http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/4999/9/dembele-targets-legendary-status-fulham
Dembele targets legendary status at Fulham
By Alex Prior
(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Mousa%20Dembele.jpg)
Thursday, February 3
Fulham's in-form striker Moussa Dembele hopes his performances for the club can make him a legend in west London.
The Belgium international has been one of the Cottagers stand-out performers this season, the culmination of which saw the 23-year-old score a scintillating individual goal against Tottenham in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.
The £5m signing from AZ Alkmaar put in another strong display in Wednesday's win against Newcastle and is hoping his fine form continues so he can write his name into the Craven Cottage history books.
"Hopefully I can make the fans very happy because I want to be an important player for this club and one they talk about for years to come," he said.
"I'm here to make a difference and I believe I can help this club move forward. "I have always had complete faith in my ability and knew that I could compete at this level.
"We're on a good run of form at the moment and we want to keep that going for as long as possible."
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/02/one_year_on.php
One Year On
Posted by Phil Mison 4 hours, 7 minutes ago
(http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Fulham+v+Newcastle+United+Premier+League+VB2rziqVPGIl.jpg)
© Getty Images
A somewhat laboured but deserved victory over Newcastle concludes a good month for the Whites. Despite the woes of autumn, our season seems back on track.
Let's begin with a snapshot of our latest win. It was the Whites third game in a week and for much of the first half it showed. Neither the pitch nor a whistle happy ref helped, with Fulham disjointed and a long way short of their vibrancy against Spurs. Misplaced passes and hesitancy in midfield kept the home fans largely mute, although we had a full house.
Credit to Newcastle for frustrating us and breaking up the flow of the game. I never thought I'd be writing this, but Joey Barton kept them ticking over, had plenty of the ball, and remained disciplined throughout - even in a losing cause. Not a sign of petulance from him.
The half-time chat from the Sky studio featured Lee Clark and Chris Coleman. Both wore the captains armband for the Whites, both were adamant Brede had been unfairly manhandled in the box going for two first-half free-kicks. Video vindicated their view, but Brede is almost too saintly for his own good - neither complaining nor seeking to exploit the situation. The first obstruction by Williamson was the more outrageous of the two, the lino on the Riverside too pusillanimous to raise his flag. Mark fired off a dose of verbals in his direction, now why can't the FA show some guts and suspend the official concerned?
No matter, some strong words must have been exchanged at half time. Fulham upped the tempo immediately and created three good chances in the first 5 minutes after the restart, with the last Duff skewed a ricochet horribly wide of the post from close range. A howler and he knew it. However, Fulham's fleet-footed forwards were now hitting their stride, Sidwell settled and that allowed Murphy more time, while our back four remained as solidly dependable as ever.
The breakthough came with our captain's great long pass over the top putting Duff in the clear and this time the Irishman made no mistake on 67, the way he celebrated his first goal of the season told you how relieved he was to get that monkey off his back. In the last 20 minutes Fulham returned to some of the swagger we'd seen Sunday. A clutch of openings came the way of Dempsey, Moussa and sub Kakuta - the product of quicksilver passing, alert running and great control. With more composure in the box, and without ever playing close to our best, Newcastle could have been on the end of a thrashing. Man of the match? Take your pick between Pants and Moussa.
As we move up to 12th I am very optimistic about our last third of the season. Fulham's attacking players will pose problems for anyone. How we are going to integrate Zamora into this mix I would not like to hazard a guess. I'd be very interested to canvass opinion as to who you think should makeway for the return of the big man. Not Dembele or Dempsey. AJ...Duff? Does Kakuta get a look in? Surely he must on the evidence of his 20 minutes yesterday. And what now for Gera, Davies and Kamara?
Managers value two qualities above all other in the modern era. Pace and power. A generation ago there was room in the game for elegant passers like Jim Baxter and our own Johnny Haynes. The game now is much more demanding, fitness levels have taken a quantum leap. What Fulham - after astute building in the past six months currently have - are what I call explosive players across the pitch. Footballers all with a turn of pace and no little skill who make things happen, or hustle opponents into errors - AJ, Clint, Moussa, Damien up top and Sidwell in midfield. It's simple to define our upswing in form when you consider pre Christmas we had just ONE player offering this dimension consistently, the matchless Mr. Dempsey. Tireless and brave, give thanks our saviour has remained injury free this campaign.
With the spectre of relegation hopefully banished before Easter, though we have both Chelsea and Man City coming up, I've drawn a comparison between where Fulham stand now and this time last year. After a 0-2 home reverse to Villa at the end of January 2010 we were on the wobble, not having picked up a win for 6 weeks. That put added pressure on our midweek game with bottom side Portsmouth four days later. but we scratched out an unconvincing win at home 1-0, turned the corner and went on a nine match unbeaten run in all competitions that took us up to the two legs with Juventus. And we all know what happened after that...
To put things in perspective then, despite the slow decline from last October onwards as the goals dried up, this time last year we sat 10th in the league with 30 points from 24 games, now its 12th and 29 from one game more. The conclusion to draw from this is that 12 months on, and following the change in management and coaching staff, Fulham is right back on the even keel established under Roy.
Fears that Hughes might impose a more robust and direct style have proved unfounded. The only side without a sending off to date and the lowest number of yellows. Our magnificently drilled back four is last year's model, minus Konchesky. We are still playing football the right way, with signs a more adventurous and - hopefully - winning mentality to away games is on the horizon. In fact, in light of the three new faces arriving in January, one could argue the Fulham of 2011 now carries more promise than Woy's.
Despite the injury setbacks, amidst the volatility and transient nature of football our great little football club must be congratulated for sound governance and solid progress. One final theme that shows a consistency of purpose over time.
Consider the back four for Wednesday's game. In my preview I doubted Newcastle's ability to get behind them. They could not. Since the stumble against West Ham we have three straight shut outs in league action at the Cottage, barely conceding a sniff of goal to opponents. Woy was responsible for Pants, Brede and Mark. The much maligned Sanchez however brought in Hughes, Baird, and crucially Danny Murphy back in 2007 - three of our most consistent players.
This weekend we have a winnable game at another of our bogey grounds, Villa Park. The Villans will hopefully see a team transformed from the one that needed a stoppage time header by Hangeland to snatch a point in early November.
COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/the-other-midfielder/
The other midfielder
Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 5:41 pm
About this time year ago, practically to the date, Fulham labored to a 1-0 win over Portsmouth. After a horrid January that saw many losses and injuries to several first-team squad members, the win over Pompey began an unbeaten run that lasted until mid-March.
Yesterday's result occurred in the midst of a good patch of form — only two losses in 7, both 1-0 away to Spurs and Pool. But, we can still hope it spurs a similar run like we saw last year.
Anywho, yesterday confirmed to me the big difference between Steve Sidwell and Dickson Etuhu. I've posted last night's passing chart from Sidwell and Etuhu's performance against West Brom (his last full 90). It's not so much the passing completion percentage, of which Etuhu dominates, but the location of where each player receives and then passes the ball that we should pay attention to.
