Monday Fulham Stuff (14.02.11)

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/8321980/Chelsea-manager-Carlo-Ancelotti-says-Premier-League-champions-at-strongest-for-Fulham-game-at-Craven-Cottage.html


Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says Premier League champions at strongest for Fulham game at Craven Cottage


Carlo Ancelotti believes his Chelsea squad is now at its strongest this season as he prepares to name new signings Fernando Torres and David Luiz in the same team for the first time at Fulham on Monday determined to regain fourth place in the Premier League.



Power play: Carlo Ancelotti is happy with the strength of his Chelsea squad following the signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By Chris Hatherall 10:11PM GMT 13 Feb 2011

The pair, who cost a combined £75 million on transfer deadline day, join a side also boosted by the return of £18 million midfielder Ramires from injury and by news that defender Branislav Ivanovic has signed a 5½-year contract.

Ancelotti's biggest problem is how to cram all his top talent into only 11 places, but he remains determined that Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka will all line up at Craven Cottage following intensive work on a new formation that was so heavily criticised last weekend when Chelsea lost to Liverpool.

"I'm happy because now we have a strong squad," he said. "With David Luiz and Torres, we've improved our ability and we have more power. The squad was good, but now it is even better.

"This week Ramires has recovered and is able to play so we have a lot of options, he is improving game by game because he takes more confidence on his play and combinations with the other players so it will be good to have him back.

"In attack we can choose whether to play with two up front or with the Christmas tree, it depends on the game that we want to play. When we play with two strikers Nicolas Anelka can be in the No 10 position, in the hole, but with one striker he can play on the right. Florent Malouda can also play there, and last year we tried Lampard."

Chelsea's strength in attack is highlighted by their willingness to allow Daniel Sturridge to leave the club on loan, especially as the striker has now scored three times in three games at Bolton, including one in Sunday's victory over Everton. But Chelsea are equally strong in defence with Alex on the way back from injury, Luiz set to play on Monday and Ivanovic committed to the club.

Ancelotti said: "We are very happy because Ivanovic has signed a new contract and with David Luiz, and Alex, he is young. We will not have a problem in the centre of defence in the future."

Even so, Ancelotti has been grateful for extra time to work on tactics ahead of a west London derby that is crucial for Chelsea after Tottenham leapfrogged them into fourth place with a victory at Sunderland over the weekend.

"It is perfect to be able to play on Monday," he said. "The players have more time for recovery and can prepare for Fulham, which will not be easy because I think Fulham now are having their best moment of the season."

Fuham, in fact, are looking to win their sixth match in succession at Craven Cottge and midfielder Simon Davies says confidence is high.

"After a mixed start to the season things have really picked up," he insisted. "Since the win at Stoke we've gone from strength-to-strength and we haven't looked back."

Fulham go into the match without injured Dickson Etuhu and the game comes too soon for Bobby Zamora, close to a comeback after long-term injury.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will give a late fitness test to Jose Bosingwa, who has a knee problem and could use Ivanovic at right-back instead.

[White Noise]

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228882/Aaron-Hughes-predicts-Fulham-Chelsea-upset


AARON HUGHES PREDICTS FULHAM-CHELSEA UPSET  


Aaron Hughes maintained that Fulham are capable of taking all three points


Monday February 14,2011


By Gideon Brooks

AARON HUGHES admits Fulham will never have the star line-up that Chelsea will bring to Craven Cottage tonight but predicted they can still upset their big-spending neighbours.

Defender Hughes conceded the two clubs, separated by just two miles, remain worlds apart in terms of finance.

But he maintained that Fulham's down-to-earth approach has produced a team capable of taking all three points.

"We don't have one or two big star players at Fulham but we have hard-working professionals who know what it takes to survive in this league," he said. "They're the high-flying club expected to win titles."



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228882/Aaron-Hughes-predicts-Fulham-Chelsea-upsetAaron-Hughes-predicts-Fulham-Chelsea-upset#ixzz1DuiZTZoS

[White Noise]

Drogba set to be dropped for Fulham clash as Ancelotti looks to cater for £50m Torres

By Matt Lawton Chief Football Correspondent


Last updated at 11:20 PM on 13th February 2011

EXCLUSIVE


Carlo Ancelotti is giving serious consideration to dropping Didier Drogba for Monday night's Barclays Premier League clash at Fulham.

The Chelsea manager tried to accommodate new £50million signing Fernando Torres alongside Drogba and Nicolas Anelka when his side met Liverpool at Stamford Bridge eight days ago.


Making way: Drogba (right) could be left out on Monday night to help Torres

After losing that encounter with Torres's former club, the Italian insisted he would persist with the formation that sees Anelka deployed behind two strikers.
It had worked successfully at Sunderland when Anelka had played behind Drogba and Salomon Kalou and he insisted it could work again.


Slow start: Torres struggled on his debut for Chelsea against his former employers last weekend

But after a week examining the formation in training Ancelotti is no longer convinced it is a system that best suits his new British-record signing and he wants to give the Spaniard the best possible chance to succeed.

That leaves Drogba in a vulnerable position. He has not been in his finest form since recovering from malaria - certainly not in the form of Anelka, who had scored in four of the previous five games prior to the defeat by Liverpool.


Under threat: Terry could make way for new boy Luiz

Abandoning the new system is unlikely to go down well with Drogba, especially when he will already see Torres as the player who has been brought in to eventually replace him. Drogba, after all, is 32.

But Ancelotti, who will make his decision this morning, is under pressure. Not just to turn Torres into an instant success and so prove that Roman Abramovich was right to smash the British transfer record to buy him but to make sure Chelsea do not lose touch in the race for Champions League football next season. With Tottenham winning at Sunderland on Saturday, Chelsea are three points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.

Ancelotti also revealed that captain John Terry is no longer an automatic choice due to the arrival of £25m signing David Luiz. He insisted signing the Brazilian means he can rotate his central defenders and said his team 'will not have a problem in the centre of defence in the future'.

Ancelotti added: 'With Luiz we can have more rotation with our players and maintain more fresh defenders. 'Now we have a lot of opportunities to choose players and give someone else a rest, and to maintain every defender's fitness for the rest of the season.

