Fulham: An Encouraging Result (Even If Man United's Tactics Were Laughable)Twitter was buzzing with 'parking the bus' snark but forget all that - we defended like lions and were lively on the counter... Who knew we were so capable?
(http://sabotagetimes.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-02-11-at-14.30.34-480x350.png)
Fulham: An Encouraging Result (Even If Man United's Tactics Were Laughable)Whilst walking down Fulham Road after a horrific second-half showing against Southampton, I grabbed my dad's attention and starting to list off our next run of fixtures, and things looked alarmingly bleak to say the least. Weirdly enough, I turned to him and said there will be a few freak results between now and the end of the season, little did I know it would crop up so soon.
Had someone offered me a result at Old Trafford that didn't leave our goal difference looking more worse for wear than Mido at a buffet, I'd've ran the stretch of Stevenage Road stark naked. Luckily for the residents of the street, they were spared the horrific sight, and I was duly rewarded with rare moments of elation at a ground where success has been well and truly starved.
When the line-up was announced, those outside SW6 expected the worse for Fulham, with a number of unproven youngsters, but such a statement of intent was refreshing to say the least. To see an average age of less than 65 was encouraging, as we had started to look like an old people's home who'd won a competition.
Our intentions were clear from the off, and the old "parking the bus" saying flew around Twitter. However, when you have a back four that has resembled the organisation and anticipation of a West Surrey Youth League Under-10s game, you find it hard to adopt another game plan. Nevertheless, I discovered a startling finding, and that was that we had the potential to hit teams on the counter. Having seen games where the beginning of a counterattack was almost snail-like, we seemed to go forward in purpose, which was thanks to the way we were set up.
Lack of effort had been one thing getting the Fulham faithful annoyed, and the desire to put in 100% was more astonishing than the result itself, with players chasing everything and proceeding to block shots left, right and centre. Such intent to walk away from Manchester with something to show was the biggest positive throughout the 90 minutes, as it has given hope we can somehow beat the dreaded drop.
The duration of the game had me set 999 to speed dial as my heart was finding it hard to cope with the constant bombardment at our goal whilst protecting a lead. With holding onto a slender lead a rarity, my body was clicked backed into normal service when Man Unitd managed to break through twice in successive minutes. What followed lead me to run around my house with my shirt off. Resembling Ryan Giggs' celebration against Arsenal (without the chest hair), Darren Bent opened up the crazy in me by not only managing to score, but miraculously salvaging a point only Father Christmas or Alladin's lamp could have produced.
Lack of effort had been one thing getting the Fulham faithful annoyed, and the desire to put in 100% was more astonishing than the result itself.
It was plain to see the failures of United's ideas, with crosses pelting the Fulham area resembling militia. Once the cross count surpassed the half century, it began to become laughable. It was a joyous sight seeing the ball sail into the six-yard area and bouncing straight back out again with ease. When you are up against a defender who stands at mighty a six-foot-seven, you find it hard to understand the logic employed by Moyes. Dan Burn described it perfectly by saying he hadn't dealt with so many crosses since his days in the Conference. Food for thought David.
Stealing a point was made better by Moyes' disrespectful post-match interview and the meltdown from the Man United faithful, particularly after having bombarded me with abuse pre-match on Twitter and after Michael Carrick's world class deflected shot hit the back of the Fulham net.
The reaction of Moyes et al when the second goal went in made the last-gasp equaliser oh so sweet. It goes a long way to describe the troubles they currently find themselves in when pandemonium in the stands and touchline takes precedence at Old Trafford when a goal is scored against a team who have shipped 55 goals in 25 Premier League games and find themselves at the foot of the table.
Encouraging doesn't half describe the feeling around the club and it's fans after the shock result, and after quite a dismal week, things appear to be on the up for once. Positivity seems to be the order of the day and the chefs currently find themselves sporting quizzical looks on their faces. Manchester United fans are embroiled in a crisis, try being a Fulham fan for a day.
http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/fulham-an-encouraging-result-even-if-man-uniteds-tactics-were-laughable/? (http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/fulham-an-encouraging-result-even-if-man-uniteds-tactics-were-laughable/?)
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72869000/jpg/_72869945_fulham-liverpool.jpg)
Fulham v Liverpool (20:00 GMT)
What really impressed me about Liverpool's display against Arsenal at the weekend was not that they scored five when they could have scored eight, but the way the pressed the Gunners and kept pressing them when they had built a commanding lead.
It reminded me of vintage Liverpool performances at Anfield, where we suffocated the opposition.
If Reds boss Brendan Rodgers can get that happening on a regular basis, then that will be massive for them.
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has to decide how to approach this game after getting a very good draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Cottagers are at home but I don't think Meulensteen will go gung-ho - two points from those two games would be a very decent return, and he will know what will happen if he gives Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling any space. The home fans will understand that too.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Geraint's prediction: Fulham are bottom but picked up a great point at Old Trafford. Even so, the way Liverpool played against Arsenal, I can see them going to Craven Cottage and getting the win. 0-2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26117493 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26117493)
Liverpool Game On(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/CravenCottage/3721820.ashx?w=350&h=250)
Fulham Football Club can confirm, that due to the resolution of the proposed London Underground strike action, its game versus Liverpool on Wednesday night will go ahead as planned.
A limited number of tickets are still available to buy for the game, with all Season Ticket Holders and Members with six or more Loyalty Points having access. Find out more and buy online here.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/liverpool-game-on? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/liverpool-game-on?)
Use United game as platform - Rene
Rene Meulensteen says Fulham's 2-2 draw at Manchester United can be "the start of a resurrection" as they look to avoid relegation.
The Cottagers remain bottom of the Premier League, four points from safety with 13 games left to go ahead of another tough test at home to in-form Liverpool on Wednesday. Meulensteen says they now must approach every game like the way they did the one at Old Trafford and use the 2-2 draw as the platform to build a successful survival bid in the second half of the season. He said: "We've been struggling as you know. That's the start of a resurrection. We've got a 14 game league. That was the first game. "A big tough away game. We defended really well, we need to be more positive when we have the ball. We've had that but not defended as well."
Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/use-united-game-as-platform---rene-1709446.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/use-united-game-as-platform---rene-1709446.html?)
René's Liverpool Preview(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Rene%20Meulensteen/MeulPress350.ashx?w=350&h=250)
René Meulensteen is keen to see his side build on their impressive point at the weekend when they welcome Liverpool to Craven Cottage on Wednesday (8pm).
Fulham put in an excellent defensive display to hold off Manchester United for the better part of the game on Sunday, with a late Darren Bent equaliser ensuring they returned to London with a richly deserved share of the spoils.
"All the hard work and craft that we put in, we were in front for a long period of time, we defended well, we conceded and we came back from that, and so it's is a massive morale boost for all of us," Meulensteen said of the United result in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"You try to build and step up every week if you can. We said [before Sunday's game] that we've got a 14-game league ahead of us, this is the first game, a big tough away game, and we came away with a point, so we're delighted.
"We defended really well but obviously what we do know now is that we need to be more positive when we have the ball. We've had that in previous games, but we haven't defended as well, so we need to gradually grow to get the right balance."
Liverpool have proven to be a real force in the Barclays Premier League in 2013/14, as was evident in their recent 5-1 win over Arsenal, and their striking options boast two of the division's most prolific frontmen in Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
The duo have scored more than 40 goals between them this season in all competitions, while young winger Raheem Sterling has also been in good form of late, and Meulensteen admitted another brave effort will be required by his troops if Fulham are to keep them quiet.
"How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season," he stated. "With the pace and the penetration, the variety and the unpredictability, they can all score goals so it has to be all hands on deck for us to make sure we defend in a good compact manner.
"We keep communicating with each other, we don't leave gaps for them to get through and play through, but like I said, the defensive performance from Sunday was definitely a massive improvement and hopefully we can build on that.
"They're six points off the top so they might be a dark horse [for the title]. That depends if big teams stumble where you don't expect them to stumble and they can create a momentum carrying them into April, then you never know. But they've had an excellent season."
Fulham fans hoping to see Konstantinos Mitroglou for the first time will be disappointed after Meulensteen confirmed that the Greek is still not quite ready to make his Whites bow.
"We're still working very hard to get him up to speed for the Premier League," he explained. "It's important for us that we time that right, for us and for him. He's working hard, he's progressing every day, and that's how we assess him. Wednesday will be too early for him.
"Fernando Amorebieta had an injection which allows him to properly start training again from Wednesday onwards and hopefully he'll be joining back up with the squad next week and then will probably be available for West Bromwich Albion."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/renes-liverpool-preview (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/renes-liverpool-preview)
Liverpool are title dark horses because of red-hot strikers, according to Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen
The Dutchman hopes his side can repeat the defensive heroics which earned them a point at Old Trafford as they look to stop Brendan Rodgers' side
(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3086908.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Liverpool-v-Everton-3086908.jpg)
PA
Danger duo: Sturridge and Suarez will ask major questions of the Cottagers defence
Rene Meulensteen reckons Liverpool's red-hot strikers make them "dark horses" for the title after their weekend thrashing of Arsenal.
Tomorrow night's fixture at Craven Cottage will go ahead after unions called off a scheduled strike.
And with the Reds dynamic duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge now joined by Raheem Sterling, the Fulham boss reckons they could yet close the gap at the top.
And he called on his side to repeat their Old Trafford heroics to stop the Premier League's in-form side.
"They might be a dark horse and if other big teams stumble where you don't expect them to and they can carry the momentum into April, you never know," said the Dutchman. "But they've had an excellent season.
"It's a good thing the striker in the middle is not an O as it'd be SOS. It has to be all hands on deck for us. We have to defend in a good compact manner. The defensive performance from Sunday was a massive improvement."
Fulham, who lost at home to League One Sheffield United in the FA Cup last week, will look to carry on the momentum from gaining the point at Manchester United. "It was the start of the resurrection," Meulensteen added.
"To score that late equaliser is a massive morale boost."
But £12.4m striker Kostas Mitroglou is still not ready to make his Cottagers debut because of a lingering knee injury.
"We are still working very hard to get him up to speed for the Premier League," Meulensteen explained. "It's important we time that right for us and for him. He's progressing every day."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-vs-liverpool-reds-premier-3133947#ixzz2t2fyCKgU (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-vs-liverpool-reds-premier-3133947#ixzz2t2fyCKgU)
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
Fulham boss assesses how to stop Liverpool's trio of terror
Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen expects it to be 'all hands on deck' for the Whites in order to stop Liverpool's in-form strike-force of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.
The Uruguayan is the leading scorer in the Premier League this season having scored 23 goals in 23 games so far this season, including a brace against Fulham in the reverse fixture at Anfield this season.
What makes the feat more remarkable was that he was banned for the first six games of the season after biting Branislav Ivanovic in the last campaign.
Many expected the Reds to struggle in his absence but Sturridge stepped up to the plate and scored six goals in that period.
Suarez failed to find the target on Saturday against Arsenal but it didn't matter as Sturridge scored one and Sterling grabbed two himself.
Given the early season form of the Uruguayan and the former Chelsea striker the pairing had been dubbed SAS, a title last used on Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham during their England careers.
With Sterling starting to emerge as another potent striker it could become the SASAS or the SSS but, whatever they're called, Meulensteen knows his side, who prop up the Premier League, will be in for a tough time on Wednesday night.
"It's a good thing the striker in the middle is not an O as otherwise it'd be SOS for us," he joked.
"How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season. The pace and the penetration and the variety and the unpredictability – they can all score goals.
"It has to be all hands on deck for us. We have to defend in a good compact manner, that we keep communicating with each other and don't leave gaps for them to play through.
"The defensive performance from Sunday was a massive improvement and hopefully we can build on that."
Fulham defended brilliantly at Manchester United on Sunday, but for an 80 second blip where the Red Devils scored two goals, before they came back to rescue a draw.
And Meulensteen is hoping for an even better performance at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
"You try and you build and you step up every week if you can," he added.
