Saturday Fulham Stuff (05.02.11)

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/capello-set-to-call-up-stockdale-as-part-of-his-new-generation-2204950.html

Capello set to call up Stockdale as part of his new generation


England manager could pick Fulham reserve keeper for squad announced tonight to face Denmark

By Sam Wallace


Saturday, 5 February 2011


Fulham's reserve goalkeeper David Stockdale could receive his first call-up to the full England squad tonight


Fabio Capello is considering a call-up for Fulham's reserve goalkeeper David Stockdale for his squad to play Denmark on Wednesday in which the England manager intends to give a chance to some of the next generation of players.

Having already declared that Jack Wilshere will start the game in central midfield, Capello is also weighing up whether Stockdale should be given some experience of the senior team set-up. The 25-year-old was in line to be selected for the friendly against Hungary in August but was injured the weekend before the game and had to withdraw from the squad.

There is a small pool of goalkeepers whom Capello trusts – Joe Hart, Rob Green and Ben Foster – and Stockdale's inclusion would be dependent on the manager giving Green or Foster the week off. Hart has Capello's backing despite some shaky performances for Manchester City including a mistake for Birmingham City's first goal on Wednesday night.

Stockdale was given his chance at Fulham last month while Mark Schwarzer was in Qatar playing for Australia at the Asian Cup but manager Mark Hughes restored the Australian into the starting line-up for Wednesday's game against Newcastle.

Capello is also looking at the possibility of calling up Leighton Baines for the first time since the Everton left-back was dropped from the provisional World Cup squad. Baines, 24, has been dogged by comments he made in a pre-World Cup interview that being away in South Africa would make him homesick – despite subsequently denying that was what he meant. Baines' progress has impressed Capello this season and he now seems prepared to give the defender another chance to establish himself.

The squad is announced tonight although there could be many changes if there are injuries this weekend, including in tomorrow's game between Chelsea and Liverpool. Capello expects to select Frank Lampard for his squad for the first time since the Hungary friendly even though the midfielder has struggled with injuries all season.

The question of which strikers Capello takes is not obvious. Wayne Rooney is back in form, Peter Crouch scored for Tottenham and Darren Bent is likely to be picked having been injured for the friendly against France in November. Jermain Defoe's place must be doubtful given his recent slump in form. Andy Carroll, who made his debut against France, is injured, while Kevin Davies and Jay Bothroyd are not expected to make the cut. Capello has been impressed with Danny Welbeck, the Manchester United striker on loan at Sunderland, but he too is injured and unavailable.

There were suggestions that Chelsea's 17-year-old midfielder Josh McEachran might be in line for a call-up after he was left out of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad this week but he is not in contention. Neither is David Beckham, who is currently training with Tottenham.

Capello will be at Stamford Bridge tomorrow while his general manager Franco Baldini is watching Wolves against Manchester United today and West Ham against Birmingham City tomorrow. The England squad meet at their Hertfordshire headquarters, the Grove Hotel, tomorrow evening and fly to Copenhagen on Tuesday.

The primary reason for playing in the Parken Stadium is that it is heated and the FA hopes that will make it more comfortable for the players.

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http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/227260/Fulham-s-Steve-Sidwell-goes-for-revenge

FULHAM'S STEVE SIDWELL GOES FOR REVENGE 


Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes Steve Sidwell will return to haunt Aston Villa


Saturday February 5,2011


By A Daily Express reporter

 
FULHAM boss Mark Hughes believes Steve Sidwell will return to haunt Aston Villa today after ending the midfielder's frustrating time with them.

Sidwell, above, was desperate to leave after struggling for first-team football at Villa Park and Chelsea before that.

His impact has been instant and he has featured in three victories that have pushed Fulham up into mid-table and the last 16 of the FA Cup.

"There is a little of him having a point to prove," said Hughes. "He has frustrations because his career when he was at Reading was excellent and he was playing every week and not missing games.

"He got a fantastic move to Chelsea and played quite a few games for them and moved to Villa because he wanted more game-time. But he was frustrated by injuries.

"Now it's a case of coming back and getting his career back on track.

"From the games he has been involved with so far, you can see what a good player he is."
 

Sidwell got his chance after a hamstring injury to Dickson Etuhu, who suffered another setback during the week.



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/227260/Fulham-s-Steve-Sidwell-goes-for-revengeFulham-s-Steve-Sidwell-goes-for-revenge#ixzz1D45JfNge

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Stockdale reserves himself for England debut

Published 23:00 04/02/11


By Martin Lipton



Fulham keeper David Stockdale is set for a debut England call tonight - despite being second choice for the Craven Cottage outfit.