'When a good player with a lot of skill comes to improve the squad, everyone is happy. 'Obviously in top teams there is competition. This is normal. It's a good motivation.'

Luiz, 23, and Terry, 30, will start at Fulham tonight. But the expected return from a knee injury of Brazil defender Alex, 28, in time for the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Copenhagen on March 16 will put extra pressure on Chelsea skipper Terry.



Right back Branislav Ivanovic, 26, who signed a five-and-a-half-year contract last week, can also play at centre half. Terry, who earns £150,000 a week, will demand to play if he is fit, but Ancelotti knows the former England captain needs two or three days to recover from each match.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1356701/Didier-Drogba-set-dropped-Fulham-clash.html#ixzz1Duj8fdeU

[White Noise]

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2291185,00.html


IVANOVIC: ONE MORE FOR ONE HUNDRED


Posted on: Mon 14 Feb 2011


Branislav Ivanovic is hoping to make his 100th Chelsea appearance tonight when we travel to near neighbours Fulham.

The milestone comes after three years at the club, and just days after the 26-year-old committed his long-term future to us by signing a five-and-a-half year deal keeping him here until 2016.

It is an achievement that comes as news to the Serbian, who admits he pays little attention to such things but was surprised all the same.

'Wow, really?' he said, eyes lighting up. 'I didn't know. To be honest from my side I never look at how many games I play or how many I deserve to be on the pitch, but I am very proud to have played 100 games for Chelsea.

'It is a big satisfaction and a motivation for me to play 100 more. I am happy of course with the team and hope to show I deserve it in every game I play.'

He has appeared 34 times this season, more than any other outfield player which shows Ivanovic's importance to the side, though he admits with the addition of David Luiz to the squad, he is far from being an automatic choice for Carlo Ancelotti.

'I think it is important to have competition, to have this between the players will push you to show more and more,' he said. 'Everyone here wants to help Chelsea to win as much as possible and we are all good players, so it can only be good for Chelsea.

'We are strong defensively, we changed a little bit, we want to be attacking but we have to be strong defensively. It is not just the defence, all the players from the attack and the midfield help us to defend and this is why we do not concede many goals, it helps the defence and gives us confidence.'

Fulham are in a rich vein of form having lost just once in their last eight outings, and Ivanovic is only too aware of what to expect from a west London derby.

'I learned this, every time when you play a derby against Fulham it is a hard game but always very interesting and you have to be ready for that,' he said. 'I think we have a good squad with great quality but we have to prepare very well to win this game.'

You can find out whether we do or not right here on the Chelsea website, with live and interactive text coverage from Craven Cottage.

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/free-kicking-our-way-to-victory/

Free-kicking our way to victory?


Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 2:46 am

Quick trivia question: who's the leading free-kick goal scoring team in the EPL?

Give up? Wigan.

Buried in a thread in FOF about substitutions was TonyGilroy's observation that free kick goals are down this year. Well, he's correct. According to the treasure trove football-lineups.com, there have been just 19 free kick goals have been scored so far this season. Last year there were 29. Two years ago, 31.

Proportionally, free kick goals are only accounting for 2.628% of the total goals scored (723). If were to apply a similar ratio to see the season through, that number would only increase to about 27 (on average each team has played 26.3 games). Last year the final proportion was 2.754%, two years ago it was 3.291%.

Oh look, here are some pie charts to spruce things up!



Conversely, headers are going up. So far this season there have been 142 (or about 20% of the total). Using the same ratio, we're (the EPl, not Fulham) on pace for 209. Last year there was 190 (18%). Two years ago, 156 (17%). With each team having about 12-13 games left, that number can easily surpass previous years' tallies.

Now, delving into FL's stats shows some shortcoming and discrepancies. First, they don't go back beyond two seasons so it's a little hard to show an overall decline.

Second, they count Baird's free kick goal against Stoke but not Dembele's goal against Wolves. Was it because someone rolled the ball for Demebele? {Ah well, if someone can recommend somewhere with more thorough archives on this particular state, I will gladly revise this post.}

Anyway, it's probably no coincidence to see that Fulham have actually struggled mightily in scoring from free kicks since The Great Escape season (while headers have gone up each season: 3, 4, 11). Last year Fulham had 2 goals from free kicks — both from Bobby Zamora, both coincidentally in the month of February and against team's starting with 'B' (Burnley and Brum). Two years ago, Fulham had zero. Three years ago Fulham had... oh, wait, FL doesn't keep stats that far back.

Well, I definitely remember Bullard scoring at least two, and Hameur Bouazza getting one. Were there others?

Nevertheless since Jimmy's departure, even if he wasn't scoring a lot of from the spot, Fulham have not have any feared free-kick taker. And before Jimmy, there was Malbranque (right? Or Boa Morte? I wasn't around then so feel free to correct).

I think the shift came as a result of Roy leaving his mark on the side. I'm sure he viewed a straight crack at goal, instead of a heading opportunity or playing to a man, as wasted possession.

But even with the overall statistical decline, is having that free kick specialist even necessary nowadays? Here's some anecdotal stats: In the most recent World Cup, there were 5 goals from free kicks — two of those were from Japan, against Denmark. In Euro 2008, there were 2 free kick goals total. The 2009 Gold Cup has one. Only in last month's Asian Cup were there more than a handful: 6.

Again, unfortunately I can't find a site with this information that stretches back beyond a couple of seasons. But on the surface there does some to be a shift away from relying on the old dead ball specialist to get you a goal. So has the decline stemmed from the evolution of goalkeeping, tactics, or the balls simply being awful?

[White Noise]

http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=17905

U18s Draw at Fulham

Sun 13th Feb 2011 21:24

Town's U18s recovered from going two goals down to draw 2-2 at Fulham on Saturday morning. Josh Carson (pictured) and Jidé Maduako were on target for the Blues.

After conceding around the half-hour mark and going into the break one goal down, Town defender Rory McKeown then conceded a penalty on the hour which the Cottagers converted.

