Friday Fulham Stuff (29.04.11)

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8481484/Mark-Hughes-is-planning-to-stay-as-Fulham-manager-after-enjoing-an-impressive-season.html

Mark Hughes is planning to stay as Fulham manager after enjoing an impressive season

A few weeks ago this column posed the question as to whether Mark Hughes would agree a new deal to remain as Fulham manager. The answer, it appears, will be yes. Hughes is planning to stay.


Man in demand: Fulham's results under Mark Hughes this season have sparked other clubs' interest in his services Photo: GETTY IMAGES


By Jason Burt 6:22PM BST 28 Apr 2011


He signed a one-year contract at the end of last summer, with the option for another 12 months, and there has been some debate as to whether he would carry on with the Premier League club, especially as others are sniffing around him.

Hughes is turning into a man in demand and Fulham need to get a move on.

Aston Villa might come calling, should it be mutually agreed that Gerard Houllier, who was released from hospital on Thursday, will not carry on following his latest health problems. Bayern Munich looked at him and Chelsea could even be interested, especially if they want a younger man to work alongside a director of football.

After Wednesday's impressive 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers, Fulham are ninth in the table, which is a hugely impressive achievement for Hughes given the injury crisis he has faced.

They are an upwardly-mobile team again and it seems that one of the guarantees the 47-year-old Welshman has been given is that substantial funds – £20million has been mentioned – will be made available this summer. That would convince Hughes of the club's ambitions and that they match his own.

He has bought well so far, in acquiring Carlos Salcido and Moussa Dembele. Beyond that Hughes does not want to gain a reputation as a manager who moves around too much while, at the same time, wanting to ensure he and the club he manages are going forward.

It was claimed that Hughes signed a two-year deal last year but it's understood there is a break allowing him to leave at the end of this campaign without compensation.

The likelihood of Europa League football at Craven Cottage, via the Fair Play League, is another fillip for Fulham, who are probably pinching themselves at their luck in securing Hughes in the first place.

The length and terms of a new deal are yet to be decided but it's understood that Hughes is, in principle, willing to stay.

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7944295/Sunderland-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

Sunderland v Fulham: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday April 30 2011, kick-off 15.00 BST.
      

By John Ley 6:00AM BST 29 Apr 2011

Saturday April 30

Sunderland v Fulham

Stadium of Light

Kick-off: 15.00 BST

TV: Highlights, BBC One Match of the Day.

Sunderland (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Mignolet; Elmohamady, Onuoha, Turner, Bardsley; Zenden, Cattermole, Colback, Sessegnon; Henderson; Noble.

Fulham (Possible, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey; Dembele, Gudjohnsen.

Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 24. R10 Y83.

Tale of the game

Sunderland have a striking crisis with Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck both likely to miss the rest of the season.

The pair suffered hamstring problems in the 4-2 win over Wigan.

Another striker, Fraizer Campbell, is a long-term absentee and with Darren Bent departed to Villa in January, manager Steve Bruce is left with just 18-year-old Ryan Noble as his only recognised striker.

But Sunderland, having ended a run of four straight losses, have the chance to claim back-to-back wins since January.

Fulham arrive after an impressive 3-0 home win over Bolton in midweek when Clint Dempsey scored twice

Fulham last won at Sunderland in September 2002. Since then they have lost two and drawn two.

In the last five Premier League between these teams the away side has failed to score.

And in the seven games between these teams at Sunderland, there have been four draws.

Despite their good home form, Fulham struggle away, taking just 12 of their 42 points on the road. However they have drawn nine away games – the most in the division.

This season: Fulham 0 Sunderland 0.

Last season: Fulham 1 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 0 Fulham.

Stat of the game: Sunderland are one win short of a century of Premier League victories, drawing 92 and losing 185 of their 376 so far.

Betting tip: Sunderland could take advantage of Fulham's poor away record. Try a 2-1 home win at 9-1.