Fabio Capello has been impressed with Stockdale's calmness standing in for Mark Schwarzer during Australia's Asian Cup run and is set to name the Fulham man as his third choice keeper - ahead of Robert Green - for next week's friendly in Denmark.

Capello's No.2 Franco Baldini and goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence both watched Stockdale in FA Cup action against Spurs last week and the former York and Darlington man, who was on loan an non-league Wakefield and Emley six years ago, is poised for the call-up denied him by injury in September.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes said: "David got close before and he probably would have been involved just prior to his injury when he had first-team games at the beginning of the year. If it happens this time, given the level of his performances, it would be deserved."

While Capello is without the injured Andy Carroll and Adam Johnson, as well as planned pick Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent, Frank Lampard and John Terry are all available.

Capello, who will give Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere his first England start, as the holding midfielder, in Copenhagen, is also considering a first call-up for Aston Villa right-back Kyle Walker, on loan from Spurs, as deputy to Glen Johnson.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-s-reserve-keeper-David-Stockdale-is-set-to-be-named-in-England-squad-to-face-Denmark-article690655.html#ixzz1D45nLOWN

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Cottagers impressed by Sidwell's industry


Published 23:00 04/02/11


By Neil McLeman



Mark Hughes reckons Steve Sidwell has a point to prove on his return to Villa Park today.

The former Reading and Chelsea made only 24 Premier League starts during an unhappy spell at Aston Villa.

But after moving back to London last month, the 28-year-old has shown his old form helping his new team to two ­consecutive wins.

"He has played really well and I've been really impressed," said Hughes.

"With Dickson Etuhu injured, we're grateful that he's been up to match-speed straight away. He's come in and had a real impact. I felt he would because he's a good player.

"There is a little of him having a point to prove. When he came that was mentioned. He has frustrations because his career when he was at Reading was ­excellent and he was playing every week and not missing games. Now it's a case of coming back and getting his career back on track. From the games he's been involved with so far you can see what a good player he is."

Fellow new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could make his Fulham debut from the bench.

"People have ­questioned where his career is at," added Hughes. "He wants to put that right and there's no reason why he can't."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-manager-Mark-Hughes-believes-Steve-Sidwell-has-a-point-to-prove-against-Aston-Villa-article690579.html#ixzz1D467T9T0

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Hughes warns Zamora as he nears comeback


Published 15:59 04/02/11


By MirrorFootball



Fulham manager Mark Hughes today insisted striker Bobby Zamora can no longer expect to walk straight back into the Fulham side when he returns from his broken leg.

Zamora is on the brink of making his comeback after almost five months on the sidelines following surgery in September.

Fulham struggled badly in his absence towards the end of 2010, with an eight-match winless run seeing them sucked into the Barclays Premier League drop zone.

But they go into tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa having won six of their last nine 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 faces a real fight 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 Stoke's ex-Chelsea and Bolton forward Eidur Gudjohnsen to his strikeforce.

"Bobby knows that 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."

Leaving out a fit Zamora would have been unthinkable last season, with Fulham nowhere near the same side when the 30-year-old was absent.

That also looked to be the case again after he broke his leg, until the Cottagers' recent run.

"Bobby was a big factor in the success of the team last year, when he was the focal point of the attacking play," Hughes said.

"So, to take him out of the team so early in the season was obviously going to have a detrimental effect on us.

"We've missed Dembele for almost half the Premier League games we've been involved in, so that was a loss as well.

"In recent weeks we've been able to welcome him back and, obviously, Johnson's playing really, really well at the moment."

Gudjohnsen's arrival on loan from Stoke will make Zamora's task even more difficult and the Icelander will be eager to silence his critics after his move to Stoke failed to work out.

"Maybe he's got a little bit of a point to prove because a lot of people maybe have questioned where his career is at," Hughes said. "He obviously wants to put that right and there's no reason why he can't do."

Gudjohnsen will hope to do enough to earn a permanent deal in the summer, when Hughes will also decide whether or not to renew full-back John Pantsil's contract.

"What everybody has to do is just play well from now until the end of the season and, no doubt, we will have conversations," Hughes added.

Hughes has already tied down captain Danny Murphy and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to new deals and the latter's importance to the cause was demonstrated on Wednesday night when he was immediately recalled following Australia's Asian Cup campaign.

