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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 07:51:13 AM

Title: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 07:51:13 AM
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-striker-zamora-does-not-want-resting-wigan-clash-744191 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-striker-zamora-does-not-want-resting-wigan-clash-744191)
Fulham striker Zamora does not want resting for Wigan clash
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora insists he doesn't need to be rested for tomorrow's clash with Wigan Athletic.

Zamora hit his 18th goal of the season in Thursday's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarter-final.

And Hodgson is set to risk the wrath of West Ham by resting key players at Craven Cottage ahead of next week's second leg in Germany.

Zamora, 29, said: "It's another game and another chance to get another goal. I want to play as I'm desperate to score more goals."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 07:53:16 AM
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193970 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193970)
Fulham - Hodgson Sums Up the Tie!
The eighty ninth minute goal certainly quietened down a home crowd who were ecstatic at the two goal lead but it also set up the second leg of this tie nicely.

Both sides will go at it hammer and tongs knowing that either of them could secure a semi-final place and be one step away from the final in Hamburg.

After the game, (Sir) Roy Hodgson spoke briefly about that late goal and whether Fulham are favourites to go through, commenting,

"The late goal put a slight dampener on the performance. But it shouldn`t really because if you had offered me a victory before the game, I`d have accepted any score."

"I don`t know if we are favourites to go through now. But we go there with the lead and we showed them we can cause problems."

My only qualm with the goal is that it more or less forces us to strike in Wolfsburg to cancel out the away goal element, but like we`ve already seen in this competition, anything is possible.

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 07:56:32 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263083/West-Ham-complaint-Fulham-starting-line-Hull-confirmed-Premier-League.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263083/West-Ham-complaint-Fulham-starting-line-Hull-confirmed-Premier-League.html?ITO=1490)
West Ham complaint over Fulham starting line-up at Hull is confirmed by Premier League
The Premier League have confirmed that they have received an official complaint from West Ham over Fulham manager Roy Hodgson's decision to field a weakened team against Hull last Saturday.
Hodgson chose to rest five key players for the 2-0 defeat at the KC Stadium, which allowed the Tigers to pull level with Gianfranco Zola's relegation threatened side on 27 points.
Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu all missed the defeat but returned for last night's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg, which prompted the West Ham hierarchy to claim that Hodgson broke Premier League rules.
A Premier League spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received an official complaint from West Ham over this matter.
'We will now ask Fulham for their observations and then the Premier League board will then consider what actions, if any, are appropriate.'
Premier League rules state that all teams must field their strongest side available for all games.
Should they find Fulham guilty, the Premier League could decide to impose a penalty similar to the £25,000 suspended fine handed to Wolves after Mick McCarthy rested nine of his players for his side's defeat at Manchester United in September.
Hodgson insisted last night that he had done nothing wrong and was adamant that he would continue his rotation policy for this weekend's match against Wigan.
'Firstly I don't think West Ham should be picking our team and I think that is a fairly obvious statement,' said the 62-year-old.
'If there is a complaint my conscience is perfectly clear on the subject and as far as I'm concerned we don't have a case to answer.
'In the last game I selected a team comprising of a defender just sold for £10m (Chris Smalling), a South African international (Kagisho Dikgacoi), who replaced Danny Murphy and I replaced Bobby Zamora with Clint Dempsey, a USA centre forward.
'I can't understand why, if you have a large squad, it's not allowed for you to change things around. I can't imagine anyone questioning Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea for using all the players in their squad.'
Hodgson has also found support from his peers, with Latics boss Roberto Martinez describing West Ham's move as "foolish".
The Spaniard said: 'As a manager you always make decisions that can help your team.
'Roy Hodgson and Fulham have had such a successful season, they know exactly what they have got behind the scenes and know what they need.
'For anyone to criticise another football club when they are in such outstanding form is very foolish.
'Roy Hodgson has got to make the decisions to help his team achieve their aims for the season.'
The argument is the latest in a series of squabbles between the two clubs. Fulham are suing West Ham for £500,000 - the loss of their league position bonus three seasons ago after Carlos Tevez's goals helped keep the Hammers up and finish a place above Fulham in the Premier League.
The Premier League fined West Ham £5.5million for breaking their rules over third party agreements over the deals which brought Tevez and Javier Mascherano to Upton Park but chose not to dock the club any points.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 07:59:50 AM
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193973 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193973)
Fulham - Hodgson in Verbal Spat!
Those perennial moaners, over at Upton Park, seem to have gotten (Sir) Roy Hodgson`s back seriously up.

With the relegation bound (we hope) East London club still harping on about the weakened side (Sir) Roy chose to field at the KC Stadium last Saturday and now looking as if their threat to issue a complaint is going to become a reality , (Sir) Roy has hit back, remarking,

"I don`t think West Ham should be picking our team. If there is a complaint my conscience is perfectly clear and we don`t have a case to answer."

"We chose a team including a player just sold for £10 million, a South African international and Clint Dempsey who is a USA international. I can`t understand why you can`t change things."

"I can`t imagine anyone ever questioning Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United for using the players they have in their squad."

"I have a good squad and there are lots of players I can use."

Whatever next I cry! Like we`ve said previously, West Ham should take a close look at their own inept performances if / when they go down, not clutch at straws!

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:02:18 AM
http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/europa-league-adventure-goes-on-for-fulham (http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/europa-league-adventure-goes-on-for-fulham)
Europa League adventure goes on for Fulham
Damien Duff and Roy Hodgson fancy their chances despite late blow

It wasn't exactly Juventus all over again, but Fulham once more enhanced their European reputation with a win over the champions of Germany that should have been more emphatic.

Manager Roy Hodgson felt Fulham made Wolfsburg look 'reasonably ordinary' and his only criticism, or disappointment, was the goal his side conceded two minutes from time to give the Germans a lifeline.

Fulham dominated this Europa League clash for long periods and were rewarded with two goals in a four-minute spell in the second half. Bobby Zamora expertly fired home the first from outside the area after 59 minutes before setting up Damien Duff for the second.

Wolfsburg grabbed an away goal two minutes from the end, but Hodgson was full of praise for his side.

"Wolfsburg are a good team, they are champions of Germany. They have many good players, but I thought we made them look reasonably ordinary," he said. "We were certainly good value for our 2-0 lead, but of course a little bit of nervousness creeps in.

"A 2-0 lead is a little bit of a dangerous one, and we stopped playing a little the way we had been and let them into the game that little bit more. Unfortunately it led to a corner and their goal.

