Fulham Transfer News: Cottagers Closing in on Signature of Derek Boateng
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Fulham have started the January transfer window with a bang by reportedly signing Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng.
Goal.com reports that talks between the London outfit and Boateng began in December and that an agreement is imminent.
The only thing that is holding up the move at the moment is a work permit hearing for the 29-year-old midfielder (via Sky Sports).
The Sun is reporting that the move will be a six-month loan deal with a chance for Fulham to buy the player in the summer.
Boateng currently is under contract with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk of the Ukrainian Premier League, who are managed by former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos.
Boateng has been with the Ukrainian club since 2011, when he moved to Eastern Europe from La Liga club Getafe.
Fulham would become the ninth club that Boateng has played for during his professional career, with Panathinaikos, FC Koln and Beitar Jerusalem being just a few of the clubs that the 29-year-old has represented since he became a professional in 1999.
If the Ghanaian is to join up with the Cottagers, it will have to be after the African Cup of Nations.
Boateng has been named to the Ghana squad for the continental championship being held in South Africa from January 19 until February 10.
When he finally joins up with his new club, Boateng will be slotted into the mix of central midfielders that includes Steve Sidwell, Giorgios Karagounis and Mahamadou Diarra.
If it is needed, Boateng can also play the centre-back position for Martin Jol's club.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1466980-fulham-transfer-news-cottagers-closing-in-on-signature-of-derek-boateng? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1466980-fulham-transfer-news-cottagers-closing-in-on-signature-of-derek-boateng?)
Shirt Problem?
All a load of ................!
Reports in the tabloid press that several Fulham players felt a little peeved with the message displayed on Dimitar Berbatov`s shirt in the recent game with Swansea, are; it appears wide of the mark.
Alex Kacaniklic has stepped forward to offer nothing but praise with regards to the player remarking to the media,
"No, it wasn`t a problem"
"He is always good. You can just tell he is so calm with the ball."
"When he plays like he did against West Brom he is one of the best players in the league - not many are better than him."
"He is so calm with the ball."
"He has been at top clubs in England and you always learn from him in training."
"He is a great player. He should be playing every week at any team - he is class."
He certainly is and if arrogance is part of his make-up then so be it!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304377#ixzz2GzjppVLR (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304377#ixzz2GzjppVLR)
Ghoulam on the Radar!
Could January see the arrival of somebody from La Lique?
Reports are linking Fulham with a £2.2 million move for the St Etienne player Faouzi Ghouham.
At 21 years of age and at six feet one inch, Ghouham appears to be an imposing figure and he already has 59 appearances to his name since breaking into the St Etienne side.
Naturally, his possible availability has alerted other clubs and as well as the name of Fulham being, supposedly in the reckoning, Stoke City and the Italian side, Udinese, are also watching the situation closely.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304379#ixzz2Gzk3AqNF (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304379#ixzz2Gzk3AqNF)
Looking South of the River
Another name on the radar, when linked to possible incoming at Craven Cottage is that of Bradley Pritchard.
It`s being suggested, by one very prominent news source, Fulham are amongst a trio of clubs assessing whether the 27 year-old has the ability to make his mark in the Premier League., with the other two clubs being Aston Villa and Reading.
One to keep an eye on or not, you decide!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304380#ixzz2GzkMqU4P (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=304380#ixzz2GzkMqU4P)
Transfer news: Fulham leading race to sign Molde defender Vegard Forren
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Vegard Forren: Has also been linked with Everton, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Sunderland
Sky Sports understands Fulham are the mystery club bidding for Molde defensive star Vegard Forren.
The highly-rated 24-year-old defender has been watched closely by a number of Premier League outfits, including Everton,Manchester United, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
And Molde earlier on Thursday confirmed they were holding talks with an unnamed club, who can now be revealed as Fulham,regarding Forren.
Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had earlier revealed Forren would not be linking up with the Norway national squad in January as he was in talks to leave.
"Vegard is not travelling to the national team camp, because we are in the final stages of negotiations with another club," Solskjaer told Romsdals Budstikke.
"It's possible that Vegard will go for a medical check-up and negotiate his personal contract."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8378951? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8378951?)
Dimitar Berbatov Relishes Being Fulham's Flawed Genius
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Joining Manchester United in 2008 always felt like the wrong move for Dimitar Berbatov's career. Although unquestionably talented enough to impress at Old Trafford, he seemed out of place in the ultra competitive, cutthroat environment that prevails there.