"Mark's my number one keeper," Hughes said. "It's been hard on David Stockdale, in fairness, because he's a young keeper with a great future."

Hughes insisted Stockdale "understood" why he was dropped, despite the 25-year-old impressing enough to be talked about once more in England terms having been touted for a call-up in August before injury struck.

Speaking about the prospect of Stockdale being called up for next week's friendly with Denmark, Hughes said: "If it happens this time, given the level of his performances, I think it would be deserved."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Bobby-Zamora-has-been-told-not-to-expect-to-walk-straight-back-into-the-side-when-he-makes-his-imminent-return-from-broken-leg-article690549.html#ixzz1D46OXRP

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Downing passed fit for Villa

Published 15:29 04/02/11


By MirrorFootball



Aston Villa newcomer Michael Bradley is included in the squad for tomorrow's home Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

The United States midfielder has joined Villa on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach for the remainder of the season.

Winger Stewart Downing has recovered from a knock to his shin, leaving Luke Young (knee) as the only long-term injury casualty - he has been advised to rest after seeing a specialist.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Albrighton, Petrov, Makoun, Bradley, Downing, A Young, Bent, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Marshall, Pires, Delfouneso, Cuellar, Bannan.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-Fulham-team-news-Downing-fir-after-shin-problem-new-boy-Bradley-included-in-squad-article690533.html#ixzz1D46mXWEf

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Fulham without Etuhu for Villa trip


Published 11:14 04/02/11


By MirrorFootball



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.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-Fulham-team-news-Etuhu-still-out-with-hamstring-injury-Gudjohnsen-set-for-debut-article689775.html#ixzz1D47J7A00

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http://www.avillafan.com/preview-aston-villa-vs-fulham/


Preview: Aston Villa vs Fulham


Villa will be looking to get back to winning ways after there mid-week defeat at Manchester United as we welcome Mark Hughes's in-form Fulham side to Villa Park tomorrow afternoon.

Two sides you would possibly say have under performed this season but both have recently picked up there form with Villa picking up 7 points from a possible 12, while Fulham have picked up 10 from 15.

It is a fixture Villa have the upper hand in with all six points last season, and Fulham have never beaten Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League. Villa are currently unbeaten in 9 games against Fulham on home soil with 6 of them being wins.

Another positive going into this fixture for our side is we have a pretty decent home record against a side who have only won once on the road since the opening day of last season.

We all know what we are capable of and we all know Fulham have the quality to hurt us but I would personally be very disappointed if we came away from this game with anything but maximum points.

Villa Teamnews

Michael Bradley has been named in the Villa squad after receiving his visa since his move from Borussia Monchengladbach on deadline day. Stewart Downing is fit enough to start also after picking up a shin injury during the 3-1 loss at soon to be champions Manchester United.

So Luke Young remains the only casualty in the Villa squad with a mystery injury, however he was advised to rest after seeing a specialist this week.

Fulham Teamnews

Eidur Gudjohnsen is in line to make his debut for Fulham following his move from Stoke but the away side will be without Dickson Etuhu who took a setback in his hamstring injury this week.

Bobby Zamora and Phillipe Senderos are close to returning for Mark Hughes's side but tomorrows game will come to soon for them.

Squads

Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Albrighton, Petrov, Makoun, Bradley, Downing, A Young, Bent, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Reo Coker, Marshall, Pires, Delfouneso, Cuellar, Bannan.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Briggs, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff, Dempsey, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Salcido, Greening, Johnson, Halliche.

Odds: Aston Villa 10/11 Draw 12/5, Fulham 3/1

Referee: Lee Mason

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Youth Cup: Fulham 0-2 Watford


Friday 4th February 2011



A brace from Watford's Sean Murray was enough to put the Hornets through in a scrappy FA Youth Cup encounter at Craven Cottage.

Watford made a less than ideal start to this FA Youth Cup Fifth Round encounter, surrendering possession almost immediately from the kick-off and allowing the Whites a spell of possession, unfortunately Fulham were unable to force a shot on target after some desperate Hornets defending.

On four minutes a Josh Pirtchard corner from the left was headed on to the bar by Aaron Pierre, who out-jumped his marker by a comfortable margin.

Much like in the previous round against Norwich City, Kit Symons' men lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Marcello Trotta leading the line. However, Watford's physicality made for a scrappy first-half, with Fulham struggling to find their rhythm and unable to retain possession in a crowded midfield area.

