Berbatov among Fulham injury absentees for Man Utd clash
Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss tomorrow's Premier League clash against former club Manchester United with a hamstring injury.
The Bulgarian pulled his hamstring in the 3-1 defeat of West Ham and will be out for up to 10 days for the Cottagers, who will also be without Steve Sidwell, Mahamadou Diarra (both knee), Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Kieran Richardson (calf).
AC Milan loanee Urby Emanuelson could make his debut tomorrow, although fellow deadline-day signings Stanislav Manolev and Eyong Enoh are unavailable as they wait for their work permits.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Somogyi, Etheridge, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Briggs, Dejagah, Baird, Karagounis, Kacaniklic, Frimpong, Duff, Kasami, Ruiz, Emanuelson, Rodallega, Petric, Davies.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/berbatov_among_fulham_injury_absentees_for_man_utd_clash_1_1856186 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/berbatov_among_fulham_injury_absentees_for_man_utd_clash_1_1856186)
Window gives Jol a bright outlook
Martin Jol has declared himself pleased with Fulham's deadline-day signings, despite a loan move for Tom Huddlestone falling through.
The Cottagers spent January scouring Europe for reinforcements in a bid to arrest an increasingly concerning slump in form.
Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong was Fulham's only first-team addition up until Thursday's deadline, when Jol brought in three players on loan.
Urby Emanuelson arrived from AC Milan until the end of the season and was followed to Craven Cottage by PSV Eindhoven right-back Stanislav Manolev and Ajax's Eyong Enoh.
The latter was the last deal of the day and Jol revealed he had hoped to bring Huddlestone from former club Spurs.
"It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," Jol said.
"We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen - on the left and defensive midfield - and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.
"My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players.
"Urby Emanuelson is a player I know well, comes from AC Milan and is no mug so I was quite happy to get him.
"I was talking to a player from my old club Spurs, Tom Huddlestone, but that didn't come off and Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse.
"Huddlestone was very close. They pulled out at the last moment so I was very happy Enoh was in the building and there was no damage done."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/window-gives-jol-a-bright-outlook-1539770.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/window-gives-jol-a-bright-outlook-1539770.html?)
Jol's Assessment
Fulham boss Martin Jol told the gathered media that he was pleased with the new signings he was able to bring to the Club on transfer deadline day.
Urby Emanuelson, Eyong Enoh and Stanislav Manolev all joined the Whites on Thursday and Jol was happy that he was able to add depth to his squad.
"It's a difficult month for a lot of clubs but, in the end, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," he said. "We had targeted on the left and defensive midfield [as areas to strengthen] and it came off. So I was quite happy.
"I had a few options - we went for a few players and there were more horses to bet on. In the end, Urby Emanuelson is a player I know very well from AC Milan – he's no mug so I was happy to get him.
"I was talking to Tom Huddlestone from my old club Tottenham Hotspur – that didn't come off and Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse so I was happy to get him in. We were very close to getting Huddlestone but they pulled out at the last moment so I was very happy that Enoh was in the building and there was no damage done.
"We wanted to get a few players in because I thought it was necessary to have some fresh blood, and that is what we did so that was good. Urby was on my list and I know Enoh very well. He's a warrior – maybe a little erratic but a good warrior and he wanted to come to England. Emanuelson is a bit like [Mousa] Dembélé – he can play, he's quick, he's agile, he's mobile, so that is what we need.
"We didn't spend a lot. We took three players on loan and I felt that we needed these players. Huddlestone was another player we wanted on loan. So, in the end, although you gamble, I don't think we spent a lot so I feel we did well again.
"Hopefully in the future we can extend these contracts and get some permanent deals as well to get a stable club and a settled club because it's not what you want, to get loan deals all the time."
One player who was set for a temporary spell away from Fulham was Pajtim Kasami, before an unusual turn of events saw a loan move to Italy fall through.
"Pajtim Kasami was wanted by Pescara at the last moment, so it was late," Jol explained. "Kasami's manager had 15 minutes and the internet wasn't working. It happens to me all the time when I'm in a hotel but it's not what you want if you have to register a player at the last moment.
"You hope and pray for him because he wanted to play and Pescara told us that he will probably be a vital part of their squad and in the end it didn't come off. It was bad luck. I will try to do something because he deserves to play. There has not been a lot of opportunity to play so hopefully I can find something for him because he is a good talent."
Manchester United are the visitors to Craven Cottage on Saturday (5.30pm) and Jol was dealt a blow in midweek by the news that former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov will play no part in the match.
"Berbatov will not be fit for the game at the weekend," he said. "He pulled his hamstring and we hope that he'll only take between seven and 10 days to recover. Kieran Richardson is still out with his calf.
"Steve Sidwell will be out as he's got a problem with his knee and that will probably take a week. [Mahamadou] Diarra is still out with his knee injury and Kerim Frei probably won't be back for another three or four weeks.
"Enoh hasn't got a work permit so that is unfortunate and Manolev hasn't got a work permit because it was late, very late. Urby will be in the squad."
Fulham go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Wednesday and our Manager admits it was a crucial win over our London rivals.
"That was good – we prepared the players for that," he said. "We knew that we had to play Man United on Saturday – every point against them is a bonus but we needed that win against West Ham.
"It was very good to have the three points because all these teams below will try to drag Fulham – or any other team which is vulnerable – in. Now West Ham are in a similar position and that is exactly what we wanted.
"You do sometimes wonder where your next win in coming from but there are seven or eight clubs who think the same. If you compare these other clubs, they are no different – you have to get your wins anyway.
"It's not that we are on 50 points. We've got 28 points so it's not good but it's not bad either so the only thing is that you have to pick up points. We've had a lot of draws and that is the most disappointing thing; at home against Wigan Athletic, Southampton.
"The line between failure and success is unbelievably thin and we could have had more [points], but we could have had less as well. Hopefully we will pick up a few wins as soon as possible to get out of our current situation."
A win on Saturday would be monumental for the Whites but Jol urged caution ahead of our meeting with the most successful side in Premier League history.
"I think we're playing the champions-elect this weekend," he said. "They are seven points clear so they are the big favourites.
"Robin van Persie has been the most productive player in England this season and he was the most productive player before that so it's always good to have a player like him because he will make the difference almost every other game."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/01/jols-assessment? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/01/jols-assessment?)
Stekelenburg rues 'major blow' after missing out on £5m move to Fulham
Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has admitted his frustration at failing to secure a move to Fulham.
The 30-year-old, who cost Roma £5million when he left Ajax in 2011, has lost his place to Uruguayan Mauro Goicoechea and stressed his determination to seal a move to the Barclays Premier League before last night's transfer deadline.