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CLINT DEMPSEY'S EUROPA ENTHUSIASM    



Clint Dempsey wants another run in the Europa League


Friday April 29,2011


By Daily Express reporter 


CLINT DEMPSEY has urged his Fulham team-mates to take the chance to experience another ­thrilling run in the Europa League even if it means giving up their summer holidays.

Boss Mark Hughes appeared unenthusiastic about the possibility of qualifying for the competition via the Fair Play table.

It would mean starting their season in early June but Dempsey said: "It wouldn't be much of a break, but your career is not long.

"We have to keep playing as well as we can and then whatever will be, will be."



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/243683/Clint-Dempsey-s-Europa-enthusiasmClint-Dempsey-s-Europa-enthusiasm#ixzz1KtGSQDES

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Mangerial Sack Race -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1381524/Carlo-Ancelotti-puts-fight-Chelsea--The-Firing-Line.html

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Sunderland injury jinx strikes again as young striker Noble limps out of practice match

By Colin Young


Last updated at 11:55 PM on 28th April 2011


Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has suffered another blow after his only fit striker, 19-year-old Ryan Noble, limped out of a practice match and into a packed treatment room.

Noble was unlikely to start against Fulham on Saturday, but he played in a youth match at Derby to improve his match fitness with a view to making the bench.

Bruce will have midfielders Stephane Sessegnon, Steed Malbranque, Jordan Henderson and Sulley Muntari in forward positions to replace Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck, who are battling to be fit before the end of the season.


Bad timing: Ryan Noble has been added to Sunderland's lengthy injury list

Titus Bramble, Craig Gordon, Kieran Richardson, David Meyler, John Mensah, Anton Ferdinand and Fraizer Campbell are all struggling and Bruce said: 'Ryan Noble's situation just sums things up. We needed to give him a game, so we brought him on for the last 10 minutes at Derby but he kicked the floor and twisted his knee. It's unbelievable.

'Stephane relished the role last week. I didn't bring him to play as an out-and-out centre forward, but he's extremely comfortable playing as an attacker. We're calling him little Precious McKenzie. He has been on the racks trying to stretch this week and he has promised me by the time he has finished he will be the size of Didier Drogba.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1381745/Sunderlands-Ryan-Noble-limps-practice-match.html#ixzz1KtHClRwO

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http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29042011/58/premier-league-match-facts-sunderland-v-fulham.html

Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Fulham


Fri, 29 Apr 01:55:00 2011


Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light.


Sunderland v Fulham


Fulham mustered nine shots on target to one by Sunderland when they met in December and yet neither team scored.

There have been just two goals scored in the last five Premier League matches between Fulham and Sunderland.

Sunderland have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions in the Premier League this season (23).

The Black Cats have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Premier League matches.

Sunderland have posted the worst shooting accuracy figures in the Premier League this season, hitting the target with just 37% of attempts.

Sunderland have scored a joint-league low 11 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season.

Fulham have only lost 10 Premier League games this season, two fewer than Liverpool.

Clint Dempsey has now scored a record 33 Premier League goals for Fulham.

Dempsey has scored three goals in his last five Premier League appearances.

Sunderland goalkeepers have come and failed to claim nine crosses this season, more than at any other club.

Opta

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/fulhams-top-division-goals-record/

Fulham's top division goals record


Filed under: General — rich @ 11:25 pm







(I think)

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http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/9000196.Noble___s_injury_leaves_Cats_without_a_striker/


Noble's injury leaves Cats without a striker

12:17am Friday 29th April 2011


By Scott Wilson

STEVE Bruce is confident Sunderland will carry an attacking threat against Fulham tomorrow, even though Ryan Noble's youth-team injury means the club does not have a single fit centre-forward.

With Asamoah Gyan, Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell all ruled out of the final three matches of the season, 19-year-old Noble was being primed for the fourth senior appearance of his career against the Cottagers.

However, after twisting his knee during a substitute appearance for the Black Cats' youth side at Derby on Thursday, the Sunderland-born youngster is unlikely to be involved before the end of the campaign.

