Sunday Fulham Stuff (18/09/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol Having Fun Yet?

Hot diggety, and really 'preciate y'asking an' all - but so far, no sirree! Big figure, big reputation, but why do we keep coming up short Martin? And it's set to get worse before it gets better

From a neutral perspective I imagine Thursday's tie at a half-full Cottage was quite entertaining. For 70 minutes both sides played a fast-paced, technically adept game. The card count gave a false impression - this was never a dirty game and Twente looked to score as much as we did. The ball was zipped around at such pace the tiniest margin of error saw players being caught as the ball left their feet and the ref got overly fussy with his cards.

Make no mistake, the Dutch were a talented outfit. They were also younger and fitter than us. Far from experimenting, Jol retained the core of his side. Grygera made an encouraging debut and Briggs only enhanced his reputation again with both composure and a desire to thrust forward up the left. Sanity saw Chris Baird given a run out in the centre of defence, Kasami again suggested he has something about him - he certainly looks comfortable at this level.

But the parts remain greater than the sum. Plenty of approach play and purpose but yet again no punch around the penalty area. I just spent a night on the razzle with my Spurs supporting neighbour. He says the current style down by the Thames is indicative of Jol's final days at Spurs. Lots of pretty stuff, the Dutch 'total football' being constantly preached, but no end product. The cackle along Tottenham High Road is that we will be facing a relegation scrap under our new boss, who flew high under Commoli's eye for players at the Lane, but that Jol has no credentials for achieving under budget restriants with a 'small' club. Digest that at your leisure, and please feel free to tell me it's still way too early to panic.

Clint thought so after the game. The gunslinger gave his usual pragmatic view that the goals will come and it's just a matter of time. Brushing off suggestions that the side were hurting from their two games a week schedule, the Texan - who has barely had time to flip a T-bone steak for the past three summers - insisted that 'you want to play as many games as possible' at this level and that's what you crave as a pro. Does our captain feel the same way?

Far from being able to rest key players before Sunday's monumental test against high-flying City, it was another draining performance against the energetic Dutch. The game for Fulham was up Thursday night with 20 minutes left, a couple of astute posters elsewhere noted it, and for me it was the crucial lesson from the game. The inference with Jol's selections are clear. Bobby and Damien must be wrapped in cotton wool to avoid burn out. On their day both can turn a match, and the two have given us many such performances to cherish in recent seasons. Both conjure goals out of nothing while others shuffle sideways across the park or bounce off the defensive wall. If they don't spark...Thursday for the last 20 minutes both were barely visible.

But not their fault. At the point where we tried to force the issue and Jol played his jokers, Danny was out on his feet and reduced to walking pace. Much of our energy drained away as Kasami and Briggs left the pitch, Dembele continues to perform like an overwound clockwork mouse, and had the game lasted another ten minutes Twente would surely have taken us on the break. Senderos had an awful few minutes at the death.

How the team would benefit at present in having Simon Davies fit to make more sensible use of the ball than Moussa will ever be capable of. Has anybody yet seen him make an intelligent pass to a team-mate? Both goals on the night were fortuitous. Andy's was a gift. He got both the benefit of an underhit square pass and a kind ricohet off the last man before dinking his finish in off the post. When we were on top in the 2nd half he shot wastefully straight at the keeper after Clint's slaloming run at the defence. As with Sunday's game, we still seem reluctant to try our luck from range. As to Twente's leveller. Good break up the right wing, but I don't think that header was pre-meditated, and of course it finished up going in off the back of Mark's head. Having said that, for their enterprise the Dutch entirely merited a goal.
This will be a close-run group to go through from. But such was the story two seasons ago. The history of our Europa campaign then saw many different players step up to sprinkle a little magic Roy's way. Hangeland's header in Donetsk totally against the run of play, Riise jnr supplying the bullets for Bobby in Basel, Clint's unforgettable chip to finally down Juventus. Perhaps the footballing gods only allow you such golden moments every 10 years.

Time then to roll up the sleeves and try to get something from our next two games. The task could hardly be tougher. Although City stumbled against Napoli, it's hard to imagine Fulham keeping them quiet for 90 minutes Sunday. For the past two seasons supporters had a pretty accurate idea of what constituted our best starting eleven. Now, I have no idea what the strategy is or how Jol thinks he can set the side up to conjure wins over both Citeh and Chelsea. Surgery on the side was brushed aside last season, Jol's activity in the market thus far is yet to return any dividends. Of course, the big money man has had another week to get know his team-mates. But I fear for Bryan if we are of a sudden looking to the new boy to step out immediately garbed in the golden fleece.

We've faced tougher times. Far tougher. Time to keep the faith and pray the boys find some confidence to defy the odds over the coming week. I shall be keeping a bottle of Jack close by just in case to ease my pain.



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/09/jol_having_fun_yet.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Man City Preview

Courtesy of our Europa League excursions, we`re back to Sunday football for the foreseeable future. This Sunday we welcome big-spending Manchester City to Craven Cottage to take on a side that is brimming with confidence and are neck-a-neck with Manchester United at the top of the table. It promises to be a classic encounter!

Vital Quotes:
Danny Murphy, aware of our poor home form in the Premier League and our lowly league position, believes that Manchester City could be just the fixture to turn things around, declaring,

"Sometimes it takes a big game to turn the season around and get a win on the board."