The Holland international is represented by the Sport Promotion Consultancy, who claim an agreement was in place between Roma and Fulham for the goalkeeper to spend the rest of the season on loan at Craven Cottage.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/01/article-0-000009D500000CB2-213_634x286.jpg)
Holland international: Stekelenburg had wanted to join compatriot Jol at Fulham
Stekelenburg also said he was flying to London when his agent Rob Jansen informed him the move was off because Roma could not agree terms with Fiorentina's Emiliano Viviano.
The keeper told sportpromotion.nl: 'This feels like a major setback in many ways. I was really looking forward to getting started at Fulham. It is a great club and it would be an understatement to say the league is great too. It is a blow and I will need time to process it.'
The former Ajax man has publicly voiced his frustration at losing his place to Goicoechea but refused to hold Roma accountable for last night's events.
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Declining: Fulham need a long-term replacement for Mark Schwarzer
'I can't really blame anyone in this situation,' he added. 'Roma made it clear from the outset that they would only sell me if they could bring in an adequate substitute.
'My agent Rob Jansen and I were informed that the clubs were in agreement with each other. We were there in person to meet Fulham so the wait was purely over my replacement in Rome. But they didn't find one and that's the reality.
'My first challenge is getting my place back at Roma, then we'll see how things stand in the summer.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/01/article-0-17473F17000005DC-570_634x286.jpg)
Targeted: But Jack Butland joined Stoke City
Meanwhile, Martin Jol this afternoon declared himself pleased with Fulham's deadline-day acquisitions, despite a loan move for Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone also falling through.
Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong was Fulham's only first-team addition up until yesterday, when Jol brought in three players on loan.
Urby Emanuelson arrived from AC Milan until the end of the season and was followed to Craven Cottage by PSV Eindhoven right-back Stanislav Manolev and Ajax's Eyong Enoh.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/01/article-0-17463163000005DC-8_634x286.jpg)
Milan important: Emanuelson could be another good signing by Jol
The latter was the last deal of the day and Jol revealed he had hoped to bring Huddlestone from former club Spurs.
'It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," Jol said.
'We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen - on the left and defensive midfield - and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.
'My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/01/article-0-173312C5000005DC-586_634x304.jpg)
Collapse: Fulham didn't manage to seal the signing of Huddlestone before the deadline
'Urby Emanuelson is a player I know well, comes from AC Milan and is no mug so I was quite happy to get him. I was talking to a player from my old club Spurs, Tom Huddlestone, but that didn't come off and Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse.
'Huddlestone was very close. They pulled out at the last moment so I was very happy Enoh was in the building and there was no damage done."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2271945/Maarten-Stekelenburg-Its-major-blow-miss-Fulham-transfer.html#ixzz2JiHDSylC (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2271945/Maarten-Stekelenburg-Its-major-blow-miss-Fulham-transfer.html#ixzz2JiHDSylC)
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Wayne Rooney wary of Fulham home form
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage this weekend
Wayne Rooney expects a much tougher test from Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow than they got off the Londoners in the FA Cup last weekend.
Rooney was amongst the scorers as Manchester United cruised to victory at Old Trafford, with only Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer standing between his side and a particularly heavy defeat.
On that form, there is no reason to suggest United's title drive will be halted tomorrow evening.
Yet, on their own pitch, Rooney knows Fulham are a different proposition, having been part of the United side that has tasted defeat on the banks of the River Thames twice in their last four visits.
"The cup game was quite comfortable," said Rooney. "But at home, Fulham are a different team.
"They have got players who can take the ball between the lines because the pitch is not as big and then they can create chances.
"They are down near the bottom so they will be fighting to get one or three points."
Not that United are too bothered to be getting away from Old Trafford.
As Sir Alex Ferguson noted during the Christmas programme, the pitch has "collapsed", which hardly aids United's preferred passing game.
"We always want a nice surface to play on and in recent games the pitch has not been good enough," said Ferguson.
"It could have cost us. Thankfully it hasn't.
"Hopefully the groundsman can get it right in the next couple of weeks.
"It will be difficult because of the weather but it would be nice to get that little break and come back to a good pitch."
With nine goals in his last nine games, Rooney has found his form after a stop-start campaign, moving onto 12 for the season.
Not that he is too fussed about his own contribution in the scoring stakes; all he is interested in are victories.
"It is nice to score and and it has helped the team pick up points," he said.
"But that is the most important thing, that the team picks up points.
"I have always said I am not really too concerned with how many goals I score as long as we keep winning."
PA
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wayne-rooney-wary-of-fulham-home-form-8477575.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wayne-rooney-wary-of-fulham-home-form-8477575.html)
Jol reveals he wanted Gago and Huddlestone at Fulham
The Cottagers signed three players, including Ury Emmanuelson on loan from AC Milan, and the Dutchman is delighted with his side's work during the transfer window
Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that he failed in bids to bring Fernando Gago and Tom Huddlestone to the club on deadline day.
The Argentina international moved back to his homeland with Velez Sarsfield, while Huddlestone, who was also linked to Stoke, remains at Tottenham.
The Cottagers did sign three players on deadline day, including AC Milan's Urby Emanuelson on loan until the end of the season and Eyong Enoh from Ajax, and Jol is satisfied with his additions.
"It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," he told reporters.
"We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen - on the left and defensive midfield - and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.
"My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players.
"Urby Emanuelson is a player I know well, comes from AC Milan and is no mug so I was quite happy to get him.
"I was talking to a player from my old club Spurs, Tom Huddlestone, but that didn't come off and [Eyong] Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse.
"Huddlestone was very close. They pulled out at the last moment so I was very happy Enoh was in the building and there was no damage done."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/02/01/3719727/-? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/02/01/3719727/-?)
Fulham boss Jol backs Manolev to banish 'worst right back' slur
Fulham manager Martin Jol has backed deadline-day signing Stanislav Manolev to star in the Barclays Premier League - despite the defender once being labelled as 'the worst right back in Europe'.
Former Holland star Rene van der Gijp, who is now a popular pundit on Dutch channel RTL, infamously applied the tag to the 27-year-old live on air in 2009, later calling him a 'blind horse'.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/31/article-2271490-17469D36000005DC-744_468x314.jpg)
Checking in: Stanislav Manolev has joined Fulham
Manolev has joined Fulham on loan from PSV Eindhoven until the end of the season and Jol, who was forced to act after right-back Stephen Kelly departed for Reading earlier in the month, expects the Bulgaria international to prove Van der Gijp wrong.
He said: 'We had to come up with something after Stephen Kelly left and Manolev played almost 30 international games (29) so that tells you enough.
'If you go on Google and look at games from less than four weeks ago he has been the man of the match.
'So he is not that strong now, or a world star in Holland, because he is not playing so much but I know for a fact that he is better than they give him credit for.'
