Friends of Fulham

 
Fulham v Everton

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/73855000/jpg/_73855071_rossbarkley3.jpg)

By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 30 March

TEAM NEWS

Ashkan Dejagah returns to the Fulham squad to face Everton but Scott Parker and Kostas Mitroglou remain sidelined.
Defender John Heitinga is expected to deputise for the suspended Fernando Amorebieta against his former club.

The return of Everton captain Phil Jagielka after a hamstring injury is likely to be the only change from their midweek win at Newcastle.
Steven Pienaar remains sidelined with a knee problem.

MATCH PREVIEW

I've seen some comparisons between Ross Barkley and Diego Maradona since the Everton player's goal at Newcastle in midweek. Saying he is Maradona-esque is a bit strong, but if I was England coach Roy Hodgson I'd take him to the World Cup.

I think there is space for an emerging youngster in the squad and he has got so much ability. He could play at the top of the
diamond, with Steven Gerrard in that same deep role that he plays at Liverpool.

That debate is a little way off just yet; first Barkley and co have got to concentrate on the pursuit of Champions League qualification at Fulham.

The momentum for a top-four finish is with Everton rather than Arsenal. While Roberto Martinez's side have won four league games on the trot, Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Swansea midweek made it one win in four.

Everton will be desperate to make it five consecutive victories to send them into next weekend's home meeting against the Gunners with their confidence sky-high.

This game is no less important for Fulham. Felix Magath has spoken about their winnable fixtures in the run-in. Home games against Norwich, Hull and Crystal Palace do look inviting, but they would love to get the ball rolling with at least a point out of Saturday's game.

Having three managers has certainly not helped them this season, and the players must be a bit confused by the chopping and changing. They can take some solace from the fact that they have already beaten Everton at home this season - albeit in the League Cup way back in September.

However, I do fear for Fulham, mainly because their recent record has been so poor. One win in 11 matches is far from ideal when you're trying to avoid relegation.

Martinez has added a touch of flair to an Everton team that were already very compact - not good news for a Fulham side that has shipped 70 goals and counting this season.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Fulham have only lost two of their 12 Premier League home games against Everton (W8, D2, L2). However, only one of those victories has come in the last five attempts.

Everton's 4-1 win over Fulham in the reverse fixture continued the Cottagers' miserable winless league record at Goodison Park (D4, L22).

Fulham
Fulham have only won one of their last 11 league matches.
Their 1-0 victory over Newcastle in their last home fixture was only their fourth clean sheet of the season.
Only Sunderland (12 points) have a worse home record than Fulham this season (13 points).
Fulham have conceded the first goal in a league-high 22 of their 31 matches this season.
Last week's 5-0 defeat by Manchester City was the first time Fulham had failed to score in seven league games.
Darren Bent has scored four goals in his last six games against Everton.

Everton
Everton have won four Premier League games in a row for the first time since March 2008.
Only Chelsea (four) have lost fewer games than Everton this season (five).
Everton's 3-0 midweek win at Newcastle was their first in six away fixtures (D2, L3). They scored more goals against the Magpies than they managed in those five previous matches (two).
It was also a first clean sheet on their travels since their 1-0 win at Old Trafford on 4 December.
Ross Barkley has scored in consecutive Premier League games for the first time.
Gerard Deulofeu has two goals and three assists from his five Premier League starts - one of which came in the reverse fixture in December.
Romelu Lukaku has scored in three of his last four Premier League games.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26703762 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26703762)

 
Stekelenburg Wants Out?
   
If it`s true I`m appalled!

Having been at Craven Cottage for less than a season and having just lost his first team place to David Stockdale, reports are emerging that our Dutch goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, is talking about moving on.

The thirty-one year-old Dutch keeper, according to his agent is,

"Maarten is suffering in the current situation. He is shaken."

Well may I suggest he knuckles down in training, gets his self back together and damn well fights for that coveted green jersey, or has the game changed from the one I grew to love from such a tender age?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=354389#ixzz2xKYqLOUG (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=354389#ixzz2xKYqLOUG)

 
Magath's Everton Preview

Felix Magath is confident his Fulham team can put last week's disappointment behind them when they face Everton at Craven Cottage on Sunday (1.30pm).

The Whites matched Manchester City at the Etihad until Fernando Amorebieta was sent off early in the second half, with the title-chasers then going on to score four more goals in a comfortable win.

"You see, we know that 5-0 was a little bit too much," he said in his pre-match press conference. "But against such a good team as Man City, if you were one man less, then you have very few chances.

"I think it was not so critical because nobody expected that we would have a win at Man City and so I think we have taken this defeat and we look forward to Everton now.

"We know that we have, in the last games, had good results against Everton here at Craven Cottage, so we are sure that we can make it."