"We`ve done it at home before, against the Manchester United`s, Liverpool`s and Arsenal`s of this world."
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol rang the changes for the recent 1-1 draw, in the Europa League, with FC Twente. For this fixture the likelihood is that he`ll revert, as far as possible, to his preferred starting eleven.

But there are injury doubts. The dependable Aaron Hughes is rated as very doubtful and we understand that Dickson Etuhu is also out of contention.

Bryan Ruiz, not eligible for the Europa League group stages is available again but may have to be content with a place on the bench whilst Martin Jol juggles with how to introduce him to the speed and vigour associated with the English game.

Player to watch: Mark Schwarzer
In his splendid green Kappa shirt he may resemble the Riddler, from Batman, but our Aussie will have a key role to play this Sunday. If Fulham are to get anything from this encounter then we need Mark to have a blinder.

Manchester City Team News:
Roberto Mancini brings his star-studded side to West London with his side on top form.

As far as we can make out his only injury concerns are James Milner (clash of heads last week) and Nigel de Jong (foot injury). On their Champions League bow Kolarov broke his nose but soldiered on and is expected to start this time out.

Fulham supporters though will be eager to know which of his star quartet of strikers will get the nod this Sunday. With Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko to choose from, it is a selection headache many a manager would kill for.

Player to watch: David Silva
Slight in build but an absolute genius with the ball. Given half a chance he`ll be the supply line that`ll provide whichever of the strikers Roberto Mancini chooses to select.

Match Facts & Stats
Manchester City arrive at Craven Cottage with the recent form book favouring them. In their last five visits to Craven Cottage they have won 3 and drawn 2

Those fearful of a 0-0 result can take comfort from the fact that it is as long ago as March 2004 that a game involving these two sides ended 0-0. In fact the last fifteen fixtures have seen both sides get on the score-sheet.

Match Prediction:
It used to be away wins that were rare, this season, in the Premier League, its home wins with Fulham yet to register a home win this season. Manchester City, backed by enormous amounts of cash, has started the season in the kind of form that suggests they could stroll away with the title. Can Fulham get a result this Sunday? Why not! Nobody is invincible and if we can get about them then we could surprise everybody and steal all three points. 1-0 anybody!

Next Fixtures:
It`s a relatively short stroll up the Fulham Road to take on our neighbours, Chelsea, in the Carling Cup during midweek. Next weekend we hit the road again, in the Premier League, to take on West Brom and a reunion with Roy Hodgson.



http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=255837

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy out to halt City run
Danny Murphy insists Fulham will be going all out for their first league win of the season when they host rampant Manchester City.



The Cottagers have two draws and two defeats to their name from their opening four Premier League games and in City face a side that have netted 15 times in the same number of games.

Midfielder Murphy, though, is taking inspiration from their knack of triumphing at home to greater opposition, and also Fulham's 1-1 draw in City's own backyard last season.

"We can win the game, because we've shown before against good quality opposition that we can, especially at the Cottage," he told The Daily Mirror.

"It's going to need a hell of a performance from us, but what better way to get your first win than against one of the best sides in the Premier League?

"We showed last year, when we played them up there at their place, that we're capable of getting results against the better sides.

"We've done it here before as well against the Man Uniteds of this world, and the Liverpools and Arsenals.

"You've got to play these teams and try to believe you can win - sometimes teams are finished before they get out on the pitch."

Following their City test Fulham face a daunting trip to Chelsea, and failure to take anything from either game may put new boss Martin Jol under pressure.

"We've got an experienced squad and we won't panic," insists Murphy. "The fixture list hasn't been kind.

"I don't want to get the violin out but we seem to be getting punished a lot recently. But that's football at this level against good opposition."




http://www.football365.com/premier-league/7183895/Murphy-out-to-halt-City-run?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol vows to attack Man City

Fulham manager Martin Jol has pledged to fight fire with fire when high-flying Manchester City visit Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The west Londoners have struggled so far this season in the Premier League, whereas opponents City have started in scintillating form.

Fulham only have two points on the board after four matches and Jol admitted earlier this week his side need to start turning draws into wins.

The Cottagers have drawn three out of their last four home games and the Dutchman believes the best way to change their fortunes against City will be to press from the offset.

"I plan for us to attack on Sunday," Jol said. "They play attacking football but still with two defensive midfielders and four players at the back.

"They don't take a lot of initiative but they've got four quality players that try to get behind your midfield.

"They have a lot of quality. We have to come up with something to stop that and still get goals.

"If we would have won the first two home games (against Aston Villa and Blackburn) we would have six points and this game would be a different matter.

"Now you have to gain your own spirit, your own confidence for the game."

Manchester City come into the match off the back of their Champions League debut, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.

Fulham also had European exertions to contend with in midweek, drawing 1-1 with Jol's former club FC Twente at Craven Cottage.

The Dutchman highlighted in his programme notes his belief that the competition could act as an important platform to build confidence, and he thinks it is paying dividend already despite Thursday's frustrating result.

"I felt the first half we played very good football," he said.

"One-touch, two-touch football with five or six different players and we did well.

"In the second half it is always the same - if you try to force something you give away space.

"But I couldn't gamble on a draw against Twente as I need to get everybody back in shape.