Manolev, who is not eligible to face Manchester United on Saturday as he has not yet been granted a work permit, was one of three players Jol loaned in on Wednesday along with Urby Emanuelson of AC Milan and Ajax midfielder Eyong Enoh.
Jol had hoped to sign Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, but the move collapsed while the Dutch No 1's plane was in the air en route to Heathrow.
Stekelenburg said: 'This feels like a major setback in many ways. I was really looking forward to getting started at Fulham.
It is a great club and it would be an understatement to say the league is great too. It is a blow and I will need time to process it.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2272172/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-backs-Stanislav-Manolev-banish-worst-right-slur.html#ixzz2Jl5hNTe6 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2272172/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-backs-Stanislav-Manolev-banish-worst-right-slur.html#ixzz2Jl5hNTe6)
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BRENTFORD HITMAN MARCELLO TROTTA IS NO PLONKER
MARCELLO TROTTA has vowed to avoid the same fate as his fellow Italian hitman Federico Macheda.
Manchester United striker Macheda exploded on to the scene in 2009, with two goals in his first two games for the Old Trafford giants – but has all but disappeared since.
Now it's Trotta's turn to be hitting the headlines after scoring for Brentford in their shock 2-2 FA Cup fourth-round draw with Chelsea last week.
But Trotta – who is on loan with the Bees from Fulham – is determined to succeed where Macheda failed and make it big in the Premier League.
He said: "I don't think we can compare our situations, let alone our goals.
"Federico scored a decider in the race for the title and above all he was playing for his club, while I am on loan at Brentford.
"I think we will only be able to draw parallels when I'll be able to score a goal for Fulham in the Premier League.
"For now I need minutes under my belt, I need to play.
"That's how you hit form and find continuity. That's the only way you can improve and that's the only way I can play in the Premier League one day."
Trotta made his top-flight debut for Fulham in a 3-0 win over Bolton last April, but has also spent time on loan at Wycombe and Watford since signing his first professional contract in 2009.
His goal against Chelsea helped earn Brentford a lucrative replay at Stamford Bridgeon February 17 and the 20-year-old can't wait to torment them all over again.
But first he is back in League One action at Yeovil today – and has his sights set on helping Brentford win promotion.
Trotta said: "I don't know what's going to happen next season. I want to do well here at Brentford and then we'll see.
"I don't know whether we are going to be in the play-offs or not. There are so many games left until the end of the season.
"Scoring against the champions of Europe has been an incredible experience. It has been great for the whole club and for the fans.
"And playing at Stamford Bridge will be a great feeling.
"We'll give our best and hopefully something important can happen again."
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/296507/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/296507/?)
Martin Jol: 'We wanted Fernando Gago'
Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed that he had hoped to bring Fernando Gago to the club from Real Madrid.
The Argentina international instead decided to make the move back to his homeland to join Velez Sarsfield.
Jol has admitted that the 26-year-old was his first choice in the January transfer window, but he was happy with the deals they completed.
"It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," said Jol.
"We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen - on the left and defensive midfield - and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.
"My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players."
Fulham signed Urby Emanuelson and Eyong Enoh from AC Milan and Ajax.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/jol-we-wanted-gago_67158.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/jol-we-wanted-gago_67158.html)
Wayne Rooney expects tough Fulham test
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that he is expecting a much tougher test from Fulham this weekend.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side face the Cottagers on Saturday, following their 4-1 victory over Martin Jol's team in the FA Cup last week.
Despite the relatively easy win in the Cup, Rooney believes that Fulham at Craven Cottage will be a different task altogether.
"The Cup game was quite comfortable," said the 27-year-old forward.
"But at home, Fulham are a different team. They have got players who can take the ball between the lines because the pitch is not as big and then they can create chances.
"They are down near the bottom so they will be fighting to get one or three points."
Rooney has been in fine form since his return from injury and scored another two goals in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday night.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/rooney-expects-tough-fulham-test_67156.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/rooney-expects-tough-fulham-test_67156.html)
Fulham vs. Manchester United: If At First You Get Your Butt Kicked, Try Try Again
(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1557807.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Manchester+United+v+Fulham+-+FA+Cup+Fourth+Round)
Fulham will have to do better than they did at Old Trafford last Saturday if they want to pick up any points.
Fulham will get a second go at Manchester United today as they look to build on their midweek win against West Ham and put even more space between themselves and the relegation zone. The Whites got shellacked in their tie with United in the FA cup a week ago 4-1, in a wholly uninspiring performance, and will need to vastly improve on that if they are to claw any points from this matchup.
With the transfer window closed, you may see some new faces on the pitch for the home fans to get a look at, the most likely being Emmanuel Frimpong. The loanee from Arsenal is hoping to get his first shot at providing midfield relief for Fulham, and there's no better time to get minutes than the weekend following a midweek game, especially with Steve Sidwell out with a knee injury.http://fulhamsfinest.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php (http://fulhamsfinest.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php)
State of Fulham:
It's difficult to overstate the magnitude of the 3 points picked up during the week against West Ham. This club needed a win in the worst way, especially after the drubbing by United just prior, and while it wasn't pretty, it's still 3 points. It puts Fulham in 12th place, 8 points clear of the drop.
Today could be an exciting day, with not only Emmanuel Frimpong possibly getting his debut, but Urby Emanuelson will also have a shot to play, and definitely even start. While it's not normal for Martin Jol to give new players their debut in their first game, Fulham are a bit thin with injuries and therefore could force Emanuelson into the side. The versatile winger could be seen either at left-back with John Arne Riise's form dipping, on the left wing, or even central midfield in attack. Like I mentioned earlier, Steve Sidwell is out with a knee issue (which is actually a big blow to the side), so you could see Emanuelson in the middle as support for Bryan Ruiz. Ruiz will most likely move up to his more preferred location in the attacking central midfield because Dimitar Berbatov will not play due to a hamstring injury. It will be interesting to see how Jol fits these new players in.
Not featuring will be the aforementioned Sidwell and Berbatov, as well as Kerim Frei and Mohamadou Diarra who both have long-term injuries. In addition, both Eyong Enoh and Stanislov Manolev have yet to receive work permits and therefore will not be able to play.
State of Manchester United:
Things couldn't be much better in Red, with United looking to go 10 points clear in first place with a victory at Craven Cottage. The squad is quite healthy, with Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand recently fit to return to the side. Only Ashley Young and possibly Javier Hernandez will miss out due to injury. United beat Southampton away midweek, although it was a grinding victory and a bit of a shaky defensive performance, so expect Jol to at least try to replicate that in some way. Not much more to be said here, they're really good.