"But we have got to be happy that the European adventure continues at Craven Cottage and we have claimed another notable scalp."

Duff agreed with the gaffer over the Wolfsburg goal, and said: "After the second goal we took our foot off the pedal and got a bit sloppy. They nicked the away goal which can be crucial, but we always back ourselves to score a goal over there. It's not a bad result and we can look forward to next Thursday."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:08:48 AM
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193971 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193971)
Fulham - More Zamora for England Pleas!
Once again, as the 2010 World Cup draws ever nearer, the clamour for our Bobby Zamora to at least be given a chance grows.

Last night Bobby scored another superb goal, his 18th strike of the season, whilst also setting up the second for Damien Duff.

After the game, (Sir) Roy Hodgson once again spoke about Bobby commenting on his recent performances, explaining,

"Is he international class? He is doing it against international class opponents."

"Bobby has done well against Roma, Juventus, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk and now Wolfsburg." So it would be unfair to say he only does it in the Premier League."

Here at Vital Fulham we fear that time is running out for Bobby. With only a friendly fixture, against Mexico, to come, Bobby may be joining the rest of us in watching the tournament on the television.

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:13:46 AM
http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/04/02/1860566/wolfsburg-coach-lorenz-guenther-koestner-fulham-waited-for-us-to- (http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/04/02/1860566/wolfsburg-coach-lorenz-guenther-koestner-fulham-waited-for-us-to-)
Wolfsburg Coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner: Fulham Waited For Us To Make Errors
Die Wolfe's coach has lamented the mistakes his side made to "gift" the Cottagers a couple of goals...
By Robin Bairner

Fulham claimed a 2-1 Europa League quarter-final first leg success against Wolfsburg on Thursday evening, though the coach of the Germans, Lorenz-Guenther Koestner, has claimed that the loss was largely of their own making.

Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff had the home side 2-0 up before a fine Alexander Madlung header in the closing stages of the encounter breathed new life into the tie, a fact the German coach was quick to stress.

"In the first half Fulham waited for us to make mistakes, and we made them!" the coach lamented to his side's official website. "At the beginning of the second half both sides increased the pressure. Really we should have taken the lead, but instead of that we gifted Fulham two goals. Still, the team dealt with the situation and came back well. The goal to make it 2-1 was incredibly important."

Midfielder Zvejvdan Misimovic felt that die Wolfe's goal was merited, explaining: "We can live with the 2-1 scoreline. The goal we got was absolutely deserved. We proved our strength with that. Of course it is not the optimal result, but we played quite well today and we can still achieve more."

The second leg takes place at the Volkswagen Arena next Thursday.

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:18:32 AM
http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/09104778.php (http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/09104778.php)
FULHAM 2 WOLFSBURG 1
POST MATCH REACTION

SportingPreview.com, 2 Apr 2010

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was delighted with his side's performance during their 2-1 Europa League quarter-final first leg victory over Wolfsburg, claiming his player's made the German champions 'look ordinary'.

The Cottagers raced into a two-goal lead during the second half of their clash with Lorenz-Gunther Kostner's men and Hodgson felt his side were worthy of their advantage.

Speaking to ESPN he said: "Wolfsburg are a good team, they are champions of Germany. They have many good players, but tonight I thought we made them look reasonably ordinary." 

"We were certainly good value for our 2-0 lead, but of course a little bit of nervousness creeps in.

"A 2-0 lead is a little bit of a dangerous one, and we stopped playing a little the way we had been and let them into the game that little bit more.

"Unfortunately it led to a corner and their goal.

"But we have got to be happy that the European adventure continues at Craven Cottage and we have claimed another notable scalp."

Hodgson reserved special praise for Bobby Zamora after the striker bagged his 18th goal of an impressive season.

The former West Ham striker managed just four goals for the Cottagers last season and Hodgson is pleased with the way the 29-year-old has progressed since joining the club.

"The thing with Bobby now is that he is not just scoring goals against anyone, he is doing it against international class opponents," said Hodgson.

"Wolfsburg were worthy champions last year and after a dodgy start they have lost once in eight after knocking Villarreal out of the Europa League.

"Before that they'd gone seven unbeaten they are on a very good run and for Bobby to play well in the Europa League against teams of the character of Roma, Juventus, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk and now Wolfsburg, it would be unfair for people to say he only does it in the Premier League."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:22:17 AM
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/etuhu/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/etuhu/)
Etuhu
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 1:04 pm

Just posted this on TiFF but might as well c+p here:

I have just read a coaching book by Allen Wade, who was (I believe) one of Roy Hodgson's teachers at the FA in 1970.

Wade describes two types of team: one that allows individuals to come up with solutions, use their skills to beat opponents (an "expressionist" team), and another, described as a "functional" team, where the team does exactly what the coach tells it, accepts predictability because if the right things are done often enough they should eventually pay off.

In 1974 Bob Houghton (Roy's old mate) moved to Malmo in Sweden, and in 1976 Roy followed to Halmstads. Both implemented the second of Wade's approaches, an extreme "functional" stance never seen in Sweden, and between them won 5 of the 6 league titles between then and 1980.

It caused an uproar, people complaining about the robotisation of the game. A Swedish academic studied the matter and stressed that Hodgson's methods "remove the decision making from the player, and leave this to the coach" (paraphrasing). In short, at any given moment a Roy Hodgson player knows what he is supposed to do with the ball.

What's this got to do with Etuhu? I think people are looking for the wrong thing, assuming that we are a "functional" team (and we are), one of Roy's key selection criteria will be "can this player do what I tell him to do at all times?". Etuhu clearly can. He isn't Iniesta, or Makalele, or Viera, but he is very clearly doing what Hodgson wants him to do. Can he stand where he's told to, hold his shape? Yes. Can he win the ball? Yes. Can he simply pass it off to our better attackers? Yes.

Etuhu is a good player within the role set for him. To criticise what he does is, I think, to misread what he's for. Roy picks people because they will carry out his instructions. Etuhu does what he's told. And, in my opinion, he does it well.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:27:46 AM
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6070730,00.html (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6070730,00.html)
ZAMORA TARGETS EUROPEAN GLORY
Bobby Zamora sees no reason why Fulham cannot end the season as Europa League champions.

The Cottagers are within touching distance of making the last four of the competition thanks to an impressive 2-1 win over German champions Wolfsburg in last night's quarter-final, first leg at Craven Cottage.