"If you see Thursday, for example - it is a different matter to last Sunday [against Blackburn].

"Bright points were Pajtim Kasami at 19 years of age played well and I thought Chris Baird too did well, playing for the first time in the centre.

"Of course he has done that before in his career but it was a little bit of a gamble and he did well.

"The only negative thing is you don't score the goals you need."

Baird could again feature for Jol's side on Sunday with Aaron Hughes struggling with a knee injury and new signing Zdenek Grygera still bedding in.

The Northern Ireland international is excited by the prospect of facing Roberto Mancini's side and believes Fulham can secure a positive result against the odds.

"Our thoughts now turn to the game with Manchester City on Sunday and we all know that we need to get that first win," Baird said.

"City are doing extremely well at the moment so people will say that may be easier said than done.

"They are a top quality side but we're playing them at Craven Cottage and we all know that we are capable of taking three points off any team there.

"Hopefully that will be the case because it would give us a massive boost.

"We're looking forward to getting out there with them and we'll make sure we are firing on all cylinders."




http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7184042/Jol-vows-to-attack-city?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Man City


Jol vows to attack City Fulham manager Martin Jol has pledged to fight fire with fire when high-flying Manchester City visit Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The west Londoners have struggled so far this season in the Barclays Premier League, whereas opponents City have started in scintillating form.

Fulham only have two points on the board after four matches and Jol admitted earlier this week his side need to start turning draws into wins.

The Cottagers have drawn three out of their last four home games and the Dutchman believes the best way to change their fortunes against City will be to press from the offset.

"I plan for us to attack on Sunday," Jol said.

"They play attacking football but still with two defensive midfielders and four players at the back.

"They don't take a lot of initiative but they've got four quality players that try to get behind your midfield.

"They have a lot of quality.

We have to come up with something to stop that and still get goals.

" The Dutchman highlighted in his programme notes his belief that the competition could act as an important platform to build confidence, and he thinks it is paying dividend already despite Thursday's frustrating result.

He added: "Bright points were Pajtim Kasami at 19 years of age played well and I thought Chris Baird too did well, playing for the first time in the centre.

" Baird could again feature for Jol's side on Sunday with Aaron Hughes struggling with a knee injury and new signing Zdenek Grygera still bedding in.

City manager Roberto Mancini wants his team to develop the winning mentality of Europe's top clubs.

After City were held to a draw by Napoli on their Champions League debut in midweek, Mancini feels they still have some way to go to match the established elite.

The Italian said: "I want our team to have a strong mentality like (Manchester) United, like Milan or like Barca.

"All these teams that won the Champions League or the championship of their country, I think we need to have this mentality.

" City have been in outstanding domestic form, winning all four of their league games and scoring 15 goals in the process.

Fans hope to see that form carried over into Europe but Mancini says he would happily sacrifice style if it guaranteed victories.

Mancini said: "We play always to win but we need to understand we can win without always playing well.

"You can play fantastic football but if you don't score, in the Champions League, it is difficult because every game you meet a top team.

"If you concede or make a mistake it can be difficult.

"So, for me it is better maybe to not play very well but to score and have control of the game, like United did, like Milan.

" Mancini is expecting a tough afternoon as City return to domestic action at Fulham tomorrow.

The City boss expects the Cottagers, who drew with FC Twente in the Europa League on Thursday, to raise their game for the encounter.

He said: "Fulham is always a difficult game.

Last year we won there but we played a fantastic game.

"I have seen their games and they are very dangerous.

"I watched Fulham against Blackburn on Sunday.

It was a different game.

"When a team like Fulham or Blackburn play against a top team like us, United or Chelsea, they play better.

They put in everything they have.

" City will again be without midfielders Nigel de Jong and James Milner.

De Jong could be out for another two weeks with a foot injury while Milner will miss a second game as a result of a clash of heads in last week's win over Wigan.

Apart from that, Mancini will have his usual plethora of options to juggle, particularly in attack.

In-form duo Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, with 13 goals between them, have become the first-choice strike pair with last season's top scorer Carlos Tevez largely confined to the bench.

One player yet to feature for City is former Manchester United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The 30-year-old joined the club last month in the hope of reviving his career after three injury-ravaged years at Old Trafford.

Although he has not been included in City's Champions League squad due to a lack of match fitness, Mancini has been impressed with his workrate in training.

He is now likely to be given his first run-out in next week's Carling Cup third-round tie against Birmingham.

Defender Kolo Toure, eligible again after serving a drugs ban, is also likely to be back in action soon after two games as an unused substitute.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/previews/fulham-v-man-city-32796/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol vows to attack Man City
Fulham manager Martin Jol has pledged to fight fire with fire when high-flying Manchester City visit Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The west Londoners have struggled so far this season in the Premier League, whereas opponents City have started in scintillating form.

Fulham only have two points on the board after four matches and Jol admitted earlier this week his side need to start turning draws into wins.

The Cottagers have drawn three out of their last four home games and the Dutchman believes the best way to change their fortunes against City will be to press from the offset.

"I plan for us to attack on Sunday," Jol said. "They play attacking football but still with two defensive midfielders and four players at the back.

"They don't take a lot of initiative but they've got four quality players that try to get behind your midfield.

"They have a lot of quality. We have to come up with something to stop that and still get goals.

