WATFORD EXPECT INJURED IGHALO BACK AGAINST FULHAM
Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic said he expects on-form striker Odion Ighalo to be fit for Tuesday's match with Fulham after he missed Saturday's 3-2 win at Leeds United due to a hamstring injury.
The Nigeria forward, who has scored 14 goals in his last 10 league games, was left out of the squad for the trip to Elland Road as a precaution, the coach revealed.
"He (Ighalo) has a small hamstring problem. We will try to recuperate him for the next game in front of us. He will probably be ready for the next game," said the Watford boss.
Watford are fourth on the English Championship table with 62 points from 34 points, three points behind league leaders Derby County.
http://africanfootball.com//news/514722/Watford-expect-injured-Ighalo-back-against-Fulham? (http://africanfootball.com//news/514722/Watford-expect-injured-Ighalo-back-against-Fulham?)
Derby County shot down by Fulham: match analysis
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HEADS I WIN ... Cauley Woodrow nods in Fulham's second goal against Derby County on the stroke of half time.
NOTTINGHAM Forest, in the second half, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday all provided a reminder to Derby County that as leaders they are there to be shot down.
Fulham can now be added to the list of teams to have ruffled Derby's feathers in the past six weeks.
The Rams still top the Championship following another round of twists and turns.
They remain the team to catch with a dozen matches to play in the promotion race but being floored by Fulham highlights how they can be punished if not on their game.
Head coach Steve McClaren pulled no punches after the 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. "You cannot win games playing like that," he said.
Derby laboured in all areas of the pitch and were left with a bloodied nose.
"Once we conceded the first goal, we were half a yard short in every department," said McClaren.
They were second-best in a midfield, unusually.
The full-backs and wide players failed to make use of good positions and situations, they failed to deliver. Again, unusual.
Jesse Lingard was a peripheral figure wide left and right-back Cyrus Christie had a 45 minutes to forget. Neither appeared for the second half, neither could have any complaints.
Again, unusual for Derby, they lacked penetration and quality in the final third.
They mustered just two efforts on target and this from a side that scores plenty of goals. It was the first time in 17 matches they had failed to score.
Too many Derby players had off days.
There will only be one outcome when that happens.
McClaren's men went into the contest unbeaten in seven league games and having suffered just one defeat in a dozen.
But the Championship can laugh in the face of impressive statistics.
Fulham had not won in eight in all competitions and sat only two places above the bottom three, and yet they were able to produce a display that left you wondering why they have been scrapping at the wrong end of the table.
Derby had scored five goals in each of their previous two meetings with the London club this season.
A repeat was never likely especially once the tenacious Scott Parker took a grip on proceedings. He bossed midfield.
The Rams started promisingly before losing their way and McClaren saw Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow score in the final 15 minutes of the first half to give Fulham a deserved win.
Bryan Ruiz, at the tip of a Fulham diamond, was afforded too much time while Ross McCormack was highly influential.
He dropped off into pockets of space where he could receive possession and trouble Derby with his intelligence on the ball.
Fulham went ahead just after the half hour.
Ruiz, seemingly hemmed in on the left touchline, was able to deceive and cut inside Omar Mascarell too easily and set alarm bells ringing.
His shot ricocheted off Christie and the ball fell to Bodurov, whose strike with the outside of his right foot from a tight angle flew high across Lee Grant and into the far corner.
Quite a finish by the Fulham defender, but Mascarell had to do more especially as Ruiz's first thought on receiving possession is often to check and dummy his opponent in order to make space for himself.
Fulham doubled the lead on the stroke of half time.
Parker, full of know-how, spotted his moment to take the ball off Will Hughes in the centre circle.
With Hughes on the ground claiming a free kick and therefore out of the game, Parker motored forward and picked out McCormack to his left.
Rather than shoot from a difficult angle, McCormack clipped over a centre for Woodrow to head in.
Parker did make contact with Hughes before the ball but the Rams midfielder should have been more aware of the former England's man's presence.
Presence was a key word on the day.
Derby lacked it in midfield, not helped by the absence of George Thorne. He was out with a thigh injury and the Rams missed his control and his calmness.
Fulham boss Kit Symons was delighted with how his players went about their task.
"Teams who sit off Derby get put to the sword, so we knew we had to press them and harry them."
Symons' counterpart, McClaren, rarely hesitates when changes are needed.
He brought on Johnny Russell and Jake Buxton at the break, but was forced into a third change just after the hour when striker Darren Bent limped off.
Mascarell's number was already up on the fourth official's board before it was quickly changed to Bent's.
Craig Bryson, a midfielder with a goal in his locker, still came on but this left an unbalanced look to the shape with Jeff Hendrick drifting to the right.
Jamie Ward and Simon Dawkins offered forward options from the bench. Having changed who was coming off could Derby not have switched who was coming on?
There was no faulting Derby's endeavour throughout.
Roared on by an army of travelling fans, they kept plugging away but appeared to be hoping and relying on a moment of individual brilliance from Tom Ince or for Bent to poach a goal.
The usual movement, passing and fluency was absent from the Rams' play.
Ince provided most of Derby's good moments and he is capable of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, as he has shown already, but this was not Bent's day.
His every touch was greeted by boos from the Fulham fans having had a less than successful loan spell at the club last season, and his frustrating afternoon was capped when he picked up what looked to be a hamstring problem.
A goal at any time would have set Fulham nerves jangling but nothing dropped for Derby in the box and the home side defended with terrific spirit.
Fulham would have won by a greater margin had Craig Forsyth and Grant not denied McCormack on two occasions, before substitute Moussa Dembele rattled the woodwork.
An off-day, then, but there is no time to dwell and lick wounds. The next challenge is at Brighton on Tuesday night.
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Derby County pay a heavy price against Fulham without key duo
LOSING Chris Martin to injury was always likely to have an effect on Derby County's style of play.
Martin offers a focal point to the attack, a player who shapes moves and invites team-mates to join in.
Add his 19 goals to the equation and it is easy to see why he is viewed as a key figure.
Derby have won two, lost two and drawn one of the five matches he has sat out.
George Thorne is also seen as an influential player.
He is capable of providing a calmness and confidence from the holding role in midfield.
We saw glimpses of this in the back-to-back home victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic, despite those being his first two starts following a seven-month absence with a serious knee injury.
Martin and Thorne provide presence in their positions.
Sadly, both missed Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.
Martin is still trying to shake off a hamstring problem he picked up playing against Bournemouth three weeks ago.
Thorne has a thigh injury and is out for a couple of weeks.
It meant two of Derby's key controllers were absent at Craven Cottage, and the Rams suffered.They never had control of the contest.
The controllers on the day wore Fulham shirts.
Scott Parker bossed the midfield and striker Ross McCormack was a constant thorn.
Like Bryan Ruiz, McCormack is cute in the way he drops into space to receive the ball. He is a creator as well as a scorer.
Parker, now 34, is a senior campaigner of more than 500 club games.
He was Fulham's best performer when they lost 5-1 at Derby in August and possessed too much know-how for the Rams' young midfielder trio at the weekend.
Parker received a standing ovation when he left the pitch 10 minutes from full time on Saturday and Fulham boss Kit Symons knows the value of the ex-England international to the team.
"He sets the tempo for the whole game. Thirty four or not, he has got so much energy, drive and determination. He's a great example to this squad which is full of young players," said Symons.
Read more: http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Derby-County-pay-heavy-price-Fulham-key-duo/story-26102040-detail/story.html?#ixzz3TFUqw7qy (http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Derby-County-pay-heavy-price-Fulham-key-duo/story-26102040-detail/story.html?#ixzz3TFUqw7qy)
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Fulham striker vows to end Symons sack rumours
Whites forward and co right behind manager
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Fulham's Cauley Woodrow and Derby's Omar Mascarell in action
Cauley Woodrow shrugged off rumours his Fulham boss is for the chop while shaking off a winless streak stretching back eight games.
