Thursday Fulham Stuff (25.02.10)

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Brede's Europa Brief


Wednesday 24th February 2010


Fulham FC News


Fulham defender Brede Hangeland knows Fulham will need to produce another top class performance to overcome Shakhtar Donetsk at the Donbass Arena on Thursday night and the Norwegian international captain is clearly desperate to continue this season's memorable European adventure.

"We're in the lead after the hone game but it's a very narrow lead to take to a place like this. We'll have to play really well, defend well and take our chances when they come. Hopefully we can go through.

"I was very impressed with them [Shakhtar Donetsk] – they were quick, athletic and very good on the ball. It was a different to what we are used to in the Premier League but I thought we did well at the Cottage and if we can do something similar hopefully we can go through.

"We came into this competition as a sort of bonus for doing well last season and obviously we'd like to go as far as we can. We're just enjoying every opportunity and travelling to some places that we haven't been before.

"It would be great to go through but we're fully focused on the game against Shakhtar and we not looking at what might happen after."

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/bredeEuropaBrief.aspx#ixzz0gUrLUUoN

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Europa Preview


Wednesday 24th February 2010


Fulham FC News


Fulham arrived in Donetsk on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk and Roy Hodgson revealed the latest Team news before taking the evening training session at the stunning Donbass Arena.

"It's the same situation we had at the weekend, but of course Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka are cup tied," said Hodgson.

"In these European matches we are limited – we've got two young players with us who have no First Team experience at all. Our squad isn't big enough to allow us to have 18 senior professionals with the injuries we currently have."

Fulham will take a 2-1 lead into Thursday night's encounter and Hodgson is hoping his Team can reproduce another memorable European performance to secure a place in the last 16 to face either Juventus or Ajax.

"We're confident we'll give them a good game. We obviously have a lot of respect for them as a football team. We had that before we met them because we knew they were good.

"I think if we had any doubts those doubts would have been dispelled at Craven Cottage when we saw how well they can play and how dangerous they can be.

"The task in front of us is a big one but we don't lack confidence in any way - but at the same time we're not suffering from overconfidence. We know if we're going to get a result here [Donetsk] on Thursday night we'll have to play exceptionally well.

"It's nice to be here and it's nice to be in this situation. The players have got their focus firmly set on the game and they've also got their attitude firmly in place for the game. It's not the be all and end all but going through is certainly something we would like to do."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarPreview.aspx#ixzz0gUsX2iFN

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Stoke Ticket Options


Wednesday 24th February 2010


Fulham FC News

Supporters who purchased tickets for the postponed Barclays Premier League match against Stoke City should note that the following three options are available to them:

You can keep your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled game.

Once a new date for the Stoke game has been announced, you can return your tickets with a covering letter within seven days of the announcement for a full refund.

You can swap your Stoke tickets for FA Cup Quarter-Final tickets - however your tickets will need to be returned with a covering letter. Tickets should be received no later than 3pm on Wednesday 3rd March.

How to return your tickets:
You can return your tickets in person to the Craven Cottage Ticket Office
You can post your tickets to the Ticket Office:

Craven Cottage
Ticket Office
Stevenage Road
London
SW6 6HH
 

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/StokeTicketUpdate.aspx#ixzz0gUt90IDI

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Reserve Match Moved

Wednesday 24th February 2010


Fulham FC News


Supporters should note that Fulham's Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture against West Ham United, which was due to be played on Tuesday 9th March, has been rescheduled.

The fixture will now take place on Tuesday 27th April at Bishop's Stortford FC (kick-off 7pm).

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/WestHamReservesMoved.aspx

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http://hammyend.com/?p=5614

It's Tottenham!

by Dan on February 24, 2010

Fulham will host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday 6 March after Spurs got past Bolton in tonight's fifth round replay.

Harry Redknapp's side secured their trip to Craven Cottage with a comfortable win over Wanderers at White Hart Lane. Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, once linked with a loan move to Fulham, set Tottenham on their way with the opening goal on 28 minutes and two unfortunate own goals from Jussi Jaaskelainen and Alan O'Brien sealed Bolton's fate. Pavlyuchenko grabbed his fourth goal in two games – the previously out-of-favour forward scored twice at Wigan on Saturday night – with three minutes left to complete the rout.

