Saturday Fulham Stuff (15/10/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Preview: Stoke v Fulham

Matthew Etherington is the major injury concern for Stoke City boss Tony Pulis ahead of Saturday's home game with Fulham.


The Europa League competitors will go at it in the Premier League at the Britannia Stadium, with winger Etherington having undergone a sugar injection in an attempt to ease the back problems that have been dogging him of late in time for Saturday's game.

Pulis has a stretched squad, with defender Danny Higginbotham, midfielder Wilson Palacios and forward Ricardo Fuller all definite absentees, while defender Marc Wilson, winger Jermaine Pennant and striker Kenwyne Jones pose further Potters doubts.

Glenn Whelan may be given a rest after his exertions in helping the Republic of Ireland to reach the Euro 2012 playoffs over the last week.

Aaron Hughes, who has retired from international football after another disappointing campaign with Northern Ireland, will start for Fulham after a groin problem, but boss Martin Jol is missing some important men.

Hughes' fellow defender Philippe Senderos is out with a thigh knock, while recent forward addition Bryan Ruiz has a knee complaint.

Midfielder Kerim Frei also misses out for the Cottagers with an ankle knock.

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.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/14/Preview-Stoke-v-Fulham-Sat/gnid-113293/?

[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

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke-ing the Fire

The football family reconvenes after the break with appetites sharpened and old rivalries renewed. Britannia here we come to face a side who gave up six points to the Whites last season.

And how sweet was that after the way Stoke kicked lumps out of us a year ago in the Carling Cup. No side now finds it easy going to the Potteries and taking points, not even the big boys, but nobody was more surpised than me when we went up there last Christmas week during a dreadful run of results and came away with a 2-0 win. The boys did it that day for the gaffer, whose job was on the line after a woeful loss to West Ham on Boxing Day - our lowest point of last season.

Who needs reminding our unlikely hero on the day was Chris Baird with two long range rockets. It may also have been the last time he got a decent effort on target (sorry Chris). Our home win in the return by the same score was altogether more comfortable. This time it was Deuce with the double - the first after great work from AJ, the 2nd a penalty, with Shawcross seeing red. Post Christmas it was Stoke who hit a blip, at the Cottage they should have been hit for more, but credit to Pulis for getting them to the Cup Final and into the Europa League.

We might disparage their style here in the south, and be smug about living in the Home Counties rather than industrial Staffordshire, but the two clubs have more in common than you might think. Similar size crowds, perennial also rans for football's top honours, a famous statue of legendary cast outside their respective grounds. As different as chalk from cheese in demeanour, both Pulis and our own Woy working with real desire and a burning passion to maintain Premiership status on tight budgets and against the odds. Both Pulis and Hodgson have secured their places in fans hearts by steering modest craft into the sunshine of an altogether larger pool.

No club outside the top four bar Liverpool spent more on players in the last transfer window than Stoke. Their £10 million man Crouchie will give Hangeland and the rest plenty to think about as he heads up City's attack. Martin has to do without Bryan Ruiz (minor knee problem) but no matter. At present he's not required. On paper the two sides look evenly matched, and many are tipping the draw. Jol- if you can believe it, is reported as happy with a point (more on inaccurate press reports later).

Digging deeper however, Stoke have a number of key players struggling for fitness. Etherington is supposed to be taking sugar injections for a bad back - whatever good that does. Should it begin to swell, would that be one lump or two? Kenwyne Jones, Fuller, Pennant, Wilson, Palacios, Higginbotham are all carrying injuries. The side were all over the place last time out when losing to Swansea, and while they rarely lose on their own turf they haven't won for a month. Early season form sees them currently 8th and above us having beaten Liverpool and drawn with both Chelsea and Man Utd. But while we were struggling for points back in the early weeks I sense the tide has turned, and I'm going for a 2-0 Fulham win.

Let's remember we have not conceded in our last four matches, and are coming off the back of that 6-0 win. As to team selection surely it has to be a no-brainer. Same again please, with fit again Aaron on the bench. If Jol tinkers with the team and we lose then he'd better be prepared for the flak to really fly!