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/passing.jpg?w=626&h=564)
I don't really have any video or other footage to prove my point, but watching Sidwell play the ball is like watching a baton exchange during a relay race. During the exchange, the racer without the baton often runs a few strides with his team-mate before the baton-holder passes it to him/her. Likewise, Sidwell runs with the ball for a few paces before making his first touch. It's not that he doesn't go to the ball, or let the ball come to him (every youth coach's nightmare), but he tries to make the defender commit before making a touch. Sometimes this works, sometimes it ends poorly (as evidenced in the low completion rate).
Compare that with Etuhu. In comparison, he's a bit more static. Now, it must be said we've seen Etuhu come out of his shell going forward this season. But Dickson often uses his massive frame to block opponents attacks, and then quickly distribute to (usually) Murphy or Hangeland. It's not a knock against him, but he's playing to his strength — much like Sidwell or any other footballer. He may not spray a 'killer' ball, but you can't get the ball off him.
What this means for either, or our starting midfield as a whole, I'm not too sure. Sidwell offers us a little bit more fluidity, but Etuhu keeps shape.
It'll be interesting to see what happens when Etuhu returns in a few weeks time.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/02/03/manual_220319.html
SCHWARZER: FULHAM NOT SAFE YET
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is taking nothing for granted as the Cottagers bid to stay in the Premier League this season.
Mark Hughes' side claimed a 1-0 victory at home to Newcastle on Wednesday evening, a result which moved them up 12th in the table.
But Australia international Schwarzer insists Fulham cannot afford to relax until they have reached the 40-point mark.
"You're looking at points, not necessarily at the position you are in the table," said Schwarzer.
"The sooner we get to 40 points, the sooner we can start to look further up the table."
The keeper was a surprise starter against the Magpies, appearing just four days after the end of his country's Asian Cup campaign.
He immediately displaced Cottagers understudy David Stockdale, denting the 25-year-old's hopes of a maiden England call-up.
"It's always tough when you come in and you do well and then you get left out again," added Schwarzer.
"But it's also part of the learning process and you've got to see how you react."
Stockdale impressed while standing in for the absent Schwarzer, helping Fulham to four victories in six games and keeping three clean sheets.
http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/2011/02/ghana-defender-john-pantsil-yet-open-talks-over-new-fulham-deal/ (http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/2011/02/ghana-defender-john-pantsil-yet-open-talks-over-new-fulham-deal/)
Ghana defender John Pantsil yet open talks over new Fulham deal
Posted On Friday, 4th February 2011
(http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pantsil1.jpg)
Fulham favourite John Pantsil has yet to hold talks with the English Premier League club over a new deal at Craven Cottage.
The right-back, who turns 30 in June, is out of contract this summer and is therefore now free to open up discussions about a free transfer move to another club at the end of his current deal.
But Pantsil, who joined Fulham from West Ham in July 2008, is desperate to prolong his stay with the Cottagers.
Ghanaian international Pantsil has played a key part in Fulham's greatest spell in their history that included last season's dramatic run to the Europa League final and he is keen to be a part of Mark Hughes' plans.
However, Pantsil confirmed to the Chronicle that discussions have yet to take place.
"There has been nothing like that yet," he said.
"For now, I am concentrating on my game and see what the manager comes up with.
"It is not about me proving myself. I know I am doing well, my team-mates have been here for me and the manager.
"I am just going to focus on my game and not about the contract, if I do that then I do not think I can perform. I will leave that to my agent and the manager."
Pantsil endured an Anfield nightmare last Wednesday when he scored a crucial own goal, but the Craven Cottage faithful were chanting his name again during the 4-0 FA Cup thrashing of Spurs and he celebrated with his now customary victory lap of honour at the end.
And Pantsil aims to repay the fans' faith in him by helping Fulham climb away from the relegation zone, starting tomorrow at Aston Villa.
"If you look at the players in and around the team then we do not deserve to be in this position," he added.
"We are not even thinking of going down. The performances have been good recently and I think we can find ourselves halfway up the table by the end of the season."
THE FIRING LINE: Do they Av enough to survive down at West Ham?
By Dan Ripley
Last updated at 12:01 AM on 4th February 2011
The results may be starting to trickle in for Avram Grant at West Ham but that does not mean his position is any safer.
If co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan wanted another fight against relegation they would have stuck with Gianfranco Zola. And with the Hammers still sitting in the bottom three, Grant still has much more work to do yet.
Elsewhere, Alex McLeish's Birmingham are still struggling to pick up wins and along with Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom look most likely to fall into the clutches of West Ham and the relegation zone.
Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street. Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as the Firing Line.
1 West Ham - Avram Grant Has done something right to get Robbie Keane working again and after the semi-final woe, West Ham are starting to pick up healthy points. Still in bottom three though. NON-MOVER
2 Birmingham City - Alex McLeish The Blues are living dangerously despite their draw against Man City. Only goal difference is keeping them out of the drop zone and the owners are not convinced with McLeish. NON-MOVER
3 West Bromwich - Roberto Di Matteo The Baggies continue to stumble from one result to the next and Di Matteo will be more than concerned his team could not put away a Wigan side on the ropes. Man City away next. UP THREE
4 Aston Villa - Gerard Houllier Houllier's faith in spending a fortune on Darren Bent is being justified but after a defeat at Manchester United, Villa will hope to get back to winning ways at home to Fulham. NON-MOVER
5 Wigan - Roberto Martinez His team have not given up the fight for survival by any means but you have to question the lack of quality in the Latics who have only won four games all season. Blackburn next. NON-MOVER
6 Wolves - Mick McCarthyFailure to take their chances (and kamikaze defending) cost Wolves a point at Bolton. Sitting bottom of the table, fine margins like that can often prove crucial at the end of the season. UP TWO
7 Fulham - Mark Hughes Hughes' team have showed much more venom in recent weeks. The thrashing of Spurs was followed by a slick win against Newcastle. Fulham no doubt enjoying a fine spell. DOWN FOUR
8 Blackburn - Steve Kean
The 7-1 loss in front of the owners at Man United proved to be the catalyst for Sam Allardyce's sacking. Maybe they are a jinx after again being present in Rovers' defeat to Spurs. UP TWO
9 Man City - Roberto Mancini Their title chances are slipping away after throwing away two points at Birmingham. City are just not ruthless enough but are still looking good for a Champions League spot. NON-MOVER
10Chelsea - Carlo AncelottiSpent £75m in the transfer window and it could have easily been £100m. After a mid-season crisis, owner Roman Abramovich has 'backed' his man rather than 'sacked' him. DOWN THREE
11 Newcastle - Alan Pardew Will be gutted not just to have lost his star striker but also by having no time to find a replacement. Newcastle look desperate in attack without Andy Carroll and could now struggle. NON-MOVER
12 Sunderland - Steve BruceLeading contenders to challenge for what is currently the last Europa League spot in fifth but faces a tough task in holding off a vastly improving Liverpool side. At Stoke next. NON-MOVER