Still led by superhuman wrecking ball Cristiano Ronaldo, they were a team of almost unseemly athleticism, punchy attacking and pacy breakaways. This is decidedly not Berbatov's style. Neither is playing a supporting role to an already all-star cast.
Despite these constraints, he made valuable contributions to United's success after his arrival, but nowhere near enough to justify a £30 million transfer fee. Instead he carved out a niche as the beguiling flat track bully who exuded effortless cool, hitting five against Blackburn on his way to the Golden Boot.
Increasingly marginalised thereafter—and surprisingly left out of United's squad for the Champions League final in favour of Michael Owen—he made just 21 appearances in all competitions last season as Welbeck and Rooney became the preferred pairing.
Strained relations with Alex Ferguson and a desire for more football made Berbatov's summer departure inevitable, and since Fulham landed the languid frontman, he has thrived on being given top billing at a smaller club. Rather than a diverting sideshow, he is now the main attraction once more.
Like Matt le Tissier before him, Berbatov simply seems more at home as the leading man in a less demanding and trophy-driven team. The headline grabber and lone maverick in an unspectacular Fulham side, deprived of both Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, Berbatov has the cult following he craves.
The T-shirt the Bulgarian unveiled after scoring on Boxing Day, which proclaimed "Keep calm and pass me the ball," even showed an awareness of the status he enjoys at Craven Cottage. For that priceless aura of unflustered elegance, they will indulge his every ambling whim.
Carrying the burden of existential angst and his own teammates' inadequacy, the film noir styled soloist plays the part of flawed genius to world-weary perfection. The shrug of despair—that gesture of profound helplessness that Berbatov gives after another wayward ball from Chris Baird—is like watching a master craftsman forced to work with the crudest of tools.
Aside from all the graceful touches and pirouettes, the essence of Berbatov lies in his response to these misplaced passes. They are an affront to his refined sensibilities and emphasis on economical movement. He is an inflexible idealist, and we love him for it.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1467382-dimitar-berbatov-relishes-being-fulhams-flawed-genius? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1467382-dimitar-berbatov-relishes-being-fulhams-flawed-genius?)
Fulham midfielder Karagounis: West Brom win was massive
The Cottagers' summer signing has predicted that the New Year's Day victory against the Baggies will spark a shift momentum for his side as they aim to push up the Premier League
Fulham midfielder Giorgos Karagounis has stated that his team's 2-1 away win at West Brom was a huge moment in the club's season and has predicted that it will be the catalyst for an improvement in form for the Cottagers.
The west London side went into the clash with just one win in 12 matches, leading to a slip into the bottom half of the Premier League table in 13th place.
However, goals from Alex Kacaniklic and Dimitar Berbatov earned Martin Jol's side a much-needed three points, which Karagounis hailed as integral for the club.
"We must leave that behind us now because we started the New Year with a massive victory away from home which helps give our confidence a boost given the results from the previous matches," Karagounis told the club's official website.
"I think that we can now take this forward in the next games that we play, starting with Saturday's FA Cup match against Blackpool.
"The result against West Brom can help us move forward now with greater confidence because the team doesn't deserve to be in its current league position but higher up - as we were at the start of the season.
"We want to finish as high as possible in the Premier League and to progress as far as we can in the FA Cup. If we have a chance to win it, then why not?
"If we keep our focus on the game we are about to play, it shows that we will always give each fixture our full concentration which in the long run will be better for everyone and the team."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/01/03/3646293/-? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/01/03/3646293/-?)
Your club-by-club guide to who the Premier League managers will be chasing this January
FULHAM
Transfer budget £10m
Targets: Striker — Baptistao (Rayo Vallecano); Midfielder — David (FC Twente), Boateng (Dnipro), Garcia (Atletico Madrid); Defender — Forren (Molde); Left-back — El Khaddouri (Napoli); Goalkeeper — Stekelenberg (Roma), Robinson (Blackburn).
To go: Frei (loan).
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256806/January-transfer-window-2013-Premier-League-guide.html#ixzz2GzlniWGG (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256806/January-transfer-window-2013-Premier-League-guide.html#ixzz2GzlniWGG)
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Fulham hope to beat off competition from Everton and Sunderland for defender Forren
Fulham have launched a bid for Molde defender Vegard Forren.
