Fantasy Friday: Fulham may have taken Palace to pieces but here's why they're heading for a month of pain
Welcome to Sportsmail's weekly Fantasy Football column which will try to help you get the edge on your friends, family and Jamie Redknapp.
Here, Rik Sharma considers the key issues in the game, from the men to bring in or avoid, through to which teams have a tasty looking run of fixtures.
Don't fall into the TV trap
Fulham took Crystal Palace to pieces but that's not something to write home about.
If you watched their victory on Monday night on television, you might have admired Dimitar Berbatov (£9.2million) and resolved to put him in your team.
Perhaps you saw Pajtim Kasami's Van Basten-esque screamer and thought at just £4m he's a snip.
Maybe Steve Sidwell (£5.6m) is on your radar, and Philippe Senderos, who also scored, is what your ailing defence needs, costing a mere £3.7m.
But I urge you not to take action on these thoughts.
Fulham have a horrendous stream of fixtures heading their way that could end up costing manager Martin Jol his job - don't let it jeopardise your managerial career too.
This weekend they're heading to high-flying Southampton, who are extremely strong at the back.
Then they host Manchester United, who, despite being in poor form, will be expecting to win.
Next up is a trip to Anfield, before they host Swansea and then head to West Ham.
That's backed up by another London derby, against Champions League hopefuls Spurs.
If that's not worrying enough, they then host Villa and Man City, with a tough trip to Goodison Park sandwiched in between.
Don't fall into the TV trap - stay away from Fulham.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2474949/Fantasy-Football-preview-October-26-Fulham-heading-month-pain.html#ixzz2io6wW7x3 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2474949/Fantasy-Football-preview-October-26-Fulham-heading-month-pain.html#ixzz2io6wW7x3)
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Kasami can be big - Jol
Martin Jol reckons Pajtim Kasami can go on to become Fulham's own version of Andros Townsend - so long as he ignores the speculation linking him with a big-money move abroad and stays at Craven Cottage.
Kasami scored an early contender for goal of the season on Monday night with a sumptuous two-touch volley which sailed over Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni from 25 yards.
The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides at Fulham since joining the west London club on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011.
The 21-year-old has started just nine Barclays Premier League games and last season he was so desperate for first-team football that he took a 50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.
The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.
"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," the Fulham boss said.
"Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!
"I told him to count his blessings and to be happy at that age playing Premier League football.
"He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy."
Tottenham took little time to tie Townsend down to a long-term contract following his heroic England debut, but Kasami will have to wait longer for a new deal at Fulham.
Jol thinks Kasami, a naturally left-sided attacking midfielder just like Townsend, still has work to do before he deserves new and improved terms.
"There will be a situation in five or six months time that we have to talk and extend his contract," Jol added.
"If he didn't score that goal it would've been a different story.
"He could've gone to other clubs when he left Palermo but he came here.
"He started off well but he had to learn a lot and that's what he did.
"If you take the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton and Andros Townsend, they played for other clubs then came back. Now Townsend is the one I go to the stadium for. He's a good player, almost like Arjen Robben, but not as good. He makes things happen for his team and Kasami's the same.
"He's got a very good shot and free-kick, so if he works hard he will be more and more important for us."
Kasami is likely to retain his place in Fulham's starting XI for Saturday evening's match at Southampton.
Captain Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play as he has a nerve problem in his leg while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is a doubt because of a back injury.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/8989843/-? (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/8989843/-?)
Southampton boss wary of Fulham threat
Southampton manager Maruicio Pochettino is wary of the threat that Fulham pose to the Saints.
The Whites beat Crystal Palace by four goals to one on Monday night with Pajtim Kasami's effort illuminating the evening's entertainment.
The west Londoners have picked up back to back wins and will be looking to continue this run of form on the south coast.
"Fulham are a very good side with very talented players. Their position in the league is not reflective of how they are doing," he told reporters.
"We know they will make things tough for us, so we'll have to work hard to get a positive result from this game."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/southampton_boss_wary_of_fulham_threat_1_2927237 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/southampton_boss_wary_of_fulham_threat_1_2927237)
Southampton vs Fulham Preview
Southampton - Fulham Preview: Jol's men eye third straight win against frugal Saints
The Cottagers won their last two outings in the league, but face the meanest defence in the division on Saturday, with the south coast outfit conceding just three goals this term
Southampton will look to preserve the Premier League's best defensive record on Saturday against a Fulham side fresh from two wonder goals.
Mauricio Pochettino's men have the meanest rearguard in the top flight, having conceded just three times so far, but Martin Jol's side are likely to test that to limit following their goalscoring exploits last time out.
The London side – who have only three wins in the new campaign – registered a superb 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace on Monday, which included two stunning strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell.
Kasami struck an early goal-of-the-season contender when he controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a long-distance effort into the top corner of the net to equalise, before Sidwell then put his team in front with another sensational volley.
Less spectacular efforts from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos comfortably sealed the three points for Jol's men, who must now look to build on that result as they seek a third win on the bounce.
They are likely to face a significantly tougher test at St Mary's, with Southampton on a dominant run of home form that has seen them stay unbeaten in front of their own fans in the new campaign.
Fulham have never won at the south-coast venue either, with their last victory away from home against Southampton coming at The Dell when they won 1-0 in September 1998.
Pochettino is faced with a selection dilemma and must decide whether to return Rickie Lambert to the starting XI; the 31-year-old was benched against Manchester United last weekend in favour of club-record signing Dani Osvaldo.
Pochettino will also potentially need to tinker with his midfield, with Northern Ireland international Steven Davis facing a last fitness test after taking a knock in training on Wednesday.
Fulham boss Jol has his own concerns, and he could be without defender Brede Hangeland and striker Bryan Ruiz, who will face late assessments over leg and back problems respectively.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/109294/southampton-vs-fulham/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/109294/southampton-vs-fulham/preview)
Stoke and Fulham in battle for Polish ace
Fulham and Stoke are set to go head-to-head in the race for PEC Zwolle midfielder Mateusz Klich, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The 23-year-old featured for Poland in their recent encounter with England, but was unable to help his side avoid a 2-0 defeat at Wembley.
Klich has been impressive with Dutch side PEC Zwolle of late, alerting a number of clubs from across Europe.
Stoke and Fulham are thought to be at the front of the queue for the talented 23-year-old, and could make winter moves.
His current employers are believed to value him at around £1m, but are hopeful that the two clubs could start a bidding war, which may substantially increase the figure.
Klich joined PEC from Wolfsburg on loan in January before making a permanent move to the Eredivisie in the summer.
He has started the new campaign brightly, notching one goal and four assists so far.
Fulham boss Martin Jol is believed to be keen to bolster his options in the New Year in a bid to keep his side clear of the relegation zone, while Mark Hughes also sees Klich as the ideal man to help continue his Stoke revolution.
http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/stoke-and-fulham-in-battle-for-polish-ace? (http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/stoke-and-fulham-in-battle-for-polish-ace?)
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70654000/jpg/_70654121_southampton-fulham.jpg)
Southampton v Fulham (17:30 BST)
Fulham boss Martin Jol was on the verge of getting booted out a couple of weeks ago - now he is a contender for manager of the month.
The Cottagers have won their last two games and I think they will get another positive result against Southampton.
After the start that the Saints have made, their supporters are probably convinced they are definitely going to finish in the top half of the table. The Premier League is not quite as easy as that, though.
After surprising a few teams in the last couple of months, I think Manuel Pochettino's side might get a bit of a shock themselves.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Montana's prediction: 4-1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24604531 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24604531)
In Form Fulham Man On Juventus Radar
Juventus are looking to bolster their midfield options, and are hoping purchase Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami from English side Fulham.
The former Palermo player has begun to establish himself in Martin Jol's first team this season, and has been in impressive form.
English newspaper The Sun report that the Vecchia Signora's sporting director Fabio Paratici has earmarked Kasami as a priority to reinforce the midfield.
The Macedonian-born youngster scored a spectacular volley against Crystal Palace on Monday night, in a game that was observed by a scout from the Turin side.
Having started his professional career with Bellinzona in Switzerland, after being released by Lazio, Kasami played one season for Palermo before being snapped up by the Cottagers. Finding first team opportunities limited, he was loaned out to Luzern, in Switzerland, early in 2013 before returning to Fulham.
Although born in Macedonia, Kasami spent his formative years in Switzerland, representing the Rossocrociati's Under-17 and Under-21 team before making his full debut earlier this month.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/10/on-form-fulham-man-on-juventus-radar/? (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/10/on-form-fulham-man-on-juventus-radar/?)
Fulham midfielder Scott Parker ready for Southampton test after back-to-back wins
Fulham midfielder Scott Parker is hoping to complete a hat-trick of Premier League wins when the Cottagers face Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.
Martin Jol's side have beaten Stoke 1-0 at home and Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park in their last two outings to move up to 14th in the table.
Two stunning goals from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell helped Fulham come from behind against Palace on Monday and they will travel to the south coast on a high.
Parker told Sky Sports: "When the results aren't going, no matter how well you are playing, you can try and gain all the positives you want from that, but ultimately if you are not winning football matches the pressure starts to mount and it was obviously a very big win for us.
"Going into the game it was pretty tense and I think it was a big game for both of us.
"Back-to-back wins is crucial and when you get back-to-back wins in the Premier League it suddenly springboards you, confidence rises and obviously you can move up the table a little bit.
"Our team is very attacking, the goals the other night and the way we won the game, we have certainly got that in our locker, but we also need to have the other side of it as well really.
"It was very pleasing and it was probably coming, but we need to maintain that now, especially this year. I think this year is a big year and we need to maintain that and stay amongst it really."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8990076/fulham-midfielder-scott-parker-ready-for-southampton-test-after-back-to-back-wins? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8990076/fulham-midfielder-scott-parker-ready-for-southampton-test-after-back-to-back-wins?)
Saints vs Fulham: Preview
Fulham are the visitors to St Mary's on Saturday evening for a 5.30pm kick-off in the Barclays Premier League.
Saints head into the game on a five match unbeaten league run, and aiming for an opportunity to remain without defeat on home soil so far this season, as they look to maintain their solid start to the campaign which has left the team in sixth position going into this weekend.
A 1-1 draw at Manchester United last Saturday saw Southampton's defence breached for the first time in five attempts, but the record of just three goals conceded in the top-flight so far this term is the best is the division and second only to Italian side AS Roma in domestic European competition.
Saints return home where they went on a successful run of three wins in all competitions prior to last weekend's trip to Old Trafford. Victories over Crystal Palace and Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League sandwiched a Capital One Cup success over Bristol City.
Visitors Fulham picked up a morale boosting 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday evening to make it back-to-back victories in the Barclays Premier League. The Cottagers had recorded just one league win prior to those successes, and as a result now sit in a much healthier 14th position in the table.
Martin Jol's men have taken 10 points from their opening eight Premier League games, but on current form are not a side to be taken lightly with Monday's game also proving that the visitors' goal-threat extends beyond the firepower offered from the likes of Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov.
Wonder strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell at Selhurst Park suggest that the Cottagers have found their touch in front of goal
Current Saints star Steven Davis ex is a former Fulham player. They were the club he moved to from Aston Villa, before going onto join Glasgow Rangers.
A feature-length interview with Steven is inside this weekend's edition of the Matchday Magazine 'SAINTS' which is available to purchase on Saturday in and around St Mary's stadium, priced at £3.
Team News
Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Steven Davis is his only concern for the game after the midfielder picked up a knock in training towards the end of the week.
Gaston Ramirez could return to the squad after missing out last weekend.
Fulham's Maarten Stekelenburg is likely to remain between the posts after the goalkeeper came through his return to action from injury in Monday's win over Crystal Palace.
Scott Parker also came through his second match in Fulham colours, with manager Martin Jol facing a dilemma of whether to stick with the team that won so comfortably at Selhurst Park, or take more of a conservative approach this time around.
Pre-match quotes
Mauricio Pochettino:
"Fulham are a team that knows how to play football very well.
"They have a lot of good, talented players so it's going to be a very tough game for us. We're fully-aware that we are going to be facing technically-gifted players.
"Throughout the season they've been using a 4-4-2 system and defending very deep – we've noticed that's how they've played against most teams. That's how their footballing philosophy is executed."
Martin Jol:
"You could see that even before the change of manager they [Southampton] have a good team. They started off with players like Ramirez and Jay Rodriguez – who we couldn't get because he was too expensive - and then after that there was Osvaldo who I thought about making a bid for years ago, and then they did it with Wanyama too. They are all good players and they've done well too, they got the players in and they've done well.
"There's only one team in Europe with a better defensive record and that's Roma. They've only conceded three goals and they've got strong assets and if you look at their midfield it's unbelievable there's stamina and strength and at the back, they're organised. I think it's a good team because they are solid but they also get forward too.
"We've been analysing teams for weeks in advance and we think we've found areas where there are weaknesses. Our game plan will also be to get forward and to score goals, but you have to be defensively solid as well."
Previous Meetings
Last season Saints hit back late on to take a 2-2 draw in the game at St Mary's. Jose Fonte's brace either side of Fulham's goals earned the hosts a deserved point.
It was a stalemate in the reverse fixture too, as Rickie Lambert's second half penalty rescued a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day.
Prior to then, our previous Premier League meetings with Fulham came in the 2004-05 season with Saints earning a draw on home soil but slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.
It was a similar story a year earlier when Saints were defeated 2-0 away from home, but held Fulham to a goalless draw at St Mary's.
In fact, that's the only goalless draw in the last twelve meetings between the two teams.
Saturday's game is the 62nd all-time meeting between the two teams. Saints have the upper hand with 22 victories to Fulham's 18. A further 21 games have ended level.
Match Information
Andre Marriner will referee Saturday's game, and he will be assisted by Mr M Mullarkey and Mr D Bryan. J Linington is the fourth official.
Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Day activities around the stadium which begin from 2pm on Saturday. Have your cameras at the ready to send into us via social media using the hashtag #SFCFFD.
Whether you're a home supporter or an away fan, find your perfect way of getting to St Mary's on Saturday using the link relevant to you.
Online Coverage
As with every First Team game, we'll be providing minute-by-minute coverage throughout the day on our official Twitter feed plus goal updates on our official Facebook page.