13 Everton - David Moyes Moyes is becoming a very frustrated figure on the Toffees touchline and even a few fans are starting to lose patience with the Scot. Is still much more likely to walk rather than get sacked. UP THREE
14 Stoke City - Tony Pulis
Two recent defeats are a setback for the Potters' hopes for Europe but they can still count themselves in the mix. If the league route doesn't work there is always the FA Cup. NON-MOVER
15 Bolton - Owen Coyle Will be more relieved than pleased after seeing new loan signing Daniel Sturridge stick an injury time winner past Wolves. Time to kick-start their challenge for a European spot. DOWN TWO
16 Blackpool - Ian Holloway It was inevitable Blackpool would hit a poor run of form at some point. Having lost five of their last six they're the most out of form side in the league and are looking down rather than up. DOWN ONE
17Tottenham - Harry RedknappSigns of cracks emerging at White Hart Lane. Redknapp was very disappointed at not being able to bring a striker in the transfer window and Spurs are far from their fluent best. Bolton next. UP ONE
18 Liverpool - Kenny Dalglish
It's all starting to click under King Kenny, albeit with a few million spent here or there. Liverpool have won their last three games and that's before Carroll has even featured. DOWN ONE
19 Arsenal - Arsene Wenger Arsenal are flying and currently the only club in realistic reach of Manchester United in the title fight. Wenger's silence in the transfer market shows he is more than happy with his squad. NON-MOVER
20 Man United - Sir Alex FergusonThe class of 1992 may be starting to wheel out their Zimmer Frames but there is no sign of Fergie and a delivery van of medals heading for the old folks home yet. Wolves next. NON-MOVER
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353366/THE-FIRING-LINE-Avrams-pressure-Hammers-target-safety.html#ixzz1Cxylh6gG (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353366/THE-FIRING-LINE-Avrams-pressure-Hammers-target-safety.html#ixzz1Cxylh6gG)
You are up early WN. I love being able to read all the Fulham headlines before I go to bed. Thanks and I appreciate all you do on the board! :54:
Quote from: Tom on February 04, 2011, 05:53:29 AM
You are up early WN. I love being able to read all the Fulham headlines before I go to bed. Thanks and I appreciate all you do on the board! :54:
No worries Tom. Thanks. :54:
Quote from: White Noise on February 04, 2011, 06:12:21 AM
Quote from: Tom on February 04, 2011, 05:53:29 AM
You are up early WN. I love being able to read all the Fulham headlines before I go to bed. Thanks and I appreciate all you do on the board! :54:
No worries Tom. Thanks. :54:
All I got to say is, you are the man WN! :54: :54:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/9386897.stm
Eddie Johnson hopes to reignite career at Preston
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51090000/jpg/_51090415_eddiejohnson.jpg)
Johnson has made over 40 appearances for the United States
Preston North End midfielder Eddie Johnson believes that his loan move to Deepdale on transfer deadline day will reignite his career.
The 26-year-old United States international moved to Deepdale on loan for the remainder of the season from Premier League Fulham.
"The bottom line is I've come to score goals," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I like to stretch the back four and use my pace to get in behind defenders and hold the ball up."
He added: "I'm adjusted to English football and now I can show my worth and I couldn't ask for a better opportunity for a team who needs a guy to come in and score goals."
Johnson joined Fulham in January 2008 after starting his career with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City.
Phil (Brown) has come in and he's really ambitious about bringing players in that can make an impact
But he admitted that limited opportunities at Craven Cottage had contributed to his arrival at Deepdale.
"I was at home with my wife and new baby, and I got a call from my agent saying, 'Would you be interested in going to Preston?'
"I said, 'Let me talk to my wife first to see how she feels about me being away'. She said, 'This is what you've been waiting for.'
"So I spoke to my agent and said, 'Yes, I think it's a perfect move for me if Fulham's willing to let me go'."
Preston are currently rooted to the bottom of the Championship, seven points adrift of safety following Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.
But despite their current problems, Johnson is sure manager Phil Brown is the right man to turn the club's fortunes around.
"Phil's come in and he's really ambitious about bringing players in that can make an impact," said the Florida-born forward. "He's someone who is trying to get the best out of the entire squad."
Johnson could make his debut against Bristol City in the Championship on Saturday.
http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/02/duff-curse-ful-1-0-ncu.html (http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/02/duff-curse-ful-1-0-ncu.html)
Duff curse - FUL 1-0 NCU
Newcastle United's players looked gigantic compared to Fulham's. Properly huge. And protected the ball with their bodies better (and more often) than any team I'd seen, causing the Fulham midfield to make lots of niggly little fouls which they're not really renowned for. They swarmed around the Fulham players when in possession, robbing them of time in which to ply their craft, which meant the ineffective 'long ball to Johnson' tactic reared its head far too often in the first half.
Newcastle played very much like a team who last season were in the Championship - that's not a criticism though. They were earthy and the right side of line, unlike some other teams currently 'gracing' the Premier League. It made for a crap spectacle though.
It was probably the poor entertainment in the first half which meant the 'Blues Brothers' entertainment at half time was so warmly received. Not by me though. If you're trying to promote the singing and dancing tribute act to the Blues Brothers, you should a) sing and b) have a dance choreographed. And if you can't do a, then at least record yourselves singing and mime to that rather than a 30 year old recording of the original band from the widely seen film. Outrageous.
Fortunately the second half stepped up a gear, with Danny Murphy somehow finding the energy reserves to fashion a little space in the middle of the pitch, ably assisted by a workman-like Sidwell and the eventual exhaustion of the Newcastle players.
Fulham had started to get on top, but had not made the breakthrough, leaving Sparky with one of those awkward decisions of whether to stick and hope for a goal or twist and potentially accede dominance. Thankfully for him the goal arrived before he had to decide.
It's no exageration to suggest Duff should have already scored twice before finally putting one past Harper from a long Murphy pass. In fact the Newcastle goalie was probably man-of-the-match with some eye catching saves, one from Dempsey was particularly impressive. It appeared particularly cathartic for Duff, who'd been getting quite a bit of stick from the rather impressive turnout of the Toon Army. The goal settled most nerves, simultaneously taking the wind out of the Toon's sails, and both the fans and Hughes relaxed.
While the fans baited their north eastern counterparts, Sparky chucked on Gael Kakuta for a surprisingly effective debut. He was fast, direct and incisive and maybe should have finished the game with a goal and an assist, but his performance in the hole (I think - it was hard to tell who actually was leading the line when Johnson came off) was very promising for the remainder of the season. He offered a definite glimpse on why it was worth the 'neighbours' breaking all manner of rules to get him.
Cottage Cup Clash
Thursday 3rd February 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Symons/general2.jpg)
There is yet more action at Craven Cottage this Friday when Fulham's Youth Team take on Watford| in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON (Kick-off 7pm).
Kit Symons' team have already recorded victories over West Brom and Norwich City en route to the last 16, and with a place in the quarter-final at stake, Symons is anticipating another entertaining encounter.