Zamora's form has been instrumental in guiding the Cottagers through a difficult European campaign, which began back in July and has seen them overcome the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Basle and Italian giants Juventus.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring against Wolfsburg with a well-crafted left-foot curler for his 18th goal of the season.

And although European heavyweights such as Valencia, Benfica and Liverpool are still in the competition, Zamora is confident his side can beat anyone on their day.

"How far can we go? Why not all the way?" said the former Spurs striker.

"We have some great form here at home and we're not playing too bad away in the competition so why can't we go all the way?"

Fulham will take on either Standard Liege or Hamburg in the semi-final if they overcome Wolfsburg in Germany next week.

Alexander Madlung's last-minute header gave Wolfsburg a vital away goal ahead of next week's clash at the Volkswagen Arena.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is confident his side can avoid defeat in Germany next week and Zamora shares his optimism.

"It will be a massive game, it is the quarter-final of the Europa League," Zamora added. "For us it will be one of the biggest games of the season and we will try our best to go there and win.

"They are a hard-working, big, strong and tough side and we know even more about them now.

"It won't be easy but we have showed that we can score goals if we create those chances so we have to go there and think we can win."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:30:00 AM
http://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/6070783/Childish-Hammers-need-to-man-up (http://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/6070783/Childish-Hammers-need-to-man-up)
.Childish Hammers need to man up
The only thing "awful" about Fulham's team selection at Hull is the childish strop West Ham are throwing about it, says TEAMtalk's Jon Holmes.

Times are tough for West Ham fans. Their team is perched precariously above the Premier League drop zone with only six games remaining. As I write, they've lost their last six in a row. And now those supporters are having to look on despairingly as their club bawls its eyes out, stomps its feet and points an accusing finger in the direction of Roy Hodgson.

The Upton Park tantrum is on the agenda after Hodgson decided to make six changes to his Fulham starting line-up from the FA Cup replay at Tottenham for last weekend's match away to the Hammers' relegation rivals, Hull. The Cottagers had headed north for their 51st fixture of the season with half an eye on their forthcoming Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg - and understandably, their manager wanted to shuffle his pack.

The issue at stake here is, how much tinkering should a boss like Hodgson be allowed to make? The Premier League's E20 rule stipulates that clubs must field a full-strength side in all top-flight games. Here's the Fulham team from the KC Stadium: Schwarzer; Shorey, Smalling, Hangeland, Konchesky; Riise, Baird, Dikgacoi, Davies; Gera; Dempsey.

Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu dropped to the bench, while four players who had started at Spurs in Fulham's previous fixture were missing - including striker Bobby Zamora, who had been suffering from severe stomach cramps in midweek. Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Stephen Kelly were the other three absentees. Only Kelly did not start the Wolfsburg match on Thursday, having sustained a knock in training.

The incoming sextet are therefore the designated fall guys in this equation, even though Clint Dempsey was a sub against Tottenham and is an experienced international like fellow starters Chris Baird, Bjorn Helge Riise and Kagisho Dikcagoi, while Nicky Shorey has made over 100 Premier League appearances and Chris Smalling's off to Manchester United in the summer for £10million.

But regardless of their pedigrees and whether Zamora was fit enough to play or not, West Ham are arguing that changing over half your team represents an offence under Premier League rules and must be punished. They even rolled out a club spokesman to explain their argument, the suit-and-tie telling The Sun: "Roy Hodgson admitted on television that he had rested players because he had an important Europa League match coming up.

"He admitted fielding a weakened team. From our point of view, that's awful and we are going to put in a complaint."

However, why should the team Hodgson fielded in the FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane be the barometer of what constitutes a full-strength Fulham side? If comparisons are being drawn under Premier League rules, surely the side that took to the field in the Cottagers' previous league fixture at home to Manchester City should be assessed - in which case there were only five differences. One of those was the inclusion of Brede Hangeland, who missed out against City through injury. Few would argue that the big Norwegian would not make Hodgson's first-choice XI.

There was a precedent set in such disputes when Wolves were handed a suspended £25,000 fine after Mick McCarthy made 10 changes for their match at Manchester United earlier in the season, following a 1-0 win at Tottenham in their previous game. Perhaps the Premier League number-crunchers will come up with a £10,000 suspended fine for Fulham, representing a 60% discount for the six fewer alterations Hodgson made.

But perhaps, and if they have any sense, they'll throw out West Ham's complaint and tell them to concentrate on their own team rather than worrying about anyone else's.

They should also take into account the club spokesman's additional comment to The Sun: "Fulham are suing us for £500,000. They may find West Ham suing them for £50million next season." This relates to Fulham's legal action which harks back to 'Tevezgate' in 2006/7, and the Cottagers' loss in prize money as a result of finishing two places below West Ham in the table.

And it also tells you that the Hammers are trying to play tit-for-tat with Fulham. Playground games are unbecoming for a club with the East Enders' history and embarrassing for their supporters. The Premier League should know that the best way to punish cry babies is to simply ignore them.

.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:32:15 AM
http://hammyend.com/?p=6729 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6729)
Zamora: The sky's the limit
by Dan on April 2, 2010

Nice to see such positivity from Bobby Zamora. Fulham have surprised plenty of people already this season and I wouldn't put it past Roy to plot a way past Wolfsburg.

We have some great form here at home and we're not playing too bad away in the competition so why can't we go all the way?

It will be a massive game, it is the quarter-final of the Europa League. For us it will be one of the biggest games of the season and we will try our best to go there and win.

They are a hard-working, big, strong and tough side and we know even more about them now. It won't be easy but we have showed that we can score goals if we create those chances so we have to go there and think we can win.

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:34:21 AM
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6070865/We-can-go-all-the-way-roars-Zamora (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6070865/We-can-go-all-the-way-roars-Zamora)
We can go all the way, roars Zamora
In-form Fulham striker Bobby Zamora sees no reason why Roy Hodgson's Cottagers cannot end the season as Europa League champions.

The Cottagers are within touching distance of making the last four of the competition thanks to an impressive 2-1 win over German champions Wolfsburg in last night's quarter-final, first leg at Craven Cottage.

Zamora's form has been instrumental in guiding the Cottagers through a difficult European campaign, which began back in July and has seen them overcome the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Basle and Italian giants Juventus.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring against Wolfsburg with a well-crafted left-foot curler for his 18th goal of the season.