"If we would have won the first two home games (against Aston Villa and Blackburn) we would have six points and this game would be a different matter.

"Now you have to gain your own spirit, your own confidence for the game."

Manchester City come into the match off the back of their Champions League debut, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.

Fulham also had European exertions to contend with in midweek, drawing 1-1 with Jol's former club FC Twente at Craven Cottage.

The Dutchman highlighted in his programme notes his belief that the competition could act as an important platform to build confidence, and he thinks it is paying dividend already despite Thursday's frustrating result.

"I felt the first half we played very good football," he said.

"One-touch, two-touch football with five or six different players and we did well.

"In the second half it is always the same - if you try to force something you give away space.

"But I couldn't gamble on a draw against Twente as I need to get everybody back in shape.

"If you see Thursday, for example - it is a different matter to last Sunday [against Blackburn].

"Bright points were Pajtim Kasami at 19 years of age played well and I thought Chris Baird too did well, playing for the first time in the centre.

"Of course he has done that before in his career but it was a little bit of a gamble and he did well.

"The only negative thing is you don't score the goals you need."

Baird could again feature for Jol's side on Sunday with Aaron Hughes struggling with a knee injury and new signing Zdenek Grygera still bedding in.

The Northern Ireland international is excited by the prospect of facing Roberto Mancini's side and believes Fulham can secure a positive result against the odds.

"Our thoughts now turn to the game with Manchester City on Sunday and we all know that we need to get that first win," Baird said.

"City are doing extremely well at the moment so people will say that may be easier said than done.

"They are a top quality side but we're playing them at Craven Cottage and we all know that we are capable of taking three points off any team there.

"Hopefully that will be the case because it would give us a massive boost.

"We're looking forward to getting out there with them and we'll make sure we are firing on all cylinders."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7184042/Jol-vows-to-attack-Man-City?

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League Previews: Manchester City to win again

Both Fulham and Sunderland are still looking for their first victory of the season, but Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch can only see one of them gaining three points on Sunday.

Despite having been given a reasonably comfortable start to the season by the fixture planners, Fulham find themselves in the relegation zone, having struggled to adapt to Martin Jol's more attacking style. Still in search of their first win, Jol's side now face a real test in the form of Manchester City.

Fulham are tough to beat at Craven Cottage however, with our friends at Opta revealing that they have lost only one of their last eleven Premier League home games. They have drawn both of their home games in the league this season, but I think that they will struggle to contain a City side who have had an extra day of rest following both teams' European exploits and who can call upon a squad full of internationals to freshen up their starting XI.

Roberto Mancini's team are fair price at [1.63], but with City having taken a first half lead in three of their four league games, I prefer the [2.1] available for them to be leading at half-time. City are [2.62] to win to nil against a Fulham side that have only scored twice this season, but due to the more open nature of the away team's game these days, I think both sides will score at a price of [1.93].



http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/premier-league-previews-manchester-city-to-win-again-170911.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
DEMPSEY: WINS WILL COME FOR FULHAM


Clint Dempsey insists Fulham will start picking up victories if they stick to their current philosophy.

The United States international was one of the standout performer's in last night's 1-1 draw with FC Twente in Europa League Group K.

Andrew Johnson handed the Cottagers a first-half lead, before an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer forced the sides to share the spoils.

Martin Jol admitted he is becoming concerned by Fulham's inability to eke out wins - last night's draw was their third in four home games - but Dempsey believes the tide will soon turn in their favour.

"Every game is going to be tough, especially away from home," he said.

"You've just got to keep going and I think eventually it will start to fall for us.

"If things keep going they way they are going, we're going to start getting wins.

"No matter who we play we're going to try and get a result.

"We need results now, especially with where we are in the table.

"We're going to go out there, try and do our best to get as many points as we can."

Fulham's performance yesterday belied their poor Barclays Premier League showings as they passed neatly and created a plethora of chances.

While they only managed to convert one of those opportunities, Dempsey believes his team-mates can take encouragement from their creative performance into Sunday's clash against Manchester City.

"The good thing is we're creating chances," he said.

"Eventually they are going to fall for us.

"We did take the lead, going one up. You'd think we would be able to see that out but we weren't able to.

"But we are creating chances so it is just a matter of time until they start falling for us. I'm not too worried."

The Texan also quashed concerns that the players may struggle juggling European football on a Thursday and Premier League matches three days later.

"You want to play in as many games as you can to make the most of your career," he said.

"It is great to be part of this competition, the Europa League, and it is great to be in the Premier League.

"You've just got to keep pushing, start getting results and hopefully some wins."

Fulham and Twente come head-to-head again on December 1 and winger Ola John believes the Dutch side can triumph on home soil.

"It was a game with opportunities for Fulham and our team," he said.

"I think 1-1 is a fair result.

"[From what I have seen], I think we can beat them in Holland.

"In the first half they pressed us very well, with the midfield and in particular [Danny] Murphy.

"In the last 20 minutes of the second half we could have taken another goal but it didn't happen."

Thursday night was a special match for John, who visited Craven Cottage on several occasions when brother Collins John played for the club.

"It is fun to be back," he said. "For years I was coming here watching the games and it is just funny to be back now.

"I was just watching the games but now I am playing on the pitch.