"It will be a tough game. I watched Watford play against Wigan in the last round and they're a good team with some exceptional individuals and a good work ethic," he explained. "We're under no illusions and I've made sure the players know that.
"Our players are in good form and in a good state of mind. We're a good side and I'm very much looking forward to it.
"We know their quality players and who their biggest threats are – but if you just focus on individuals, the others will come back and bite you. We've got to be solid as a unit, from the goalkeeper right through to our centre forwards.
"I'm a big fan of balance, you need an element of strength throughout the side, you need flair, pace, a little bit of everything. If you've got that, then quite often you're going to come out with a decent side.
"We're also lucky that we've got people pushing for places on the bench who can come on and change the game for us. We haven't got the biggest group numerically but I'm delighted that we've got quality all the way through."
With tickets available to buy online as well as on the gate|, a healthy turnout is expected on Friday evening.
"I thought the atmosphere at the Norwich game was brilliant," recalled Symons. "That game was also on a Friday night and it worked so well, obviously the result and performance was excellent but I really enjoyed the overall atmosphere. I think the people who came also enjoyed it, so I'm hoping that even more will come to the game this Friday."
Matchday Retail Offer
Fans coming to the FA Youth Cup match against Watford can receive a FREE Fulham FC backpack from the Stadium Store or Fulham Road Store when spending £10 or more instore. This offer is only valid anytime on Friday.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/SymonsYouthCupPreviewWatford.aspx#ixzz1Cy8Mz9gN (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/SymonsYouthCupPreviewWatford.aspx#ixzz1Cy8Mz9gN)
Fulham v Bolton or Wigan tickets
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Sunday 20th February
Kick-Off 15:00
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders On sale - Seats held until midday, Tuesday 8th February (6 tickets)
Fulham Club Members 9am - Wednesday 9th February (6 tickets)
General Sale 9am - Thursday 10th February (6 tickets)
Loyalty points: 5 (more info)|
Supporters on the Home Cup Scheme will automatically be debited and tickets will be loaded on to Season Ticket cards. If you are on the home cup tie and your card has expired or changed recently please contact the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 3) to update your details.
Buy tickets online|
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange * Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Prices
NB: Blocks A and AL are a designated Family Area and are not available to book online. To book, call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 opt 3 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Ticket Prices Price
Adults £20
Concessions (16 to under 21 & over 65) £10
Juniors (under 16) £1 (£5 on matchday)
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FACup5RoundCupHome.aspx#ixzz1Cy8f25Wz (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FACup5RoundCupHome.aspx#ixzz1Cy8f25Wz)
Michael Bradley available for Villa game -
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2284752,00.html (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2284752,00.html)
http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/aston-villa-blog/avfc-opinion/team-of-our-generation-fulham-matters-and-three-points-/
Fulham matters
As things stand at the moment, three extra points would see us move up quite a few places and the way this season is panning out - you wouldn't be surprised to see that happen if we won tomorrow, which is why it is important.
I am expecting Jean Makoun to play again. Did you know, he made 94 passes when we played Manchester United and 85 were successful. Eighty-five successful passes from one player in one match. He looked very good and composed and it was only his second game. If he gets better again tomorrow against Fulham, I'm started to get a little worried about how good he could become.
I'm also not sure, so maybe someone can confirm, but is Bradley available tomorrow? I know I've read something somewhere, but I'm not sure,although I'm sure it will be interesting to see him alongside Makoun. I have a feeling that Houllier has been very specific with who he brought in this window and I think he knows exactly what he wants to achieve.
Which is why I think Bent is going to score. The lad is a machine. He was built to score goals. Not create them or do much else, simply put the ball in the back of the net. Darren Bent probably sleeps 16 hours a day, longer when there is no football match, because if there isn't a goal to score, he doesn't know what else to do.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48960/aston-villa-vs-fulham/preview
Aston Villa - Fulham Preview: Philippe Senderos to face late fitness test as Luke Young visits specialist
By Ben Bradley
TEAM NEWS
Aston Villa
Villa don't have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash with Fulham.
Defender Luke Young has been sent to see a specialist to try and solve his back problem.
Fabian Delph and Stephen Warnock also miss out through injury, whilst Nathan Baker is suspended.
Possible starting XI: Friedel; Walker, Collins, Dunne, Clark; Albrighton, Petrov, Downing, A Young; Bent, Agbonlahor.
Fulham
Philippe Senderos and Dickson Etuhu are expected to return to first team action within the next few days and will face late fitness tests.
Bobby Zamora is to return in the next couple of weeks from a broken leg but the game will come too soon for the striker.
Aaron Hughes will definitely miss the game with a hamstring injury.
Possible starting XI: Schwarzer; Pantsil, Baird, Hangeland, Salcido; Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey; Dembele, A Johnson.
End of a long wait
Fulham will bid to end a disastrous run that hasn't seen them win at Villa Park in the league for over 25 years.
The last time Fulham won at Villa Park in the league was March 1973, where the Cottagers came out 3-2 victors.
Since that fixture the two teams have met 11 times, with Villa winning six of those ties. The remaining five were draws.
Not so mid-table
Both teams are currently sat mid-table in the Premier League at the minute but the way that things are going it could instantly change.
In the worst case scenario Villa could be just one point above the drop zone following the weekend's games and Fulham just two points clear.
Just a few weeks ago Villa found themselves in the bottom three and in a precarious position, but a run of results has seen them rise the league.
Both teams will be anxious to avoid defeat and prevent them being dragged into the scrap once again.
http://www.leazesterrace.com/fulham-newcastle-analysis-020211/ (http://www.leazesterrace.com/fulham-newcastle-analysis-020211/)
Fulham (A) in 5 key points
02.02.11 – Wednesday 8pm
Barclays Premier League
Fulham 1 Duff 67
Newcastle 0
(http://www.leazesterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ful2-200x200.jpg)
Following a football free weekend, after their early FA Cup exit, Newcastle were back in Premier Leauge action with a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. Clad in their unluckly blue away kit, Newcastle succumbed to a 67th minute Damien Duff goal, the former Newcastle player latching on to a pinpoint Danny Murphy pass before slotting the ball into Steve Harper's goal, as Newcastle registered their first league defeat of 2011.
We take a look at the 5 key points from a Newcastle perspective:
1. Tactics and team selection – 442 vs 442
(http://www.leazesterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/fulham3.jpg)
Alan Pardew named the same starting 11 that started the previous game against Tottenham, almost by default such was the number of injured players and lack of strength in depth, however was dealt a blow after only 13 minutes when Shola Ameobi went off injured with a suspected fractured cheekbone and had to be replaced by substitute Nile Ranger.
Both sides lined up in a 442 formation and for the majority of the game cancelled each other out, as was the case at St James' Park earlier in the season. Fulham applied a 442 formation with inverted wingers, players occasionally exchanged positions while the two forwards dropped deep and mixed their runs to maintain their unpredictability. Newcastle however looked rigid in their allocated positions and, although discipline was a part of the gameplan, it reduced their freedom going forward.