The Whites took the bookies by surprise with a 2-0 win over table-toppers Derby that increased the lead to the drop zone by eight points and took the heat off Kit Symons.
It was an accomplished performance after a mediocre run. But the scorer of the all important second insists the team have been playing well enough without scoring - until now.
"I think we just went into the game like we did any other game," Woodrow said. "The mood was slightly different this week and I don't know why that was.
(http://i3.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article8742432.ece/alternates/s615/Symons.jpg)
Fulham manager Kit Symons
"The boys had obviously come on the back of a few bad results so we needed to get some good results to get away from the bottom three and today we did that.
"Derby are probably the best side in the league. So for us today to keep their goals out and be more clinical in their box was really good."
The rumour mill had it that Fulham management was getting itchy feet over the man they appointed just five months ago.
It was meant to help, but fuel got added to the fire with a dreaded vote of confidence from chairman Shahid Khan in the match programme before the game.
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Fulham's Cauley Woodrow and Derby's Ryan Shotton in action
Woodrow and co from the Whites academy were determined to stop the rot.
He said: "A lot of us have played under Kit before, he's been our manager at under-18s and under-21s, half the squad is from the academy, so we have got a lot of respect for Kit and he has a lot of respect for us.
"So we want to do as well as we can for the club and obviously for Kit as well.
"As soon as you start to lose a few games some fans are always going to say he's not the man or the job.
"But as soon as you start winning a few games all the fans will be 100 per cent behind him, so I don't think that is a really big issue. As long as we can keep winning games, they will be behind us."
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-striker-vows-end-symons-8746276? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-striker-vows-end-symons-8746276?)
Enterprise Challenge(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Foundation/DSC_3034.JPG?w=622&h=278)
Harris Academy Beckenham is representing Fulham Football Club in the Play-Offs of the Premier League Enterprise Challenge 2014/15, in the hope of reaching the Final in London and being crowned champions.
Twenty-six schools and community groups representing Premier League and Football League clubs have made it through to this year's Play-Offs. The business and education based challenge is run by the Premier League and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) which this year tasked pupils with working on a strategy to help increase the number of families attending matchdays. Seven of these groups will progress to the Final, where they will go head-to-head to pitch their idea to personnel from the world of sport and business.
The three Play-Offs will be hosted by Stoke City, Manchester United and Arsenal, with the top two groups from each of these, and a wild card decided by a Premier League Judging Panel, being invited to present at the Final at the prestigious BIS Conference Centre in Westminster on Monday 27th April.
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Steven Day, Chief Executive of Fulham FC Foundation, said: "I would like to thank all of the schools and pupils that took part in this season's Premier League Enterprise Challenge. The panel of judges from Fulham Football Club were impressed with the ideas and quality of work presented at Craven Cottage last month, our congratulations go out to all of the pupils that participated. We wish Harris Academy Beckenham the best of luck in the play-off against other schools from around the country when they pitch their ideas to a Premier League judging panel."
Since its introduction in 2009, over 8,000 young people aged between 13 and 17 have taken part in the programme, which uses business models of professional football clubs to deliver enterprise education.
Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League, said: "The Premier League Enterprise Challenge has gone from strength to strength with more innovative and exciting ideas being presented by the groups involved. It gives young people the chance to develop their presentation skills and self-confidence, whilst also understanding that there are numerous job opportunities at a football club aside from the eleven players on the pitch."
"The Premier League Enterprise Challenge gives Clubs, local schools and community groups a great tool and platform from which to interact, which we hope they can then use as a foundation for future joint initiatives."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/enterprise-challenge? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/enterprise-challenge?)
U21 Derby Postponed(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2014-15/Patrick%20Roberts/PatChelsea622.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Due to Chelsea's involvement in the UEFA Champions Youth League, our Under-21 fixture - which was originally scheduled for Friday 13th March at Craven Cottage - has been postponed.
The new date will be announced on fulhamfc.com as soon as possible.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/u21-derby-postponed? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/u21-derby-postponed?)
Cottagers brimming with confidence
Fulham boss Kit Symons says confidence in the camp is sky high amid a daunting run of fixtures.
The Cottagers beat leaders Derby 2-0 on Saturday and face more promotion hopefuls in the shape of Watford on Tuesday and Bournemouth on Friday night. "It's a real tough run of games and Derby was obviously one of those games," said Symons.
"To come away with a positive result is good for everyone's confidence.
We can go and beat anyone. And we can do. But can do and will do are two different things.
"We need to make sure we actually get out there and put in another performance like this one against Watford, and then back here against Bournemouth on Friday."
Symons faces a selection dilemma in attack with Hugo Rodallega due back from a leg injury at Vicarage Road.
Cauley Woodrow replaced Rodallega against the Rams and scored Fulham's second goal while Matt Smith is back in contention after a productive loan spell at Bristol City, where he scored 13 goals in 20 appearances.
"Hopefully, Hugo will be back," added Symons. "We got him X-rayed and scanned, but there's nothing there.
It's just soft tissue, like a dead leg. There's a good chance he'll be fit for Tuesday. "He did the warm-up with the team on Friday and some straight-line running, and he was fine doing that.
"Cauley did very well, and Matt Smith will be back so there are no guarantees for anyone. That's what we want, competition for places, and we want to be playing people who are in form."
Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-brimming-with-confidence-1760803.html? (https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-brimming-with-confidence-1760803.html?)
Norwich U21 Tickets On Sale(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2014-15/Ange_Freddy_Plumain/FulhamNorwichU21Cup112.jpg?w=350&h=250)
Fulham take on Norwich City in a Barclays Under-21 Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage on Friday 20th March (7pm).
Peter Grant's boys currently sit level on points with the Canaries in the table, with only goal difference separating the two sides.
Tickets for the match are now available to purchase on General Sale, priced at just £3 for adults and £1 for over-65s and under-16s.
Season Ticket Holders can attend for free, and can either claim a ticket in advance or show their Season Ticket Card on the night.
Tickets are available to buy online, over the phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 1), or in person from the Ticket Office.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/norwich-u21-tickets-on-sale? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/norwich-u21-tickets-on-sale?)
Loan watch
. . . a round-up of Swans players out on loan
Jazz Richards tasted victory for the first time at Fulham as they shocked Championship leaders Derby 2-0 at Craven Cottage.
Richards, who last week signed an extended loan deal until the end of the season, featured for the full 90 minutes as Fulham moved eight points clear of the dropzone.
They will look to back that result up on Tuesday night when they visit Watford.
Read more at http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/loan-watch-2306983.aspx#MmZ2oWHsjBsWGORK.99 (http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/loan-watch-2306983.aspx#MmZ2oWHsjBsWGORK.99)
Symons: Fulham confidence high
Fulham boss Kit Symons says confidence in the camp is sky high amid a daunting run of fixtures.
The Cottagers beat leaders Derby 2-0 on Saturday and face more promotion hopefuls in the shape of Watford on Tuesday and Bournemouth on Friday night.
"It's a real tough run of games and Derby was obviously one of those games," said Symons.
"To come away with a positive result is good for everyone's confidence. We can go and beat anyone. And we can do. But can do and will do are two different things.
"We need to make sure we actually get out there and put in another performance like this one against Watford, and then back here against Bournemouth on Friday."
Symons faces a selection dilemma in attack with Hugo Rodallega due back from a leg injury at Vicarage Road.