"[Collins] phoned me and asked me 'how was Fulham?' and I said it was still the same. I just tried to play my game and be myself.

"It's good for me because it is a new step to play an English side at this old club, Fulham, so it's nice."

While John only impressed in fits and starts last night, he is highly regarded in Holland and claims some of the Premier League's elite are chasing his signature.

"Manchester United and Arsenal wanted me but I think I am still young and can learn a lot at Twente," he added.

"If you are that good, the opportunity will come again when you are older.

"Playing in England is my dream, of course.

"You want to play as high as possible so that is my dream.

"Manchester is a beautiful club and Arsenal too."




http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/09/16/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol: Its Tough Playing Twice A Week

Fulham manager Martin Jol says playing midweek European football and Premier League matches on the weekend is draining for his players.

Jol spoke to the press ahead of Manchester City's visit to Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Welcome to our world Martin!



Read more: http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=255885#ixzz1YI2weZtp

[WhiteJC]

 
Game Preview - Man City (a)

As Dave Kidd of the People quite bluntly put it on his Twitter account, "Fulham [are] in trouble. 2 pts from 5 games after City cane them next Sunday." It's a harsh assessment but perhaps a predictable one, considering the chances aplenty that were gifted to us last weekend. Maybe though, just maybe, he's a tad misguided. Maybe, Sunday's tie at the Etihad Stadium will provide the perfect foundations for a bout of much welcomed good form. It's not as if Manchester City away has ever been too troublesome for Fulham.



Dave Kidd has, quite gratefully in fact, relieved an ever increasing bundle of pressure from the shoulders of Martin Jol and his men with his sharp and frankly bitter prediction. What the journalist has bypassed, however, is the series of niggling doubts in the minds of those in Manchester - not least our surprisingly respectable form on their turf. Mancini's side have their first inkling at what Champions League football can do to your side in terms of fatigue.

On the flip side, though, Jol has most certainly inherited a side that struggles when visiting the bigger teams. Under Hodgson, the Whites coped admirably but under Hughes, no wins were mustered against any of the top foursides. Add that inconsistency to City's dazzling form book and overwhelming array of talent, and you couldn't be blamed for attempting to forget Sunday's game before it's even began. We need to win eventually though, and it's not unlike Fulham, or Jol for that matter, to do it the hard way.

Mancini's side tasted their first bite of the Champions League cherry on Wednesday evening and looked weary, if not still evidentially laced with abundant quality. Sergio Aguero was unable to reproduce his encapsulating Premier League form and their weaknesses were certainly there to be exploited by a well oiled Napoli side. Possibly a bit of WD-40 is all we need, then.

Aside from continental form, Man City have been sublime so far this season. They have a 100% Premier League record and haven't been shy of goals in the process. 5-1 and 4-0 wins over Spurs and Swanse respectively are mere victories to highlight their attacking intensity.

Fulham, in ghastly contrast, have failed to win a game so far this domestic campaign. A meagre front line display at home to Blackburn Rovers laid our lack of potency bare. City's defence, which is fragile at the best of times, are unlikely to be highly concerned - that is unless Bryan Ruiz truly lights up Manchester.

Last time we visited the Blue half of Manchester Hughes' men picked up a respectable 1-1 draw, Duff being the man to save the day. When Mancini attended the Cottage last year, however, a 4-1 win for his team almost proved the undoing of our former boss.

James Milner will be missing for the home side, as well as Nigel De Jong, although midweek saviour Kolarov could still feature, despite a broken nose. For Fulham, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu are not confirmed doubts, but the pair are expected to miss out through injury.

Predicted Line-Up: Schwarzer; Riise, Hangeland, Senderos, Baird; Dempsey, Sidwell, Murphy, Duff; Zamora, Johnson

Score Prediction: Man City 2 - 1 Fulham



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/9/17/2431342/game-preview-man-city-h?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Martin Jol promises all-out attack against Manchester City
• Jol says his side must turn draws into wins
• 'Manchester City have a lot of quality'


Fulham manager Martin Jol knows his side have to be positive against Manchester
City at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, has pledged to fight fire with fire when Manchester City visit Craven Cottage on Sunday. The west London club have struggled so far this season in the Premier League, whereas City have started in scintillating form. Fulham have only two points after four matches and Jol said in the week that his side need to start turning draws into wins. The Cottagers have drawn three of their past four home games and the Dutchman believes the best way to change their fortunes against City will be to press from the offset.

"I plan for us to attack," Jol said. "They play attacking football but still with two defensive midfielders and four players at the back. They don't take a lot of initiative but they've got four quality players that try to get behind your midfield. They have a lot of quality. We have to come up with something to stop that and still get goals. If we would have won the first two home games [against Aston Villa and Blackburn] we would have six points and this game would be a different matter. Now you have to gain your own spirit, your own confidence for the game."

Manchester City come into the match off the back of their Champions League debut, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Fulham also had European exertions to contend with in midweek, drawing 1-1 with Jol's former club FC Twente at Craven Cottage. The Dutchman highlighted in his programme notes his belief that the competition could act as an important platform to build confidence, and he thinks it is paying dividends already despite Thursday's frustrating result.

"I felt the first half we played very good football," he said. "One-touch, two-touch football with five or six different players and we did well. In the second half it is always the same – if you try to force something you give away space. But I couldn't gamble on a draw against Twente as I need to get everybody back in shape. If you see Thursday, for example – it is a different matter to last Sunday [against Blackburn].