2. Congested midfield leads to tight game
With Fulham playing inverted wingers, Dempsey a right footer on the left and Duff a left footer on the right, there was a tendency for the wingers to cut inside onto their stronger foot when in possession, as highlighted in our preview. Newcastle lined up with Joey Barton on the right side of midfield who often drifted inside to his preferred central midfield position, with Jonas Gutierrez the only out and out winger on the pitch.
With a tendency for the wide men, Gutierrez aside, to gravitate towards the middle of the pitch meant that at times there were 6-7 players in what was a congested central midfield area. Both sides pressed, were quick in the tackle and as a result were often able to prevent the opposition from building up an attacking momentum from central midfield – one of the reasons why the game remained so tightly balanced for large periods of the game as neither team could find a way through the congested midfield area.
3. Newcastle fail to see out their defensive game plan
(http://www.leazesterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/nu_interceptions1.jpg)
Newcastle interceptions shown in blue
To deal with the inbound threat from the Fulham widemen and that of Danny Murphy in central midfield, Newcastle set up narrowly, with Barton tucking inside, and placed a high emphasis on pressing their opponents when in possession. The Fulham goal aside, Newcastle's game plan was relatively successful as they broke up play on 12 occasions as the chalkboard to the right demonstrates.
However, as highlighted in our preview, it is a dangerous game to give someone with the passing ability of Danny Murphy time on the ball. As if to quantify this point, in the 66th minute when Murphy was allowed time and space he played long a pass to perfection over and behind the Newcastle defence which Duff got on the end of to put Fulham 1-0 up. A moments lapse in concentration which was to prove costly for Newcastle as they failed to see out their defensive game plan.
4. Lack of quality up front
(http://www.leazesterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/hughes_tackles1.jpg)
Aaron Hughes tackle success. blue = successful, red = unsuccessful
Following the injury to Ameobi and with Hangelaand winning everything in the air, Newcastle noticeably hit less high balls and instead tried to play the ball into the feet of forwards Best and Ranger to hold up. However this was all too easy for the Fulham defenders, Aaron Hughes in particular who simply pressed up high on his marker, usually Best, and before the Newcastle man had a chance to take a second touch Hughes had nicked it from him. It was simple but effective and prevented the ball sticking up front for any sustained period of time for Newcastle.
As well as an inability to hold the ball up, the Newcastle forwards also showed an inability to beat their man, vary their runs in terms of dropping deep on occasions or making runs in the channels and it became all to predictable for the Fulham defence. Such was their lack of productive involvement in the game, Best and Ranger only managed a combined 19 completed passes and 1 shot.
5. Lack of creativity from the Newcastle midfield
(http://www.leazesterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Barton_unsucpass.jpg)
Barton's unsuccessful passing
With Guthrie, Nolan and Barton tending to sit deeper in the Newcastle midfield it was left to Gutierrez to bring the ball out of midfield with his forward runs and although he did this well on several occasions, too often the attacking move broke down as Gutierrez' final ball was poor or not read by the Newcastle forwards.
There was very little else in terms of link up play between the midfield and the forwards as well as a general lack of creativity, too often the passing was poor or easily read by the Fulham players. Newcastle have relied heavily on the passing and creative abilities of Barton this season especially the long diagonal pass which he has perfected, however without a big man up front to aim for this skill becomes a wasted art as there is nobody to receive the passes. The chalkboard on the right displays Barton's unsuccessful passing against Fulham, with his diagonal passing now almost redundant he may be better served in the centre of midfield where he can have more of an overall impact.
At the end of the day...
As is often the case when a game is so tight, a single goal can be enough to win it and this was the case for Fulham. Once Newcastle fell behind they looked short of ideas, quality and belief and in truth never looked likely to get back in the game. Fulham were deserved of the 3 points for their better quality in the final third.
Where Newcastle failed to build up an attacking rhythm going forward, Fulham were more fluid and inventive and bettered Newcastle in terms of chances created both in quantity, 9 shots on target to Newcastle's 3, and quality of chances, and were perhaps unfortunate not to score more than they did with Duff and Dempsey wasting good chances.
It was the worst possible preparation for Newcastle as they sold their best striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool and then spent the days after squabbling over who initiated the move with said player via the newspapers. It must have almost came as a surprise that they actually had a midweek fixture to prepare for and the lack of preparation/fallout from the transfer window seemed to have an impact on the attitude of the Newcastle players as they lacked the confidence and attacking belief that served them well against sunderland and Tottenham in the previous two games.
Of course the loss of Ameobi was a massive factor. Ameobi has his doubters but he has the most experience out of Newcastle's current selection of forwards and poses far more of a threat and concern to defenders. Following the Tottenham game I highlighted that Pardew should look at bringing in another forward and this was while Carroll was still at the club, this never happened and with Carroll now sold and Ameobi expected to be missing for up to 8 weeks the prospect of relying on Best, Lovenkrands and Ranger is bleak. It is all the more frustrating that able and available strikers such as Robbie Keane and Daniel Sturridge were scoring for their new clubs on their debuts this week.
Newcastle are now 10th on 30 points after 24 games and realistically need approximately 14 points from the remaining 42 available to be confident of survival. Achieving a third of the points remaining is more than do-able however it becomes more difficult with a depleted forward line and some difficult fixtures coming up. Next up is Arsene Wenger's Barcelona Lite – Arsenal. With a lack of available forwards, Newcastle may line up 4-5-1 with Cheick Tiote returning from suspension in midfield alongside Kevin Nolan and Danny Guthrie, with one of Best, Ranger or Lovenkrands acting as the long striker. Any points return would be welcome.
Help wanted: If anyone can explain what Martin Tyler meant by Danny Guthrie's yellow card being a Premier League yellow card? apparently the viewers knew what he meant... If you did could you kindly let us know...cheers!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7944002/Aston-Villa-v-Fulham-match-preview.html
Aston Villa v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park on Saturday Feb 5 2011, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
PREVIEW
ASTON VILLA V FULHAM Saturday, February 05 15:00
Premier League
Villa Park
By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 04 Feb 2011
Saturday, February 5
Aston Villa v Fulham
Villa Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey; A Johnson, Dembele.
Aston Villa (4-5-1): Friedel; Clark, Dunne, Collins, Walker; Makoun, Petrov, Albrighton, A Young, Downing; Bent.
Referee: Lee Mason. Matches: 13. R3 Y58.
Tale of the game
Villa's good run came to an end at Old Trafford on Tuesday when they lost for the first time in four Premier League games.
They entertain a Fulham who side who, on Wednesday, claimed their second league win in three, the 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
In November, Fulham's Brede Hangeland stole a last minute equaliser after Marc Albrighton had given Gerard Houllier's side the lead.
Defender Nathan Baker is still suspended and also has a calf injury, while midfielder Fabian Delph is missing due to a knee complaint.
American midfielder Michael Bradley could come into contention following his move to Villa from Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Fulham may keep faith with Wednesday's side though Gaël Kakuta impressed when he came on and could start.