"We've done some really good stuff after recent performances. We've been struggling as you know. That's the start of a resurrection if you call it that.
"We defended really well. We need to be more positive when we have the ball. We've had that but not defended as well. We need to grow to get the right balance."
One man who will have to be on his game is deadline day signing John Heitinga and Meulensteen was quick to place the former Everton man.
"[He's made a] big difference," the Whites boss said. "That was one of the reasons we wanted to bring him in.
"He's an established Dutch international. He's played for many years in the Premier League. Above all he's a leader. He talks."
Liverpool are six points adrift of league leaders Chelsea and the Dutchman didn't rule them out of winning the league, although he believes they are outsiders.
He said: "They might be a dark horse and if other big teams stumble where you don't expect them to and they can create a momentum to carry them into April, you never know but they've had an excellent season."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_assesses_how_to_stop_liverpool_s_trio_of_terror_1_3316132 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_assesses_how_to_stop_liverpool_s_trio_of_terror_1_3316132)
Grimmer wants three points
Defender says Vale must put Saturday's defeat behind them
Jack Grimmer says the players must put the disappointment of Saturday's defeat to Swindon Town behind them and concentrate on tonight's game against Colchester United.
Colchester's game against Rotherham was called off at the weekend, so does that mean they have an advantage this evening at Vale Park?
Jack is not sure, he said: "It can work either way, you can either find yourselves losing in your run of games or you can play Tuesday/Saturday and get a run going and pick up points every couple of day.
"But their game was called off at the weekend and at this stage of the season that will help any team, getting the extra rest.
"I just think, with the pitches how they are, it has evened itself out and hopefully we can get he result that we need.
"I think every team wants to beat every team, nobody shies away from that. We haven't picked up the points we have been after in our last couple of games.
"But it is good to have another game so soon after Saturday so everyone can dig in and get a result.
"As disappointed as everyone was after Saturday, you need to get that out of your system as soon as you can because a couple of days later you have got to get yourselves up for another game.
"All of the players have been there before, it is something that comes with football, you need deal with disappointment as well as dealing with the highs in football.
"Nobody is getting carried away, we are looking at it game by game, we will take it as we can and pick up points whenever we can."
Read more at http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140211-grimmer-wants-three-points-1353048.aspx?#up6wy0D44Zkt7AwI.99 (http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140211-grimmer-wants-three-points-1353048.aspx?#up6wy0D44Zkt7AwI.99)
Premier League: Rene Meulensteen gives up pursuit of West Ham's Ravel Morrison
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has admitted defeat in his bid to lure West Ham's Ravel Morrison to Craven Cottage.
The Hammers striker appears surplus to requirements under Sam Allardyce following the return of Andy Carroll, and Morrison is widely expected to be loaned to Championship promotion-chasers QPR.
Rangers boss Harry Redknapp revealed he is hoping to recruit the former Manchester United forward for the remainder of the season, and QPR would be favourites to sign Morrison outright if they return to the Premier League.
The Hammers rejected a bid for Morrison from Fulham in January and then accused the west London club of making an illegal approach.
Meulensteen insisted Morrison wanted to join Fulham when speaking after his side's 3-0 FA Cup replay victory over Norwich on January 15, sparking West Ham's grievance.
"There's not very much we can do at this time, and what other clubs do we can't affect," said Meulensteen.
"The only thing I can affect is what we're doing at Fulham."
Fulham host Liverpool on Wednesday night with confidence substantially higher after snatching a 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Sunday.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been in devastating form this season, and Meulensteen believes trying to shut down the Reds strikers will be one of the biggest challenges of the season.
He said: "How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season, the pace and the penetration, the variety and the unpredictability in the way they can all score goals.
"So it has to be all hands on deck for us to make sure that we defend in a good, compact manner, that we keep communicating, don't leave gaps for them to get through and play through.
"But the defensive performance from Sunday was definitely a massive improvement, and we can build on that."
Meulensteen still holds veteran Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in high esteem and added: "In my opinion he is a top player, definitely. Brendan is looking at the players available and where he will best slot in as well.
"If Lucas would be fit, then probably Lucas would play a bit deeper and Gerrard a bit freer.
"But he probably thinks Gerrard is the best to play the deeper role now, it suits him, he's got the range of passing to do it, so he's still a very important player for Liverpool."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9161617/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9161617/?)
Fulham again without January recruit Kostas Mitroglou for Wednesday night's visit of Liverpool
The Greek striker moved to Craven Cottage on deadline day but is yet to make his debut as he continues to struggle with a knee problem
(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3098730.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Kostas-Mitroglou-signs-for-Fulham-3098730.jpg)
Sidelined: Mitroglou will miss the visit of Liverpool with a knee injury
Kostas Mitroglou will have to wait to make his Fulham debut, after he was ruled out of Wednesday night's clash with Liverpool.
The 25-year-old is struggling with a knee problem, which has kept him out since he arrived at Craven Cottage on deadline day last month.
Defender Fernando Amorebieta also remains sidelined for the Cottagers, with boss Rene Meulensteen expected to name a similar side to the one that picked up a dramatic point at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Darren Bent - who scored the late leveller against Manchester United - will be hoping he has done enough to earn a starting berth.
Provisional squad : Stekelenburg, Riether, Burn, Heitinga, Riise, Tunnicliffe, Sidwell, Jorgensen, Richardson, Holtby, Bent, Hangeland, Kaciniklic, Stockdale, Duff, Parker, Tankovic, Cole
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-team-news-kostas-mitroglou-3134339#ixzz2t2hMGcGb (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-team-news-kostas-mitroglou-3134339#ixzz2t2hMGcGb)
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
Rene Meulensteen: 'All hands on deck against Liverpool'
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has told his players that they will need to be 100% focused during Wednesday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
The Reds travel to Craven Cottage on the back of a devastating 5-1 win over Arsenal at the weekend.
"How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season, the pace and the penetration, the variety and the unpredictability in the way they can all score goals," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"So it has to be all hands on deck for us to make sure that we defend in a good, compact manner, that we keep communicating, don't leave gaps for them to get through and play through."
Fulham are currently four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League table.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/meulensteen-urges-fulham-focus_137136.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/meulensteen-urges-fulham-focus_137136.html)
Premier League team news: Fulham v Liverpool
New recruit Kostas Mitroglou misses out on making his Fulham debut against Liverpool on Wednesday night due to injury.
The Greek striker is struggling with a knee problem while defender Fernando Amorebieta remains sidelined for Fulham's Barclays Premier League home meeting with the Reds.
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is expected to make few changes from the squad that pulled off an impressive 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Liverpool defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson both returned to training this week but Wednesday's game may come too soon.
Agger (calf) has missed the last six matches while Johnson has been out since mid-January with ankle and groin problems.
Portugal Under-21 midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira could be included in the travelling party to freshen up the squad after training with the first team recently.
Fulham squad: Stekelenburg, Riether, Burn, Heitinga, Riise, Tunnicliffe, Sidwell, Jorgensen, Richardson, Holtby, Bent, Hangeland, Kaciniklic, Stockdale, Duff, Parker, Tankovic, Cole.
Liverpool squad: Mignolet, Flanagan, Skrtel, Toure, Cissokho, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez, Jones, Kelly, Allen, Alberto, Aspas, Moses, Ibe, Teixeira.
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-02-11/premier-league-team-news-fulham-v-liverpool/? (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-02-11/premier-league-team-news-fulham-v-liverpool/?)
Fulham missing two for Liverpool visit
New recruit Kostas Mitroglou misses out on making his Fulham debut against Liverpool on Wednesday night due to injury.
The Greek striker is struggling with a knee problem while defender Fernando Amorebieta remains sidelined for Fulham's Premier League home meeting with the Reds.
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is expected to make few changes from the squad that pulled off an impressive 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Provisional squad: Stekelenburg, Riether, Burn, Heitinga, Riise, Tunnicliffe, Sidwell, Jorgensen, Richardson, Holtby, Bent, Hangeland, Kaciniklic, Stockdale, Duff, Parker, Tankovic, Cole.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_missing_two_for_liverpool_visit_1_3316253 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_missing_two_for_liverpool_visit_1_3316253)
Youth Cup Update(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Placeholder/Group%20Shots/TeamHuddleU18s.ashx?w=350&h=250)
Fulham's Under-18s will travel to Manchester City in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday 19th February (7pm).
The clash with City will take place at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.
The Whites booked the date with the Citizens after wins at Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur in the previous two rounds.
Fulham currently sit top of the South Group of the Barclays U18 Premier League, with City leading the North Group.
Admission on the night is £3 Adults and £1 Concessions.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/youth-cup-update? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/11/youth-cup-update?)
Five Fulham fledglings who can save their troubled season
The Cottagers will have to rely on these young stars to secure their Premier League survival.
A hard-earned draw at Manchester United was just cause for Fulham celebration's in their last Premier League outing, but they remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 13 games remaining.
However, their under-21 side have provided far more levity this season and are currently leading the standings in the group stage of their Premier League competition.
Dan Burn's recent run in the team has shown Rene Meulensteen's willingness to give youth a chance at Craven Cottage and these five other youngsters might prove the key to Fulham making good on their 39/20 odds to avoid the drop.
Muamer Tankovic
Handed his first start at Old Trafford, the Swede was taken off at half-time and the Cottagers' cautious approach gave him little chance to shine.
His record of eight goals in 12 under-21 appearances – which puts him top of the competition's scorer standings – suggests he should be retained in Fulham's first team at least until Kostas Mitroglou is match-fit.
Mesca
A left-winger who has also shone for the under-21s, notching three goals and two assists in eight games, the 20-year-old has already played 18 minutes for the senior side in the league.
Larnell Cole
Signed from Manchester United on deadline day, the midfielder scored three times for the Red Devils' youth side this term.
Cole made his debut against his former club, laying on a chance in his ten-minute cameo.
Lasse Vigen Christensen
The classy midfielder has played every minute of the under-21 side's campaign and has also been a key part of the Danish youth setup for several seasons.
Christensen made his debut for the first team in last year's FA Cup, but could be set for a more prominent role this time around.
Ryan Tunnicliffe
Another player signed from Manchester United in January, the 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Ipswich.
He logged two assists in his spell at the Tractor Boys, playing 27 times for Mick McCarthy's promotion hopefuls.
Fulham to avoid relegation @ 39/20
- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/fulham-fledglings-save-troubled-season,51819.html?#sthash.CeyoFGc1.dpuf (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/fulham-fledglings-save-troubled-season,51819.html?#sthash.CeyoFGc1.dpuf)
Rene Meulensteen: How do you stop Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge?
FULHAM will host Liverpool on Wednesday night after clinching a 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Sunday, but Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen claims defending the Reds 'SAS' will be the ultimate challenge.
(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Meulensteen_Fulham-459210.jpg)
Meulensteen not looking forward to defending Suarez and Sturridge [GETTY]
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have formed the best striking partnership in the Premier League this season, accumulating 38 goals for the Anfield club already.
And Meulensteen believes limiting the attacking duo's chances will be one of the biggest challenges of the season for his side, who sit rockbottom of the table.
He said: "How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season, the pace and the penetration, the variety and the unpredictability in the way they can all score goals.
"So it has to be all hands on deck for us to make sure that we defend in a good, compact manner, that we keep communicating, don't leave gaps for them to get through and play through.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/459210/Rene-Meulensteen-How-do-you-stop-Liverpool-s-Luis-Suarez-and-Daniel-Sturridge (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/459210/Rene-Meulensteen-How-do-you-stop-Liverpool-s-Luis-Suarez-and-Daniel-Sturridge)
Serie A duo keep tabs on Fulham striker
AC Milan and Inter Milan could look to pounce for Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov in the summer transfer window, SportsDirect News understands.
The 33-year-old looks likely to leave Craven Cottage at the end of the season, having made a loan move to Monaco for the second half of this campaign in a bid to leave the struggling club.
