Saturday Fulham Stuff (30/4/11)...

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http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/04/football-news/mexico-pick-hernandez-in-gold-cup-squad

Mexico Pick Hernandez In Gold Cup Squad

In-form Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been named in Mexico's 30-man squad for next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup.Hernandez joins Fulham defender Carlos Salcido, West Ham midfielder Pablo Barrera and West Brom striker Carlos Vela in the squad for the tournament which runs from June 5-25 in the US.

Barcelona's Jonathan dos Santos, midfielder Efrain Juarez (Celtic), Hector Moreno from AZ Alkmaar and defender Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven) have also been called up.

Mexico are in Group A with El Salvador, Costa Rica and Cuba. Their first match is in Dallas on June 5 against El Salvador.

Group B features Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica and Grenada. Group C includes USA, Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe.

The Mexico squad is: Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey).

Defenders: Ricardo Osorio (Monterrey), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Edgar Duenas (Toluca), Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres (Tigres UANL), Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Carlos Salcido (Fulham).

Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Luis Perez, Jesus Zavala (both Monterrey), Antonio Naelson "Sinha" (Toluca), Efrain Juarez (Celtic), Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Pablo Barrera (West Ham United).

Forwards: Elias Hernandez (Morelia), Christian Bermudez (Atlante), Angel Reyna (America), Aldo de Nigris (Monterrey), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna), Giovani dos Santos (Real Santander), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Carlos Vela (West Bromwich Albion).

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http://sport.wp.pl/kat,1744,title,Mlody-Polak-na-testach-w-Fulham,wid,12593424,wiadomosc.html



14-year-old Matthew Ofmañski flew to London-based weekly tests for Fulham. For a talented player Warszawa Ursus is the second visit to the club from Craven Cottage.

The first visit was successful, Ofmañski liked the coaches of the team which last season reached the final of the League of Europe, where she lost to Atletico Madrid. The young athlete was invited to the next test, you may soon move to London.

Currently, there is a 14-year-old with a vintage trampkarzami 1995 (one year older than him) and is the best defender of the team. There is also a major player representation Mazovia vintage 1996, which last season won the Polish championship.

- We are proud that Maciek went for tests to Fulham - the words of the President of Ursus Mark Szymula quotes the official site of the club. - He deserves it. Hard at work on their football skills, has a big talent, very good, definitely stands out playing with older boys.

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Hughes wants talks on new Fulham deal


Published 23:00 29/04/11


By Neil McLeman





Mark Hughes has told Fulham he is ready to ­negotiate a new contract after securing the club's Premier League place.

And the board at Craven Cottage are also ready to do business to stave off potential interest from Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

"I'm hoping to sit down with the club and talk about it," said Hughes. "I have 12 months left and we've had initial discussions, but nothing in terms of really extending the contract.

"Obviously I'm open to ­conversations in that respect, because I like this club. I think it's a well-run club with good people and we can be successful."

The former Wales boss was given three games to save his job at Christmas when last year's Europa League finalists slipped into the relegation zone.

His side has responded by going unbeaten at home in the league since then, with­ Wednesday's win over Bolton lifted them to ninth place.

Hughes signed a two-year deal when he joined last July. It is ­understood to include clauses to extend his stay.

The Fulham hierarchy were impressed with the manager's handling of a mid-season crisis when he was without a recognised striker And his record in the transfer market – with the £5million purchase of Mousa Dembele and the loan signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen – is another plus.

The 47-year-old resisted making wholesale changes when taking over from Roy Hodgson and only tweaked his predecessor's successful blueprint.

After being sacked by Manchester City in December 2009, his record over the last four months has made him hot ­property.

His former club Bayern Munich are looking for a new boss, while Gerrard Houllier's illness may mean Villa have to search for a manager this summer. Hughes joined Fulham just before Martin O'Neill quit Villa in August.

The Welshman insisted he is happy to extend his stay.

"What we've done since Christmas gives you encouragement for next year," he said. "We have good-quality players here and, like most clubs, we'll try to add to that quality in the summer.

"If we can, I feel confident the next few years will be very successful."

Fulham go to the Stadium of Light today chasing only their second away win of the campaign.