EA Sports Stats of the Match:
-United have beaten Fulham in 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions, with the lone other match a draw. The last time Fulham beat Manchester United was in 2009 at Craven Cottage. That's the only win for Fulham in their last 23 matches against United.
-Fulham will seriously miss Dimitar Berbatov. That sounds like an obvious statement, but consider this: for all the crap he gets about being lazy, Berbatov is 2nd in the Premier League among strikers for passes in the opponent's half of the pitch with 492.
-My guess at who replaces Berbatov is Mladen Petric. It's a perfect chance for him to see some minutes, which he hasn't gotten very many of recently, mostly because Hugo Rodallega pairs with Berbs much better. Petric has a goal every 138 minutes this season, good for 10th in the Premier League. If he'd been credited with the goal Wednesday (instead of the Joey O'Brien own goal) that number would drop to a goal every 115 minutes, which would be 5th.
-Fulham's suspect and porous defense has caused Mark Schwarzer to work hard this season. The Aussie's made 126 saves this season (third in the Premier League), averaging a save every 16 minutes.
888sport.com Lines of the Match:
Robin van Persie to score first – 11/4; to score anytime – 4/6
Now that Wayne Rooney has given up penalty duties to RVP, given how good his form has been, it'd be a risk to back anyone else to score first, or really at any time.
Javier Hernandez to score last – 9-2
Doesn't it seem like he always comes on late and makes a difference? While Eden Dzeko is complaining he's not a "super sub" Chicarito is quietly doing a man's work for Untied off the bench. The only issue here is he picked up a bit of a hip knock midweek and is unsure if he'll make the squad.
First goal before the 26th minute – 5/6
I'd imagine, like Wednesday, this match will see goals and a good number early, so I think this is a good get.
Prediction:
I'm not liking our chances. Like last Saturday, it will be more about what the performance looks like than what the final score is. Fulham's defense looked iffy against a West Ham attack missing Andy Carroll, I don't really want to see what happens against United. Manchester Untied 3-0. It will be a good match for Frimpong and Emanuelson to get time on the pitch with the first team though, which could be important going forward.
http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/02/02/fulham-vs-manchester-united-if-at-first-you-get-your-butt-kicked-try-try-again/? (http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/02/02/fulham-vs-manchester-united-if-at-first-you-get-your-butt-kicked-try-try-again/?)
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65647000/jpg/_65647147_fulham-man-united.jpg)
Fulham v Man Utd (17:30 GMT)
Fulham's win over West Ham in midweek was badly needed but it will be tough for them to follow that up against a Manchester United team who just swatted them away in the FA Cup last weekend.
Cottagers boss Martin Jol brought in a few players on deadline day and it will be interesting to see whether they start. I can see Emmanuel Frimpong, who has arrived on loan from Arsenal, going straight in because he badly needs bodies in the middle of midfield.
Fulham have given United some tough games at Craven Cottage in the past, but that wasn't the case last season, when United were 3-0 up by half-time and coasted home.
I am going to back Fulham to score here, because United do concede goals. But I still back Sir Alex Ferguson's side to leave west London with the three points.
Lawro's prediction: 1-2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21295650 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21295650)
Fulham V Man Utd
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65642000/jpg/_65642943_fergusonjol.jpg)
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 2 February
TEAM NEWS
Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov misses out against his old club with a hamstring injury.
Steve Sidwell, Mahamadou Diarra, Kerim Frei and Kieran Richardson are also injured but AC Milan loanee Urby Emanuelson could make his debut.
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand is in line for a recall, while fellow central defender Jonny Evans is fit again after a recent hamstring injury.
However, winger Ashley Young (knee) is still out.
MATCH PREVIEW
With bitter rivals Manchester City not playing until Sunday, neighbours United could be 10 points clear at the top of the table by Saturday night.
That is a daunting gap for Roberto Mancini's men to reel in. In spite of what happened last season, not many will predict United being caught again in similar style, especially with the title-winning form they are in at the moment. Additionally, the dramatic style in which they lost out on the Premier League gives them a steely psychological edge.
The only hope for the defending champions is that United start dropping unexpected points - and if Fulham get anything from this match, it would probably fall into that category.
Was Fulham's midweek win against West Ham, only their third in the past 16 league games, a turning point? It needs to be.
The Cottagers' home form won't give them a great deal of confidence, and of course they were crushed 4-1 by United in the FA Cup fourth round recently. On paper, the Red Devils have little to worry about - especially with their former mercurial striker Dimitar Berbatov unlikely to play.
Fulham recruited a few interesting names in the transfer window, Urby Emmanuelson and Emmanuel Frimpong among them. What better way for new players to make an immediate impact than against United.
Still, Fulham look a little bit threadbare when compared to United's strength in depth. The leaders have got the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling coming back to the fore now, and such a massive choice of permutations all over the park. They really do seem to have every position covered.
The same could be said in the goalkeeping area, but United supporters would prefer it if that was one area they never had to rotate. David De Gea has been rocky of late, and will do well to hold off the challenge of Anders Lindegaard for the rest of this season.
Despite all the United eulogising, Southampton proved in midweek that - if you are brave enough - you can really get at them. Fulham take note.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester United have won six and drawn one of their past seven matches against Fulham in all competitions.
Fulham have only beaten Manchester United three times in 23 Premier League meetings.
Fulham
Fulham have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 10 league matches.
The midweek win against West Ham was only their third in their last 16 Premier League games.
Dimitar Berbatov scored his eighth Premier League goal of the season against West Ham, but only his third in 13 games. Six of these goals have come before half-time.
Damien Duff now has seven assists this season (only three players in the Premier League have more). The last time the Irishman had more assists in a Premier League season was at Chelsea in 2003-04 (nine).
Manchester United
United have now came from behind to win on nine occasions in the Premier League this season. The most in a Premier League season is 10, by Newcastle in 2001-02.
Wayne Rooney has now scored two goals in a match on 27 occasions in the Premier League - only Alan Shearer (46) and Thierry Henry (34) have more.
The Red Devils have taken 32 points from the last possible 36 (W10, D2).
They had 11 shots against Southampton, who had 20.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21209186 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21209186)
Derek Boateng's Move To Fulham Collapses
Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng's proposed move to Fulham failed to materialize after the transfer window in England closed on Thursday night.
His Ukrainian club Dnipro were unwilling to allow the defensive midfielder to leave despite initiating the process for the transfer to be completed three weeks ago.
Boateng had already undergone a medical at Fulham, who have secured a work permit for him, and talks between the clubs were said to be ongoing before the deadline.
Thursday night's deadline passed without a deal being reached between the two clubs which means Boateng will stay in Ukraine until next season.
A fee of about £2m was mooted to sign a player who cost more than double that when joining Dnipro from Getafe back in 2011.