As a result, January signing Stephane Sessegnon is set to continue in an emergency striker role tomorrow, with fellow midfielder Steed Malbranque offering him support in the hole between midfield and attack.

The situation is clearly far from ideal, but having watched his makeshift line-up score three goals in the space of 11 minutes against Wigan Athletic last weekend, Bruce is confident they will rise to the challenge against a Fulham side that could start with England internationals Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson on the bench.

"One of the reasons we brought Sessegnon in is that he can play in a variety of different positions," said the Sunderland boss. "I don't think he's ever been an out-and-out number nine, but we're stretching him on the stretching machines at the minute and hoping that he can be the new Didier Drogba.

"That's what we've nicknamed him, although I think he's more like (former English weightlifter) Precious McKenzie. He's certainly very strong for his size.

"Sessegnon and Malbranque both have good experience. They're not the biggest players but they can cause a few problems in different ways. They caused Wigan all sorts of problems, with Sessegnon's pace and Malbranque probing behind him.

"If we put the ball up around head height to them it'll come straight back, so we'll have to make sure we play it on the floor and pass as quickly as we can.

"We'll try to hurt Fulham with our movement, and try to get our midfield players running from deep. That's what we've been working on all week. I haven't got many other options, so that's probably what we'll go with."

Sunderland's injury problems do not end in attack, as Titus Bramble and David Meyler are also extremely unlikely to play again this season.

Kieran Richardson and John Mensah are also set to miss tomorrow's game, but Sulley Muntari will be available to start after making a substitute appearance last weekend and Phil Bardsley is available after recovering from the effects of the concussion he sustained following a collision with Nedum Onuoha last Saturday.

"The injury situation is unbelievable," said Bruce. "Thankfully, last weekend's result has lifted a bit of the pressure and given everyone a boost. It was certainly much needed given the number of players we have out.

"To be honest, Ryan Noble's situation just sums things up. We needed to give him a game because he hasn't played a lot, so we brought him on for the last ten minutes at Derby. But he kicked the floor, twisted his knee and that's him out as well."

The lengthy absentee list has at least given Bruce an opportunity to look at a couple of the fringe players in his squad, and the Black Cats boss has been hugely impressed by the emergence of Jack Colback.

The Killingworth-born midfielder made his first Premier League start of the season in this month's 2-0 defeat at Birmingham, and followed a bright display at St Andrew's with another eye-catching showing in last weekend's win over the Latics.

Having previously made more than 50 senior appearances during two separate loan spells at Ipswich Town, Colback can hardly be described as an untried novice.

Nevertheless, the quality of his last two appearances has impressed Bruce, who is now ready to hand the youngster a place at the heart of next season's senior squad.

"Jack has given us a natural left-hand side," he said. "He's waited patiently for a chance here, but he was voted Players' Player of the Year at Ipswich last season so it's not like he's come from nowhere.

"He had a big impact down there, and he's waited patiently for his turn since coming back to Sunderland. He's put in two really good performances, but I've always been someone who's tried to encourage the younger players.

"When I was at Birmingham, I threw in a young lad called (Darren) Carter and that got me out of trouble. I brought him into the team and the crowd went with it, and young Jack has given us the same kind of youthful energy. Nothing has fazed him - he's just gone out there and played."

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/04/28/2462407/clint-dempsey-anticipates-a-top-10-finish-and-future


Clint Dempsey anticipates a top 10 finish and future European success for Fulham

The United States international expects the London side to push forward in the Premier League, and has not given up hope of appearing in more continental finals



By Jessica Harman



28 Apr 2011 17:18:00


Fulham forward Clint Dempsey believes his team can capture a top ten Premier League finish after netting twice in the Cottagers' 3-0 victory over Bolton on Wednesday night.

The United States international has insisted there is no reason why Fulham cannot equal last season's great European and domestic achievements under the management of Roy Hodgson with current boss Mark Hughes.