"It's not about taking your foot off the pedal at this time of the season," added Hughes.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Mark-Hughes-has-told-Fulham-he-is-ready-to-negotiate-a-new-contract-after-securing-their-Premier-League-place-despite-being-linked-with-Aston-Villa-and-Bayern-Munich-jobs-article729665.html#ixzz1KziVfKEJ

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Senderos could make Fulham debut against Sunderland

Published 13:37 29/04/11

By MirrorFootball




Defender Philippe Senderos could make his first appearance for Fulham in tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash at Sunderland.

The Switzerland international joined from Arsenal last June but has yet to feature for the Cottagers after picking up a serious Achilles injury.

Senderos was included in the squad for the first time in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Bolton and could be given a taste of first-team action from the bench at the Stadium of Light.

Fulham manager Mark Hughes will be hoping Damien Duff has recovered from his own Achilles complaint, while Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson will be pushing for starts having both come on as substitutes in the last two games.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Salcido, Etuhu, Duff, Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Duff, Dembele, Zamora, Johnson, Stockdale, Kelly, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Sunderland-Philippe-Senderos-could-make-delayed-debut-article729616.html#ixzz1Kzit6gHl

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Sunderland to face Fulham without a single fit striker

Published 09:35 29/04/11


By MirrorFootball




Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will head into tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham without a single senior striker fit.

Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck (both hamstring) are unlikely to play again this season and Fraizer Campbell (knee) is out for a year, while even youngster Ryan Noble damaged a knee on youth team duty earlier this week.

Benin international Stephane Sessegnon is the main candidate for a lone role up front, while full-back Phil Bardsley has recovered from the bout of concussion he suffered during last Saturday's 4-2 victory over Wigan.

John Mensah (adductor tear) and Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) are being assessed, but Kieran Richardson (hamstring) is likely to miss out and Titus Bramble, Craig Gordon and David Meyler (all knee) remain on the sidelines.

Provisional squad: Mignolet, Carson, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Mensah, Bardsley, Angeleri, Turner, Cattermole, Muntari, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Sessegnon, Zenden, Colback, Knott, Adams, Lynch.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Sunderland-Fulham-team-news-Steve-Bruce-without-a-single-fit-striker-article729515.html#ixzz1KzjNrQ6c

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http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/04/premiership/mancinis-ruthless-47m-hit-list-will-fund-inspirational-double-serie-a-raid


Mancini's Ruthless £47M Hit List Will Fund Inspirational Double Serie A Raid


Date: 29th April 2011 at 5:49 pm


| Author: Joe T

They might need to oil the revolving door at City's Carrington training complex this Summer, it looks like it could be their biggest transfer window yet, but maybe that is with players leaving rather than arriving.

Our friends at The Times are today keeping us posted on the latest murmurings around Eastlands.  They reckon that Roberto Mancini has made Napoli striker Edinson Cavani his top priority this Summer, with Alexis Sanchez of Udinese a close second.  The paper though says all this is reliant on players being booted out of the back door, so lets take a look at the runners and riders and see who is most likely to be moved on:

Shaun Wright-Phillips – 16 Appearances, 1 goal – Estimated Value: £6million

Likeliness To Leave - 5/10 – Possible Desinations: Newcastle United & Fulham

He possesses pace that many members of the City midfield don't and he has the ability to beat a man.  I think he is deserving of a place in the squad, especially as a substitute because I think he could scare opposition defences.  The player lately has suggested he would like to remain at the club and end his career at Eastlands as long as he still features from time to time, I have a suspicion SWP might still be at the club next season!

Emmanuel Adebayor - 13 Appearances, 5 Goals – Estmimated Value: £14million

Likeliness To Leave – 10/10 - Possible Destinations: Juventus, AC Milan

I always felt he was good for goals when he did play, although admittedly his work rate was pretty poor.  I would suggest now that the writing is on the wall, as soon as he was loaned out his career at Eastlands was essentially over, it now seems likely that Real won't make the loan a permanent move but clubs in Italy have supposedly shown interest in the lanky striker.

Wayne Bridge - 7 Appearances – Estimated Value: £4million

Likeliness To Leave: 9/10 – Possible Destinations: West Ham or a promoted team.

Bridge is currently demonstrating decent form at West Ham, probably down to the confidence gained from a run of appearances in the team.  When you consider what a hard time City have had filling the left back position though, the fact Bridge was farmed out so readily really demonstrates what little future he has at the club.  If West Ham stay up, they may look to make the signing permanent.