However things went quiet from Dnipro end even though the Ghanaian has since fallen out of favour and has made only two league starts in the first half of the season.
Martin Jol's interest in the 29-year-old is long established, with the Fulham manager having come close to securing the defensive midfielder on loan last summer.
Boateng, who had enjoyed spells in Greece, Sweden, Israel and Spain before moving to Ukraine.
He is currently with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/soccer/artikel.php?ID=263895 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/soccer/artikel.php?ID=263895)
Transfer window gives Fulham FC manager Martin Jol a bright outlook
MARTIN JOL declared himself pleased with Fulham's deadline-day acquisitions, despite a loan move for Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone falling through at the last minute.
The Cottagers spent January scouring Europe for reinforcements in a bid to arrest an increasingly concerning slump in form.
Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong was Fulham's only first-team addition up until Thursday, when Jol brought in three players on loan.
Urby Emanuelson arrived from AC Milan until the end of the season and was followed by PSV Eindhoven right-back Stanislav Manolev and Ajax's Eyong Enoh.
"It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied," Jol said.
"We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen – on the left and defensive midfield – and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.
"My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players.
"Urby Emanuelson is a player I know well, comes from AC Milan and is no mug.
"I was talking to a player from my old club Spurs, Tom Huddlestone, but that didn't come off and Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse."
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/man-utd-fc/2013/02/02/55578-32729951/? (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/man-utd-fc/2013/02/02/55578-32729951/?)
Fulham to ramp up Hangeland talks
MARTIN Jol has made securing the future of Brede Hangeland his top priority following the end of the transfer window.
The Fulham boss bolstered his squad with four new signings in January after capturing Emmanuel Frimpong, Urby Emanuelson, Stanislav Manolev and Eyong Enoh.
Jol also managed to keep hold of skipper Hangeland, despite interest from west London rivals QPR.
But the Norwegian can leave for nothing when his contract expires in the summer and has so far failed to sign the extension on the table.
And Jol will now turn his attention to trying to persuade the towering defender to commit his future to Craven Cottage.
When asked if securing Hangeland was a priority, the Dutchman replied: "Yes. I always knew he was staying here because there was never a situation that we wanted to sell him.
"There was no clause in his contract like [Chris] Samba. The only thing is at the end of the year he will be free."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/02/02/82029-32730127/?#ixzz2JlBDkK33 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/02/02/82029-32730127/?#ixzz2JlBDkK33)
Looking Up
Martin Jol looked back on our midweek match against West Ham United and admitted that the win could prove pivotal later in the season.
With Manchester United next up on Saturday afternoon, Jol was delighted to take three points from our clash with the Hammers – a result which saw us leapfrog our London rivals in the Barclays Premier League table.
"If West Ham had beaten us it would have been crucial points for them," Jol said. "But we were lucky enough and fortunate enough to get the points against them.
"It was a vital game for us - it was almost a must-win game because the managers of the other clubs were maybe thinking that Fulham would be the club that gets dragged into the [relegation] situation, or Norwich City, or West Ham.
"Now Stoke City are above us but are not far away from us so we will look up [the table] now. Of course you look down because you need wins – with 28 points you will go down, that is for certain. But there are other teams with bigger problems than us so we will try to be sharp and motivated and inspired to get a few wins."
But while the Dutchman was naturally thrilled to see his side secure a first league win since New Year's Day, he warned that there is still a long way to go in the season and that things can change very quickly.
"The pressure is never off," he stated. "Look at West Ham, they were doing so well. Look at my friend Chris Hughton at Norwich, they were unbelievable and they are on less points than us now, so you are never out of trouble.
"That is what I said, there are always eight or nine teams fighting against relegation and that is not something to be proud of but it's sport, it's football, it's the Premier League. I can remember two years ago when Birmingham City won the Carling Cup and had to play all these games and then went down, and they were fine before that. I remember they were not even in the bottom three, so we are aware of the situation. 28 points is good but not great – we could have had more but we could have had less."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/looking-up? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/looking-up?)
Hanging On To What We`ve Got!
Martin Jol, we believe, did some splendid business in the transfer target.
Bringing in a quartet of players - Emmanuel Frimpong, Urby Emanuelson, Stanislav Maolev and Eyong Enoh, should bolster our squad.
However, our Dutch boss believes his biggest achievement this transfer window was holding off bids for his established stars, players such as Brede Hangeland, with Jol remarking,
"We wanted to keep our players."
"We had to let go Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey in the summer - but that was not the case this time"
"It meant I could focus on players coming in.
Splendid work all round.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=307629#ixzz2JlBcqCuz (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=307629#ixzz2JlBcqCuz)
Dimitar Berbatov set To Miss United Clash
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov will not face his old side when they visit his current club Fulham today, according to boss Martin Jol.
Berbatov picked up a hamstring injury in Fulham's 3-1 victory over West Ham in midweek and so will not be fit to torment his former employers in the late kick off.
The Bulgarian has been an inspired singing at Craven Cottage having already scored eight times as well as being involved in the majority of other Fulham goals this season.
The former Tottenham striker turned 32 this week and he has only failed to notch double figures in a season once since he arrived in England seven years ago.
Berbatov's injury isn't the only worry for Jol as dominant midfielder Steve Sidwell will also miss the visit of the league leaders after picking up a similar injury on Wednesday night.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased that Berbatov will not be coming back to haunt them and United could go ten points clear at the top of the table with a win in West London.
http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/manchester-united/dimitar-berbatov-set-to-miss-united-clash (http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/manchester-united/dimitar-berbatov-set-to-miss-united-clash)
Roma Sporting Director Franco Baldini Explains Maarten Stekelenburg to Fulham Deal Collapse
Roma sporting director Franco Baldini has spoken about the breakdown in goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's proposed move to Fulham, confirming it came about because the Giallorossi could not find a replacement in time.
Stekelenburg looked all set to move to Craven Cottage from Roma, where he has fallen out of favour under veteran coach Zdenek Zeman.
But on a frantic transfer deadline day, the deal fell through at the last minute.
"Fulham's first offer was not what we hoped for", Baldini told reporters.
"Finally, they met our requirements, but then we had to bring in a replacement.
"We had two or three people in mind, but we did not manage to get one of them.
"Prior to Stekelenburg boarding the plane it was already clear that the deal would be completed in good time if we could find a replacement."
Stekelenburg now finds himself back at Roma and fighting for his place under Zeman, with whom his relationship is strained.
The Holland international has not though ruled out a rekindling of his move to Fulham in the summer and could yet end up at Craven Cottage.