And although European heavyweights such as Valencia, Benfica and Liverpool are still in the competition, Zamora is confident his side can beat anyone on their day.

"How far can we go? Why not all the way?" said the former Spurs striker.

"We have some great form here at home and we're not playing too bad away in the competition so why can't we go all the way?"

Fulham will take on either Standard Liege or Hamburg in the semi-final if they overcome Wolfsburg in Germany next week.

Alexander Madlung's last-minute header gave Wolfsburg a vital away goal ahead of next week's clash at the Volkswagen Arena.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is confident his side can avoid defeat in Germany next week and Zamora shares his optimism.

"It will be a massive game, it is the quarter-final of the Europa League," Zamora added. "For us it will be one of the biggest games of the season and we will try our best to go there and win.

"They are a hard-working, big, strong and tough side and we know even more about them now.

"It won't be easy but we have showed that we can score goals if we create those chances so we have to go there and think we can win."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:38:01 AM
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/2/1401878/analysis-of-my-5-keys-to-victory (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/2/1401878/analysis-of-my-5-keys-to-victory)
Analysis of My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham against Wolfsburg
(http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/333134/damien_duff_large.jpg)
Fulham beat Wolfsburg yesterday 2 - 1 at Craven Cottage in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Europa League. It was a pretty even first half with no scoring. The second half brought 2 goals by Fulham. They were scored by Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff. Alexander Madlung scored a late goal for Wolfsburg. This was a game in my opinion that Fulham deserved to win. However, the away goal by Madlung helps Wolfsburg's cause going into the second leg.

In reviewing the match I like to go back each game to my "keys" to see if they were factors in the game. Before I dive into the "keys", the one thing I can tell you is that Edin Dezeko did play for Wolfsburg. I now see why he is so highly touted as a player. There is no question he will be someone that Roy Hogdson's Fulham squad will need to contain next week. With all that said, below is my Analysis of My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham against Wolfsburg.

1. Fulham need to minimize the away goals and keep a clean sheet if possible.  This key I put down as being more about the overall picture regarding the 2 legs. Giving up an away goal would make it harder on Fulham in the second leg. Well, for almost the entire game they kept a clean sheet. With the pressure that Wolfsburg were putting on Fulham you could see that a goal could be coming. Unfortunately for Fulham, Madlung scored a goal that got past Mark Schwarzer. Since they only gave up one goal they still have a decent chance in the second leg. It just should have been easier if they did not give up that goal. Fulham can move on to the semi-finals with either a win or a tie. 

2.  Whether Edin Dzeko plays or not the Wolfsburg strikers need to be contained. Dzeko did play and was very impressive to me. He did not score, but he was around the ball frequently. He is big and strong. He also has some extreme skills. He has that combination that makes him a great player. For the most part Fulham did contain him. He did not score. He did seem though to give Hangeland trouble at times. Grafite was another player that had a couple good scoring chances. Fulham's defense again contained him as well.  Obafemi Martins, formerly of NewCastle United did come in as a substitute. He did have his moments, but could not get that goal. In this "key"I have to say that Fulham were successful. 

3.  What position will Chris Baird play tomorrow?  I was really wrong about this key. Chris Baird only played as a substitute late in the game. He came in for Danny Murphy in the 86th minute. I thought the midfield was solid with Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy. The surprise for me was Simon Davies was actually the player I should have had as to what position he would play. Instead of being on the left side of the midfield he was at right back. He did a solid job. This position change is another example of how great Roy Hogdson uses his roster.  He moves players to fit a need for the team.   

4. Fulham need to control the midfield and limit Wolfsburg's Zvjezdan Misimovic.  I think Fulham did a good job in the midfield. I think both sides had their control and posession.  Misimovic for the most part did not hurt Fulham until the end of the game. He set a nice cross into Madlung who scored the goal for Wolfsburg. This goal came off of play around a corner kick. Again for the most part Fulham did succeed in this key.

5. Fulham need to take advantge of an average Wolfsburg defense. Fulham, in my opinion did take advantage of the Wolfsburg defense. The first goal by Bobby Zamora was a great strike. The second goal was some great passing from Fulham. Paul Konchesky sent in a pass to Bobby Zamora. He then sent a nice pass to Damien Duff who shot a fantastic strike past the goalkeeper. Fulham also had several other chances to score. This is the key that makes me feel confident going into the second leg. I think Fulham showed they can attack against the Wolfsburg defense.

In concluding, the 5th key to me is was the difference in the match. Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera, Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey all gave the Wolfsburg defense trouble. Going back to Germany next week I am sure this key will be one that I will be highlighting. The other key that stood out was #2 with Fulham containing the strikers of Wolfsburg.

This was a great victory for Fulham. It might have been better if they did not give up that late goal. Regardless, Fulham fans should feel confident that the club has a good shot going back to Germany in the second leg.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:45:37 AM
http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194011 (http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194011)
Latics Speyk To Fulham
With Wigan Athletic and Fulham meeting at Craven Cottage on Easter Sunday in a Premier League clash there was a meeting of the Vitals with Vital Latics and Vital Fulham catching up with each other over coffee and Hobnobs at Vital Towers, as always worbo from the Latics was there and was joined by Vital Fulham editor Andy Joyce, lets see how the chat went:

worbo - Hi Andy, I hope all is well, you lot haven`t had a bad season so far and a great result on Thursday against Wolfsburg, I bet you must be buzzing?

Andy - Well we were until Wolfsburg got that 89th minute goal, it sort of puts a whole new complexion on the game. But Fulham have surprised more than just me in the Europa League this season so don`t discount another performance to pull a semi-final place out of the hat over in Germany.


worbo - I see that Roy Hodgson has got himself into the news with West Ham complaining to the Premier League about Fulhams team selection at Hull, back at you Hammers is what I say, is he likely to do the same on Sunday and leave a few out? Please say yes.

Andy - Now, normally, with the threat of a complaint hanging over us we`d comply and send out our strongest eleven but (Sir) Roy, quite rightly, is being very bullish about this and is sticking to his guns more or less telling West Ham to sod off. Against Wigan I reckon, with the Wolfsburg game coming up next week, he may rest a few, but like he`s already said, those that come in are no mugs!


worbo - At Wigan we`ve got Roberto Martinez, I believe he is building something special at the Latics but needs to be given time to achieve his ambitions for the club, some fans though are a little impatient or just don`t like what he is doing and there have been some signs of discontent amongst a small section of supporters, how's Hodgson`s status grown with the Fulham fans and do you think he will be at Craven Cottage for a few years yet?