You can listen to live commentary courtesy of BBC Solent on Saints Player, where you can keep up to date with all the stats and scores from around the country.
Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Fonte spoke to Saints Player ahead of the game, and you can watch their interviews, as well as the gaffer's press conference in full now.
After the match there will be plenty more content on saintsfc.co.uk and Saints Player, so stay tuned!
And if you're coming to the game, don't forget to take your smartphones and join in with #MarchingIn on our social media channels. Tweet us @SouthamptonFC or comment on our official Facebook page and upload images onto Instagram with the #MarchingIn for a chance to appear in our Matchday Magazine for the visit of Hull City.
Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/saints-vs-fulham-preview-1133359.aspx?#woUypCh98jXUrBq1.99 (http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/saints-vs-fulham-preview-1133359.aspx?#woUypCh98jXUrBq1.99)
Inside St Mary's
Southampton fan James McAlister provides the inside scoop on his club ahead of their meeting with the Whites at St Mary's on Saturday.
It's been a great start to the campaign for Southampton – are you surprised by how well the season has gone so far?
It's been a fantastic start but I'm honestly not overly surprised as you could see the quality was there, especially at the tail end of last season. We've bought players who have the right attitude and play for the team, not a bunch of mercenaries who are there for their last pay cheque and still get relegated. It also makes a change not relying on one stand-out player as we did in the days of Matt Le Tissier. Last year we got a couple of scalps off the big boys – Liverpool, Manchester City, etc – but we seemed to struggle breaking down the teams that came to shut up shop, such as West Ham United. If we can continue the progress we seem to have made this year, the sky's the limit!
It was a bit surprising when Mauricio Pochettino came in, but he's settled quickly hasn't he?
I remember it was during a blizzard on the South Coast, and I was quite angry at the news as I felt Nigel Adkins needed more time to prove himself at this level. He's a great talent and deserves his chance at the top, even if it's sadly not with us. However, Pochettino has been a revelation. Our defensive flaws at the beginning of the season almost seemed to disappear overnight and suddenly we were playing a high pressing but competent game. I feel we can beat anyone on our day now. It's a fantastic achievement, especially when you consider that only four years ago we were in administration on -10 points in League One.
What do you feel is a realistic ambition for Southampton this season?
If we can keep the recent form up, my heart says Europe! I think January will be an interesting and important transfer window. Perhaps the calibre of player who normally wouldn't be interested in playing for a team like us might now turn their head our way. We're certainly building for it - if not this season, then maybe next?
Which players have really impressed you for the Saints so far in the campaign?
Dejan Lovren has been a fantastic foil to Jose Fonte. I think we'd shipped about 24 goals already at this point in the season last year, and this year we've conceded just five. It's also interesting that Fonte was on the fringes after injury last year as we favoured Jos Hooiveld and Maya Yoshida as a partnership. I also hope that Dani Osvaldo and Victor Wanyama gel with the team and show the form they seem to be capable of.
You've got plenty of young English players coming through which bodes well for the future doesn't it?
Luke Shaw will be the next England left-back in my opinion once Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines are past it. Every week there's a story about him being linked with one of the top clubs, which is a credit to him at the age of 18. He seems to be grounded, though, and I hope he stays around to realise his potential with us rather than getting splinters on the bench for a bigger team. We've also got Nathaniel Clyne and James Ward-Prowse making similar strides. It would be nice if we could keep hold of our academy graduates this time, unlike with Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott!
Every Saints fan must have been delighted to see Rickie Lambert do well for England when he finally got that call-up to the national squad recently?
It was about time! I was very happy for him and I'm glad Roy Hodgson took a punt. There are far worse England strikers in recent years who've picked up more caps. It really is a fairy tale story for the guy and I hope he's on the plane to Brazil. Ideally sat next to Adam Lallana.
Have you seen much of Fulham so far this season and what have you made of them as a team?
I live with a Fulham fan so I will be careful with what I say here! I've recently moved to London and I went to the Fulham versus Everton game in the League Cup. I think Fulham are a good team, but don't have the same depth as some of their peers. The side lacks pace up front and in central midfield, I feel. It will be interesting to see where your new owner takes you in the next few years.
Which Fulham player will you be most wary of at St Mary's on Saturday?
Pajtim Kasami – we're not worthy.
What's the best and worst thing about a trip to St Mary's?
The best thing is that you aren't too far from town so it gives you a chance to get some good food and drink in before the game, or do some shopping if you want to live your life like that. The worst thing is St Mary's is a bit of an identikit stadium with no real heritage. The atmosphere isn't too bad, there are certainly a lot of songs and cheering, but it's not The Dell.
What's the one song we're bound to hear you guys sing at the game?
You'll definitely hear 'Oh when the Saints go marching in.' It's our anthem.
Where can away fans go to get a pint before the game?
Having never gone to a game as an away fan, I don't know of loads but Yates' on the high street is always pretty popular.
What's your score prediction for the game?
I have to say 2-0 Southampton. We're in great form and, despite your recent talent for scoring wonder goals, I expect it to continue. Good luck and enjoy the game!
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/inside-st-marys? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/inside-st-marys?)
Bryan Ruiz is willing to go the extra mile
(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8809026.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Bryan-Ruiz.jpg)
Bryan Ruiz says the prospect of playing at the World Cup is giving him added motivation to help Fulham move further away from the bottom three.
Costa Rica have qualified for next summer's finals and Ruiz, who captains his country, is targeting a good season with his club in preparation for Brazil.
The striker admits it was difficult to recover for Premier League games after returning from qualifiers in North America but is now fully focused on Fulham.
"I want to play very well this season to give myself the best preparation for the World Cup," he said. "I am enjoying it here and I want to improve.
"It has been a tough schedule for me. I flew to Costa Rica many times to play for the national team, which is difficult to recover from. I am very tired because it is difficult to go to America and play, then come back and play again here. It is difficult to cope with the jet lag."
Fulham moved three points clear of the bottom three with Monday's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace. They travel to Southampton tomorrow and Ruiz believes Martin Jol's side have turned the corner following a slow start to the season.
He said: "We started with some doubts but two wins in a row gives us confidence. We are in a better position now but we have to continue. I am surprised by Southampton's form but they deserve to be where they are. They are going to be confident so it is going to be tough."
Meanwhile, Fulham have offered Steve Sidwell, 30, a one-year contract extension. The midfielder's deal expires at the end of the season. Manager Jol said: "We are talking to him but who knows what will happen."
Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is likely to miss the game at St Mary's with a nerve problem in his back. Hangeland was substituted at half-time at Selhurst Park and Jol said: "We kept him on during the Crystal Palace game and he had to have an injection afterwards. Hopefully, it will settle."
Fulham's victory on Monday included a wonder goal from Pajtim Kasami, who cracked in a sumptuous two-touch volley from 25 yards.
The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides since joining on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011. The 21-year-old has started just nine Premier League games and last season was so desperate for first-team football that he took a 50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.
The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.
"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," said Jol.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bryan-ruiz-is-willing-to-go-the-extra-mile-8903592.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bryan-ruiz-is-willing-to-go-the-extra-mile-8903592.html)
Arsenal boss: Wilshere goal better than Kasami's
Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere's goal against Norwich City was better than Pajtim Kasami's against Crystal Palace
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in no doubt that Jack Wilshere's goal against Norwich City from last weekend is better than Pajtim Kasami's strike for Fulham against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Kasami's wonderful effort has been hailed as a potential goal of the season contender, while Wilshere finished off a stunning move following a series of intricate passes.
Fulham manager Martin Jol even described Kasami's goal as better than Marco van Basten's famous volley for the Netherlands at Euro '88, but Wenger firmly believes his player's goal was more difficult to execute.
"Kasami scored an exceptional goal but many players can score a goal like that," the Frenchman commented during Friday's press conference. "To score a goal like Wilshere's is more difficult."
With the end of October fast approaching, we will soon find out whether Wilshere or Kasami - or potentially someone else, of course - wins the Goal of the Month award, which could provide a clue as to who will eventually win the coveted Goal of the Season accolade.
However, with another seven months of the season left to play, it would be dangerous to presume that these two goals are guaranteed to be the front-runners for the award.
http://www.givemesport.com/394479-arsenal-boss-wilshere-goal-better-than-kasamis?autoplay=on (http://www.givemesport.com/394479-arsenal-boss-wilshere-goal-better-than-kasamis?autoplay=on)
Southampton-Fulham Betting Preview: Super Saints can edge tight encounter
Mauricio Pochettino's men have made a fine start to the season and our tipster is backing them to edge a low-scoring match against Martin Jol's Cottagers at St Mary's
Southampton will look to maintain their positive start to the Premier League season when they play host to Fulham on Saturday evening.
Mauricio Pochettino's men have lost just one of their 10 competitive fixtures in all competitions this season and are chalked up as warm favourites with BetVictor to claim all three points against Martin Jol's men this weekend.
BetVictor go just 4/7 (1.57) for the Saints to emerge triumphant at St Mary's on Saturday while Martin Jol's side, boosted by a thumping 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, can be backed at a massive 11/2 (6.50) with the same firm. The draw is available at 16/5 (4.20) with BetVictor.
Southampton come into this weekend's set of fixtures boasting the best defensive record in the English top flight, having conceded just three goals in their opening eight Premier League matches and will be in confident mood ahead of their meeting with the Cottagers.
Prior to Monday's win over Crystal Palace, Fulham had just five goals in seven Premier League matches and, with Martin Jol's men only having netted once on the road before thumping the Eagles, the visitors may struggle to test the Saints defence too severely on Saturday.
BetVictor go just 4/7 (1.57) for the Saints to emerge triumphant at St Mary's on Saturday while Martin Jol's side, boosted by a thumping 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, can be backed at a massive 11/2 (6.50) with the same firm. The draw is available at 16/5 (4.20) with BetVictor.
Southampton come into this weekend's set of fixtures boasting the best defensive record in the English top flight, having conceded just three goals in their opening eight Premier League matches and will be in confident mood ahead of their meeting with the Cottagers.
Prior to Monday's win over Crystal Palace, Fulham had just five goals in seven Premier League matches and, with Martin Jol's men only having netted once on the road before thumping the Eagles, the visitors may struggle to test the Saints defence too severely on Saturday.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2013/10/25/4354889/-? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2013/10/25/4354889/-?)
Sidwell 'wants to stay at Fulham'
Steve Sidwell wants to stay at Fulham despite rejecting the club's initial contract offer, his agent has insisted.
Sidwell. whose current deal expires at the end of the season, was recently offered a 12-month extension.
His representative, Eric Walters, confirmed that the proposal was turned down and that the 30-year-old wants a two-year contract.
Whites boss Martin Jol is keen for him to stay and has indicated that an agreement looks likely to be reached.
And Walters told West London Sport: "Steve wants to stay at Fulham – he hasn't got it in his mind to go elsewhere.
"The club recently made an offer of a one-year contract extension but in mine and Steve's opinion he is worth at least two years.
"He is in his prime physically, he's always likely to nick you a goal or two and he does his talking on the pitch.
"Anyone that has been watching Fulham play this season I'm sure will agree that Steve has been among their most consistent performers.
"We'll wait and see what transpires over the next few months before we make any firm decisions regarding his future."
http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sidwell-wants-to-stay-at-fulham? (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sidwell-wants-to-stay-at-fulham?)
Martin Jol claims Fulham forward Pajtim Kasami could become one of the best players in England as long as he 'keeps his feet on the ground'
The 21-year-old's worth has rocketed after his wonder-strike against Crystal Palace on Monday night
(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903839.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Pajtim-Kasami.jpg)
Martin Jol reckons Pajtim Kasami can go on to become Fulham's own version of Andros Townsend - so long as he ignores the speculation linking him with a big-money move abroad and stays at Craven Cottage.
Kasami scored an early contender for goal of the season on Monday night with a sumptuous two-touch volley which sailed over Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni from 25 yards.
The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides at Fulham since joining the west London club on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011.
The 21-year-old has started just nine Barclays Premier League games and last season he was so desperate for first-team football that he took a 50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.
The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.
"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," the Fulham boss said.
"Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!
"I told him to count his blessings and to be happy at that age playing Premier League football.
"He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy."
Tottenham took little time to tie Townsend down to a long-term contract following his heroic England debut, but Kasami will have to wait longer for a new deal at Fulham.
Jol thinks Kasami, a naturally left-sided attacking midfielder just like Townsend, still has work to do before he deserves new and improved terms.
"There will be a situation in five or six months time that we have to talk and extend his contract," Jol added.
"If he didn't score that goal it would've been a different story.
"He could've gone to other clubs when he left Palermo but he came here.
"He started off well but he had to learn a lot and that's what he did.
"If you take the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton and Andros Townsend, they played for other clubs then came back. Now Townsend is the one I go to the stadium for. He's a good player, almost like Arjen Robben, but not as good. He makes things happen for his team and Kasami's the same.
"He's got a very good shot and free-kick, so if he works hard he will be more and more important for us."
Kasami is likely to retain his place in Fulham's starting XI for Saturday evening's match at Southampton.
Captain Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play as he has a nerve problem in his leg while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is a doubt because of a back injury.
PA
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/martin-jol-claims-fulham-forward-pajtim-kasami-could-become-one-of-the-best-players-in-england-as-long-as-he-keeps-his-feet-on-the-ground-8903826.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/martin-jol-claims-fulham-forward-pajtim-kasami-could-become-one-of-the-best-players-in-england-as-long-as-he-keeps-his-feet-on-the-ground-8903826.html)
Southend United's Cauley Woodrow: Dagenham defeat won't affect our confidence
CAULEY Woodrow insists Southend United's confidence has not been dented by their midweek defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Shrimpers were beaten 1-0 by the Daggers at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.
But the on-loan Fulham forward is backing Blues to bounce back to winning ways at Newport County this weekend.
"It was another good performance on Tuesday, despite the result, so we all still feel good and confident ahead of Saturday's game," said the 18-year-old.
"Apart from the opening 20 minutes I thought we were the better team against Dagenham and that was with 10 men.
"So we're looking forward to tomorrow and, although Newport are doing well, I think we can go there and get the three points.