Somewhat against the run of play, Watford took the lead with their first real effort on goal on 12 minutes. Adam Thompson, the Watford full-back, was able to deliver a cross to the far post which Sean Murray met with a firm header past Jesse Joronen.

A fierce shot from Alex Brister from a narrow angle forced an agile save from Hornets goalkeeper Jonathan Bond as Fulham looked to get back on level terms.

But as the first-half progressed Watford started to grow in confidence and despite not creating many scoring opportunities, their defensive play was enough to break up any potential Fulham attacking moves.

Ronnie Minkwitz made way for Albert Owusu-Ansah on the half hour mark. And as half-time approached, Fulham started forcing their way back into the game. Marcello Trotta had the best opportunity in the closing moments when he worked some space for himself in the Watford area, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle.

Josh Pritchard tested Jonathan Bond's handling early in the second-half with a fiercely struck shot from 30 yards which forced a good stop from the visiting keeper. As Fulham started to utilise the width of the pitch more, the chances started to come. An excellent cross-field pass from Josh Pritchard found the run of Kerim Frei down the right wing. Frei linked up well with Christian Marquez-Sanchez to create an opportunity for Trotta who fired just over the bar.

But Watford impressively maintained their resistance and soon started to slow the Whites' momentum.

With time running out Kit Symons opted to make a tactical change, with first-half substitute Albert Owusu-Ansah being replaced by striker Corey Gameiro and the Whites switching to a 4-4-2 formation.

The tactical switch immediately had Fulham looking livelier up front with Gameiro looking to get in amongst the action. But with only minutes remaining Fulham still struggled to string their passes together as legs from both sides started to get heavier.

Aaron Pierre, who appeared to be suffering from cramp, made way for Michael Kamau on 81 minutes. 

Fulham missed a golden opportunity when fine cross from Frei saw Trotta rise well in the area, only to direct his header on to the crossbar on 85 minutes.

Watford made sure of their place in the quarter-final with a spectacular free-kick from Sean Murray on 88 minutes. Josh Pritchard gave away the free-kick some 25 yards from goal after getting caught in possession and Murray stepped up to fire an unstoppable rising effort into the top corner. It was certainly a strike worthy of winning the tie.

Fulham: Joronen; Marquez-Sanchez, Arthurworrey, Pierre (Kamau 81), Maloney; Frei, Minkwitz (Owusu-Ansah 31, Gameiro 70), Pritchard, Toure, Brister; Trotta

Watford: Bond; Thompson, Tumwa, Bevans, Hoban; Hamilton-Forbes, Assombalonga, Isaac, Murray; Smith, Massey


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/YouthCupFulhamvWatford.aspx#ixzz1D48me08V

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FA Youth Cup Photo Special


Friday 4th February 2011


http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/FAYouthCupWatfordPhotoSpecial.aspx

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In-form striker Darren Bent is a snip at £24m, claim Aston Villa


By Neil Moxley


Last updated at 11:26 PM on 4th February 2011


Aston Villa believe Darren Bent is the best value-for-money buy in the January transfer window.

With two goals in his opening three games, Bent, - 27 tomorrow - has started to pay back some of his £24million price tag.

And with deadline-day moves for Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll for £50m and £35m respectively, Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister says the club's record signing from Sunderland represents sound business.

'When you look at what happened at the back end of the window, you have to say Darren's purchase represents great value.

'Carroll is just starting at this level. He is a fantastic prospect but it's a lot of money to pay for potential.

'And the timing of Fernando Torres going to Chelsea dictated how much Liverpool had to pay for Carroll.

'We have got Darren, a proven player at this level. Someone who has scored numerous goals.

'It was a good thing we were able to do our business nice and early because some of those figures - £35m and £50m - you would have been thought crazy even talking about that kind of amount five or six seasons ago.'

Villa can pull further away from the drop zone with a win against Fulham at home today, but boss Gerard Houllier questioned the desire of out-of-favour full backs Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye, who have been relegated to training with the reserves.

Asked if they were still part of his plans, Houllier said: 'It's not only a matter of being good enough, it's also a matter of being committed enough.'

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http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/2011/02/ghana-defender-pantsil-told-to-do-more-for-new-fulham-contract/

Ghana defender Pantsil told to do more for new Fulham contract

Posted On Friday, 4th February 2011

Ghana defender John Paintsil has been told to double his efforts to earn a new contract by Fulham manager Mark Hughes.

The right-back is in the last year of his contract and would be a free agent this summer but the Cottagers are not in a hurry to extend his stay.