Cauley Woodrow replaced Rodallega against the Rams and scored Fulham's second goal while Matt Smith is back in contention after a productive loan spell at Bristol City, where he scored 13 goals in 20 appearances.
"Hopefully, Hugo will be back," added Symons. "We got him X-rayed and scanned, but there's nothing there. It's just soft tissue, like a dead leg. There's a good chance he'll be fit for Tuesday.
"He did the warm-up with the team on Friday and some straight-line running, and he was fine doing that.
"Cauley did very well, and Matt Smith will be back so there are no guarantees for anyone. That's what we want, competition for places, and we want to be playing people who are in form."
http://www.football365.com/fulham/9739923/-? (http://www.football365.com/fulham/9739923/-?)
Woodrow on Getting Results
Did the road to recovery start with that fine 2-0 win over Derby County on Saturday?
After so many poor results, in recent times, it was something of a shock to humble the Championship leaders with two first half goals.
The three points were most gratefully received and helped open up a gap between those who are now directly involve din the fight to avoid relegation.
This Tuesday, Fulham make the trip to another promotion chasing club, Watford. On Saturday Watford came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, a remarkable comeback, however in their last home game they were thumped by a fast-improving Norwich side that also halted Ipswich`s charge yesterday with a 2-0 win in the Norfolk / Suffolk derby.
Prior to the home win, on Saturday, it had been noticed that, following the poor run of defeats, Kit Symons had been shipping a bit of stick from the Fulham faithful, something that our young striker Woodrow picked up on in his after-match experience with the media, with the youngster remarking,
"As soon as you lose a few games some fans are always going to say he`s not the man for the job, but when you start winning a few all the fans will be 100 per cent behind him.
"Half the squad is from the academy so we have got a lot of respect for Kit and he has a lot of respect for us.
"We want to do as well as we can for the club and obviously for Kit as well.
"The aim for us is to make that gap between ourselves and the bottom three as big as we can, so hopefully we get some more good results."
A win up at Vicarage Road would be most welcome and open that gap just a little further, let`s hope we can pull it off.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=390782#ixzz3TFYBtcZS (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=390782#ixzz3TFYBtcZS)
Preview: Watford vs. Fulham
Watford have the chance to continue their momentum in the Championship when they play host to Fulham at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night.
A superb run of form saw Watford win five of their six games in February, and an impressive month means that Slavisa Jokanovic's side are fourth, just three points off the top of the table.
Jokanovic's men came close to losing ground on their rivals in a dramatic race for promotion, but a fightback from two goals behind ended with the Hornets recording a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Troy Deeney's goal and a brace from Matej Vydra made the difference in Yorkshire, and the pressure is on the forwards to continue their fine form as Watford aim for automatic promotion.
Watford had Fulham to thank on the weekend as the Cottagers earned a shock 2-0 win over leaders Derby County to add another twist to the promotion battle, but the confidence gained from that wins means Kit Symons will be hopeful of causing another shock at Vicarage Road.
Fulham had gone seven league games without a win before beating Derby, and they are eight points ahead of 22nd-placed Millwall, but fears over relegation will be put to one side if they can win again.
The visitors are likely to be without Lasse Vigen Christensen after he picked up a knock against the Rams, while Watford could bring in Gabriele Angella to replace Joel Ekstrand, who was taken off in the first of the win over Leeds.
Odion Ighalo is available for selection after Watford decided against risking him on the weekend due to a hamstring strain, but the Nigerian forward could be named as a substitute as Jokanovic considers rewarding Deeney and Vydra for their goals in Saturday's win.
Watford:
Recent form: WWWLWW
Possible starting lineup: Gomes, Paredes, Cathcart, Angella, Anya, Layun, Watson, Abdi, Tozser, Deeney, Vydra
Fulham:
Recent form: DLLDLW
Possible starting lineup: Bettinelli, Richards, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis, Parker, Tunnicliffe, Fofana, Ruiz, McCormack, Woodrow
Sports Mole says: 2-0
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/watford/preview/preview-watford-vs-fulham_208728.html? (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/watford/preview/preview-watford-vs-fulham_208728.html?)
Hutchinson: Confidence Is Key(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2014-15/Shaun%20Hutchinson/hutchyDerbyTopimage.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Following a convincing win over Sky Bet Championship leaders Derby County at the Cottage on Saturday, Shaun Hutchinson believes that the Whites will travel to Watford on Tuesday night with a renewed confidence.
"We really needed that," Hutchinson told fulhamfc.com. "Going away to Watford, it's a difficult place to go to but I think when you're on the back of a victory like that it's massive because of confidence.
"When you're not involved in football it's hard to understand how big confidence is in the game. When you're playing with confidence, people want to get on the ball. People want to commit themselves. Hopefully that win will do that for our game away against Watford."
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Prior to Saturday, the Whites had not won a match since the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on 21st January, and Hutchinson admits that the team were starting to feel the strain.
"I think you would be lying if you said you weren't a little bit lacking in confidence and a bit nervous when you're down at the bottom," he said. "But games like that when you're beating the top of the league who are playing really well brings back your confidence.
"I think you could tell by the way we played we were really on it from the off and I thought it was a great game by us."
In addition to being a top performance from Kit Symons' men, a clean sheet for the Whites was key in boosting morale.
Hutchinson admitted: "We've conceded far too many goals this season as a team and conceded quite a few goals in some games. But getting a clean sheet is hugely confidence boosting for the back four, knowing you can go into games and do that."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/hutchinson-confident? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/02/hutchinson-confident?)
Team Focus: Astute Symons Looking for More from Leaky Fulham(http://164.177.157.12/img/blog/2015%2f3%2fFULHEADER1.jpg)
How to explain Fulham. In the space of four days they went from being torn apart by Wolves to convincingly beating the leaders, Derby. Kit Symons, their likeable manager, seemed at a loss to explain their inconsistency in the aftermath of the 2-0 victory over the Rams at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Symons has an impressive squad – players of international quality combined with some youngsters with bags of potential – but managing a steady run of positive results, let alone performances, seems unattainable. Beating Derby moved them eight points clear of the bottom three and they are unlikely to go down but they should be battling for a playoff position rather than stuck in the lower regions of the table.
That was only their first win in 10 and now they face a difficult trip to Watford on Tuesday before hosting Bournemouth on Friday night. A similar level of performance should spring another surprise on teams in the running for promotion but the jury will remain out on whether they are capable of doing that. Watford hit five without reply at Craven Cottage earlier in the season and few would expect Fulham to get anything at Vicarage Road. Then again, Derby also hit them for five before Saturday's reverse.
"We've been playing well during that run of not winning," Symons said after Saturday's win. "We have been playing good football and creating chances but it has been frustrating because we can't get it all together."
(http://164.177.157.12/img/blog/2015%2f3%2fFulhamfocus.jpg)
One problem is that his best player is unable to play 90 minutes every week. Scott Parker was in stunning form against Derby, having not featured against Wolves, but by the hour mark the 34-year-old's legs were weakening. Ten minutes from time he was taken off to a standing ovation with nothing else left to give. "He sets the tempo for the team," Symons said. "He is a great example to the younger players."
Another is the amount of defensive errors – lapses of concentration and brain melts – that have damaged them throughout the season. Symons said they have "conceded too many cheap goals" due to "isolated incidents that have cost us dearly". They have the fifth highest total of shots conceded per game (15.5) but have conceded the second most goals (58). Only Blackpool (68) are more porous.
At the other end of the pitch, things have not quite worked out as planned with Ross McCormack, the £11m signing given the challenge of scoring enough goals to bring Fulham back to the Premier League. However, he has still reached double figures while providing another eight assists – including the cross for Cauley Woodrow on Saturday which made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. However, the team's problem has not been scoring goals. They have 46, more than any other team outside of the top nine.