"I certainly don't think there will be a big dip in results like last time when the team's run of three straight wins came to an end earlier on in the season."
Woodrow is also determined to continue his improvement in a Shrimpers shirt.
The youngster was selected as man of the match against Dagenham.
And he is enjoying his new role in the side which sees him featuring more on the left-hand side of the attack.
"I like it out there but I also like to get involved centrally and that's what the manager wants from me," said Woodrow.
"I've still been getting chances and hopefully I can put one away tomorrow to help us get a good result."
Woodrow looks set to stay in an attacking role against Newport County, with manager Phil Brown insisting Freddy Eastwood was not yet fit enough to be selected in the starting line-up.
The suspended John White and Mark Phillips will join the injured Adam Thompson, Marc Laird and Julian Bennett on the sidelines.
But Craig Reid — who could be facing his former side — will face a late fitness check on an ankle injury.
And Brown is expecting another difficult afternoon.
"Newport have momentum behind them after winning promotion and they're doing well," said the Blues boss.
"They play some nice football but then so do we, so it should be a good game.
"It's also the first time I've been there since 1979, so I'm looking forward to it too."
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/10762508._/? (http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/10762508._/?)
U18s Face Wolves
Fulham's Under-18s will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeat when they make the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (12pm).
Following the 3-0 loss against Aston Villa last time out, Steve Wigley's side will be aiming to return to winning ways having seen Tottenham Hotspur leapfrog them into top spot in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League Southern Group.
Opponents Wolves currently occupy third place in the Northern Group, with teams from both sections facing one another this term. Last Saturday, Wolves drew 1-1 with Stoke City at their Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground, with Peter Smith scoring their goal.
With five wins from eight fixtures, the hosts will prove a tough test for the young Whites, but Wigley's team will be confident that they can make an impact.
The two sides met twice last term during the first phase of fixtures, with Fulham starting the 2012/13 season with a bang following a 7-1 defeat of Wolves. Cauley Woodrow (2), Emerson Hyndman (3), Lyle Della Verde and Moussa Dembele grabbed the goals at Motspur Park.
In the reverse fixture, the Whites were held to a 2-2 draw in the Midlands, with Woodrow and Jordan Evans (pictured) on target.
Next Saturday, Fulham host Blackburn Rovers at Motspur Park (11am).
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/u18s-face-wolves? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/u18s-face-wolves?)
Parker Previews Saints
Fulham's midfield dynamo Scott Parker reflects on a job well done at Crystal Palace and assesses the threat of weekend opponent's Southampton.
Parker Previews Saints (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwF8-DzcR5o#)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/parker-southampton-challenge? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/parker-southampton-challenge?)
Saints V Fulham The Preview
Saints take on Fulham in the 5.15pm televised match on Saturday knowing that the worst they could finish the day on will be 7th, but the best could be 2nd.
In many respects this is a big acid for Saints, no one is doubting the teams ability to compete with the best, the draw at Old Trafford and win at Anfield proved that, however the question mark over the great start to the season is our ability to score goals and see off the sides who come to St Mary's looking for a draw. Although we are unbeaten at home so far, all our games have been against teams residing in the lower half of the table and in all of those we have struggled to despatch them, even the two wins had their question marks over them and although Palace couldn't muster a shot on target, we had to rely on two quick goals to see them off.
But if we can cure our shyness in front of goal and turn possession into goals and therefore points, then there is no reason why we shouldn't be very happy bunnies looking at the table on Saturday evening, as mentioned we could well sit 2nd if we win, although that will change on Sunday as Man City play Chelsea, the reality is though that Liverpool will beat West Brom at home and that will be enough to keep them ahead of us.
Fulham should not be underestimated though and it should be noted that only two games ago they sat in the bottom three, two straight wins have pushed them up the table and if they did win at St Mary's they would be within two points of us, that should issue a note of caution to those who crow about our great start to the season, that this is still early days and that a few losses or wins can make a great deal of difference to the league table, its a marathon and not a sprint as the old adage says and therefore where we are now counts for nothing its where we are come May that really matters.
On Monday Fulham despatched Palace 4-1 coming back from a goal down and we have to make sure that we don't let them repeat the feat, at Selhurst Park they scored two wonder goals from distance and it doesn't matter how good your defence is you cant defend against shots like that so we have to make sure that we don't give them the opportunity to repeat the feat.
From a Saints point of view the big question is whether Mauricio Pochettino will play both Lambert & Osvaldo or whether he will repeat his tactics of Old Trafford and drop one to the bench, my thoughts on this are well documented, I feel that a choice has to be made between one or the other and that playing both together has been detrimental to our creating and scoring going forward and the goals scored in open play support this theory.
If I was basing which of the two should play this Saturday after Osvaldo's display at Old Trafford you would almost certainly have to select Lambert ahead of the Italian, however I feel that Pochettino wont do that, like many managers at clubs far bigger than Saints, when you have a big signing you have to justify signing them by playing them week in week out almost to the point of distraction, even when its quite clear to the outside world that they are not worth their place.
Now Im not saying that about Osvaldo, he clearly is a class act and I think he will come good, but the plain truth is that he hasn't succeeded so far at Saints and that has to be down to the system rather than a lack of quality, indeed the same can be said about Rickie Lambert and his barren season, used in the proper way for England he has scored in open play, in the Saints system this season he has barely had a sniff.
I don't buy the "look at the league table" attitude of some Saints fans on this matter, the best managers in football are those that are pro active and can see problems arising even when things are going well and deal with them before they become a problem, we are going to find out soon whether Pochettino is a pro active manager or a re active one, Glenn Hoddle might now be reviled amongst Saints supporters, but when he was boss at the Dell his strength was he could read the patterns of a game and knew just when to make changes so that problems didn't become crisis's
When analysing any football team you have to look at the areas of improvement and who is not functioning and at the moment we are reliant on keeping people out, as Palace found out on Monday, you can legislate for long range goals of the season, at some time we will get caught out like that, we have to be able to outscore sides at times rather than out defend them so to speak.
I bring up points like this because they are relevant, ok we will all have differing opinions about how much of a issue they are, but the goals in open play stats are something that needs addressing, I want us to be second come 7pm Saturday evening, I want us to continue to thrive, but in football no team keeps being successful if they keep standing still and not addressing key issues.
Only real injury problem seems to be Steve Davis, if he is fit then I would expect the side to be the same as at Old Trafford although I would like to see us get a bit more width into our play especially on the left where in our last games we have seemed to have played without a wide left player per se, but reliant on getting someone over to cover.
If Davis isn't fit then I would expect to see Jamie Ward Prowse in the team in his place, JWP in many way is similar to Davis in the fact both are busy players, the difference between the two though is that although Davis is strong on moving the ball quickly on to another player and helping us break quickly, JWP is a better deliverer of the ball both from open play and dead ball situations.
This is a winnable game for Saints as is the visit to Stoke next week, however as I started this preview with, this is an acid test for Saints, we need to prove that we can beat teams and beat them well and we need to prove that we can score from open play a bit more.
- See more at: http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/33167/saints-v-fulham-the-preview?#sthash.Tzpfg4gr.dpuf (http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/33167/saints-v-fulham-the-preview?#sthash.Tzpfg4gr.dpuf)
Fulham skipper set to miss Saints clash
Captain Brede Hangeland is expected to miss Fulham's game against Saints tomorrow because of a nerve injury in his leg.
Manager Martin Jol said the centre-back will probably sit out the game at St Mary's while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is doubtful because of a back injury.
Defender Aaron Hughes could make his first appearance since August 31 if he overcomes a thigh injury, but full-back Matthew Briggs (hernia) is still out.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10764142._/? (http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10764142._/?)
Fulham star surprised by Southampton's start
Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz has admitted that he is surprised by how well Southampton have started in the Premier League.
With eight games gone, the Saints sit in sixth place after losing only one of those matches.
The Whites make the trip to the south coast on Saturday and Ruiz, who is a doubt for the game, knows that it will be difficult facing a confident side.
"I'm surprised by Southampton's form but they deserve to be where they are," he said. "They are going to be confident, so it's going to be tough."
The Whites ended a run of five games without a win before the international break with a win over Stoke and thrashed Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park by four goals to one meaning they will also be going into the game with spirits up.
"We started with some doubts, but after two wins in a row it gives us confidence," the Costa Rican added. "We are in a better position now but we have to continue.
"The middle of the table is always tough because if you win again you go up, but if you lose we are down again.
"We are full of confidence but we know we have a very difficult schedule.
"We have Southampton, who are doing really good, then after we have the cup and then Manchester United."
Manager Martin Jol called on his players to use next year's World Cup in Brazil as motivation to play well.
Barring injury, Ruiz will be going there with Costa Rica as captain but he still wants to be in the best possible shape.
"I still want to play very good this season to give myself the best preparation for the World Cup," he said.
"It's been a tough schedule for myself. I flew to Costa Rica many times to play for the national team, which is difficult to recover. I am enjoying it. I want to improve.
"I am very tired because it's difficult to go to America and play, then come back and play again here. It's difficult to cope with the jet lag."
Ruiz has been part of an attacking quartet and he is enjoying his work with Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Bent and Pajtim Kasami.
"It worked very well because Berba can play as a number 10," the forward explained.
"We have Darren who can exploit the space and Kasami doing well on the side. We have players who can score. It's a good combination.
"We are good and can still improve."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_surprised_by_southampton_s_start_1_2928469 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_surprised_by_southampton_s_start_1_2928469)
Southampton v Fulham: Cottagers to continue revival
This week's Saturday night football comes from St Mary's as Southampton look to continue their impressive start to the season against Fulham. Paul Robinson has all the details...
Southampton v Fulham
Saturday October 26, 17.30 BST
Live on Sky Sports 1
It was less than a year ago that the Southampton fans were in uproar at the dismissal of Nigel Adkins by Nicola Cortese. Former Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino has completely silenced those critics though as he led The Saints to a 14th place finish last season and eight games in to this one he has them in sixth.
It doesn't take a genius to see where they've improved as the single goal they conceded at Old Trafford last weekend ended a run of five straight clean sheets - something which Adkins could only dream of.
The Argentine has his players pressing high up the pitch and his creative midfielders pick apart the opposition defence when in possession. Club captain, Adam Lallana is the man of the moment as the 25 year old has two goals and two assists in his last four outings. He can't be far off an England call up although teammate Rickie Lambert has gone off the boil since he made his debut for the Three Lions.
Fulham have won three of their last four in all competitions to seemingly end a mini-crisis that had seen Martin Jol reportedly on the brink of losing his job. A 2-1 defeat at home to Cardiff had him under real pressure but they've bounced back with consecutive victories over Stoke and Crystal Palace.
The Cottagers can play some excellent football at times but they are accused of lacking a bit of steel as many of Jol's signings have been flair players. Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz are prime examples of that - although the latter is a doubt for Saturday - so it will be interesting to see who lines up at St Mary's.
Away from home this term Fulham's results haven't been too bad at all, which has surprised me somewhat. They've beaten Sunderland and Palace, and lost 1-0 and 2-0 at Newcastle and Chelsea respectively. They were unlucky at St James' Park though as it took an 86th minute Hatem Ben Arfa strike to beat them and they can easily be forgiven the defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Match Odds
Southampton 1.64 Fulham 6.8 The Draw 4.1
The last three meetings between these two have ended in draws - two of which were at Southampton. That outcome is definitely the value selection for my money this weekend as Fulham have an extra spring in their step and The Saints are just too short, despite their excellent form.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Under 2.5 Goals 1.98 Over 2.5 Goals 2.0
There's only one way to go in this market and that's definitely under 2.5 goals. All eight of Southampton's Premier League fixtures have had two goals or less this season and so did six of their final seven last year. Fulham have seen four of their last half dozen go the same way, with three of their four on the road all going under 2.5.
Cash Out
Given my selections of the draw and under 2.5 goals it comes as no surprise that my best cash out opportunity is a 0-0 draw. It's currently trading at around the 13.0 mark and I have to believe that it will trade considerably shorter.
Southampton have scored four of their five home goals in the second half this year and they've only conceded once at St Mary's. The 4-1 win at Crystal Palace aside, Fulham's three other away games have been 0-0 at the break, and if you're a believer in patterns, then the last three meetings between the two have finished 3-3, 2-2 and most recently 1-1.
Recommended Bets
Back the Draw @ 4.1
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.98
Back a 0-0 Correct Score @ 13.0 (Cash Out at Half Time)
http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-cottagers-to-continue-revival-241013-35.html? (http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-cottagers-to-continue-revival-241013-35.html?)
Southampton v Fulham: Hosts to squeeze life out of Jol's revival
No visiting side has scored a goal at St Mary's in the last three Premier League games
Fulham have turned the tide in recent fixtures by collecting six potentially job-saving points for their manager Martin Jol. However, up next are a Southampton side ready to flood Fulham's cottage-shaped sandcastle again.
Southampton's metamorphosis from 12 months back is astounding.
Where the Saints' colander-like defence were busy setting records for conceding in October of 2012, their new submarine-standard back-line is now the meanest in the top-flight, having seeped just three times in eight games.
This is something the last two league visitors to St Mary's can definitely attest too, with Swansea and Crystal Palace both leaving the south coast as 2-0 losers.
So, as we've already touched upon on this site, another Southampton win to nil at 31/10 looks a very plausible outcome and a potentially profitable one too.
Running with this theme and providing a decent cover bet, it would be wise to opt for 8/13 on the straight-up home win into any potential punting strategy to do with this match, while it also make a tempting accumulator price.
In pairing together new signing Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte in front of Polish international goalkeeper Artur Boruc, Saints' boss Mauricio Pochettino has unearthed a particularly steadfast heart of his defence.
And while Fulham's recent resurgence means they shouldn't be ignored, it's important to look at the back-peddling form of the opposition against whom they were secured, in Stoke and Crystal Palace.
Furthermore, on the road, Fulham have only gleaned points against the bottom two, while losing to nil against both Chelsea an Newcastle, which underpins the slightly superficial nature of their recent recovery.