The Toffees have enjoyed a highly productive campaign under new boss Roberto Martinez – for whom Magath was full of praise – and when asked if Sunday would be the toughest remaining home match, the Fulham Manager admitted: "I think it is. You have seen from the last result from Everton against Newcastle United; it shows that Everton is in good shape so it will be the most difficult game for us on Sunday at Craven Cottage.

"They have a good team and the manager has done very, very well because to take over a club after a manager [David Moyes] who was for several years there, it is not easy. Normally you always have problems if you have taken such a club, so I think he has done a very good job."

It was put to Magath that Fulham have an easier run in than their fellow relegation rivals as we enter the final stretch of the season, but the German insists he does not pay attention to such matters.

He explained: "I don't think about the other teams and the table because we have to make points. We have to win games otherwise we have no chance to stay in the league. I'm only looking for the next game, now it's Everton, and we have to win.

"We have to win because we are a few points adrift so we need more points than the other teams at the bottom. I'm convinced we will stay in the league."

A common theme of recent press conferences at Motspur Park is the continued absence of Kostas Mitroglou from the First Team fold. He will miss out again on Sunday due to a knee complaint, and Magath stated that the striker is as disappointed as anyone about his prolonged injury.

"He is not happy about that but it is a normal thing for a football player," he said. "In your career you sometimes have injury and so we are unlucky to have it now, but so it is.

"I think he will be back next week. We will see if he can join us in the training sessions, we will see how it works. And so it depends, if there is a risk, we would wait one or two days more, but if there is no risk, he can play."

One piece of good news that broke this week was that popular midfielder Mahamadou Diarra has rejoined the Club after working persistently to overcome his own fitness demons.

"I wanted the Club to give him a contract because he is very experienced and he is a very, very good player," Magath explained. "With his personality he was always thinking to play forward. The first touch he will play the ball forward so I think if he is ready to play he can help us a lot in improving our forward play."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/magaths-everton-preview (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/magaths-everton-preview)

 
Pajtim Kasami v Ross Barkley: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Fulham and Everton


Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' players ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Fulham and Everton, see how the sides' players Pajtim Kasami and Ross Barkley compare.

Data and graphic provided by whoscored.com


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pajtim-kasami-v-ross-barkley-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-everton-9221516.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pajtim-kasami-v-ross-barkley-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-everton-9221516.html)

 
Team News

Fulham will welcome back Ashkan Dejagah for the visit of Everton to Craven Cottage on Sunday (1.30pm).

The winger missed last week's defeat at Manchester City but makes a welcome return for the Toffees game, although Felix Magath is still without several key players.

"Kostas Mitroglou will not be back on Sunday so we have to play without him this week," Magath confirmed in Friday's pre-match press conference. "But I think next week he will be joining us again.

"Scott Parker is still injured, and Giorgos Karagounis left training today. Ashkan had problems last week – he will be back and he will be ready to play on Sunday."

One additional absentee is Fernando Amorebieta who serves a one-match suspension following his red card at the Etihad.

Everton welcome captain Phil Jagielka back to the squad after he missed their last five matches with a hamstring problem.

Fellow defender John Stones needed eight stitches in their midweek win at Newcastle United but was okay to continue, although Steven Pienaar (knee) and Lacina Traore (hamstring) will miss out.

Long term absentees Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone (both knee) and Bryan Oviedo (broken leg) will also not feature.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/team-news (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/team-news)

 
Felix Magath remains "convinced" of Fulham survival

Fulham manager Felix Magath has insisted that he remains confident that he can guide the club to safety in the Premier League, despite their current position of bottom with just seven games to play.

Magath said that the defeat to Manchester City last weekend does not change anything and that Fulham must remain focused on their own games instead of hoping that results go their way.

"We know that 5-0 was a little bit too much, but against such a good team as Man City with one man less you have very few chances," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"I don't think about the other teams and the table. We have to get points, win games otherwise we have no chance to stay in the league. We have to win because we are a few points adrift.

"I knew it was a difficult job to do and so it is. I don't worry, I'm happy to be here. I'm convinced that we're staying in the league."

Fulham take on Everton on Saturday looking for only their fifth home win of the season.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/magath-convinced-of-fulham-survival_146813.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/news/magath-convinced-of-fulham-survival_146813.html)

 
Highway to Fulham's Danger Zone

The fact that Fulham stink, that we're terrible on both ends, that we can't control the game anywhere, isn't news.

But what's worth exploring is just how bad we are.

Michael Caley (@MC_of_A) of Cartilage Free Captain has some great shot statistics that I highly recommend you check out. But what I want to focus on here is how he divvied up the one half of a football field into several Shot Matrix Zones. The word "matrix" makes even my head spin so bear with me.

Here's the map:


And here's why divvying the offensive zone is important: conceding shots closer to the net are easier for the offense to score. Shots further away are more difficult to score. This is a very simplistic maxim exists in most other ball/net games.

So, if a defense concedes a higher amount of shots closer to the net than they do the further away, it's representative of bad defense.