This season: Fulham 1 Villa 1.
Last season: Villa 2 Fulham 0, Fulham 0 Villa 2.
Stat of the game: Fulham have never won at Villa Park in the Premier League. Their last win there in the top division was in March 1966 while they last left with three points in March 1973, in the old Second Division.
Betting tip: Fulham struggle away; try 1-0 to the Villa at 6-1.
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/02/football-news/hernandez-named-in-mexico-squad
Hernandez named in Mexico squad
Date: 4th February 2011 at 5:58 am |
Written by FFC News Desk
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been named in Mexico's squad for next week's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Atlanta.
It will be coach Jose Manuel de la Torre's first game in charge of the national team after he took over from World Cup coach Javier Aguirre.
De la Torre also named former Spurs midfielder Giovanni dos Santos, who recently joined La Liga's Racing Santander on loan, and Fulham defender Carlos Salcido in the 22-man squad for Thursday's match.
Dutch-based defenders Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven) and Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar) were also selected for the match at the Georgia Dome.
The friendly is the first of three on Mexico's US tour as De La Torre prepares for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the US in June and the Copa America in Argentina in July.
Mexico will also face Paraguay in Oakland on March 26, and Venezuela in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on March 29.
Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca). Defenders: Carlos Salcido (Fulham), Héctor Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Francisco Javier Rodríguez (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Iván Estrada (Santos Laguna), Edgar Dueñas (Toluca), Jonny Magallon (CD Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres).
Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (UNAM), Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Antonio Naelson Sinha (Toluca), Luis Perez (Monterrey).
Forwards: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovanni dos Santos (Racing de Santander), Pablo Barrera (West Ham United), Edgar Pacheco (Atlas), Nestor Calderón (Toluca), Jose María Cárdenas (Santos Laguna), Aldo de Nigris (Monterrey).
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353597/Aston-Villa-v-FULHAM-Dickson-Etuhu-ruled-Eidur-Gudjohnsen-set-debut.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353597/Aston-Villa-v-FULHAM-Dickson-Etuhu-ruled-Eidur-Gudjohnsen-set-debut.html?)
Aston Villa v FULHAM: Dickson Etuhu ruled out but Eidur Gudjohnsen set for debut
Dickson Etuhu will miss Fulham's Barclays Premier League game at Aston Villa after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury this week.
But new loan signing Eidur Gudjohnsen is in line for his debut after not being considered ready to feature in Wednesday night's win over Newcastle.
Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are both nearing returns.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Briggs, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff, Dempsey, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Salcido, Greening, Johnson, Halliche.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353597/Aston-Villa-v-FULHAM-Dickson-Etuhu-ruled-Eidur-Gudjohnsen-set-debut.html#ixzz1D0JmuxeO (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353597/Aston-Villa-v-FULHAM-Dickson-Etuhu-ruled-Eidur-Gudjohnsen-set-debut.html#ixzz1D0JmuxeO)
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/50033/Makoun_making_the_right_impression_says_Houllier.aspx? (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/50033/Makoun_making_the_right_impression_says_Houllier.aspx?)
Makoun making the right impression, says Houllier
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has praised the midweek performance of new boy Jean Makoun as the Cameroonian midfielder prepares to make his Villa Park bow against Fulham tomorrow.
The 27 year-old brought in from Lyon last month for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m as Houllier sought to rescue Villa's hugely disappointing season thus far by splashing out in the January transfer window.
Makoun received rave reviews for his impressive performance in the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and Houllier has challenged him to keep the momentum going with another sterling showing tomorrow afternoon.
He told the club's official website: "He brought some fluency in the game, the passing and the movement was good," said Houllier.
"He always picks the right pass, often it is a forward pass. I think he played well.
"Don't forget for Darren Bent it was his third game and for Jean it was practically his first game because he was injured against Wigan.
"Remember? In the first minute and he walked around more than anything else. I took him off because he couldn't accelerate and up the pace.
"But his passing ability and his range of passing was still good even against Wigan. It was even better against Manchester United.
"He made an impact now he's got to keep going with that and keep that momentum," he added.
"When you first come you've got a bit of adrenaline with it being your first game, maybe it will drop and then come back.
"He speaks a bit of English so he has been taken in well by the other players and on the pitch they like to give him the ball."
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/02/first_prem_win_at_villa_possib.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/02/first_prem_win_at_villa_possib.php?)
First Prem win at Villa Possible?
Both sides briefly sat in the bottom three midwinter. After an injection of fresh blood, both now go chasing a win and mid-table respectabilty. Two sides on the up and a good game in prospect.
Not an easy one to call on current form. Villa were undone last time out at Old Trafford - no disgrace in that. Fulham finally learnt how to 'win ugly' as Danny called it to see off a weakened Newcastle. Again we go to one of our least favourite venues, no wins here in nine attempts since being promoted. 3 draws and 6 defeats is the unenviable record.
Strange to explain that. Villa have generally performed better than us over the past decade, without ever threatening to evolve into a real force. Villa Park is a great venue for football and neither the crowd nor size of the stadium should be intimidating. Plus you do by and large with the Villans get a chance to play football. Could this be the season we finally get lucky? Villa have not won back to back at home since August and concede a lot of goals late on.
Here's the key. It's a battle of the centre backs. Hangeland must shackle the over-priced but always dangerous Darren Bent, Fulham's nippy front men have to exploit the weak link I think Richard Dunne represents - the veteran will not relish being run at and forced to turn on what will be his 400th league start. Friedel, at 39, must also be made to work, so plenty of shots from midfield please. The ideal opportunity here for Sidwell to show the fans what they missed out on.
Having Bent lead the line - 13 goals this seaon so far - ups the ante considerably when compared to the likes of Carew and Heskey. Serviced by two genuine wingers in Downing and Young, from the wings comes the Villa threat. This may well see our inverted wide men forced deeper than they would like to support Paintsil and Baird. If we can get on the ball enough and play to our strengths I see us carving our opponents open down the middle, so we need big performances from AJ and Moussa up front. After glowing praise from Mark this week don't be at all suprised to see Kakuta on after half-time. As for our starting line-up, it will be same again I'm sure. Etuhu's hamstring needs extra time to heal, but the bench is packed with experience and options, more so if Eidur comes into consideration.
Nice easy train ride north from London so at least a 1,000 plus fans will be following the Whites to what could well be our 2nd away win of the season, and first league win on this ground since 1973 - when Nixon was battling impeachment and Slade ruled the UK charts...Yikes!
Your blogger is strumming tonight in London (alongside the Bayou Brothers from the USA) otherwise I would be at the Cottage cheering Kit Symons kids on to further Youth Cup glory against Watford. I went to the last round and it was excellent! Kick off 7pm. Go if you can.
Here's to another good performance at Villa Park. Let's show we can do it on the road too. COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/04/john-pantsil-s-fulham-future-in-the-balance-64767-28114905/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/04/john-pantsil-s-fulham-future-in-the-balance-64767-28114905/?)