It remains to be seen if Monaco will try to keep Berbatov on a permanent deal, but his clear desire to leave Fulham looks to have put a number of clubs on alert, with the Milan pair believed to be among his main suitors.
Both sides are in need of strengthening upfront after disappointing seasons, and Milan in particular could be in trouble in that position if star striker Mario Balotelli leaves in the summer.
Inter also missed out on some of their January targets for the attack, with a move for Mirko Vucinic falling through, and Berbatov could be a good, cheap backup option for them if he is made available.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United man had looked like staying in England, though Arsenal now look to have cooled their interest in the player.
http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/40301-serie-a-duo-keep-tabs-on-fulham-striker.php#.UvsCvv0dObA (http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/40301-serie-a-duo-keep-tabs-on-fulham-striker.php#.UvsCvv0dObA)
Is Darren Bent really the most prolific visiting striker at Old Trafford?
"I read somewhere that Darren Bent has scored more goals at Old Trafford than any other opposition player in Premier League history," says Henry Reed, coughing slightly. "Surely this can't be true? Any of Fernando Torres, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch etc must surely be able at least to match that?"
Bent scored a last-gasp equaliser for Fulham on Sunday to take his tally against Manchester United at Old Trafford to four, the others being: one in Tottenham's 5-2 defeat in April 2009, one for Sunderland in another 2-2 draw in October the same year and one for Aston Villa in a 3-1 loss in February 2011. Having double-checked the records, we can confirm that Sandra Redknapp can't top that.
And neither can anyone else, for that matter, unlikely as it seems (especially since Bent has managed his four in just under five years and we opted to include all competitions, not only the league). Torres and Lampard have both scored three goals at Old Trafford, Torres scoring twice for Liverpool and once for Chelsea between March 2009 and September 2011, while Lampard has scored two there for Chelsea since his first, for West Ham, in January 1999. Robbie Fowler has also scored thrice at Old Trafford, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw in October 1995 and later scoring once in a 4-2 defeat for Manchester City in February 2004. Kevin Phillips is another one on three, having scored twice in a 3-2 defeat for Southampton in January 2004 to add to the one he scored in a 4-1 defeat for Sunderland two years earlier. Matt Le Tissier bagged three goals too, scoring twice to help Southampton secure a 3-3 draw in September 1999 after scoring once in a 2-1 defeat earlier that year. Others to score three are Emmanuel Adebayor (two for Arsenal, one for Spurs), Gabby Agbonlahor (all for Aston Villa), Eidur Gudjohnsen (all for Chelsea), Steven Gerrard, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Danny Murphy and Mark Viduka.
Of the names Mr Reed (and several other emailers) mention, Shearer scored twice at Old Trafford, in two matches that Newcastle lost in 2002, while Henry scored Arsenal's only goals in a 6-1 defeat in February 2001 and a 1-1 Community Shield meeting in 2003. Steve Stone, Michael Owen, Yakubu, Mario Balotelli and numerous others, from Darren Ambrose to Gianfranco Zola, also have two to their name. Crouch's goal at Old Trafford in October was his first, as far as we can tell. Oh, and while we're on it, Les Ferdinand scored against United playing for four different clubs, as Bent has done, but he didn't score them all at Old Trafford. And his strike for Soccer Aid in 2006 doesn't count, since he was playing for the home side.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/feb/12/the-knowledge-darren-bent-most-prolific-old-trafford? (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/feb/12/the-knowledge-darren-bent-most-prolific-old-trafford?)
Fulham's Rene Meulensteen says the dentist scares him more than Suarez & Sturridge
RENE MEULENSTEEN claims visiting the dentist scares him more than the prospect of facing Liverpool's SAS.
In-form Liverpool have the bit between their teeth with Brendan Rodgers' two front men powering his side's title charge.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been drilling holes in opposing defences all season, scoring 38 goals between them.
Meulensteen admits Fulham are braced for an assault from Liverpool's attack at Craven Cottage tonight.
But he insists facing the Merseysiders' and all their firepower doesn't worry him as much as sitting in the dentist's chair.
Meulensteen said: "I don't get nervous. The last time I was nervous I had to go to the dentist.
"I have an excellent dentist but it used to be scary because your first impressions are always the everlasting ones.
"I can tell you mine wasn't a good one. I don't think they had these modern drills and anaesthetics at that time.
"Tie a piece of string around a door handle? It was that sort of thing.
"As much as you try to set up your team in the best possible way you can't walk away from the talent you're up against.
"At times you see them produce an excellent piece of football. You need to limit it as best as you can."
But Meulensteen insists he won't go overboard watching Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Arsenal so he doesn't unnerve his players too much.
He said: "You need to prepare them but not overdo it. You might put something into it that unsettles."
Rock-bottom Fulham go into the clash against Liverpool after a positive result of their own, a shock 2-2 draw at Manchester United.
But Meulensteen admitted he may have to drop some of Fulham's Old Trafford heroes after the mammoth amount of work they put in to nick a point at
the champions.
Meulensteen said: "I'll be looking at that because they put a big shift in.
"When you play a lot of games in a short period of time I need to have a look at how the players feel."
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/365029/Fulham-s-Rene-Meulensteen-says-the-dentist-scares-him-more-than-Suarez-Sturridge (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/365029/Fulham-s-Rene-Meulensteen-says-the-dentist-scares-him-more-than-Suarez-Sturridge)
Fulham's Rene Meulensteen fears lively Liverpool
RENE MEULENSTEEN admits he is more nervous about a trip to the dentist than the visit of Liverpool's formidable strike-force tonight.
(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/rene_meulensteen-459246.jpg)
WORRY: Meulensteen knows that Liverpool will attack from the off [GETTY]
With the London tube strike called off yesterday, Fulham, bottom of the Premier League, host Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling at Craven Cottage, just four days after the fearsome trident demolished Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield.
Yet Meulensteen claims he has had more hellish experiences in his lifetime than facing on Brendan Rodgers' impressive attacking unit, which has yielded 43 league goals this season.
The Dutchman said: "I don't get nervous. The last time I was nervous I had to go to the dentist. I have an excellent dentist, but they can really hurt you. Your first impressions are the everlasting one. My first impression wasn't a good one. I don't think they had the modern drill back then.
"It [facing Liverpool] is definitely a challenge you relish. As much as you try to set up your team in the best possible way, you can't walk away from the talent you're up against.
"At times you see them produce an excellent piece of football but you need to limit it as best as you can.
"The Premier League has shown us time and time again that there are surprises. They went to West Brom in between of beating Everton and Arsenal and got a draw. You can't take anything for granted."
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/459246/Fulham-s-Rene-Meulensteen-fears-lively-Liverpool (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/459246/Fulham-s-Rene-Meulensteen-fears-lively-Liverpool)
Legia to sign former Fulham striker Orlando Sa
After a busy summer on the transfer market, Legia Warszawa has been quiet so far in this window, but that could change very soon.
According to Przeglad Sportowy, Legia Warszawa will sign former Fulham striker Orlando Sa. The 25-year-old currently plays with Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he's the league's top scorer with 13 goals in 18 appearances.
Sa spent the 2011/12 season with English Premiership side Fulham, scoring once in seven league appearances. He joined the English side from FC Porto. Also, Sa made his one-and-only Portuguese national team cap against Finland in 2009.
Sa will arrive in Warszawa on Wednesday to undergo his medical tests, and should sign later in the day.
http://www.polandsoccerblog.com/2014/02/legia-to-sign-former-fulham-striker.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PolandSoccer+%28Poland+Soccer%29 (http://www.polandsoccerblog.com/2014/02/legia-to-sign-former-fulham-striker.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PolandSoccer+%28Poland+Soccer%29)
Three Key Battles: Fulham vs Liverpool
Relegation battlers Fulham host rampant Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, with both teams looking for maximum points to achieve their very different goals this season.
Liverpool are being talked about as dark horses for the Premier League title, while Fulham are simply trying to stay in the top-flight of English football.
Fulham will go into the game against the Merseysiders with a positive frame of mind, with their 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford sure to give them confidence going into the midweek clash.
The last time these two sides met was at Anfield in November, where Liverpool made light work of the Cottagers with a comfortable 4-0 win.
Goals from Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel and a Fernando Amorebieta own goal ensured the points for Liverpool, and the Anfield club will be looking for a repeat of that performance to keep up their impressive form.
Liverpool will again be without Mamadou Sakho, Glen Johnson, Lucas Leiva and Daniel Agger, while Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen's only injury worry is record signing Kostas Mitroglou, who is yet to make his debut since moving from Olympiakos and could miss out again.
Click the button to find out three key battles which could influence the result of the game.
Rhodri Cannon's prediction: 1-3
http://www.touchlinetalk.com/three-key-battles-fulham-vs-liverpool/85332/? (http://www.touchlinetalk.com/three-key-battles-fulham-vs-liverpool/85332/?)
Quote from: WhiteJC on February 12, 2014, 05:21:49 AM
Legia to sign former Fulham striker Orlando Sa
After a busy summer on the transfer market, Legia Warszawa has been quiet so far in this window, but that could change very soon.
According to Przeglad Sportowy, Legia Warszawa will sign former Fulham striker Orlando Sa. The 25-year-old currently plays with Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he's the league's top scorer with 13 goals in 18 appearances.
Sa spent the 2011/12 season with English Premiership side Fulham, scoring once in seven league appearances. He joined the English side from FC Porto. Also, Sa made his one-and-only Portuguese national team cap against Finland in 2009.
Sa will arrive in Warszawa on Wednesday to undergo his medical tests, and should sign later in the day.
http://www.polandsoccerblog.com/2014/02/legia-to-sign-former-fulham-striker.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PolandSoccer+%28Poland+Soccer%29 (http://www.polandsoccerblog.com/2014/02/legia-to-sign-former-fulham-striker.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PolandSoccer+%28Poland+Soccer%29)
Really puts the real world of football into perspective - yeah you have all the top clubs in all the top leagues which we're familiar with, but it is a small margin (despite the amount of players that are in the squads etc) of those who love the game or play at a much lower level. How relentless it can be (Sa was playing for Porto champions of Portugal, Fulham and now is playing in a team which I doubt anyone has heard of)... Credit where it's due though to Sa still pursuing it, must really love the game.
Quote from: WhiteJC on February 11, 2014, 07:02:52 PM
Fulham: An Encouraging Result (Even If Man United's Tactics Were Laughable)
Twitter was buzzing with 'parking the bus' snark but forget all that - we defended like lions and were lively on the counter... Who knew we were so capable?
Great post
(http://sabotagetimes.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-02-11-at-14.30.34-480x350.png)
Fulham: An Encouraging Result (Even If Man United's Tactics Were Laughable)
Whilst walking down Fulham Road after a horrific second-half showing against Southampton, I grabbed my dad's attention and starting to list off our next run of fixtures, and things looked alarmingly bleak to say the least. Weirdly enough, I turned to him and said there will be a few freak results between now and the end of the season, little did I know it would crop up so soon.
Had someone offered me a result at Old Trafford that didn't leave our goal difference looking more worse for wear than Mido at a buffet, I'd've ran the stretch of Stevenage Road stark naked. Luckily for the residents of the street, they were spared the horrific sight, and I was duly rewarded with rare moments of elation at a ground where success has been well and truly starved.
When the line-up was announced, those outside SW6 expected the worse for Fulham, with a number of unproven youngsters, but such a statement of intent was refreshing to say the least. To see an average age of less than 65 was encouraging, as we had started to look like an old people's home who'd won a competition.
Our intentions were clear from the off, and the old "parking the bus" saying flew around Twitter. However, when you have a back four that has resembled the organisation and anticipation of a West Surrey Youth League Under-10s game, you find it hard to adopt another game plan. Nevertheless, I discovered a startling finding, and that was that we had the potential to hit teams on the counter. Having seen games where the beginning of a counterattack was almost snail-like, we seemed to go forward in purpose, which was thanks to the way we were set up.