Michael took Zones 1-3 and placed them into what he dubbed the Danger Zone (cue the Kenny Loggins!). Basically, if you're conceding a high amount of shots from there your defense stin–

OH, OH MY, THAT'S FULHAM FC'S MUSIC!

Fulham are leading the league with 241 shots in the DZ. Next to them is Cardiff with 232, followed by West Ham at 184. If you take the total of all DZ shots (3040) and average it out per club we're nearly 100 over the average.

Of that total, 92–NINETY FREAKING TWO– are what's considered on DZSoT, or shots actually target (what Bent is incapable of doing; also somehow Cardiff are one worse than us). We all know how we are repeatedly getting outshot, but this takes that figure to a whole new level.

What about the Wide Shots? Fulham aren't as bad in that category–17th!–but second worst when it comes to Wide Shots on Target.

What we can glean from this is our opponents don't need to shoot from odd angles inside the 18-yard box. No, they just can pass or dribble to a better location! (Cue 2nd half highlights from that home Southampton game)

Next up is Shots from outside the 18 yards box, or Zones 6-8.

Fulham are 2nd worst behind West Ham, and just 3 above Cardiff and Sunderland with 242 shots conceded from outside the 18 yard box. 34 of those are on target.

So not only are teams literally dribbling down our throats, we're affording them time and space from outside the box. Think Mucha at home in September. Or both times Shelvey scored for Swansea. Or or I'll stop now.

What does this mean? It means we literally cannot defend in any facet of the game. The 5-0 loss on Saturday wasn't an anomaly, down to some refereeing decision, or because we were playing a team who exponentially outspent us. There is empirical precedent for losses of that magnitude to happen; and will probably happen again this season.

In fact, it might even happen this Sunday!

Although not particularly notable in one specific facet, Everton are still in the Top 8 in Offensive DZS, WS, and SoB. Hopefully the spectre of catching Arsenal/4th place will be a bridge too far for them and they'll bottle it. Otherwise it's going to be a long, long day.

So what about our offense?

We're currently 19th, tied with Crystal Palace on just 117 shots in the Danger Zone. Let me repeat: We are tied with Pulis-ball. Let me repeat again: we are tied with Pulis-ball. For DZ shots on target, we're tied for 18th with CP, Cardiff, and Swansea at 45. Moving away from the net, we're not as awful in the wide areas or outside the box, but still in the bottom half of the league.

But our offensive futility is a chicken/egg thing: is it bad because our defense is awful, or is it bad for other reasons? In January we shipped off our moody but still very talented forward, and only mercurial play-maker, and thus have been left with starting highschoolers and the-footballer-formerly-known-as-Darren-Bent. Hence since the start of 2014 we've scored 11 goals in 12 games.

What's the point of all this?

I suppose if this was a business, lawyers would recommend we file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (or whatever equivalent you guys in England have) and reorganize everything.

(Kenny Loggins cued!)
Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E#)

[Quick tangent: Kenny Loggins looks so 80s in this video but I'm fairly certain the barista that served me coffee this morning looked just like him. Everything old is new again..]


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/highway-to-fulhams-danger-zone/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/highway-to-fulhams-danger-zone/?)

 
Fulham must learn from the Mohamed Al Fayed days and plan for the future

There are many places to which Fulham fans can look to portion blame over our current plight.

Martin Jol is the obvious candidate, as he ultimately steered an otherwise sturdy ship towards the unfavourable end of the Premier League.

But we all know there's more to it than that. There's Alistair Mackintosh, a well-respected man that has made some questionable decisions.

Shahid Khan, clearly panicked as he is by the prospect of pouring money into a club only for it to get relegated, has made some strange calls. The possibility of his new sporting acquisition moving out of the limelight has somewhat blinkered his thought process.

Mohamed Al Fayed, too, deserves a mention. Not necessarily the man himself – he is a decent being, with sound values and an affinity with this club that will most likely never be matched.

But his leaving, though – that really set us on course for disaster. While he was the catalyst to everything that is good about Fulham, he has also proved our downfall.

That is not his fault, it must be said. It was his right to sell up and given his age, and given the unerring support he has offered Fulham over the years, we cannot hold that against him.

However, it left us in something of a minor crisis. As you'd expect, the Egyptian did not willingly invest while the idea of selling the club lingered in his mind. That just makes business sense.

So we went one, arguably two summers without any significant incomings. Simply, his remit was to keep us going; there was no real improvement.

Dimitar Berbatov was one highlight, of course, but his purchase was funded by the departure of Moussa Dembele. Maarten Stekelenburg joined just before Al Fayed left, but the spending on him was minimal.

It meant we stagnated. The average age of the squad merely got higher and higher as we retained our talent and added proven, experienced players on short term deals. Risk-free for Al Fayed, but terminal for our long term future.