Andy - (Sir) Roy is a legend. You have to remember that when he came we were staring through the relegation trap door, he`s not only kept us in the Premier League but last year we finished 7th, which is our highest ever position. This year, in what was supposed to be a hindrance, the Europa League; we`ve made the last eight and beat some very good opposition. Our only fear is that the FA will recognise Roy`s talents and see him as an option for when Fabio Capello inevitably gets shafted, like they all do eventually. Apart from that, I reckon Roy will stay in West London.


worbo - This season we have witnessed the emergence of Charles N`Zogbia as a fantastic talent, he has been electrifying at times and opposing clubs have struggled to cope with him this season also Hugo Rodallega has made his mark on the Premier League and he`s scored some really important goals for us but I suppose you have probably heard of both and are aware of their threat.

Now we have another emerging young player who has just broken through into the first team that you might not have heard of James McCarthy, he is just 19 but don`t let his youth fool you, he plays with a maturity that belittles his age, he`s full of energy and a super talent, observers have likened him to a young Steven Gerrard and they`re not far wrong.

Who in the Fulham side has been good for you this season and which unsung hero should we look out for?

Andy - Naturally Bobby Zamora has exceeded all expectations. Last season he struggled to score but he`s already notched 18 this season and there`s talk of a possible 2010 World Cup place, whether that happens remains to be seen. Elsewhere, Zoltan Gera seems to have finally settled in and is producing the goods as is Damien Duff.


worbo - For us staying up this year with all the changes at the club would be a great season, to be honest I think we will easily achieve this, next season though I expect us to push on and challenge for the top half, maybe even flirt with the Euro places and have a good cup run. What would you consider to be a successful season for Fulham?

Andy - I think it has already been a successful season, having beaten Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus in European competition we`re living in dream land. If we could win the Europa League, now that would be the cherry on top of the cake!


worbo - After seeing what`s happened at Portsmouth do you worry in case Fulham end up in financial trouble?

Andy - No! We`ve an excellent owner in Mr Fayed and he`s very keen to ensure the club is run on an even keel. Our salaries are at the lower end of the scale and financial common sense seems to be the order of the day.


worbo - I have a feeling that Arsenal may just sneak the title this season, they seem to have the easier run in of the top three at the moment, 4th spot is a little difficult to call but City could snatch it, so I`ll go for Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, City

The bottom is a little easier and I think it will be an as you are scenario with the current bottom three all going down, Pompey, Burnley and Hull

How do you see the top four finishing up Andy and who do you see getting relegated?

Andy - Until Cesc Fabregas picked up his injury I`d have joined you in selecting Arsenal but now he`s out for the season I can`t see past United and a record fourth title. As for the fourth place, Spurs will nick it.

Relegation, I`ll go for Portsmouth (although that saddens me), Burnley and West Ham!


worbo - Right then lets get down to some predictions, I hope you have one eye on next Thursday and rest a few, I am going for a repeat of the score line at the DW Stadium earlier this season 1-1, how do you see it Andy?

Andy - Our form at Craven Cottage is good and even if we do field a weakened team I reckon we`ll just shade it! 2-1 to Fulham!

worbo - Thanks for the chat Andy, its good to talk, good luck in Germany next week and we`ll see you again next season, hopefully
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:49:43 AM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6071128,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6071128,00.html)
Zamora eyes European glory
Striker sees no reason why Fulham can't be champions

Bobby Zamora believes that Fulham are more then capable of finishing the season as Europa League champions.

The Cottagers added to an impressive record at home and in Europe with a superb display on Thursday to beat German champions Wolfsburg 2-1.

Should they maintain the advantage in the return fixture on 8th April they will make it through to the semi-final stage where they will meet either Standard Liege or Hamburg.

And Zamora sees no reason why the Cottagers could not make it that far considering the form they have shown throughout the tournament.

All the way
"How far can we go? Why not all the way?" said Zamora.

"We have some great form here at home and we're not playing too bad away in the competition so why can't we go all the way?"

The former Tottenham striker knows full well the danger Wolfsburg present in the return leg but he feels his side are good enough to go there and get a result.

"It will be a massive game, it is the quarter-final of the Europa League," he said.

"For us it will be one of the biggest games of the season and we will try our best to go there and win.

"They are a hard-working, big, strong and tough side and we know even more about them now.

"It won't be easy but we have showed that we can score goals if we create those chances so we have to go there and think we can win."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:51:41 AM
http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194015 (http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194015)
Lawro Predicts - Fulham V Latics
Former Liverpool defender and current Match of the Day pundit Mark 'Lawro` Lawrenson has done his weekly round of predictions for the BBC and he is predicting that the game between Fulham and Wigan Athletic at Craven Cottage on Sunday will end in a draw, lets see what his reasons are:

Fulham v Wigan

A lot will depend on how Fulham come through their Europa League tie against Wolfsburg - particularly if they pick up any injuries.

Fulham have a chance of creating history and their focus will be on trying to crown an outstanding season with some European silverware.

I don't know what the Spanish is for 'Jekyll and Hyde' but Wigan boss Roberto Martinez must have felt his side have resembled a footballing version. Their inconsistency all season will have been a source of huge frustration for him.

Prediction: 1-1

I have a feeling that Lawro might be right here but I`m hoping that Fulham will be feeling a little tired following their Thursday night ordeal so with all things considered I will go for a 2-1 win for the Latics, got to stay positive.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 08:59:51 AM
http://timetosoundoff.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/fulham-2-1-wolfsburg/ (http://timetosoundoff.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/fulham-2-1-wolfsburg/)
Fulham 2-1 Wolfsburg
April 2, 2010 What a game football is. A few weeks ago against Shakhtar Donetsk, the final whistle at the cottage was greeted with a huge roar of appreciation and people bouncing around in near delirium, but last night, despite the exact same result almost the opposite was true. I am complicit in this as anyone else,  as a late Alexander Madlung goal deflated the crowd and took the shine of what was another night of enthralling European football at the cottage. Yet this was still a good result and leaves Fulham with an excellent chance of heading through to the semi-finals.