The game will screened live by ITV1 and kick off at 5.20pm.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8534385.stm

Shakhtar Donetsk    v    Fulham (agg 1 - 2)

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Europa League

Home Team Score Away Team Time
S. Donetsk v  Fulham 18:00
(agg 1-2)
   
Venue: Donbass Arena Date: Thursday 25 February Kick-off: 1800 GMT

Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live updates and live on ITV4

TEAM NEWS

Fulham will be without on-loan defender Nicky Shorey for the second leg of the Europa League last 32 tie against 2009 Uefa Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk.

Shorey, who is on loan from Aston Villa, is ineligible for the match.

Full-back Paul Konchesky is nearing a return after missing the last five weeks with an ankle injury but the game in Ukraine may come too soon.

Fulham take a 2-1 first leg lead to Ukraine to face a Shakhtar side that are unbeaten at home this season.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7309206/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-club-can-be-proud-win-or-lose-says-Roy-Hodgson.html

Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: club can be proud win or lose says Roy Hodgson


Roy Hodgson admitted that even if Fulham's Europa League journey comes to an end in the impressive Donbass Arena, the club can be proud of their achievements.

By John Ley in Donetsk


Published: 6:46PM GMT 24 Feb 2010


Fulham lead 2-1 from the first leg against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk can reach the final 16 of the tournament.

Hodgson said: "It's an enormous stride to get here, it was an enormous scalp to beat the reigning champions and it has been enormous for the club to take scalps like Roma, Basle, CSKA Sofia, so we have proved we have come along way.

Shakhtar Donetsk refused Harrods entry "If we get a result it will be fantastic, but if we don't get a result it will have been a wonderful experience and helped increase the stature of the club amongst people in England.

"Sooner or later we may come up against a team who could beat us, we hope it won't happen tomorrow night.

"As a manager you shouldn't be looking to make history, you should be looking to do a good job. We will enjoy this game in a fantastic arena and against a tremendous team. But it won't make or break the feeling I have for Fulham FC."

Hodgson is without the injured Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, John Pantsil and Kagisho Dokgacoi while Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okacha are cup-tied.

He added: "We are confident we'll give them a good game after we gave them a good game at Craven Cottage. We have a lot of respect for them as a football team.

"We know how dangerous we can be, we don't lack confidence, but we are not suffering from over confidence. We will have to play well."

Hodgson's side could try to hold out for a goalless draw, but the Ukrainians have

A valuable away goal and he added: "Playing for draws is always a difficult thing to do because you automatically give the advantage to the other team.

"We really want to play them and to match them in their play and that means attacking rather than defending.

"Everything we do is to prepare to do well and based on when we get the ball cause them the problems.

"An away goal is useful in matches; by scoring an away goal to make the task easier. But they still need to win the game and I don't think they will underestimate us.

"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender advantage and we are expecting an onslaught from Shakhtar."

Fulham will play in the 51,000, $400m Donbass Arena built to for the 2012 European Championship finals and Hodgson was impressed, adding: "The stadium is quite outstanding, a magnificent place. It bodes well for the European Championship finals."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5977773,00.html



Bance reveals English ambition



Powerful African forward eyes Premier move


By Giscard Gourizro   Last updated: 24th February 2010   

Mainz striker Aristide Bance has admitted he is hoping to one day play his football in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international has reportedly attracted interest from a number of English clubs, with Birmingham, Blackburn and Fulham touted as possible destinations.

Bance, who was born and raised in the Ivory Coast, says he is currently focused on his role in the German Bundesliga, although he made no secret of his ambition.

"For me it is simple," he told skysports.com.

"I am here in Mainz and trying to do my best, but my ambition is to play in the Premier League one day.

"I am 25 years old so I am ready for big challenges now, I want to finish this season strongly and see.

"My advisors are in England so they will let me know if there is an interested club. I know some are through the press, but I am calm and will wait."

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http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5977833,00.html


COTTAGERS CHASING MORE THAN A POINT



Posted 24/02/10 18:32



Roy Hodgson has no intention of playing for a draw when his Fulham side take on Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage following the first leg at Craven Cottage last week.

But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.

"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.

"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.

"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw.

"We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems.

"First of all we will try to stop that and then when we get the ball we can cause them some problems."

Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.

But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.

"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself," added Hodgson.

"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.

"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.

"Their coach, who I spoke to after the game, was impressed with our performance at Craven Cottage and I'm sure his team will be preparing, as we are, for another tough encounter."

As well as the in-form Zamora, Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland.