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/02/02/roma-sporting-director-franco-baldini-explains-maarten-stekelenburg-to-fulham-deal-collapse/78555/#21hH70HqQT2oCiMB.99 (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/02/02/roma-sporting-director-franco-baldini-explains-maarten-stekelenburg-to-fulham-deal-collapse/78555/#21hH70HqQT2oCiMB.99)
Against All Odds: Fulham to defy the odds at the Cottage
Manchester United are odds-on for their trip to the capital this evening but Paul Robinson thinks that Fulham could spring a surprise in what should be a thrilling game live on ESPN at 17:30.
A bright start to the week has turned dark with four losers in a row, however I've adopted a slightly new approach and been looking to take on shorter priced selections, so although our strike rate may go down slightly, profits should start to go up.
Fulham picked up a much needed victory at home to West Ham last week and after sliding down the league table, they've now lost just one of their lost four, and that came away at the defending champions. Dimitar Berbatov netted in the West Ham game but he's been ruled out with injury today - which is clearly a blow - however his manager does have other options in his squad to choose from.
Martin Jol's side have traditionally been strong at Craven Cottage and after a small blip that saw them lose three from five, they have got things a bit more on track recently, avoiding defeat in four out of their last five, including two victories.
Manchester United don't need an introduction as we all know how impressive they've been this term, well, in front of goal anyway. The Red Devils have scored an incredible 59 goals in 24 matches and despite conceding 31 themselves, they have a seven point gap at the top of the table.
Their form away from Old Trafford isn't exactly bombproof though. They've only won three of their last six in the league, losing at Norwich and being held by Swansea and Spurs. Sir Alex Ferguson's side kept just the single clean sheet during that period and they did fire a blank themselves.
Clearly, Manchester United are the worthy favourites for this one but I feel their odds are a little cramped at around the 1.64 mark. Like a few of my selections recently, it's more a value bet than anything else, and that's why I'm making them my lay of the day.
Recommended Bet
Lay Man United v Fulham @ 1.64
http://betting.betfair.com/football/daily-tipping/against-all-odds-fulham-to-defy-the-odds-at-the-cottage-020213-35.html? (http://betting.betfair.com/football/daily-tipping/against-all-odds-fulham-to-defy-the-odds-at-the-cottage-020213-35.html?)
Vinny's Fulham Report
Fulham 3 West Ham United 1
Fulham recorded their first home victory of 2013 as West Ham were brushed aside and continue to struggle.
The downward spiral continues for West Ham who at this moment in time are displaying what many would call 'relegation form'.
Earlier in the season I was making excuses and defending some of the poor results due to our injury list and lack of quality through our side but the team that started last night was as good as we can expect and if they cannot get results against teams such as struggling Fulham then we are in clearly in a bit of trouble.
This was another toothless away performance and similar to what we have been treated to most of the season. The first half display was absolute dogshit and we were truly dismal.
Like many times this season we came out in the second half and started really well and took the game to the opposition. We scored a neat equaliser but a then gave away a goal just minute later which turned up the levels of frustration by some way.
Allardyce clearly likes his side to get as many crosses into the area as possible which is fine if you have players in the box that will attack the ball but we do not. Between Chamakh and Carlton Cole neither offer a threat in the area and when Andy Carroll came on he was almost deployed as a right winger as Allardyce still refused to change his system.
I don't know what it is with this formation Allardyce likes playing. He seems intent on playing it even if it is clear that we need to change things up. He would rather play players out of position just to ensure we can play three centre midfielders and one up front. Even last season when he was putting Tomkins in midfield it just showed that he cannot seem to play any other way.
Allardyce didn't even give a post-match interview, instead he sent out assistant Neil McDonald to field the questions. I can only imagine that he thought it would be silly to use the same excuses over again because he should be coming out and giving us an honest assessment of his players and his own failings. At least that would make me believe that he is aware that he needs to sort our form out because I feel he misses the point in a number of his interviews.
Last week Allardyce made no reference at all regarding leaving Matt Jarvis, Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame out of the team. The same against Manchester United away in the FA Cup replay. He bemoaned a penalty decision but made no comment on the wholesale changes he made.
I would like to understand why he feels we cannot play two strikers at any point. Is it just to accommodate his mate Kevin Nolan?
West Ham throughout their entire history have been poor away from home so I guess I should be used to the gutless performances and the way we just lay down when away from Upton Park. But in one week, £70 lighter, frustrated beyond belief and starting to fear ever so slightly for our chances this season I am finding it difficult to find positives in watching this team on the road.
The Team
According to Sam Allardyce we matched Arsenal apart from those opening moments of the second half last week. So if the team could 'match' Arsenal for so long you would have thought he would have played the same team?
No, he just reinstated the played that we all know should have been playing last week and still we are without reason to why they did not play.
Joe Cole, Matt Jarvis and Mohamed Diame were back in the team with Matthew Taylor, Jack Collison and Ricardo Vaz Te dropping out.
Up front Marouane Chamakh was back in the starting line up in place of Carlton Cole who dropped to the bench.
West Ham included new loan signing Emanuel Pogatetz on the substitute's bench and Andy Carroll returned to the squad after a long layoff.
The referee was 50 year old Chris Foy from Lancashire. He has already taken charge of us twice this season, away at Norwich and at home to Stoke.
First Half
We created a chance within the first thirty seconds as Demel burst down the right hand side and crossed for Chamakh who chested the ball down for Joe Cole to hit a shot which went wide.
Fulham's game plan was simple – get the ball to Dimitar Berbatov and whilst this seems like a negative comment on their play believe me it is not because he was superb in that first half. The way he was able to constantly make space for himself and ghost into areas where we could not pick him up was an example of a world class talent.
We were seeing a lot of the ball but doing little with it. Matt Jarvis on the left hand side was being marked tightly and prevented from finding the space to cross the ball into the area.
Winston Reid was penalised for fouling Hugo Rodallega and Fulham were awarded a free kick.
Damian Duff swung the ball into the area, Ruiz got a flick to the ball and Dimatar Berbatov was unmarked at the back post and planted his header past Jaaskelainen to make it 1-0 to Fulham.
Many of the West Ham players thought that Berbatov was offside and even Berbatov himself had a glance at the linesman but the goal stood and with just ten minutes on the clock we were a goal down.
Too many loose passes were allowing Fulham to get forward and whilst they were not creating what you would call clear cut chances they were getting shots off with Rodallega turning Reid and hitting a shot at goal just before the twenty minute mark.
We were attempting to knock the ball long for Chamakh but the Fulham defender Hangeland was simply too good for him in the air and won everything.
Jarvis created some space and gave the ball to Diame who crossed into the area for Kevin Nolan to meet the ball with header at the near post but he put his effort wide.
A strong challenge on Diame by Steve Sidwell led to handbags as Diame took exception to the tackle as a free kick was awarded and a yellow card given to the Fulham man.
