http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219816 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219816)
Fulham - Forward Tracked!
And the transfer rumour of the day is?
It`s being inferred by one of the popular tabloids that Mark Hughes has his eye on a forward operating in Portuguese football.
The man in question being Joao Ribiero!
Ribiero is rated at £4 million and plays for Guimares, apart from that we know very little about him, unless you care to enlighten us further!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219816#ixzz14OC4scZ9 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219816#ixzz14OC4scZ9)
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/4/1793661/aston-villa-striker-emile-heskey-will-miss-saturdays-match-against? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/4/1793661/aston-villa-striker-emile-heskey-will-miss-saturdays-match-against?)
Aston Villa Striker Emile Heskey Will Miss Saturday's Match Against Fulham
Fulham will be playing Aston VillaSaturday at Craven Cottage. According to the official Aston Villa Website, Emile Heskey has been ruled out of this game with a knee injury. The story also mentions that Heskey will be out of action for about 3-4 weeks.
The article also mentions that Steve Sidwell is dealing with the flu, and his participation in the upcoming match is still up in the air. On the Fulham injury front, as I wrote the other day, according to the Fulham Chronicle, Dickson Etuhu could possibly be ready to return for the Chelsea match next Wednesday. I will update injuries on both Aston Villa and Fulham leading up to the game when more information is available.
http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/hayesandyeading/2010/11/04/ex-fulham-full-back-pushing-for-wycombe-wanderers-return-113046-27602882/? (http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/hayesandyeading/2010/11/04/ex-fulham-full-back-pushing-for-wycombe-wanderers-return-113046-27602882/?)
Ex-Fulham full-back pushing for Wycombe Wanderers return
ADAM Green insists he is happy at Hayes & Yeading after he was left out of the squad for Saturday's defeat at home to Altrincham.
The 26-year-old is determined to break back into manager Garry Haylock's side as he is now fully recovered from the knee ligament injury that has sidelined him since early September.
And the ex-Fulham full-back says that just being selected for Saturday's FA Cup clash at home to Wycombe Wanderers would be the equal of playing in front of over 67,000 fans at Old Trafford in a 2004 quarter-final tie.
Green, one of only two regulars from last season to still be at the club, returned as an unused substitute in the last round at Poole Town, but he failed to make the bench on Saturday with on-loan QPR youngster Lee Brown preferred.
"I am fully fit and ready to go, but I have to just wait to get back in," said Green. "I do not know whether he (Haylock) just wanted to keep it the same after the win at Poole.
"I was on the bench at Poole, but for some reason I was left out today. Maybe the manager wanted different options on the bench, but that is his decision which I am not going to argue with.
"I love it here as the fans are brilliant. I have been out injured and yet the fans always come up to me and ask me when I will be back – I really appreciate that."
And Green added that the Wycombe tie is just as important as when he was given the nod by then Cottagers boss Chris Coleman to line-up at Old Trafford in a last-eight tie that Fulham eventually lost 2-1 with a double from Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
"For me personally, that is going to be hard to beat as it was the highlight of my 13 games for Fulham," he said. "But to be involved against Wycombe would be just as big for me."
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/11/mid_term_report.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/11/mid_term_report.php?)
Mid Term Report
Ten games in and 10th in the table. A new management team at the helm, some fresh faces on the pitch, much to debate, and an awful injury to our star man. So what do we think of it so far?
On balance, more positives than negatives in my book. Just two wins from ten starts doesn't sound like we've been setting the Prem alight, and our ridiculous inability to win on the road is really starting to bug me. I've just got this inkling of a premonition fate is setting us up to bury this horrible stat at the Bridge next Wednesday...It might just happen!
We could so easily have another four points and be sitting in the top 6. No one side has bested us by any considerable margin except for a predictably feeble effort at Stoke in the Carling Cup. Our two recent defeats saw both opponents score match winning goals that on another day would have been ruled out. Man United were frankly relieved to escape with a point in our first home game, and I genuinely think we would have closed out the away match at Blackpool had Bobby not had to go off after half-time. We were disjointed up front after that, Blackpool raised their game, and we contributed to our downfall with untypically poor defending for both their goals.
The one game that irritates me though is West Ham. A very strong shout for a pen ignored - again one sloppy pass out of defence being punished by a goal, and Fulham missing three big chances to punish the Hammers late on. This is a side heading for relegation methinks and we really should have killed them off.
Add to the mix the huge loss of Zamora, not one member of the first-time squad offers similar qualities, plus injuries elsewhere to Duff (a big influence last year), Stockdale (just as he was looking so good), Etuhu (again, a big presence) and Dembele - and we aint done half bad to sit in the top half of the table.
I know all football clubs suffer injuries, but I feared for the worst when Bobby went down under Henry's challenge. I was a fierce critic of our number 9 two seasons ago. Zamo really couldn't hit the proverbial barn door, I was at a loss to understand why Hodgson had signed him, and remember being bitterly disappointed when he failed to sign for Hull in the summer of 2009.
How I came to eat my words last season. As the World Cup loomed I don't think there was an English centre forward in better form. A fully fit Bobby for the Hamburg final and...well, we will never know. It's gone, so time to move on.
The mid-term report not only gives high marks to the newest members in class, notably Senor Salcido (what a bargain), but also the busy Dembele from Belgium, it must also pay tribute to the new head of school. Mr Hughes has to my mind said all the right things, despite at times being clearly close to boiling point with refereeing decisions and some of the Premier Leagues ruffians. He's had to hit the ground running while trying to find the right blend on the pitch.
We are without doubt a team of many talents, but forging the cohesive unit that produces a well-oiled points gathering side week on week - as Roy managed - is not usually conjured up inside a few weeks. In this respect Mark knows, and we recognise, that with time, things at Fulham FC can only get better and the side stronger.
A week in football is a long time. Whites supporters were all getting a tad jumpy prior to the Wigan game, with three points much needed. Since Saturday we've had a week to bask in some of the best copy of the season. Yes, the win was overdue and deserved. But the manner of our performance was to my mind more profound. We go into Saturday's game with Villa full of confidence, Etuhu, Duff and AJ are on the verge of regaining full fitness, while Houllier's side saw Petrov and Heskey this week undergo surgery - and they've lost 4 of 5 on the road so far.