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Only Brentford and Watford have drawn fewer games (6), and only Blackpool and Wigan, already looking doomed to relegation, have suffered more defeats (17). Yet they have one of the better possession averages (51.3%) and create plenty of chances (12.9 shots per game).
Symons is tactically astute and, refreshingly, happy to discuss such topics with the media. Far too many managers are a closed shop when it comes to revealing their plans. He went into detail at how best to target Derby after the game by describing how they had to press the visitors high up the pitch. "We looked at all the scouting reports and knew we had to do that," he added. "Teams who sit off Derby get put to the sword. We had a game plan, stuck to it and it worked very well."
But he needs his players to stop making silly errors. Mid-table beckons and it will have been disappointing for all concerned considering their hopes of a swift return to the top table but if Symons can keep the squad together, it would be no surprise to see them in the upper reaches of the table. "I know we are good enough," Symons says. "And that's why I get so frustrated when things go wrong."
http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/rWS6pdaC5U2TaTzCy2kkmA (http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/rWS6pdaC5U2TaTzCy2kkmA)
Ighalo set for Hornets return
Watford should welcome back in-form striker Odion Ighalo when they host Fulham.
Ighalo, who has scored 14 goals in his last 10 league games, missed Saturday's 3-2 win at Leeds as a precaution due to a tight hamstring.
Adlene Guedioura is also set to be added to the squad after the midfielder rejoined Watford on loan from Crystal Palace on Friday.
Sean Murray remains the only injury absentee for the Hornets as he recovers from knee surgery.
Fulham frontman Hugo Rodellega should return from a leg injury but midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen is set to miss out.
Rodallega was absent from Saturday's 2-0 win over leaders Derby, during which Christensen limped off with a hamstring problem.
Rodallega's return gives manager Kit Symons a selection dilemma after his replacement, Cauley Woodrow, scored against the Rams while Matt Smith is also available after completing his successful loan spell with Bristol City.
Defender Fernando Amorebieta is back in contention after a knee injury while Symons must decide whether to rest skipper Scott Parker in the middle of three tough games in six days - Fulham host Bournemouth on Friday night.
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395285/watford-fulham/preview? (http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395285/watford-fulham/preview?)
Odion Ighalo set to return to for Watford's Championship clash with Fulham
Watford should welcome back in-form striker Odion Ighalo when they host Fulham.
Ighalo, who has scored 14 goals in his last 10 league games, missed Saturday's 3-2 win at Leeds as a precaution due to a tight hamstring.
Adlene Guedioura is also set to be added to the squad after the midfielder rejoined Watford on loan from Crystal Palace on Friday.
Sean Murray remains the only injury absentee for the Hornets as he recovers from knee surgery.
Fulham frontman Hugo Rodellega should return from a leg injury but midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen is set to miss out.
Rodallega was absent from Saturday's 2-0 win over leaders Derby, during which Christensen limped off with a hamstring problem.
Rodallega's return gives manager Kit Symons a selection dilemma after his replacement, Cauley Woodrow, scored against the Rams while Matt Smith is also available after completing his successful loan spell with Bristol City.
Defender Fernando Amorebieta is back in contention after a knee injury while Symons must decide whether to rest skipper Scott Parker in the middle of three tough games in six days - Fulham host Bournemouth on Friday night.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/314186/preview? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/314186/preview?)
Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic coy on whether Odion Ighalo is fit enough to start against Fulham
New signing Adlene Guedioura is available. Centre back Joel Ekstrand is a doubt. But the question most Watford fans will be asking during the next 24 hours is will in-form striker Odion Ighalo start up front against Fulham tomorrow night? The answer: You will just have to buy a ticket.
With 14 goals in his last ten Championship matches, Ighalo's inclusion in the Hornets' starting line-up would appear a near certainty to supporters of most clubs looking in.
But on Saturday at Leeds United - when Ighalo was rested as a precaution due to a hamstring problem - Matej Vydra showed why he was the 2013 Championship Player of the Year. His partner Troy Deeney produced a display which highlighted why he was a £10million transfer target in the summer. And most interestingly regarding selection tomorrow night, Vydra and Deeney showed a devastating level of understanding.
Vydra has played deeper at times this season but Almen Abdi performed admirably at Elland Road also and has seemingly done enough to command his place in that role.
Jokanovic was this afternoon asked if Ighalo was now fit enough to start the game at Vicarage Road. His reply gave little away.
"You must buy a ticket to find out," he said with a wry smile. "This is not the time to tell you [if he is fit enough to start]. He is fit enough to help us."
On the difficulty of potentially dropping one of the strikers, Jokanovic added: "It is good news because Troy and Vydra have been working well and have been performing at a good level. If you ask me how hard it is [to drop one of the three], I will do my job and will try to start and finish the game with players who provide the best chance of winning.
"It is my job [to make tough decisions] and I always try to do the right thing for my team."
Former head coach Gianfranco Zola was criticised for his excessive rotation. Most Golden Boys fans will recall the six changes made at strugglers Bristol City in early 2013 and the 2-0 defeat that followed.
Jokanovic arguably has a stronger squad now but has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes - he argued only one of the five made at Birmingham City was voluntary.
But that does not mean the Serbian is not planning to utilise the Golden Boys' strength in depth. In recent weeks he has often stressed the importance of his squad when asked about individuals.
"Ighalo is part of my squad and he is more or less the same as everyone else in the squad," Jokanovic said of the striker, who has scored 17 goals this season.
"I have spoken many times about the need for my squad and my players understand. In this moment of the Championship we will depend on the squad, not one player or two players. We need 20 players ready for the next game and whoever is picked needs to respond on the field."
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11828584._/? (http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11828584._/?)
Introducing Fulham's unlikely goalscorer Nikolay Bodurov
Saturday's surprise 2-0 win over table-topping Derby County saw a first goal for the club from the Bulgarian defender, and here is a bit more about him.
Nikolay Bodurov latched onto a loose ball when Bryan Ruiz's shot was blocked in the 31st minute and inventively stabbed the ball over goalkeeper Lee Grant to give Fulham a deserved lead, which they never looked like giving up. On the stroke of half-time Ross McCormack fed Cauley Woodrow to double the home side's advantage but it was the first goalscorer that many fans were talking about after the game.
The Bulgarian international has been a permanent fixture in the Fulham defence in what has been a difficult first season in the Sky Bet Championship for the London club. He arrived at Craven Cottage on a permanent deal in August 2014 as the club's ninth signing of a busy summer, and capable of playing at both centre half and right back, the 28-year-old has added three more international appearances to his CV this season to make a current total of 27 caps.
Fulham captured Bodurov's signature having agreed an undisclosed fee with Litex Lovech of Bulgaria, with whom he made over 250 appearances. Bodurov started his career at hometown club Pirin Blagoevgrad, before joining Litex Lovech in 2009.
Although this season has been something of a rude awakening to English football for Bodurov, on the international stage the dependable defender has taken many plaudits. Against Azerbaijan in September 2014, Bodurov captained his country for the first time in the absence of regular captain Ivelin Popov. The following month Bodurov scored his first goal for his country, away at Norway, albeit a consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat.
Back in the Championship, Fulham manager Kit Symons will be hoping Bodurov's form will help finally lift Fulham away from the relegation zone they have hovered around all season. Bodurov's goal was priceless in breaking the deadlock, but he more than played his part in defence too, where a rearguard action held up a faltering Derby attack.
Symons spoke to the Guardian: "It means a lot to us," he said of the win and the clean sheet "the majority of our defending this season has been very good but isolated incidents have cost us. It will give everyone a lot of confidence. Teams who sit off Derby get put to the sword, so we knew we had to press them and harry them high up the pitch."