"Bright points were Pajtim Kasami at 19 years of age who played well and I thought Chris Baird too did well, playing for the first time in the centre. Of course he has done that before in his career but it was a little bit of a gamble and he did well."

Baird could again feature for Jol's side on Sunday with Aaron Hughes struggling with a knee injury and new signing Zdenek Grygera still bedding in.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/sep/17/fulham-martin-jol-manchester-city?

[WhiteJC]

 
Up next: Manchester City (h)
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

As I type this, Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League table. It's far from the start that Martin Jol would have envisaged to his Craven Cottage coaching career. Of course, the usual caveats apply: the Whites have a game in a hand on most of those above them, we've played only four games and there are still 102 points to play for. But Fulham's frustrating start to the 2011/12 campaign is definitely worrying. The Whites have struggled for penetration and goals – plenty of my fellow supporters at the back of the Hammersmith End were wondering whether you could draw parallels with the start of that miserable season under Lawrie Sanchez.

Given that Fulham have mustered just two league goals and two points so far, it's a little difficult to see where the next win's coming from. Especially when the next visitors to the Cottage are Manchester City, who have been sweeping all-comers before them in an awesome start to the new campaign. Fulham have looked leggy and nervous in their early outings – whether this has anything to do to another early start caused by the Europa League campaign is anyone's guess, although tiredness in September would be a strange concept – in total contrast to Roberto Mancini's City. The way in which tomorrow's opponents brushed aside the challenges of Tottenham and Wigan in recent weeks, with an avalanche of goals and eye-catching football, is far from a comforting thought.

Danny Murphy did his best to strike a defiant note after Thursday's frustrating draw with FC Twente, but the opening Europa League group game would have posed more questions for Jol. Fulham failed to add to an early lead that was presented to them by a dreadful defensive error and their attacking threat actually decreased after the introduction of Bobby Zamora, who has so far failed to hit the heights of his last two campaigns, when he played his way in Fabio Capello's thoughts. Moussa Dembele dribbled up plenty of blind alleys and Jol must consider whether to recall Byran Ruiz, who looked bewildered by Premier League life in last week's draw with Blackburn Rovers.

The absence of Aaron Hughes on Thursday required a change in Fulham's defence and it's Jol's fiddling with a previously miserly back four that has caused most consternation this season. Shunting Aaron Hughes out to right back has accommodated Phillipe Senderos (and in the Swiss centre back's defence he's yet to put a foot wrong), but a back line that rivalled the best in the league suddenly looks alarmingly jittery. Chris Baird was jettisoned having made the right back berth his own under Mark Hughes, while John Arne Riise's chief contribution so far seems to have been testing the durability of opposition walls with midriff high free-kicks. Hughes, who was forced off against Blackburn with an untimely groin injury, could be unavailable tomorrow and Jol has to decide whether – and where – Baird will feature.

Fulham could be without Dickson Etuhu – who has been sidelined with a thigh injury for the past week – although Steve Sidwell's forward bursts have at least offered a bit of momentum from midfield in the Nigerian's absence. Jol has pledged to attack City, which could be described as brave or foolhardy depending on your point of view. Memories of City's 4-1 mauling of Hughes' side last November after still very fresh. Ruiz might be used from the bench, but if Jol persists with the continental 4-2-3-1 he'll need it to fire far more effectively than on the last two attempts. Zamora has looked horribly isolated as a lone striker, without the telepathic understanding with Zoltan Gera that punctuated his previous spell as a lone forward, especially as the three advanced midfielders have offered little in the way of width. In theory, such a formation should incorporate all of Fulham's attacking talent, but in practice it has rendered Damien Duff ineffective down the right and Clint Dempsey, who would usually relish the opportunity to play in the withdrawn forward role he sees as his best position, confused.

The slightest bewilderment will be seized upon by City's abundance of attacking talent tomorrow afternoon. Mancini will be eyeing top spot even at this early stage in the season as he seeks to send a clear statement that his side are serious title challengers. He will have do without James Milner and Nigel de Jong, but City's squad provides plenty of cover these days. Mancini even seems to have thrown off the shackles that characterised his first full season in charge, allowing the likes of Sergio Aguero, of whom Fulham fans will need no reminding, and Edin Dzeko, whose quality should never have been in question, to run riot. City's midfield options now include the mercurial Samir Nasri, who will need to be watched with great care come the first whistle.

Jol's commitment to attack might be encouraged by the fact that City have failed to record a clean sheet away from home so far and the fact that he has mustered six wins from six matches against the blue half of Manchester. That, though, was before the massive injection of cash and Mancini's style transformed City from Manchester's second club into players on the global stage. A seventh victory would ease the worries over Jol's poor start, but you get a very high price on it.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Riise, Hangeland, Senderos; Sidwell, Murphy; Duff, Ruiz, Dempsey; Zamora. Subs: Etheridge, Gygera, Gecov, Kasami, Dembele, Johnson, Sa.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/up-next-manchester-city-h-2/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester City face acid test against Fulham at Craven Cottage
If Manchester City thought their first experience of life in the Champions League ended with referee Jonas Eriksson's whistle a little after 9.30pm on Wednesday night, it is because they retain the ingénue's innocence.