I'm certainly expecting three points Saturday to delight another full house. After that, trips to Chelsea and Newcastle will provide a clearer picture of just how far we've come since the summer. One thing I do know in the unpredictable world of footie is this, right now it's GREAT to be a supporter of Fulham Football Club!
To anyone needing re-affirmation of what following FFC is all about refer to the latest post to "Flying the Flag" from Drew.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943566/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943566/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-match-preview.html)
Fulham v Aston Villa: match preview
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday Nov 6 2010, kick-off 15:00 GMT.
Fulham (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Gera, Murphy, Greening, Davies; Dembele; Dempsey.
Aston Villa (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Downing, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Albrighton; A Young; Carew.
Referee: Peter Walton. Matches: 4. R1 Y17.
Tale of the game
Villa have failed to score in their last three games, their worst barren goal spell since January when they did not score in four consecutive outings.
They face a Fulham side that returned to winning ways, against Wigan after taking just three points from their previous five League games.
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Villa Park last season, but a groin strain keeps the striker out. And with Emile Heskey ruled out for a month with a medial knee ligament problem, Villa are light on front men, with John Carew the likely replacement.
Stiliyan Petrov (knee), Andreas Weimann (ankle) and Fabian Delph (knee) are all out but Marc Albrighton is available after a one-match ban.
If Fulham are victorious it will be the first time in 22 games that they have won consecutive Premier League games.
Last season: Villa 2 Fulham 0, Fulham 0 Villa 2.
Stat of the game: Fulham need five goals for 400 in the Premier League.
Betting tip: Villa can't score, while Fulham have Andy Johnson – once of Birmingham – available. Try a 2-0 home win at an inviting 10-1.
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/11/fulham-v-aston-villa-villa-desperate-for-goals.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29 (http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/11/fulham-v-aston-villa-villa-desperate-for-goals.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29)
Fulham v Aston Villa: Villa desperate for goals
Aston Villa last season recorded their first league win at Craven Cottage in six years. Unfortunately if they are going to make it two out of two they will have to do it without Gerard Houllier's main man Emile Heskey. The former Liverpool and England striker has been ruled out for a month with a knee injury so the Frenchman is going to have to shuffle the pack.
Houllier is also going to have to find someone who can score. Villa were unable to break down a resolute Birmingham side last weekend in the derby, which was the third time in a row they had failed to find the back of the net in the league, and we all know that goals win games.
Fulham got their first three points since the middle of September under their belts last weekend against Wigan Athletic and Mark Hughes will be hoping home advantage can help them to their first back-to-back success in the league since February.
The Cottagers start the weekend level on points with Villa and victory for either side will see them climb into the top half of the table.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9160535.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9160535.stm)
Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa
Fulham played well against Wigan and are making steady progress under Mark Hughes, who will probably look to make a few changes in January.
If I lived in London and was offered a season ticket at any of the clubs I would choose Fulham. It is a nice atmosphere at Craven Cottage, a nice part of the world and it is the way football used to be played.
Villa seem to be content to play on the counter-attack and are not letting many players go forward.
No Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stiliyan Petrov and now Emile Heskey does make a difference, but looking at the quality they have with the likes of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing I don't quite get it because they have really good players going forward.
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fulham_keeping_a_watchful_eye_over_psv_striker_575441/index.shtml
Fulham Keeping A Watchful Eye Over PSV Striker
With the January transfer window starting to loom, rumours and speculation are starting to circle, and it is thought that PSV Eindhoven striker, Jonathan Reis is on top of Mark Hughes' wanted list.
The Brazilian born striker is starting to make a real name for himself lately scoring a hat-trick in PSV's 10-0 whitewash over Feyenoord last month - something which has made him an idol at the club, following in the footsteps of the likes of Ronaldo and Romario.
However, it looks as if Fulham will be in for a fight to bag him this January, as Everton seem to be also very interested in the 21-year-old.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2208445,00.html? (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2208445,00.html?)
Sidwell, Clark and Beye boosts ahead of Fulham clash
Triple treat before Craven Cottage trip.
Steve Sidwell, Ciaran Clark and Habib Beye should all be fit to face Fulham - after shaking off illness and injury.
Sidwell had been taken ill during the week with gastroenteritis but is now feeling better after returning to training.
Clark suffered a deadleg against Birmingham City in the latter stages of the derby game but the defender-cum-midfielder has managed to see that off.
Beye, meanwhile, missed the game with Alex McLeish's men after sustaining an ankle problem in training but he has declared himself fit for action.
Gabby Agbonlahor, meanwhile, is back in light training but manager Gerard Houllier would be surprised to see him back in action for either the Blackpool or Manchester United games next week.
Houllier said: "Steve was sick but he is feeling better. He has trained. I think it was a bug that sometimes you have for just one day, but now it's gone.
"Habib trained normally and Ciaran is fine.
"He just had a deadleg in the game against Birmingham.
"He didn't do the afternoon training. He did something different because we don't want him to have another knock.
"Gabby is running. He is doing well in terms of fitness.
"I hope to see him as soon as possible but I doubt he will be ready for the Blackpool and Manchester United games."
Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov and Fabian Delph [all knee] are more long-term absentees and will miss the Fulham game through injury.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DempseyGoals.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DempseyGoals.aspx?)
Man On Fire(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dempsey/DempseySalcido.jpg)
Clint Dempsey will be looking to add to his tally of five goals so far this season when Aston Villa come to the Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
Dempsey's double last weekend fired Fulham back up the Barclays Premier League table and the US striker is certainly leading the line with aplomb in the absence of Bobby Zamora.
"Bobby has definitely been missed as he was on top form so everyone has been trying to chip in as much as we can," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com.
"Any time you can score it helps your confidence and that was the case for me last weekend. We were down towards the bottom before the game and didn't feel we deserved to be there so now we can look up the table again."
Dempsey is Fulham's current longest serving player and having experienced all the highs and lows over the past few years, Clint only has eyes for the top half of the table nowadays.
"You have to be cautious; you don't want to find yourselves catching a bad run of form and find your team slipping away. The first two seasons I had here we were in a relegation battle that went right down to the wire.
"This time our goal is definitely to finish top-half and push on from there and hopefully find ourselves in a position where we can fight for a Europa League spot.