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/02/jh-introducing-fulhams-unlikely-goalscorer-nikolay-bodurov/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/02/jh-introducing-fulhams-unlikely-goalscorer-nikolay-bodurov/?)
MLS Atlanta announces former US standout Bocanegra as technical director
ATLANTA -- MLS Atlanta today announced the appointment of former U.S. Men's National Team player Carlos Bocanegra as technical director of Major League Soccer's 22nd team. He will join club President Darren Eales in April following his move from Los Angeles to Atlanta.
In his role as technical director, Bocanegra, together with Eales, will oversee day-to-day non-coaching soccer operations of the first team, including development and implementation of a worldwide scouting network and oversight of player wellness and rehabilitation. In addition, he will oversee youth academy programs and serve as a liaison with MLS league officials on player regulations and other league rules.
Former captain of the United States Men's National Team for six seasons, two-time Major League Soccer defender of the year and 2010 World Cup team captain, Bocanegra retired from play in 2014 after an esteemed 15-year career in professional soccer.
A California native, Bocanegra attended collegiate soccer powerhouse UCLA and was drafted by the Chicago Fire as the fourth overall pick in the 2000 MLS Superdraft. Starting in his first year as a professional, Bocanegra helped lead Chicago to the 2000 MLS Cup final and two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships in 2000 and 2003. He won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award in 2000 and quickly became one of the top MLS defenders, winning back to back MLS Defender of the Year Awards in 2002 and 2003.
In 2004, he signed with English Premier League club Fulham where he played four seasons during which he became one of the few U.S. players to captain both club and country simultaneously. Following his time with Fulham, Bocanegra moved to France's Ligue 1 where he played for Rennes and Saint-Etienne until he joined Rangers of the Scottish Premier League until 2013. In July 2013, he officially returned to MLS to play for Chivas, where he finished his career holding the all-time record for most international goals scored by a U.S. defender.
Bocanegra was selected to the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup teams where he appeared in six matches. He is tied among U.S. players for career World Cup qualifying appearances with thirty-one.
"I feel very fortunate to have played the game of soccer professionally for so many years and am excited to be part of something special here in Atlanta," said Bocanegra. "I've always wanted to stay involved with soccer at the top level, and to have that opportunity with MLS Atlanta is a great way to start this next chapter. I'm a competitor and I look forward to bringing that drive and passion into everything I do here in Atlanta."
A fan favorite, Bocanegra is known for his explosive playing style, commanding presence, composure and strong leadership on and off the field. He served as captain for the U.S. team 64 times during his international career on the backline, and he played under elite coaches including Bruce Arena, Bob Bradley and Jurgen Klinsmann.
"We're very pleased to have Carlos join us as technical director," said Eales. "With over 100 caps for his country, and experience playing both in MLS and top European Leagues, he will bring a special skill set and presence to our club. He has an excellent reputation as a mature, confident leader and we have no doubt that he will thrive in the front office as much as he did on the pitch."
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=285798 (http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=285798)
Alan Smith asks what ails Fulham at Who Scored
There's an astute analysis of what's going on at Fulham posted at Who Scored.
defense of course. Fulham are creating chances at a high enough level, but they've given up an appalling amount of goals. However, I do have one big criticism with the article. It completely ignores the time that Felix Magath spent in charge.
In that disastrous run of seven games, Fulham conceded 18 goals. Let me say that again. Fulham conceded 18 goals. That's 2.57 goals a game. In the 27 games that Kit has been in charge, Fulham have conceded 40. That's 1.48 goals a game. If you project that lower total over the season to this point, Fulham would have conceded eight less goals. While giving up 50 goals would still be bad, it moves Fulham from 23rd in goals conceded to 17th. While not great, that is a big difference and wouldn't be completely out of line with the rest of the midtable.
What I'd really love to see is this study repeated with Magath's time thrown out. Would it change things? I don't know, but it just might.
http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/3/2/8134391/what-ails-fulham-who-scored-alan-smith (http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/3/2/8134391/what-ails-fulham-who-scored-alan-smith)
Fulham Fixture Outlook: Matches 35-37 - Watford, Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday
As we approach the end of Fulham's first Championship season, we countdown the matches - 3 at a time. Helping me predict the Whites' scores are: Tom (@DareToLVC) and Emma (@emma_crook) Feel free to comment your predictions down below... This week: Watford, Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday
Match 35/46
Tue 3 Mar 2015
17:45 vs Watford
Vicarage Road (Away)
Has Kit Symons finally dug his claws in? A brand new mentality against top of the league Derby County led to a convincing, yet shocking 2-0 victory. The players seemed to understand what to do on the pitch, and how to treat themselves off it as well. Cauley Woodrow said 'we knew we were going to win'. Symons' theory will, for the second time, be put to the test against a fourth-placed Watford side, who host the Whites in very good condition. 10 goals in their last 4 league games mean the in-form side will be all the more confident about securing a result against a Fulham side who find themselves 22nd in the form guides. However, this match presents a chance for Kit Symons to prove his side can be consistent, that a win against Derby is just the beginning and the Whites can push on from that win. It will be a tough ask... and most likely a bridge too far. Maybe a shock on the cards?
Ethan predicts: Watford 2-0 Fulham
Tom predicts: Watford 1-1 Fulham
Emma predicts: Watford 2-1 Fulham
Match 36/46
Fri 6 Mar 2015
20:00 vs Bournemouth
Craven Cottage (Home)
Another tough match comes immediately after Fulham's visit to Watford; the team that's been proving the bookmakers wrong all season - Bournemouth. However, a recent dip in form may give the Whites a chance as the club have only gained 3 points from their last 5 league games - the same as Fulham. However, they have faced far harder opposition and still look like an incredibly strong outfit, maybe even a challenger for an automatic promotion spot. They are currently 5th in the league standings and are truly prolific, netting 67 goals this season. With their sharp pass and move football and brilliance on the wing, AFC look simply unbeatable for a Fulham side who lack the defensive abilities required in this kind of match. What will impact this game most is undoubtedly the period between Tuesday nights matches and Friday, both vital for recovering fitness.
Ethan predicts: Fulham 1-3 Bournemouth
Tom predicts: Fulham 1-1 Bournemouth
Emma predicts: Fulham 0-2 Bournemouth
Match 37/46
Sat 14 Mar 2015
15:00 vs Sheffield Wednesday
Hillsborough Stadium (Away)
After last time's 4-0 demolition of Sheffield by Fulham, one may anticipate a one-sided tie. But the Championship is an ever changing league, and one which takes no prisoners... Any complacency shown by the Fulham players will be punished. Sheffield Wednesday find themselves enjoying a 2 match win streak, and while that may sound petty, a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough seems incredibly impressive. The club have turned the form book on it's head, and instead of finding themselves in a relegation scrap, are now chasing down a Play-Off position. And that is far from impossible, the club are in 10th place and just 14 points off the all important 6th place. And we all know 14 points in the Championship isn't as far off as it sounds. Meanwhile after 2 incredibly tough fixtures, Fulham can dedicate 8 days to working hard in preparation for this match, which will in no doubt be a hard fought fixture away from home.