John Pantsil's Fulham future in the balance
FULHAM will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to offer John Pantsil a new deal.
The Ghanaian told the your favourite local paper this week that the club had not opened talks about extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
And boss Mark Hughes revealed he will run the risk of losing the former West Ham full-back by waiting until the summer before deciding on his futrue.
He said: "There are a number of players this year that are in the last year of their contracts and we're working our way through him.
"I've spoken to John on a number of occasions. He needs to play well between now and the end of the season and I'm sure we'll have the conversation then."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/04/john-pantsil-s-fulham-future-in-the-balance-64767-28114905/?#ixzz1D0KtBzzd (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/04/john-pantsil-s-fulham-future-in-the-balance-64767-28114905/?#ixzz1D0KtBzzd)
http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/blackburn-rovers-fc/128965-blackburn-rovers-and-fulham-fc-wait-on-anderlecht-midfielder-contract-decision.html? (http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/blackburn-rovers-fc/128965-blackburn-rovers-and-fulham-fc-wait-on-anderlecht-midfielder-contract-decision.html?)
Blackburn Rovers and Fulham FC wait on Anderlecht midfielder contract decision
Blackburn Rovers are reportedly watching developments over Mbark Boussoufa's contract talks at Anderlecht.
Boussoufa is expected to make a decision this week about a new Anderlecht contract and it is unclear whether he will continue with the Belgian outfit.
The midfielder has been linked with a return to England, where the likes of Rovers and Fulham are keen to secure his services.
Anderlecht chief Herman Van Holsbeeck confirmed: "We are ready to give Boussoufa a contract for four or five years, but he has yet to decide whether he wants to stay.
"Mbark has promised that he will give us his decision within one week."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/02/04/eidur-gudjohnsen-has-a-point-to-prove-at-fulham-82029-28115233/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/02/04/eidur-gudjohnsen-has-a-point-to-prove-at-fulham-82029-28115233/?)
Eidur Gudjohnsen has a point to prove at Fulham
EIDUR Gudjohnsen has a point to prove at Fulham, according to his new boss.
Mark Hughes reckons the January loan signing from Stoke is out to show the Potters what they're missing after just five substitute appearances at the Britannia.
He could make his debut for the Whites at Aston Villa tomorrow after travelling with the squad to Birmingham.
"He wants to get his career back on track," said the Fulham boss.
"He's got a point to prove – there's a lot of people who question where his career is at at the moment and he wants to put that right.
"He's come to a club that will help him with the way we prepare and play. He's looking forward to it."
Hughes admitted last month that he may resist the temptation to bring in another striker after Mousa Dembele and Andy Johnson's return to action, while Bobby Zamora is back in full training.
But the departures of Eddie Johnson and David Elm meant he still wanted to bolster his squad with more firepower.
He added: "Given the pedigree that he has of winning trophies it was an easy decision."
http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_6722536,00.html? (http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_6722536,00.html?)
Bradley all set for debut
Aston Villa's on-loan midfielder Michael Bradley is set to make his first appearance against Fulham on Saturday.
Villa boss Gérard Houllier has been handed a boost ahead of the game with Stewart Downing overcoming a shin injury.
However, defender Luke Young has been ruled out of the tie as he is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury. Fabian Delph (knee) will also play no part in the game.
Meanwhile, Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye could also miss out after falling out with Houllier.
For Fulham, Dickson Etuhu remains sidelined after he suffered another setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matt Briggs (calf) remain long-term injuries.
New recruit Eidur Gudjohnsen could make his first start for the club.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/loan-ace-looks-gud-for-villa-bow-1160674.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/loan-ace-looks-gud-for-villa-bow-1160674.html?)
Loan ace looks Gud for Villa bow
Loan striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is available for Fulham's trip to Aston Villa, but Dickson Etuhu has suffered a setback in his recovery.
Cottagers chief Mark Hughes swooped to sign Icelandic international Gudjohnsen on loan from Premier League rivals Stoke until the end of the season. And he could start the former Chelsea and Barcelona hitman on the bench at Villa Park as the Londoners bid to follow up the midweek home win against Newcastle with another three points.
Hughes has no new injury problems, but he has been hit by the news Nigerian international midfielder Etuhu is facing three more weeks on the sidelines after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered at Stoke last month.
Matthew Briggs is available again after recovering from an ankle injury, but Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos stay sidelined, despite recently returning to full training from long-term broken leg and Achilles problems respectively.
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2011/02/04/stewart-downing-eyes-new-villa-run/? (http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2011/02/04/stewart-downing-eyes-new-villa-run/?)
Stewart Downing eyes new Villa run
Stewart Downing wants Villa to put the defeat to Manchester United behind them and recapture the form they showed throughout the majority of January.
The claret and blues recent good form came to an abrupt end at Old Trafford with a 3-1 against the Premier League leaders earlier in midweek.
But they now face a series of winnable games against Fulham, Blackpool and Blackburn over the next month and the Villa winger wants Gerard Houllier's men to cash in.
He said: "We've been on a good run and now we have to put another one together starting with tomorrow's home game against Fulham.
"It will be a tough game because they have signed a couple if players – including Steve Sidwell from us – and they have a good team with some good players.
"It is another home game with our fans behind us and hopefully we can get a win out of it. The Fulham game is massive for us and a win would set us up for another run.
"I don't want to jinx us but we have what could be considered a good run of games coming up so hopefully we can put a run together and get some points up.
"We had a tough fixture list over Christmas so it has been nice to get a couple of wins but we need to carry on and get back up that table where we belong."
The England international is also keen for the Villa players to learn from their meeting with Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier in the season.
Marc Albrighton gave Villa a half-time lead which they held until late into injury time when Brede Hangeland equalised.
He said: "I think we owe Fulham a little bit as away from home we had them dead and buried and they equalised in the last minute. Hopefully this time we will have learned our lesson and put it to bed and win.
"Football is a funny game – they are looking for their first away win and we don't want to be the team that gives it to them.
"We perhaps need to defend a bit better as a team and not give away sloppy goals but, hopefully, we can improve that and get a result on Saturday.
"Nothing is better than winning games and we're disappointed but just have to get back on that run again now."
Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu will miss the game after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but new loan signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could figure for the first time.
Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2011/02/04/stewart-downing-eyes-new-villa-run/#ixzz1D0ObAyxO (http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2011/02/04/stewart-downing-eyes-new-villa-run/#ixzz1D0ObAyxO)
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507511 (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507511)
Mystic Mug / Lawro Face Off v Fulham
Mystic Mug (http://www.admin.vitalfootball.co.uk/resource/teams/astonvilla/mystic.gif) says this weekend will see Villa and win well. He was going to say 1-0 but after polishing his balls, he now says 3-1 to the mighty claret and blue.
