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Friday Fulham Stuff (14/10/11)...

Started by WhiteJC, October 14, 2011, 07:38:33 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Cottagers romp shocks Jol
Fulham boss taken aback by ease of victory over QPR


Martin Jol: Fulham boss surprised by margin of victory over QPR in last outing

Fulham boss Martin Jol has admitted he was taken aback by the ease of their victory over QPR and hopes it will be a catalyst for their season.

The Cottagers finally secured their first win of the Premier League season at the seventh time of asking as they romped to a 6-0 home victory over their London rivals.

Andy Johnson bagged a hat-trick, with Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora also on target for a result which Jol hopes will spurs his side on when they tackle Stoke on Saturday.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," he said.

Helps mentally

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."

Team news

Fulham will be boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes from a groin injury for their trip to the Britannia Stadium, although Jol admits several first-team players will miss out.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said. "We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training today but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad.

"He probably needs another seven or eight days."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7238951,00.html?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham boosted by Hughes return



Stoke City v Fulham

FULHAM are boosted by the return of Aaron Hughes for Saturday's trip to the Britannia.

The Northern Irishman has been sidelined with a groin injury since last month's draw with Blackburn Rovers.

But the 31-year-old is now back in full training and set to return to the defence against Stoke.

However, Martin Jol is counting the cost of the international break after two of his players returned with injuries.

Philippe Senderos (thigh) and Kerim Frei (ankle) suffered knocks while on duty with Switzerland, and Bryan Ruiz (knee) also misses out.

Simon Davies (knee) is the only long-term absentee.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/13/fulham-boosted-by-hughes-return-82029-29591594/?#ixzz1ajg3orsG

WhiteJC

 
Andy Johnson to renew Fulham talks



MARTIN Jol says Fulham plan to renew contract talks with Andy Johnson soon in a bid to persuade the striker to stay at Craven Cottage.

The former England frontman has so far stalled on signing the two-year extension on the table, putting west London rivals QPR on red alert.

Johnson has declared his intentions to extend his time in SW6, although the new deal is understood to be on reduced wages to the four-year contract he agreed when he signed for the Whites in 2008.

But Jol is still hopeful the 30-year-old, who has already fired nine goals in all competitions this season, will commit his future to the club.

He said: "We will have to sit down again and hopefully we can come to a solution.

"We've made him and offer and he's thinking about it. Our financial people are coming back from a break and will start talking to him in the next couple of weeks."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/13/andy-johnson-to-renew-fulham-talks-64767-29591707/?#ixzz1ajgLgtyz


WhiteJC

 
Jol: QPR win has lifted team

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes the resounding defeat of QPR can be the turning point in their campaign.

Andrew Johnson's hat-trick spurred the Cottagers to their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season before the international break.

Danny Murphy's penalty along with efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora complemented Johnson's treble in a 6-0 win over their near neighbours.

Jol said: "I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR. They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid. That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them. We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need. Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table. Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-qpr-win-has-lifted-team-1309363.html?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss willing to let winger stay at Portsmouth



MARTIN Jol has given the green light for Bjorn Helge Riise to extend his loan at Portsmouth.

The Fulham winger has made two appearances since his switch to Fratton Park last month, but is due to return to Craven Cottage on November 7.

Riise is keen to stay on the south coast, and boss Jol says he would be willing to extend the deal.

He said: "For him it's very important that he will play. When we took him he was playing in the national team and one of the best players.

"He's been a bit unfortunate with injuries and players in his position who are better. I thought it was a good thing for him to go on loan and I'd be willing to extend it."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/13/fulham-boss-willing-to-let-winger-stay-at-portsmouth-82029-29592191/?#ixzz1ajiYaNp1

WhiteJC

 
Play-Off Confirmed

The Euro 2012 play-off draw took place on Thursday afternoon and Fulham's Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff will play Estonia for a place at next summer's Finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

Thursday's play-off draw took place in Krakow where Fulham will head next week for their UEFA Europa League match against Wisla Krakow.