Lack of effort had been one thing getting the Fulham faithful annoyed, and the desire to put in 100% was more astonishing than the result itself, with players chasing everything and proceeding to block shots left, right and centre. Such intent to walk away from Manchester with something to show was the biggest positive throughout the 90 minutes, as it has given hope we can somehow beat the dreaded drop.
The duration of the game had me set 999 to speed dial as my heart was finding it hard to cope with the constant bombardment at our goal whilst protecting a lead. With holding onto a slender lead a rarity, my body was clicked backed into normal service when Man Unitd managed to break through twice in successive minutes. What followed lead me to run around my house with my shirt off. Resembling Ryan Giggs' celebration against Arsenal (without the chest hair), Darren Bent opened up the crazy in me by not only managing to score, but miraculously salvaging a point only Father Christmas or Alladin's lamp could have produced.
Lack of effort had been one thing getting the Fulham faithful annoyed, and the desire to put in 100% was more astonishing than the result itself.
It was plain to see the failures of United's ideas, with crosses pelting the Fulham area resembling militia. Once the cross count surpassed the half century, it began to become laughable. It was a joyous sight seeing the ball sail into the six-yard area and bouncing straight back out again with ease. When you are up against a defender who stands at mighty a six-foot-seven, you find it hard to understand the logic employed by Moyes. Dan Burn described it perfectly by saying he hadn't dealt with so many crosses since his days in the Conference. Food for thought David.
Stealing a point was made better by Moyes' disrespectful post-match interview and the meltdown from the Man United faithful, particularly after having bombarded me with abuse pre-match on Twitter and after Michael Carrick's world class deflected shot hit the back of the Fulham net.
The reaction of Moyes et al when the second goal went in made the last-gasp equaliser oh so sweet. It goes a long way to describe the troubles they currently find themselves in when pandemonium in the stands and touchline takes precedence at Old Trafford when a goal is scored against a team who have shipped 55 goals in 25 Premier League games and find themselves at the foot of the table.
Encouraging doesn't half describe the feeling around the club and it's fans after the shock result, and after quite a dismal week, things appear to be on the up for once. Positivity seems to be the order of the day and the chefs currently find themselves sporting quizzical looks on their faces. Manchester United fans are embroiled in a crisis, try being a Fulham fan for a day.
http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/fulham-an-encouraging-result-even-if-man-uniteds-tactics-were-laughable/? (http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/fulham-an-encouraging-result-even-if-man-uniteds-tactics-were-laughable/?)
049:gif
Steve Sidwell v Steven Gerrard: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Fulham and Liverpool(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9121801.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/SidVsStevieG.JPG)
Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' midfielders ahead of this week's Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage
Ahead of this week's Premier League meeting, between Fulham and Liverpool, see how the sides' midfielders Steve Sidwell and Steven Gerrard compare.
Data and graphic provided by whoscored.com
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steve-sidwell-v-steven-gerrard-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-liverpool-9121854.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steve-sidwell-v-steven-gerrard-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-liverpool-9121854.html)
Fulham v Liverpool: Meulensteen senses draw at Manchester United could be a turning point
(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article9117813.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Darren+Bent%23.jpg)
On song: Darren Bent scores at United
Rene Meulensteen hopes Fulham's last-minute equaliser against Manchester United is the "start of a resurrection" for his side.
Fulham drew 2-2 at Old Trafford and, despite still being four points from safety ahead of tonight's home game against Liverpool, the head coach believes that result signified a step in the right direction.
Meulensteen said: "To score that late leveller was a massive morale boost for everyone. That was the start of a resurrection. What we need to do now is have enough energy, quality and commitment in the team to make sure we stay up.
"The defensive performance on Sunday was a massive improvement from recent weeks and, hopefully, we can build on that. Now we have to be more positive when we have the ball because we need to have the right balance in the side."
Fulham will be without £11million signing Kostas Mitroglou, who is still short of fitness following his deadline-day move from Olympiakos. Meulensteen hopes the Greece forward will be fit to face West Brom a week on Saturday.
The boss said: "We are working very hard to get him up to speed for the Premier League. It is important we time that right. After tonight we have 10 days until we play West Brom, so hopefully then he will be much sharper and much fitter."
Meulensteen praised the impact of John Heitinga since his free transfer from Everton. "He has made a big difference," he said. "He is an established Holland international, who has vast experience in the Premier League. Above all, he is a leader. That was one of the reasons we wanted to bring him in."
Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1 on Saturday and Meulensteen said: "As much as you set up your team in the best way, you can't walk away from the talent you are up against. But it is a challenge we are relishing."
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-v-liverpool-meulensteen-senses-draw-at-manchester-united-could-be-a-turning-point-9122940.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-v-liverpool-meulensteen-senses-draw-at-manchester-united-could-be-a-turning-point-9122940.html)
Can Skrtel claim Fulham hat-trick?Martin Skrtel will be hoping to build on Saturday's brace against Arsenal by notching a unique treble against Fulham this evening - find out what that is and more in our pre-match stat pack, courtesy of Ged Rea.
The Slovakian has netted in each of his last two matches against the Cottagers - both at Anfield in 4-0 victories. His double against Arsenal on Saturday was the first time in his career he's scored two goals in a game for Liverpool.
As mentioned, earlier this season the Reds beat Fulham 4-0 at Anfield. Fernando Amorebieta (OG), Skrtel and Luis Suarez scored in the first half, with Suarez adding his second before the hour mark. Martin Jol was in charge of the Cottagers at the time.
Last season's meeting at Craven Cottage saw Liverpool come from behind to win 3-1. Within three minutes of Dimitar Berbatov opening the scoring, the Reds equalised through Daniel Sturridge on 36 minutes. The striker then went on to complete his hat-trick in the second half.
It was the first time in his career that Sturridge had scored three times in a single game.
Only three of the Reds' starting XI in this fixture last May are likely to be involved today - Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Sturridge. Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva are both injured.
Overall in the Barclays Premier League, Liverpool have won seven and lost five at Fulham, while home and away they have won 15, drawn four and lost six of the 25 meetings.
Liverpool's biggest win over Fulham in the league came in November 1955, when they won 7-0 at Anfield.
Their heaviest top-flight victory over tonight's opponents came in March 2006, when they won 5-1 at home.
There has not been a draw between the teams at Fulham in the Premier League.
The last draw on this ground was in December 1967, when the late Tony Hateley scored in a 1-1 stalemate.
Liverpool's biggest loss at Craven Cottage came in both October 2009 and April 1956 - losing 3-1.
The Reds have won the last three league meetings, scoring 11 goals in the process.
They have kept nine clean sheets in the last 15 games with Fulham home and away but only two in the last 10 at Fulham.
Liverpool have won four and lost two of the last six league visits.
Last season, Sturridge became the second Reds player to score three in a game at Craven Cottage - the other being Maxi Rodriguez, who achieved the feat in a 5-2 win in May 2011. The only other Liverpool man to score a league hat-trick against Fulham was Billy Liddell in September 1954 at Anfield.
The Reds have had four players red-carded against Fulham in the Premier League era, all at Craven Cottage - Josemi (2004), Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher (2009) and Jay Spearing (2011).
More substitutes (11) have scored for Liverpool against Fulham than against any other team in the Reds' history.
Liverpool are aiming for a second successive league double over Fulham and their fifth in the Premier League.
A year ago yesterday, Coutinho made his Liverpool debut as a substitute against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield. He has made 36 appearances, scoring five goals in total.
Mamadou Sakho celebrates his 24th birthday on Thursday.
Kolo Toure could play his 450th career club game.
Suarez, with four, has scored more goals against Fulham in the Premier League than any other Reds player - Sturridge is one of three players with three.
Suarez holds the club's Premier League record of scoring 12 away goals in a season. Both he and Sturridge this season have scored seven.
Sturridge has scored in Liverpool's last five league games - the first since Dirk Kuyt in 2010-11 to achieve the feat. The last to find the net in six in succession was John Aldridge in 1988-89, who notched in eight in a row.
Fulham, in November, are the last team to prevent the England striker from scoring; he has netted in his last seven in league and cup either side of his injury.
Sturridge has found the net in 16 of his 20 appearances this season and in 14 different league games. He is only five off Robbie Fowler's Premier League club record of scoring in 19 league games in a campaign. Suarez has scored in 12.
Henderson has started every league game since the end of March and the last league game he missed was the Reds' home match with Fulham in December 2012. He has appeared in all of Liverpool's last 45 league fixtures.
The Reds have picked up 16 points on the road this season (four wins, four draws and four defeats) - two points more than at the same stage of last season.
That is the lowest points tally of any of the other top eight sides.
They have won two of their last nine away games in the Premier League - scoring five in both - at Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City. They have kept one clean sheet during that period.
Liverpool have scored 63 goals after 25 games - the highest tally at this stage in their top-flight history.
63 per cent of all Liverpool's goals this season in league and cup have been scored in the first half.
They have scored in the opening 45 minutes of each of the last 15 league games.
Away from home in the league they have found the net 25 times - only Arsenal and Manchester City (26 each) have scored more.
However, only five teams (including four of the bottom five) have conceded more than the Reds' 21 away from home.
Liverpool are averaging two points per game for only the second time in the Premier League era after 25 games. The other was in 2008-09, when they had 54 points with 13 games left to play.
Since the defeat at Chelsea, the Reds have taken 14 points out of a possible 18 with four wins and two draws.
Fulham have scored 19 goals in 25 Premier League meetings with Liverpool, with 16 of those coming at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are one goal short of recording 50 in all league games against the Reds.
The only Fulham player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool is Roy Dwight, who did so in 1956.
There has only been one goalless draw between the teams in a league game at the Cottage - in April 1963.
John Arne Riise played 348 times for Liverpool, scoring 31 goals between 2001 and 2008. He has been in and out of the Fulham team this season, making 11 league appearances.
Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was a teammate of Suarez at Ajax during the Uruguayan's spell with the club.
The Cottagers have won three of their last 16 home league games, taking 10 points out of a possible 48.
Their draw at Old Trafford last Sunday was only their second in the league this season - the fewest of all top-flight teams along with Crystal Palace.
That point at the weekend halted a run of four successive league defeats.
Their last league win came on New Year's Day with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Craven Cottage.
They have picked up 10 points from home games this season - the lowest tally in the top flight.
Fulham have conceded 25 at home - more than any other Premier League club - and the 55 they have shipped in total is comfortably the highest.
(http://assets3.lfcimages.com/uploads/riise_51308ba1ebf11127503454.jpg)
In all competitions they have kept one clean sheet in the last 14 games.
Their three home wins this season have come against Stoke (1-0), Aston Villa (2-0) and West Ham (2-1).
They have scored in two of the last six games in league and cup.
In the last seven league games they have scored five times, with Steve Sidwell scoring three of them.
Rene Meulensteen has seen his team concede 31 goals in 12 league games since he took charge.
Leading scorers (league in brackets):
Liverpool: Suarez 23 (23), Sturridge 18 (15), Gerrard 6 (6), Sterling 6 (5), Skrtel 4 (4), Coutinho 2 (2), Henderson 2 (1), Moses 2 (1), Agger 1 (1), Aspas 1 (0), Flanagan 1 (1), Sakho 1 (1), own goals 4 (3).
Fulham: Sidwell 7 (6), Bent 6 (3), Berbatov 5 (4), Rodallega 4 (0), Kasami 3 (3), Dejagah 2 (1), Parker 2 (2), Kacaniklic 1 (1), Karagounis 1 (0), Richardson 1 (1), Ruiz 1 (1), Senderos 1 (1), Taarabt 1 (0), own goals 1 (1).
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/155143-can-skrtel-claim-fulham-hat-trick? (http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/155143-can-skrtel-claim-fulham-hat-trick?)