Lawro has told news.bbc.co.uk/sport1 that Villa will win 2-1 adding:
'I don't foresee any future problems for either of these two sides this season. Fulham have started to score and have got nearly all their players fit. They still have their trump card to bring back in Bobby Zamora too. I'm going to go for Villa to come out on top in this one. The feel-good factor is back at Villa Park and they have got plenty of potential match-winners in their side."
Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507511#ixzz1D0P1CYus (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507511#ixzz1D0P1CYus)
http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/04/aston-villa-v-fulham-preview-darren-bent-hunting-goals-points/? (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/04/aston-villa-v-fulham-preview-darren-bent-hunting-goals-points/?)
Aston Villa v Fulham Preview: Darren Bent Hunting Goals, Points - and Caps
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes a "good side" does not lose two games in succession - so he is about to discover whether he leads a team worth of the label.
Bolstered by some imaginative and bold spending in the transfer window, Villa put together a five-game undefeated run which was predictably ended against Manchester United.
And the French manager wants to see an immediate reaction to the 3-1 setback at Old Trafford to put some more daylight between Villa and the relegation issue.
Several of his Villa players will be hoping to make a last ditch attempt to squeeze into Fabio Capello's plans for the friendly with Denmark after the England coach watched their encounter with the Premier League leaders.
Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and new £24 million striker Darren Bent, who scored his second goal in three matches since his arrival from Sunderland will all be hoping for the call from the Italian.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has suffered similar supporter problems to those experienced by Houllier a few weeks ago, with Craven Cottage fans less than convinced he was the man to replace Roy Hodgson.
Many of the Fulham regulars would have gladly taken Hodgson back after his torrid time at Anfield was terminated, but they may not be so keen now.
Like Villa, Fulham spent a short amount of time in the relegation places, but an impressive run of results in January has taken them clear of trouble for the time being.
Hughes's side are bristling with confidence after their emphatic FA Cup win over Tottenham which they followed up with victory over Newcastle United to make it 13 points from their last seven league games.
Key Match-Up: Darren Bent v Brede Hangeland: After the frenzied transfer activity in the final day of the January window, Bent looks reasonably priced just a couple of weeks after Houllier was criticised for paying way over the odds. He has adapted to life at Villa Park superbly and underlined his standing as one of the most dangerous English strikers in the Premier League.
He wants to take that onto the international stage too and Hangeland will have to be at his very best to prevent more goals catching the eye of Capello's scouts. The Fulham defender has been in impressive form himself recently, contributing to successive clean sheets which will have pleased Hughes and he is someone Villa will have to keep a close watch on when they are defending set pieces.
Form Guide: Villa have never lost at home to Fulham in the Premier League. The last time Fulham won a league fixture at Villa Park was almost 40 years ago.
Odds: Aston Villa 5/6, Fulham 11/4, Draw 11/5
ASTON VILLA:
Following his move from Sunderland, Bent believes he is now in a far more fashionable place at Villa Park to regularly catch the eye of Capello and realise his international ambitions.
There was a theory that, despite his goalscoring for Sunderland, he was overlooked by the Italian because the Stadium of Light did not provide him with the ideal platform for recognition.
Capello certainly has a far more regular seat in the Villa Park director's box and Bent will have impressed with the manner in which he took his goal at Old Trafford.
"There are a number of people who play for England in the Aston Villa squad so I am sure he was there watching them all and the Manchester United players too," said Bent.
"I did quite well on Tuesday and hopefully he was impressed with the bits he saw. If not I'll keep going and doing as well as I can for Aston Villa.
"We can all push together. All work hard together and try and get ourselves all back in the England squad and have a great number of Villa players in the squad.
Bent has been pleased with his early form since his move from Sunderland, but he knows he has to keep impressing if he wants to become an international regular.
"It would be nice to keep up that ratio, but if someone said to me you can score a goal or take three points, I'd take three points all day long.
"The main thing is that Aston Villa as a club keep growing, we keep getting results and keep pushing up the league.
Strategy: Houllier is finally in a situation, for the first time since his arrival, of being able to rotate his squad and not have to rely upon the club's youngsters. He has strength in depth which will be further improved by the availability of Michael Bradley, who has gained international clearance after his move from Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The 23-year-old midfielder will probably have to wait for his debut from the substitutes bench as Houllier looks to Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun to build on his impressive performance against United. Bent is likely to be partnered by Emile Heskey, so that may mean there is no place for Gabriel Agbonlahor in the starting line-up as Ashley Young reverts to his regular role on the left-hand side of midfield.
Injury Update: Luke Young has been to see a specialist about the knee injury which has kept him out since December and Nathan Baker is suspended, but Downing is expected to recover from a shin injury he sustained at Old Trafford.
FULHAM:
Fulham manager Hughes, after putting a string of decent results together, is no longer thinking about a relegation battle this season after being in the bottom three on Boxing Day.
He said: "We're not looking at teams at the bottom to be honest. We're looking at teams above us. That is our focus. I said at the beginning of the season we're a top ten side and nothing has changed my mind so far.
"Villa have possibly had a similar season to ourselves, people didn't expect them to be in this position. But it's a difficult place to go and it will be tough for us.
"They've picked up as well and signing Darren Bent has had a positive impact on them and going there now is possibly not as easy as three or four weeks ago. But we're confident ourselves."
Mark Schwarzer has returned in goal for Hughes, even though David Stockdale performed well while the Australia international was at the Asian Cup.
"Mark is my number one keeper and it was important to get him back," Hughes added. "It's been hard on David Stockdale because he is a young keeper with a great future.
"It was a difficult decision but was the correct one. It's important that we get Mark back and involved, he played a significant part in our victory against Newcastle with his save.
"We're pleased he's back, as he's a big influence on the back four. It's hard on David, he's done nothing wrong, but it was important to get Mark back."
Strategy: Hughes was struggling for firepower earlier in the season but Moussa Dembele's return from injury and Andrew Johnson's decent form means they will probably be paired in attack, with Clint Dempsey providing support from midfield.
Injury Update: Dickson Etuhu has a hamstring injury and misses out. Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos are back in full training but are still short on match-fitness. Eidur Gudjohnsen is in the squad.
http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2011/02/04/zamora_must_earn_his_place_hughes? (http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2011/02/04/zamora_must_earn_his_place_hughes?)
Zamora must earn his place - Hughes
Fulham manager Mark Hughes insists striker Bobby Zamora can no longer expect to walk straight back into the side when he returns from his broken leg.
Zamora is on the brink of making his comeback from almost five months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery in September.
Fulham struggled badly in his absence towards the end of 2010, with an eight-match winless run ultimately seeing them sucked into the Barclays Premier League drop zone.
But they go into the trip to Aston Villa having won six of their last nine games in all competitions and 12th in the league table.
The return of Zamora's fellow forwards Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson from injury has revitalised the Cottagers and Hughes insists last season's talisman now has a real fight on to reclaim his place.
"He understands that the squad is evolving now and the squad is getting bigger and stronger," said Hughes, who this week added Eidur Gudjohnsen to his pool of forwards. "Bobby knows he needs to work hard to get back in the side but, given his desire to get back in, that shouldn't faze him at all."