Last season saw Fulham reach the Europa League final, where they were beaten in the final by Atletico Madrid. However, this season's campaigns in Europe and the Premier League have been less prosperous, with the Cottagers finding themselves near the relegation battle.

But an impressive league home form of late - Fulham are unbeaten at home in the league for the whole of 2011 - has seen the London club virtually secure their Premier League status for next season.

"I would like to think we could do what we did in the past," Dempsey said. "That we could be fighting for Europe and push on from there.

"We got to see the way things go but I don't think [last season] was a fluke. I think we have the quality here and hopefully we can show that.

"I would like to think that [we are safe] but there are still four games left and you don't want to be waiting until the last game and stressing.

"I think we are trying to look up, we are trying to make sure we finish in the top half because we feel that we have the quality in our team that we should be a team in the top half.

"That is the main goal now in our four games left."

Dempsey's impressive form of late has seen him rise up to 96th in the Castrol EDGE Rankings.




http://www.castrolfootball.com/rankings/rankings/?team=&comp=&nation=&position=&search=&offset=80&jump=1

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Onuoha: We can't let up


http://www.safc.com/news/20110428/onuoha-we-cant-let-up_2256213_2349153

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Bank Holiday Ticket Office Hours


Thursday 28th April 2011


Supporters should note that the Craven Cottage Ticket Office opening hours over the Bank Holiday weekend are as follows:

Friday 29th April - Closed
Saturday 30th April - Open 10am-12pm
Sunday 1st May - Closed
Monday 2nd May - Closed
Tuesday 3rd May – Open 9am-5pm



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/BankHolidayWeekendTicketOfficeHours.aspx#ixzz1KtLDmykT

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Squad Strength

Thursday 28th April 2011




After coming on as a substitute to help Fulham secure a point at Wolves last Saturday, and then scoring a frustratingly disallowed goal in the empathic win over Bolton on Wednesday, Bobby Zamora has praised the strength in depth of the Fulham squad.

And the England striker says that, with the way things are shaping up for Mark Hughes' side, next season at Craven Cottage could be one to remember.

"Some of us lads were talking about it this [Thursday] morning and we agreed that the last thing Zat Knight and Gary Cahill wanted to see was the likes of AJ, me and Dickson coming on.

"Everybody in the squad, even those that have been left out in recent weeks, are great players, playing unbelievably well in training.

"Take for instance Jonathan Greening. For me he has been frightening over the last couple of months on the training pitch. He has really been showing something special, but he can't even get a look in at the moment. That tells you how much quality we have now, but I suppose that's good for the Club, that we've got so many good players all over the pitch.

"Now we've had almost a whole season of working with the Manager and getting used to his ideas, you can see the results it's producing, and if we keep working hard, there's no reason why we can't take that forward into next season."

Particularly impressive against Bolton was Fulham's attacking play, the Whites creating an impressive 19 shots on goal as a result of a game spent camped in the away team's half for the most part. And Bobby is relishing the competition for places in attack as the team go into the final four games of the season, starting at Sunderland on Saturday, looking especially dangerous.

"The front four last night looked absolutely amazing – Eidur, Mousa, Clint and Digger, who's come back into the picture in recent weeks. They all looked extremely sharp and that can only be a good thing as we aim to end the season on a high, in that top 10," he said.

"Of course, we've got that little hoodoo on the road, and going to Sunderland is never easy, whatever sort of form you think they're in. For one, there's never an easy game in the Premier League and certainly going to Sunderland is going to be tough, but there are two away games to come and we are desperate to get an away win from at least one of them.

"It was nice to win at Stoke earlier in the season, but it would be great to end with a couple more."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/ZamoraSquadStrength.aspx#ixzz1KtLVq0pb

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Try the Family Zone

Thursday 28th April 2011


The Fulham FC Family Zone is being extended for the 2011/12 season. New Season Ticket locations are being made available in blocks K and KL of the Johnny Haynes Stand, next to the famous Cottage and the Players' Tunnel.