Ethan predicts: Sheff Wed 1-1 Fulham
Tom predicts: Sheff Wed 1-1 Fulham
Emma predicts: Sheff Wed 2-2 Fulham
Total Points Haul
Ethan: 1 point
Tom: 3 points
Emma: 1 point
Note: Congratulations to the 21 of you who successfully predicted we would gain 4 points from our matches against Millwall, Wolves and Derby. Though I'm not convinced any of you were expecting 3 of those points to come from the Derby match.
http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/3/2/8134729/fulham-fixture-outlook-matches-35-37-watford-bournemouth-sheffield (http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/3/2/8134729/fulham-fixture-outlook-matches-35-37-watford-bournemouth-sheffield)
OPPOSITION IN FOCUS: Fulham
All you need to know about tonight's opponents Fulham
FORMER Premier League stalwarts Fulham bounced back from a six-game winless run in the Championship by beating table-toppers Derby on Saturday.
Kit Symons' men are now eight points above the drop zone, after an impressive 2-0 win over the Rams, thanks to goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow.
Although the majority of the Cottagers' playing squad are developing and a burgeoning bunch, the side do have some experienced older faces in their ranks that Symons will be hoping can keep them out of trouble – including tonight at Vicarage Road.
Accomplished Cottagers Key to Salvaging Season
Captain SCOTT PARKER has had a career laden with top flight appearances and was even on the verges of the England squad back in 2013. Renowned for his energy and work-rate in the centre of the field, the battling midfielder possesses all the necessary qualities that Symons' side requires.
Parker has made 30 appearances so far this season, scoring three times, and the 34-year-old will be key to ensuring the side survives in this division.
Another player with top-flight experience is striker HUGO RODELLGA. The Colombian striker has found the net 11 times so far this campaign and his goals will be vital if the Cottagers are to preserve their Championship status.
Goalkeeper Marcos Bettinelli revealed recently that the striker had stepped up his game in order to keep the youngsters in the squad on the bench. Symons has the youthful duo of Cauley Woodrow and Moussa Dembele waiting in the wings, but the striker's form looked to have cemented him a place in the starting line-up each week prior to a recent leg injury.
Having made the £11million switch from Leeds United to West London in the summer, ROSS McCORMACK will also need to be at his best for Symons' side to survive.
Having managed 10 goals so far for his new side this season, he managed to find the net 28 times last year for his old employers in Yorkshire, and the striker is far too good to be involved in a relegation battle – it will undoubtedly be a scenario he's keen to avoid.
We've Met Before: Previous Encounters
Watford ran out comfortable 5-0 winners when the sides last met back in early December in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
A first-half goal from Almen Abdi and a brace from Troy Deeney – the first being a penalty – gave the 'Orns an impressive 3-0 lead at the break.
A stunner from Abdi and a hat-trick goal for the skipper followed in the second period to end the Hornets' run of four defeats in emphatic fashion. That win at Craven Cottage was the 'Orns' first over Fulham for 17 years.
View from the Cottage
Thomas McIlory – Chief Sports Reporter at Radio Jackie – gives his view on the Whites' season so far...
"The season's been a strange one to assess really. If you look at it from how most Fulham fans were expecting it to go in pre-season, it's been a huge disappointment. But after the awful start under Felix Magath, staying up is an achievement – it did seem for a while that we wouldn't get a win. But looking back on the season so far, at the beginning we were woefully underprepared for life in the Championship and the aim this season now is really to stay up and build from there with the aim of going up in the next season or two.
"The real problem has been a lack of Championship experience. In the squad that started the season, only Ross McCormack and Dan Burn had recent experience in this league.
"Alex Kacaniklic and Ryan Tunnicliffe have returned from loans and Jazz Richards has been brought in on loan from Crystal Palace to give the squad extra Championship experience, which is what was really lacking. Hopefully with the players more used to the league next season, it will be onwards and upwards.
"The crucial player for Fulham this year for me – and this will be controversial among a number of Fulham fans – is Bryan Ruiz. He divides opinion massively at Craven Cottage – he's either a lazy waste of space or the best technical player in the league, depending on who you talk to.
"But you can't deny his influence on Fulham, the Whites haven't won a league game in which he hasn't played. If he gets on the ball and starts dictating play, the Whites look a much better side.
"Although Kit Symons has been in charge since September, it's hard to properly judge his spell at Fulham yet. He had an undoubted honeymoon period, where he took Fulham up the table after the disastrous destruction of the club by Magath, but since then, it hasn't been great, with the club falling close to a second successive relegation.
"There were calls for him to be sacked after the draw at Millwall and heavy defeat at Wolves, which meant the club hadn't won in eight games in all competitions, but the 2-0 win against Derby on Saturday will have alleviated those calls a bit, with the Whites now sitting in a healthier position, eight points away from the relegation zone.
"There's no denying though that most Fulham fans want him to do well, and after the Magath debacle, the club needed a man who was passionate about Fulham and would undo the damage that the German had done, which did seem irreparable for a while."
Read more at http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150303-fulham-opposition-focus-2307926.aspx#JuWkszor4XgBXEWE.99 (http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150303-fulham-opposition-focus-2307926.aspx#JuWkszor4XgBXEWE.99)
We profile Watford's opponents on Tuesday - Fulham
It is little under three months since Fulham were spectacularly routed 5-0 by Watford at Craven Cottage and whilst the memorable victory kick-started the Hornets' season, the Whites have won just five times since.
A 2-0 win over high-flying Derby County on Saturday at the Cottage was a welcome shot in the arm for Kit Symons' side, who had not tasted victory since their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest five weeks earlier.
Having found themselves in the giddy heights of 13th in December, the Cottagers have slipped back towards the Championship relegation zone since and are currently perched in 19th, eight points clear of the drop.
Derided for paying a fee potentially rising to £11m for former Leeds United talisman Ross McCormack, Fulham are now reaping the rewards, with the Scot recently reaching double figures in the league.
With 12 goals in all competitions, the former Cardiff City frontman is the Whites' top scorer this term, though ex-Wigan Athletic forward Hugo Rodallega is just one behind McCormack, though the Colombian has only netted twice in his last 16 league and cup outings.
What has surely been detrimental to Fulham's chances of an immediate return to the Premier League has been the high turnover in players, with 34 making appearances in the Championship this season - for context, five more than the Hornets.
But with 24 players leaving the Cottagers permanently following last season's relegation from the top flight, there has been a certain degree of necessity to the revolving door selection policy.
That policy has, however, seen Symons offer olive branches to senior players frozen out by his predecessor Felix Magath. One such player is former Watford loanee Alex Kacaniklic.
The Swedish international terrified Championship defences during his 12-game loan stay in 2011 but was packed off to FC Copenhagen on loan in September by Magath. Re-called in December, Kacaniklic promptly marked his return to west London by scoring in his second outing to seal a 2-1 home win over Reading.
Fulham have the third-worst away record in the Championship, picking up just 12 of their 39 points away from the bank of the River Thames. Symons' side last won away from home on December 13 when they claimed a 1-0 victory at Leeds United.
Since then their away record reads played five, lost five; a period in which they have scored just twice and conceded 11 times.
Midfielder Lasse Christensen is a doubt for the trip to Vicarage Road owing to a hamstring complaint but Rodallega could return after suffering a dead leg against Wolverhampton Wanderers a week ago.
Not that he will be guaranteed a starting berth, with Matt Smith returning from a loan stint at League One Bristol City, where he scored 13 times in just 20 outings for the promotion-chasing Robins.
Signed from Leeds for £500,000 on transfer deadline day in September, the 6ft 6in targetman made just one league start before being loaned to Steve Cotterill's side.
Fulham starting XI v Derby County (28.02.15): Bettinelli; Richards, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis; Christensen, Tunnicliffe, Parker, Ruiz; Woodrow, McCormack.
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11826857._/? (http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11826857._/?)
Inside Vicarage Road
Ahead of Tuesday night's clash at Vicarage Road, Watford fan Andrew Stalbow gives us the lowdown on his team.
It's been a pretty impressive season for Watford to date, with the club now just three points off top spot – have you been pleased with how it's gone?