Fulham have already been nearly written off by both the BBC and The Guardian:

Fulham's late lapse could cost them dearly, but Wolfsburg were rewarded for their persistence in the final 10 minutes and will now be confident that they can progress to the semi-finals.

and

Possibly. But the feeling lingers that in Lower Saxony, in front of their own crowd, Wolfsburg might just bring to a close Fulham's remarkable run in this competition, which began last July.

We have been here before havent we? After the Shakhtar game, many were questioning how Fulham would hold up away from home, and look where we are now! I am remaining optimistic about the return leg in Wolfsburg for several reasons:

1) We actually won last night meaning that Wolfsburg have to score. Now they have scored the most goals in the Bundesliga, but looked fairly average last night. I thought Dzeko looked dangerous, and they will probably score, but the emphasis is on them to create, something they struggled to do against a solid Fulham defence last night.

2) Basle, Shakhtar, Juventus. All teams with excellent home records, all teams we scored against away from home. It is not like Fulham have never scored away from home in the Europa league.

3) Wolfsburg have an average/iffy defence that Zamora was really testing last night. Wolfsburg have also conceded the second highest number of goals in the Bundesliga. I can see us getting a goal there.

As for the game itself, I would call it interesting rather than a classic. The first half was scrappy and Wolfsburg seemed content to sit back and try not to concede. A few half chances were created for both sides with the most notable coming at the end of the first half. Duff cut inside running full pace toward the Putney end, evaded two defenders before laying the ball off to Dempsey who hit the ball just wide.

As the second half began, Fulham looked the more dangerous team. Things started to gel and the crowd was lifted as Fulham began to commit men forward. The goals, when the came, were a huge relief. Both goals were counter-attack style moves that caught the Wolfsburg defence in flux and gives me hope that a similar goal c0uld be pilfered in a weeks time. The ball was won in midfield by Gera who hit a nice long pass for Zamora which he  controlled  well. A gut-busting run down then right by Duff then pulled the Wolfsburg defence further out of shape and allowed Zamora the time and space to place the ball in the back of the net from 20yds with an excellent curling finish that left Benaglio, the Wolfsburg keeper, flailing. The Cottage erupted and then relief was palpable.

And the first goal was quickly followed by a second. Again the ball was won in the midfield with Wolfsburg committing men forward, and Murphy found Zamora. Spotting Duff sprinting into the box, Zamora then laid the ball off for Duff to slam home with a unstoppable shot. Amazing. No-one was expecting this! Wolfsburgs response was to get forward and pressurize Fulham as they searched for the elusive away goal. Unfortunately it eventually came as the clock wound down. A Wolfsburg corner was taken short, catching Fulham unawares. Misimovic then had all the time in the world to pick out Madlung who powered a header into the back of the net. Damn. When the final whistle blew, there was a sense of disappointment around the stadium. At least the return leg will be interesting I suppose!
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:10:28 AM
http://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/6071169/Hammers-complaint-surprises-Zola (http://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/6071169/Hammers-complaint-surprises-Zola)
Hammers complaint surprises Zola
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes Fulham boss Roy Hodgson did "the right thing" by fielding a weakened team against Hull.

The Premier League confirmed on Friday that they have received an official complaint from the relegation-threatened Hammers about Hodgson's decision to rest five key players for a match which Hull won 2-0.

But Zola was not aware that the complaint would be lodged, and his verdict on Hodgson's team selection appears to conflict with the viewpoint expressed by West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Gold and Sullivan are claiming Hodgson broke Premier League rules by resting Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu for the match at the KC Stadium last week.

Hull's victory allowed Iain Dowie's team to draw level with West Ham on 27 points, leaving Zola's side outside the relegation zone only by virtue of goal difference.

Should the Premier League uphold the complaint, Fulham could find themselves being hit with a similar penalty to the suspended £25,000 fine handed to Wolves after Mick McCarthy rested nine players for his side's match at Manchester United.

Zola, who takes his side to Everton on Sunday, believes Hodgson was only thinking about the interests of his club when he rested the key quintet.

When asked for his reaction to the complaint being lodged, Zola said: "I just heard about that. I didn't know it was happening.

"As far as I'm concerned, a manager can play his best team.

"I have no doubts that Roy Hodgson is doing the best for his team.

"He's a person I respect for his loyalty and I have no complaints with that.

"He decided to do that and I'm sure he has done the right thing for his club. Plus from what I read in the reports Fulham weren't that bad, so I have no problems with that."

Premier League rules state that all teams must field their strongest side available for all games.

Hodgson insisted on Thursday night that he had done nothing wrong and was adamant that he would continue his rotation policy for this weekend's match against Wigan.

"Firstly I don't think West Ham should be picking our team and I think that is a fairly obvious statement," said 62-year-old Hodgson.

"If there is a complaint my conscience is perfectly clear on the subject and as far as I'm concerned we don't have a case to answer."

Last weekend's 1-0 home loss to Stoke left West Ham's hopes of top flight survival hanging by a thread.

Zola's position at the club looked in jeopardy when Sullivan decided to write an open letter to the Hammers fans urging them to stick with the team despite their "pathetic" performance against Wolves the previous week.

The former Chelsea striker flew back to his native Sardinia to consider his future following the defeat, but decided to carry on as manager despite his side losing six games in a row.

Zola admitted his decision to stay on was a tough one, but he insists he has the backing of his player, and that he is the right man to save the club from relegation.

"I was delighted to get back," said the diminutive Italian.

"For me it was tough and very emotional then but that is it now. "It's a situation where you have to be strong and that's what I'm going to be.

"It was another painful defeat for us last week and I had to think about how to improve the situation but it feels good to have the support I have behind me.

"I think I have the players' backing. They want to react and I know that I can do something for this club, the club that gave me a very good opportunity and i want to try my best to help them and I think I can help them by being here."

Zola concedes his side will have to improve significantly to beat an in-form Everton side, but insists his side can pull off a shock result.

"It will be tough but sometime in football a surprise can happen," said the 43-year-old.

"The players are working hard, they are focused and we just need to stay strong. We have had a lot of adversity to come around but we are stronger than that.

"We will do our best because I'm sure there will be a lot of supporters travelling there and we want to do it for them. They deserve a good break."
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:15:35 AM
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/background/index.html (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/background/index.html)
Wolves ready to pounce on Fulham
Alexander Madlung's late strike in London could prove to be priceless for VfL Wolfsburg as they head into the home leg of their quarter-final against Fulham FC with a 2-1 deficit to overturn.
(http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/47/15/85/1471585_w2.jpg)
Alexander Madlung's 89th-minute strike in London could prove to be priceless for VfL Wolfsburg as they head into the home leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Fulham FC with a 2-1 deficit to overturn.