Task Master(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Retail/FFC-Cover18-LFC.ashx?w=300&h=400)
Fulham's objective for the remainder of the season couldn't be clearer; survival. Exactly 13 games will decide the Club's fate between now and 11th May, but Lewis Holtby has seen enough in his fortnight in SW6 to suggest we can avoid the drop.
"The task, of course, is to fight against relegation," he told the official matchday programme for Wednesday's clash with Liverpool. "It will no doubt be exciting and I'll put in all my effort and work rate and everything I've got into this challenge, and hopefully we can stay up. I absolutely believe in the squad and I believe in the abilities of every player I'm playing with.
"We've got really good lads in the dressing room, like I said, and everyone's bonding really well and that's what you've got to have, especially in dark times like now when we're not winning much. You have to keep that faith up, you have to get a winning mentality in the dressing room, you have to think positive. That's very important - you can't let yourself down, you can't get depressed, because there are a lot of games to play. It's so vital, even against these big teams now, that we get some points and get a belief in the team."
To read the full interview with Holtby, pick up an official matchday programme on Wednesday.
Other key content in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is available to download digitally from 12pm on Wednesday - include:
Shahid Khan reflects on Sunday's thrilling draw at Old Trafford
René Meulensteen pens his regular programme notes
New boy John Heitinga takes the Fulham 50 challenge
Sean Davis recalls a famous win over Liverpool at the Cottage
Former Reds star John Aldridge assesses the Cottage encounter
Fresh from signing a professional contract, Patrick Roberts outlines his hopes for the future
And Richard Money looks back on his playing stints in SW6 and Anfield
Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Fans can also order copies directly from www.programmemaster.com (http://www.programmemaster.com)
The programme is also available as an app with added video content from 12pm on Wednesday via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags. You can subscribe for the whole season for the digital edition or buy a single issue for £1.99.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/programme-plug? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/programme-plug?)
U21 Villa Preview(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Under%2021%20action%20shots/IMG_9077.ashx?w=350&h=250)
Our Under-21s return to action on Wednesday (1pm), and Kit Symons' side will be looking to return to winning ways at Aston Villa in a behind-closed-doors game, having slipped to their first league defeat of the season last week.
Chelsea secured the SW6 bragging rights, when they claimed a 2-1 win at Motspur Park – Cauley Woodrow netted for the Whites. Prior to the loss, Fulham had won eight and drawn four of their 12 fixtures.
Fulham do, though, remain at the top of the Barclays U21 Premier League, although the gap has closed with just three points between them and the chasing pack of Chelsea, Manchester City and Sunderland, who are all on 25 points.
Opponents Aston Villa sit in 18th place, having won four, drawn two and lost six of their 12 fixtures to date. The Midlands club slipped to a 2-0 loss against Reading at their Bodymoor Heath base last week.
Overseen by Gordon Cowans, Villa have a fine Under-21 reputation – winning a number of titles at development level. Key players include Graham Burke, Callum Robinson, Andras Stieber and Joshua Webb.
Fulham and Aston Villa have met already this term, with the Whites winning 3-0 in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup in November. Three goals in the last seven minutes capped an entertaining finish, with Moussa Dembélé (2) and Ange-Freddy Plumain on target.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/u21-preview? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/u21-preview?)
Riise excited to face old club Liverpool but hopes to repeat Manchester United showing
Fulham full back John Arne Riise admits that it is still special facing his former club Liverpool.
The Norweigan spent seven years at Anfield, scoring 31 Premier League goals in 234 appearances.
He left in 2008 for Roma but returned to England three years later when Fulham came calling.
If selected for tonight's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, Riise would be making his fifth appearance for the Whites against the Merseysiders - an experience he will never get tired of.
"It's still special. Liverpool will always be in my heart," Riise said.
"I won more or less everything I could win there and the [Reds] fans appreciate what I've done for them."
Liverpool are on song and thrashed then Premier League leaders Arsenal 5-1 on Saturday, but Riise is hoping to see a vibrant atmosphere at by the banks of the River Thames tonight.
"They're a team on form so it will be a fantastic atmosphere at Craven Cottage," he added.
"They're one of the best teams [in the league] and are on fire at the moment. It'll be a nice experience."
Fulham pulled off a surprise 2-2 draw away at Manchester United – a game where they were expected to lose.
The bottom-of-the-league Whites are again underdogs going into the game against the Reds and Riise admitted anything Fulham take from the game will be a surprise in the eyes of most people.
"They're bonus points," he said. "These two games are not where people expect us to get points from.
"We're bottom of the league, we need points. When you're playing Man U and Liverpool in the next two games you don't expect to win them.
"Football is a funny game and we could have scored two or three in the first half [at Old Trafford]. It's perfect for the team spirit."
Dan Burn shot to prominence during the draw at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday and Riise paid tribute to the 21-year-old defender, who, if selected, would need to produce a performance of similar qualityagainst Liverpool.
"He's come in after his [loan] spell at Birmingham City and done extremely well," the Norwegian said.
"The manager has trusted in his ability and done really well."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/riise_excited_to_face_old_club_liverpool_but_hopes_to_repeat_manchester_united_showing_1_3316664 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/riise_excited_to_face_old_club_liverpool_but_hopes_to_repeat_manchester_united_showing_1_3316664)
Loft hails defensive duo
Captain and matchwinner Doug Loft hailed rookie central defenders Joe Davis and Jack Grimmer for a "coming of age" performance on Tuesday.
The young defenders were paired together for only the second time this season and responded with Vale's first clean sheet since January 18th.
Loft commented: "They played together at Brentford as well and I know we lost that game, but I thought they both played really well that day as well.
"I think they both came of age a bit tonight. They were going in arguing at half-time which I think is a good sign because they were both passionate and wanted to win. I think that's what we need more of, they were both excellent."
Loft also paid tribute to midfielder Anthony Griffith adding: "He was brilliant. He works hard for the team and does a lot of things which I think go unnoticed.
"He won the ball back a lot of times to set us up to go and break on them, I thought he was excellent. "
http://www.onevalefan.co.uk/site/loft-hails-defensive-duo/? (http://www.onevalefan.co.uk/site/loft-hails-defensive-duo/?)
Suarez ready to ransack the cottage after a brief goals layoff
Suarez has scored four goals in four Premier League meetings with Fulham
It's always nice to get a ringing endorsement from one of your national team buddies, but Liverpool's Luis Suarez doesn't need Edinson Cavani's kind words to run amok at Fulham.
Injured Paris St-Germain striker, Cavani, who is the target of several English clubs, revealed that his close friend Suarez was 'a different man' to the one he knew last season and it's hardly surprising given his goal-scoring exploits in a Liverpool shirt in 2013/14.
When two games is considered a drought, there are only a pinch of players in world football that this is applicable to and one of those is the Premier League's leading scorer.
Liverpool's Uruguayan front man has racked up 23 top-flight goals already this term, but having not found the net in his last two Reds appearances, this makes grim reading for Fulham's defence.
Suarez has not endured a longer hiatus than two games without scoring all season and as this rampant Liverpool team arrive at Craven Cottage, the number seven is priced up on the plump side at 5/2 to score two or more times.
The kop hero did exactly this when the teams squared up at Anfield earlier in the campaign, notching either side of the break to help inflict a 4-0 bashing on the Cottagers on that occasion.
That made it four goals in as many appearances against the west Londoners and although the Premier League's bottom side have just escaped Old Trafford with the pluckiest (to put it mildly) of points, keeping Suarez at bay is an altogether tougher task.
Those punters of a less daring nature may well entertain Ladbrokes' offer of 8/13 to bag anytime, though 3/1 on the opener or 10/1 on a hat-trick have far greater appeal.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/suarez-ready-ransack-cottage-goals-layoff_187130.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/suarez-ready-ransack-cottage-goals-layoff_187130.html)
Make Every Mile Count(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2013-14/Lewis%20Holtby/PA-18952785.ashx)
The 20 Barclays Premier League teams clocked up 1400.23 miles across 10 football matches last weekend as they helped kick off the launch of a brand new app, Make Every Mile Count, for this year's Sport Relief campaign. Chelsea and Liverpool weren't the only winners on Saturday, as Fulham's Lewis Holtby covered the most ground of all 275 players with an impressive 8.4 miles.
The free Make Every Mile Count app encourages the nation to come together and log their miles, whether they run, walk, swim, or cycle, in the run up to this year's Sainsbury's Sport Relief Games and is available for download today on iOS and Android phones, and the Sport Relief website. As the public log their miles, they'll unlock medals for reaching milestones, and unite as they get moving for Sport Relief.
As part of their partnership with Sport Relief, the Premier League kept track of every mile covered by each player this weekend to help motivate the nation to Make Every Mile Count. Coming top of the leader-board by totting up a grand total of 77.74 miles was Fulham in their match against Manchester United.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore, said: "We're proud to be partnering with Sport Relief for the launch of this app, as we're keen to get everyone, young and old, keeping fit. Now that all 20 clubs have kicked off the nation's mile count with 1400.23 miles, the rest of the nation are invited to follow suit and do their bit by clocking up their efforts. Good luck!"
Sport Relief is back from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014, and for the first time ever the public can make every mile count by running, swimming or cycling in the brand new Sainsbury's Sport Relief Games. The Games will be taking place in over a thousand locations across the country, with landmark run, swim and cycle events at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Money raised from Sport Relief will be spent helping some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.
For more information about how to download the app and sign up for the unmissable Sainsbury's Sport Relief Games to raise cash and change lives, go to sportrelief.com.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/make-every-mile-count? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/make-every-mile-count?)
James Olley: I shall say this only once...Rene's onto something at Fulham
(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article9123162.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/103sidwell1202a.jpg)
New and old: Premier League debutant Muamer Tankovic joins Steve Sidwell in celebrating the 31-year-old's goal at United
Fulham are facing relegation not because they said 'Allo 'Allo to Rene but for failing to dismiss their Dad's Army.
Rene Meulensteen has not had much to laugh about in the 72 days since he took charge at Craven Cottage. Sunday's valiant draw at Manchester United was only the 10th Premier League point Fulham have managed in 12 games under the Dutchman, who succeeded Martin Jol on December 2.
Their performance at Old Trafford, featuring as it did Premier League debuts for youngsters Muamer Tankovic and Ryan Tunnicliffe (in addition to 29-year-old John Heitinga) offered a possible glimpse into the future but Fulham have been guilty of looking at the past for too long.
This malaise has been years in the making. Since Roy Hodgson left in 2010, the club have had three managers in less than four years. Both Mark Hughes and Martin Jol, perhaps unsure of their long-term futures, opted against sufficiently overhauling an ageing squad.
According to data compiled by transfermarkt.co.uk of all 380 Premier League matches played per season, Fulham have fielded the oldest starting line-ups in each of the last four years.
This term, the oldest starting XI had an average age of 30.64. Last year it was 31.55, in 2011-12 it was 30.82 and in 2010-11 it was 30.64. Of the 40 oldest starting line-ups across all Premier League teams over the past four seasons, 38 of them were fielded by Fulham.
Of course, age is not necessarily a barrier to success but there comes a point when the club's long-term vision must be defined. A change of owner may not necessarily have helped in this respect; Shahid Khan's motives and targets for ownership will no doubt be different to Mohamed Fayed's.
Stories emerging that Alan Curbishley could be in line to take over from Meulensteen seem alarmingly premature.
Meulensteen has shown signs of giving youth its head — something that is long overdue at Fulham. They have bought young players before — Mousa Dembele was 22, Bryan Ruiz at 25 and Pajtim Kasami at barely 19 when he joined from Palermo in 2011.
But two of those players have left and the club have largely relied on a policy of signing experienced players in their thirties to just keep treading water. Mahamadou Diarra (aged 30 when joining), John Arne Riise (30), Dimitar Berbatov (31), Mladen Petric (31), Sascha Riether (29) and Giorgos Karagounis (35) are a few examples.
Again, there is nothing wrong with treading water. But eventually, your legs tire and you drown if there is no plan to move forward.