The area is already popular with fans young and old; we spoke to supporters in blocks K and KL before the match against Bolton for some feedback. One fan said: "To sit here with your family, with your kids, or even your grandfather is brilliant."

A first time visitor to the Cottage spoke about the tradition of the Johnny Haynes Stand, "It's great, it's fantastic, especially when you see the comparison with the new and old seats, it's great to keep that tradition, and it fits together very well. We are from the Netherlands, we are not used to having these classical stadiums, it creates more atmosphere."

The proximity to the pitch is another plus for families, a regular in block KL told us: "It's good here, there's lots of kids around, being so close to where the players come on and off, I know the kids like to be up and close and see who the players are rather than just on the tele."

Fans in this area get a prime view of all the build up, a Fulham fan who regularly brings his son to the Cottage spoke about this: "Here you do get a view of the pitch and we like watching the players warming up before the game. The players' tunnel and the match interviews that you see from these seats are great too."

With Clint Dempsey finding the back of the net from a Danny Murphy corner in front of the Cottage, fans in blocks K and KL had a great view, a fact highlighted by another supporter even before the game: "Obviously with the corners being taken just in front of us, it's good to be close to that," he said.

More 2011/12 Season Ticket information is available online| or by calling 0843 208 1234 (option 3) today.

Early Bird prices are available for applications received before 22nd May so make sure you buy today|.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/FamilyZone.aspx#ixzz1KtLtD2o3

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Impact Player

Thursday 28th April 2011



With his brace against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, Clint Dempsey became Fulham's all-time Premier League top goalscorer – having netted a total of 33 times.

Dempsey's strike tally is all the more impressive when considering the variety of positions he has occupied during his time at Craven Cottage.

His versatility was demonstrated once again this season, starting the campaign playing as a striker before being employed in a more traditional role on the left flank.

And certainly his ability to score from many positions has impressed Mark Hughes, who praised Clint's exploits both up front and out wide.

"He's been really important for us," the Manager explained. "Certainly in the first part of the season we were struggling. I didn't feel we had the quality we needed [up front] – we had guys coming back and I was playing Clint up there on his own and he still had an impact.

"If he didn't score then he'd create things for someone else. Credit to him, he's kept going and it's been a long, hard season for him.

"Lately in a couple of games he looked a little bit tired and you think, 'should you take him out?' but actually you can't afford to because he'll always get you a goal."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/HughesonDempsey.aspx#ixzz1KtMH2nQL

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Only 12 Days Remain

Thursday 28th April 2011




There are now just 12 days to go for Season Ticket Holders to guarantee their seats for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League campaign.

The Club will reserve your seat until midnight on Tuesday 10th May, the day after our home match against Liverpool.

Ensure you don't miss out on keeping your seat for what promises to be another fantastic season at Craven Cottage, join us on another journey by renewing your Season Ticket online today|.

Early Bird prices apply to all Season Tickets purchased before midnight on Sunday 22nd May and you can also earn yourself 20 Bonus Loyalty Points by renewing early.

If you're looking to spread the cost of your Season Ticket, don't forget about our new flat rate Instalment Plan*|, it allows you to spread the cost of your Season Ticket over a six or nine month period for just £20 or £25 respectively.

What's more, households with more than one Season Ticket can use the same Instalment Plan, so it makes supporting the Whites even more affordable.

Read more about Season Tickets|

* Terms and conditions apply, read more|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/SeatHoldReminder.aspx#ixzz1KtMdWVWi

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http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/04/el_clasico_at_the_cottage.php


El Clasico at the Cottage

Posted by Phil Mison 14 hours, 49 minutes ago

Wow! The scribes had run out of hyperbole by Wednesday praising United's demolition of Schalke, then with everyone fixated on events at the Bernabeu, up stepped Fulham with the performance of the week.