"The new manager has changed things. We play more of an attacking style and do it a bit different defensively. When everyone is fit it is very competitive for starting spots and I think the manager is doing a great job.
"We also have more experience of being at a high level after finishing 12th last season and reaching the Europa League final. We have the same nucleus of players, pretty much, and a few more that have experience now.
"You have to have a lot of depth in your squad when you're in Europe but this season we can put everything we have into the league."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DempseyGoals.aspx?#ixzz14PRCCgXR (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DempseyGoals.aspx?#ixzz14PRCCgXR)
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46340/Arsenal_legend_would_love_Premier_League_return_.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46340/Arsenal_legend_would_love_Premier_League_return_.aspx)
Arsenal legend would "love" Premier League return
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:05 November 2010 - 11:19
Fulham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are all reportedly weighing up a cut-price deal for Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva in the January transfer window according to the Sun.
The newspaper suggests the Brazilian international would relish a return to the Premier League, and that he may endeavour to engineer his exit from Panathinaikos at the turn of the year.
The 34-year-old holding midfielder, who was a mainstay of the Arsenal side that went the whole of 2003-2004 season unbeaten, allegedly has plans to live in London when his career is over, but the Sun intimate that Newcastle United, Fulham and Aston Villa are considering ending his two year Premier League hiatus.
A source close to the player told the Sun newspaper: "Gilberto and his family loved London and can see themselves settling down there after his retirement.
"He'd love to go back to the Premier League and Gerard Houllier at Villa may also get involved."
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7506309 (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7506309)
Lawro v Mystic Mug - Fulham Predictions
Mark Lawrenson has told the BBC he expects Fulham to turn Villa over 2-1.
The BBC pundit seems to like Fulham and says if he lived in London he`d go to Craven Cottage and on Villa, "Villa seem to be content to play on the counter-attack and are not letting many players go forward. No Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stiliyan Petrov and now Emile Heskey does make a difference, but looking at the quality they have with the likes of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing I don't quite get it because they have really good players going forward."
Mystic Mug, (http://www.admin.vitalfootball.co.uk/resource/teams/astonvilla/mystic.gif) still smarting from his confidence that we`d beat the Blues (which if we had attacked we would have!) is sitting on the fence this weekend and says a 1-1 draw.
Mystic is currently losing 5-2 in predictions v Lawro!
Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7506309#ixzz14PSU7xZy (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7506309#ixzz14PSU7xZy)
http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2010/11/05/aston-villa-s-steve-sidwell-keen-to-show-fulham-what-they-re-missing-65233-27595503/? (http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2010/11/05/aston-villa-s-steve-sidwell-keen-to-show-fulham-what-they-re-missing-65233-27595503/?)
Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell keen to show Fulham what they're missing
Steve Sidwell will be more determined to impress the manager who believes in him than the one who clearly doesn't when Aston Villa head to Fulham this weekend.
Had the summer turned out differently, Sidwell could have been lining up for Mark Hughes' Cottagers against Gerard Houllier's Villa rather than vice-versa in Saturday's Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage.
Sidwell, who hopes to shake off a slight stomach bug in time to play, came within a whisker of joining Fulham in late July after former boss Martin O'Neill sanctioned his sale to the West London club.
However, the deal was struck with Fulham's then manager Roy Hodgson, who subsequently took over at Liverpool, leaving new boss Hughes to decide whether or not to proceed.
Hughes chose not to pursue Fulham's interest in Sidwell, so rather than the flame-haired Londoner returning to his home city, he was left to attempt to kickstart his stalling career in his adopted home of Birmingham.
The prospect of Sidwell doing that seemed bleak on the eve of the season, with O'Neill, the man who had deemed him surplus to requirements, still in post and an Achilles' problem sustained in pre-season hampering his hopes of a fresh start.
However, that frustrating scenario was to change when O'Neill rocked the club by storming out five days before the Premier League kick-off with his exact reasons for resigning remaining unclear to this day.
Although Sidwell was still sidelined through injury, like the rest of his previously out-of-favour Villa team-mates, he was given a clean slate and a new lease of life by the unexpected change in the manager's office.
Sidwell missed the interim period under caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald, but was instantly afforded a chance by Houllier when he played in the new boss's debut defeat of Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup tie at Villa Park.
"We knew when a new manager comes in, there are new ideas, fresh ideas and it is a clean slate for everyone," explains Sidwell. "All the lads are still going on that, trying to stake a claim. Come January he is maybe going to want to freshen it up a little bit but we'll see.
"It is all about opinions. Things like that happen under certain managers, you don't play under certain managers. Under certain managers you do get a chance. Once you get a chance it is about taking it and staying in the team."
Since signing for £5 million from Chelsea two summer ago, Sidwell has been in and out of the team – more out than in.
However, with Stiliyan Petrov and Fabian Delph sidelined by knee problems for the foreseeable future, he knows there is an opportunity for him to clinch a regular midfield slot.
In fact, so keen is the former Reading and Chelsea dynamo to re-establish himself in Villa's starting XI after long spells on the sidelines that he has delayed surgery on his own ongoing troubles to play through the pain barrier
Not that the 27-year-old's discomfort is noticeable. Sidwell was still making crunching tackles for the claret and blue cause during Sunday's Second City stalemate with rivals Birmingham City, even though he was substituted early in the second-half to protect his heel from further harm.
The ex-Arsenal trainee's all action contributions are a given and there is the growing feeling that it will only take one goal from a trademark burst into the box to finally restore his scoring confidence after a series of near misses.
Sidwell's last Premier League goal for Villa was his quickfire cracker in the classic 3-2 victory at Everton almost two years ago, while he has not scored in any competition since netting against Doncaster in an FA Cup tie in February 2009.
"The misfortune with Stiliyan opens doors for other people," suggests Sidwell. "Hopefully, if called upon, I can go in and do a good job.
"It is not nice, especially for him as well because he is fantastic player, he is our captain and a gentleman off the pitch.
"Hopefully I'll go in if called upon and do a job and see where it takes me.
"It is always frustrating when you are not playing. Obviously a new manager has come in, seen the team that he wanted to play and has stuck with it.
"They have done great. I've just got to wait for my opportunity and wait for a chance and hopefully this is it.