Fulham's extremely defensive performance at Old Trafford may not have provided a style template for the future but it did suggest Meulensteen is prepared to give youth a chance. That is brave in the context of a relegation fight but necessarily in Fulham's evolution.
Meulensteen is perhaps influenced by witnessing first-hand as a coach at United what young players can achieve and although the players available to him — or those he can attract — may be inferior, Fulham's academy is one of the more renowned in the country.
They have developed several young players including Matthew Briggs and Alex Kacaniklic, albeit the latter only spending two years with the club prior to his first-team debut, and in Huw Jennings they have an expert in nurturing young talent.
Jennings, academy director at Fulham, worked at Southampton's famed institution which produced Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain among others. Fulham need a new identity regardless of whether they stay up this season and their academy could help provide it.
Aged only 25, Konstantinos Mitroglou could spearhead a new-look Fulham for years. At £11million, Meulensteen will expect big things. His record as a manager must improve.
But whether they stay up or not, it is time for Fulham's Dad's Army to march on — and that situation is not Meulensteen's fault.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/james-olley-i-shall-say-this-only-oncerenes-onto-something-at-fulham-9123121.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/james-olley-i-shall-say-this-only-oncerenes-onto-something-at-fulham-9123121.html)
Arsene Wenger's "True Finisher" Kostas Mitroglou Bids to Turn Heads at Fulham
It did not capture headlines like some other transfers in the January window, however Fulham's club-record signing of Kostas Mitroglou is intriguing nonetheless.
Branded as immature and a loose cannon in a career that has had more than a couple of setbacks, Greek striker Mitroglou has set Europe alight with a fantastic season thus far. Having fired Greece to the World Cup and also Olympiacos to the top of the Greek Super League and to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, the 25-year-old is having a career-defining season. Mitroglou was watched closely by a number of Europe's elite, including Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Inter and Arsenal, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger dubbing him "a true finisher". However, it is Fulham who surprisingly won the race.
Why Fulham?
The £11m deal to take Mitroglou to Craven Cottage at first glance is shocking from all sides. Fulham on the one hand have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, so perhaps money should have been spent bolstering their shaky rearguard. Olympiacos are selling a crowd favourite who certainly would have given the club a better chance for success in their upcoming Champions League Round of 16 clash with Manchester United. Mitroglou too seemed to have many potential suitors, so why pick a relegation-threatened side like Fulham?
Only the involved parties know the exact answers to these questions, but through some logical speculation it is easy to see how the move is beneficial to all involved. Though Fulham are shipping goals left and right, their attack are not breaking any records either. Midfielder Steve Sidwell has been a particularly solid Premier League player his whole career, but when his seven goals top the club scoring charts, that is the sign of a problem.
Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz was surprisingly sent to PSV Eindhoven in a loan deal, while American striker Clint Dempsey has returned to his old stomping ground – but only for two months, and he has been in the midst of a dip in form for some time.
Olympiacos meanwhile are strolling through the Greek Super League without a real challenge. When injury robbed them of Mitroglou for nearly two months it didn't affect them at all, their depth and quality a level above every team in the Greek top flight; the Piraeus giants are also showing their ability to evolve as time passes. Olympiacos can be deemed a selling club too nowadays as every season seems to show them selling one or two stars.
In the past few years they have sold players to Roma, Genoa, Everton, Galatasaray and Benfica amongst others. The Piraeus outfit have shown an uncanny ability to rebuild by bringing new players in. For instance, Nelson Valdes has already been snapped up as a replacement for Mitroglou. Critics of the sale have argued they could have waited until the summer to sell their prized possession though, as Mitroglou's stock may have risen further with a positive World Cup. Things can change fast in football however and Olympiacos will deem the money received for Mitroglou as good enough to do the deal.
While playing for Fulham will not be the dream of every aspiring star, the London club represent a fantastic opportunity for the player. For starters, Fulham made a concrete deal even though bigger clubs were looking at Mitroglou; signing the Greek international was a risk Fulham were willing to take. For Mitroglou meanwhile, the presence of fellow Greek Giorgos Karagounis will surely help in becoming accustomed to life in English football. But more than that, Mitroglou will be given ample playing time by manager Rene Meulensteen, something that he would not be guaranteed if Liverpool, Arsenal or Newcastle had come calling.
At 25, the striker still has time to make another move in his career. If things with Fulham work out, then there will be an opportunity to sign another contract or move to an even bigger club. Fulham may indeed be a stepping stone for something else for the player, while the expectations at Craven Cottage will also be manageable, initially meaning he will be tasked with scoring the goals needed to get the side out of the relegation places. Mitroglou is no stranger to pressure having played for Olympiacos, who are expected to win the domestic double every season.
What Do Fulham Get?
What is £11m buying Shahid Khan's club? Firstly, the Cottagers are purchasing a player in the best form of his career. The statistics say it all with regard to Mitroglou's goal glut this season. Six goals for the Greek national team since August and 17 goals for Olympiacos (in all competitions), which included a hat-trick against Anderlecht in the Champions League back in October, becoming the first Greek player to ever achieve that feat in Europe's premier club competition.
While his talent has been undeniable, even from his youth football days in Germany where his family moved to following Mitroglou's birth in Kavala, Greece, he has struggled to become the main man for Olympiacos: Though he was at the club from the age of 19, only this season had the player popularly known as 'Mitrogoal' been an undisputed first-choice striker.
In Ernesto Valverde's two spells with Olympiacos (2008-2009 and 2010-2012), Mitroglou was part of the squad, however he was not the preferred pick to play in the Spanish boss' favoured lone striker spot. Instead the likes of Darko Kovacevic and Refik Djebbour were usually selected. Some observers questioned Mitroglou's work rate and commitment at training.
Certainly there has been a maturation process that has taken place since those days. The growing up however did not occur solely at Olympiacos, but rather in two loan spells that seemed to change the way Mitroglou went about his job. The first loan was at Panionios in 2011 where Mitroglou played half a season chalking up eight goals, a satisfactory return. Just when his confidence was growing the player was sent on another loan, this time to Atromitos. There, under the guidance of former Blackburn Rovers player Giorgos Donis, Mitroglou thrived once again. He scored 19 goals in all competitions and the belief was that he was ready to claim a spot at Olympiacos.
Last season, Mitroglou enjoyed a fine season with the Piraeus giants, scoring 20 goals in all competitions in just over 40 matches. It was the season that he needed to affirm his status as the club's top striker, especially with Djebbour's departure from the club.
Unlimited Potential
As he has shown in the last two seasons for Olympiacos and most recently the Greek national team, Mitroglou is a striker with great potential and many positive characteristics. The former Borussia Monchengladbach product is a good hold-up player, but more than merely that, Mitroglou is a skilled footballer and his combination play is strong. Another defining characteristic is Mitroglou's close control and one on one play; he has the ability to get past defenders with surprising finesse for a big man. What Fulham really now have is an individual who can score in a variety of ways. Equally at home at scoring with either foot and with his head, what separates Mitroglou from others is the coolness of his finishing. His range is also impressive as he is able to score from distance as well as finish in the box.
Certainly Mitroglou has much to prove with this move. There will be pressure to live up to his transfer fee, the most ever spent on a Greek player. Whether he will be able to handle the speed and power of the Premier League remains to be seen as the Greek Super League is nowhere near as competitive.
Fulham have got their man. Some supporters cannot believe the player has been signed. The jury may still be out if this was money well spent, but the indications are that this a deal that could yield much success for the English side and Greece's top player.
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/02/12/arsene-wengers-true-finisher-kostas-mitroglou-bidding-to-turn-heads-at-fulham/126917/#wKTyGcIBJ2EJMTxL.99 (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/02/12/arsene-wengers-true-finisher-kostas-mitroglou-bidding-to-turn-heads-at-fulham/126917/#wKTyGcIBJ2EJMTxL.99)
Lewis Holtby praises Fulham team spirit
Lewis Holtby has praised the team spirit at Fulham as the club battles against relegation from the Premier League.
The Cottagers, who are four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, continue their campaign at home to Liverpool tonight (Wednesday).
Holtby believes that it is important for the players to remain positive between now and the end of the season if they want to secure their top-flight status.
"We've got really good lads in the dressing room and everyone's bonding really well and that's what you've got to have, especially in dark times like now when we're not winning much," he told the club's official website.
"You have to keep that faith up, you have to get a winning mentality in the dressing room, you have to think positive. That's very important - you can't let yourself down, you can't get depressed, because there are a lot of games to play. It's so vital, even against these big teams now, that we get some points and get a belief in the team."
Holtby joined Fulham on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last month on a deal until the summer.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/holtby-praises-fulham-team-spirit_137397.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/holtby-praises-fulham-team-spirit_137397.html)
From supermarket trolleys to the Premier League; Dan Burn reflects on remarkable rise
Almost overnight, Fulham defender Dan Burn has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_2_1_3316625!image/2284065315.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/2284065315.jpg)
Dan Burn started his career at Darlington and is seen celebrating the Quakers' FA Trophy win with Liam Hatch even though he was not part of the squad.
Picture: Andrew Matthews/EMPICS
His stand-out showing in the weekend's last-gasp 2-2 draw at Manchester United was followed by his light-hearted comment that he hadn't made as many headers since his time in the Conference at Darlington, dealing with the Red Devils' 81 crosses.
The fee the Quakers received in 2011 was not enough to keep them from going to the wall and the club folded with Darlington 1883 taking its place.
He signed professional forms with the north-east outfit as a 16-year-old but Burn had had experience of the world of work when he was employed by supermarket firm ASDA.
"I left school and a lot of the lads had been signed up to football clubs," he explained to London24. "I went to sixth form. I needed some money so I got a job at ASDA pushing trolleys and stuff. It went from there.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_3_1_3316626!image/3041147795.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/3041147795.jpg)
Dan Burn had more Wembley success, this time with Yeovil, as he scored the winner in the League One play-off final against Brentford.
(Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
"It shows how things can change so quickly. I try not to think about it too much because it scares me a little bit."
Darlington were in administration when Burn first signed for the club in 2009 – their financial woes were a big factor in the Quakers being relegated from the Football League.
After a season in the Conference, Burn had attracted the attention of Fulham, as well as Everton.
But it was the Whites, then managed by Mark Hughes, who won the battle for his signature in April 2011.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_4_1_3316627!image/124053379.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/124053379.jpg)
Fulham loaned Dan Burn out to Birmingham for the first half of the 2013/14 season
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
After a year in the academy at the Craven Cottage outfit, Burn was loaned out to League One side Yeovil Town to gain experience.
His name will forever be etched in folklore at Huish Park as the man who scored the goal that sent the Glovers into the Championship for the first time in the club's history with the play-off final winner against Brentford.
Burn admitted that Wembley experience stood him in good stead, especially when facing up to the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney on Sunday.
"That experience helped me," he said. "I don't think about the crowd, which is amazing considering how many people are there.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_5_1_3316628!image/973393459.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/973393459.jpg)
Dan Burn made his Fulham first team debut against Norwich in the FA Cup.
(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
"When you're playing the game you don't think about it. Until they scored I didn't think about it."
Despite Yeovil wanting their hero back, Burn moved to Birmingham for the first half of the Premier League season.
He freely admitted that he expected to be playing at St Andrews in the Championship, not at Old Trafford but he is delighted to be ahead of his career plan.
He added: "I have always had a plan in my head that I wanted to play in the Premier League at a certain point but I'm way ahead of that.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_6_1_3316629!image/2107946211.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/2107946211.jpg)
Dan Burn has now become a regular in the Premier League as was named ahead of Brede Hangeland for Sunday's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Picture: David Davies/EMPICS
"I should still be at Birmingham. To get the chance, the backing of the manager and the lads, it's amazing and I'm not taking it for granted."
His performances impressed Whites manager Rene Meulensteen so much that he handed him his Fulham debut in the FA Cup third round tie against Norwich.