Expectations are quite high. The club decided to keep our leading striker Troy Deeney over the summer despite some big bids, which I think was a great sign of our ambition. On paper, we have one of the strongest squads in the Championship, and as much as anything it's been about getting the team to work together. But I'm pleased with the position we are in right now for sure, and we have a manager that the players believe in and who is starting to grind out results.
Do you think you'll win promotion this year?
We are definitely contenders, but we've been here before and were disappointed. So as the greatest football managers say, we'll take each game as it comes!
Who have been Watford's stand-out players in your opinion?
There are quite a few to mention. Almen Abdi in midfield is probably the best player in the division. His composure, technique, passing and shooting are all amazing. We miss him when he's out of the team. Odion Ighalo has been a goalscoring maestro. Troy Deeney is playing great and is a tremendous club captain. But watch out for Matej Vydra who is coming into form at just the right time.
What have you made of Fulham this season?
Well we won by a bit of a margin earlier in the season, but it's obviously a bit of a transitional time for you guys. Saying that, you had a fantastic result against Derby so the signs for the future look good.
What's the best thing about a trip to Vicarage Road?
I think it's going to be a pretty big crowd on Tuesday and Watford usually play fairly well under the lights. Hopefully you'll appreciate the new Elton John stand that's gone up - we have the makings of a proper ground now. I can recommend the pies, so it's not just a great football experience, but a great culinary one too.
Where's the best place for away fans to go for a pre-match pint?
Probably somewhere in the city centre would be best.
What score prediction are you going for, and why?
3-2 Watford. The team are playing as a unit and working for each other. We are pretty consistently scoring two or three goals a game, but we're a little leaky in defence. It should be a great game!
Tickets for the game will be available to purchase on the gate.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/03/inside-vicarage-road? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/03/inside-vicarage-road?)
Slavisa Jokanovic says he wants the Watford fans to show they believe in the Hornets' promotion bid against Fulham this evening
Slavisa Jokanovic wants Watford's supporters to show they match his and the Hornets' players' belief that they can achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Golden Boys have won 11 of their last 15 Championship games, sit fourth in the table and are just three points off top spot.
Watford welcome Fulham to Vicarage Road this evening and Jokanovic has asked the Hornets fans to vocally back the side.
"I understand that we must give a reason for the fans to support us," Jokanovic explained yesterday.
"They pay for their tickets, they are Watford supporters and they want a performance from their team.
"But what I want to say was against Norwich, I was looking around and it was a very quiet stadium.
"I had a sensation that only the players, my staff and I were believed we could achieve something important this season.
"The fans had a reason (to be quiet) that day because we didn't produce our best performance and we lost the game.
"But, and I really believe, that we can achieve important things in the period in front of us. And it would help us if everybody believes we can do this.
"I understand football is a spectacle and to get people on their feet you need to give them a reason. We didn't do that against Norwich.
"But I hope the fans understand what I say. I don't want to come across aggressive and if we play a s*** game I can understand why people are quiet.
"However, during that one moment against Norwich, I was looking around the ground and wondered 'what is happening here?'."
When Watford took on Fulham earlier in the campaign the Hornets produced one of their stand-out displays of the season. The Cottagers were beaten 5-0 that day and ended the contest with just ten men.
It is arguably one of the most important results of Jokanovic's reign at Vicarage Road.
Prior to the win in west London, Watford had suffered four straight defeats and the Serbian's ability to lead the Golden Boys' promotion bid was being questioned.
"Before that game we were nervous," Jokanovic admits. "People wondered how we were going to find our best way going forward.
"On that day we woke up. The supporters and the owner had patience with us and I believe we have given them a good answer since that Fulham win. That was a very important game for us."
But given the manner of the Golden Boys' victory when the two sides last met, is Jokanovic worried about complacency? Seemingly not.
He said: "My team will have the right level of attention as that game happened many months ago.
"That day we played a very good game and had the advantage of the opposition goalkeeper being sent off.
"That is part of our history now. Fulham are a quality team. They are a strong team who three days ago beat the top side in the Championship (Derby County).
"We must be ready for a new game. What happened three months ago isn't important."
Watford go into the game as the leading scorers across the top four divisions in English football. They have netted 30 league goals in their last 11 Championship matches.
Jokanovic admits his side's goal-scoring prowess has led to opposition teams changing their tactical approach when they visit Vicarage Road.
He explained: "Opposition teams respect that (Watford are the top scorers) and change their structure against us.
"If we want a champions' mentality we must be strong because it is not always easy to score, like against Blackburn.
"At this part of the season it is dependent on our concentration in games, our condition and our belief.
"Sometimes we lose games at home, sometimes we lose away. But if we are a team and we find difficultly, we can resolve our problems on the pitch.
"So if there is a game where they are few chances and not much space, this is the moment where we must continue to believe in ourselves and find a way to score goals.
"Against Norwich on the field we didn't believe. In the stands there people didn't believe. I believed but it was a new test for us.
"Against Fulham, we will not find the same facilities to win the game. So it is up to us to believe and find what we want on the field."
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11829818._/? (http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11829818._/?)
The Craven Corner: Woodrow, Parker and Ruiz shone against Derby... but Fulham now need more of the same
(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/1.3977182.1425388155!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg)
Fulham players celebrate against Derby (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Our Fulham blogger reflects on the Cottagers' win over Derby County and hopes they can pick up where they left off against Watford and Bournemouth...
A much-needed victory at last. Three points finally arrived on Saturday with a 2-0 win over one of the best teams in the league, Derby County. Credit goes to Steve McClaren and the side he has managed to build during his reign, but we were very thankful that they simply had an off day and Fulham finally took their chances.
There was a change up top with young Cauley Woodrow partnering Ross McCormack in attack in Hugo Rodallega's absence, and the young striker seemed to strike up a strong partnership. Woodrow broke onto the scene at the tail end of last season and he always works his socks off, which is what you need in this division. In a league where hard work and pressure is paramount, it was no surprise that he managed to get on the score sheet and cause a top club problems. Considering Rodallega's contract is expiring in the summer, it was an interesting insight into a first team partnership for next season. Based on this weekend's performance, it could be a fruitful pairing should Rodallega leave the club. It was clear that Woodrow had to take his chance, especially with Matt Smith returning from an impressive loan spell at Bristol City and Adam Taggart closing in on match fitness.
Scott Parker simply dominated the midfield while he was on the pitch, his persistence and hard-work pressurising the Derby midfield into mistakes and it was from his tackle that sprang the attack leading the Nikolay Bodurov's first goal for the club. I still have no idea how a central defender could finish like that, it was an absolute peach of a finish and one that probably deserved more television time. Hats off to you Bodurov! I actually want to single out Ryan Tunnicliffe for his performance too, I don't think he gets the credit he deserves. He's still finding his feet at the club, but he is a box-to-box midfielder, he runs himself into the ground and has started to be effective at both ends of the pitch; he even had a few chances to get his first goal on Saturday too!
It may come as a shock to some Fulham fans, but even Bryan Ruiz put in an impressive shift on Saturday, making key tackles and helping the team press. Like him or not, with Ruiz in the team we are more dangerous, we carry more of a threat in the final third and his elegance and class is apparent. He may be leaving at the end of the season to play at a higher level and you can't blame him. He is pure class – a magician. Although my man of the match vote goes to Scott Parker, I know that many fans believed that Ruiz should deserve that accolade.