The first leg will be played in Estonia on the 11/12 November before the tie returns to Dublin on the 15th November at the Aviva Stadium.

The other play-offs see Turkey up against Croatia, the Czech Republic take on Montenegro and Portugal face Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Republic of Ireland secured second spot in their qualifying group by four points and now have the chance to put their painful 2010 World Cup play-off defeat to France firmly in the past next month.

Already through to the finals, alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, are Spain, Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Holland, Greece, England, Denmark and Sweden.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/KellyDuffPlay0ff.aspx?#ixzz1ajilbV8f


WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol hoping to build on confidence from thrashing of QPR

Dutchman expected a more difficult fight out of rivals following their 6-0 win, but now hopes that belief gained will translate into more immediate points in the table


PROSHOTS

Fulham manager Martin Jol hopes the confidence gained after thrashing rivals QPR 6-0 two weeks ago wasn't all lost through the international break.

The Dutchman admitted he was surprised by the margin of victory in the derby, but is now focused on continuing that momentum against Stoke on Saturday after an ill-timed international break.

"Obviously a few players had defeats and a few had good results so it was okay, but for us there is not a lot of difference," he told reporters.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said.

"We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training on Thursday but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad. He probably needs another seven or eight days."

The Dutchman admitted that he was suprised by the size victory against their derby rivals three weeks ago, particularly considering the start the season QPR had enjoyed.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," Jol continued.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"If you get a game like that and win 6-0, it is probably the best feeling you can have."

The scoreline was inflated in part an Andy Johnson hat trick, something his manager was obviously very happy to witness.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/13/2709741/fulham-boss-martin-jol-hoping-to-build-on-confidence-from?

WhiteJC

 
Steve Sidwell explodes into a sweet special one nirvana

Or something.  In any case, Martin Jol said today that Sidwell's peformance against QPR only lacked a goal to have been perfect.  I noticed this at the time but didn't get round to chalkboarding it, but Jol's right, Sidwell had a stormer of the highest order (also clattered Taraabt early doors (you must always clatter in the early doors) to announce himself).



Oof!



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/steve-sidwell-explodes-into-a-sweet-special one-nirvana/?

WhiteJC

 
Stoke v Fulham

Stoke are looking to push their away-day blues to one side this weekend as they take on Fulham at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters lost 2-0 at Swansea in their last Premier League fixture and will be keen to get back to winning ways in the comfort of their own home this Saturday.

The Cottagers ran out 2-0 winners in this fixture last year, with a brace from the unlikely source of defender Chris Baird, condemning Stoke to an unlikely home defeat.

There's been a bit of history in recent years between Fulham and Stoke, Pulis didn't really seen eye to eye with Mark Hughes and midfielder Danny Murphy's comments only added fuel to the fire.

The West-London side have a new man in charge this time around,though, and Martin Jol will be keen to prove that his success at Tottenham wasn't just a mere flash in the pan.

Vital Quotes:
Stoke City Team News:
Home team news will be added shortly
Player to watch: Jermaine Pennant
I'm pretty sure that Fulham will arrive at the Britannia content in playing for a point.

So that said, they'll try and frustrate us. This will mean our forwards(most likely Crouch & Walters) will have to be on the top of their game, but the man who I'm looking to win us the game on Saturday is Jermaine Pennant - the 28-year-old winger has picked up from where he left off last season and it's looking like he'll have a major say in Stoke's season this year.

We all know of Jon Arne Riise's attacking abilities, but he's not really renowned for his defensive abilities, and Pennant could profit from that.

Fulham Team News:
Away team news will be added shortly
Player to watch: Andy Johnson
Fulham have got a batch of quality players and it's clear to see why they've done so well and held their position in the top flight for so long.