The coupled correct score bet of 1-0/2-0 to Southampton at 27/10 gets 'Don' status here.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-hosts-to-squeeze-life-out-of-jols-revival_175796.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-hosts-to-squeeze-life-out-of-jols-revival_175796.html)
Fulham May Need Another Spectacular Strike To Breach Southampton's Miserly Defence
SOUTHAMPTON v FULHAM 17:30, St. Mary's Stadium
Southampton have made an outstanding start to the campaign and showed their worth last weekend when they came from behind to claim a draw at Old Trafford. The Saints have only been defeated once this term and have collected as many points as fourth-placed Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino's men also boast the tightest defence in the division, conceding just three times and have unsurpringly made their best start to a top-flight campaign since 1983, when they finished the season in second place.
The Saints have kept three successive clean sheets at St. Mary's, which is the same number they kept in their previous 24 Premier League home matches. There were many Southampton fans who were dismayed when Pochettino replaced Nigel Adkins but the decision seems to have been a masterstroke by Chairman Nicola Cortese.
Fulham are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Southampton and come into the game off the back of two straight victories. The Cottagers had been in a rut, without a win in five matches but victories over Stoke and Crystal Palace have given the Londoners some confidence and possibly saved Martin Jol his job.
One problem for Fulham is that they haven't managed three successive league victories since March 2012 and will be up against it when they face an in-form Southampton side.
What to watch out for: There have been just six goals scored in the four Premier League games at St Mary's this season.
Possible line-ups:
Southampton – Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Lallana, Schneiderlin, Wanyama; Rodriguez, Davis, Osvaldo
Fulham – Stekelenburg, Reither, Amorebieta, Senderos, Richardson, Kasami; Sidwell, Parker, Duff, Ruiz, Berbatov
Recent Form: Southampton: LDWWWD; Fulham: LDLLWW
Prediction: 2-1
http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/premier-league-preview/fulham-may-need-another-spectacular-strike-to-breach-southamptons-miserly-defence/? (http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/premier-league-preview/fulham-may-need-another-spectacular-strike-to-breach-southamptons-miserly-defence/?)
Premier League: Martin Jol feels England could do worse than look at Darren Bent
Martin Jol feels Darren Bent could still force his way into England's World Cup squad if he can find the net on a regular basis for Fulham.
Bent has scored three goals since arriving at Craven Cottage but his lack of playing time for Sunderland and Aston Villa means it is two years since his last international appearance.
But Jol feels Roy Hodgson's recent selections of Jermain Defoe and Rickie Lambert mean Bent should not feel like his England hopes are over.
"You never know," the Fulham boss said when asked about Bent's chances of making the plane for Brazil.
"(Selection) can be a spur of the moment thing because if Bent scores five goals in the final month of league then he could be in contention again to be selected.
"Bent is one of best finishers in England, he is like Defoe. And Defoe has a big chance to go to Brazil I think and Danny Welbeck is probably similar. They are all good players."
Fulham's form has improved in the last month or so but three points at Southampton on Saturday would mean a third straight Premier League win under Jol for only the second time.
"People don't realise that in the last four games (in all competitions), we only lost once," Jol said. "That was against Cardiff, which was disappointing, but we turned a corner four or five weeks ago.
"I think there is only one team in Europe who did better or equalled Southampton defensively and that is Roma.
"They are the only team to concede three in the Barclays Premier League. They have strong athletes, they have stamina and strength at the back and they are organised.
"It is a good team, they are solid in defence, but they go forward. If you have (Rickie) Lambert, Osvaldo and (Adam) Lallana up front you have quality."
Fulham's trip to Southampton on Saturday is live on Sky Sports 1 with the programme starting at 5pm
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8990626? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8990626?)
Fulham's Flawed Centre
What a result on Monday; a much needed three points and a Pajtim Kasami strike of the very highest quality. But let's not get too excited; this was a victory over a woeful Crystal Palace side. What's more, Kasami's thumper came against the run of play, when we were a goal down, and was one of just nine Fulham shots (six on target) in the whole game. Even after the Swiss marauder has scored the equaliser, it wasn't until Steve Sidwell's end-of-half belter that we finally started to dominate Palace.
If we can't control the tempo of a game against a mediocre Championship side, what chance do we have of competing with the top two thirds of the Premier League? Scott Parker and Sidwell came away from the Palace game with some pretty impressive stats (pass completion rates of 94% and 92% respectively, with a combined 12 of 15 attempted tackles successful) but this doesn't tell the whole story.
In Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos and Fernando Amorebieta, we have three centre backs devoid of pace. That's not a criticism, it's just a fact; however, it means that the team needs to cater for this weakness. And yet, for much of the first half you could have played a game of tennis between the back four and the central midfield two. When the Palace midfielders broke through Parker and Sidwell, they had space and time to run at the Fulham defence. No wonder Hangeland had to go off at half time with a back injury; he probably needed treatment for twisted blood, too. It's very simple; a slow central defence can't survive with space in front of it. Against better sides, this would have been punished; greater defensive energy, dynamism and positional awareness is needed from our central midfield.
Talking of dynamism, this brings me on another point. I don't want to be overly critical of Sidwell and Parker after a good performance on Monday night but they are a midfield duo totally lacking in dynamism or drive. Taking a novel approach to 'pass and move', they prefer the 'pass but don't bother moving' way. Parker, in particular, is happy to do a pirouette in possession, pass the ball sideways or backwards and then stop to admire his work. It's not enough. As a central midfield two, Parker and Sidwell need to link defence and attack; they need to move the ball forward at pace.
Against Southampton tomorrow, our midfield will be overrun unless Martin Jol adds a bit more energy in the form of Derek Boeteng, or moves Kasami or Bryan Ruiz deeper to create a compact midfield three. The Palace win was a big step forward but Jol's side remains a work in progress. With tougher games coming up, that progression needs to happen quickly.
Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/25-10-2013/fulhams-flawed-centre/852835?#ixzz2ioGMef5K (http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/25-10-2013/fulhams-flawed-centre/852835?#ixzz2ioGMef5K)
Southampton vs Fulham - Match preview and team news
Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven games when they meet Fulham in Saturday's late kick-off.
The Saints gained another excellent result last time out, scoring a late equaliser to hold Manchester United, and they have won many admirers on their way to sixth place after eight games. Their defensive record is stark contrast to how it was at this stage last season under Nigel Adkins, and there seems to be a real togetherness among the squad, epitomised by the all action performances of Morgan Schneiderlin, which are beginning to get noticed.
For Fulham and Martin Jol, two consecutive victories have arrived at the best possible time, as the Dutchman was beginning to come under severe pressure. Two stunning goals at Crystal Palace on Monday seemed to provide them with great confidence, and they were fully in control in the second half, and the 4-1 win means they now sit just a point behind Manchester United in eighth.
Pochettino will have to decide whether to hand a recall to Rickie Lambert, who was a substitute at Old Trafford, and Steven Davis will be assessed after sustaining a minor injury in training.
Fernando Amorebieta is likely to come in for Fulham captain Brede Hangeland, who was forced off at half time against Palace. Bryan Ruiz is also a doubt.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_22507_-.html#.UmtrEha_wds (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_22507_-.html#.UmtrEha_wds)
Shahid Khan winning friends at Fulham while blazing a trail in NFL
By bringing the Jaguars to Wembley, Fulham's owner is making strides – but he knows to tread carefully at Craven Cottage
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2013/10/25/1382704715228/Shahid-Khan-008.jpg)
The billionaire Shahid Khan has grown in popularity among Jacksonville Jaguars'
fanbase, despite being viewed with scepticism at first.
Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP
As the pianist in his London hotel strangles the opening bars of Live and Let Die, Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham, is smothering rumours. No, he is not planning to uproot the Jaguars 4,200 miles to London. Nor does he intend to freshen Fulham's management team, or jazz up a club so pleasingly traditional you can still sometimes smell the varnish on its wooden seats. "That's not me," he insists. "That's not me."
So what is he? A trailblazer, certainly: in 2011 he became the first ethnic minority owner of a NFL franchise. His back story is out of the box too. When he arrived in the United States from Pakistan as a 16-year-old to study engineering in 1968 he had $500 in his pocket. Now, having made his money designing the first single-piece bumper – a car bumper onesie, in effect – he is worth £3.8bn.
He is canny too. Khan has already ingratiated himself with Fulham fans by expunging the gaudy statue of Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage. Now he goes further. "I am not going to micro-manage," he promises the Guardian. "I am really impressed with [the Fulham CEO] Alistair [Mackintosh]. I think he's a very competent guy. And I like Martin [Jol] too. When I showed up they knew the players they wanted, so I said: 'Great, let's get the resources you need' – and every player on their wishlist was signed."
Khan, who will watch the Jaguars play the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley on Sunday , also admits he sought advice from other US-based owners before purchasing Fulham. Even the Glazers? "Of course – and I talked to Stan [Kroenke] and Joe Lewis at Tottenham," he says. "They are all very bullish about the English Premier League."
But he is aware how toxic the Glazer brand is, and says his mindset is different. "Obviously you have to look at the business upside, but it's only a part of it," he says. "With Fulham it is about history, their supporters, where they are and where they are heading." His blueprint for the Cottagers is closer to the darker hue of Everton than, say, Manchester City: Khan will spend, but prudently, with the ambition of making Fulham a top 10 club. He is Al Fayed deluxe, not another Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A survey of Jaguars fans in 2012 provides additional reassurance: it found Khan had an approval rating of 78% – a welcome turnaround given that he was called a "terrorist from Pakistan" and "a sand monkey" on online forums after buying the franchise. "The reaction is what the reaction is to somebody who looks different," he sighs. "I am not the typical person they are used to seeing, so you have to behave in a certain way to make sure people get to know you."
But while Khan doesn't match the standard e-fit of a typical NFL owner, with his lead guitarist locks and a moustache that wouldn't look out of place in a first world war biplane, his bottom line is not so very different. "The great thing about the NFL is that you get into it for love and you realise it is a fabulous business," he says. "It's a perfect sport and a perfect league."
Yet he dismisses suggestions that the Jaguars could relocate to London, even though an ESPN survey found that only 0.4% of US fans made them their favourite team, the lowest in the NFL. "Frankly I think it's very premature for any team to consider coming to London," he says. "Remember, this is the first year we have had two games at Wembley. But we have made a commitment. We are coming every year to 2016."
Why? Partly because it gives the Jaguars greater exposure than they would otherwise get back home. Partly because Khan believes he can capture new fans in a growing UK market. It is also about tourism. Thousands of Brits jet to Florida each year, but head south to Orlando rather than to Jacksonville's golf courses, waterways and beaches. Khan hopes to alter that.
Of course he needs the Jaguars' fortunes to change too. This season they are 0-7, one of only two NFL teams yet to win a game. They have also not had a winning season since 2007 and while they are making strides under a new general manager and head coach, Sunday night's game is likely be a blowout given that the Jaguars are 17-point underdogs.
But Khan stresses the bigger picture. "The NFL is one of the few sports where it's possible to tear things down and start again," he says. "We have the youngest roster and we're rebuilding. Because of the competitive balance of the draft and salary cap we can do it quickly."
He is living the American dream and, in owning his own sports teams, every schoolboy's dream too. But sometimes it has been a bumpy ride. After 9/11, Khan – a US citizen since 1991 – became a regular victim of racial profiling, much to his understandable exasperation. "Just on a random basis I suspect I have been picked out for more inspections than anyone else," he says.
Khan declines to give a precise number but admits: "It was kind of crazy. Whenever I was flying commercial I would land in Chicago and they would announce: 'Get your passports out.' It happened so often I would walk to the front of the plane and say: 'You're looking for me. Just take me, it will be easier for everybody else.'"
Suddenly his face lightens. "But it really got cool," he says. "Because once the groundstaff got to know me they would take me off the plane and walk me past immigration to get my bags while others were stuck in the line saying: 'Who is the VIP?"
These days he carries a Travel Identity Validation letter, which he eventually finds in his leather holdall. "I've got to show somebody – I've never had to show somebody before!" he chuckles. After a successful retrieval operation he points to a date. "After 22 August 2006, it never happened again. How about that?"
When it is suggested that he is remarkably sanguine about what happened, he shrugs. "It's the only way to deal with life," he says. "It makes it much easier. Ride the current, don't go against it." And if the cash keeps flowing in the meantime, all the better still.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/25/shahid-khan-fulham-owner-jacksonville-jaguars-nfl? (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/25/shahid-khan-fulham-owner-jacksonville-jaguars-nfl?)
Predicted Fulham XI to play Southampton
Match to be played on Saturday 26th October 2013 at 17:30. Venue: St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton.
Fulham recorded a second successive win on Monday night at Crystal Palace to move away from the relegation zone.
On Saturday they'll be traveling to Premier League high-flyers Southampton, who came away from Old Trafford with a point in their last away game.
Martin Jol will be reluctant to tinker with his team too much for their second away game in a week, especially after his team scored four and conceded just once at Selhurst Park, meaning Maarten Stekelenburg will continue in goal, and Kieran Richardson will continue at left-back.
One enforced change may be that of captain Brede Hangeland, who came off at half-time on Monday with a back injury. Fernando Amorebieta, who replaced the Norwegian, will likely deputise.
Winger Pajtim Kasami, who netted an outstanding equaliser in that game, will find himself newly the focus of attention, and Jol will hope the young Swiss can play a part in breaching a miserly Saints defence that has conceded just three goals.
Predicted Fulham XI:
Stekelenburg
Riether Senderos Amorebieta Richardson
Ruiz Parker Sidwell Kasami
Bent Berbatov
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/25/predicted-fulham-xi-to-play-southampton/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/25/predicted-fulham-xi-to-play-southampton/?)
Team Focus: Wondergoals Paper Over Cracks in Fulham's Attack
(http://164.177.157.12/img/blog/2013%2f10%2fFulham-Top-Image-1.jpg)
Pajtim Kasami's goal of the season contender at Crystal Palace on Monday night sparked a first Premier League comeback victory for the Cottagers in 18 months, as well as the first instance of the side scoring more than 3 goals in a match since the opening day of last season. It was a strike of real quality, showcasing the Swiss international's exceptional technique to such a degree that Martin Jol dared to place it alongside compatriot Marco van Basten's legendary volley in the Euro 1998 final against the Soviet Union.