However, Northern Ireland U21 international midfielder Josh Carson pulled a goal back 10 minutes later as Town hit the hosts on the break, the 17-year-old hitting a superb shot from 30 yards that flew into the net.

And with 10 minutes remaining, centre-back Jidé Maduako equalised with a header from a corner to secure a point for Town's youngsters.

Keeper Cody Cropper was withdrawn at the break, perhaps signalling that he could be involved in the reserves match against Colchester United on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Town's U16s secured a 3-2 victory, also at Fulham.

U18s: Cropper (O'Donnell 46), Bennett, Whight, Jones, Meekings, McKeown, Winter, Scotcher, Tiofack (Lawrence 75), Carson and Burke. Unused: Simmons and Acott.

[Tom]

Drogba set to be dropped for Fulham clash as Ancelotti looks to cater for £50m Torres

By Matt Lawton Chief Football Correspondent


Last updated at 11:20 PM on 13th February 2011

EXCLUSIVE


Carlo Ancelotti is giving serious consideration to dropping Didier Drogba for Monday night's Barclays Premier League clash at Fulham.

The Chelsea manager tried to accommodate new £50million signing Fernando Torres alongside Drogba and Nicolas Anelka when his side met Liverpool at Stamford Bridge eight days ago.


Making way: Drogba (right) could be left out on Monday night to help Torres

After losing that encounter with Torres's former club, the Italian insisted he would persist with the formation that sees Anelka deployed behind two strikers.
It had worked successfully at Sunderland when Anelka had played behind Drogba and Salomon Kalou and he insisted it could work again.


Slow start: Torres struggled on his debut for Chelsea against his former employers last weekend

But after a week examining the formation in training Ancelotti is no longer convinced it is a system that best suits his new British-record signing and he wants to give the Spaniard the best possible chance to succeed.

That leaves Drogba in a vulnerable position. He has not been in his finest form since recovering from malaria - certainly not in the form of Anelka, who had scored in four of the previous five games prior to the defeat by Liverpool.


Under threat: Terry could make way for new boy Luiz

Abandoning the new system is unlikely to go down well with Drogba, especially when he will already see Torres as the player who has been brought in to eventually replace him. Drogba, after all, is 32.

But Ancelotti, who will make his decision this morning, is under pressure. Not just to turn Torres into an instant success and so prove that Roman Abramovich was right to smash the British transfer record to buy him but to make sure Chelsea do not lose touch in the race for Champions League football next season. With Tottenham winning at Sunderland on Saturday, Chelsea are three points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.

Ancelotti also revealed that captain John Terry is no longer an automatic choice due to the arrival of £25m signing David Luiz. He insisted signing the Brazilian means he can rotate his central defenders and said his team 'will not have a problem in the centre of defence in the future'.

Ancelotti added: 'With Luiz we can have more rotation with our players and maintain more fresh defenders. 'Now we have a lot of opportunities to choose players and give someone else a rest, and to maintain every defender's fitness for the rest of the season.

'When a good player with a lot of skill comes to improve the squad, everyone is happy. 'Obviously in top teams there is competition. This is normal. It's a good motivation.'

Luiz, 23, and Terry, 30, will start at Fulham tonight. But the expected return from a knee injury of Brazil defender Alex, 28, in time for the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Copenhagen on March 16 will put extra pressure on Chelsea skipper Terry.



Right back Branislav Ivanovic, 26, who signed a five-and-a-half-year contract last week, can also play at centre half. Terry, who earns £150,000 a week, will demand to play if he is fit, but Ancelotti knows the former England captain needs two or three days to recover from each match.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1356701/Didier-Drogba-set-dropped-Fulham-clash.html#ixzz1Duj8fdeU

I hope Brede puts one of these two clowns on there ass!

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6750792,00.html


Hughes expects Blues to gel


Fulham boss believes Drogba and Torres can play together


Last updated: 13th February 2011    



Torres: Chelsea's record signing

Fulham boss Mark Hughes expects Chelsea's new strike partnership Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres to gel.

The Blues splashed out a whopping £50million bringing former Liverpool man Torres to Stamford Bridge.

The pair failed to hit the ground running as a pairing in last Sunday's 1-0 defeat to the Reds, although they now tackle Fulham on Monday night.

Ex-City boss Hughes believes in time they will gain an understanding as Drogba has been the club's shining light in recent seasons.

Gel
"I expect them to gel together. They are good players so it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up," said the Fulham boss.

"In the last few years with all its success, Chelsea have been based around a focal point which has been Drogba.

"He has a few others which support him as well - will that change with Torres? We will see. There is an expectation that the boy will play.

"I know (Chelsea manager) Carlo Ancelotti has played the diamond before so there could be a different formation now.

"Carlo has been working with formations all his life and will find the right fit, but with Torres it initially may take time."

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/02/13/2351042/steve-sidwell-im-hungrier-than-any-other-player-to-achieve



Steve Sidwell: I'm hungrier than any other player to achieve following Fulham switch

Former Blues' man thrilled to be playing first-team football again


By Luke Reddy


13 Feb 2011 20:34:00


Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell has admitted he it hungrier than any other player ahead of a London derby against former employers Chelsea, and is delighted to be playing first team football again.

Sidwell moved to Craven Cottage in the January transfer window after an unhappy spell with Aston Villa, a club he joined from Chelsea in 2008.

The 28-year-old has slotted in to the Fulham midfield admirably after only playing 120 minutes of football for Aston Villa this season prior to his move.

"I don't think you'll find a player hungrier than me to get back playing again," Sidwell told the club's official website.

"I've been given an opportunity and game-by-game I'll make the most of that chance and put in good performances for the Club.

"It's the feeling I wanted to get back. I want to feel drained and tired coming off the pitch after a good win and feel that satisfaction.

Buoyed by completing 90 minutes in each of Fulham's last three games, Sidwell is confident his level of performance will continue to improve, and in doing so, strengthen the Cottagers finish to the season.

"It's going well so far but there is still a lot more to come from me. I'm getting fitter and stronger game by game. I'm about 75 per cent right now," added Sidwell.