The world's most exclusive club competition is one that endures, wearying bodies and exhausting minds long after the last strains of Zadok The Priest have ebbed away.

So lasting are the after-effects of each episode of the tournament Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan has spent £500 million to be part of that it is fair to say that City will only know whether their first brush with the Champions League has been a success when Mark Clattenburg draws a close to their trip to Craven Cottage just before 5pm on Sunday.

The acid test of a Champions League side, after all, is not simply how it fares in 90 minutes of head-to-head gladiatorial combat with another of the continent's grandees, but how it copes with returning to Earth after a night in the stars; excelling in the competition is desirable, but what is crucial is returning to it, year after year.

That is what marks the difference between those teams who can be classified Champions League sides — Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and the Milan clubs, among others — and those occasional visitors to the great houses of the elite. Champions League status is self-perpetuating; to break the cartel, outsiders must first join it.

City have been built to do just that, of course: Sheikh Mansour's petro-billions have furnished Roberto Mancini with a squad replete with Champions League experience, including three winners of the competition, and with a top-class reinforcement for every position.

The Italian, facing a game every three days for the next three weeks, has spoken of being able to make four or five changes each game, thanks to the largesse of his Arab benefactors; the question now, of course, is whether doing so permits City to retain any semblance of the fluidity they have established in their impressive opening salvos to the domestic season. That is what will be answered, initially at least, at Fulham on Sunday.

"Definitely," said Joleon Lescott, when asked whether this game is the truest test of how far City have come, how well-equipped they are to handle existing with the elite. "Last season we had the Europa League and then had to play in the Premier League, but no disrespect to the Europa League, the Champions League is the highlight of most people's careers.
"We know it is going to be tough, but we are confident in the squad and we know that for strength in depth, we can match any squad in the world probably. Obviously with Manchester United playing Chelsea there is an opportunity there but it means nothing if we don't win at Fulham. We will go there with positive thoughts, and hopefully United and Chelsea will cancel each other out."

Lescott and his manager, though, will know that the top of the Premier League is separated only be the finest margins. Take United: last season, after their six Champions League group games, they won five and drew one. So accustomed are Sir Alex Ferguson's side that it barely caused a hiccup to their form.

Tottenham, on the other hand, found life distinctly more difficult: they won three fixtures after their group games, but drew two and lost one; after their four fixtures in the knockout rounds, yet more intensive, yet more sapping, they won just once. Liverpool have suffered from the affliction previously, losing twice and drawing once after European trips in their last Champions League campaign, in 2009.

What makes City even more vulnerable to the phenomenon is the curious curse they have suffered in the fixture list: after each of their six group games, they must endure a Premier League away tie. After Fulham, they will face Blackburn, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool and Chelsea on the road after their European adventures. United, by contrast, are at home on each of those weekends.

"We are very happy we are playing in the Champions League, so we are not interested in the quirks of the fixture list," said Mancini. "We want to play and go into the second stage. To play every three days in Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup is very hard. But we want this.

"It would be better after the Champions League to play at home because we wouldn't have to travel. Sometimes when you play every three days it is normal that you don't have time to train, because the players need to recover. If you fly back after the game in the Champions League and after one day you travel again for a game in the Premier League, it is hard, so we will use these days only to recover."



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8770661/Manchester-City-face-acid-test-against-Fulham-at-Craven-Cottage.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol has City in his sights
Fulham boss ready to attack table toppers

Fulham boss Martin Jol insists that he wants his side to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini's brings his side to Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to maintain their 100 per cent record - having played some scintillating football so far this term.

But Jol is unfazed by City's form and he insists his side will not be shutting up shop.

"I plan for us to attack on Sunday," Jol said.

"They play attacking football but still with two defensive midfielders and four players at the back.

"They don't take a lot of initiative but they've got four quality players that try to get behind your midfield.

"They have a lot of quality. We have to come up with something to stop that and still get goals.

"If we would have won the first two home games (against Aston Villa and Blackburn) we would have six points and this game would be a different matter.

"Now you have to gain your own spirit, your own confidence for the game."

Europe

Manchester City come into the match off the back of their Champions League debut, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Fulham also had European exertions to contend with in midweek, drawing 1-1 with Jol's former club FC Twente at Craven Cottage.

The Dutchman highlighted in his programme notes his belief that the competition could act as an important platform to build confidence, and he thinks it is paying dividend already despite Thursday's frustrating result.

"I felt the first half we played very good football," he said.

"One-touch, two-touch football with five or six different players and we did well.

"In the second half it is always the same - if you try to force something you give away space.

"But I couldn't gamble on a draw against Twente as I need to get everybody back in shape.

"If you see Thursday, for example - it is a different matter to last Sunday [against Blackburn].

"Bright points were Pajtim Kasami at 19 years of age played well and I thought Chris Baird too did well, playing for the first time in the centre.

"Of course he has done that before in his career but it was a little bit of a gamble and he did well.

"The only negative thing is you don't score the goals you need."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7186001,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland an old hand against Aguero and Co

Watching football on television is not Bobby Zamora's idea ofa relaxing night at home. "Football is 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it's not something I want to do," the Fulham striker said.