• The Cottagers looked set for another famous European victory after goals from Bobby Zamora (59) and Damien Duff (63) handed them a 2-0 lead, but Madlung's header in the closing moments has swung the tie back in the German champions' direction.

Previous meetings
• Before the first leg, the two sides had never met. In Fulham's only previous encounter with German opposition, they lost 2-1 away and drew 0-0 at home against Hertha BSC Berlin in the third round of the 2002/03 UEFA Cup. Wolfsburg defender Madlung was an unused substitute in the first leg.

• Wolfsburg have now played four games against English sides, beating Portsmouth FC 3-2 in last season's UEFA Cup group stage before losing 2-1 away and 3-1 at home against Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League group stage earlier this term.

Match background
• Neither side have reached the quarter-finals of a major UEFA club competition before.

• Fulham's first-leg win means that they are unbeaten in 15 UEFA club home games since making their continental debut in the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup.

• Wolfsburg have won both of their home games since transferring from the UEFA Champions League. They have lost only once at home in Europe this season, 3-1 to Fulham's English rivals Manchester United.

• Fulham's seven away games since they kicked off the season in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round have ended W2 D2 L3.

Team facts
• Fulham have been marginally more dangerous in the first halves of their games, with ten goals coming before the interval and eight after. Five of their 18 successful efforts from the group stage onwards have come between the 31st and 45th minutes.

• Grafite is Wolfsburg's top scorer in Europe this season with six goals – three in the UEFA Champions League and three in the UEFA Europa League. However, Džeko is just behind him on five goals (four in the UEFA Champions League and one in the UEFA Europa League).

• Zoltán Gera and Zamora are Fulham's joint European top scorers since the start of the group stage with five goals apiece.

• Fulham manager Roy Hodgson coached in five European games against German opposition with Halmstads BK, FC Internazionale Milano and most recently Viking FK, with his record reading W2 D0 L3. He has now won all three of his home games against Bundesliga sides, but lost all three of his games in Germany.

• As coach of Inter, Hodgson suffered the pain of losing the 1996/97 UEFA Cup final on penalties against German opponents FC Schalke 04.

• Born in Australia to German parents, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer can draw on some experience of German football having represented 1. FC Dynamo Dresden (1994/95) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (1995/96) before moving to England, initially with Bradford City FC.

• Wolfsburg and Fulham are the least experienced teams in the quarter-finals, going into the second leg as veterans of 49 and 29 UEFA club competition games respectively.

• Four of the sides in the last eight competed in the UEFA Europa League group stage: SL Benfica, Fulham, Hamburger SV and Valencia. The other four transferred from the UEFA Champions League group stage: Club Atlético de Madrid, Liverpool FC, R. Standard de Liège and Wolfsburg.

• By a quirk of the draw, all four quarter-final ties feature one side from the UEFA Champions League group stage and one from the UEFA Europa League.

• The winners face the victors in the contest between Hamburg and Standard in the semi-finals on 22 and 29 April, playing the second leg at home. The side that comes through those games will be the nominal away team in the final in Hamburg on 12 May.

Penalties
• Fulham and Wolfsburg have never been involved in a European penalty shoot-out.
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:25:58 AM
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194019 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194019)
Fulham - Chatting With Wigan!
With the Premier League fixture, against Wigan, fast approaching, we got all cosy with the Vital Wigan editor, worbo.

Putney - Hi worbo, how`s life up in the north? How would you sum up your season post Steve Bruce?

worbo - Hi Putney, life`s good just a bit cold and wet. The season with the new gaffer has been interesting, Steve Bruce left in May and we brought in ex-Latics player Roberto Martinez from Swansea who immediately vowed to change the playing style of the team from the harem scarem type of football we witnessed under Brucie to a more cultured possession based game.

We have had some excellent results this season and some very poor ones as well though I really admire Martinez for the way he wants us to play, it would have been very easy to follow type but he is sticking to his guns and we certainly do try and keep possession of the football rather than just hoof it up field.

We have been unlucky with a few refereeing decisions and we have failed to kill off some games when they were there for the taking otherwise we would be sitting a lot more comfortably than we are at the moment but I am sure that we will be safe this season.

Putney - Looking down to the old River Thames, what have you made of our season, especially our cup heroics in Europe?

worbo - A fantastic season for you guys, Roy Hodgson has certainly worked his magic with you sitting comfortable in the table and your assault on Europe has been inspiring, the victory over Juventus at Craven Cottage in the last round was superb to watch and well done for the victory over Wolfsburg, I would love Fulham to go all the way and win it, a victory for the smaller clubs and it would give us all a bit of hope that we could fall in your footsteps.

Putney - Rumours are once again linking us with a close season move for Paul Scharner, is he for sale and if so what`s your view on him?

worbo - Scharner is a real character and nothing that he does or is rumoured to have done surprises me, his contract is out in the summer but he does have the option of another year, this is a situation that`s been ongoing for the past couple of years now and he always threatens to leave but ends up signing the extension, I think he just needs to feel wanted.

He is a great player to have in your squad, he can play midfield, which he has done for most of this season with us, but his true position is centre back, he prefers midfield himself because he says he sees more of the play but sometimes he can be a little like a headless chicken and the game can pass him by

Scharner is our longest serving outfield player, a former player of the season, much loved by the fans and daft as a brush, he is out of contract in the summer, personally I would love him to stay but you can never tell what he will do.

Putney - What do you make of all this West Ham rubbish whereby the jellied eel lovers reckon we took liberties fielding a weakened side up at Hull last Saturday?

worbo - I think Gold and Sullivan are turning West Ham into a bit of a joke club, they are a right couple of nutters, all the talk of the Olympic Stadium, then the way they undermined Zola and now this, it looks like they are just trying to grab a bit of the limelight for themselves.

They should concentrate on keeping their own house in order and leave how other clubs are managed to the other clubs, I wonder what West Ham would have done if they`d have been in the same position as Fulham safe in the league and a massive European game just a few days away?