"It's just about being out on the pitch in a game situation but as I say, I'm getting stronger every game. I just want to put in the performances that the manager and fans want to see."

Having stood out during Reading's opening season in the Premier League, Sidwell moved to tomorrow night's opponents in the summer of 2007 but never threatened to hold down a regular first-team place and recognise his potential. 

"It didn't work out the way I wanted it to at Chelsea, but in the year I was there, I made a healthy number of appearances," added Sidwell.

"I didn't come home with any silverware but in terms of experience, on and off the pitch, it was fantastic.

"The reason I left Chelsea was to go and play football but it didn't work out at Villa and the same situation occurred. I left Villa to come and play football and it's working out.

Fulham and Sidwell will hope the move continues to work out tomorrow evening as they go in search of their first win in 10 outings against their local rivals and a spot in the top 10 of the Premier League.

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/02/fulham-v-chelsea-preview/

Fulham v Chelsea: Preview


by Lork on February 13, 2011

When the fixture list gets released there are always certain games you look for first. Some might look for when they get the chance to travel to a promoted club for the first time, others might want to know when they can go with their Spurs supporting brother to White Hart Lane because 'this is the season we'll turn you over'. For us Fulham lot this is the match that everyone looks for and there couldn't be a better setting for it; Chelsea at Craven Cottage under the lights on a weekday evening, what a game this is going to be.

Over the last few years we've relied on our home form to consistently put points on the table. That's not to say our away form is shocking, infact relative to others it's ok (check out the away league tables, they're quite suprising), but when a team came here we knew that we'd always push them close and, more often than not, get a good result. Not so much this season before the new year during which we only won twice but since then the turn around has been remarkable. It is now 5 straight wins in all competitions with 4 clean sheets since that West Ham defeat and whilst they're against teams which we would be favourites to get the win against (Tottenham aside perhaps) the ease at which we dispatched them all is what really gives me confidence going into monday's game. Even against Newcastle I felt confident that we'd hold out comfortably instead of expecting the usual 89th minute own goal and of course the 4-0 dismantling of  Tottenham, who are 3 points above Chelsea in the league, is still fresh in the memory and will no doubt raise our expectations of what we can take from the game.

Mind you, Chelsea are starting to play their way back into form as well. Our games against them this season sandwich a staggering dip in performances that saw them win just one league game in nine, a run which has pretty much extinguished their title ambitions despite the incredible sums of money spent on Torres and Luiz. A 7-0 thrashing of Ipswich in the cup proceeded wins over Sunderland, Blackburn and Bolton, although they suffered a suprising loss to an improving Liverpool last Sunday, and the 70 million spent on the two players will have lifted spirits amongst players and fans alike. I still have the feeling though that confidence is fragile and if we get at them and force the play, we'll have a good chance of a win.

Team news courtesy of the BBC:

Fulham's Bobby Zamora scored for the reserves in midweek but is still a few weeks away from making a first-team return from his broken leg.

Gael Kakuta, on loan from Chelsea, is ineligible under Premier League rules.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed £21.3m defender David Luiz will make his first start after coming off the bench against Liverpool.

Ancelotti has also revealed that Portugal defender Jose Bosingwa is a doubt with an unspecified injury.

We have no front page injury news really. Etuhu, Senderos and Zamora are still out, although it's great to hear Senderos and Zamora are returning to training, and Kakuta won't be allowed to play as standard for a loan player and their parent club. Sidwell and Gudjonsen are a week closer to peak fitness which is nice for us (Sidwell says he's only at 75%! Can't wait to see him at 100 if that's the case) but other than that our squad is as it was last week, with Hughes seemingly getting over the injury which stopped him from playing for his country in midweek. There is speculation this morning that Gudjonsen will start but I can't see who he'd play over or why Hughes would change a successful side so I expect us to start with the team which got the draw at Villa. We've played so well recently that I'd feel quite bad picking specific players out for praise but I have to mention Dempsey who is so far my man of the season, 10 goals by this stage for a midfielder is really impressive and hopefully he pushes on from here. Credit also to Murphy who keeps our midfield running like a well oiled machine, Schwarzer who's come back from the Asian cup and played like he's never been away and Duff who started the season slowly but is now playing as he was last year.

You'd expect this game to be Torres' second start for Chelsea but I'm not really sure what to predict of his performance. The usual football cliche is that if a player moves for big money they'll be quick off the mark, desperate to make a big impact as soon as possible, but against Liverpool when it was destiny to see a Torres winner he was anonymous. I'd be cautious because he's still a brilliant player but I don't think he'll be make much of an impression tommorow, he still seems far off what we've seen from him before.

We've seen over the last few weeks that Chelsea's biggest troubles involve a significant lack of width. Liverpool's three centre halves dealt with everything Chelsea threw at them, and despite getting almost 20 shots on goal none of them were real goal scoring opportunities. This then plays perfectly into our style of play, a deep, narrow 4-4-1-1 with Dembele dropping very deep when defending which was moderately succesful in the harsh loss to Chelsea earlier in the season. This problem will be accentuated with the absence of Bosingwa. With no real wingers in the side the fullbacks are key in providing any width they do have and as good as Ivanovic, who will surely deputise for Bosingwa, is he's neither quick or gifted on the ball. Cole down the left is probably the world's best left back but if Duff and Pantsil stay disciplined I think that threat is fairly easily negated. What is key to getting a result against Chelsea is to concentrate and stay disciplined, a point which Hughes made in his interview to the official website earlier today. Give a player a yard more space than they should and they can punish you very, very easily. A front pairing of Drogba and Torres is the stuff fantasy football dreams are made of and when you look further down the team sheet you see Lampard and Essein pairing each other in midfield, with Nicolas 'most expensive footballer in history' Anelka and Malouda in reserve! Not only that but Chelsea are exceptional on the counter, the pace and fluidity they got the ball forward during their early season wins was exceptional to watch so it will be important not to get absorbed in the moment when we have the opportunity to push forward. We musn't overcommit and leave gaps at the back, something which Liverpool did exceptionally at (how many times did Chelsea players run at the back four? The early Torres chance is all I can think of) so Murphy and Sidwell will have to be on their game defensively if we're to restrict their opportunities. My prediction? It'll be a tough game, 1-1, with that man Clint Dempsey getting on the score sheet.