Which is probably just as well, as he will have missed extensive recent coverage of Manchester City, Fulham's opponents at Craven Cottage today. There is little point in scaring yourself needlessly before facing a team who have already presented their title credentials in London with a 5-1 beating of Tottenham Hotspur.


Brede Hangeland, the Norway defender, doesn't need to watch footage of City as he has had several close-ups of their main dangermen. He kept Sergio Aguero off the scoresheet in the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid in 2010, made sure Edin Dzeko did not score in an earlier round against Wolfsburg, but has been less successful against Carlos Tevez in the Premier League.

"I've played against all three of them, and they're all world-class players, which is why they're at City. I'm not sure I have any one that I prefer to play against. Whoever we come up against we haveto put in a really good performance, make sure we're organised and not make any mistakes. We can't really do much about their line-up, we'll just focus on our own game."

Their game was not good enough to prevent City winning 4-1 at Craven Cottage last season – Tevez scoring twice – and the new manager, Martin Jol, has made few changes so far. "Last season is one I've forgotten!" joked Hangeland. "No, we know that on a good day we can get results against most teams, especially at the Cottage,we've proved that many times. Obviously there are small differences with any manager, but I think we're still recognisable from the last two seasons."

But Fulham have not had too many good days in the League this season, taking only two points from a possible 12. Both teams played European ties in midweek, and if Fulham took any comfort from City drawing at home to Napoli, their own 1-1 Europa League draw at home to FC Twente on Thursday showed their own shortcomings.

Hangeland refuses to blame the European workload for League results. "We learned two years ago that you can easily combine the two if you approach them the right way. When you have a lot of games it's a sign you have done well in the past so you shouldn't be worried about it.

"I know City will have world-class players in every position, but it's one you look forward to. That's one of the things about this league, you get to play against some of the best players in the world. If you look at their squad, of course they will be title contenders, along with a few other teams, so it will be an exciting one to watch." Bobby Zamora, take note.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hangeland-an-old-hand-against-aguero-and-co-2356529.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora has 'no idea' about way to beat Man City

BOBBY Zamora admits he hasn't a clue how to get the better of Man City tactically – because he hates watching other teams play.

The Fulham striker knows today's visitors to Craven Cottage are brimming with talent and confidence, but is no great student of how opponents go about their business.

"I don't really analyse what they do because I don't really watch football," Zamora said.

"I go home and switch off really. I try not to pay too much attention to it.

"We just try and play our own game and try and do our best."

Zamora joked that Fulham's best bet would be 'to stick 12 or 13 men on the pitch,' but is unconcerned by the reputation of Roberto Mancini's team or City's bistering start to the campaign.

"They're a great team with magnificent players, so it's going to be tough, but we've beaten the likes of Man United and Liverpool and there's no reason why we can't beat them," he said.

"I think it helps playing a big side in my eyes. Against the bigger teams, everyone's written us off, but we can go out there, relax and enjoy the game."

The Whites are desperate to claim a first win as soon as possible for Martin Jol and need to show greater goal power, but again Zamora is unfazed.

"It's only a matter of time before the ball goes in the back of the net for us," he said.

"It's a results game and we need to get a few points on the board, but it's still early days and we're confident it can happen. It's just that we've got the sticky patch of the season round about now.

"We are fully focused on both Europe and the league, but obviously the priority is to stay in the Premier League."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/18/zamora-has-no-idea-about-way-to-beat-man-city-64767-29442249/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ready For City

Ahead of this afternoon's mouthwatering encounter with Manchester City at Craven Cottage, Fulham striker Bobby Zamora revealed he is relishing the challenge of causing a potential upset against Sunday's high-flying opponents.

"Personally, I like playing against the bigger teams," Zamora explained. "We're written off by everybody already so we'll go out and relax and enjoy the game.

"It's only a matter of time before the ball starts going in the net for us. We just try and play our own game and do our best.

"We'd like more points on the board, but it is what it is, and there are still plenty of games to go in the League. It's still very early days."

Few teams have been able to match Manchester City so far this season, and aside from his own unique idea on how to stop this afternoon's opponents, Zamora remains confident his team can upset any side on their day at Craven Cottage.

"I'll try and slip 12 or 13 men on the pitch!" said Zamora when asked how he would beat City. "They're a great team with some magnificent players and it's going to be a tough game. We've beaten the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool at the Cottage before, so there's no reason why we can't win on Sunday.

"There have been a few changes [over the summer] but it's a results game and we need to get a few points on the board and we're confident it can happen."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/ZamoraCityPreview.aspx?#ixzz1YIFfdGy9

[WhiteJC]

 
Bobby Zamora Relishing City Challenge

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora told the official Cottagers website that he's relishing the thought of causing a potential upset when in-form Manchester City visit Craven Cottage later this afternoon.

The 30-year-old former Bristol Rovers, Brighton, Tottenham and West Ham forward said...

"Personally, I like playing against the bigger teams. We're written off by everybody already so we'll go out and relax and enjoy the game."

"It's only a matter of time before the ball starts going in the net for us. We just try and play our own game and do our best."

"We'd like more points on the board, but it is what it is, and there are still plenty of games to go in the League. It's still very early days."

Fulham currently languish at the foot of the Premier League table following defeats by Newcastle and Wolves. Their only points came against Blackburn and Aston Villa.



Read more: http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=255932#ixzz1YIGrABnt