We have been left in a perilous position, quickly trying to fill holes that have been prevalent for years now. Simply, it is not working.

You get the sense that if we do achieve the miraculous and retain our Premier League status, starting afresh is the only option.

Khan needs to take a step back and make a plan of what he truly wants for this club, beyond just staying in the top tier. He wants sustainability and yet is prepared to chuck good money after a Greek striker who is set to play no further part in our campaign.

All of it reeks of panic, which is fair enough. Any club in our situation would be in not-a-small state of hysteria.

But we cannot go on like that. We need to learn from the mistakes of Khan's first season, and take heed from the failures in the tail end of Al Fayed's tenure.

Not planning for the future can be a club's biggest downfall. Let's not allow it to happen again.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/28/fulham-must-learn-from-the-mohamed-al-fayed-days-and-plan-for-the-future-4681621/? (http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/28/fulham-must-learn-from-the-mohamed-al-fayed-days-and-plan-for-the-future-4681621/?)

 


http://www.sixtyninetees.co.uk/index.php (http://www.sixtyninetees.co.uk/index.php)

 
More woe for Mitroglou as Fulham prepare for Everton clash

(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/spt_wk12_14_kostas_mitroglou_1_3458970!image/2963212902.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/2963212902.jpg)
Fulham's Kostas Mitroglou. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA

Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton because of a knee problem.

Midfielder Scott Parker is also out with a knee injury, but winger Ashkan Dejagah returns after recovering from a muscle issue.

Winger Damien Duff is out for the rest of the season because of a knee problem.

Provisional squad: Stekelenburg, Stockdale, Heitinga, Hangeland, Riether, Riise, Burn, Sidwell, Richardson, Kacaniklic, Kvist, Bent, Holtby, Dejagah, Kasami, Woodrow, Zverotic.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/more_woe_for_mitroglou_as_fulham_prepare_for_everton_clash_1_3495388 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/more_woe_for_mitroglou_as_fulham_prepare_for_everton_clash_1_3495388)

 
Exclusive Instore Offer!

Whites fans attending our Home Fixture against Everton this weekend should be sure to pay a visit to the Stadium Store, where new products and fantastic offers await.

Not only is our new Spring Summer fashion range now available, but supporters can take advantage of adidas Travel Polos* (pictured in white) for an amazing £10 each!

This offer is available exclusively at the Stadium Store so drop by early and don't miss out!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/exclusive-instore-offer? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/28/exclusive-instore-offer?)

 
Fulham v Everton

Phil Jagielka is back fit and will be part of the squad travelling to Fulham.

Roberto Martinez confirmed the news at his Friday press conference, with the skipper having missed the last five games with a hamstring problem.

The manager said: "Phil Jagielka is fully fit and will be travelling with the squad.

"Everyone got through the Newcastle game, even though John Stones has eight stitches, but there's nothing new in terms of injuries."

Steven Pienaar will again be absent with a knee problem.

Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone [both knee], Bryan Oviedo [broken leg] and Lacina Traore [hamstring] will also miss out as they continue their recovery from long-term injuries.

Fulham could have January signing Kostas Mitroglou back available. The Greek striker has only featured twice for the Cottagers since completing his £12million move from Olympiakos in the last transfer window.

Winger Damien Duff will miss the rest of the season with a knee problem.

Form
Everton travel to West London having won their last four league games - against West Ham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newcastle. The last time the Blues achieved this number of successive top-flight victories was back in March 2008.

Sunday could bring up two appearance landmarks, with Ross Barkley set to make his 50th appearance for the Club in all competitions and Sylvain Distin in line for a 150th Premier League start in an Everton shirt.

The game represents the third time Everton have faced Fulham this season and each time Roberto Martinez will have pitted his wits against a different manager.


Having disposed of Martin Jol and then Rene Meulensteen, Fulham's owner Shahid Khan turned to 60-year-old Felix Magath on Valentine's Day.

In taking up the Craven Cottage reins, it became the first managerial job the former West Germany international had occupied outside of his homeland, where he had built up a very impressive resume.

In a 22-year career, Magath has coached Hamburg, Nurnberg, Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, Schalke 04 and most notably Bayern Munich, whom he guided to two Bundesliga titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06.

Magath has made a steady start to life in England, taking four points from his first five games in charge. Fulham achieved a 1-0 win over Newcastle United in their last home game but were thrashed 5-0 at Manchester City last Saturday.

Last Meeting
Everton 4-1 Fulham – December 2013

Everton eased past this weekend's opponents in the corresponding meeting at Goodison Park in December.

Leon Osman scored on his 300th Premier League appearance but his deadlock-breaking strike was later cancelled out by a Dimitar Berbatov penalty.

Seamus Coleman restored the Blues' advantage 17 minutes from full-time before Gareth Barry scored a killer third late on and Kevin Mirallas wrapped up the scoring.