© Getty Images

Oh yes my friends, it was indeed 'just like watching Barcelona' at the Cottage as Fulham turned in their best display since the Cup tie with Spurs. Bolton could count themselves fortunate to only lose by three, but all credit to Owen Coyle for being gracious in defeat and generous in his praise of our side. In fact, Bolton more than played their part in a match that held one's attention from the off, and were still looking to attack at the death.

I am happy to hold my hands up and say, after all the brickbats thrown around for the timid effort at Wolves, Mark Hughes clearly knows far more about the capabilities of the first team than I do and was fully vindicated in picking the same side again to start. What a transformation we saw though from the Wolves draw. Here the ball was moved with purpose and at a much higher tempo. The passing was crisp, running off the ball intelligent, while we hunted in packs to close down the opposition whenever we lost the ball.

I'd be interested to know what both teams had for their pre-match meal. Bolton should have been ahead on 35 seconds, poor final shot from Muamba when well placed. Then, after Danny lost possession three times in dangerous areas we got the bit between our teeth and were soon pouring forward at the other end. Although Eidur made a real hash of an opening at the near post from Clint's cutback, it was about the last mistake he made.

Not one man in white failed to impress. Outstanding for my money though was Simon Davies. I've not seen him run with such direct purpose like that for three seasons - he was very unlucky not to win a penalty for his shot that deflected just wide off Zat's arm. We had two against the woodwork on the night, and - from where I was watching - a legitimate strike from BZ harshly chalked off. Clint's early volley that lit up the place is surely contender for goal of the season, his second a piece of brilliant anticipation on the 6 yard line - a pure poacher's gem of a finish. And how rewarding to see Brede add another goal to his collection. He was as ever immense at the back.

Redemption came for Gudjohnsen, showing that all he needed was a few starts to find his feet. Great intelligence and link play from the Icelander, exemplified by the early run he made, indicating to Baird where he wanted the long ball played, and agonisingly close to a deserved goal (to break that long drought of his). He combined particularly well with Dembele.

Man of the match hounours must go to Demps for his double, now making him Fulham's all time top Prem goalscorer. 33 goals over five season when he hasn't always been an automatic choice, and playing from midfield, is one hell of an achievement. He was admirably modest afterwards in saying the 'team ethic' is more valuable than any personal glory.

Mark has insisted since the winter - how distant that dark day against West Ham now seems - that FFC are a top ten team. Last night we looked a real force for anyone to reckon with. Let's make sure we really do finish as high as possible. Taking this kind of form up to Sunderland on Saturday should make us unstoppable for that 2nd away win.

Have I really been moaning too much on ths blog lately? Shame on me! Six wins and a draw at home since the Boxing Day debacle v West Ham says it all. Congratulations to Mark and the boys for a magnificent performance. I wonder, just looking at the bench we had last night, can real competition now for places have something to do with it?

I look forward to hearing your views on one of our most satisfying all round performances in the league this season.

COYW!

Twitter @fulhamphil

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Sunderland Fan Panel Predictions -

http://www.safc.com/news/20110428/fan-panel-sunderland-v-fulham_2256213_2349103

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http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/April/28/hughes-wary-of-injured-sunderland/

Hughes wary of injured Sunderland

28 April 2011




Fulham manager Mark Hughes will not be underestimating Sunderland when he takes his side to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Fulham manager Mark Hughes will not be underestimating Sunderland when he takes his side to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is facing an injury crisis up front with Asamoah Gyan, Danny Welbeck and Frazier Campbell all out of the match this weekend, but Hughes knows his opposite number and old Manchester United team-mate will have something up his sleeve.

"Sunderland are down on numbers in terms of who they can play outfield and that will help us but I'm sure Steve has a game plan what he will implement to try and beat us," Hughes said.

"I'm sure he would prefer to have those quality players available and if we play as well as we have in the last couple of games then it will take a good team to beat us."

Fulham go into the match on the back of a solid 3-0 home win over Bolton which makes it six wins from their last seven matches in front of their own fans.