"Hopefully. At the minute we've got Stan out and Fabian Delph out, so we are a bit shy on numbers. But we've got enough quality in the team to dig deep and get us through it."
While it seemed likely that Petrov and summer signing Stephen Ireland would be the core characters in Villa's midfield this season, circumstances have cleared the way for Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker to patrol the centre of the park.
Having first met playing junior football in Croydon, the combative duo are close friends on and off the pitch and Sidwell is as delighted at Reo-Coker's resurgence as his own return to action.
"Me and Nigel go back a long time, obviously playing against each other from my Arsenal days and his Wimbledon days and we used to play for the same borough," Sidwell recalls.
"I've grown up knowing Nigel a long, long time. If we play together hopefully we can gel quickly and settle in and get results for the team.
"He's done very well. I think if you'd have asked anyone, even himself going into this year, would he be signing a new contract before Gerard Houllier took over, it would've probably been 50/50.
"But now, looking at the way he is playing, he is enjoying himself, so it should be there or thereabouts done.
"Nigel is a good player. He has shown that before, that is why he has come to this club. I remember his first season here – he did very well.
"We all know what Nigel has got in the locker, the same as everyone else. Everyone has got quality and they just need to show it on the day."
Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2010/11/05/aston-villa-s-steve-sidwell-keen-to-show-fulham-what-they-re-missing-65233-27595503/2/#ixzz14PT0SCwS (http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2010/11/05/aston-villa-s-steve-sidwell-keen-to-show-fulham-what-they-re-missing-65233-27595503/2/#ixzz14PT0SCwS)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326892/Fulham-v-ASTON-VILLA-Emile-Heskey-injury-hands-recall-striker-John-Carew.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326892/Fulham-v-ASTON-VILLA-Emile-Heskey-injury-hands-recall-striker-John-Carew.html?)
Fulham v ASTON VILLA: Emile Heskey injury hands recall to striker John Carew
Aston Villa striker John Carew has been recalled to the starting line-up for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Norway international will replace Emile Heskey, who is facing a month out of action after undergoing knee surgery yesterday.
Fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is still not ready to return after a groin operation, although he has started light training.
But winger Marc Albrighton is available after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham for his sending-off against Burnley in the Carling Cup. Midfielder Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug and full-back Habib Beye is also in contention after overcoming an ankle problem.
Provisional squad: Friedel, Luke Young, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Clark, Warnock, Albrighton, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Ireland, Downing, Ashley Young, Carew, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326892/Fulham-v-ASTON-VILLA-Emile-Heskey-injury-hands-recall-striker-John-Carew.html?#ixzz14PTHlIQM (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326892/Fulham-v-ASTON-VILLA-Emile-Heskey-injury-hands-recall-striker-John-Carew.html?#ixzz14PTHlIQM)
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/05/fulham-v-aston-villa-mat-kendrick-s-big-match-preview-97319-27606921/? (http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/05/fulham-v-aston-villa-mat-kendrick-s-big-match-preview-97319-27606921/?)
Fulham v Aston Villa: Mat Kendrick's big match preview
The lowdown on this weekend's fixture which sees Aston Villa travelling to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
FULHAM v VILLA
WHO'S HOT: Ciaran Clark – the rookie defender celebrated signing his new contract with an impressive first performance in midfield against Blues.
WHO'S NOT: Stephen Ireland was ordered to get his act together by Gerard Houllier, who questioned his workrate.
LAST FIVE GAMES
VILLA.................................................LDLWD
FULHAM.............................................DDLLW
VILLA (from): Friedel, Guzan, Beye, Cuellar, Warnock, Collins, Dunne, Clark, Lichaj, Sidwell, Ireland, Reo-Coker, Bannan, Downing, Albrighton, A Young, Carew. Injured: Agbonlahor (groin), Petrov (knee), Beye (ankle), Delph (knee), Wiemann (ankle), Heskey (knee).
THE OPPOSITION: There is not much to choose between tenth-placed Fulham and Villa in 14th with both sides on 12 points.
Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire).
■ FORECAST: Mat Kendrick...............Villa win.
Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/05/fulham-v-aston-villa-mat-kendrick-s-big-match-preview-97319-27606921/?#ixzz14PTemRn1 (http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/05/fulham-v-aston-villa-mat-kendrick-s-big-match-preview-97319-27606921/?#ixzz14PTemRn1)
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-hitman-eyes-top-half-finish-1115081.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-hitman-eyes-top-half-finish-1115081.html?)
Cottagers hitman eyes top-half finish
Clint Dempsey has revealed that Fulham's main aim is to secure a top-10 finish this season with one eye on the Europa League places.
The United States international hitman has done admirably in handling the pressure of leading the line in the absence of Bobby Zamora this season with five goals so far. And, following last week's win against Wigan, Dempsey is hopeful that Mark Hughes' side can add another three points to their tally when Aston Villa arrive at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Dempsey is aware that the Premier League table is still very tight and they could go either way depending on a few results. However he is looking towards the top-half and even the European places as he would relish the chance of another taste of Europa League action having reached the final last season.
He told the club's website: "This time our goal is definitely to finish top-half and push on from there and hopefully find ourselves in a position where we can fight for a Europa League spot.
"The new manager has changed things. We play more of an attacking style and do it a bit different defensively. When everyone is fit it is very competitive for starting spots and I think the manager is doing a great job.
"We also have more experience of being at a high level after finishing 12th last season and reaching the Europa League final. We have the same nucleus of players, pretty much, and a few more that have experience now.
"You have to have a lot of depth in your squad when you're in Europe but this season we can put everything we have into the league."
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6487816/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-preview? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6487816/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-preview?)
Fulham v Aston Villa preview
Team news for Saturday's Premier League clash between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.
Villa striker John Carew has been recalled to the starting line-up for the game with the Cottagers.
The Norway international will replace Emile Heskey, who is facing a month out of action after undergoing knee surgery yesterday.
Fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is still not ready to return after a groin operation, although he has started light training.
But winger Marc Albrighton is available after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham for his sending-off against Burnley in the Carling Cup.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug and full-back Habib Beye is also in contention after overcoming an ankle problem.
Fulham team news to follow......
Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Luke Young, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Clark, Warnock, Albrighton, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Ireland, Downing, Ashley Young, Carew, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj.
http://www.footballfancast.com/2010/11/premiership/fulham-v-aston-villa-match-poll (http://www.footballfancast.com/2010/11/premiership/fulham-v-aston-villa-match-poll)
FULHAM V ASTON VILLA – MATCH POLL
A clash of two new managers with lots to prove. Both Fulham and Aston Villa have looked good at times under their new regimes, however neither have quite the points tally they would desire at this stage of the season.
Both clubs will have an eye on European qualification at the end of the season and will be relieved to see a packed bunch ahead of them in the table, as their points deficit is not yet decisive.
Villa will be without long-term injury concerns Emile Heskey and club captain Stiliyan Petrov, and with Fulham getting key players back from injury, this swing in fortunes may be all-important.
FFC Prediction: 2-1
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/SalcidoInterview.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/SalcidoInterview.aspx?)
Action Man(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Salcido/salcidoceleb.jpg)
Carlos Salcido was certainly not short of admirers following his impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup Finals, but once the Mexican international had investigated Fulham's interest and visited the Club's Training Ground, there was no stopping the defender from settling in SW6.
"After the World Cup in South Africa, and I thank God for this, lots of teams showed an interest and made some offers," revealed the Mexican international defender. "That was obviously a good thing.
"I wanted to make a change as I'd had four years at PSV, even though I still had two years left on my contract. Everything has a natural cycle and there's always a point when you realise you need a change, when you need to look for other targets and challenges. A footballer's career is a short one.
"After the World Cup in South Africa I knew about Fulham's interest and the truth is I've always been a fan of the Premier League. I'm a big fan of the style of play and the physical contact – for me that's real football!
"To become a part of that was really excited me so my agent and I started to learn about Fulham and understand what the Club was all about. What I was most interested in, and what really encouraged me that this was a good Club, was that it was a full of decent people and was like a family.
"There is a great atmosphere in the changing room and the Club is full of decent people who treat you well. There is a great vibe among the players and that always helps you to fulfill your objectives and ambitions.
"So when I came to visit Fulham I watched training, inspected the set-up and from the very first day I said to myself 'I want to be here'. It's great that I'm here now and that Fulham have given me the chance to make that happen."
Salcido was no stranger to Craven Cottage prior to his move to Fulham, having played an international friendly against Ghana in SW6, and the defender is clearly enjoying the unique charm and atmosphere of a ground steeped in history and tradition.
"It's a good atmosphere at the Cottage," said Salcido. "I actually knew the stadium already as I'd played for Mexico against Ghana at the Cottage. I thought it was a charming place then.
"Even though it's only a small stadium the fans really make themselves heard and get you going. They're always behind the Team and it's a great vibe. You don't need to be in a big stadium to feel the passion of the fans."
Salcido's impressive start for Fulham on the pitch has been matched by the manner in which he has embraced his new surroundings off the pitch. The Salcido family is now firmly ensconced in their new home and Carlos is looking forward to a happy and successful future at Fulham Football Club.
"My family is very happy. They arrived just last week so we've had a bit of work to do – moving into a new house, ordering furniture and getting things sorted out. My wife and my two kids, a seven year-old boy and a four year-old girl, are getting used to this 'monster' city! I say that because it's so big but we hope to start the kids in their school and begin our normal life here now."
Catch the full interview with Carlos by Premier League World on Sky Sports on Thursday 25th November.Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/SalcidoInterview.aspx?#ixzz14PZUqkXm (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/SalcidoInterview.aspx?#ixzz14PZUqkXm)
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23894948-clint-dempsey-sure-hes-on-the-up.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23894948-clint-dempsey-sure-hes-on-the-up.do?)
Clint Dempsey sure he's on the up
Clint Dempsey is determined to build on his double against Wigan when he leads Fulham's attack again against Aston Villa tomorrow.
With Bobby Zamora sidelined by a knee problem and Andy Johnson only just coming back from his serious knee injury, the pressure has been on Dempsey up front.
The striker responded to the challenge last Saturday with both goals as Fulham claimed their first win in seven.
He said: "Bobby has definitely been missed as he was on top form so everyone has been trying to chip in as much as we can.
"Any time you can score it helps your confidence and that was the case for me against Wigan last week. We were down towards the bottom before the game and didn't feel we deserved to be there. Now we can look up the table again."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9154634.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9154634.stm?)
BBC: Fulham v Aston Villa
TEAM NEWS
Aston Villa striker John Carew looks set to replace the injured Emile Heskey, with England under-19 striker Nathan Delfouneso also in contention.
Marc Albrighton is available after his one-match ban, while Steve Sidwell has overcome a stomach bug and Habib Beye has recovered from an ankle problem.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has no fresh injury concerns.
Striker Andy Johnson came off the bench against West Brom and Wigan and will be hoping for a first start since January.
Fulham
Injured: Duff, Kelly & Senderos (all calf), Etuhu (ankle), Zamora (leg)
Aston Villa
Injured: Agbonlahor (groin), Delph, Heskey & Petrov (all knee), Weimann (ankle)
MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham aim to register back-to-back league victories for the first time since February against an Aston Villa side low on confidence and goals.
Despite a promising start, Gerard Houllier's methods are yet to bare fruit at Villa and they are without a victory since September's 2-1 defeat of Wolves. The former Liverpool boss has inherited a squad limited in number and quality, and it will take time for him to shape Villa in his own image.
A lack of firepower remains Villa's primary concern. It is now 344 minutes since their last Premier League goal, and the news Emile Heskey has been ruled out for up to a month with a medial knee ligament injury is another setback for Houllier, who was already without Gabriel Agbonlahor. John Carew, who has struggled to make an impact so far this season, is the club's only fit senior striker.
How Houllier and Villa could do with a player in the kind of form Fulham's Clint Dempsey is enjoying. The US international has excelled in a more advanced role this season, and took his season tally to five with a brace against Wigan last weekend.
That victory catapulted Mark Hughes's men from 16th to eighth in the Premier League, easing the pressure at Craven Cottage. Their next challenge is to register back-to-back victories for the first time under Hughes.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Fulham have only won three of their 18 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa.