Back in September, Everton visited Craven Cottage in the Capital One Cup third round where they were edged out 2-1 after taking the lead through Steven Naismith.


http://www.evertonfc.com/match/report/1314/55231/fulham-v-everton (http://www.evertonfc.com/match/report/1314/55231/fulham-v-everton)

 
Felix Magath not surprised by difficulty of Fulham job

(http://e1.365dm.com/14/03/16-9/20/felix-magath-fulham_3101993.jpg?20140315195618)
Felix Magath: The Fulham manager has not been surprised by the difficulty of the job

Felix Magath says the difficulty of the Fulham job has not surprised him and he is 'convinced' he will keep the club in the Premier League.

Fulham go into Sunday's game against Everton at Craven Cottage bottom of the table with a margin of four points between them and safety.

It is the first of four home games for Fulham that could go a long way to establishing their top-flight survival, with Norwich, Hull City and Crystal Palace still due to visit the Cottage.

Despite the dire situation, Magath - who replaced Rene Meulensteen on February 14 - is confident the west London club will stay up.

"This job is not tougher than I expected it to be," he said. "I knew that it would be a difficult job and it is.

"But I don't worry about that, I'm happy to be here. I'm looking forward and I'm convinced we'll stay in the league.

"I'm not looking at next season because we have to realise that we may not be staying in the Premier League, but I'm convinced that we will.

"I'm sure I will still be here, wherever the club is. I'm happy here and want to stay."

Magath feels the game against Everton will be the most difficult home match his team have left to play and knows they must take maximum points from it.

The Toffees are chasing a Champions League place and head to Craven Cottage on the back of four straight wins.

"It depends how it goes but we have to win because we are a few points adrift," he said. "We need more points than the other teams at the bottom.

"Everton are in good shape, we've seen their result at Newcastle (winning 3-0). It will be our most difficult game here at Craven Cottage.

"I don't think about the other teams because we know we have to win games, otherwise we have no chance of staying in the league.

"We have to win because we are a few points adrift, so we need more points than the other teams at the bottom."

Fulham continue to be without £12m striker Kostas Mitroglou, who has yet to recover from a knee injury.

Mitroglou has made only two appearances for the Cottagers since his deadline-day signing in January, but Magath hopes he will return soon.

"Kostas is not happy about being injured, but it's a normal thing for a football player. They get injuries," he said.

"We will see if he can join us in training next week. If there is a risk we will wait longer."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9237130? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9237130?)

 
Relegation won't end Magath's stint

Felix Magath has reiterated that he will remain at Fulham even if they fail to win their battle against Premier League relegation.

The German tactician, who took over from the axed Rene Meulensteen on February 14, has struggled to arrest the Londoners' slide towards the Championship with just one win - against Newcastle on March 15 - secured under his leadership. Fulham subsequently sit in bottom spot with four points to make up on West Brom in the final position of safety and only seven games remaining to achieve their aim. However with the likes of Norwich, Hull and Crystal Palace still to come to Craven Cottage after Sunday's visit of Everton, Magath is confident the side can pick up the points needed to survive. But if they fail and end up in the Championship then he will be happy to stay put. "I'm sure I will still be here, wherever the club is. I'm happy here and want to stay," he said. Looking ahead to the clash with Champions League-chasing Everton, who have won their last four games, Magath added: "Everton are in good shape, we've seen their result at Newcastle last weekend (winning 3-0). It will be our most difficult game here at Craven Cottage. "I don't think about the other teams because we know we have to win games, otherwise we have no chance of staying in the league. "We have to win because we are a few points adrift, so we need more points than the other teams at the bottom."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/relegation-wont-end-magaths-stint-1719351.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/relegation-wont-end-magaths-stint-1719351.html?)

 
Fulham v Everton: three key questions

As the Blues head to Craven Cottage, we look at the big talking points before Sunday's game

Will Jags return?

Phil Jagielka is now fit and available, fully recovered from his hamstring injury - but the form of his deputy, John Stones, could well keep him out of the side.

Stones has started the last five games, growing in maturity every time. The 19-year-old evoked memories of a bloodied and bandaged Terry Butcher at Newcastle on Tuesday, playing on despite sustaining a nasty cut to the head which required eight stitches.

Roberto Martinez has plenty to ponder now that Jagielka is fit again. He must wrestle with the fact Stones clearly deserves his place in the side, but Jagielka - club captain, England international - is one of the most experienced and influential players in his squad, both on and off the field.

Stones went about his business at St James' Park with quiet assurance. Perfect positional play meant he did not have to make a single tackle all game - neither did defensive partner Sylvain Distin - while he made just one interception. The Magpies had 16 shots but only two were on target - giving Tim Howard one of his quietest 90 minutes of the season.

Stones will probably get the nod.


Will there be more capital punishment for the Blues?