The Norway international was due to join up with the national squad for their training camp but was pulled out after his club received a £4million bid.
The highly-rated 24-year-old defender has been watched closely by a number of Premier League sides, notably Everton and Sunderland.
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Fulham bound: Vegard Forren looks set for a move to the Premier League
Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed: 'Vegard is not travelling to the national team camp, because we are in the final stages of negotiations with another club.
'It's possible that Vegard will go for a medical check-up and negotiate his personal contract.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256840/Fuham-sign-Vegard-Forren-4m.html#ixzz2GzmD8CWo (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256840/Fuham-sign-Vegard-Forren-4m.html#ixzz2GzmD8CWo)
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Fulham and QPR ready to pounce as Tottenham prepare to sell midfielder Livermore
Tottenham will listen to offers for England international Jake Livermore this month.
Having made the breakthrough under Harry Redknapp last season, the 23-year-old has made just two Premier League starts this season.
And Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has deemed the midfielder surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, for this season at least.
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Surplus: Jake Livermore looks set to leave Tottenham in the transfer window
Livermore has been made available for a loan move in the January transfer window, but it is understood the North London club will also consider allowing the highly-rated midfielder leave permanently.
The news will alert Queens Park Rangers boss Redknapp, who is keen on Livermore - who made his England debut against Italy in August.
Fulham are also understood to be monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto wants clarification over his position in Villas-Boas' plans.
Having recovered from a knee injury that kept him out for three months, the Cameroon defender has failed to win back his place in the team.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/03/article-2256857-02859D3100000514-468_468x286.jpg)
Doubts: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (right) wants assurances over his future
Assou-Ekotto has been fit since mid-December, but is yet to feature.
Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho remains Villas-Boas' No. 1 transfer target this month, with chairman Daniel Levy working on a potential deal.
Should it become clear the Portugal international is out of reach, then Spurs will look to other targets.
The White Hart Lane club have scouted Ajax midfielder, Christian Eriksen, Schalke's Lewis Holtby and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente in recent months.
Tottenham are also interested in Crystal Palace wonderkid Wilfried Zaha, who is a prominent target for Manchester United and Arsenal.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256857/Tottenham-sell-Jake-Livermore.html#ixzz2GzmYd120 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256857/Tottenham-sell-Jake-Livermore.html#ixzz2GzmYd120)
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Fulham face Arsenal in FA Youth Cup
by DAN on JANUARY 3, 2013
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2012-13/Players/Moussa%20Dembele/IMG_4253.ashx?w=350&h=250)
The date of Fulham's FA Youth Cup fourth round tie against Arsenal has now been confirmed.
Steve Wigley's side will take on the Gunners at Underhill, the home of Barnet, on Wednesday 16 January, with kick off at 7pm. According to the Arsenal official website, tickets are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. The date is subject to change, however, should Arsenal's senior side draw their FA Cup tie against Swansea this weekend and require a home replay, which is pencilled in for the same evening.
Fulham, who reached the quarter finals of this competition last season before bowing out to Burnley, booked their place in the fourth round after a ten-goal thriller with Middlesbrough. The Whites prevailed after extra time, with Cauley Woodrow scoring twice after Boro had been reduced to ten men and still recovered from a 3-1 deficit.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/01/fulham-face-arsenal-in-fa-youth-cup/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/01/fulham-face-arsenal-in-fa-youth-cup/?)
Kacaniklic eyes FA Cup run
ALEX Kacaniklic has promised Fulham fans that the Whites will be highly motivated for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Blackpool.
The long-term importance of the Premier League has got in the way of the club's interest in the competition in recent years, but the young Swede has a hunch it will be different this time.
"Maybe we have not done so well in the competition in the past few years, but I can say the FA Cup is a really big tournament and we want to go far in it and badly want to win on Saturday, for sure," said Kacaniklic, whose third goal of the season gave the Whites a 2-1 win at West Brom on Tuesday.
"That goes for me personally, but I think the whole team as well. We should be a team that has a chance to go to the end of the competition and it would be great to get to Wembley.
"I think now we also want to carry on winning after beating West Brom. That is important to us because we don't want to slip back. We want to go out and get another win."
Kacaniklic said that in spite of the club's poor form, the players were always confident they were capable of a result like the one at Albion, which could transform their season.
"We needed a win, but I wouldn't say it's been a crisis, because we know we're a good team and that we have good players," he said. "It's just that we needed to get a good win like this to get us moving again and now maybe we can go on and get more.