Berbatov showed a great change of pace to burst past Nolan and hit a shot which clipped off the outside of the post as Fulham continued to look dangerous on the counter attack.
We did win a corner just before the half time whistle blew but nothing came of it. We had been dire in the first half and I do not recall us even having a shot on target.
Second Half
In a similar way to that against QPR a few weeks ago we came out all guns blazing for the second half and it did make you wonder why we cannot do this at the start of the first half too.
Three minutes in the second period and we were back on level terms.
A free kick was won and taken by Mark Noble who rolled the ball cleverly through to Kevin Nolan who finished well to make it 1-1. Nolan was scoring his 6th goal of the season.
If I am being honest I thought we would go on from there and win the game. The West Ham fans behind the goal were pumped up and the players looked confident after getting that goal.
So to concede just a minute later was nothing short of farcical.
Fulham attacked down the left hand side through Duff and he crossed the ball into the area which saw Hugo Rodallega get in between Reid and Tomkins to head home from close range.
2-1 down and back to square one. All that early enthusiasm was now gone and the remainder of our second half performance was exactly like our first – dogshit.
Allardyce made his first change on 56 minutes with Chamakh coming off and being replaced by Carlton Cole. What should have happened is that a midfielder was sacrificed and we went to 4-4-2 but I need to realise this is never going to happen.
Replacing Chamakh with Carlton Cole was just a like for like substitution. It did nothing to change the way we played and making a change like this seems pointless.
There were few chances and the disgruntlement amongst the West Ham supporters was clear with many venting their frustrations.
On 66 minutes Guy Demel was replaced by Matthew Taylor. Why I do not know. Taylor went to left back with O'Brien on the right.
The closest we came to scoring was on 70 minutes when Nolan spun away from Senderos and hit a shot which goal keeper Schwarzer diverted wide of the post. Many fans around me thought Carlton Cole should have been on hand to bundle the ball over the line.
The corner was taken by Joe Cole but it was poor and his corner kick taking throughout the entire game was as woeful as you are likely to see.
With just under fifteen minutes remaining, Joe Cole was taken off and replaced by Andy Carroll.
It didn't take Carroll long to get a strike at goal as Nolan set him up as he hit a low left foot shot which was held by Schwarzer.
I had no idea what type of formation we were playing at this point. With this introduction of Carroll I expected us to go with two up front but Carroll was clearly playing in midfield. I would welcome someone trying to explain this to me.
We never looked liked scoring again and there was no sustained pressure which you thought might see us get back on level terms.
Four minutes of added time were awarded by it was Fulham who took advantage of these minutes as they increased their lead.
A shot from Rodallega was parried by Jaaskelainen and Petric hit a shot which hit Jaaskelainen, then the post and went in off the unlucky Joey O'Brien.
Many of the West Ham fans made for the exits as the game was all but over.
Apart from a four minute spell at the start of the second half West Ham were never good enough to win this game.
Player Reviews
Jussi Jaaskelainen
With talk of bringing in another goal keeper before the transfer deadline day is out Jaaskelainen would have been looking to keep a clean sheet which he has not done for quite some time but again he saw another three goals go past him. For me he never looked comfortable and the second and third goals were poor to concede from his perspective. 5
Guy Demel
During this poor bout of form I haven't thought Demel has done too badly. Even in this one I thought he was getting forward well and making the right passes. I was surprised to see him come off and can only presume he was carrying a knock as he always is. 6
Winston Reid
Reid was given a torrid time by Hugo Rodallega who turned him inside out for most of the game. He gave away the foul which led to the first goal and he was far too easily beaten by Rodallega for the second goal. 4
James Tomkins
The ball was often rolled out to Tomkins by Jaaskelainen so he could distribute the ball forward but his passing was, is, and has been for a while really shocking. Mistimed too many of his headers and James Tomkins is going through a tough patch of form. 4
Joey O'Brien
Unlucky with the own goal but his overall performance was pretty forgettable and he never really got involved in the game. 4
Mark Noble
A passenger for most of the game. A clever free kick which led to the goal but his overall display I can only describe as weak. 4
Mohamed Diame
When he was on the ball and got himself going he was superb to watch and was the driving force of our midfield. At times he was skillfull and strong and the one who was most likely to make things happen. But then he just disappeared for large chunks and barely got the ball. Still yet to see Diame dominate a game for ninety minutes. Or even sixty. 6
Kevin Nolan
Scored his first goal since November which was welcome and should have scored in the first half from a header too. He was our main goal scoring threat all game long. So whilst I bang on about us playing 4-4-2, in a team who is so short on goals, do we take out our top scorer and main goal threat? 5
Joe Cole
His set pieces were atrocious and he needs to have a look at himself for such dreadful corners. They made Mark Noble's look the best on earth. He was in and out of the game and made little impact. 4
Matt Jarvis
Marked out of the game and had very little to offer. Looked a little better in the second half but he couldn't get the best of the Fulham right back. He has to do more. 4
Maroune Chamakh
No impact whatsoever. 4
Subs Used
Carlton Cole (on for Chamakh 56 mins)
No impact whatsoever. 4
Matthew Taylor (on for Demel 67 mins)
Offered support for Jarvis down the left but his crossing was very poor.
Andy Carroll(on for J.Cole 76 mins)
Not a midfielder. I don't know where Allardyce got that from.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, O'Neil, Pogatetz, Vaz Te
Goals: FUL: Berbatov (10), Rodellga (49) O'Brien [OG] (90) WHU: Nolan (48)
Bookings: FUL: Sidwell, Riether
Fulham: Schwarzer, Reither, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Karagounis, Sidwell, Berbatov, Duff, Ruiz, Rodallega
Subs: Etheridge, Baird, Petric, Frimpong, Hughes, Dejagah, Davies
Attendance: 24,791
Referee: Chris Foy, 6
Overall
It is easy to go into full scale panic mode every time we lose and some supporters can go a little over the top when talking about our form and current results. I have been calm about our situation and still believe we will stay up as I do not think we can go the rest of the season without winning a few games.
But I do accept that the current form is not good enough and we do not look like a side who are strong enough to go away from home and beat the opposition.
We have some tough away games coming up but it is the game against Aston Villa which could be very telling because if we do not pick up a win against Swansea on Saturday, that game is going to be massive.
Next Game – Swansea City (h), Saturday 2nd February, 3pm Kick Off
Any team who can play football have beaten us this season. We were unable to cope with Swansea earlier in the season and you do wonder how we are going to cope with them now.
We have to get in amongst them and play with an intensity that we know we can and have shown at times. We can't continue to start so slowly and give teams the lead.
Every game from here on in is going to be massive and we have to start getting points on the board.
I am convinced the current crop of players are good enough and we have to start getting the best out of them.