[White Noise]

http://www.bettingzone.co.uk/football/betting/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=betting/11/02/13/manual_122006.html&BID=3711

BACK FULHAM TO STUN CHELSEA


By Ben Linfoot


Fulham v Chelsea


If Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka 'click' in this game then Fulham could be in trouble.

It will be a matter of time before Chelsea do hit top gear, but by then their title aspirations will have gone and they aren't guaranteed a Champions League place either with Tottenham holding their form so well.

Last week Carlo Ancelotti's team failed to deal with a Liverpool side that defended deep and well and with that in mind the odds-on quotes about them at Fulham just don't appeal.

The Cottagers have been extremely miserly at home recently, keeping four clean sheets in their last five games at Craven Cottage.

They've won all five of those games too, and, despite being perennially one of the worst teams in the Premier League away from home, they dug deep to pick up a point following a 2-2 draw at Villa Park on their latest start.

That Considering that last point there may be some value in the first scorer market as messrs Drogba, Torres and Anelka are the three favourites.

Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey are among the goals at the moment and are both available at around the 9/1 mark, while set-piece specialist Danny Murphy might be worth a tickle at 22s.

However, we'll keep things simple in this one and just have a small punt on the home win at a generous 4/1.


Verdict: Fulham 1 Chelsea 0

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/13/eidur-set-for-long-fulham-deal-82029-28163662/

Eidur set for long Fulham deal

By Paul Warburton


Feb 13 2011




EIDUR Gudjohnsen will get a long-term contract in the summer if he lives up to Fulham expectations. The former Chelsea striker is set to feature in tomorrow night's west London derby against old club – with boss Mark Hughes so far impressed with what he's seen.

The Icelandic international, now 32, arrived from Stoke in the transfer window with a mere five substitute appearances behind him this season.

But Sparky insists it was no gamble to take the player who Barcelona thought was worth around £8million when he joined the Spanish giants five years ago.

Hughes said: "I don't think it was a gamble.

"We allowed David Elm and Eddie Johnson to leave in the transfer window, so it was a case of bringing one forward in.

"Eidur has pedigree and quality, and in the time he's been here he's already showed that. He'll play games and be given a chance to show what he can do."
But Hughes warned there were no appearance guarantees expected from either party – and that to displace the likes of Andy Johnson, Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey – the Icelander had to show his worth.

The manager added: "He just wanted to come to a club that matched the way he played and get his career back on track and be given an opportunity to show what he can do.

"He's here short-term – but we'll look at it again in the summer. He's in good shape and technically one of our better players."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/13/eidur-set-for-long-fulham-deal-82029-28163662/#ixzz1DuoAjfAr

[White Noise]

http://chelsea.theoffside.com/chelsea/pl-preview-fulham-v-chelsea.html#more-6703


PL Preview: Fulham v Chelsea


By: Devin | February 13th, 2011

The lads head to Craven Cottage for a derby that, clearly, falls under the 'must-win' category on multiple counts.



St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Round 2?


Who: Fulham v Chelsea

What: Premier League, Round 27

Where: Craven Cottage (25,700)

When: 14 February, 8:00pm local time (3PM EST)

How: ESPN2 (DirecTV 209, Dish Network 144)

Why: Because it's Valentine's Day, and spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/WAG notwithstanding, you're cheating on them with Chelsea.

But who can blame you for your indiscretions? After all, it was Chelsea that swept you off your feet all those years ago, tantalizing you with an endless supply of goals and inspirational attacking football that can make the most stoic of fans salivate. It was Chelsea that approached you first, and Chelsea that won your heart, amidst the throngs of suitors. With a swagger, nay, confidence, that you couldn't resist. You and Chelsea fell hard, for one another. Things were great, and then awesome. You were more in love than you could possible imagine. It all made sense.

But time reveals wrinkles, and this relationship was no stranger to such realities. Slowly, the imperfections that were previously insignificant began to boil to the surface. Chelsea were underperforming, failing to reach the lofty heights you'd come to expect. You wrote it off initially, figuring it was a funk. But the pain didn't subside, it continued for days, and then weeks, and suddenly months. Once a well-oiled attacking machine, some of the parts began to wear with age. Injuries, inconsistencies, and an endless supply of articles suggesting the end was near did little to ease your fears.

But it's Valentines Day. The one day a year that we're expected to confess our true feelings for those that we most adore. The single time when it's socially acceptable to step out on a ledge and let someone know how you truly feel. Though your love has been tested, it's been weathered, and therefore has become stronger. Every passing day has served to solidify those feelings, albeit confusing at times, they still resonate at the highest of frequencies. Though you find yourself fighting it at times, and even wondering when days are dark if it's even worth the frustration, you know that deep in your heart, that love you have for Chelsea is true and bright....

...Carlo seems to be buoyed by the additions of Luiz and Torres. Our health situation seems to be on the mend as well. Ramires, appears to be back in contention for a squad selection after missing the Liverpool fixture. Alex is roughly three to four weeks from contending for a spot in the rotation, whilst one Israeli import Yossi Benayoun continues to make strides post-surgery. By his own account, Carlo claims we're at our strongest point in recent memory, from a 'bodies' standpoint. But coming off the disappointment that was the Liverpool match, we should worry less about who is fit, and more about who Carlo picks. So I'll venture the following lineup:

GK – Cech

RB – Ivanovic

CB – Luiz

CB – Terry (C)

LB – Cole

CDM – Mikel

RM – Essien

LM – Lampard

CAM – Anelka

ST – Drogba

ST – Torres

...I put Al Capone at the forefront for two reasons. One, because he's a villainous monster that perpetrated one of the most heinous crimes in history, on this day in 1929. But also, because I think it's time for us to adopt that ruthless mentality the great teams have. Every championship side has had a 'killer-instinct' and an 'edge' that puts them a yard beyond the competition. They play with a toughness and mentality that suggests no matter how hard the other team tries, it will never be their day. If Carlo wants to abandon the League, so be it. But we are continuing in our fight for the CL and a third successive FA Cup. If not now, then when? We need to use this match to embrace our altar-ego, put our foot down, and demonstrate that we remain a force to be reckoned with.