"We've been a bit unlucky with results in the past two months, even though we haven't played as well as we can. But this is a great way to start to the new year.
"If you look at the squad, we have great players. We started well in the first few games and were high up, but two wins in the last 13 games is not good enough for us and we should be higher than we are. Hopefully we will get back up into the top 10."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/04/82029-32543183/?#ixzz2GznYluzr (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/04/82029-32543183/?#ixzz2GznYluzr)
Derek Boateng's Black Stars absence confirms Fulham talks
Derek Boateng was conspicuously missing from the Black Stars team that visited the President, Zoom Lion and the Teshie Orphanage on Thursday.
His absence confirms reports he is holding talks with Fulham after undergoing a routine medical on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old is looking to resurrect his club career in the English Premier League after being frozen out in Ukraine with FC Dnipro.
Boateng has been linked with a move to the Premiership for the past two seasons and came close to joining Fulham at the beginning of the season but a last minute hitch collapsed the deal.
It now looks likely the ex Getafe player will get his dream move to England but on a short term deal according to reports.
Boateng's busy schedule in London ruled him out of the Black Stars' activities ahead of their trip to Abu Dhabi for their pre-2013 Nations Cup camp.
The team visited Ghana President John Mahama to bid him farewell, signed onto a sanitation campaign for a clean Ghana and made a donation at the Teshie Orphanage in Accra.
Eighteen players were involved in these activities with the rest back at their clubs for impending assignments.
They are expected to join the Ghana camp in Abu Dhabi by Sunday.
http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/derek-boatengs-black-stars-absence-confirms-fulham-talks/? (http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/derek-boatengs-black-stars-absence-confirms-fulham-talks/?)
Crewe alex: Phillips salutes Davis for being expert loan arranger
STEVE Phillips says Steve Davis has unearthed a gem in Lauri Dalla Valle, the loanee goal poacher who is scheduled to sign off from Crewe duty next week.
Dalla Valle has scored five times since being brought in from Fulham in November to provide cover on the front line for long-term lay-off Ajay Leitch-Smith (foot).
The Alex have won all four matches when he has netted and have climbed up from 18th to 10th in League One, where they now sit three points off the play-off zone.
However, the 21-year-old's spell at Gresty Road is due to end on Tuesday and the return of Leitch-Smith from the treatment room means it might not be extended.
The Finnish finisher is therefore left with one last chance to leave a lasting impression in South Cheshire as Crewe prepare to host Stevenage tomorrow (3pm).
And keeper Phillips is doffing his cap to Davis for bringing Dalla Valle, midfielder Brad Inman, from Newcastle, and Arsenal's attacking midfielder Chuks Aneke to the club in the first place.
The 34-year-old said: "Steve Davis is still relatively inexperienced as a manager I guess, but him and assistant Neil Baker together have really got something.
"It's strange, but I had Danny Wilson and Frank Barlow at Bristol City years and years ago and they were awesomely good and these are definitely as good.
"The loan signings have been brought in when we've needed them and have fitted into the team perfectly well."
Davis says the Dalla Valle deal will be assessed after a game against a side whose form could hardly have contrasted more with Crewe's over the past two months. When Dalla Valle made his Crewe debut on November 6, Stevenage were second in the table, 16 places above the Alex, yet now it is Crewe who sit two places higher.
Gary Smith's team have lost five and drawn two of their last eight, with a solitary victory in that run coming against bottom side Hartlepool United.
Smith is trying to turn things around by bringing in new blood during the transfer window, turning first to Southampton striker Sam Hoskins on loan.
At the back, too, Smith is hoping to recapture the miserly touch which served the Boro so well during their climb from the Conference to League One from 2010.
One man hoping to call on that experience is skipper Mark Roberts, who captained junior sides featuring David Vaughan and Billy Jones while he was on the books at Crewe.
Centre-back Roberts, an A-grade A-level art student from South Cheshire College, is now aged 29 and will make his 150th league start for Stevenage this weekend.
Assistant manager Mark Newson insisted the mood around the camp remains optimistic.
He said: "We always knew November and December were going to be tough from just looking at the fixtures, but we set ourselves a target to stay in the pack, top 10, leading into January, which we did.
"The fixtures in January and February look a little bit better, although we've got a couple of tough away games, and we're looking to freshen things up with a couple of new faces.