• Gabriel Agbonlahor scored three goals in two Premier League games against Fulham last season, but is unavailable on Saturday.
Fulham
• Fulham have won only four of their last 21 Premier League fixtures.
• And Mark Hughes has also won only four of his last 21 Premier League matches as manager of Manchester City and Fulham.
• The London club have not won back-to-back league matches since February.
Aston Villa
• Aston Villa have managed just nine goals in the league so far this season. No team has scored fewer goals than them in the second half of matches (two).
• They have gone 344 minutes without scoring a league goal.
• Villa have lost five of their last six league matches on the road.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Fulham
Dempsey: 5 goals (4 league);
Dembele: 3 goals (2 league);
Zamora: 3 goals (1 league)
Aston Villa
Downing: 4 goals (3 league);
Heskey: 4 goals (1 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Peter Walton
Assistant referees: Mike Cairns & Martin Yerby
Fourth official: Keith Hill
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (W2-0 v Wigan, h): Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido, Davies (Andrew Johnson 80), Murphy (Dikgacoi 86), Greening, Dempsey, Gera, Dembele. Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Pantsil, Kamara, Riise.
Aston Villa (D0-0 v Birmingham, h): Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Downing, Reo-Coker (Carew 82), Sidwell (Bannan 58), Warnock, Ashley Young, Heskey. Subs not used: Guzan, Ireland, Delfouneso, Cuellar, Lichaj.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05112010/63/carew-steps-heskey-shoes.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05112010/63/carew-steps-heskey-shoes.html)
Carew steps into Heskey's shoes
Aston Villa striker John Carew has been recalled to the starting line-up for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Norway international will replace Emile Heskey, who is facing a month out after undergoing knee surgery.
Fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is still not ready to return after a groin operation, although he has started light training.
But winger Marc Albrighton is available after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham for his sending-off against Burnley in the Carling Cup.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug and full-back Habib Beye is also in contention after overcoming an ankle problem.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/46111/fulham-vs-aston-villa/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/46111/fulham-vs-aston-villa/preview)
Fulham - Aston Villa Preview: Emile Heskey ruled out as visitors suffer striker crisis
TEAM NEWS
Fulham
Bobby Zamora (knee) and Philippe Senderos (calf) remain long-term absentees, while Dickson Etuhu (ankle) is also sidelined for this encounter.
Damien Duff (calf) has been struggling with an injury for some time now, and is a doubt to feature in this game.
Andy Johnson is back from a long lay-off – making substitute appearances against West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic – but manager Mark Hughes is unlikely to hand him a start just yet.
Possible starting XI: Schwarzer; Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Gera, Murphy, Greening, Davies; Dempsey, Dembele.
Aston Villa
Gerard Houllier has been handed a blow ahead of this fixture, as Emile Heskey (knee) has been ruled out for up to a month. With Gabriel Agbonlahor (groin) still recovering from surgery, it leaves John Carew as the only recognised striker at the manager's disposal other than unproven youngster Nathan Delfouneso.
Stilian Petrov (knee) remains on the sidelines and isn't expected back until next month, while Steve Sidwell will have to overcome an illness in order to feature in the game at Craven Cottage.
Possible starting XI: Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Reo-Coker, Sidwell; Downing, Albrighton, A Young; Carew.
Home comfort for Hughes
Fulham have been doing well at home again this season, and their five games at Craven Cottage have resulted in two victories and two draws with just one defeat against their name. That was against a high-flying Tottenham side that had just beaten Dutch champions FC Twente and Villa, and would not have had too many home fans worried.
However, Fulham's unbeaten record which was relinquished that day, was swiftly followed by another defeat to West Bromwich Albion. But just as his brow began to look furrowed, Mark Hughes managed to guide his side to a well-deserved victory over Wigan Athletic to prevent a bad spell turning into mini-crisis.
The Cottagers will be looking to build on that victory to give themselves confidence before their derby match against league-leaders Chelsea in a week's time.
Given Villa's recent form, the hosts should feel comfortable ahead of this fixture.
Heskey blow for Houllier
Aston Villa have hit a barren patch in terms of scoring goals, and have gone 344 minutes without putting the ball into the back of the net in the Premier League.
Just as worrying is the fact that the Birmingham-based men have gone four games without a victory in the league. Another failure to pick up three points would begin to pose the question of whether the club has taken a step backwards since Martin O'Neill's exit just before the start of the season.
If this wasn't enough, Houllier now has to deal with a striker crisis, as Emile Heskey has been ruled out for up to a month due to a knee ligament injury.
This puts the manager in a precarious position with regards to team selection, as his only experienced striker is John Carew - who has not had much of an impact this term. Young stiker Nathan Delfouneso is not yet the finished product, which does not alleviate any of his worries.
Ashley Young has been used up front in the past, but as Villa are away from home the gaffer might resist the temptation to play a makeshift forward.
The pressure is on Houllier to get his side performing to their potential, with reports that owner Randy Lerner will decide on his transfer budget this week. An away win would add weight to any potential request for a sizeable transfer kitty.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05112010/58/premier-league-matchpack-fulham-v-aston-villa.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05112010/58/premier-league-matchpack-fulham-v-aston-villa.html)
Premier League - Matchpack: Fulham v Aston Villa
Kick-off 15:00 UK time, Saturday November 6
TEAM NEWS
Fulham to follow.
Aston Villa striker John Carew has been recalled to the starting line-up replacing Emile Heskey, who is facing a month out of action after undergoing knee surgery yesterday. Fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is still not ready to return after a groin operation, although he has started light training. But winger Marc Albrighton is available after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham for his sending-off against Burnley in the Carling Cup. Midfielder Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug and full-back Habib Beye is also in contention after overcoming an ankle problem.
KEY STATS
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored three goals in two Premier League games against Fulham last season.
Fulham have only won three of the 18 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa.
Villa have scored only two second half goals this season, fewer than any other side in the division.
The Birmingham side have gone 344 minutes without a Premier League goal.
Clint Dempsey has been involved in five of Fulham's last six league goals (four goals, one assist).
Stephen Warnock has been booked in six of his last seven league appearances.
Fulham have not won back-to-back league matches since February.
The Villans have lost five of their last six away matches in the Premier League.
Villa have had the lowest shooting accuracy from inside the box in the Premier League this season (37.9%).