Brede Hangeland always seems to relish the task of coming up against Stoke, but I doubt he'll have faced an opponent who's taller than him - and with Peter Crouch certain to start on Saturday, he'll have his hands full.

Clint Dempsey is a quality player who always seems to pop up with a goal when needed, and the Potters will have to be alert to the danger the USA star possesses. Not only is he very tidy on the deck, but he's a big threat from set-pieces.

However, my pick for the Fulham player to watch has to be Andy Johnson, the former England man netted a stunning hat-trick in his team's 6-0 win over QPR and will be thriving with confidence.

In fact, the 30-year-old has already scored a hat-trick against Stoke. He bagged 3 goals in a 6-3 thriller for Crystal Palace back in 2003, and he's always been a confidence player...

Finally, Zamora's a top player when fit, so he's bound to cause a few problems, and don't forget - Fulham didn't splash out £10 million on Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz for nothing...

Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
I respect Fulham as a team, but I think we'll have too much for them at home. I'm expecting a really convincing performance from Stoke. Stoke 2-0 Fulham

Next Fixtures:
Stoke entertain Israeli giants Maccabi Tel-Aviv on 20th October, but the Potters' next Premier League fixture is away to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal




Read more: http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=258716#ixzz1ajo7OISE


WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss Jol could be in hot water for defending under-fire ref Atkinson

Fulham boss Martin Jol has run the risk of FA disciplinary action by praising referee Martin Atkinson.

The official takes charge of Fulham's Premier League clash with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday despite his red card for Everton's Jack Rodwell being rescinded.


Controversy: Rodwell, right, is shown a red card by ref Atkinson

Although the FA have been clamping down on pre-match comments about referees, Jol said: 'He's a good referee and he's proved that.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2048869/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-risks-FA-action-praising-ref.html#ixzz1ajoXLV7L

WhiteJC

 
Referee Atkinson gets Jol's backing

Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, has praised the decision to appoint Martin Atkinson to a Premier League match this weekend following his controversial dismissal of Everton's Jack Rodwell a fortnight ago.

"He's a good referee and he proved that," Jol said. "If you are in the Premier League your quality is high." Fulham's trip to Stoke City tomorrow is Atkinson's first domestic match since Goodison Park.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referee-atkinson-gets-jols-backing-2370201.html?

WhiteJC

 
FULHAM MANAGER JOL SEES FUTURE POSITIVE

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes the resounding defeat of QPR can be the turning point in their campaign.

Andrew Johnson's hat-trick spurred the Cottagers to their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season before the international break.

Danny Murphy's penalty along with efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora complemented Johnson's treble in a 6-0 win over their near neighbours.

Jol admitted he was shocked by the nature of Fulham's victory but believes it bodes well for the future.

"I was surprised by the margin of the win, especially against QPR," he said.

"They had two away wins so they are good away from home, with [Shaun] Wright-Phillips up front and Adel Taarabt, who is a great talent.

"I saw them live the week before against Aston Villa and they looked solid.

"That said, everything came together for us - support play, up front, midfield, holding them up and stretching them.

"We gave them a lot of problems and that is what we did, for example, against West Brom the week before and Twente in the Europa League but we couldn't score.

"It was good to see that Andy Johnson scored a couple of goals because that is what you need.

"Playing well is important but you need the results as well. We didn't have the defeats - we had four or five draws in a sequence - but it is not enough to climb the table.

"Winning always helps mentally and [boosts] the offence as well."

While Jol's side head to Stoke on Saturday on the back of a thumping win, there has been a two-week break due to international matches.

The Dutchman admits the break did not come at the ideal time for the west Londoners, but does not think it will take away too much momentum.

"If you get a game like that and win 6-0, it is probably the best feeling you can have," he said.

"Having a little break left us with four or five players, which was not a lot.

"With the other players, the only worry you have got is that they might get injured or even suffer a defeat, which won't help.

"Obviously a few players had defeats and a few had good results so it was okay, but for us there is not a lot of difference.