Everton's record in London this season is poor. They have been beaten on their last three trips to the capital - by Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs - and have already lost once at Craven Cottage this season, in a Capital One Cup tie in September.

Their overall record at Fulham's famous home ground on the banks of the Thames does not make for promising reading. In 29 matches there, they have won five, drawn seven and lost 17.

They lost their first seven Premier League visits to Craven Cottage before a Leon Osman double in May 2009 ended the drought.

But history will count for nothing tomorrow. Fulham sit rock bottom of the table while Everton have won their last four league games on the spin. That win at St James' also brought an end to their four-match losing sequence on the road. So there are plenty of reasons to believe.

Can the Blues crank up the pressure on Arsenal?

This looks like being a pivotal weekend in Everton's season. Fourth-placed Arsenal are wobbling and Arsene Wenger admitted this week that his team's title pursuit was over. He is now more worried about the sides below, namely Everton. The Gunners host Manchester City in tomorrow's evening kick-off and Blues fans will be praying they lose. 

If they do, Everton would go into Sunday's game at Fulham with the chance to cut the gap on Arsenal to three points - a week before Wenger's men come to Goodison.

There were a few raised eyebrows last month when Roberto Martinez refused to concede that the battle for fourth was over, despite a defeat at Spurs sending his side down to sixth. The Goodison boss was right - it was too soon to throw in the towel. He might even end up having the last laugh.


http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fc-v-everton-fc-6890237? (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fc-v-everton-fc-6890237?)

 
Analysis of the likely Fulham side we face on Sunday

With Everton taking a trip down south to face bottom of the league Fulham, we take a look at the side that is likely to feature.

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David Stockdale – GK

Felix Magath has gone with Stockdale in the last two games after Steklenberg was hardly pulling up any trees. The English goalkeeper has only started 12 goals, keeping 2 clean sheets. When he has featured, they've won 4 games, drawing 1 and losing 7. Is this poor figure down to him? Not really, he has a leaky defence ahead of him.

Sacha Riether – RB

Last season things looked all rosy for Riether. He came into the Fulham side as a loan player and made a good impact in their team. By the end of the season he won player's player of the season and looked an astute signing from then manager Martin Jol. This season he's suffered. He doesn't feature in the top 10 of any of their defensive statistics such as the basics of tackling, interceptions or clearances. He's just one of the reasons they are where they are in the league this season. He's good on the ball, but they don't need that right now, they need defensive solidarity.

Brede Hangeland – CB

The tall Norweigan centre-back was another that in recent seasons gone by looked to be a top signing for the Cottagers. Brought in by Roy Hodgson, it only took a season or two for people to praise and rate Hangeland and then for the media to try and sell him to Arsenal or Man United. He was out for nearly 3 months after sustaining a back injury in October. The club captain was missed, however he hasn't managed to stop the rot since returning.

John Heitinga – CB

The man we know so well. Toward the end of his Everton career he was being hounded out as he had that terrible run in the side where he was bullied by anyone with any sort of physical prowess. He doesn't like the physicality and since he's joined their side, he's posted even worse figures in terms of tackling. Both centre-backs prefer to intercept rather than make the challenge, so dribbling could be the Blues' best bet in this one.

John Arne Riise – LB

Former Kopite Riise is living off past glories. There's a surprise. Once known for his pace and power going forward while being able to defend moderately well, all of these attributes have declined. Since losing his pace he doesn't offer too much going forward and his defensive capabilities are tested every game, something he doesn't stand up to too often.

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William Kvist – CM

The combative Dane midfielder has made four appearances since joining Meulensteen's Fulham side, before seeing Meulensteen strangely getting the chop just two weeks later. He's done well, coming into a side that are relegation threatened. He leads their interceptions made per game and makes a decent amount of tackles to go with it. He does get dribbled past quite often and this is an area to target.

Steve Sidwell – CM

The only player to really stand up and be counted this season and he's another fiesty midfielder. Loves a goal against Everton too. He's second in tackles and interceptions made per game, so he's pretty vital to their side. He's their leading scorer, with 6 goals, so he's good at arriving late into the box. 0 assists doesn't show any signs of him being that creative.

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Lewis Holtby – RM

'Lifelong Blue' (NOT) Lewis Holtby was an unexpected loan signing to the rest of the Premier League. Since joining he makes the most key passes in games, leading to two assists and a goal in six league games. He likes to win fouls near the area, much like our very own Steven Pienaar, so he's one to watch out for.

Pajtim Kasami – CAM

The Albanian will probably be their biggest threat going forward. He's physical but also good with his feet. He prefers to try and go round people and get the shot off, than to feed in another member of his team. 0 assists follow this type of method but he has managed to score 3 goals, currently their second highest goalscorer.