He confirmed this week that he is yet to open talks over a new deal.

The 29-year-old must put up consistent performances in the English Premier League to stay longer at Craven Cottage. .

"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," Hughes told the Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle.

"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."

Paintsil 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.

He aims to repay the fans' faith in him by helping Fulham climb away from the relegation zone, starting tomorrow at Aston Villa.

[White Noise]

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


by Pat McGatt.

Published Fri 04 Feb 2011 13:15, Last updated: 2011-02-04


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."

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/5015/2/real-madrid-reject-man-united-interest-young-striker

Real Madrid reject Man United interest in young striker

By Declan Taylor


Friday, February 4



Manchester United had a late enquiry for promising forward Alvaro Morata dismissed by Real Madrid last month, according to sources in Spain.

Morata is one of the rising stars at the Bernabeu and scouts from a string of Premier League clubs have been spotted watching him in action for Real Madrid's reserves this season.

He is now on the fringes of Jose Mourinho's first-team and has made a handful of substitute appearances in La Liga and the Copa Del Rey.

And Real are certain Morata will have a bright future at the club and are keen to hold on to him, despite interest from the Premier League.

Manchester City, Fulham, Everton and Aston Villa are all thought to be tracking him but only Man United have firmed up their interest.

But Real Madrid flatly refused to negotiate after a transfer window enquiry from the Premier League leaders.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/04/squad-sheets-aston-villa-fulham

Squad sheets: Fulham v Aston Villa

guardian.co.uk, Friday 4 February 2011 15.43 GMT


If Fulham's climb up the table is down to Mark Hughes's faith in the tried and trusted, with Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembélé upholstering a sturdy construction, Aston Villa's is one of revolution. No manager has used more players than Gérard Houllier this season, and the Frenchman's trust in younger players is admirable, even if it has generated creative tension, and Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye were publicly criticised by Houllier this week for a lack of application. Dickson Etuhu misses out for Fulham. James Callow

Venue Villa Park, tomorrow 3pm

Tickets £23-£38 (0800 612 0970)

Last season Aston Villa 2 Fulham 0

Referee L Mason

This season's matches 13 Y58, R3, 4.69 cards per game

Odds Aston Villa 5-6 Fulham 11-4 Draw 11-5


Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Aston Villa

Subs from Marshall, Guzan, Warnock, Beye, Cuéllar, Pires, Delph, Bradley, Reo-Coker, Delfouneso, Heskey

Doubtful None

Injured L Young (knee, unknown)

Suspended Baker (second of three)

Form guide LWWDLD

Disciplinary record Y50 R1

Leading scorer Downing 5

Fulham
Subs from Stockdale, Etheridge, Kelly, Salcido, Briggs, Riise, Halliche, Greening, Dikgacoi, Gera, Kamara, A Johnson, Gudjohnsen

Doubtful None

Injured Zamora (leg, 12 Feb), Senderos (achilles, 12 Feb), Etuhu (hamstring, 12 Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide WLWDWL

Disciplinary record Y28 R0

Leading scorer Dempsey 8

Match pointers
• Aston Villa have used 31 players this season, the joint-highest alongside West Ham


• Fulham have won three of their 19 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa and are yet to win at Villa Park


• Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored three goals in his past two appearances against Fulham


• 35% of Fulham's goals this season have been headed, the highest proportion in the Premier League


• Aston Villa have conceded nine goals from corners this season, more than any other side

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6723553,00.html


Bobby facing fight for place

Cottagers boss says striker must earn back his spot


Last updated: 4th February 2011
   


Zamora: Must fight for place

Fulham manager Mark Hughes insists striker Bobby Zamora can no longer expect to walk straight back into the side when he returns from injury.

Zamora is on the verge of making his comeback after almost five months on the sidelines having undergone surgery on a broken leg in September.

The Cottagers struggled in his absence towards the end of last year, paying the price for an eight-match winless run with a stint in the Premier League drop zone.

Encouraging
However, they now sit an encouraging 12th in the table heading into Saturday's clash at Aston Villa, having won six of their last nine games in all competitions.

Hughes' side have been revitalised by the return of Zamora's fellow forwards Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson from injury, and the manager says last season's top scorer will have to fight to reclaim his spot up front.

"He understands that the squad is evolving now and the squad is getting bigger and stronger," said Hughes.

"Bobby knows that 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."

Leaving out a fit Zamora would have been unthinkable last term, with the Cottagers nowhere near the same side when the 30-year-old was absent.