The goal deserves to be lauded, but Fulham should be careful not to get too hung up on it. Followed by another spectacular volley from Steve Sidwell, the cottagers never looked like losing from the point they scored, but the nature of those two goals rather covered up problems that have been apparent for the Cottagers long enough that Jol's position as manager is not all that secure.
Incredibly, this is now only the second time that Jol's men have recorded back-to-back Premier League victories in over a year, and any optimism garnered from those recent results should be taken with a pinch of salt. They came narrowly against 16th-place Stoke, the lowest scoring team across the top 5 European leagues in 2013/14, and Palace, who had already lost their last 4 games and picked up only 3 points all season before welcoming Fulham to Selhurst Park.
So a team boasting players of the ability of Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz and that which Kasami displayed earlier in the week should wholly expect to beat both an underwhelming Stoke side and a rather hopeless Crystal Palace led by soon-to-be-sacked Ian Holloway. Fulham simply do no score enough goals with the players at their disposal; prior to their 4-1 win this week they had not scored more than once in a Premier League game all season.
Berbatov's form has too, been problematic. Against Palace he ended a Premier League goal drought that was approaching the ten hour mark with a header from a Ruiz corner. Still, a goal in open play eludes him in the league this campaign.
The Bulgarian has been chopping and changing between the 'number 9' and '10' roles, playing either behind Darren Bent or ahead of Kasami or Ruiz, but it remains unclear which position he is actually best suited to. He is not a striker who likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender, instead preferring to come looking for the ball in midfield areas; few other strikers would be comfortable as a number 10.
He has primarily played as a centre-forward in his whole spell in England; at Tottenham alongside Robbie Keane and at Manchester United with Wayne Rooney. Notably, though, both of these partners liked to drop deep to look for possession in the same way that Berbatov himself is known to. This similarity would usually be thought of as a hindrance but in fact has complimented each other, as is evident in the success he enjoyed with both.
(http://164.177.157.12/img/blog/2013%2f10%2fFulhams-Creative-Stats.jpg)
At Fulham, Berbatov has had most success when playing as the furthest man forward, with his partner tasked more with linking play and creating. In 9 appearances when playing in an attacking midfield role, he has not managed a single assist and scored only twice, including his goal at Palace. In fact, that game at Selhurst Park was the first that Fulham have won with Berbatov playing in the number 10 role, and even then it was hardly a victory built on impressive attacking football with their talisman at the centre of their play, but rather a match won by moments of individual brilliance and poorly defended corners.
Up front, meanwhile, Berbatov has 14 goals and 3 assists in 30 Premier League appearances for Fulham. It is thus questionable as to their motivation and justification for bringing in Bent this summer. The former England man won't be happy playing a bit-part role at Craven Cottage, but with Berbatov and the team getting such improved results with him up front, Bent may not be given adequate chances. Having only completed 90 minutes once since his move - when both Berbatov and Ruiz were out injured for the trip to Chelsea - Bent might choose not stick around for longer than the season for which his loan deal lasts.
Fulham are having fewer shots per game (8.4) than any other team in the Premier League and the lack of a player to move the ball about near the opponent's goal is a real problem for them. The fact that Scott Parker, one of the Premier League's less creative midfielders - to put it lightly - has been completing more passes in the final third of the pitch (10.8) than any other Fulham player this season speaks volumes. He has only 1 assist in his last 55 league appearances and quite simply, Fulham should be leaving Parker to his defensive duties and task the likes of Kasami, Ruiz and Berbatov with playing killer passes higher up the pitch.
That defenders Sascha Riether (2) and Philippe Senderos (1) can account for half of Fulham's assists this season is also indicative of deficiencies in the attacking department, while creative hub Bryan Ruiz's assists both came from corners against Crystal Palace. Clearly, improvements need to be made in attack because they are not solid enough at the back to rely on shutting out their opponents and nicking narrow wins here and there.
Up to 14th in the table after recent victories, Fulham have put breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone but that may not last. The Cottagers' next three matches see them face 2 of the current top 6 in Southampton and Liverpool as well as champions Manchester United who are in desperate need of points, so it will be a testing few weeks for the resolve of Jol and his players. The likelihood of their building on recent results remains slim, and even another cracker from Kasami might not be enough to disguise the problems in what could be a very tough period for Fulham.
http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/jrEZss52i0SuevVKVZMtZQ/Show/? (http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/jrEZss52i0SuevVKVZMtZQ/Show/?)
Martin Jol: Brede Hangeland and Bryan Ruiz could miss clash with Southampton
The Dutch coach says that the pair are struggling with injury ahead of the trip to St Mary's and confirms Matthew Briggs' absence
(http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2341300.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-Premier-League-2341300.jpg)
Injury doubts: Ruiz and Hangeland could miss Southampton trip
Paul Gilham
Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that Brede Hangeland and Bryan Ruiz are fitness doubts ahead of the visit to Southampton on Saturday.
The Dutch boss said that Hangeland is struggling with a nerve problem, while Costa Rica international Ruiz is doubtful with a back injury.
Matthew Briggs will also be absent after succumbing to a hip injury.
Jol said: "We have to test Bryan Ruiz tomorrow – he has a back problem.
"We kept him on during the [4-1 win at] Crystal Palace and he had to have an injection afterwards. Hopefully it will settle."
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager also said that Norweigan defender Hangeland is suffering with a nerve problem in his leg ahead of the visit to St Mary's.
"Hangeland has got problem with a nerve in his leg so will probably be out," added Jol
"He was injured before and he had a medical check and played two international games.
"I thought 'that was quick' but I asked him if he was fit and he said he was."
The Cottagers have recorded back-to-back victories in the Premier League to ease the early-season pressure on Jol.
However, club owner Shahid Khan has warned the team not to let complacency get the better of them after claiming that the threat of relegation is a real possibility.
Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/team-news-brede-hangeland-bryan-2499031#ixzz2ioIAOXVS (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/team-news-brede-hangeland-bryan-2499031#ixzz2ioIAOXVS)
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
Fulham owner Shahid Khan preaches American sensibilities, with respect to English traditions
Henry Winter speaks to owner of Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars about the huge potential of the Premier League
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02713/shahid-khan_2713997b.jpg)
New fan: Shahid Khan believes the Premier League is making steps in the right direction
Photo: PA
Fulham's new owner, Shahid Khan, was at Craven Cottage watching his team take on Arsenal, marveling at the tribalism of a London derby, the sights and sounds of a full ground and the increasing awareness of a major television audience tuning in. "What will be the viewership?" Khan asked Fulham executives and staff around him. A general confab ensued. "Around 200m'' was the conclusion.
Whether the Americans buying into English "soccer" understand the game or not, they certainly understand the numbers game. The numbers of the "EPL", as they call it are highly attractive.
Khan, the multi-billionaire auto-parts king, is in town again this week, attending NFL functions in London on Saturday, keeping tabs via his tablet and phone on Fulham's fortunes at Southampton and on Sunday attending his Jacksonville Jaguars side's game against San Francisco 49ers at Wembley.
"For us in the NFL the biggest game of the week would be the Sunday night game and that would have maybe 20m watching,'' said Khan over coffee this week in a Park Lane hotel. "You compare that to the opener at Fulham against Arsenal: we had 40 countries live and the viewership 10 times what the biggest NFL game has.''
American owners of Premier League clubs rarely talk publicly. The Glazers lurk in the Everglades. "Silent" Stan Kroenke is mainly, well, silent. Randy Lerner avoids the media. Khan is chatty, charming and his only touch of vanity involves tweaking that famously bushy moustache before the photographer starts clicking.
Khan's story is fascinating, starting in Lahore in 1950. "You'll be amazed, especially today, how revered the British Empire is in India, and especially in Pakistan. In Pakistan especially for the last 60 years what the British Government left there are things that endure like English law, the British railroads, the English language.'' And cricket?'' "That would fall under 'religion'! I used to have Hanif Mohammad's flip-card where you would see his batting position. Asif Iqbal was a great bowler. I played street cricket. Just a bat and a ball, no formalities like lbw and all that gimmickry! I loved batting.''
He was not born wealthy. "My grandfather, a doctor, had multiple wives and my father was from the youngest wife, and by the time it got to his education, they had gone through most of the family money. So my father had to work and put himself through school. Then he worked for the British railroads. He was a station-master at Lahore.
"He got married, an arranged marriage, and had to provide for the family, so he started running a small retail store at night. That taught me my work ethic and that paranoia is a healthy thing. It could all be gone! I feel that now!''
Really?! He moved to the States as a teenager, working ferociously hard, building up a 17,000-employee business and is himself worth £3billion so why the paranoia? "Auto-parts is hyper-competitive,'' he explained. "In football one wins, one loses. In auto-parts four or five guys have to lose for one to win. If we're not innovating we might have to close facilities.
"You have families counting on sending kids to school, making mortgage payments, who are going to be on the street. I don't lose sleep over that but I do have a sense of responsibility over that.''
He feels a responsibility to those who call Craven Cottage home. "It's a special place. It's the history but also the make-up of the fans, the civility, the welcome, family values which are really very much in sync with NFL. There's also a very tribal aspect that goes with English clubs. American sports don't have that tribal aspect today.''
Khan won the respect of many supporters when ordering the removal of the Michael Jackson statue, a sensitive issue that arose during negotiations to buy the club from Mohamed Al Fayed. "I thought it would be very easy for him to comprehend that this was time it had to go but he really struggled with it."
Al Fayed threatened jokingly he would remove Khan's moustache if Jackson went. "He has a good sense of humour, unique, a very Middle Eastern, Asian sense of humour, a humour from my dad's generation's that I relate to,'' Khan smiled. "He's got a heart of gold. In all reality Fulham might not exist without Mr Al Fayed.''
So what's Khan's game-plan? He definitely enjoys the sport, hugely admires the Premier League's chief executive Richard Scudamore and appreciates the league's commercial possibilities such as generating additional income from those 200m tuning into Fulham-Arsenal. "That will come with time,'' he says of earning more from the overseas audience.
Khan envisages the "EPL" becoming the world's dominant sporting league. "Absolutely.'' So he was sitting on a potential goldmine on the banks of the Thames? "No, I wouldn't say that but the best is yet to come for EPL. I met Scudamore, a great guy, and he's more American than British! He's one of the most American guys I've ever met! I mean it in a very, very good way!''
He likes Scudamore's ambition. The NFL, and particularly Khan's Jaguars, are playing regular-season games in London. So could the Premier League revisit Scudamore's controversial idea of a "39th game" with a match overseas?
"Right now that would be blasphemous for me,'' replied Khan. "I've been in this league what three months, four months? It would be heresy to suggest something like that. I spoke to Scudamore and he said 'I still have scars from the 39th game'. I think there will be a time but it's not right now. It makes sense. I thought it was a very, very ingenious plan that he had and eventually it would make sense but it has to make sense to everybody. It can't just make sense to one person."
In the mean-time, Khan encourages Fulham and Jaguars executives to operate in tandem, maximising revenue. "Our goal is 2+2=5, working with each other, helping the NFL effort but more importantly helping Fulham.''
He sees the Premier League learning from American sports and vice-versa. Khan is passionate about "analytics'', the use of data to assess and predict performance. "In the auto-industry now it's second nature. In sports, baseball doesn't have a hard salary cap so some of the smaller teams - Oakland are a good example - use the analytics, the patterns, for 'how do I identify the high-value players', so they can compete without the (larger) salaries of much bigger clubs. Analytics is not a magic cure-all but it's another tool that might give you a leg-up.
"A hard salary cap (as in the NFL) would certainly sustain soccer in a big way. In the Premier League it's very much a 'you eat what you kill' concept. Merchandising and marketing is all done at club level whereas in the NFL you sell the rights to the League, split them up and each team is going to end up with more money. That is very, very difficult when you have relegation and promotion.''
He would not change the flow between divisions. "It absolutely does add to the drama. It adds to the Cinderella factor. I saw – do you pronounce it Yeovil? - a tiny club, who came up into the Championship. Isn't that wonderful?! A feelgood story. You wouldn't have that without promotion-relegation.
"There's a lot of commercialism in American sports. Every minute or two the play stops and 'here's a TV commercial'. I don't think you can do that with soccer. You can't mess with the spirit or karma of something just to do make it more commercial. EPL is doing a lot of things right.''
Information is key. He introduces his factory workers to the Jacksonville coach Gus Bradley after games. "It's the sharing of experiences. It benefited Gus Bradley much.'' One wonders what Fulham's manager, Martin Jol, will make of such proffered advice. Fulham are already seeking another coach to assist him.
Khan supports Jol, whose position was strengthened by Monday's thrashing of Crystal Palace. "Right now, Martin is our manager,'' said Khan. "What we are looking at is how do we help Martin to be more successful? Martin has a lot for resources. Another coach is not something being done in isolation without his counsel, encouragement and involvement.'' Very polite and engaging, Khan is a demanding owner.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10404941/Fulham-owner-Shahid-Khan-preaches-American-sensibilities-with-respect-to-English-traditions.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10404941/Fulham-owner-Shahid-Khan-preaches-American-sensibilities-with-respect-to-English-traditions.html)
Southampton v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats
Check out all the vital statistics ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at St Marys
(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8904618.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/SouthamptonvsFulham.jpg)
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Southampton and Fulham, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8904660.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/southampton-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8904660.html)
Rickie Lambert must play to end goal drought against dodgy Fulham defenceIt's not well known that Fulham are something of a 'bogey team' for Southampton. The Saints have only actually beaten the Cottagers once in 36 years, and that in itself was 11 years ago this Sunday.
I would call that the perfect time to set the record straight.
Back in October 2002 it was a James Beattie hat-trick that put a Fulham side containing a multitude of talented players (and Rufus Brevett) to the sword, and his strike partner Brett Ormerod chipped in with the fourth to seal a 4-2 victory for the home side (having been behind twice).
If symmetry is to be achieved then Saints might look to their current forwards to find that sort of form against a dodgy Fulham defence this time out.