For now, we need to take that pitch tomorrow and flat-out execute. Crisp passes, forward play, and an attacking bite that serves notice to the rest of the league: we're back, and we mean business. Come get some.

KTBFFH Lovers.

[White Noise]

Spraky has no sympathy for cash-splashing Carlo


Published 23:00 13/02/11


By Martin Lipton



Mark Hughes last night admitted he had no sympathy for Carlo Ancelotti as the Chelsea boss faces real scrutiny.

Hughes lost his job at Manchester City 14 months ago when the club's Abu Dhabi billionaire owners decided they were set to miss out on their ambitions of a top four finish.

Chelsea come to Hughes' Fulham tonight lying fifth after the weekend results, with the £71m signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz a potential millstone around the Italian's neck.

And Craven Cottage chief Hughes believes Ancelotti has to accept that pressure as the price he pays for his high-profile role.

Hughes said: "A lot of managers want time.

"Ancelotti has been fantastic for them. He won the Double with them last season and is an established and successful manager.

"But I understand all this pressure surrounds us and there is a lot of speculation - if there is a period when you don't get the results then you are going to face speculation irrespective of whether you are Alex Ferguson or Carlo Ancelotti."

Hughes added: "Torres has been brought to have an impact,certainly. Chesea have brought those two players to get into the Champions Leagues but coming in January is tough.

"There is an idea that they have to make the difference - and if they don't get the Champions League then questions may be asked.

"In fairness I don't think it is much of a risk signing these players because they are surrounded with quality players around them and that can help you."

Hughes' players know that keeping Torres and striker partner Didier Drogba quiet will be key this evening but defender Chris Baird is confident Fulham can do exactly that.

Baird said: "Torres is a great talent. He did fantastic for Liverpool and scored a lot of goals for them. He is always a threat and with the talent Chelsea have got, he is always going to get chances to score, but hopefully we can keep him quite again against us.

"But he has not done as well against us. He has scored just two goals against us in the Premier League. We just have to concentrate on our own game. We have been doing well and getting points on the board. We have been climbing the table. It is all up to us and how we play on the day."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Chelsea-preview-Mark-Hughes-has-no-sympathy-for-cash-splashing-Carlo-Ancelotti-article697137.html#ixzz1DupXe1VK

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3409009/Mark-Hughes-Signing-Fernando-Torres-wasnt-a-risk-for-Chelsea.html

Sparky: Nando no risk for Blues

By ANDREW DILLON

Published: Today


MARK HUGHES reckons Chelsea have not taken a big risk in signing Fernando Torres for £50million.

Fulham chief Hughes - who now operates in football's bargain basement after having cash to burn at Manchester City - says Torres has too many quality players around him, including £23m signing David Luiz, to be an expensive gamble.

Pressure is on the Spanish striker to net the goals to help Chelsea qualify for next season's Champions League - but Hughes said: "It's not a real risk for them.

"They've got quality players surrounding the likes of Torres and Luiz.

"Even if your game isn't at the level you know you can achieve, if you surround yourself with good players, they can help you."

[White Noise]

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/national-sport/baird_unfazed_by_torres_challenge_1_2411749


Baird unfazed by Torres challenge

Published on Mon Feb 14 07:20:07 GMT 2011



Chris Baird insists Fulham will have no fear of Chelsea striker Fernando Torres in Monday's west London derby at Craven Cottage.

The Blues will partner Torres alongside Didier Drogba for the second time in a £74million strike force of which much is expected.

But the versatile Baird, who is currently playing at left-back, insists Fulham are unfazed at the prospect of shackling the £50million Spaniard, and said: "Torres is a great talent. He did fantastically well for Liverpool and scored a lot of goals for them. But he has not done as well against us. He has scored just two goals against us in the Premier League."

He added: "He's always a threat and with the talent Chelsea have got he is always going to get chances to score, but hopefully we can keep him quiet again against us.

"I was surprised to see him go to Chelsea, but not for the price. It will be weird seeing him in a blue kit."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti looks set to continue with the experiment of playing Nicolas Anelka with Torres and Drogba.

"We will not be preparing any differently to face the three of them. We just have to concentrate on our own game," added Baird.

"We have been doing well and getting points on the board. We have been climbing the table. It's all up to us and how we play.

"The derby is always a great game for anyone involved with the club. It is a local derby so it is always a big game for us.

"It is also a difficult game, what with the talent they have. But we are at home and we are playing well there at the moment, so we are looking forward to it."

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/14/john-terry-chelsea-carlo-ancelotti?INTCMP=SRCH


John Terry no longer guaranteed Chelsea place, warns Carlo Ancelotti


• Manager tells captain he faces stints on the bench


• Signing of David Luiz has increased pressure on Terry


Share   Paul Doyle The Guardian, Monday 14 February 2011

 
John Terry has more reason to look over his shoulder after Chelsea signed the Brazil defender David Luiz. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

The Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has warned John Terry that he should no longer expect to play in every match. Ancelotti will use Monday night's Premier League derby at Fulham to hand a first start to the £21m January recruit David Luiz and confirmed that the Brazilian's arrival signals a shift to an era in which all of the defenders at Stamford Bridge must get accustomed to stints on the sidelines.

Terry has been a mainstay of the Chelsea defence for the past nine seasons and has been implicitly guaranteed a starting place ever since José Mourinho made him club captain following Marcel Desailly's departure in 2004. He had worn the captain's armband before that, Claudio Ranieri entrusting it to him whenever Desailly was injured, but he marked his first campaign as permanent captain by leading Chelsea to the Premier League title and being voted PFA player of the year.

For most of the past decade, then, Terry has expected to play when fit. However, Ancelotti insisted that the 30-year-old must accept that with David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic and Alex competing for his spot he will occasionally have to endure being a spectator.