"We're not too far off a play-off position, so we're happy."
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-17757267-detail/story.html? (http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-17757267-detail/story.html?)
Fulham striker open to Brentford stay
FULHAM frontman Marcello Trotta wants to extend his stay at Brentford until the end of the season.
The Italian has scored three goals in seven games for the Bees since joining on loan in November, but is due to return to Craven Cottage after the trip to Oldham later this month.
Trotta is way down the pecking order at the Premier League club, having made just one appearance for the Whites this campaign.
Brentford boss Uwe Rosler has begun negotiations to try and keep him at the club, and the 20-year-old insists he is happy to remain in TW8.
He said: "I'm really enjoying my time here. We're all doing our best to try and get this team to the Championship.
"I have scored a few goals and have provided some assists as well, so it's good to benefit the team.
"I'm due to go back later this month but I would be keen to stay on.
"Both clubs are speaking at the moment, so we'll see what happens.
"I haven't spoken to Martin Jol but I know he wants his young players to be out playing games.
"If there's no space at Fulham, that could be here or somewhere else as long as I play."
Watford defender Lee Hodson and Norwich City midfielder Tom Adeyemi are also due to leave Griffin Park later this month, but Rosler remains hopeful he can keep hold of his loan stars.
He added: "The feedback I get from the players and clubs is that everybody is happy."
http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/allsport/2013/01/04/109642-32543219/? (http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/allsport/2013/01/04/109642-32543219/?)
EX-EVERTON AND FULHAM MAN JOINS BLOODS
Blue Square Bet North club Droylsden have signed former Everton and Fulham midfielder Sean Doherty.
Doherty started his career in Everton's youth academy before moving to Fulham in July 2001 for an undisclosed fee.
Since leaving the Cottagers in 2005, he has played for Dutch side ADO Den Haag, Port Vale, Accrington Stanley, Belgian club Royal Antwerp and League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers, before moving to Witton Albion in July 2009.
He switched to NPL rivals Marine in February 2010 and then moved to Colwyn Bay in the summer of 2011.
He left Bay three months later to work as a scout at Barclays Premier League giants Chelsea.
In September 2012, Doherty signed for Old Holts of the Liverpool County Premier League Division One and then joined North West Counties League neighbours AFC Liverpool a couple of months later.
http://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/ex-everton-and-fulham-man-joins-bloods-19076/? (http://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/ex-everton-and-fulham-man-joins-bloods-19076/?)
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Fulham v Blackpool
Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has drawn seven out of 11 games since replacing Ian Holloway at the start of November, and they are treading water a bit in mid-table of the Championship.
They might just be playing Fulham at the wrong time because the Cottagers' win at West Brom on New Year's Day was a massive result for them after such a poor run beforehand.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20892845 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20892845)
The ultimate guide to ALL of this weekend's FA Cup third round fixtures
Fulham v Blackpool
After winning their first ever FA Cup tie against Blackpool in 1936, the Whites have lost their ensuing three against the Tangerines, with the latest coming back in 1957.
Fulham have lost just three of one last 15 matches in the FA Cup third round (W9 D5 L1). They have won their last four in a row.
Blackpool have progressed past the third round just twice in their last 13 appearances at this stage of the FA Cup.
The Whites have kept five clean sheets in their last seven home games in the FA Cup.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257046/The-ultimate-guide-ALL-weekends-FA-Cup-round-fixtures.html#ixzz2H0Euwu3O (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257046/The-ultimate-guide-ALL-weekends-FA-Cup-round-fixtures.html#ixzz2H0Euwu3O)
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Fulham return to Twente to complete deal for teenager Chris David
Fulham have signed teenage forward Chris David from FC Twente, Martin Jol has confirmed.
The Holland youth international was close to joining the club before the summer deadline, but a problem with his medical delayed the deal.
The 19-year-old's injury problems, though, have not dissuaded Jol from making him Fulham's first January signing.
Jol said: "First we have to get him fit and after that you will see he is an international player at all levels.
"I am very happy we have got him. He has signed and he is here. He is 19 years of age, player of the year of all the academies in Holland.
"He is an exciting talent but he will need at least six months of a year to adapt. Hopefully he will do it quicker. He is a very, very good talent.
"People say Ajax were interested and I imagine there will have been other clubs who were interested in him."
Jol would not be drawn on reports of an imminent work permit hearing for Dnipro midfielder Derek Boateng, saying: "We won't mention names, we won't speculate and we won't tell you until something happens."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8379964? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8379964?)