Alexander Kacaniklic – LM

More of an out-and-out winger than Holtby, Kacaniklic has struggled against Everton in recent games. He's found it hard to even attack with our over-bearing wingplay getting on top of his game when he comes to face us. He did win a penalty in the reverse fixture this season however. He's one of their best crossers of the ball, but apart from that he again doesn't offer too much in terms of end product as he's yet another Fulham 'attacking' player with 0 assists.

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Cauley Woodrow – ST

Magath has gone for youngster Woodrow in the previous two games. A big challenge that was successful in their win over Newcastle, however not so successful in their 5-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium. He's enthusiastic, but in his two games he's been their most dispossessed player and they could really do with someone to hold the ball up.


http://www.theevertonforum.co.uk/analysis-of-the-likely-fulham-side-we-face-on-sunday/? (http://www.theevertonforum.co.uk/analysis-of-the-likely-fulham-side-we-face-on-sunday/?)

 
Bad Record At The Cottage

We haven't done very well over the seasons at Craven Cottage and new Fulham manager is well aware of that fact. He is hoping to take advantage.

Felix Magath and his funny glasses believes his team can get a result.

Felix said: "We know that we have, in the last games, had good results against Everton here at Craven Cottage, so we are sure that we can make it."

"I think it is. You have seen from the last result from Everton against Newcastle United; it shows that Everton is in good shape so it will be the most difficult game for us on Sunday at Craven Cottage.

"They have a good team and the manager has done very, very well because to take over a club after a manager who was for several years there, it is not easy. Normally you always have problems if you have taken such a club, so I think he has done a very good job."

"I don't think about the other teams and the table because we have to make points. We have to win games otherwise we have no chance to stay in the league. I'm only looking for the next game, now it's Everton, and we have to win.

"We have to win because we are a few points adrift so we need more points than the other teams at the bottom. I'm convinced we will stay in the league."


http://www.bluekipper.com/news/misc__news/7227--.html? (http://www.bluekipper.com/news/misc__news/7227--.html?)

 
Magath assesses survival battle with Cardiff, Sunderland, Palace and WBA as Everton await

Felix Magath is convinced Fulham will win their battle for survival in the Premier League.

Sunday's clash with Everton is the first of four matches at Craven Cottage that will be critical to the club's drive to escape relegation, in a battle that.

Once the Toffees have been negotiated, Norwich, Hull and Crystal Palace are due to visit south west London with all three not yet safe from the drop.

Fulham are positioned at the foot of the table, a point behind Sunderland and Cardiff and four adrift of Crystal Palace and West Brom, but Magath, who replaced the axed Rene Meulensteen on February 14, views only one outcome at the end of the season.

"This job is not tougher than I expected it to be. I knew that it would be a difficult job and it is," he said.

"But I don't worry about that, I'm happy to be here. I'm looking forward and I'm convinced we'll stay in the league.

"I'm not looking at next season because we have to realise that we may not be staying in the Premier League, but I'm convinced that we will."

Should Fulham's 13-season stay in the top flight come to an end in May, Magath insists he will remain at Craven Cottage.

"I'm sure I will still be here, wherever the club is. I'm happy here and want to stay," he said.

Fulham have won just one of their last 13 Premier League games and have secured just 13 points at Craven Cottage all season.

In contrast, Champions League-chasing Everton have won their last four matches.

"Everton are in good shape, we've seen their result at Newcastle last weekend [winning 3-0]. It will be our most difficult game here at Craven Cottage," Magath said.

"I don't think about the other teams because we know we have to win games, otherwise we have no chance of staying in the league.

"We have to win because we are a few points adrift, so we need more points than the other teams at the bottom."

Fulham continue to be without £12million Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou, who has yet to recover from a knee injury.

Mitroglou has made only two appearances for the Cottagers since his deadline-day signing in January, but Magath hopes he will return soon.

"Kostas is not happy about being injured, but it's a normal thing for a football player. They get injuries," he said.

"We will see if he can join us in training next week. If there is a risk we will wait longer."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/magath_assesses_survival_battle_with_cardiff_sunderland_palace_and_wba_as_everton_await_1_3495602 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/magath_assesses_survival_battle_with_cardiff_sunderland_palace_and_wba_as_everton_await_1_3495602)

 
The Final Nail? Three Everton Stars Who Could Destroy Fulham's Survival Hopes

Everton continue their hunt for Champions League football on Saturday when they travel to Craven Cottage to face a struggling Fulham side.

The mid-week win over Newcastle lifted the Toffees back into fifth place and they now sit just six points behind a faltering Arsenal who occupy the final Champions League spot.

The fact that Roberto Martinez's side host the Gunners next week adds extra significance to this weekend's fixtures. A run of one win in five games looked to have ended Everton's quest for a place in Europe's premier club competition, but four wins on the bounce have put them back in contention.

Meanwhile Arsenal are going in the opposite direction after one win in their last four outings and with Everton breathing down their necks, Arsene Wenger knows his team must get something from their clash with title challengers Manchester City on Saturday.

