result at his former club

Fulham star Bryan Ruiz is confident about Fulham getting a result at his former club, FC Twente.

The 26-year-old signed for the west London club in the summer from the Dutch club, where he scored 35 goals in 65 league appearances for the 2010 Eredivisie champions.

"I think they will play very offensive because when Twente plays at home, they normally do that," Ruiz told the club's official website.

"They will try to press us and try to keep the ball, that's one of the qualities Twente has.

"I think we can win the game but we have to be really focused, defend well and also keep the ball when we have it. I think for sure we'll have chances so we have to convert the chances we create.

"We have to take care of Nacer Chadli, Luuk De Jong and Ola John and also Emir Bajrami – if those players play they are very good. Twente are not having the best season but they are doing well in the Europa League, they know that they are through – but they will like to finish well.

"The Fulham supporters will help, when we have the supporters behind us we get extra motivation so, for sure it will help the players."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_looking_to_qualify_at_fc_twente_1_1142436? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_looking_to_qualify_at_fc_twente_1_1142436?)

 
Fulham V Liverpool – Match Preview

In form Liverpool travel to West London on Monday night to take on Fulham knowing that a win could see them move into the Premier League top four

Victory is never guaranteed against the Cottagers though with Martin Jol's side putting in a dogged performance to claim a point from London rivals Arsenal last week. Fulham were at their stringent best against the Gunners as they came within a whisker of leaving the Emirates Stadium with all three points. Jol has found it difficult to get his team performing on the domestic front with his players saving their best performances for the Europa League. However after a break from European action Fulham have looked revitalised and credible draws away at Arsenal and Sunderland has boosted morale in the dressing room. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer rolled back the years last Saturday putting in an unbelievable display in North London whilst veterans Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora also put in star performances. The trio were fantastic for Jol's side using their experience to quell the threat of a Gunners side who have been in red hot form of late. Zamora, in particular, put in a tireless shift up front taking a few knocks holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Even more pleasing for the Cottagers will be the performance of summer signing Bryan Ruiz who showed flashes of his brilliance as he continues his adaption to the English game. With high flying Liverpool descending onto the Thames on Monday night Jol will be expecting his side to improve a home record that has boasted only one win in six attempts.

Beating the Reds will be a tough task with Kenny Dalglish's side looking strong on their travels after winning four of their six games away from Anfield. A summer of spending is slowly but surely starting to pay dividends with the Merseysiders sitting just three points outside of the top four with a relatively simple festive schedule coming up. Liverpool will take on Blackburn, Wigan, Aston Villa, and QPR over Christmas and Dalglish will be expecting his new men to make a real push for the Champions League places over the next month. Their current form is not to be sniffed at either with the nine games since their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham yielding four wins and four draws and their performance against league leaders Manchester City will have raised the confidence levels at Anfield. Their display against the champions elect was arguably their finest of the season with summer signings Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jose Enrique all putting in excellent shifts against arguably the top flights best team. That performance against City coupled with the win over Chelsea a fortnight ago will have lifted the mood in the stands after supporters become distressed after they were held at home by promoted sides Swansea and Norwich. A win against Fulham on Monday night will go a long way to solidifying their top four challenge and the omens are certainly in their favour with the Reds having won six times in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.

Fulham – 15th

Last Five: Drew 1-1 v Arsenal (A), Drew 0-0 v Sunderland (A), Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H), Won 2-0 v Wigan (A), Lost 3-1 v Everton (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Schwarzer 6. C. Baird 18. A. Hughes 5. B. Hangeland 3. J. Riise 11. B. Ruiz 13. D. Murphy [C] 20. D. Etuhu 23. C. Dempsey 30. M. Dembele 25. B. Zamora*

Injury News: Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell will both miss the visit of Liverpool whilst defender Stephen Kelly is also struggling to be fit with a groin injury.

Key Player: Bobby Zamora

Despite not weighing in with a glut of goals the England striker has once again displayed his importance to the Fulham attack with his intelligent link up play in the final third making him a real asset. The way he held up the ball against Arsenal and brought his teammates into play showed he can cut it against the best in the Premier League and Fulham will need his strength in the final third to break through a tough Liverpool defence.

Match Fact: Fulham and Liverpool have met 20 times since the Cottagers were promoted to the Premier League in 2001 but have only beaten the Reds four times in that period.

Liverpool – 6th

Last Five: Drew 1-1 v Manchester City, Won 2-1 v Chelsea (A), Drew 0-0 v Swansea (H), Won 2-0 v West Brom (A), Drew 1-1 v Norwich (H)

Potential Starting X11: 25. P. Reina [C] 2. G. Johnson 5. D. Agger 37. M. Skrtel 3. J. Enrique 11. M. Rodriguez 26. C. Adam 14. J. Henderson 18. D. Kuyt 7. L. Suarez* 39. C. Bellamy

Injury News: Dalglish will be without key midfielder Lucas with a knee injury ruling the Brazilian out of the trip to West London whilst captain Steven Gerrard also remains out

Key Player: Luis Suarez

The Uruguayan striker has been rather quiet over the past couple of weeks but Fulham should not take his presence lightly with his ability to strike at any moment making him a danger to any side. Suarez has forged a reputation as being a menacing, ankle biting front man that never gives defenders a second on the ball and his high tempo pressuring is key to Liverpool's attacking philosophy. He'll be expected strike fear into the Fulham back four and irritate them for the whole 90 minutes on Monday night.

Match Fact: Liverpool enjoy their trips to Craven Cottage winning six of their 10 meetings with Fulham on the Thames since their first Premier League encounter a decade ago.

Last Time at Craven Cottage

Premier League 9 May 2011

Fulham 2-5 Liverpool

Dembele, 67 Sidwell, 86

Rodriguez, 1, 7, 70 Kuyt, 16 Suarez, 75

Attendance: 25,693

Referee: Lee Mason

PREDICTION

Fulham's form over the last few weeks hasn't been the best although performances do suggest that they are capable of picking up results against any team in the league. Their battling display against Arsenal will have filled the dressing room with confidence and given the Cottagers belief that they can take something away from their encounter with Liverpool. The Reds have been in superb form of late and know a win will push them closer to the top four. Their form on the road has been superb with four wins from six meaning they'll be the favourites going into the game at Craven Cottage.

Score: 1-3




http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-liverpool-match-preview? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-liverpool-match-preview?)

 
Fulham line up unsettled Benfica defender

Fulham are in the hunt for Benfica's Brazilian centre-half Jardel.

The 25-year-old, who has also been linked with Scottish giants Celtic, is sick of not being a first choice at the Portuguese club.

Benfica may listen to offers to take him in January either on loan or in a cut-price £4m permanent transfer.



http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Fulham-transfer-gossip-Jardel-Benfica-Brazilian-centre-half-could-join-for-bargain-fee-or-on-loan-article836780.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Fulham-transfer-gossip-Jardel-Benfica-Brazilian-centre-half-could-join-for-bargain-fee-or-on-loan-article836780.html)