Fulham sweating on trio as four ruled out for Blackpool clash
Martin Jol plans to name a strong Fulham line-up in tomorrow's FA Cup third-round tie with Blackpool, but will have to do without several key players.
Mladen Petric, Damien Duff and Mahamadou Diarra are still injured so will be unable to feature for the west Londoners.
Mark Schwarzer is also sidelined due to a neck problem, while Stephen Kelly (knee) and John Arne Riise (shin) are also missing.
Provisional squad: Stockdale, Somogyi, Etheridge, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Briggs, Dejagah, Baird, Sidwell, Karagounis, Kacaniklic, Frei, Richardson, Kasami, Ruiz, Rodallega, Berbatov.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_sweating_on_trio_as_four_ruled_out_for_blackpool_clash_1_1782481 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_sweating_on_trio_as_four_ruled_out_for_blackpool_clash_1_1782481)
Can Livermore handle first team football at Redknapp's QPR or Jol's Fulham? Stat breakdown.
Rumours are inbound that Jake Livermore has decided that he needs first team football to become the player he wants to be.
With Parker coming back and Sandro forming an excellent partnership with newcomer Mousa Dembele, opportunities are thin on the ground for the central holding midfielder. What does he offer as a player?
Passing is a luxury
Tottenham Hotspur are blessed with some of the best ball-playing midfielders in the Premier League. All of Dembele, Sandro, Huddlestone, Carroll and Livermore himself have pass completion rates above 82%. Dembele tops the lot with 91% pass accuracy but Livermore is close behind with 87% of his passes reaching the intended target; especially impressive given that over two thirds of them are forward.
(http://i.imgur.com/NrM8F.png)
Livermore's pass direction breakdown
Despite only playing four full games this season, this is an impressive stat.
If you don't shoot, you don't score
Livermore is a dynamic and quick player who is always involved in the play. His discipline is remarkable for one so young and that is reflected by the fact he has not taken a single shot so far this season.
Not even having a pot shot from range might seem a bit silly but choosing to always recycle possession rather than waste it with a 30 yard speculative effort is an admirable trait for a 23 year old.
First and second ball
One aspect of Livermore's performances this season that will interest/worry Mr Redknapp and Mr Jol is the fact he has lost 87% of his headed duels.
(http://i.imgur.com/WcYA5.png)
Livermore's duels this season
You'd hope that this will improve with experience but Livermore is 5ft11 so should at least be holding his own in there.
Holding midfielders naturally take more time to learn their trade given the all-round complexity of their role and it is likely Livermore will be available for not too much of an investment, what matters is if Redknapp thinks he can handle a relegation dogfight or whether Jol thinks he can force his was into Fulham's starting XI.
http://blog.squawka.com/2013/01/04/can-livermore-handle-first-team-football-at-redknapps-qpr-or-jols-fulham-stat-breakdown/? (http://blog.squawka.com/2013/01/04/can-livermore-handle-first-team-football-at-redknapps-qpr-or-jols-fulham-stat-breakdown/?)
Jol's Blackpool Preview
Fulham boss Martin Jol has several injury absentees for Saturday's (3pm) FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round tie with Blackpool.
Mladen Petrić (hamstring), Damien Duff (calf), Mark Schwarzer (neck), John Arne Riise (shin) and Stephen Kelly and Mahamadou Diarra (both knee) will all be missing when the Tangerines arrive in SW6, while Simon Davies also remains sidelined with a hip problem.
"Petrić is still out," said Jol. "Hopefully he will be back next week, but that is what I said last week. We'll have to wait and see. Duff is still out and Diarra is still injured."
Despite being out for some weeks, Diarra has been called up by Mali for the African Cup of Nations. Jol, though, doesn't expect the midfielder to feature.
"He will travel to Mali next week but he can't play for us and I don't think he will be available for them for the African Cup of Nations," said Jol. "They will look at him next week and make an assessment.
"Kelly is out with a knee injury but it's minor and hopefully he will be back next week. Schwarzer has got this neck spasm and he will be out. Riise has a gash in his shin and will also be out on Saturday."
Despite the lengthening injury list, Jol has confirmed he will name a strong starting XI for the fixture with npower Championship outfit Blackpool as he looks to make an impression in this season's FA Cup.