His performances led to him starting at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 people, plus millions more watching their television screens around the world.
And he admitted that the thought of coming up against the likes of Rooney were beyond his wildest dreams when he was starting out his career, before paying tribute to both Yeovil and Birmingham.
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk7_14_dan_burn_7_1_3316630!image/1086627155.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/1086627155.jpg)
Performances like the one against Manchester United could see Dan Burn pulling on an England shirt.
Picture: Lewis Stickley/PA Archive
"It shows how far I've come," he said. "Even today, I was shaking hands before the game with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata and stuff.
"Five years ago I'd have never have dreamt it."
He added: "I pinched myself a little bit when I was looking around. I think the loan moves have helped me [with that].
"I went from playing in front of a few thousand, to 10-15,000 and then this is about as big as it gets."
The performance should have caught the eye of England under-21s boss Gareth Southgate, but if Burn can maintain that level of consistent quality it senior Three Lions head coach Roy Hodgson may come calling.
But the unflappable Burn is not going to get carried away and is only focused on improving his game.
"I think we'll have to wait and play a few more games," he said. "I'm ahead of my target.
"I'm not taking anything for granted and I'll try and get as many more games under my belt for the rest of the season."
A more pressing concern is tonight's visit of Liverpool in the Premier League.
"The games aren't coming easy for us as we've got Chelsea in [on March 1]," he said.
"If you want to stay in this league you've got to beat the best so we'll take confidence going into the Liverpool game and see how we're going to get on."
Footballers in the modern game are derided as arrogant and out of touch in the real world but Burn is not one of them - it'd be hard given his career path.
A large number of young players enjoyed life in Premier League academies and only ventured into the lower tiers for loan moves to gain experience.
Sometimes a gem crops up from the Football League and there is a rush to sign him – for instance Manchester United shelled out £15million on Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.
But even then, in this day and age, clubs are more likely to be on the lookout for talent overseas that are generally more affordable – the likes of Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes and QPR's Charlie Austin are Premier League class players, but no club, as yet, has been prepared to spend the money.
Even rarer these days does a player emerge from non-league to shine in the top flight.
John Barnes (Sudbury Court), Ian Wright (Dulwich Hamlet), Stuart Pearce (Wealdstone), Les Ferdinand (Southall) and Chris Waddle (Tow Law Town) all made the step up and enjoyed successful careers in the past, while Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle made a remarkable rise from Stansted to the Premier League.
Now Burn is one of them, giving hope to those youngsters who dream of emulating him.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/from_supermarket_trolleys_to_the_premier_league_dan_burn_reflects_on_remarkable_rise_1_3316631 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/from_supermarket_trolleys_to_the_premier_league_dan_burn_reflects_on_remarkable_rise_1_3316631)
Liverpool to take full advantage of Fulham's run-ragged defence
Liverpool have scored 11 goals across the last three league meetings with Fulham
After Old Trafford entrenchment, Fulham's heroic troops get no time to patch up the walking wounded before a rampant Liverpool open an 'SAS-AS' inspired barrage on their goal.
Since Martin Skrtel and Raheem Sterling added their third and fourth strikes of the season in Liverpool's 5-1 rout of Arsenal, the pair have added their initials to the tabloids' favourite goal-scorer acronym.
Fulham rightly collected plaudits for displaying newfound levels of pluckiness in drawing 2-2 with Manchester United, but the one team capable of erasing that result from memory in a blaze of goals is Liverpool.
As a straight contest for three points Ladbrokes clearly only see one winner, with Liverpool installed as the strong 4/9 favourites, the draw at 7/2 and an unlikely-looking home win the outsider of the trio at 11/2.
There is plenty of statistical evidence to support this hypothesis too, not least the fact that Liverpool have won the last three league meetings, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once in that run.
In two out of three of those contests the Reds won both halves and at 19/10 they appear great value to achieve this feat again versus Fulham's overworked players.
Scoring in both halves at 5/6 provides a good covering option.
The reverse fixture produced a 4-0 home win for Brendan Rodgers' side earlier in the campaign, while a maiden Premier League hat trick for Daniel Sturridge did for Fulham in this fixture last year as Liverpool won 3-1.
Liverpool scoring another scoring another 2-3 seems set in stone at 1/1, though a 4+ haul for a ninth-time in the top-flight this season, is more appealing still at 13/4.
Without a goal in two games, backing Luis Suarez to start the scoring bidding at 3/1 is also a noteworthy price.
Perhaps the only thing which could have prevented a one-way deluge from the visitors would have been another Tube strike.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/liverpool-full-advantage-fulhams-run-ragged-defence_187146.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/liverpool-full-advantage-fulhams-run-ragged-defence_187146.html)
Football And Education(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Foundation/Kaka%20Education350.ashx?w=350&h=250)
The Fulham FC Foundation is looking for talented, young footballers to join our Football and Education programme.
The programme, in association with Harris Academy Beckenham, Harris Academy Merton and Sedgehill School, offers young footballers the chance to gain football scholarships whilst continuing their academic studies in a full-time programme.
The programme offers the chance for successful applicants to gain A-Level and BTEC qualifications, whilst providing a fantastic opportunity to train every day in a professional environment with highly qualified Fulham coaches.
If you are currently in year 11 and are interested in being part of this programme please get in contact to arrange a trial.
For more information on the Football and Education programme, please click here.
To see upcoming trial dates near you, please click here.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/football-and-education? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/football-and-education?)
Mitroglou bags brace as Fulham beat Villa
January arrival builds up his fitness playing for U21s this afternoon
(http://i4.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article6684488.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Kostas-Mitroglou-6684488.jpg)
On the comeback trail: Kostas Mitroglou is closing in on a return to action
Kostas Mitroglou scored twice as Fulham Under 21s beat Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath this afternoon.
The £11million January arrival from Olympiakos is yet to feature for the Cottagers first team as he battles to overcome a niggling knee problem.
However, the Greek striker stepped up his recovery with a run out for the reserves in a behind-closed-doors match.
Boss Rene Meulensteen said: "It was a bit of a knee niggle that's kept him out and left him to play 45 mintues and 65 minutes.
"We are still working very hard to get him up to speed for the Premier League.
"It's important we time that right for us and for him. He's progressing every day."
Cauley Woodrow also bagged a brace in the 5-3 win, while young keeper Marek Rodak scored a freak fifth when his long clearance ended up in the Villa net.
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mitroglou-bags-brace-fulham-beat-6700100 (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mitroglou-bags-brace-fulham-beat-6700100)
Which Way Will It Swing?
With the fixture against Liverpool declared as definitely being on, after the proposed Tube strike was called off, we`ve a few facts for you to mull over.
• The record books show that when Phil Dowd is in charge of Premier League matches, at Craven Cottage, Fulham have never lost.
• On the other hand, it transpires that with regards to Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager has won all 5 previous Premier League games when Fulham were the opposition.
• Apparently, in 12 games between the two clubs, at Craven Cottage, there has yet to be a drawn fixture.
What`s the verdict?
Which way will this fixture swing?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=349406#ixzz2t82uLYzK (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=349406#ixzz2t82uLYzK)
Kostas Mitroglou shows his fitness with two goals for Fulham's U21 side
January signing Kostas Mitroglou put his name in the frame for a Fulham first-team debut with two goals in a topsy-turvy 5-3 win over Aston Villa in an Under-21 fixture.
The 25-year-old has been struggling with a knee injury since his record £12.5m arrival from Olympiakos last month and played in the fixture at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training complex to try and build up his fitness.
Mitroglou opened the scoring on 19 minutes from the edge of the box and provided one of a number of highlights from a thrilling game with a looping effort from 25 yards to make it 2-0 four minutes later.
Fulham's Liam Donnelly got Villa back into the game with an own goal on 29 before Mitroglou was denied a hat-trick by a superb save from home keeper Benjamin Siegrist.
Fringe Villa first-teamer Jordan Bowery set up Callum Robinson to level the scores just after half-time and Mitroglu again came close to a treble for the Cottagers when he smashed a low shot against the post.
Bowery was tripped inside the box to hand Villa a penalty 21 minutes from time, with Daniel Johnson converting from the spot to put them in front for the first time.
But they capitulated completely after that with former Southend United loanee Cauley Woodrow scoring on 78 and 82 minutes to restore Fulham's advantage.
And even worse would follow five minutes from time when Fulham keeper Marek Rodak launched a long goal-kick and Siegrist watched in horror as it got caught on the strong wind and was carried over his head into the net.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9163122/kostas-mitroglou-shows-his-fitness-with-two-goals-for-fulhams-u21-side? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9163122/kostas-mitroglou-shows-his-fitness-with-two-goals-for-fulhams-u21-side?)
Expect a flood of goals when Liverpool take on rock-bottom Fulham
The Premier League's second-highest scorers face its leakiest defence, so expect plenty of striking action.
While there's been scant time for Liverpool to take stock of their shock 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal in the Premier League, Brendan Rodgers' crack strikeforce should be handed plenty of chances to further sharpen their shooting against basement dwellers Fulham.
The pick of the bets at Craven Cottage has to be over 3.5 goals at 11/10, considering the red-hot form the visitors have been showing and the generous nature of the hosts' defence.
Liverpool have managed at least four goals by themselves in three of their last five Premier League fixtures.
Nobody could claim Arsenal weren't warned of the Reds' striking prowess before their Anfield agony, as Everton and Stoke were both hit for four and five respectively by Brendan Rodgers' rapidly improving outfit in recent weeks.
Punters new to bwin.com can register today and claim a £20 free bet, which could turn into £22 profit if wagered on over 3.5 goals.
The top-flight's highest and joint-second-highest scorers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have fired 38 league goals between them so far this term.
After finding the net a phenomenal 22 times in his first 16 league games of the campaign, Suarez has quietened down a tad of late, with just the one in his last four top-flight outings.
However, strike partner Sturridge has carried the goalscoring torch with aplomb since returning from injury, with seven in his last six games in all competitions.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City star fluffed his chance of a third goal from the spot after bagging a brace against the Toffees, but his only Premier League hat-trick so far came at Craven Cottage in this fixture last term.
Rock-bottom Fulham are officially the division's whipping boys, having conceded 11 goals more than second-worst defenders Cardiff.
Young Cottagers centre-half Dan Burn may have won plenty of plaudits for his stout defensive performance in the 2-2 draw at Manchester United, but the 21-year-old also featured in Fulham backlines against Arsenal, Swansea and Southampton prior to the Old Trafford clash.
Rene Meulensteen's side conceded seven times in those trio of league fixtures and considering they've let in four more than any other team in the top-flight at home during this campaign, Liverpool's visit could well become a massacre.
Fulham v Liverpool - over 3.5 goals @ 11/10
- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/expect-flood-goals-liverpool-rock-bottom-fulham,51870.html?#sthash.tYtuk1st.dpuf (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/expect-flood-goals-liverpool-rock-bottom-fulham,51870.html?#sthash.tYtuk1st.dpuf)
René's Reds Challenge(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Rene%20Meulensteen/PA-18939028.ashx?w=300&h=400)
René Meulensteen is looking forward to seeing his Fulham side test themselves against in-form Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening (8pm).
And when asked if he was apprehensive about facing the free-scoring Reds, he replied: "I'm not nervous – the last time I was nervous was when I had to go to the dentist, they can really hurt you!
"It [facing Liverpool] definitely is a challenge you relish and as much as you try to set up your team in the best possible way, you can't walk away from the talent you're up against. At times you see those players doing something which no team can defend and you just need to hold your hand up and say 'that was an excellent piece of football.' But you need to try to limit that as best you can and, at the same time, try to hurt them.
"We need to make sure that we get enough energy, enough quality and commitment in there to make sure that we stay up. That's what I think you saw, especially from a defending point of view, on Sunday.
"But, pleasingly to see, we could have been 2-0 up at half-time, and we still managed to score after we went 2-1 down. That showed good character, good resilience and quality at the right times."