This has to continue until the end of the season, though. The performance on Saturday must be repeated week in, week out. It shows what this side can do and despite Kit Symons sticking with the diamond, we will see results if everyone presses. I still have my doubts about Symon's tactical ability and knowledge, especially considering the over-reliance of the diamond formation. But in his defence it paid off this weekend and with tough fixtures against Watford on Tuesday and Bournemouth on Friday, there's still a long way to go to convince fans he is the right manager for the club. If Symons manages to secure good results against the Hornets and the Cherries, then I'm sure a lot of doubters will start giving him another chance. Then again, if we lose the next game we are back where we started – looking over our shoulder at relegation. We are still 19th and we should have been in the top half of the table this season, but our standards have slipped.
My doubts remain over Symons' experience and ability, and I do wonder what sort of players he would buy should we survive in the league. Without causing any offence, it's not like he's going to try and persuade players from his other clubs to join us like many managers do. For example, with Harry Redknapp you know he's going to try and sign Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and any other 28+ English players. I would like to think that Symons would add some serious quality to our side by raiding the Premier League clubs. Players like Anthony Knockaert of Leicester would provide real genuine width and quality especially with us crying out for talented wingers. Moves for Thomas Ince, Robert Snodgrass or even Peter Odemwingie would be amazing – players that aren't guaranteed game time at their current clubs but have enough proven quality to be a success in the league below, even if they are fairly ambitious targets. But that is the sort of calibre needed to move up the division; match-winners. Apart from Ross McCormack and Bryan Ruiz, we don't have anyone with that quality in the final third to win a game for us – and we lose one of those at the end of the season regardless.
I am trying to remain optimistic for the remaining fixtures and that Symons starts to get decent results to build confidence and build a foundation for next season. Whatever happens, the summer will be incredibly important, as we clear out Felix Magath's deadwood and mould a squad around the playing style and philosophies of the current manager.
http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_woodrow_parker_and_ruiz_shone_against_derby_but_fulham_now_need_more_of_the_same_1_3977183 (http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_woodrow_parker_and_ruiz_shone_against_derby_but_fulham_now_need_more_of_the_same_1_3977183)
Next Up: Watford
Fulham will be looking to make amends for a heavy defeat by Watford earlier in the season when the two sides meet at Vicarage Road on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).
The opposition
Watford's 5-0 win over the 10-man Whites at Craven Cottage sparked an upturn in form that has seen them sat in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off places ever since.
They've lost just four of their 14 league matches since that night in South-West London, winning the other 10. And they go into Tuesday's game sitting fourth in the standings and just three points behind leaders Derby County.
The Hornets demonstrated their powers of recovery in their most recent outing. Having gone 2-0 down away to Leeds United, Troy Deeney got one back before half-time and Matej Vydra struck twice after the restart to complete the turnaround.
Vydra's second was Watford's 69th league goal of the season, making them the highest scorers in England's top four divisions.
Team news
Watford are expected to welcome in-form Odion Ighalo back to the fold on Tuesday after the striker was left out as a precaution at Elland Road with a hamstring strain, but manager Slavisa Jokanovic may opt to stick with the pairing of Vydra and Deeney after it proved so deadly in West Yorkshire.
Loan signing Adlene Guedioura is available having rejoined the club on loan, following a similar spell at the end of 2014 where he made six appearances, but defender Joel Ekstrand is a doubt.
Inside the camp
Slavisa Jokanovic was keeping his cards close to his chest regarding who will start up front against Fulham on Tuesday.
Odion Ighalo has scored 17 goals this season – 14 of which have arrived in his previous 10 league games – but Matej Vydra and Troy Deeney impressed in his absence at the weekend.
"You must buy a ticket to find out," Jokanovic is quoted on watfordobserver.co.uk. "This isn't the time to tell you [if he's fit enough to start]. He's fit enough to help us.
"It's good news because Troy and Vydra have been working well and have been performing at a good level. If you ask me how hard it is [to drop one of the three], I will do my job and will try to start and finish the game with players who provide the best chance of winning.
"It's my job [to make tough decisions] and I always try to do the right thing for my team. I have spoken many times about the need for my squad and my players understand.
"In this moment of the Championship we will depend on the squad, not one player or two players. We need 20 players ready for the next game and whoever is picked needs to respond on the field."
Player to watch
Almen Abdi: Fulham fans are well aware of Almen Abdi's qualities after the attacking midfielder notched twice at the Cottage in December – the first a drilled free-kick that went under the wall, and the second an absolutely stunning curling strike just after half-time. Born in Kosovo and capped at international level by Switzerland, Abdi was one of a number of Udinese players on loan at Watford, and he impressed sufficiently for the move to be made permanent in the summer of 2013. He's now netted seven goals in 25 appearances this season, with the most recent another fantastic effort from long distance in the 4-3 win away at Bolton Wanderers.
Marathonbet match odds
Watford: 8/11
Draw: 59/20
Fulham: 43/10
Tickets for the game will be available to purchase on the gate.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/03/next-up-watford? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/03/next-up-watford?)
Eisfeld makes worrying claim over Arsene Wenger's approach to training
Former Arsenal player Thomas Eisfeld has revealed that Arsene Wenger rarely steps in during training to correct mistakes.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Eisfeld has explained Arsene Wenger's approach in training to Goal.com.
Eisfeld, currently owned by Championship side Fulham, has revealed that Wenger never steps in during a session even if he spots a mistake or something he doesn't like.
"He [Wenger] is very quiet, doesn't talk much. During training sessions he rarely corrects something," said Eisfeld.
"Only after having finished he will talk to you, two or three sentences. And that is what you remember for a long time."
Some Arsenal fans would have questioned why Wenger wasn't more visible on the touchline last week, as Monaco got further ahead in the Champions League game.
He cut a frustrated figure on the bench as he watched his team falling further behind in the tie.
The comments are worrying for the simple fact that Wenger not stepping in suggests to players that what they're doing during training sessions is correct; if he sees a weakness, Eisfeld suggests he lets it develop rather than stepping in and dealing with it straight away.
He can make points to players after sessions, but it is confusing why he seems to allow passages of play to develop in training, as Eisfeld suggests, before stepping in to correct the problems.
Regardless of Wenger's training methods, the club remains in a good position to secure Champions League football for next season, they are still in the Champions League and play Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend.
He has more experience than most managers could ever wish for and relies on it to deal with developing his Arsenal teams and implementing his philosophy to a variety of players.
He's certainly not going to change now and the challenge for the players is to adapt and adhere to the advice they are given after sessions, if Wenger prefers a more withdrawn approach to training.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/03/eisfeld-makes-worrying-claim-over-arsene-wengers-approach-to-tra/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/03/eisfeld-makes-worrying-claim-over-arsene-wengers-approach-to-tra/?)
Watford (a) - Stat Attack
With Fulham making the short trip to Vicarage Road this evening to face Watford in a Championship match, what do the facts and figures tell us?
Do the record and form books suggest it is a fixture we should look forward to, or do they fill us with dread?
Make your own mind up when you mull over these we`ve found:-
1 - The reciprocating game, at Craven Cottage, earlier his season saw Watford emerge 5-0 victors.
2 - That 5-0 win was Watford`s first in seven games in all competitions.
3 - Fulham have a good record at Vicarage Road in recent games, unbeaten in the last three meetings winning once and drawing twice.
4 - You have to go back to October 1997 for Watford`s last victory against Fulham at Vicarage Road when they beat us 2-0 in an old Division Two fixture.
5 - Watford`s last six home games in the Championship have seen them win five and lose one, the loss being a 3-0 defeat inflicted by Norwich City.
6 - Fulham`s 2-0 win over Derby, at the weekend, was their first in nine games in all competitions.
7 - Fulham`s recent away form is poor, in the last six games we`ve lost five and drawn the other.
COYW`s
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=390981#ixzz3TLaWrNeR (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=390981#ixzz3TLaWrNeR)