Nedum Onuoha – 0 Appearances – Estimated Value: £6Million

Likeliness To Leave: 7/10 – Possible Destination: Sunderland

Part of me hopes that he was only loaned out this season to gain fitness and sharpness, that seems slightly unlikely now though, especially with the emergence of Dedryck Boyata and the improvement of Joleon Lescott.  He has performed well at Sunderland and I would be surprised if they didn't attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, but I think Mancini might have one more look at Neds before making a decision.

Craig Bellamy - 0 Appearances – Estimated Value: £4million

Likeliness To Leave - 1o/10 - Possible Destination: Cardiff

Bellers was brilliant for City during his short spell at the club, but things now seem to have come to an end.  The decision to send him on loan too Cardiff at the start of the season was pretty much the final nail in the coffin.  If Cardiff are promoted I can see him wanting to stay there to help in the Premier League, and if they don't I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't take a wage cut to remain there anyway.

Jo - 22 Appearances, 3 Goals – Estimated Value: £6million

Likeliness To Leave: 8/10 – Possible Destinations: Benfica, Birmingham City

Mancini has used Jo more than you would expect this season and the striker sadly has looked no better than when he was first signed.  I can't really see him staying, and there have been various rumours circulating that Benfica or Birmingham might move for him, if an offer comes in I will happily drive him to wherever it is myself.

Roque Santa Cruz - 2 Appearances, 0 Goals – Estimated Value: £4million

Likeliness To Leave: 9/10 - Possible Destinations: Blackburn, Fulham

The towering striker has never really had a career at City, Mark Hughes was desperate to sign him, but he was immediately surplus to requirements.  There isn't really anything to criticise on the players part, he always tried he just clearly wasn't good enough.  A move this Summer is a certainty, Rovers might want to make his signing permanent, and Mark Hughes might want to reunite with the striker at Fulham.

Carlos Tevez - 38 Appearances, 22 Goals – Estimated Value: £40million

Likeliness To Leave: 5/10 – Possible Destinations: Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus

Could go either way, obviously City would prefer to keep him, but if the player is unhappy and wants to move, the club might be very tempted to sell.  The sort of money that it would bring in would allow Mancini to bring in a couple of top drawer players.  It seems that Italy is the most likely destination, although whether Serie A sides could afford him remains to be seen, the only other real option is free spending Real Madrid.

Felipe Caicedo - 0 Apperances – Estimated Value: £3million

Likeliness To Leave: 10/10 - Possible Destination: Levante

Caicedo is currently performing reasonably well in La Liga and is gaining a few admiring glances in Spain.  He was never an awful player for City, in fact he scored some important goals in his time, but the club has moved on.  Let down by an awful first touch, he will never be a player at a top club, which is sad because he works hard and he has the required physical attributes.

So there we have it, amazing how many strikers City have collected over the last few years, a shame so many of them are average at best!  As for the possible signings of Cavani and Sanchez, I can definitely see one of them at Eastlands next Summer, but I feel that if both of them are to arrive a certain Argentine will have to be sold to make way.  Tevez aside though, City could bring in a cool £47million with the sale of the rest of them (that is my rough estimates are anything close to accurate) and I don't really think many of them will be overly missed!

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


Premier League - Matchpack: Sunderland v Fulham

Fri, 29 Apr 12:57:00 2011


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


TEAM NEWS

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will head into Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham without a single senior striker fit.

Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck (both hamstring) are unlikely to play again this season and Fraizer Campbell(knee) is out for a year, while even youngster Ryan Noble damaged a knee on youth team duty earlier this week.

Benin international Stephane Sessegnon is the main candidate for a lone role up front, while full-back Phil Bardsleyhas recovered from the bout of concussion he suffered during last Saturday's 4-2 victory over Wigan.

John Mensah (adductor tear) and Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) are being assessed, but Kieran Richardson(hamstring) is likely to miss out and Titus Bramble, Craig Gordon and David Meyler (all knee) remain on the sidelines.

Fulham team news to follow...

MATCH FACTS

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.

PA Sport / Opta

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http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/04/football-news/bruce-badgers-team-for-back-to-back-wins


Bruce badgers team for back-to-back wins

Date: 29th April 2011 at 10:50 am


Written by FFC News Desk


Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is demanding another win from his players after they tasted victory for the first time in 10 games last Saturday.Bruce's men battled back for a 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic and he wants another win against Fulham on Saturday.

"We have had a terrible run but we have a great chance now to finish in the top 10," Bruce said.

"Even with all the problems we have got we are still capable of producing a result."