Will there be a few rested on Sunday? It would be nice

Putney - Who are the danger men in your side and who do you fear in our side?

worbo - Charles N`Zogbia if he is fit will be our danger man, he has been on top form all season and opposing sides have doubled up on him, he is fast, skilful and direct, stop him if you can, also watch out for Hugo Rodallega and James McCarthy, you have been warned

For you Damien Duff is always a handful and Bobby Zamora this season has been quite prolific so they`d be the two that I`d be wary of

Putney - What is your verdict, score wise, this weekend?

worbo - It depends on what sort of team you put out and how determined Fulham are ahead of the second leg, normal circumstances I would say 1-1 but if you have a couple of players rested and one eye on next Thursday I will go 2-1 to the Latics

Our thanks go to worbo for taking time out to talk to us, thanks mate.


Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:32:24 AM
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/166939/Don-t-rest-me-begs-Zamora/ (http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/166939/Don-t-rest-me-begs-Zamora/)
DON'T REST ME BEGS ZAMORA
BOBBY ZAMORA has backed Fulham boss Roy Hodgson in the row with West Ham over resting players for Premier League fixtures – but asked him to ink his name on the team sheet to play against Wigan.


Zamora, above, was one of six players rested for the trip to Hammers' relegation rivals Hull- a match Fulham lost 2-0- which led to West Ham lodging a complaint with the Premier League.

But while Zamora undoubtedly showed the benefit of his break with a terrific display against German champions Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg win on Thursday, he has insisted he wants to play tomorrow.

He said: "I'll have to ask the gaffer whether I'm playing but the way I look at it, it's another game, another chance for me to score.

"I want to play, I want to score goals. Our long season is beginning to take its toll and I suppose our league form is fading a bit but if we win the Europa League and finish on 42 points we'll take that all day long.

"If we lose a few and win one or two in the league, we will be happy."

Having played the team directly below West Ham last weekend, the fact Fulham face a Wigan side directly above them this weekend will hardly soothe tensions.

Wigan sit four points clear of Gianfranco Zola's side and while it might not go down well at Upton Park, Hodgson is expected to take a similar view tomorrow, with Zamora likely to be told to rest along with Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Simon Davies.

Hodgson will hope it has the same effect next week when they defend a slender 2-1 advantage in Germany in the second leg after Zamora scored one and made the second for Duff in the victory.

And he has made it clear he will make no apologies for rotating his squad. Hodgson said: "Is anyone questioning Manchester United or Chelsea when they use the players they have in their squad?
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:38:32 AM
http://hammyend.com/?p=6724 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6724)
Up next: Wigan Athletic (h)
by Dan on April 3, 2010

While Fulham fans plot their journey to Germany and wonder whether the Whites might be able to prolong our extraordinary European adventure, Wigan Athletic come to town on Easter Sunday. When people rather to the league as our bread and better they are trying to state just how important it is to us – as Fulham's first priority each year to stay in the Premier League – but right now it compares a little unfavourably with the continental caviar.

Fulham looked a little leggy against Manchester City at the Cottage the other week, which was perhaps understandable given the drama of that unforgettable comeback against Juventus a few days earlier, but the level of distraction at Hull last weekend was less tolerable, especially as a few of the players who Roy Hodgson bought in for the trip to the KC Stadium had a point to prove. The Whites will have to be much sharper tomorrow afternoon with Wigan desperate for points to ensure their top-flight survival.

The headlines this week over West Ham's complaint to the Premier League will meant that there will be plenty of talk about who eventually ends up on Hodgson's teamsheet. That away goal by Alexander Madlung might mean there is a bit more rotation than there could have been had Fulham managed to avoid the all-too-familiar trap of sitting back on a lead too early. That's not to say the tie would have been over at 2-0 but Hodgson might have felt able to give a couple of his key peformers a rest.

Given how essential Hangeland and Hughes are to Fulham's defensive security, there's a fair chance that Chris Smalling might come in again. The young defender has had to take a fair bit of criticism for some costly lapses of concentration since he finalised a big money money to Manchester United and the clumsy challenge on Jozy Altidore last weekend wasn't one of his finest moments. The boy's still learning at this level – which makes Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to part with around £10m for him all the more surprising – but should he step into central defence on Sunday, Fulham will be looking for a bit more composure in his decision making.

Stephen Kelly was left out on Thursday in favour of Simon Davies, who didn't do a bad job at right back, and the Irish full-back could get a run in that position against Wigan. His omission was somewhat surprising as he had been left out at Hull and the experiment of playing Shorey and Konchesky as full-backs didn't really work. Kelly might have been punished for an ill-timed challenged at Tottenham in our FA Cup replay but his European performances have been pretty solid.

Perhaps the man who could have most cause to feel a little deflated by his recent spell out of the side is Chris Baird. For me, he continues to offer just that bit more than Dickson Etuhu in central midfield: he's got a better range of passing, snaps into tackles, is confident enough to go forward and – most importantly – moves the ball more decisively. Even if Etuhu were to preferred there (or should Jonathan Greening or Kagisho Dikgacoi come into the equation), Baird would still have a decent shout of appearing at right back again, where most of his Sanchez-era jitters seem to have evaporated.

We were all rather looking forward to seeing a little more of Stefano Okaka up at Hull, but the Italian loanee's been limited to substitutes appearances since his debut for Fulham. Whether that's because Hodgson doesn't fancy him or just that he needs a little more time to adjust to the English game is a question this correspondent simply can't answer, but his loan seems a little pointless if he doesn't get a bit more gametime soon. He's got the size and pace to be an effective lone frontman and his looked lively enough in his last couple of appearances from the bench, so maybe now's the time to give him a go.

Don't be fooled in thinking Wigan will be easy opponents tomorrow afternoon. Roberto Martinez is a promising manager, who has been pragmatic enough to relax a few of his flowing football principles Fulham fans would have first seen in the FA Cup at Swansea last year, and the Latics are still searching for a win or two – as they sit four points above the drop zone having played a game more than Hull. Hugo Rodallega's popped up with a few crucial goals this season and former Newcastle winger Charles N'Zogbia, so impressive in our previous meeting at the JJB this term, could keep the defence busy. The visitors might be without Gary Caldwell but Fulham will do well to get past the excellent Chris Kirkland, who should return to the Wigan goal, having recovered from a virus.

MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Shorey, Hangeland, Smalling; Baird, Greening, Riise, Davies; Dempsey; Okaka. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Hughes, Dikgacoi, Murphy, Gera, Zamora, Nevland.

Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/04/10)
Post by: WhiteJC on April 03, 2010, 09:51:52 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8601359.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8601359.stm)

Fulham may make a move for Fenerbahce's 26-year-old Turkish international striker Semih Senturk.
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