And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.

"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," said Hangeland.

"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.

"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.

"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.

"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."

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http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-at.html

My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham at Shakhtar Donetsk


The day of reckoning is tomorrow. Fulham play at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Final 32 of the Europa League. The game is at 6PM UK Time and 1PM EST. Fulham hold on to a slim lead in the competition. There are several questions going into this match. What starting lineup will Roy Hogdson go with? Will they play defensive and protect the slim lead? How will the referees effect this match? Which style of football will dominate? All of these questions and more will be answered after the game. Below are my 5 keys to victory for Fulham.


1. Stephen Kelly has to be at this best in this match on defense. I have been hard on him. However, he has looked out of place in several matches. Was he beat on the Luiz Adriano goal in the first match? With the attacking style of Shakhtar Donetsk, for Fulham to win he is going to have to be at his best. I will be watching Stephen Kelly.

2. Fulham can't afford to sit on the lead. Fulham hold a narrow 2 -1 lead going into the match. They cannot afford to sit back and let this team attack the entire game. It is imperative that the ball is pushed up to Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera. They need to attack and score. If they do decide to sit back I believe this is a recipe for disaster. Shakhtar have too much talent.

3. Fulham need to dictate their style of football on Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar play a more wide open attacking football. Some could call it a "beautiful style" of football. Fulham need to play their physical brand of football. They need to force their will on Shakhtar. Players like Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu can set that tone.

4. Fulham need to be aware of how the referees are calling the match. Unfortunately, the referees I believe will play a major part in this match. Fulham need to play how the match is being called. If the officials are letting them be physical they need to take that physicality as far as they can. If they are calling it close they need to be careful with their physical play. Physical players like Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora have to be careful. Fulham don't need anymore red cards that effected the last Roma match.

5. Mark Schwarzer needs to have an exceptional game in net. I think he will be under constant pressure. He is a great goalkeeper. I have faith that he will be on his game.


I am sure there are other keys for the match but these 5 stand out to me. Shakhtar Donetsk are a very impressive team. This game will be a tough challenge for Roy Hogdson. If Fulham can control the game they have a chance. Let's hope for the best.

Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 11:40 AM 

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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=285556&cc=5739


Cottagers to take positive approach



Competition Stats 

   Shakhtar Donetsk  Fulham 
Goals  da Silva Luiz Adriano 4  Bobby Zamora 3 
Reds   Erik Nevland 1 
Yellows  da Silva Luiz Adriano 2  Jonathan Greening 4 
·   Club Squads : Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham 

Last Five Matches in Competition 
Shakhtar Donetsk  Fulham 
A: Fulham 2-1  H: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 
A: Partizan Belgrade 1-0  A: FC Basel 2-3 
H: Club Brugge 0-0  H: CSKA Sofia 1-0 
A: Toulouse 0-2  A: AS Roma 2-1 
H: Toulouse 4-0  H: AS Roma 1-1 
· Club Results: Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham 

Next Five Matches in Competition 
Shakhtar Donetsk  Fulham 
25/2  H: Fulham  25/2  A: Shakhtar Donetsk 
· Club Fixtures: Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham 
Updated: February 24, 2010, 6:53 PM UK

Roy Hodgson has no intention of playing for a draw when his Fulham side take on Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage following the first leg at Craven Cottage last week.

But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.

"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.

"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.''

Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.

But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.

"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself,'' added Hodgson.

"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.

"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.''

Indeed, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu is all too aware of the challenge his team faces.

"It is going to be very important and hard fixture,'' he said.

"Our rivals are in good form. They won the last six matches and succeeded to qualify for the next stage in FA Cup.

"They also improved their standing in the English Premier League.

"They also beat us for the first time and most likely enjoyed it very much. They said a win over Shakhtar was their biggest win ever in European football, so that is why it is going to be hard.''

Hodgson will restore Stephen Kelly to defence with Nicky Shorey ineligible, while Stefano Okaka is also cup-tied while Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) are still out.

Razvan Dinca Rat and Luiz Adriano are both doubtful for Shakhtar having only been fit enough to resume training on Tuesday.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7309494/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-Donbass-Arena-hints-at-eastern-Europes-growing-stature.html

Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: Donbass Arena hints at eastern Europe's growing stature

The city was founded by a Welshman, miner John Hughes, and everywhere you look are gob piles – a by-product of mining formed of waste products from the industry, pok-mark Shakhtar.