That also looked to be the case after he was ruled out in September, until Fulham's recent run.


Success

"Bobby was a big factor in the success of the team last year, when he was the focal point of the team's attacking play," added Hughes.

"So, to take him out of the team so early in the season was obviously going to have a detrimental effect on us.

"We've missed Moussa Dembele for almost half the Premier League games we've been involved in, so that was a loss as well.

"In recent weeks we've been able to welcome him back and, obviously, Andy Johnson's playing really, really well at the moment."

.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6723610,00.html


Eidur out to silence critics


Cottagers boss says new signing has point to prove


Last updated: 4th February 2011
   


Gudjohnsen: Point to prove

Mark Hughes feels new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could have a point to prove at Fulham after his Stoke move failed to work out.

The Icelandic striker joined the Cottagers on a transfer deadline-day loan deal having struggled to make an impact at the Britannia Stadium.

The 32-year-old, a former Bolton, Chelsea and Tottenham player, arrived at Stoke from Monaco last year, but notched up just four Premier League appearances for the club.

And Fulham boss Hughes believes Gudjohnsen will be eager to silence his critics at Craven Cottage.

"Maybe he's got a little bit of a point to prove because a lot of people maybe have questioned where his career is at," said Hughes.

"He obviously wants to put that right and there's no reason why he can't do."

Permanent
Gudjohnsen will hope to earn a permanent deal at Fulham in the summer, while full-back John Pantsil will also be looking for an extension on his contract.

Hughes has already tied down captain Danny Murphy and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on new deals, with the latter demonstrating his importance against Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The shot-stopper helped the Cottagers to a 1-0 home victory after being immediately recalled following Australia's Asian Cup campaign, reclaiming the gloves from understudy David Stockdale.

"Mark's my No.1 keeper," said Hughes. "It's been hard on David Stockdale, in fairness, because he's a young keeper with a great future."

Hughes insists Stockdale "understood" why he was dropped, despite the 25-year-old impressing enough to be talked about once more in England terms having been touted for a call-up in August before injury struck.

Speaking about the possibility of Stockdale being called up for next week's friendly with Denmark, Hughes said: "If it happens this time, given the level of his performances, I think it would be deserved."

[White Noise]

Top Half Team


Friday 4th February 2011



Mark Hughes believes Fulham are on course to establish their place amongst the top ten in the Barclays Premier League as they prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday.

Fulham have started 2011 with five successive home wins and Saturday provides Hughes' Team with the opportunity to break into the top half of the table, but following Darren Bent's arrival at Villa Park, Hughes is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

"To be perfectly honest we're not looking at the teams below us, we're looking at the teams above us and that's our focus," Hughes told fulhamfc.com."I said at the beginning of the season that I thought we were a top ten side and nothing has happened to change my mind.

"Aston Villa have had a similar season to us," Hughes explained to fulhamfc.com. "Everyone accepts that they're in a position that nobody expected them to be in, like ourselves. However it's a difficult place to go and we're under no illusions – it will be a difficult game on Saturday.

"Obviously signing Darren Bent has had a positive impact on them, so maybe it's not as easy to go there now as it might have been three or four weeks ago.

"We're playing well at the moment and there's no apprehension in our play, whoever the opposition. We feel confident in what we're doing and we're looking forward to the game on Saturday."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/HughesTopHalfTeam.aspx#ixzz1D4E24t1R

[White Noise]

Impact Man


Friday 4th February 2011




Eidur Gudjohnsen has been included in Fulham's travelling party for Saturday's match at Villa Park and Mark Hughes is clearly pleased to have added a player of Gudjohnsen's calibre to his ranks for the remainder of the 2010/11 campaign.

"We've got a player [Gudjohnsen] that is hungry and wants to get his career back on track," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "Given his pedigree and vast experience playing at top clubs, it was an easy decision really.

"Maybe he's got a little bit of a point to prove because people have questioned where his career is at the moment. I think he wants to put that right and there's no reason why he can't.

"He missed out on Wednesday night but he'll be available on Saturday. He hasn't played a lot of games and that's what he's lacking and over the next few weeks we'll try and address that.

"He's an option coming off the bench – he's in good shape and he's looked good in training and has impressed everyone with his quality.

"He's come to a club that will suit him in terms of how we prepare and how we play as a Team. I think he's looking forward to the challenge."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/GudjohnsenImpactMan.aspx#ixzz1D4EHxcf0