Fulham, despite winning on Monday, looked unsteady at the back, and playing Lambert against Brede Hangeland from the start is a must
Rickie Lambert and Dani Osvaldo have found goals hard to come by so far this season, though both have performed admirably in general. They are both frustrated I am sure, and on the back of Saints' current form all that is missing is a forward who is in the goals on a regular basis to make it perfect.
We all know they can do it, but both are adapting to a new situation. Osvaldo is still finding his feet in a new team and a new league, and Lambert is learning to not always be the main focal point of the attack. It will take time.
Fulham, despite winning on Monday, looked unsteady at the back, and playing Lambert against Brede Hangeland from the start is a must. Lambert on top form will bully the Norwegian and make his life very uncomfortable.
It seems odd to be a Saints fan and be talking about a lack of goals after the recent few years, but it really isn't a major concern. At times it is too easy to think that there are no flaws when the results are going right, but constant improvement is the key to continuing success and I am sure Pochettino thinks the same.
Should any of the Saints forwards – and that includes Jay Rodriguez – go on a run of goals then this side could well keep this run going and the 'shocks' might just become the 'standard'.
http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/25/rickie-lambert-must-play-to-end-goal-drought-against-dodgy-fulham-defence-4160673/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/25/rickie-lambert-must-play-to-end-goal-drought-against-dodgy-fulham-defence-4160673/?)
Midfielder Watched
As a club that is often labelled as unfashionable, its fair to say we have to scour the transfer market in a slightly manner to the big clubs.
We have to navigate our way around the areas that are not often deemed to be fashionable and sometimes, just sometimes, a bargain can be had.
To that effect, it`s interesting to read that Fulham are linked with the acquisition of a young midfielder currently plying his trade in Holland for the Dutch side Zwolle.
At twenty-three years of age Mateuaz Klich is rumoured to be heading to the Premier League with ourselves and Stoke listed as the most likely destinations.
Could he end up at Craven Cottage?
Well stranger things have happened!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=336577#ixzz2ioJyI6HA (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=336577#ixzz2ioJyI6HA)
The Sidwell Dilemma
Having lost a raft of players who were out of contract at the end of last season, something that heralded a large turnover of playing staff this summer, it`ll be interesting to see what happens next summer.
One player who is out of contract this summer is Steve Sidwell with rumours doing the rounds that the midfielder isn`t too happy at being only offered a one year extension on his current deal and is stalling with regards to putting pen-to-paper.
Sidwell, now thirty years of age, is believed to want a longer deal when his current one runs out and Martin Jol is keeping tight-lipped over the affair by simply remarking,
"We are talking."
So what is the verdict Vital Fulham should Sidwell be given a two year deal or is the club right to only offer him a one year extension?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=336578#ixzz2ioK9M4WF (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=336578#ixzz2ioK9M4WF)
Cottage Tours(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/CravenCottage/FFC%20Misc%20Stadium%20Shots-12.ashx?w=300&h=400)
This weekend, the Club is running additional tours of Craven Cottage and fans will be able to turn up and book a tour place on the day!
Tours will be running at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm on Saturday 26th, and at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.30pm and 2.15pm on the Sunday. Click here to find out more.
In addition, the Cafe at the Cottage will be showing a live screening of the Jacksonville Jaguars' clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday 27th October.
The game at Wembley Stadium will kick off at 5pm, although the Cafe will be open throughout the day, closing 30 minutes after the final whistle.
There will be a selection of hot food and snacks available to purchase, in addition to a cash bar facility.
Make a day of it by heading over to the Stadium Store prior to the NFL game, with our 15 per cent instore discount on all products expiring at 5pm on Sunday. This discount extends to Jaguars merchandise which will also be on sale.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/cottage-tours? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/cottage-tours?)
Southampton v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Southampton and Fulham at St Mary's on Saturday Oct 26, 2013, kick-off 17.30 (BST).
Saturday, October 26 2013
Southampton v Fulham
St Mary's
Kick-off: 17.30 BST
TV: Live Sky Sp 1, Highlights BBC One Match of the Day
Southampton (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Lallana, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Rodriguez; Davis, Osvaldo.
Test: Davis (knock)
Fulham (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Amorebieta, Richardson; Kasami, Parker, Sidwell, Duff; Ruiz; Berbatov.
Out: Briggs (hernia).
Tests: Hangeland (leg), Ruiz (back), Hughes (thigh).
Referee: Andre Marriner (Matches 6 R2 Y23)
Betting: Home 6-10, Away 9-2, Draw 3-1.
Team News Midfielder Steven Davis is a doubt for Southampton's match against Fulham at St Mary's.
The Northern Ireland captain picked up a knock in the draw against Manchester United last weekend and he faces a late fitness test.
Midfielder Gaston Ramirez could return to the squad after missing out last weekend.
Captain Brede Hangeland is expected to miss Fulham's game against Southampton on Saturday because of a nerve injury in his leg.
Manager Martin Jol said the centre-back will probably sit out the game at St Mary's while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is doubtful because of a back injury.
Defender Aaron Hughes could make his first appearance since August 31 if he overcomes a thigh injury, but full-back Matthew Briggs (hernia) is still out.
Match Notes Something unusual happened at Old Trafford last weekend - Southampton conceded a goal. That was only the third time Mauricio Pochettino's defence has been breached in the league, the division's best defensive record, and a 1-1 draw at the home of the champions suggested Saints' bubble is not yet ready to burst. Fulham arrive with renewed confidence after successive victories and with a taste for the spectacular after Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell's memorable goals at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Stat of the game: 30 Southampton's 15-point tally from their opening eight games is their best return in a top-flight season for 30 years.
Ian Winrow's prediction: 2-0.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10396798/Southampton-v-Fulham-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10396798/Southampton-v-Fulham-match-preview.html)
'You're not Maradona!': Fulham boss Jol keeping Kasami grounded after wonder goal
Martin Jol is keeping Pajtim Kasami's feet on the ground after his rocket goal against Crystal Palace his by telling him: 'You're not Diego Maradona.'
The Fulham manager revealed his Swiss forward used to be such a perfectionist he would feel sick when he made a mistake but has since realised his abilities will take time to hone.
Jol also lauded the 21-year-old's loan spell at FC Luzern at the end of last season, which only came after the he took a 50 per cent wage cut.
VIDEO: Watch Martin Jol speak after Fulham's impressive 4-1 win over Crystal Palace
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-0-18E3690F00000578-116_634x421.jpg)
Goal of the season? Pajtim Kasami celebrates after his wonder strike against Crystal Palace
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-0-18E4305300000578-399_634x417.jpg)
Fulham's Manager speaks to press after impressive win
Jol said: 'That was incredible because he wanted to play. Luzern had a very good, itchy player when he went over there. That was the first time in my career that I experienced that.
'We paid 50 per cent and the other club were supposed to pay the other half, but they didn't, so he paid the other 50.'
Jol added: 'I always tell him: "You're not Maradona". He's a perfectionist so he's always very disappointed in himself. That was the first thing we had to work on.
'I taught him not to fight for perfectionism and he did that. He's not sickened when he makes a mistake, he will go on and play.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-0-18E355C200000578-80_634x421.jpg)
Impressed: Martin Jol has praised Kasami for taking a 50% paycut to go out on loan with Luzern
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-0-0333D544000005DC-317_634x428.jpg)
Different league: Kasami still has a way to go before he's considered anywhere near Diego Maradona
'He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy.'
Kasami, who spent a season at Palermo in Serie A before moving to Craven Cottage in 2011, has been linked with Juventus in recent weeks but Jol scoffed: 'He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player.
'Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2476922/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-keeping-Pajtim-Kasami-grounded-wonder-goal.html#ixzz2ioLHRnjh (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2476922/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-keeping-Pajtim-Kasami-grounded-wonder-goal.html#ixzz2ioLHRnjh)
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Fulham football club address skills shortfall with cloud database
Fulham football club's IT team is moving its database infrastructure to the cloud with a database as a service implementation.
Fulham FC uses various databases supporting business applications and, after identifying a shortage of the right skills in-house, it decided to outsource.
Spencer Haywood, head of IT at Fulham FC, said recruitment, re-skilling and training would have been expensive with no guarantee of success.
"The recruitment process to find the required resource was lengthy to ensure value for money, so we looked to outsource this particular service to avoid the risk and expense of recruiting, re-skilling and training up new employees," he said.
Fulham FC chose a database as a service offering from supplier Carrenza.
The cloud-based service also provides the IT team with visibility through monitoring, as well as the ability to scale up and down in line with seasonal changes in activity.
Carrenza will be looking after Fulham FC's business-critical Microsoft SQL stack of databases, many of which play a critical role in the business activities of the organisation.
The database applications Carrenza will manage include ticketing solutions, stadium access controls and financial systems.
Other smaller databases will be managed to support areas such as player medical databases.
http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240207863/Fulham-football-club-address-skills-shortfall-with-cloud-database? (http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240207863/Fulham-football-club-address-skills-shortfall-with-cloud-database?)
Southampton v Fulham: Squad sheets
All the talk this week has been about Pajtim Kasami and his homage to Marco van Basten but, while Fulham have stolen the limelight, the most impressive recent performance was Southampton's point at Old Trafford. Mauricio Pochettino's side have three wins in their last four games and they will be confident that their blend of steely defence and high-octane pressing can sustain their momentum. Joe Sykes
Kick-off Saturday 5.30pm
Venue St Mary's Stadium
Last season Southampton 2 Fulham 2
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee A Marriner
This season G6, Y23, R2, 4.5 cards per game
Odds H 8-13 A 11-2 D 3-1
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2013/10/25/1382714881761/Southampton-v-Fulham-001.jpg)
Southampton v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light.
Illustration: Graphic
Southampton
Subs from K Davis, Gazzaniga, Fox, Yoshida, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Cork, Lee, Do Prado, Chambers, Hooiveld, Ramírez, Stephens
Doubtful S Davis (knock)
Injured None
Suspended None
Form DWWWDL
Discipline Y11 R0
Leading scorers Lallana, Lambert 2
Fulham
Subs from Etheridge, Stockdale, Riise, Senderos, Hughes, Boateng, Taarabt, Karagounis, Ruiz, Zverotic, Rodallega, Duff, Dejagah
Doubtful Hangeland (leg nerve), Hughes (thigh), Ruiz (back)
Injured Briggs (hernia, 2 Nov)
Suspended None
Form WWLLDL
Discipline Y12 R0
Leading scorers Bent, Kasami, Sidwell 2
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/25/southampton-fulham-squad-sheets (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/25/southampton-fulham-squad-sheets)
Premier League preview: Southampton v Fulham
Martin Jol's Fulham travel to the south coast to take on a Southampton side that have the second best defensive league record in Europe. The Saints have only conceded three goals in the Premier League since the start of the season, with Roma only conceded one to better Mauricio Pochettino's team.
The Whites arrive at St Mary's on a winning run of two, with a 1-0 over Stoke at Craven Cottage and a 4-1 thumping over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park – including two stunning goals from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell. Kasami's strike on Monday night is a goal of the season contender already, with Jol claiming his midfielder's volley was better than that of Marco van Basten's against the USSR in the Euro 88 final.
That win has injected a bit of confidence into the west London club, with 6.60 the odds for a Fulham win on Saturday. Southampton though are brimming with confidence too having got a superb away draw at Old Trafford last week thanks to a late Adam Lallana goal. The south coast club have only lost once this season and are unbeaten at home, with 1.60 the price for Pochettino's side to get the win.
Southampton's last win over Fulham came in 2002 as they beat the Whites 4-2 at home. Since then Fulham have remained undefeated against the Saints winning two and drawing seven of their meetings, however the Cottager's last win in Southampton came in 1998. Overall, there's been 21 draws between these sides, with 4.20 the price to make it 22.
Steven Davis is doubt for the home side, while Rickie Lambert might be recalled to the starting line-up after he was dropped to the bench for the game against United.
Fulham's Bryan Ruiz could be out with a back injury while Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play because of a sciatic nerve problem.
http://blog.marathonbet.com/?p=4223 (http://blog.marathonbet.com/?p=4223)
Preview: Southampton v Fulham – Can The Saints Keep Up Their Defensive Heroics?
Southampton v Fulham
Date: Saturday 26th September
Venue: St Mary's Stadium
K.O: 17.15
Southampton will look to keep their good run of form going, a run that includes last week's draw at Old Trafford but they face a stiff challenge from Fulham who hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 on Monday night.
Team News:
Southampton
Mauricio Pochettino's only worry is Steven Davis however he should recover from a knock in time for Saturday.
Fulham
Fulham have a number of injuries and minor knocks that should be overcome by the time kick off comes around. Brede Hangeland, Bryan Ruiz, Matthew Briggs and Aaron Hughes are those who could miss out.
Recent Form:
Southampton have only lost one game this season and find themselves unbeaten in the last four league games. A 1-1 draw away to Manchester United and a 1-0 victory at Anfield have been part of this run of form which sees the Saints sixth in the Premier League.
Their defence is their strongest point with three clean sheets and just one goal conceded in the last four games.
Fulham's form has improved in the last couple of weeks with victories over Stoke City and Crystal Palace which ended a five match winless streak stretching back to the second game of the season.
They are also looking dangerous going forward with six goals in their last four matches.
Players to Watch
Southampton – Dejan Lovren
Of Southampton's three big money summer signings the Croatia international has by far been the best. He has been in excellent form in the division's best defence while Victor Wanyama and especially Pablo Osvaldo have yet to really hit their stride.
The centre back has won 16 of the 20 tackles he has contested, an impressive 80% and is dominant in the air winning 73% of areal duels.
His Squawka Performance Score of 322 makes him the best defender in the Premier League, ahead of Leighton Baines and John Terry who score slightly less, 319.
Lovren also completes 80% of passes and averages two interceptions per match.
He has one goal this season, the winner against Liverpool. During that match he also won two thirds of tackles and headers.
Fulham – Pajtim Kasami
Martin Jol may have been overly hyperbolic by describing Kasami's wonder strike against Crystal Palace as better than Marco Van Basten's famous Holland goal however the effort was certainly worthy of the plaudits it received.
It also brought to the fore the good form the midfielder has been in this season. He has the club's second highest Performance Score of 134. From midfield he has scored twice with 64% of his shots hitting the target.