By John Ley in Donetsk

Published: 6:52PM GMT 24 Feb 2010

Yet, sat in the centre, like a brightly-lit blue spaceship, sits the Donbass Arena, Ukrainian football's pride and joy.

On Thursday night, Fulham become the first English side to enjoy the extravagance and style this remarkable arena offers. The city, twinned with Sheffield, may be a testament to the lure of industrial wealth, but the new stadium hints at eastern European football's growing stature.

Shakhtar Donetsk won the Uefa Cup last season and, in August, they unveiled the Donbass Arena, a stadium that will be used for the finals of Euro 2012, held jointly in Poland and Ukraine.

The $400 million, 51,000 seat dome has already staged concerts by stars such as Beyonce Knowles, having been designed by the same company that saw the building of the City of Manchester Stadium, Munich's Allianz Arena and the home of the Olympic games, the Beijing National Stadium.

It boasts an exceptional engineering solution – the soaring roof effect – which gives the effect of a flying saucer, and as Fulham's players witnessed before training last night, external lighting makes the stadium shine like a beacon.

The stadium, situated in the Lenin Comsomol park, is so at odds with the city, where both Arsenal and Tottenham have lost. In 1869 little existed here until Hughes established a steel mill and coal mines. The city was, as a result, originally named Yuzovka, and as a testament to his influence, one of the oldest structures here is the Hotel Great Britain, which dates from 1883, and continuing the English theme, there is also a Hotel Liverpool.

Indeed, there is something alluring about this city; punk legend and former Clash frontman Joe Strummer included a song entitled 'Shakhtar Donetsk' on his 2001 album Global A Go-Go.

A near sell-out crowd has been urged to spur on the "Motherland", in what is the first game here since December following the long Ukrainian winter break. It may be minus one degree centigrade – or colder -- for the game, but the heat will be turned up when the men they call the Miners attempt to bury the Cottagers.

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11. Bobby Zamora

Fulham fans will tell you he can run the line up front, if not better than the other candidates for the target-man role – Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey or Carlton Cole.

And he's banging in more goals than those competing for the role. His 13 goals eclipse Crouch's 10, Cole's nine and Heskey's five.

And he's scoring belters, too. The goals against Shakhtar and Birmingham will have certainly given Capello plenty of food for thought.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253492/THE-LIST-Sportsmails-50-English-footballers-Fabio-Capellos-radar.html#ixzz0gWjL0N7k

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http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/123773/Roy-s-men-caught-in-Shak-web/


ROY'S MEN CAUGHT IN SHAK WEB


25th February 2010


By George Scott

FULHAM have complained to Shakhtar Donetsk after the Ukrainian club posted their itinerary on their website.

Their Europa League rivals revealed Fulham's airport arrival time, time of training sessions and named their hotel.

Fulham, who are 2-1 up and bidding for the last 16 of a European tournament for the first time, immediately complained and Shakhtar removed the information.

Last Tuesday, two days before the first match at Craven Cottage, Shakhtar players were turned away from Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed's Harrods store.

But Fulham manager Roy Hodgson shrugged off this latest situation, saying: "I think the owner of the club also owns the hotel where we are staying, and I think he likes to get a bit of publicity.

"They do it for every European game and it doesn't bother me." Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu then raised the temperature ahead of this tie in the spectacular 51,000 Donbass Arena, when talking about the previous match against Hodgson's men.

Lucescu said: "It was a duel between two completely different styles of playing.

"Fulham were based on physical strength and long passes. We construct our game with technique and fast dribbling.

"Our team deserves to play in the final phase of any tournament it takes part in because we show a spectacular game which is interesting for everyone.

"We will have to find ways to break them down as well as to reach the penalty area." But Hodgson refused to get involved in a row, saying: "I don't know about that. I don't ever comment on those things.

"I know Lucescu quite well and I spoke to him at length after the last game and I don't think there's any doubt in his mind about the type of team we are.

"We matched them in the second half, we took the game to them and played well.We are confident we will give them a good game and we have a lot of respect for them.

"Any doubts will have been dispelled at Craven Cottage, we know how dangerous they can be. We don't lack confidence, but we are not suffering from over confidence.

"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender advantage and we are expecting an onslaught from Shakhtar."

Shakhtar Donetsk (probable): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Ilsinho, Jadson, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Willian; Adriano.