The victory took Hughes' side to 42 points for the season - beyond the traditional benchmark of 40 normally required for Premier league survival - however the Welshman has urged his team not get complacent against Sunderland despite seemingly having avoided relegation.

"We need to go on the road and replicate our form at Craven Cottage. The key is placing demands on our team and not taking your foot off the pedal," he said.

"There's no difference to what my team are doing now than what they were doing at the start of the season."

"It's important to have continuity and a good quality of work - we've got two big games coming up (against Sunderland then home to Liverpool) and we're going to see the season though to its conclusion and see where it takes us."

Bobby Zamora is expected to lead the line for Fulham on Saturday after making a cameo appearance from the bench against Bolton due to a slight back problem, and could be partnered by Eidur Gudjohnsen who has started the last two games.

Clint Dempsey will be looking to add to his twelve goals already this season, as well as cement his place as Fulham's record Premier League goalscorer after bagging his 33rd strike for the West London club against Bolton midweek.

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Sunderland Official Website - Match Preview

http://www.safc.com/news/20110428/match-preview-sunderland-v-fulham_2256213_2348681

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/platoon-or-the-duffdaviesdilemma/


Platoon: or the DuffDaviesdilemma

Filed under: General — rich @ 2:58 pm


The 1958 Cleveland Indians baseball team used two players at First Base. Mickey Vernon, a good left-hander who was adept at getting on base, and Vic Power, a right handed hitter and flashy defensive player who once, having been informed that the restaurant he was in did not serve coloured people, replied: "That's OK, I don't eat coloured people. I just want rice and beans."

The trick here is that in baseball it's really, really hard for a left handed hitter to hit the ball thrown by a left handed pitcher, and it's really, really hard for a right handed hitter to hit the ball from a right handed pitcher.  This is almost universal: almost everyone is much worse against a 'same-side' pitcher.

There are more right handed pitchers than left handed pitchers, so left handed hitters tend to have an advantage.  Teams know this, though, so stock up on left handed pitchers to counter opponents' left handed hitters.  Over a season you see quite a mixture.  Over a game these days, too.

Which is why the Vernon-Power platoon was so good.  Most of the time, against righties, Vernon would start.  He was a better hitter than Power so this made sense.  Power was a better defender so made an ideal defensive substitute.  When the opposition started a lefty the Indians started Power, a lesser hitter than Vernon but a better hitter against left handers.

By creating this sort of job-share the Indians got the best out of their resources, masking the weaknesses of their hitters and winning more games as a result.

I only mention this because Fulham currently have a problem.  You have to play Damien Duff when he's fit. You have to play Simon Davies when he's fit.  You have to play Clint Dempsey.  You have to play Moussa Dembele. You have to play Bobby Zamora. You haven't got enough places in the team to play them all....

The most obvious thing to me is to platoon, to use your players when the opposition or situation suits them best.  But how would this work in football?  Are there certain types of opponents against whom you'd back Duff?  Maybe this would be teams that have a left-back who's not good at covering his inside and a centre-back who's not good at covering the left-back.  Maybe Duff's the default selection.  Davies?  Maybe when possession's important, when you think big away swinging crosses will work well.

Possible combinations:

Baird/Davies (Davies when you don't expect much threat down the right flank)
Salcido/Duff (as above, allows you to play Davies on the right)
Davies/Duff (some circumstance that I can't really think of)
Zamora/Johnson (it could be that against certain opponents you might feel that Johnson's zip will better work the opponents' centre-backs)
Murphy/Etuhu (anyone keeping track (as Fulham should be) may have noticed that against certain opponents our skipper can be nullified. In these games you may be better off with a Sidwell/Etuhu combo)

I don't know.  Football doesn't lend itself to absolutes like baseball, but there must be something to cling onto, something that says "play player X here because." Maybe football teams should be a bit bolder on this kind of thing (United seem to be very strong at this, and while of course it's easier with a big and talented squad, we're still working from the same premise: having more good players than you can play at once).