Fulham have been the most accurate crossers in the division this season, with 25.5% finding their target.
MATCH ODDS
Fulham 5/4, Draw 9/4, Aston Villa 23/10
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-team-news-Villa-striker-John-Carew-recalled-because-of-injury-Emile-Heskey-Marc-Albrighton-return-from-suspension-article621953.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-team-news-Villa-striker-John-Carew-recalled-because-of-injury-Emile-Heskey-Marc-Albrighton-return-from-suspension-article621953.html)
Carew starts as Villa face Fulham
Aston Villa striker John Carew has been recalled to the starting line-up for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Norway international will replace Emile Heskey, who is facing a month out of action after undergoing knee surgery yesterday.
Fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is still not ready to return after a groin operation, although he has started light training.
But winger Marc Albrighton is available after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham for his sending-off against Burnley in the Carling Cup.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug and full-back Habib Beye is also in contention after overcoming an ankle problem.
Provisional squad: Friedel, Luke Young, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Clark, Warnock, Albrighton, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Ireland, Downing, Ashley Young, Carew, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-team-news-Villa-striker-John-Carew-recalled-because-of-injury-Emile-Heskey-Marc-Albrighton-return-from-suspension-article621953.html#ixzz14PiGRmQP (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-team-news-Villa-striker-John-Carew-recalled-because-of-injury-Emile-Heskey-Marc-Albrighton-return-from-suspension-article621953.html#ixzz14PiGRmQP)
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46349/Carew_injury_adds_to_Villas_striker_woes.aspx? (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46349/Carew_injury_adds_to_Villas_striker_woes.aspx?)
Carew injury adds to Villa's striker woes
Aston Villa's striker shortage has become even more acute after John Carew was ruled out for around three weeks by a torn calf muscle.
The 31-year-old Norway international had been expected to lead the line against Fulham this weekend in the absence of both Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Carew has now joined his colleagues on the sidelines.
Manager Gerard Houllier had earlier challenged Carew to show that he is worth a new contract, with the striker's current deal set to run out at the end of the season.
The Frenchman had said: "John is a centre-forward. What you expect from a centre-forward is goals. He can do that.
"On his day he can be absolutely awesome - practically impossible to stop. We want the top John Carew that I know.
"John is at the end of his contract. It is an opportunity to express what he wants - whether he wants to stay at the club or whether he wants to go somewhere else.
"But in both cases I would say he has got to be at his best to be in the shop window."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/8112909/Aston-Villa-without-senior-striker-for-Fulham-match-as-John-Carew-injured-in-training.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/8112909/Aston-Villa-without-senior-striker-for-Fulham-match-as-John-Carew-injured-in-training.html?)
Aston Villa without senior striker for Fulham match as John Carew injured in training
Gerard Houllier has been left without a senior striker ahead of Aston Villa's visit to Fulham, John Carew the latest member of his squad to succumb to injury after picking up a calf strain in training which will sidelined him for a minimum of three weeks.
The Norwegian's injury, which occurred when he collided with Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel in a practice match on Thursday, came as Emile Heskey underwent successful surgery to a hamstring injury.
The 32 year-old will be out for a month, meaning Nathan Delfouneso, who still plays regularly for the reserves and who only recently has a request to go out on loan denied, must step up and lead the line.
"It is a big blow," Houllier said. "This is why we need a big squad. We'll cope. I'm not down. I'm not devastated. In fact I'm confident.
"Sometimes I relish the opportunity to throw a young player in."
Although there was better news that Steve Sidwell has recovered from a stomach bug, and that Gabby Agbonlahor is showing promising signs of recovering from groin surgery by returning to ball work in training yesterday, Houllier admitted that he is only satisfied with one section of his squad.
"There is only one area at the moment where we are not short in quality and quantity, and that is the defence."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/VillaPreview.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/VillaPreview.aspx?)
Top Table(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/hughestrainingnews.jpg)
Mark Hughes will welcome Damien Duff and Dickson Etuhu back into his squad for Saturday's match against Aston Villa at the Cottage as Fulham look to establish their place in the top half of the table.
Hughes revealed the latest team news on Friday afternoon and stated that Andrew Johnson will play some part on Saturday, offering Fulham a lethal striking option from the bench.
"It's been a good week and we're in good shape – Damien Duff has trained most of the week so he's available for selection," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "Dickson Etuhu has been involved over the past few days so he's also an option. Every day AJ [Andrew Johnson] gets stronger and more ready for 90 minutes. He won't start this weekend but we'll look to introduce him at some point in the game.
"I think he's [Johnson] really pleased with where he's at and the way he feels. With strikers it's more a timing issue than actually being physically tired in games. It's about getting your timing right, arriving at the right time in the box and creating chances in the box when you get the opportunity."
Hughes has challenged his Team to maintain the standards they set against Wigan last weekend against Villa on Saturday, knowing that another home win will fire Fulham into the top tier of the Barclays Premier League.
"Performance wise we've been fine but results wise we want more points on the board. We've been playing well this season, although with a bit of frustration with a few draws initially. We had a couple of defeats but last weekend I thought we were excellent.
"The level we reached against Wigan was what I am looking for and I want to make sure the standard we achieved last weekend is maintained against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"We want to build on that result against Wigan and achieve back-to-back wins. If we can pick up six points in two games we will very much establish ourselves in the top half of the table - and that's where we want to be for the remainder of the season."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/VillaPreview.aspx?#ixzz14QIAkzZD (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/VillaPreview.aspx?#ixzz14QIAkzZD)
http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2010/11/05/duff_returns_for_fulham? (http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2010/11/05/duff_returns_for_fulham?)
Duff returns for Fulham
Damien Duff and Dickson Etuhu return for Fulham's Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Duff and Etuhu have recovered from their respective calf and ankle injuries.
Andy Johnson is set to continue making his comeback from the bench.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/5/1795708/know-your-opponent-aston-villa? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/5/1795708/know-your-opponent-aston-villa?)
Know Your Opponent: Aston Villa
I had the pleasure of asking Aaron Campeau of 7500 To Holte, several questions about the upcoming match between Aston Villa and Fulham. I think it is great to get the opposition's perspective from a writer who knows that club very well.