"With David Luiz we can have more rotation with our players," said Ancelotti. "In the back four now we have a lot of opportunity to choose a player to give someone a rest and to maintain every player fit for the rest of the season." He did not confirm whether David Luiz would be used as a centre-back or full-back at Fulham.

Although Chelsea have conceded fewer goals than any team in the Premier League this season they have, paradoxically, looked more vulnerable than they have for years, their toll of defeats in the league already worse than in any season since Ranieri's last campaign.

That is not simply down to defensive deficiencies – every sector of their team has malfunctioned at times, which is why Chelsea find themselves needing a victory at Fulham to clamber back into the last Champions League qualifying spot – but Ancelotti has indicated that he sought David Luiz both to bring additional solidity to the defence and to lend a new dimension to the team, his capacity to create from the back being superior to that of any of the club's other centre-backs. The Italian said it was up to Terry and the others to rise to the new challenge.

"Everyone knows that in the top teams there is competition for places, that is normal," said Ancelotti. "It is good motivation for everyone."

Ancelotti declared himself happy with the make-up of his squad following the additions of David Luiz and Fernando Torres, who cost £50m. "We don't need to add another player," he said. "We don't need to think about other players because the squad now is very competitive."

[White Noise]

http://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/cottage-industry.html


Magazine: Cottage Industry


5 days ago by: Neil Dixon

This article appeared in Pitchcare Magazine

Issue 34 - December / January 2010 / 2011

Early in 2010, Fulham Football Club took the decision to install an undersoil heating system on its Craven Cottage pitch. This followed a succession of match postponements caused by a frozen pitch or heavy snow cover during the previous few seasons.

Whilst the club had made use of an inflatable cover for the pitch, this was not entirely successful and was relatively labour intensive to operate. The loss of fixtures and potential income conflicted with Fulham's Premier League status, where clubs are required to provide an undersoil heating system or another system of pitch protection approved by the Premier League board.

Following discussions with STRI's Stadia Services, a programme of work was agreed for redeveloping the pitch, in which the existing upper profile would be removed, facilitating the installation of the pipe work for the heating system. The removal of the existing fibre reinforced upper rootzone also presented the opportunity to update the pitch's surface reinforcement, with the introduction of a 'Fibrelastic' rootzone as produced by the Mansfield Sand Company Ltd.

The Cell System

The construction of the Craven Cottage pitch is unique in the UK, in that it is based on a type of profile known as the 'Cell System', which was installed at the stadium in the early 1980s. This type of construction comprised a coarse sand based profile, the sides and base of which were enclosed within an impermeable membrane. A series of perforated pipes was laid on the pitch base above the membrane, after which the sand rootzone layer was added. The outlet for the pipe system was connected via a two-way valve arrangement so that, during the wetter periods, water collected by the pipes could be drained off to a suitable outfall.

Conversely, during the drier summer months, the valve position could be changed so that water could be fed back into the pipes, enabling water to percolate into the base of the rootzone and, theoretically, support normal grass growth.

With this concept, the requirement for a conventional irrigation system was considered unnecessary, owing to the sub-surface wetting of the profile. However, once brought into use, it soon became apparent that sub-surface watering of the pitch was not achieving the required results and, ultimately, a conventional irrigation system had to be installed in order to support normal grass growth on the very free draining profile. In addition, surface stability became an issue where the grass cover was lost owing to the coarse sand nature of the pitch construction.

Initially, this was overcome by capping the Cell System profile with a layer of imported topsoil, approximately 150mm deep. This helped provide a more stable playing surface, as well as a sustainable grass cover on the pitch. However, a major consequence of capping the profile in this manner was that surface drainage was impaired when compared to the original pure sand construction.

Subsequent profile amendment

Owing to the shortcomings of the modified Cell System construction, STRI was appointed in 2001 to design a scheme for undertaking a major refurbishment of the pitch, the main purpose of which was to introduce a completely new pipe drainage system, as well as a fibre reinforced upper roozone.

As part of this scheme, new lateral drains were installed, these running across the width of the pitch at 6m centres linking up with the existing drainage outfall. The introduction of these drains effectively replaced the original pipe drains associated with the old Cell System.

As part of this process, the existing capping layer of topsoil was retained, and gravel slits were cut through this at right angles to the lateral drains at 750mm centres and to a depth of 200mm. The slits provided porous channels through which water could be rapidly transmitted through the topsoil capping layer into the underlying sand.

Above this, a 150mm layer of medium-fine rootzone sand was placed, and the new pitch profile was completed with the introduction of a 100mm fibre reinforced rootzone layer. The new construction obviously raised the overall level of the finished pitch surface, and appropriate adjustments were made around the outer edges of the pitch, with the formation of embankments down to the front elevations of the adjoining stands.

This refurbishment helped restore a more conventional pitch profile that performed satisfactorily for the remainder of the decade, apart from the problems caused by the absence of an undersoil heating system. The only trace of the original Cell System construction remaining was the pure sand lower profile beneath the topsoil capping layer. Subsequently, the sloping outer natural grass edges of the pitch were replaced with a 3G synthetic turf to reduce their management requirements.

The recent upgrade

Works commenced on the latest upgrade to the pitch on 7th May 2010, and the appointed contractor for the pitch redevelopment was Premier Pitches, with Pitch Heating being employed, under a separate contract, for the installation of the undersoil heating system.

The initial requirement was to establish an access route onto the pitch for the passage of machinery and materials on and off the site. The tight confines of the Craven Cottage stadium meant that there was only one possible access route that could be gained, between the Hammersmith and Johnny Haynes stand at the northeastern-most corner of the pitch. This necessitated the temporary removal of some of the adjoining seats, whilst the main access route was protected by the placement of plywood sheeting, covered by some of the reinforced rootzone material removed from the pitch.

Two tracked 360° excavators were brought in to strip off the existing turf and upper 100mm of rootzone, that included the old polypropylene fibre reinforcement. The remaining lower rootzone sand was then laser graded in order to achieve a more consistent playing surface. The original pitch surface had a ridge back type formation, resulting in a 100mm fall from its longitudinal centre line to each wing, and this overall grade was retained as part of the redevelopment.