"Of course you would like to get together the next day and talk about it, but a win is a win. We don't have to talk too much."

Fulham will be boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes from a groin injury for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, although Jol admits several first-team players will miss out.

"Not everybody is fit and healthy but most of them are," he said.

"We have got a little problem with Philippe Senderos, who has an injury on his left thigh and will be out for a week.

"Dickson [Etuhu] started training on Thursday but that is for another reason [aside from injury] as his wife gave birth to a son.

"Kerim Frei had a knock on his ankle so he won't be included and Bryan Ruiz had a knock against his knee in the last game so won't be included in the squad. He probably needs another seven or eight days."



http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Fulham-manager-Jol-sees-future-positive.aspx


WhiteJC

 
MARTIN JOL RISKS FA WRATH OVER REFEREE

FULHAM manager Martin Jol could face FA censure for yesterday praising discredited referee Martin Atkinson.

Martin Jol came out in support of the official heavily criticised two weeks ago for sending off Everton's Jack Rodwell in the Merseyside derby, a decision that was later rescinded on appeal.

But Atkinson is in charge of Fulham's game at Stoke tomorrow and, despite Jol's words being of a positive nature, FA rules stipulate that "no manager should speak about a referee prior to a match".

Last May, Sir Alex Ferguson was charged with improper conduct after he praised Howard Webb prior to him overseeing United's clash with Chelsea.

Asked if he was surprised Atkinson was refereeing again so soon after his high-profile blunder, Jol said: "I am not surprised. I think he is a good referee. After all, if you are in the Premier League, your quality is high.

"But as for punishing a referee for a mistake, I don't think so. We all make mistakes. I remember in Holland a couple of years ago referees being demoted and it was awful to see. You saw the No1 referee officiating in the second division and I don't think that was a good solution."



http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/277404/Martin-Jol-risks-FA-wrath-over-referee

WhiteJC

 
Rooney's replacement: Who are the candidates to fill the void left by England's suspended star

Fabio Capello's answer to the first question was unequivocal. Will you take Wayne Rooney to the Euros? 'Yes.'

The follow-up, he avoided with a neat swerve. But what if it is a two-game ban? 'I hope it's one. I think it will be.'

Except it is not. And this morning the England manager knows he must prepare for Euro 2012 in the knowledge his star man, who contributed three goals, two yellow cards and a red to a successful qualifying campaign, will miss the entire group phase in Poland or Ukraine.

So, who will replace the Manchester United man?


JERMAIN DEFOE
Spurs, Age 29, Caps 46, Goals 15
Unlucky to be left out of the squad for last week's game, Defoe used to be viewed as a Rooney replacement. His winner against Slovenia at the World Cup and subsequent hat-trick in the opening Euro 2012 group game against Bulgaria debunked that view. Capello has already said he will get a chance.


DANIEL STURRIDGE
Chelsea. Age 22, Uncapped
Might have been selected already had it not been for the three-match ban that caused him to start the season in September. Now showing the talent Manchester City always felt he had, whilst losing some of the arrogance that ended his days with the Blues. New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is a fan.


DANNY WELBECK
Man United. Age 20, Caps 2, Goals 0
Like Sturridge, has access to Champions League combat, which Capello views as being so integral to a young player's development. Has made rapid progress over the past 12 months and if the feeling of Welbeck moving to number three in Sir Alex Ferguson's striking roster is confirmed, he will not be far away.


BOBBY ZAMORA
Fulham. Age 30, Caps 1, Goals 0
Laughingly described as one of the young players he was pinning his faith on post-World Cup by Capello, Zamora nevertheless has an ability the Italian quite likes. Ground to make up after missing so much of last season through injury and not a like-for-like Rooney replacement, but can bring others into play.


ANDY CARROLL
Liverpool. Age 22, Caps 3, Goals 1
Talked up as the future 12 months ago but now shoved to the periphery. Capello has expressed concern about the Liverpool man's lifestyle, although Kenny Dalglish has angrily denied there is a problem.