Fulham (probable): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Gera; Zamora.

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway).

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http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/tottenham/article7040059.ece


Fulham feel heat as they bid to knock out favourites Shakhtar Donetsk


Tom Dart


Before the glamour, the graft. A tie against Juventus or Ajax awaits Fulham if they can secure at least a draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk tonight, but although they take a 2-1 lead to Ukraine it would be bold to describe Roy Hodgson's side as favourites.

Shakhtar knocked out Tottenham Hotspur en route to lifting the Uefa Cup last year and have won eight of their past ten European fixtures at home. It took a superb strike from Bobby Zamora to beat them at Craven Cottage in last Thursday's first leg of the Europa League round-of-32 tie and Fulham can expect to face a heated atmosphere in sub-zero conditions.

Hodgson, the Fulham manager, does not want his side to be cautious this evening, despite the temptation to try to protect their lead.

"Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team," he said. "I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.

"I think we want to match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well."

The West London club's enthusiasm for the tournament has increased as it has gone on.

"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can," Brede Hangeland, the 28-year-old Fulham and Norway defender, said. "We all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are. I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League."

Shakhtar Donetsk (possible; 4-2-3-1): A Pyatov — D Srna, O Kucher, Y Rakytskiy, R Rat — Fernandinho, T Hübschman — Ilsinho, Jadson, Willian — Luiz Adriano.

Fulham (possible; 4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer — C Baird, B Hangeland, A Hughes, S Kelly — S Davies, D Murphy, D Etuhu, D Duff — Z Gera — R Zamora.

Referee: S Moen (Norway).

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Roy anger at Shak attack


From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk

Published: Today


Add a comment (2)


ROY HODGSON is fuming after being labelled a 'long-ball merchant' by Shakhtar Donetsk.

Fulham go into this Europa League last-32 second-leg tie leading 2-1 against the UEFA Cup holders.


Following last week's shock victory at Craven Cottage, moaning Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said: "It was a duel between two completely different styles of playing.


"Fulham were based on their physical strength and long passes. We construct our game with technique and with fast dribbling.


"We deserve to play in the final phase of any tournament because we play a spectacular game which is interesting for everyone."


The sabre-rattling and mind games only serve to spice up a crucial match.


Fulham shocked Europe with their impressive 2-1 win over Shakhtar in the first leg and are through to the last eight of the FA Cup and riding high in the Premier League.


Shakhtar are the defending champions and regular Champions League competitors with lofty ambitions.


Fulham manager Hodgson said: "I know Lucescu quite well. I don't think there are any doubts in his mind about the type of team we are.


"We're confident we'll give them a good game after we gave them a good game at home.


"In the second half, we took the game to them and just about deserved to come away with a victory. We have a lot of respect for Donetsk. We don't lack confidence but we are not suffering from over confidence.


"An away goal is useful, of course, as you make the task a little bit easier for yourself.


"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.


"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender one and we are expecting an onslaught from them.


Hodgson added: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.


"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.


"First of all, we will try to stop them causing us problems and then when we get the ball, we can cause them some."


Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland in the Donbass Arena tonight.


And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.


Hangeland, 28, said: "We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are.


"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.


"I was very impressed with Donetsk. They are quick, athletic and good on the ball.


"It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.


"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.


"It would be great to get through but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."


FULHAM LIKELY LINE-UP: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Gera, Zamora.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2867518/Roy-anger-at-Shak-attack.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gWnodZNt

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Shakhtar-Donetsk-vs-Fulham-preview-Roy-Hodgson-tells-his-side-to-go-out-and-play-article334471.html

Hodgson tells his side to go out and play ahead of Shaktar match


Published 22:45 24/02/10

By MirrorFootball


Roy Hodgson will tell his side to go out and play to win tonight.

Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage and know that a draw will see them through.

But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.

"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.

"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.

"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw.

"We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems.

"First of all we will try to stop that and then when we get the ball we can cause them some problems."

Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.

But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.

"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself," added Hodgson.

"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.

"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.

"Their coach, who I spoke to after the game, was impressed with our performance at Craven Cottage and I'm sure his team will be preparing, as we are, for another tough encounter."

As well as the in-form Zamora, Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland.

And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.

"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," said Hangeland.

"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.

"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.

"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.

"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."