His pass accuracy is 77% and he has created four chances while he has also won 77% of tackles which makes him a decent all round player.
Prediction
Normal service will be resumed for both clubs with Southampton picking up a clean sheet and Fulham going back to losing ways.
Pochettino's front line will finally click and a relative hammering will be on the cards.
Southampton 3-0 Fulham
http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/25/southampton-v-fulham/2013102529084? (http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/25/southampton-v-fulham/2013102529084?)
Premier League: Southampton v Fulham match preview
A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St Marys Stadium
Southampton host Fulham in Saturday's evening kick-off riding a wave of momentum with their unbeaten home record proving they are tough to beat this season.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have won two and drawn two of their home matches so far this term in an excellent start to the season. But Fulham will be no push over as they also have some confidence with their 4 – 1 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night leading to Ian Holloway leaving the club on Wednesday.
This fixture could prove an important battle to gain points as these two teams could fall down into the relegation battle come the end of the season. There is good news for Saints fans ahead of tomorrow's clash as midfielder Gaston Ramirez could return to the squad after missing out last weekend's 1 – 1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Last three meetings...
Southampton 2(Jose Fonte2) Fulham2 (Jos Hoovield (OG), Kieran Richardson1), Premier League, October 2012.
Fulham 1(Dimitar Berbatov1) Southampton 1(Rickie Lambert (pen), Premier League, December 2012.
Southampton 3 (Phillips 2, Rosenior) Fulham 3 (Boupa Diop, Malbranque, Radzinski) Premier League, January 2005.
Stats...
Southampton have the best defence in the Premier League conceding just 3 goals in 8 games.
After Pochettino's appointment in January Southampton failed to beat 6 of last season's bottom half, but gained 12 points from 9 games against the top half of the table.
Berbatov's goal on Monday was his first in the Premier League this season.
Despite both sides being separated by 7 teams and Southampton having an extra 38 shots, Fulham have scored more goals (9) than their opponents (8).
The last three meetings between the two sides have always ended in score-draws.
Match odds...
Southampton: 1.64
Fulham: 6.8
Draw: 4.1
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 5.30pm. Highlights on BBC 1 at 10.20pm.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-southampton-v-fulham-match-preview-8905007.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-southampton-v-fulham-match-preview-8905007.html)
Premier League: Fulham midfielder Scott Parker is hoping to play in the World Cup
Fulham midfielder Scott Parker retains hopes of making it into Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad after settling into life at Craven Cottage.
Parker joined the club from Tottenham on a free transfer in August and has been an ever-present in Martin Jol's side this season.
"Hopefully I can get into Roy Hodgson's plans, or even a squad, you never know," he told Weekend Warm-Up.
"I realise it will be difficult but we have qualified for the World Cup. I need to have a big season and if I can, there may just be a possibility."
The 33-year-old also admitted he has had to change the way he trains and prepares as he gets older in order to stay at the top of his game.
"I've settled in well here, it is a lovely club. It brings back memories of how I was brought up at Charlton and at West Ham," he added.
"But you have to take more time to prepare to train and the same with warming up. In terms of the way I'm playing and my role in the team, I don't think that has changed drastically.
"But on a day-to-day basis, my resting, recovery time, stuff like that has changed due to getting older."
Parker also added to the praise for Pajtim Kasami's wonder-strike in Monday night's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
"To bring the ball down on his chest and to put it in a position where he can volley it like he did is something very special," said Parker.
"In the back of my mind I'm thinking don't shoot but then he goes and does what he did. It was a fantastic goal and he deserves full recognition for that."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8991398? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8991398?)
Preview: A Better Late Than Never Look at Southampton v Fulham
Fulham dismantled Crystal Palace last weekend, but face a much sterner test away to Southampton Saturday. Have Martin Jol's men finally begun to turn the corner, or was the Crystal Palace result a cruel and temporary respite from the malaise?
Fulham travel to St. Mary's Saturday riding the high of a 4-1 destruction of Crystal Palace. Said destruction was not without caveats however, and while the Fulham faithful are hoping fluid, attacking football has arisen from its Snow White-esque slumber on the boots of Martin Jol's men, Southampton present an altogether more robust challenge to what can hardly yet be described as a Fulham rebirth.
Mauricio Pochettino has Southampton purring like a finely tuned sport sedan. At the beginning of the season, I picked Swansea as my not-so-dark dark horse to challenge the traditional front runners' for the upper echelons of the Premier League, but Britain's other south coasters are the side looking most likely to crash the party.
Southampton currently sit 6th in the league on 15 points and have generally played some of the most fluid, pleasing attacking football of the 2013/14 campaign. That said, Fulham are only 5 points behind Southampton through 8 matches and have a chance Saturday to consolidate the momentum they earned against Crystal Palace and stake a claim to actually turning the proverbial corner.
This is not to say Fulham have to win or even draw Saturday's match. A competent, balanced display defined by confidence and purpose in attack and a disciplined, difficult-to-break-down defensive effort would signal that Martin Jol and his charges, buoyed by the Crystal Palace result, are all finally reading from the same script; that Fulham are not in fact flat track bullies capable of dismantling the cellar-dwellars but consigned to be the whipping boys of the clubs further from relegation danger.
In order to accomplish this modest task, Fulham have to limit Adam Lallana's touches and ability to combine down the right flank with either an overlapping Nathaniel Clyne or inside/out running Daniel (Pablo..Dani Pablo...Pablo Dani?) Osvaldo.
Pochettino's preferred deployment of Southampton has been a 4-2-3-1 formation with Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin sitting in behind Jay Rodriguez, Steven Davis, Daniel Osvaldo, and Adam Lallana. In this formation, the onus for providing width falls to Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne who have thus far done exceedingly well in accomplishing this task.
Look at last weekend's 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Adam Lallana competed 91% of his passes, including 13/14 in the attacking third, and his most popular target and provider was Nathaniel Clyne.
In order to combat this pattern of attack, it is difficult to imagine Jol fielding the same XI he deployed against Crystal Palace, where Sacha Reither and Kieran Richardson were largely counted on to provide width and Bryan Ruiz and Pajtim Kasami pinched in to get on the ball and make outside/in runs. Fulham's left side, specifically Kieran Richardson and whoever Jol decides to run out on the left side of midfield, will have their hands full preventing Clyne from getting forward while at the same time limiting Adam Lallana's ability to check to the right flank and get on the ball.
Worst case scenario: Richardson, Jol's choice at left sided midfielder, and Scott Parker and/or Steve Sidwell are constantly pulled to the left side of the field to deal with Clyne and Lallana and the side becomes unbalanced horizontally through midfield. Southampton are more than capable of quickly switching the point of attack and playing in attackers on the Fulham right side.
Fulham therefore have to maintain defensive shape and force Southampton to play across the face of the defense. I suspect Jol will field only one striker (if you have to ask, it's Berbatov) and rely on a five man midfield to even up the numbers in Pochettino's 4-2-3-1.
In all honesty, I wouldn't hate seeing Parker, Sidwell, and Derek Boateng on the pitch at the same time. I just do not think any combination of Ruiz, Kasami, and Berbatov has the discipline to track every run and help put out every fire over the course of 90 minutes at St. Mary's. And that's exactly what it's going to take for Fulham to get anything from this match.
Is it onward and upward? Or was Crystal Palace a false dawn?
I'm hoping for the latter.
COYW!
http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5029146/preview-a-better-late-than-never-look-at-southampton-v-fulham? (http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5029146/preview-a-better-late-than-never-look-at-southampton-v-fulham?)
Fulham's man of moment Kasami took wage cut to play for Cottagers, says boss Jol
Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed how striker Pajtim Kasami took a 50 per cent pay cut before becoming a Premier League star with his wonder goal against Crystal Palace last Monday.
The 21-year-old Swiss star had a spell on loan at FC Luzern at the end of last season and Jol said: 'We paid 50 per cent of the wages and the other club were supposed to pay the other half, but they didn't, so he paid the other 50.
'That was incredible because he wanted to play. Luzern had a very good, itchy player when he went over there. That was the first time in my career that I experienced that.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-2477115-18E3690F00000578-646_634x421.jpg)
Pointing to success: Fulham's Pajtim Kasami celebrates scoring his wonder goal against Crystal Palace
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-2477115-18E355C200000578-435_634x419.jpg)
Revelation: Fulham boss Martin Jol said Kasami took a pay cut to sign for the club
The Fulham manager also revealed that Kasami was such a perfectionist he would feel sick when he made a mistake but has realised his abilities will take time to hone.
Jol added: 'I always tell him: "You're not Maradona". He's a perfectionist so he's always very disappointed in himself. That was the first thing we had to work on.
'I taught him not to fight for perfectionism and he did that. He's not sickened when he makes a mistake, he will go on and play.
'He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/25/article-2477115-18E4305300000578-774_634x417.jpg)
Clap happy: Kasami acknowledges the travelling Fulham fans following their 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace
Kasami, who spent a season at Palermo in Serie A before moving to Craven Cottage in 2011, has been linked with Juventus in recent weeks but Jol scoffed: 'He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player.
'Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2477115/Pajtim-Kasami-took-wage-cut-play-Fulham-says-Martin-Jol.html#ixzz2ioP4XYJ2 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2477115/Pajtim-Kasami-took-wage-cut-play-Fulham-says-Martin-Jol.html#ixzz2ioP4XYJ2)
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Fulham plan to offer new deal to Kasami
Whites to open talks with Swiss star in the second half of the season
Fulham plan to open contract talks with rising star Pajtim Kasami in the new year.
The former Palermo youngster has cemented a place in Martin Jol's starting XI after two years trying to make the grade at Craven Cottage.
Kasami grabbed the headlines this week with his stunning volley against Crystal Palace, compared to Marco van Basten's legendary strike by his boss.
His exploits have earned the 21-year-old a call-up to the Switzerland senior squad and even attracted the attention of Serie A giants Juventus.
Kasami still has more than 18 months to run on his deal, but Jol would like to tie him to a longer contract.
"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," said the Dutchman.
"Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!
"There will be a situation in five or six months time that we have to talk and extend his contract."
Jol added: "He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy.
"I told him to count his blessings and to be happy at that age playing Premier League football.
"He's got a very good shot and free-kick, so if he works hard he will be more and more important for us."
Kasami has made just 10 league starts for the Cottagers since his move to west London in 2011.
The Macedonian-born midfielder featured just three times last season, but a successful stint at Swiss side Lucerne in the second half of the campaign paved the way to the Fulham first team.
However, the move hit Kasami in the pocket after taking a 50 per cent pay cut to broker the deal.
"He was the first player I know who went on loan that paid his own wages," said Jol.
"We paid 50 per cent and the other club were supposed to pay the other half, but they didn't.
"That was incredible because he wanted to play. Lucerne had a very good, itchy player when he went over there. That was the first time in my career that I experienced that.
"The likes of Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend played for other clubs then came back and did well. Now Townsend is the one I go to the stadium for. He makes things happen for his team, and Kasami's the same."
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-plan-offer-new-deal-6243625? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-plan-offer-new-deal-6243625?)
Three wins in a row?
That's Fulham's task Saturday -- and a tough one it is too at Southampton, where the Saints are really flying. What a contrast in their fortunes over the past 12 months, and from Fulham's last journey down the M3 to St. Mary's in October 2012.
The sides shared four goals that afternoon, as with Nigel Adkins at the helm the promoted side could not stop shipping goals. It was 24 from their first eight games, and sadly for Adkins the board lost faith with him before he could turn things around.
Now at Reading -- who Adkins masterminded to a splendid victory over the Whites at the Cottage during their miserable 'Spring of Discontent' -- Adkins may feel somewhat hard done by to have been jettisoned so quickly. Here was the man who had taken the Saints into the Premiership with two back-to-back promotions. But he was fired last January with the club three points outside the relegation places.
Such fine margins between success and failure in the top flight. Having exited the Premier League in 2005 and then gone into administration in April 2009 lumbered by £30 million of debt to service the impressive new stadium build, Southampton fans have been on a recent journey as heady as Fulham followers in the early years of Mohamed al Fayed's tenure.
There's a friendly rivalry between the clubs, and most of us fans have enjoyed away days to the old Dell and the new ground too, while Saints at the Cottage are always welcome visitors. The Southampton board have been utterly vindicated in their actions, as Mauricio Pochettino has bought cleverly, tightened the defence and improved the team in every way. Evidence of that came at Old Trafford a week ago when they came away with a draw -- this after leaving England man Rickie Lambert on the bench.
Going into Saturday's game, Fulham, if they are to make it three wins on the spin for the first time in 18 months, are going to have to pierce one of the meanest defences in the league. And fragile as the Whites have been in conceding late on, their opponents have been making a habit of scoring in the last 10 minutes this season. With the home side perched sixth place, five points better off than Fulham, the odds say home win.
I'm going for a draw, the result from the teams' last two meetings. While Martin Jol's side still have some way to go to convince the doubters, it is vital Fulham build on Monday night's Palace romp. People are saying without the two blinding strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell that night, Fulham might have been struggling to take a point. I can see their case.
Fulham remain without a master craftsman in midfield to unpick the opposition. Drills that reinforce the pass-and-move mentality plus ways to speed up play -- and crucially, feed Darren Bent the kind of service he thrives on, are still to be honed. Much criticism has been heaped on Dimitar Berbatov's shoulders lately for playing way too deep. On Monday he touched the ball more than any other man in White -- how telling is that? Never mind what that t-shirt said last Christmas -- I'm sending him a new one. 'Dimi get in the box'.
From the club we hear skipper Brede Hangeland needs time to sort out a sciatic nerve problem. Once upon a time this would have me fretting. Not now. The defensive back line that served Fulham so well Monday will do just fine for me. I like Fernando Amorebieta the more I see of him, while Philippe Senderos is in the Fulham form of his life.
The other absentee is likely to be Bryan Ruiz with a back strain. Not being a fan of his, this does not trouble me either. Apart perhaps from the thought that Jol, especially as Fulham are away, may react conservatively and start Damien Duff. I am wondering if we shall ever see another first-team goal from the veteran Irishman?