At the northern and southern ends of the pitch, a deeper 1.5m wide trench was excavated, up to 400mm below the finished pitch surface, to accommodate the flow/return pipework and connection points for the new pitch heating system.

Once the exposed sandy rootzone had been trimmed, the next stage was the introduction of the heating system, commencing with the laying of the header/return pipes at the southern Putney end of the pitch. The below pitch pipe work could then be mole ploughed into the profile, running along its length at 250mm intervals and to a depth of around 250mm below the surface.

Following connection of all the pipework beneath the pitch, pressure testing was undertaken to ensure that there were no leaks in the system. Any surface disturbance caused by the installation of the pitch heating pipes was then restored by trimming with a tractor mounted stone rake.

At this point, the Fibrelastic reinforced rootzone was introduced, supplied as a pre-prepared mixture containing polypropylene and polyurethane fibres, which was spread to a finished depth of 100mm over the entire pitch area using a Raycam drop spreader.

Once all the upper rootzone had been spread, the fibres were further uniformly distributed by cultivating with a power harrow, and the final finishing off was completed by making multiple passes with the stone rake attachment.

Following final seedbed preparations, final seeding of the pitch was achieved by 22nd May, just two weeks after the commencement of works.
Aftercare

Once the pitch contractor had cleared the site, management of the new pitch surface became the responsibility of Head Groundsman, David Fellowes. One of his first tasks was to cover the pitch with germination sheeting to accelerate the initial grass establishment. With the combination of the sheeting and continued warm summer weather, there was a good initial take of the young grasses, despite the attentions of the local pigeon population and resident fox.

During the remainder of the summer, regular mowing resumed on the pitch, initially using rotary mowers and, later on, the normal pedestrian cylinder machines.

Usage

Owing to the relatively short turnaround for the pitch redevelopment, the new surface was afforded the luxury of a twelve week establishment period before the first match, a friendly against German side Werder Bremen on 7th August.

The first home tie of the new 2010/2011 season was against Manchester United on 22nd August when Fulham managed to earn a 2-2 draw, and even Sir Alex Ferguson was complimentary about the quality of the new pitch surface.

Since then, the pitch has continued to perform well and, with the provision of the undersoil heating and the benefits of the Fibrelastic reinforcement system, Craven Cottage now provides an excellent playing surface befitting Fulham's Premier League status.

www.stri.co.uk

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3347133,00.html

Fulham v Chelsea preview

Watch Fulham v Chelsea live on SS1, HD1 & Sky 3D from 7.30pm


Last updated: 14th February 2011   


Hughes: Home form bodes well


In-form Fulham will be looking to secure local bragging rights when they host west London rivals Chelsea.

The Cottagers, who entered 2011 slumped in relegation trouble, have suffered only one defeat in their last six Premier League outings to clamber into mid-table.

They will, however, be aware that they remain within three points of the drop zone and must maintain their forward momentum if they are to avoid being dragged back into trouble.

Their form on home soil bodes well ahead of a derby date with Chelsea, with maximum points taken from their last three games at Craven Cottage.

That run has been built on solid foundations, with three clean sheets paving the way for a nine-point haul.

Fulham have struggled against capital rivals this term, though, with just one point taken from six fixtures against fellow London-based sides.

Chelsea will be hoping to pile more derby woe on Mark Hughes' men on Monday night, as they seek to rekindle their fading title dream.

They enter the game 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester United, but have played one game less than the Red Devils.

Any hope they have of rejoining the race is likely to rest on their expensively-assembled frontline, with £50million man Fernando Torres adding to the considerable threat already posed by Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Goals have not been a problem for the Blues in recent weeks, with four plundered in each of their last two league games on the road.

They have, however, kept just one clean sheet in their last nine away games and need to tighten up at the back if they are to defend the top flight crown they secured last term.

Team news
Eidur Gudjohnsen could make his first Fulham start on Monday.

The Icelandic striker made his Cottagers debut as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa and will be pushing for a spot in the starting XI against his former employers.

Dickson Etuhu (hamstring) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are likely to miss out again, while Bobby Zamora is still two to three weeks away from fitness after recovering from a broken leg.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed £25million signing David Luiz will be given his full debut at Craven Cottage.

Centre-back Luiz is expected to come in for Jose Bosingwa, who has a knock, with Branislav Ivanovic moving to right-back.

In attack, the Italian looks set to persevere with a front three of Torres, Drogba and Anelka - with the latter operating in a deeper, supporting role.


Possible starting XIs
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Duff, Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Essien, Mikel, Anelka, Drogba, Torres.

[White Noise]

Down To Us


Monday 14th February 2011




Chris Baird believes Fulham can extend their winning home run to six consecutive matches tonight when Chelsea visit the Cottage for the SW6 derby.

Fulham's Northern Irish international is likely to start at left back tonight and is hoping for another memorable night at the Cottage in one of the most highly anticipated matches of Fulham's season. 

"It's always a great game for everyone involved in the Club," Baird told fulhamfc.com. "It's always a hard game with the talent they've [Chelsea] got but we're at home and we're playing well at the moment.

"We're going for a sixth consecutive win at the Cottage so we know we can get a result if we do things right. We're looking forward to the match and I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves.

"We just have to concentrate on our own game. As I said, we've been playing well and getting points on the board. It's down to us at the end of the day and how we perform."

After excelling in central midfield and defence last season, Baird is delighted to be a regular starter for Fulham again this term, and is looking forward to testing himself against Chelsea's latest striking acquisition, Fernando Torres.

"I'm in the Team and playing well so that's the most important thing for me," said Baird. "I'll play anywhere as long as I'm in the Team and playing football.

"Torres is a great talent and did fantastically well for Liverpool and scored a lot of goals. He's scored two goals against us in the past and he's always a threat. With the talent Chelsea have they're always going to create chances but hopefully we can keep them quiet and get a result for us.

"We just have to concentrate on our own game. As I said, we've been playing well and getting points on the board. It's down to us at the end of the day and how we perform."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/BairdDerbyPreview.aspx#ixzz1Dvow3WaU