I also answered Aaron's questions on Fulham which should be up on his site soon. Please feel free to check out below my Q and A with Aaron Campeau of 7500 To Holte.
What are your thoughts on your manager Gerard Houllier and the style he has brought to Aston Villa?
I've been mostly happy with Houllier so far. He's still getting his feet wet and trying a lot of different things. Some have worked, some haven't. At times I've joked that he seems to be a bit on the insane side, but he's not afraid of trying something new and I think that's commendable. I applauded his willingness to keep playing Ashley Young in a more central, withdrawn forward type of role, but as time has gone on I've found myself less enthralled with the experiment and I think he's more well suited to playing on the wing. He seems pretty set in the idea though, so I doubt it changes any time in the near future. In the end Houllier inherited a solid squad with a couple of glaring holes at the worst possible time. I'm certainly going to withhold judgment until we see what types of moves he makes on the transfer market, but to this point I think he's done fairly well.
Have Aston Villa been able to overcome the loss of James Milner and has the addition of Stephen Ireland helped?
Emphatically no, on both counts. I think everyone realized that losing Milner would hurt, but I don't think most people had any idea just how much. With him went all of Villa's creativity from the midfield and the high-motor, seemingly indefatigable box-to-box player that is essential to the style of football Villa are most well suited to playing. Ireland has ranged from invisible to disgraceful, and Villa have generally been better with him on the bench than in XI. He's hopeless in defense and hasn't shown the vision necessary to excel as a playmaker. He's been occasionally positive in the attack as a threat from long-range but he's also made an absolute mess of a lot of balls in key areas and has been a detriment to more dangerous passages of play than he's helped to create. If I were given the option of going back in time and being allowed to choose between Ireland and half of the money he was valued at I'd take the money every time. He's been a poor player going on two years now, and at a certain part a lack of confidence is no longer anywhere close to being a reasonable excuse.
Who has been the most stand out player so far this season for Aston Villa?
In my mind it has to be Nigel Reo-Coker. He didn't get a lot of opportunities under Martin O'Neill but he's been given another crack at things by Gerard Houllier and Kevin MacDonald before him and he's taken full advantage of them. Reo-Coker has been an absolute pest in the attack and Villa's only real defensive presence in midfield and he's been the best player in claret and blue on at least four occasions this season. A lot of people are only familiar with his season on the basis of a few missed sitters, and that's unfortunate because he's been absolutely brilliant the majority of the time.
What are the current strengths for Aston Villa?
The defense got off to a less than encouraging start, but they look to be back to their old selves here lately. Their depth at center back is quite special, with Richard Dunne, Carlos Cuellar and James Collins all capable of starting for almost any team in the Premier League and Ciaran Clark beginning to make his way into the rotation based on some very strong performances early in the season when injuries forced him into the lineup. Villa are still quite dangerous on the counter if things break right; Ashley Young, Marc Albrighton and Stewart Downing are all capable of getting behind defenders and finding a trailing man from the wing if the opening on goal isn't there. Brad Friedel does not play like a man that is nearly 40 years of age.
What are the current weaknesses for Aston Villa?
The central midfield is the big one. Reo-Coker aside no one has been impressive and with Stilyan Petrov injured things have gotten quite a bit more dire in recent weeks. How Steve Sidwell still has a job as a professional footballer is beyond me; he seldom does anything noteworthy aside from make terrible challenges and give the ball away. Stephen Ireland we've talked about, but I'll take this time to mention once again how awful he has been. There's just no creativity, no threat of attack coming through the middle unless it's one of the wings cutting in or Reo-Coker breaking up the opposition's attack and storming in on goal.
Stephen Warnock has played well if unspectacularly, but he's also been a walking yellow card and has given away some very stupid free-kicks. And of course the injury problems up front have created some pretty massive problems at the moment.
With Emile Heskey out for this game who will be stepping up in his place?
At this point Villa have two healthy strikers in John Carew and Nathan Delfouneso. Carew has looked a shadow of his former self this season; he's given nothing in terms of hold up play, he's missed some absolute sitters and he hasn't worked his way into dangerous positions very often at all. Nathan Delfouneso is a player that I think a lot of Villa supporters would like to see get a chance to start and I include myself in that, but if I am being honest I have to point out that as much promise as Delfouneso has he's still a largely unknown quantity. He's certainly quite talented and he shows all the signs of being someone that can develop into a special player, but there's no real reason to think he can step in against Fulham and make a huge impact on the game.
There's also the distinct possibility that Houllier decides to start Ashley Young alone up top, which is something that I'm not much a fan of, given what I know. Gerard Houllier is a smart man that knows more about the game than I could ever hope to and he sees Ashley Young every day in training, so perhaps there is something I'm missing. But while Young has tremendous speed and is a respectable finisher, his greatest strength is in his delivery and if he's alone up top that's largely going to waste.
So, to answer your question: I really have no idea. I've tried to figure out what Gerard Houllier was going to do before every match and he's done at least two things to surprise me each time. If I wake up on Saturday to see that Richard Dunne was in the XI as a center forward I probably wouldn't even bat an eyelash.
On the upcoming match what do you think is the key match-up for Aston Villa against Fulham?
It's really all about whether Fulham are able to take control of the midfield from early on and establish some dominance. Villa have made a habit of coming out strong and dominating the beginning of the game without being able to find a goal, and a great deal of that is down to their inability to do much in the attack that's not centered around the wings. If Fulham can withstand an early onslaught, they've got the talent to win against the Aston Villa side that we've seen to this point in the year. Clint Dempsey's ability to play all over the attacking zone and confuse defenses make him the kind of player that can give Villa fits. For Aston Villa the key will be to come out strong as they've done so often and actually take advantage of their early chances.
What is your prediction for the match and why?
1-1. Let's be honest, while both of these clubs have talented attacking players neither one are ever going to be confused for Chelsea. If this match were being played at Villa Park I might expect Villa to win, but I really think a point is about the best they can expect at Craven Cottage and really, it's a result I'd be more than happy with. Fulham winning would not surprise me in the least. Villa probably aren't as poor as they've looked this year, but at the moment they're not especially good either.
I want to thank Aaron for his time sharing his thoughts on Aston Villa and this match-up. Please do check out 7500 To Holte.