"I will go with a strong side," he said. "I don't want to make that mistake. We haven't played 60 games like last year. We can use the players that are fully fit.
"I love the competition. When I played in England there were always special moments and special games. Most of the time they were sell-outs and it gave a lot of teams reason to spark their season. For me, that's still the same.
"It's about motivation and if we can inspire ourselves. Our supporters haven't been spoilt with a lot of Finals over the years. I've had a few Semi-Finals and Finals as a player and a manager and they are always great occasions. A club like Fulham won't win the title but a cup is a possibility."
With the January transfer window now in full swing, Fulham have been linked with a host of names already this month.
Jol, though, insists the majority of the reports are just speculation, stating: "We will only tell you if something happens - 95 per cent of all names mentioned are not true.
"Hopefully the players who are currently out injured will be back soon and that will be a big bonus. There won't be a lot of business to be done in January. You have to pay maximum price but if we can strengthen we will. I can't tell you now how many faces there will be, but hopefully one or two.
"I prefer to do my business in the summer. There are more free transfers and loan deals to be made. It's the perfect time to do something."
Meanwhile, Jol has confirmed that defensive midfielder Mickael Tavares has departed the Club after his short-term deal came to an end.
The 29-year-old joined the Whites on a free transfer in October after leaving Hamburger SV in the summer but didn't make an appearance for Fulham's First Team.
"We didn't extend it," said Jol. "It was a month to month contract. He was a great pro and I knew him from Hamburg but he was a back-up player and there was no necessity to use him. We thank him for being here but we decided not to extend his contract."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/04/jols-blackpool-preview? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/04/jols-blackpool-preview?)
Martin Jol confirms Fulham midfielder's departure
Transfer news: Fulham manager Martin Jol confirmed former Middlesbrough midfielder Mickael Tavares is to leave the club after being brought in on a month-to-month basis in October.
The 30-year-old did not make an appearance for the Whites since making the move and will now depart.
"He was a great pro and I knew him from Hamburg, but he was a back-up player," the Dutchman said.
"There was no necessity to use him so we thank him for being here but we decided not to extend that contract. This was probably his last day."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/martin_jol_confirms_fulham_midfielder_s_departure_1_1782734 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/martin_jol_confirms_fulham_midfielder_s_departure_1_1782734)
Jol rejects Forren reports
MARTIN Jol has denied reports that Fulham have made a bid for Molde defender Vegard Forren.
The Whites are believed to be one of a string of Premier League clubs tracking the highly-rated 24-year-old, along with Everton, Manchester United, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Molde revealed yesterday that the Norwegian was in talks with an unnamed club, reported to be Fulham.
"That is not true," said boss Jol when asked if they had tabled a bid for the centre-back.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/04/82029-32546539/?#ixzz2H1VqTVWT (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/04/82029-32546539/?#ixzz2H1VqTVWT)
Blackpool star relishing Berbatov test at Fulham
Kirk Broadfoot is excited at the prospect of making his FA Cup debut when Blackpool face Fulham.
The 28-year-old is expected to be in Michael Appleton's side at Craven Cottage and the defender is hoping to test himself against Dimitar Berbatov once again.
The ex-Rangers centre-back has featured in the Champions League during his time in Glasgow - and kept Berbatov quiet when the Light Blues welcomed Manchester United to Ibrox in 2010 - but appearing in the oldest knockout competition in the world is still something to savour for the Scot.
"It's a big trophy and a competition that I have always watched when I was in Scotland," he told Blackpool's official website.
"I'm really looking forward to it. It's always good to play against a team like Fulham and to test yourself against some of the best players in the world - and you can definitely say that about the likes of Berbatov. He's definitely up there.
"We'll go there looking to do well. It will be a difficult game and obviously Fulham are favourites, but I know the manager will have us well drilled and ready to go."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/blackpool_star_relishing_berbatov_test_at_fulham_1_1782778 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/blackpool_star_relishing_berbatov_test_at_fulham_1_1782778)
Fulham U21s 5-2 Crystal Palace U21s
Fulham and Crystal Palace Under-21s played out a goal-fest in a friendly match at Motspur Park on Friday afternoon.
The Whites dominated the game and ran out 5-2 winners, with goals from Lasse Vigen Christensen (2), Tom Donegan, Ryan Williams and Richard Peniket doing the damage.
After storming into a 3-0 half-time lead, Kit Symons' boys extended their advantage with a fourth in the second period, only for the Eagles to find a way back into the match with two strikes of their own.