The View From Neil McDonald
"We were disappointed because our performance was higher than it has been away from home"
"I thought we played some excellent stuff and mixed the play up really well, playing through the midfield and dominating the second half.
"I thought we created chance on chance so to come away with nothing is hugely disappointing considering how we played.
"We feel as if their first one is offside and we could have maybe had a couple of penalties ourselves so that makes it even worse. We're all disappointed but we'll be in on Thursday licking our wounds and ready for the game on Saturday against Swansea, when we need to get some points on the board."
"At the training ground we work on it so that when we do score, we don't concede as quickly as what we did. It's not just one person, but the whole team who have to try to win the ball back and try to force Fulham back so they can't create a chance.
"We haven't stopped the cross, which is disappointing, and we certainly haven't dealt with the ball inside the box, so we've been clinically put to the sword, I suppose.
"We certainly shouldn't have conceded a second goal like that and we haven't conceded a goal like that during the season. We've got to make sure we don't do it again, because when we scored the goal we were right on top and we had Fulham under pressure.
"We were hoping it was only a matter of time before our goal came, so it knocks the stuffing out of you to concede so soon afterwards when we were putting them under pressure."
"It is certainly a lot harder when you come away from home in the Premier League, but we are vastly more encouraged by our performance.
"At Arsenal, I think we had ten minutes when they were absolutely outstanding and everything they did dropped to them and they put the ball into the back of the net, they were clinical and killed us off. I don't think Fulham were like that.
"What encouraged us was how many chances we created and how much football we played in their half. We put them under pressure, we need to be more clinical ourselves."
We have lots of players back fit and that's probably the strongest bench we've had this season. Everyone is coming back to fitness now and there is going to be one hell of a competition for places and that's good."
"Our home form has been very good and we'll try to play on the front foot and create chances. We'll certainly be doing that against Swansea on Saturday.
"We have to try to take advantage of everything we possibly can and we need to win our home games if we want to go up the league and put ourselves in a better position than we are at the moment.
"All newly-promoted teams go through these little patches. We were encouraged by the performance even if we were hugely disappointed with the result, because we played on the front foot and created chances. If we can keep that going for the rest of the season, we'll be fine."
http://www.westhamonline.net/article.php?6634155%7C%7C5%7C%7C (http://www.westhamonline.net/article.php?6634155%7C%7C5%7C%7C)
FFC U18s 5 Southampton U18s 1
Fulham's Under-18s thumped their Southampton counterparts 5-1 on Saturday morning at Motspur Park.
Patrick Roberts hit the post early on, but the same player was on hand to put the Whites in front, slotting home Muamer Tankovic's pull-back.
Tankovic made it 2-0, hammering a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle after a swift Fulham counter-attack from a Southampton corner.
The visitors pulled one back just before the break after Max Oberschmidt had misjudged a cross, but the Fulham goalkeeper made amends with a fine save early in the second half to keep the Whites in front.
Fulham regained their two-goal advantage when Tankovic scored from the penalty spot after Moussa Dembele had been brought down in the box by the Southampton keeper as the striker latched onto a short backpass.
Dembele then made it 4-1 when he headed home, before Jordan Evans put the seal on the win with Fulham's fifth with a low shot from the edge of the box after a mazy run.
Academy Director Huw Jennings told fulhamfc.com: "The scoreline wasn't a fair reflection on the game. Southampton gave us a tough examination and three goals in the last 10 minutes flattered us a bit.
"But after a tough week which saw us go out of the FA Youth Cup, it shows our desire is right up there."
Fulham's Under-18s are next in action on Saturday (11am) when they head to Everton.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/ffc-u18s-5-southampton-u18s-1? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/ffc-u18s-5-southampton-u18s-1?)
Pescara on Kasami and Zeman
Pescara President Daniele Sebastiani confirms they are appealing to have Patjim Kasami's transfer from Fulham due to a technical glitch and will "always be friends" to Zdenek Zeman.
Transfer deadline day was very controversial for the Delfini, who had agreed a deal with Fulham for midfielder Kasami, but the move did not go through before the 19.00 local time deadline.
"It is only right that this transfer goes through," President Sebastiani told TMW.
"Fulham sent us all the documentation at 18.40, then there were some technical problems, as the elevator got stuck and the Internet connection went down. We didn't negotiate anything after the deadline and I don't see why Pescara should pay the price for these problems.
"I hope the Lega Serie A will accept our appeal, as there is everything needed for the lad to join us."
Pescara won promotion from Serie B last season under Zeman, who was fired by Roma today.
"I am very disappointed, as with Zeman you must marry his credo and give him carte blanche. Evidently this didn't happen at Roma. I know how much he wanted to do well with the Giallorossi.
"Could he return to Pescara? He knows that he will always have friends here, but at the moment our bench is held by Cristiano Bergodi."
http://www.football-italia.net/30274/pescara-kasami-and-zeman? (http://www.football-italia.net/30274/pescara-kasami-and-zeman?)
Middlesbrough 2 U21s 2
Ryan Williams' late equaliser clinched a share of the spoils as Fulham Under-21s recovered to draw at Middlesbrough.
Cauley Woodrow had given the young Whites the perfect start when the striker pounced to convert Sean Kavanagh's cross in the opening minute, but Kit Symons' Team were soon pegged back.
Curtis Main struck to level the scores three minutes later with a composed finish and Luke Williams' smart effort put the home side into the ascendancy on the stroke of half-time.
The Whites moved up through the gears after the interval, with Woodrow denied a second goal by the offside flag before he saw an effort cannon off the crossbar.
As Symons' side piled forward, the pressure finally paid when Ryan Williams kept calm to stroke in the equaliser in the closing moments.
The Whites had goalkeeper Jesse Joronen to thank for some crucial saves which kept Middlesbrough at bay, but Symons believes a couple of concentration lapses cost them victory.
"We had the momentum and we were the better side in the second half so I was delighted when Ryan popped up to make it 2-2," Symons told fulhamfc.com.
"The tempo of our passing was much better, but Middlesborough had a couple of good chances too and we've got Jesse [Joronen] to thank for a great save late on to keep it level.
"The only disappointing thing was the nature of the goals we conceded. We lost concentration and they were very sloppy which is very annoying as otherwise it was a good performance.
"We started brilliantly, scoring the early goal, then conceded those two really sloppy goals which I'm not happy about, but we responded well and finished the game strongly."
Fulham: Joronen; Passley, Burgess, Grimmer, Kavanagh; Williams, Minkwitz, Smith, Altman; David, Woodrow. Subs: Grainger, Donegan, Christensen, Islamovic.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/middlesbrough-2-u21s-2? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/02/middlesbrough-2-u21s-2?)