DARREN BENT
Aston Villa. Age 27, Caps 11, Goals 4
Seems to have assumed the role of being a man whose scoring record Capello is loath to ignore, without ever seeming to be the Italian's first choice up front. May well end up being his most dependable substitute.


THEO WALCOTT
Arsenal. Age 22, Caps 19, Goals 3
Has long fought his own corner when it comes to playing as a central striker at club level. His final ball from wide is a source of frustration - the cross for Ashley Young's opener against Montenegro aside - but Capello loves the pace Walcott brings to the side on the flanks.


ASHLEY YOUNG
Man United. Age 26, Caps 18, Goals 4
A candidate for England's player of the year, Young first began to shine as a support striker in Denmark. It was a position he filled for Aston Villa under Gerard Houllier, although he has reverted back to the wide slots since his big-money summer move to Manchester United.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049014/Wayne-Rooneys-replacement-Who-be.html#ixzz1akqv5MWG

WhiteJC

 
STOKE v Fulham: Etherington hoping sugar rush can aid return to side

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is waiting to see whether a sugar injection in Matthew Etherington's back has cured the winger's injury problems in time for him to play in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also doubtful for the match at the Britannia Stadium as they bid to recover from their own injury problems.

Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out, while Pulis will decide whether to rest Glenn Whelan after the midfielder helped the Republic of Ireland reach the play-offs for Euro 2012 over the past week.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Wilkinson, Woodgate, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Sorensen, Shotton, Arismendi, Pennant, Delap, Crouch, Jones, Jerome, Nash.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049006/STOKE-v-Fulham-Matthew-Etherington-hoping-sugar-rush-aid-return-side.html#ixzz1akrJFE2m


WhiteJC

 
Defender denies Fulham fall-out

FULHAM must pull out all the stops to keep Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage.

So says team-mate Stephen Kelly, amid speculation the England striker wants to quit SW6 following a bust-up with Martin Jol.

The Whites boss has played down the spat with his star man, who was upset after being left out of the Europa League trip to Odense last month.

The reported fall-out has put potential suitors on red alert, with west London rivals QPR linked with an £8million move in the January transfer window.

But Kelly insists the morale in the camp is good, and says Fulham need to do all they can to hold on to their star man.

He said: "Bobby's huge for us. He's such an outlet and brings others into the game. A lot of our football is played around him and getting shots off his link-up play.

"He's an important player for the team, and it showed in the first-half of last season and for a couple of games this year when he's been missing.

"But we've bought a couple of players who have done well, and I'm sure with the way the manager rotates things sometimes others will play ahead of Bobby.

"I've not seen any bust-up – I think it's just stuff in the press. The manager's keeping things fresh and changing things to keep everyone on their toes.

"It means every game is a new team out there looking to impress. It only adds to the competition."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/14/defender-denies-fulham-fall-out-82029-29594948/?#ixzz1akreiVAc

WhiteJC

 
Fulham star urges Zamora stay

FULHAM must pull out all the stops to keep Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage.

So says team-mate Stephen Kelly, amid speculation the England striker wants to quit SW6 following a bust-up with Martin Jol.

The Whites boss has played down the spat with his star man, who was upset after being left out of the Europa League trip to Odense last month.

The reported fall-out has put potential suitors on red alert, with west London rivals QPR linked with an £8million move in the January transfer window.

But Kelly insists the morale in the camp is good, and says Fulham need to do all they can to hold on to their star man.

He said: "Bobby's huge for us. He's such an outlet and brings others into the game. A lot of our football is played around him and getting shots off his link-up play.

"He's an important player for the team, and it showed in the first-half of last season and for a couple of games this year when he's been missing.

"But we've bought a couple of players who have done well, and I'm sure with the way the manager rotates things sometimes others will play ahead of Bobby.