Peniket sewed things up, though, with a cool finish to ensure a morale-boosting victory for the Whites.
Palace had the first sight on goal after two minutes when Hiram Boateng blazed a free-kick over after Reise Allassani had been felled by Alex Smith 25 yards from goal.
The Whites took the lead four minutes later, however, after clinically punishing some sloppy play by the visitors. After Fulham had half-cleared a corner, a Palace defender tried to play the ball back to his keeper but massively undercut his pass. Donegan advanced and, with options in the middle, found Vigen Christensen who made no mistake with the keeper exposed.
Omri Altman came close to doubling the lead on 12 minutes when he cut in from the left - beating two defenders in the process - before dragging his shot narrowly wide.
With a quarter of an hour gone, Sulaiman Kai Kai went on a marauding run before shooting from range but his speculative effort was never troubling Jesse Joronen.
Vigen Christensen grabbed his second of the afternoon on 18 minutes following another clinical move by Fulham. Donegan was again the architect as he slid the Dane in to poke the ball under the body of the goalkeeper.
And Donegan went from provider to scorer four minutes later when he smashed in a fine goal from 25 yards. The midfielder had the angles against him as well as the distance but that didn't deter him as he rifled a low effort into the far corner.
It should have been four on the half-hour mark when Sean Kavanagh sent over a sublime cross from the left which Corey Gameiro glanced wide.
A powerful run by Kadell Daniel moments later caused the Whites' backline some concern as he beat two players only to drill his shot wide.
Palace nearly pulled one back on the stroke of half-time when Ibra Sekajja got in behind but dragged his shot wide as he began to lose his balance, before visiting captain Michael Chambers fired a tame volley from 20 yards that Joronen claimed comfortably.
Dino Islamovic, Peniket and Ronny Minkwitz were all introduced at half-time, with Gameiro, Donegan and Kavanagh making way. In a formation re-jig, Vigen Christensen went to right-back, with Alex Brister taking Kavanagh's spot on the left.
Sekajja drew a solid save from Joronen five minutes into the second half as the Finnish keeper smothered his powerful drive well.
Williams then made it 4-0 10 minutes into the second half. Vigen Christensen did superbly well to win a sliding tackle on the halfway line before seeing off his marker - despite being persistently fouled - to find the Australian down the right. The winger cut in and fired towards the far post with the outside of his right foot and Ross Fitzsimons could only palm the ball over the line and into the back of the net.
A fierce strike from the edge of the area by Islamovic brought a good save from Fitzsimons as he got a firm hand behind the shot to put it behind for a corner.
Symons made another change with 20 minutes remaining as Jordan Evans replaced Alex Brister at left-back.
A magnificent effort by Altman on 72 nearly added a fifth. The Israel Under-21 international cut in onto his favoured right foot and unleashed a dynamite shot from 25 yards that the keeper did well to parry.
Palace pulled one back a minute later when Kai Kai did well to hold the ball up before squaring to Sekajja who confidently bent a shot in at the far post.
A decent run by the lively Allassani on 77 nearly crept in after taking a deflection but drifted just wide for a corner. Unfortunately for the Whites, though, a Palace forward was there to poke home following a scramble in the box from the subsequent set-piece.
Confusion in the Palace penalty area on 84 minutes allowed Peniket to restore the three-goal lead. Two defenders and the keeper all left a chipped through ball for each other, allowing Vigen Christensen to cross for the striker to smash home Fulham's fifth.
Fulham's goal lived a charmed life moments later when, first, Joronen parried a shot away for a corner, before we needed a clearance off the line and the woodwork to prevent the visitors grabbing a third.
Fulham: 1. Joronen, 2. Brister (17. Evans, 70 mins), 3. Kavanagh (15. Minkwitz, 45 mins), 4. Smith (c), 5. Passley, 6. Pritchard, 7. Williams, 8. Vigen Christensen, 9. Gameiro (14. Peniket, 45 mins), 10. Donegan (16. Islamovic, 45 mins), 11. Altman
Crystal Palace: 1. Fitzsimons, 2. Blake, 3. Parsons, 4. Boateng, 5. Wynter, 6. Chambers, 7. Fenwick, 8. Daniel, 9. Sekajja, 10. Allassani, 11. Kai Kai
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/04/palace-u21s-result? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/04/palace-u21s-result?)