Jol played a bold hand at Palace -- Bent, Berbatov, Kasami and Ruiz all starting. Fulham lack wingers at present. Is it because they are all no good, or because Martin has no faith in them? So if Fulham are looking to play narrow, there has to be plenty of movement off the ball. Giving Scott Parker no options but to keep rolling it square to the full backs gets Fulham nowhere.
Defeat does not spell a return in irons to the dungeons for our manager while the fans re-stock on supplies of rotten fruit. But a tough run of fixtures beckons. The fans need clear signs the side are on an upward spiral, and part of that process requires the gaffer to sometimes admit he is wrong, while listening to the opinions of others. A handshake for every staff member in the dugout at Palace on the final whistle? Now we've not seen that before. COYW!
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1464?&cc=5739 (http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1464?&cc=5739)
Fulham manager Martin Jol tells Juventus they must wait to sign Pajtim Kasami
JUVENTUS have been told to forget about signing Fulham's Pajtim Kasami for now.
The Switzerland midfielder scored a goal-of-the-season contender in Monday's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, catching the eye of Juventus.
However, Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "Kasami is still not the best player in England, but in two or three years he could be a big player. Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That'd be good for everyone."
Jol, whose side play Southampton tonight, is also pleased with Kasami's attitude.
Jol said: "Kasami was the first player who went on loan who paid his own wages.
"That was incredible. Lucerne had a very good player when he went over there. That was the first time in my career I experienced that. We paid 50 per cent and the other club were supposed to pay the other half, but they didn't, so he paid."
And another player singled out for praise by his manager is Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino said: "James Ward-Prowse is basically an example of the player we are promoting, the player we want to have in this club.
"In every training session he gives 100 per cent. He always has an immediate impact in what he does and is a player who is growing. He is a figurehead of the sort of player we are looking for ."
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/439242/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-tells-Juventus-they-must-wait-to-sign-Pajtim-Kasami (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/439242/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-tells-Juventus-they-must-wait-to-sign-Pajtim-Kasami)
Southampton v Fulham
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70642000/jpg/_70642472_185494137.jpg)
By Conor McNamara
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St Mary's Date: Saturday, 26 October
Southampton will assess midfielder Steven Davis, who suffered a minor injury in training this week.
Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether to recall Rickie Lambert, who began on the bench in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United.
Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz is doubtful with a back injury, having required a pain-killing injection after Monday's win at Crystal Palace.
Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play because of a sciatic nerve problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Amid this week's heated discussions about commissions, autobiographies and international eligibility criteria, Southampton and Fulham reminded us of what most people actually love about football.
Peripheral distractions like scandals and fall-outs will always tease and titillate. Concepts like "singing sections" and "whether someone is a "top player" or even a "top, top player" generally amuse or frustrate.
However, it is moments like Pajtim Kasami's goal against Crystal Palace that makes youngsters swoon and old men feel young again.
The pace, technique and audacity shown are what this game is all about. Kids don't grow up dreaming of sitting on commissions or writing controversial autobiographies - they dream of scoring a goal like that.
Or perhaps a goal like Adam Lallana's at Old Trafford. It might not have had the aesthetic marvel of Kasami's effort, but the context - a last-minute equaliser at Manchester United - was right out of the pages of a comic book.
Overall, it's not been a bad week to be a supporter of either of these clubs.
Southampton won a point at Old Trafford with the kind of resilient performance that Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of in his heyday.
It was no flash in the pan for Mauricio Pochettino's team. Lallana's strike was already the fourth time this season that Southampton found the net in the last 10 minutes of a Premier League game.
Fulham scored four times against Palace and anyone who was at Selhurst Park on Monday will be telling their grandkids they were present when Kasami conjured up his wonder volley. Steve Sidwell's wasn't bad either.
We will always have gossip and sideshow in football. However, even in the cut-throat world of the modern game, a week like Southampton and Fulham have enjoyed reminds us where the sport's true excitement comes from.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This match could end 0-0 judging by the pattern of recent encounters. The last meeting finished 1-1, and was preceded by 2-2 and 3-3 draws.
Saturday will mark 78 years to the day since Fulham's only previous league win at Southampton. That was a 2-1 victory in a Division Two game on 26 October 1935.
Southampton
Seven of Saints' eight league goals this season have been scored in the second half, with four netted in the final 10 minutes of matches.
They have only lost three of their last 20 games in all competitions.
Their tally of three goals conceded is the lowest in the Premier League. At this stage last season they had let in 24 league goals.
Serie A leaders Roma (one goal conceded) are the only side in one of the top five European leagues with a better defensive record than Saints.
Southampton's haul of 15 points from their opening eight games represents their best start to a top-flight campaign since 1983-84, when they had 17 points at this stage. That season they ended in second place behind Liverpool.
Fulham
Victory would give Fulham three successive league wins for the first time since February-March 2012, when they beat Stoke, QPR and then Wolves.
Only Arsenal and Tottenham (three) have won more Premier League away games than Fulham (two) this season.
Dimitar Berbatov had 79 touches against Crystal Palace on Monday, more than any other Fulham player. In contrast, strike partner Darren Bent touched the ball only 13 times
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24591247 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24591247)
Monaco coach and former Fulham star Sylvain Legwinski in running for Forest Green job
(http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/resources/images/2697925.jpg?type=articleLandscape)
THE SNJ understands AS Monaco assistant coach and former Fulham star Sylvain Legwinski is in the running to land the job as manager of Forest Green.
Frenchman Legwinski,40, joined AS Monaco youth system at 18 under and broke into the first team under Arsène Wenger.
He developed into a midfield force under Jean Tigana's guidance, scoring nine league goals in 1996–97, as Monaco won the national title.
Legwinski teamed-up again with Tigana at Fulham in a £3.3million switch from Bordeaux under former chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.
At the beginning of the 2006–07 season, new Fulham boss Chris Coleman made it clear that Legwinski did not fit into the side's future plans and, in August 2006, following a successful trial with Ipswich Town, the player signed a two-year contract.
Legwinski screamer vs Newcastle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iUOy22LkfQ#)
In his first year at the club, Legwinksi won the supporter's and manager's Player of the Year Award for 2006–07.
However, Legwinski found himself out of the picture for much of the following season, still managing to find the net twice, in draws against Queen's Park Rangers and Burnley.
Due to the team's extensive midfield, he was told he would not be offered a new contract and, as Town team-mate Fabian Wilnis, started looking to the future, working towards his coaching badges.
In September 2008, Legwinski underwent an unsuccessful trial with Swedish team IFK Göteborg. Early in the following year, he had another tryout in the country, with Örgryte IS, which had just won promotion to the top flight.
In March 2009, Legwinski joined St Neots Town as a player/assistant manager, joining player-manager Steve Lomas.
Shortly after, definitely retired, he moved to Crystal Palace as a youth coach before returning to Monaco as a coach.
http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/sport/10764011._/? (http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/sport/10764011._/?)
Squad Sheets: Southampton vs Fulham
Both teams come into this fixture on the back of impressive results in the last round of Premier League fixtures.
A last minute equalizer from skipper Adam Lallana handed the Saints a draw against champions Manchester United.
Lallana produced another impressive performance to continue knocking on the door of England manager Roy Hodgson. The Saints academy graduate completed a pass in Manchester United's half every 3.3 minutes.
Without looking at the statistics, one would be forgiven for presuming that Saints were clinging on against the Red Devils, and a resolute defensive performance kept the champions at bay. However, the statistics tell a totally different story. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Morgan Schneiderlin totally bossed the game – completing more passes in the opposition half than any other player on the pitch (30). To emphasise the Saints dominance, Adam Lallana was the player who completed the second most (27)
Southampton invested a lot of money in the signature of Croatian Dejan Lovren this Summer, but he is certainly proving to be worth the investment. The centre half has attempted 21 challenges this season, and completed a staggering 95% of them.
Pablo Osvaldo may have only scored once so far this season, but he certainly hasn't been afraid to get stuck in. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that he has completed an impressive 88.9% of his challenges this term.
Strike partner Rickie Lambert may have been dropped to the bench against Manchester United, but his offensive worth to the Southampton team should not be overlooked. The England international has made 135 attacking contributions this season (based on shots, crosses, dribbles and passes in the opposition half). This is more than any other Saints player.
A wonder-goal from Pajtim Kasami helped Fulham on their way to an impressive 4-1 victory over strugglers Crystal Palace.
Steve Sidwell may feel slightly aggrieved that his exquisite volley has been practically ignored, due to the quality of Kasami's strike. However, Sidwell should at least be comforted by the fact that he produced a solid defensive display to help Fulham on their way to victory. The ex-Reading man completed 7 of his 8 challenges against Crystal Palace.
A challenge for Martin Jol will be attempting to work out how to get the best out of Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov. Thus far, it seems that Jol will look to play Berbatov in a slightly withdrawn role, allowing him to thread passes into the channels for Bent to run on to. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Berbatov appeared to warm to this new role, as he completed 37 passes in Crystal Palace's half.
This was more than any of his teammates.
Bryan Ruiz was a creative lynchpin against Crystal Palace, registering 3 assists. These were Ruiz' first assists of the season, which is surprising considering he has completed a pass in the opposition half every 4 minutes so far this term.
Scott Parker may prove to be the catalyst in Fulham's push for a comfortable top half finish this season, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he has been effective at both ends of the pitch. Not only has Parker won an impressive 82% of his tackles this campaign, he has also completed more passes in the opposition half than any other Fulham player (156)
http://threeandin.com/?p=29376 (http://threeandin.com/?p=29376)
Can Fulham breach the best defensive record in the league?
Today's late kick-off features two in-form and confident sides. Southampton and Fulham not only managed positive and unlikely results in their previous leaguegames, but each produced a moment that every football fan has daydreamed about many times. Don't deny it.
Adam Lallana's stoppage-time equaliser at Old Trafford last Saturday summarised the Saints' start to the season. They now sit in sixth place, above Everton in seventh, and Manchester United themselves in eighth, and their supporters would laugh in your face if you told them they would finish anywhere other than the top half this season.
But we all know that the Premier League isn't as easy as that. Granted, their only loss was away at a much-improved Tottenham, but there's a long way to go yet, and no doubt they'll become the subject of some shock losses themselves at some point.
It could come as early as Saturday night. Southampton will go in as favourites, but after Pajtim Kasami's wonder goal in Fulham's 4-1 drubbing of Crystal Palace on Monday, the whites will feel as though anything is possible. And maybe it is, now that Fulham are scoring four goals in Premier League away matches.
Mauricio Pochettino will be telling his players the same thing, but the Saints ought not to get complacent. A Fulham win will see the gap between the two sides close to just two points, something which seemed impossible just a couple of weeks ago, and goes to show just how unpredictable the Premier League can be.
I never thought I'd say it, but Fulham have recorded more away wins than home wins this season. Actually, they have recorded more away wins than 17 other top flight clubs going into this weekend; only Arsenal and Spurs, with three away wins each, can top Fulham's two, so Southampton's home advantage doesn't count for as much as it once might have.
When two happy sets of players (I'm pretty sure I saw Dimitar Berbatov smile in Fulham's win at Palace) with plenty to play for meet, you'd expect an exciting game, but recent head-to-head stats suggest otherwise. Their last meeting ended 1-1, the meeting before that finished 2-2, and that was preceded by a 3-3 draw. What this all leads towards is a 0-0 draw, which wouldn't be a surprise without that statistic.
Southampton have the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just three goals, and the second best defensive record in Europe, behind Serie A leaders Roma, who've conceded just one. And after Fulham took the lead at Selhurst Park, they defended any Palace threat with ease due to solid away performances from each of the back line.
We're in for a classy but aggressive encounter between two sides playing football with confidence and passion. I wouldn't rule out a goalless draw, and I might even bet on a draw of some sort, but goals don't necessarily make for a good game of football.
http://threeandin.com/?p=29331 (http://threeandin.com/?p=29331)
Premier League: Shahid Khan would welcome 39th game but he won't push for it
Fulham owner Shahid Khan insists that he will not be one of those pushing for the 39th game again, although he maintains it is a good idea.
American-based Khan is a big fan of Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, who helped come up with the plan of an extra game in 2008 before the idea was dropped in 2010.
The 39th game idea remains talked about, and Khan admits he would back it - but he won't be pushing for it.
"Right now that would be blasphemous for me," Khan told the Daily Telegraph.
"I've been in this league what three months, four months? It would be heresy to suggest something like that.
"I spoke to Scudamore and he said 'I still have scars from the 39th game'.
"I think there will be a time but it's not right now. It makes sense.
"I thought it was a very, very ingenious plan that he had and eventually it would make sense but it has to make sense to everybody.
"It can't just make sense to one person."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8992230/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8992230/?)
Saturday Football Spotlight: Fulham's Pajtim Kasami
As Fulham prepare to face Southampton in today's late kick-off, Vincent Ralph turns the spotlight on Pajtim Kasami.
So much has already been written about Pajtim Kasami's wonder-strike against Crystal Palace last week that another article about it seems redundant.
That is why I am not writing about the goal. I am writing about the man who scored it.
This is the 21-year-old's third season at Craven Cottage, and yet it is only now that the wider footballing community are taking notice of a player Martin Jol believes can be among the very best.
The only problem is, with just 18 months left on his current deal, that strike has changed a few things.
With rumours of circling big guns, the Macedonian may soon feel the urge – or at least the pressure – to leave Craven Cottage. But Jol believes it is the best place for him.
"He needs to keep his feet on the ground," his manager said. "He's a very level-headed boy."
One superstar-strike does not automatically make a superstar; it can just as easily announce a flash-in-the-pan. And starting in today's late kick-off against Southampton, the player must show he can do both the great and the good, and that he can do it regularly.
If he does so, perhaps Fulham will be unable to keep hold of him, or perhaps he will see they are the club that allowed him to blossom, and reward them with a long-term commitment of his own.
In a sense Kasami has made a rod for his own back, in that sublime strikes will now be expected of him on at least a semi-regular basis. But in truth the far more important job is to help the Cottagers up the table.
A goal against an all-but-impenetrable Southampton defence this evening will be another step in the right direction.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/26/saturday-football-spotlight-fulhams-pajtim-kasami/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/26/saturday-football-spotlight-fulhams-pajtim-kasami/?)