"I've not seen any bust-up – I think it's just stuff in the press. The manager's keeping things fresh and changing things to keep everyone on their toes.

"It means every game is a new team out there looking to impress. It only adds to the competition."


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/14/fulham-star-urges-zamora-stay-64767-29594934/?

WhiteJC

 
Stoke City - Fulham Preview: Tony Pulis' men eager to end month-long wait for Premier League win
While the hosts' season has stalled, Cottagers boss Martin Jol will be eager for his charges to build on the 6-0 demolition of QPR that handed them their first league victory

Although absentees Kenwyne Jones and Wilson Palacios have returned to training, but Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is expected to resist the urge to start the pair. Winger Matthew Etherington is likely to be on the team-sheet after he recovered from the dead leg that saw him miss the 2-0 defeat to Swansea City last time out. But midfielder Salif Diao is still out with a fractured cheekbone.

Fulham boss Martin Jol's plans have been hit by a series of injuries during the international break. A knee injury has put to Bryan Ruiz's involvement on hold, while thigh and ankle knocks have ruled out Swiss pair Philippe Senderos and Kerim Frei.

Long-term absentee Simon Davies also remains sidelined with a knee injury. But in better news, Aaron Hughes has recovered from the groin strain that ruled him out of going on international duty for Northern Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW?
In 70 meetings in all competitions, Stoke City have won 26, Fulham have won 29 and there have been 15 draws.
Fulham's 6-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers was their first of the season.
Stoke have not tasted victory in the league since the September 10, when they achieved a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Stoke new-boy Peter Crouch has scored three goals in his last five games against Fulham.
Seventy five per cent of the goals Stoke have conceded this term have been in the first half - the highest proportion in the division.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey has scored three goals in his last four games against Stoke.
Team-mate Bobby Zamora has scored four times in his last five league matches.
Martin Jol's last 17 matches in the Premier League - 10 with Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08 and seven this term with Fulham - have resulted in seven defeats, eight draws and two wins.
Stoke's misfiring attack has scored just four goals in their last nine league fixtures.
Stoke's tally of 17 shots on target this season is the lowest in the league.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60241/stoke-city-vs-fulham/preview


WhiteJC

 
PULIS WAITS ON ETHERINGTON FITNESS
Team news for Saturday's clash between Stoke and Fulham.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is waiting to see whether a sugar injection in Matthew Etherington's back has cured the winger's injury problems in time for him to play in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also doubtful for the match at the Britannia Stadium as they bid to recover from their own injury problems.

Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out, while Pulis will decide whether to rest Glenn Whelan after the midfielder helped the Republic of Ireland reach the play-offs for Euro 2012 over the past week.

Fulham can welcome back Aaron Hughes but will be missing several other first-team regulars.

The defender has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection, although manager Martin Jol will not be able to call upon Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz.

The former is out for at least a week with a thigh injury, while Ruiz faces the same amount of time on the sidelines with a knee complaint. Kerim Frei (ankle) is also out.

Teams:

Stoke (from): Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Wilkinson, Woodgate, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Sorensen, Shotton, Arismendi, Pennant, Delap, Crouch, Jones, Jerome, Nash.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, J Riise, Kelly, Briggs, Sidwell, Duff, Kasami, Murphy, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora, Etheridge, Briggs, Grygera, Gecov, Sa, Johnson.



http://www.football365.com/match/3407773/preview?

WhiteJC

 
Lawro's prediction

Stoke v Fulham
Both these sides have had hectic starts to the season because of the Europa League, and have played lots of games.

Fulham only picked up their first league win of the campaign in their last game but it was a thumping one over QPR, and it looks like they are starting to find a bit of domestic form.

Stoke always look difficult to beat, and are a team that just continues to improve too, so I am going to go for a draw here. Fulham don't score many away from home but they are well organised and more than capable of pinching a point.

Prediction: 1-1



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15289261.stm