"To come from behind to score four last weekend shows we have a bit of courage and resilience. The players do care and they want to succeed."

"The result last week has put a spring in everyone's step. We are back on the right track and we will give the top 10 as good a shot as we can."

Victory on Saturday would see Bruce's men record their first back-to-back wins since January.

Fulham have pushed through a lean winter period and moved above Sunderland in the table on Wednesday with a thumping 3-0 victory over Bolton.

Bruce knows they will be a different prospect to the team Sunderland held to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage in December.

Bruce is now anticipating a close battle against the side managed by his former Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes.

"All of a sudden they've got their players back and they are a different proposition to what they were before Christmas," Bruce said.

"Mark's turned them around and they have some good players. It will be a difficult game."

"Fulham have quietly gone about their business in the Premier League for a lot of years now and have goal threats from everywhere."

"They are a well-run, well-established Premier League club."

Sunderland will be without defenders Titus Bramble (knee) and John Mensah (calf), midfielder Kieran Richardson (calf) and forwards Asamoah Gyan (hamstring), Ryan Noble (knee), Danny Welbeck (hamstring) and Fraizer Campbell (knee).

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http://footybunker.com/qpr-and-fulham-fc-keen-on-senegal-international/2503


QPR and Fulham FC keen on Senegal international


By Derek Faucett




Reports in France are claiming that both Championship leaders QPR and Fulham FC are looking into the availabilty of Senegal international Jackson Mendy who currently plays for French league 2 side Grenoble.

The left back, who turns 24 next year has two international caps for Senegal and at 6ft 3in can play either on the left or in the centre of defence.

Whilst he would struggle to play a major role in the Premiership it has been suggested that Mendy would figure as a defensive utility player and at his age has time to improve and impress on the bigger stages.

A price of around £500k has been suggested meaning it will not cost the earth to land the player who had a trial with Middlesbrough in 2010.

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http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3285144,00.html

Sunderland v Fulham preview

Black Cats short of strikers for visit of mid-table rivals


Last updated: 29th April 2011   


Form guide:
Sunderland: LLLLW
Fulham: LWLDW

Injuries:
Sunderland: Gyan, Welbeck, Campbell, Bramble, Gordon, Meyler
Fulham:

Sky Bet odds: Sunderland 6/4 Draw 9/4 Fulham 15/8

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

Sunderland and Fulham lock horns at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in a clash between two sides jostling for position in mid-table.

Both teams had been involved in a congested scrap for survival just a week ago, but vital victories have lifted them to relative safety.

The Black Cats ended a dismal run of eight defeats in nine games with a 4-2 success at home to struggling Wigan last Saturday, propelling them past the 40-point barrier.

They are now seven points clear of the relegation zone with just four games remaining and will be determined to finish the season strongly to get back on track ahead of next term.

Steve Bruce will have to contend with a striker shortage during the run-in, though, after losing his last pair of recognised frontmen during the clash with Wigan.

Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck (both hamstring) are unlikely to play again this season and Fraizer Campbell (knee) is out for a year, while even youngster Ryan Noble damaged a knee on youth team duty earlier this week.

Benin international Stephane Sessegnon is the main candidate for a lone role up front, while full-back Phil Bardsley has recovered from the bout of concussion he suffered against Wigan.

John Mensah (adductor tear) and Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) are being assessed, but Kieran Richardson (hamstring) is likely to miss out and Titus Bramble, Craig Gordon and David Meyler (all knee) remain on the sidelines.

Fulham news
Fulham are a point better off than Sunderland on 42 and manager Mark Hughes has set his sights on a top-half finish after some encouraging recent performances.

The Cottagers needed a late Andrew Johnson strike to salvage a 1-1 draw against Wolves last weekend despite dominating much of the game at Molineux.

But Fulham then produced an even more impressive display in midweek to overcome Bolton 3-0 and effectively secure their top-flight status for next season.

Hughes has been able to select a settled side over the past few weeks and is unlikely to tinker too much for the trip to Wearside.

Bobby Zamora will hope to earn a recall to the starting XI after being restricted to a couple of cameos from the bench following a back problem.

Philippe Senderos was an unused substitute against Bolton as he continues to work his way back to full fitness having missed the entire season to date.


Possible starting XIs
Sunderland: Mignolet, Onuoha, Turner, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Cattermole, Colback, Henderson, Muntari, Sessegnon.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido, Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Zamora, Dembele.