Liverpool haven't always been the most consistent side on the road this season – they have won only once in their last four league matches away from Anfield – but will go into the game against the Whites with real confidence following their recent 5-1 triumph over Arsenal.
"I don't think that was a freak result because you've had these results so much more in the Premier League [this season]," Meulensteen stated. "It's part and parcel of the Premier League. You don't expect them and, suddenly, bang! They do happen, and when you least expect it, but that's what Liverpool is capable of.
"You always have to prepare for the team that probably will play at their best – that's what you need to prepare for because that's when they are at their most dangerous, and that's when they can hurt you the most."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/renes-reds-challenge? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/renes-reds-challenge?)
Villa U21 3-5 Fulham U21: Youngsters lose eight-goal thriller
Late Fulham rally dents Villa's chances.
(http://www.avfc.co.uk/javaImages/1c/28/0,,10265~12593180,00.jpg)
Villa finished up empty handed after table-topping Fulham scored three late goals in a ding-dong encounter at Bodymoor Heath.
The two sides somehow coped with the horrendous conditions to produce an eight-goal thriller at Villa's training headquarters.
Fulham's big-money deadline day signing Konstantinos Mitroglou conjured up two superb finishes to give the visitors an early lead.
But Gordon Cowans' team overturned the two-goal deficit thanks to a Liam Donnelly own goal, Callum Robinson's strike and a penalty from Daniel Johnson.
There was still plenty of time for more twists, though, and after getting back on level terms, Fulham added to further strikes including a freak goal from keeper Marek Rodak.
It took just 19 minutes for Greek forward Mitroglou to show his class when he fired past Benjamin Siegrist from the edge of the box.
Then six minutes later he added a second - a wonderful dipping 25-yard strike.
The hosts were handed a lifeline just before the half-hour mark when Donnelly's header from a Jordan Graham corner ended up in his own net.
Four minutes into the second half, Robinson was well placed at the near post to convert Jordan Bowery's cross from the right.
Bowery was instrumental in Villa's third goal too, winning a penalty after being fouled by Mananga Jonathan Buatu.
Skipper Johnson stepped up to score from the spot and give his side the lead.
Then came the late Fulham onslaught. Cauley Woodrow scored twice in the space of four minutes.
Firstly, he met Lyle Della Verde's corner on the volley to beat Siegrist 12 minutes from time.
Then Woodrow converted from close range after a good run and cross by Donnelly.
The final goal of the game arrived in bizarre circumstances.
Rodak's long clearance bounced once before catching the strong wind and carrying all the way into the Villa net.
VILLA: Siegrist, Webb, Kinsella, Stieber, Lewis, Toner, Graham, Robinson, Bowery, Johnson, Burke. Subs: Lyden, Watkins, Calder, Sellars, McKirdy.
FULHAM: Rodak, Donnelly, Richards, Della Verde, Buatu, Burgess, Roberts, Christensen, Mitroglou, Woodrow, Plumain. Subs: Oberschmidt, Brister, Evans, Sambou, Hyndman.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3666534,00.html? (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3666534,00.html?)
Up next: Liverpool (h)by DAN on FEBRUARY 12, 2014(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2012/12/10/1355176918302/Steve-Sidwell-008.jpg)
The euphoria over our last-gasp point at Old Trafford has just about subsided now, along with the howls of protest that greeted the prospect of this game being postponed due to the Tube strike. The unexpected draw at the home of the champions' – plus the valour with which Rene Meulensteen's men defended for so much of the game – has lifted some of the gloom around Craven Cottage and there may well be some momentum with which to play with ahead of the visit of Liverpool this evening.
Meulensteen might well be considering adopting a similar strategy to the rope-a-dope that worked so well at Manchester United, with Brendan Rodgers' boasting a fearsome strike force. Dan Burn was outstanding in dealing with United's aerial bombardment on Sunday and, taking his opportunity from a benched Brede Hangeland, Johnny Heitinga was quietly assured on his Fulham debut. Just as importantly, William Kvist organised excellently in front of the defence and Steve Sidwell had a terrific all-action game in central midfield to give Fulham a fighting chance. A similarly conservative approach could work against Liverpool – but I'd be very surprised if Meulensteen isn't a little more progressive.
However fearsome they might be at Anfield – and Fulham can attest to their ability to rip sides apart following their own humbling last year – Liverpool aren't quite the same force on their travels. They have lost four times away from home already this season and, despite looking favourites for fourth place following Saturday's clinical demolition of Arsenal, will be desperate to improve on a poor run of just two wins in their last nine league away games. Rodgers will rely on Daniel Sturridge, who struck a hat-trick on his last visit to Craven Cottage, and Luis Suarez, who has scored four goals in four appearances against Fulham, to inflict more misery on the league's weakest defence.
If Fulham are to come out of their shell more than many expect tonight, it might provide an opportunity for Lewis Holtby, impressive on his debut against Southampton, to display more of the kind of delicious range of passing that found Sidwell in oceans of space for the opening goal at Old Trafford. Holtby's all-action displays have quickly made him a popular addition to the ranks and, crucially given the lack of time left to rescue Fulham's frankly forgettable season, the German midfielder has hit the ground running. Meulensteen moved into an advanced central role against United and that terrific through ball saw the visitors take an early lead. Keeping Holtby in a central position will be vital if Fulham are to come close to winning the midfield battle.
Meulensteen was brave enough to leave out some of his senior players for a game that could have cut his side adrift on Sunday. Whilst this might be the type of game a character like Scott Parker will relish, his return could be harsh on the likes of Ryan Tunnicliffe, who did nothing wrong on his Premier League debut. Tunnicliffe, more of a box-to-box central midfielder, was workmanlike and willing in a wide role against his former employers and deserves another opportunity to impress again this evening. The same energy which Meulensteen underlined as crucial at Old Trafford will be needed against another opponent that plays a high-octane brand of football.
Perhaps the Dutchman's biggest decision will be who will lead the line against Liverpool. There's little chance of seeing Hugo Rodallega's raw pace after his reaction to being substituted against Sheffield United last week – and his subsequent criticism of his manager to the Colombian media – whilst Darren Bent's brittle confidence will have been boosted by his late equaliser (which was exactly the kind of goal poaching we've not seen enough since he joined on loan from Aston Villa). But young Muamer Tankovic has soon little sparks of class in his recent run in the first team, such as the clever run to lose Vidic for Sidwell's goal and the sprint and pass to release the impressive Kieran Richardson just before half time, and it would be harsh to exclude him now. I'd be tempted to plump for an unchanged side.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Riise, Heitinga, Burn; Kvist, Sidwell, Tunnicliffe, Richardson; Holtby; Tankovic. Subs: Stockdale, Hangeland, Parker, Kacaniklic, Duff, Cole, Bent.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/02/up-next-liverpool-h-3/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/02/up-next-liverpool-h-3/?)
Liverpool Can't Afford To Overlook Fulham
Don't look now... but for the first time in years, the Reds are in the thick of things in the Premier League. They have an opportunity to move Liverpool soccer into a new era, with the potential of putting their successive seasons of mediocrity out of mind. It's not audacious to think the league title is within grasp for them, as they are only seven points off the pace, with thirteen left to play, and have remaining home games against top opponents. At the same time, Liverpool must continue their good play in order to remain ahead of Tottenham in the fourth spot.
Last weekend against Arsenal, Liverpool came out with a fire and steamrolled the visiting North Londoners 5-1. They now have a short turnaround at Craven Cottage, taking on Fulham, a side that plays south of Arsenal geographically in the city and stands at the polar end of the table as well.
Obviously, this matchup seems quite favorable when you look at Fulham who: are last in the table, concede the most goals of any team, are winless in their last six, and had no answer for Liverpool in the first meeting which ended 4-0. However, this is actually a precarious situation for a Liverpool side that, coming off a big win against Everton recently, went to West Brom the next match and failed to hold onto a win against the relegation zone team.
It would be unwise to expect that Fulham will lie down for them either. Last weekend at Old Trafford, Fulham demonstrated a great deal of pride and fight by scoring an injury time equalizer, leaving Manchester with both the point and a boost of confidence. Liverpool can't afford to overlook this fixture for the looming rematch versus Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekend.
Is this the year that Liverpool takes the step back to Premier League supremacy? Having the focus to seize THREE points against inferior competition late in the season may be the key. While the Arsenal victory was nice, they cannot expect to dominate top opponents like that down the stretch. We already know they have the skill of a top team, but do they have the discipline of one? If Liverpool can show up and win this game in a controlling fashion, it would be a good sign that they are ready to be a true contender.
http://futnsoccer.com/2014/02/12/liverpool-afford-overlook-fulham/? (http://futnsoccer.com/2014/02/12/liverpool-afford-overlook-fulham/?)
Villa U21s 3-5 FFC U21s(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2013-14/kostas%20v%20villa.ashx?w=300&h=400)
Wearing a Fulham shirt for the first time, Kostas Mitroglou scored twice to help our U21s to a 5-3 victory against Aston Villa.
Having slipped to their first league defeat of the season last week, following a 2-1 loss against Chelsea, Kit Symons' side returned to winning ways – and in some style.
A positive start from the hosts saw Graham Burke, Jordan Bowery and Callum Robinson all go close, however, it was our new Greek striker that opened the scoring when firing in a confident finish on 19 minutes.
The 25-year-old, eligible as one of our three permitted overage players, then showed his class again moments later when sending a stunning looping shot over Villa keeper Benjamin Siegrist.
Villa responded, although they had Fulham defender Liam Donnelly to thank, when the Northern Ireland youth international turned Jordan Graham's corner into his own net on the half hour mark.
At the other end, Mitroglou went close to a hat-trick, but saw his volley turned to safety by Siegrist, while Marek Rodak made an even more spectacular save to keep out Burke.
Villa were, though, on level terms not long after the break, with Robinson steering in via Donnelly from Bowery's teasing cross.
In an attempt to restore Fulham's lead, Mitroglou cut in from the right before striking the foot of the post with a cleverly placed, low shot on the run.
As both teams created chances, it was the home side that made the breakthrough on 69 minutes when Daniel Johnson slotted in a coolly taken penalty after Lyle Della Verde had brought Bowery down in the box.
Della Verde made amends, though, flighting in a brilliant corner from which Cauley Woodrow expertly converted with a volley to set up an exciting final 10 minutes.
Having scored in the defeat against Chelsea, Woodrow netted his third goal in two games when keeping his composure to shoot beyond the reach of Siegrist following Donnelly's powerful run and cross.
Fulham all but wrapped up the points on 85 minutes when, helped by the strong wind, goalkeeper Rodak's clearance sailed over his opposite number in the Villa goal.
Under-21 Manager Kit Symons told fulhamfc.com: "It was a crazy game, and although the pitch was fantastic, the conditions were quite bad at times. In spite of that, though, I thought we kept the ball well and aside from the first 20 minutes of the second half I thought we played some fantastic football.
"We showed good character, particularly after they [Villa] got themselves in front, so the approach and mentality was there. After Kostas took his two goals well, Cauley did the same and suddenly we were 4-3 up. Then of course came the freak goal from Marek, which isn't something you often see.
"There were good performances all round, which was very pleasing and I thought the players that stepped up from the Under-18s did really well. Obviously, Kostas got a run out as he looks to get up to speed and to full fitness. He didn't want to come off the pitch, so that was encouraging to see, as was his general application.
"After the defeat against Chelsea, it was good to get back to winning ways so quickly, and we'll go again when we face Leicester City on Monday."
Fulham U21s: Rodak; Donnelly, Buatu, Burgess, Richards; Roberts, Della Verde, Christensen (Sambou 78), Plumain (Evans 68); Woodrow, Mitroglou (Hyndman 62). (Subs not used): Oberschmidt, Brister.
*Image courtesy of www.avfc.co.uk (http://www.avfc.co.uk)http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/ffc-u21s-villa-u21s? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/12/ffc-u21s-villa-u21s?)