If Everton are to snatch the much coveted fourth spot in their remaining games then they have to start by dispatching a Fulham side who have picked up just one win in their last 11 games. On paper, the game at Craven Cottage should be a formality.

Here's a look at three players that could help Everton to a vital win in their pursuit for Champions League football.

Ross Barkley
The midfielders solo goal against Newcastle was the highlight of an impressive team performance as Everton brushed a side their opponents on the way to a comfortable 3-0 win.

Barkley demonstrated why many have called for him to be on the plane to Brazil this summer and the 20-year-old must surely been in line for a place in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad. He has been a revelation in his debut Premier League season and has flourished under the stewardship of his manager Martinez.

Barkley has Squawka Performance Score of 570 from his 27 league appearances, the sixth highest score in the Everton squad. The youngster has scored five league goals so far, an impressive return for a central midfielder in his first top-flight season, only Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku have more goals for the club..

The England international has displayed his ability at beating opponents with the ball at his feet throughout the season and has racked up 100 take on attempts, an average of nearly four per game. He has beaten his man 62 times – only eight players have managed to skip pass their opponent on more occasions in the league this season.

Barkely's form will be a worrying sight for Fulham and he will be keen to impress in the remaining games of the season as he looks to guarantee his place in England squad for the World Cup. In turn Everton could see the best of their talented youngster.

Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian has shown that last season wasn't a fluke by continuing to rack up the goals in his second Premier League campaign. The striker has put the disappointment of being overlooked at Chelsea behind him by hitting double figures for the second consecutive season.

Lukaku is Everton's leading goal scorer with 12 goals and sits in the top 10 of the leagues top goal scorers list. At 20-year-old he is by far the youngest player in the league to reach double figures this season and with three goals in his last four games, he looks to be back in form following a run of one goal in 10 appearances.

His goals will be key if Everton are to overhaul Arsenal in their remaining fixtures and the variety of his goals shows why he's one the best young strikers around. Of his 12 goals this season, six have been with his favoured left foot, four with his right foot and two with his head, only Luis Suarez has scored with more variety this season.

If Lukaku can keep up his current form until the end of the season then Everton will have every chance of pipping Arsenal to fourth place.

Gerard Deulofeu
The Barcelona loanee burst onto the Premier League scene with a number of eye-catching displays in a youthful and attack-minded Everton side. The Spaniard typifies the approach of Martinez who has opted for a mixture of fearless youth alongside experienced professionals.

Deulofeu's equaliser against Arsenal at the Emirates back in December is the highlight of an injury-interrupted season so far for the youngster. He picked up a hamstring injury against Fulham in the following game and was sidelined for five weeks just as he'd looked to have forced his way into the starting line-up at Goodison Park.

However, the 20-year-old picked up where he left off on his return to action, with a goal and two assists in his last six games. His two assists came in the 3-0 win over Newcastle last time out in a performance that is sure to have earned him a starting place against Fulham on Saturday.

Deulofeu will be looking to end his time on Merseyside on a high and by helping his adopted club to a fourth place finish, he'd do just that.

Anything but a win for Everton on Saturday would be an upset and would put a major dent in their challenge for a Champions League spot.



http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/03/28/three-everton-players-who-can-beat-fulham/2014032888746? (http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/03/28/three-everton-players-who-can-beat-fulham/2014032888746?)

 
German Joke? Fulham Felix Magath says Sunday's game against Everton is going to be 'easy'

Remaining concentrated for the entirety of a Felix Magath press conference is no mean feat, with the German rambling away in his soothing drawl.

Appearing to say precisely nothing as usual, Magath did come out with a randomly odd opinion, which was in all likelihood just a classic case of a German failing to tell a joke.

Magath finished his ramble by saying that this weekend's game against Everton would be 'easy'...

Again, surely a joke. But stick to the ruthless managing, Felix.



http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/german-joke-fulham-felix-magath-says-sundays-game-against-everton-is-going-to-be-easy/? (http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/german-joke-fulham-felix-magath-says-sundays-game-against-everton-is-going-to-be-easy/?)

 
Borussia Dortmund to reignite Lewis Holtby interest?

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly planning to offer unwanted Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Lewis Holtby a return to Germany in the summer.

The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Fulham and Tim Sherwood is believed to be willing to part with him permanently at the end of the season.

Dortmund were considering an approach for the former Schalke 04 midfielder in January when their squad was depleted by injury, but Holtby ended up staying in the Premier League.

According to Football Direct News, Jurgen Klopp maintains an interest in the three-times capped German international and could make a move for him when the transfer window reopens.

There is expected to be plenty of interest in Dortmund midfielders Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogan in the summer, and therefore the Bundesliga side are making plans for if either or both are sold.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/transfer-talk/news/dortmund-to-reignite-holtby-interest_146861.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/transfer-talk/news/dortmund-to-reignite-holtby-interest_146861.html)