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http://salutsunderland.footballunited.com/2010/02/who-are-you-were-fulham-3/


Who are you? We're Fulham

On May 4 2006, Sunderland beat Fulham 2-1 in the last home game of the season, with Kevin Ball as caretaker manager. We were already doomed and all that was at stake was avoidance of the added humiliation of becoming the first team in English league history to fail to win a single tie at home all season. We do not have to go back quite as far now as we did then for the last Premier win (home or away): it was, of course, Nov 21 when we beat Arsenal and thought ourselves in clover.

Is Sunday to be our day? James Alexander Tizzard*, our undercover, non-Lily Allen Fulham fan discovered at the Cottage Corner fansite, thinks we will have to wait a little longer for our next victory. We should wish his team well tonight at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League – and hope they're too knackered to muster much of a challenge on Sunday ...


Salut! Sunderland: As a Sunderland fan, I was embarrassed by our first half performance at Craven Cottage, and I know you all felt it was a 3-0 win dressed up as 1-0. Were you surprised at how bad we were?

At the start of the season, Sunderland looked like a side capable of pushing for Europe. The past two seasons you had dominated the games at our place so it was particularly suprising to witness such a poor first half display.


And Fulham fans are entitled to say don;t just knock your team, give us credit?" Indeed, a very good bunch of footballers playing well together. All down to Roy Hodgson?

Hodgson deserves all the credit for the position we find ourselves in. He has built a squad of honest, hard working players which play a very disciplined and attractive style of football. Much of our success has been built on a solid defence


How far can Fulham go? Is it simply unrealistic to hope for a top four breakthrough?

Top 4 will always be out of reach due to the financial restraints at our club. Many fans would like the chairman to flash the cash and live the dream but its important we don't get ahead of ourselves and try to build our club steadily

And what about us? Have you memories, good or bad, of games between us, of players and officials linked with both clubs (Andy Melville, Paul Bracewell, Steed Malbranque, Lee Clark spring to mind)?


I'll stick to the names above! Andy Melville has a cult hero status at the club. Never the classiest, most reliable of defenders, he did play a big role in our promotion to the Premiership and game us a couple of solid years in our first few seasons. Lee Clark also is remembered fondly at CC. Obviously the way in which he left Sunderland will stick in your fans' minds, but he was a true talisman in our rise to the Premier League and was a great captain. Injuries really held him back but he still managed to play an important role in a strong premiership season 2004/2005.

Name this season;s finishing top four in order.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City


And the bottom three

Pompey, Hull, Burnley


If Fulham and Sunderland were in neither, where will we each end up?

Fulham should finish 9th or 10th Sunderland 13th or 14th

The Eduardo question: last second opf the last game of the season. It's 1-1 and you need a win to secure a place in Europe/top four/ or to win the cup. Murphy or Johnson goes down in the box. Everyone in the ground knows it was a dive – except the ref. You score and win. You take it gladly, you take it guiltily or you're so ashamed you almost wish you'd only drawn?

After the incident with Thierry Henry, it's clear that cheats will be allowed to prosper in the game. Whilst no fan likes to see his player cheat, football has a tremendous ability to let things go. With that in mind, I'd happily take any form of cheating if it meant success for Fulham

How outrageous was it to suggest Danny or Andy would do any such thing, and who are the Premier's worst divers?

Danny is very unlikely to throw himself down for a penalty. Johnson has been labelled a diver most of his career! Diving seems to be a dying out in the Premier League. The last one i remember doing it was Rooney.


Club vs country. With the World Cup looming, who wins for you and why?

Club everytime. Its hard to supports an English Team that consists of characters such as John Terry or Ashley Cole (not just because their Chelsea). England seems much more a money making thing these days


Will you be at the match – have you ever been to Sunderland? – and what will be the score on Feb 28?


I will indeed be at the game. We play in Donetsk the Thursday before so its going to be a really tough ask for our side. That said our side have surprised me this season so I'll go for a 1-1 draw.

* James Alexander Tizzard on James Alexander Tizzard: I have been followed Fulham since the mid-70s. My late father Jack was a season ticket holder for some 30 years and was chairman of the Disabled Fulham Trust. It's great to be able to watch Fulham in what has been the best period in the clubs history, hopefully we can add our first major trophy to crown it. The club is very much growing in stature, as can be seen in the slow rise in attendances over the past few years



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Shakhtar Preparation Photos

Thursday 25th February 2010

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/ShakhtarAwayPreparationPhotos.aspx