On which note we return to the subject of way wide of the mark press reporting. How many Fulham fans got hot under the collar over the past two weeks to hear that Zamora and Jol had apparently had an almighty bust up and that the mood among the players was far from harmonious? Today, in case you've yet to see it, Stephen Kelly has come out to rubbish all such reports, and 'if there was any kind of bust up here on the training ground I haven't seen it.'

Will we I wonder see an apology from the hack who set the ball rolling with this rubbish, and took a pop via Twitter at 'some earnest ESPN blogger' who questioned the veracity of the story? I've been at this game a lot longer than you my friend.

Back to the footie, and I'm going to really stick my neck out - having already predicted the result - by tipping Clint to score. He played two great games in the USA last week, his match winner against Honduras was quality, and now he's being praised by Klinsmann as the man who makes the whole USA team tick. With 80 caps, and an appetite for the game that grows alongside his own appreciation of how to get the best from his ability, I'm making an entirely rational statement that this guy - and we all thought he was outstanding last year - is ready to go to another level at Fulham. All my usual posters went quiet over the break...don't do it again! Let me know how you'd shape up the side, should AJ go, are we really top 5 material...???

I said it after the QPR goalfest, if all our big players stay injury-free for a spell, this team under Jol could really fly. On that basis I've invested in a trip to Poland next week. Let's start another great week for FFC with three points again off Stoke. Now here's a stat to finish with - Fulham have not won away in the league during October since 2003. And we all remember where that victory came don't we???

COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/10/stokeing_the_fulham_fire.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke City V Fuham – Match Preview

Stoke host resurgent Fulham hoping to maintain their strong home record at the Britannia Stadium in one of the Premier League's less than glamorous fixtures this weekend.

The Potters have been formidable on their own patch this campaign remaining unbeaten against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United taking five points from them in the process. Despite their strong home form and promising start to the season things have tailed off for Tony Pulis' side who have failed to win in their last three games picking up a solitary point against United. That draw was sandwiched by two disappointing defeats on the road with Sunderland thrashing them 4-0 last month before Swansea beat them 2-0 a fortnight ago. It's been a hectic campaign already for Pulis and his men with the club battling on three fronts and have contested a staggering 15 fixtures already. The Europa League has proved to be an energy sapper and the boss will be grateful a majority of his players were able to recharge their batteries during the international break. One major complaint for Pulis will be his sides shy nature in front of goal with the Potters finding the net only four times in the league – fewer than any other team. With the likes of Peter Crouch, Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Ricardo Fuller all in the squad it's a mystery as to why the goals have suddenly dried up.

That could be their downfall against the Cottagers who finally found their rhythm two weeks ago smashing six past a hapless QPR side. Andy Johnson struck a hat trick in that game and looks hungry again after spending the last few seasons in the treatment room. The side has benefitted from his return to full fitness with his pace and movement up front giving their attack an extra dimension. Remarkably Fulham, who are also competing in the Europa League, have played 19 games this season and will have welcomed the respite an international break brings. New boss Martin Jol has struggled to get his side motoring in the Premier League but everything fell into place at home to Rangers and he'll be urging his side to deliver more of the same this time around. They'll be confident of taking all three points at the Britannia Stadium though after winning their last season and doing the double over Stoke. Clint Dempsey in particular will be optimistic of finding the net having scored three times in the last four meetings between the two sides.

Key Players

Asmir Begovic – The Bosnian keeper has been in superb form since usurping Thomas Sorensen as number one. Stoke have had to call on him numerous times this season to keep them in games and his performance against Man United two weeks ago went along way to securing a point.

Andy Johnson – After a few frustrating years out injured Johnson is back and raring to go. His gradual return to fitness in 2011 has been evident and his hat trick in Fulham's last game was indicative of his willingness to run and get into scoring positions. His pace will be key to the Cottagers unlocking Stoke's sluggish defence.

Verdict: 1-1

Andrew Johnson hit a hat trick in that game and leapt 167 places in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to 33rd
Johnson's hat trick goals were his first in the Premier League this season, despite having got 88% of shots on target. Zamora has had 77% of shots on target this season and with Fabio Capello looking at alternative striking options in Wayne Rooney's absence both can stake a claim for an England place. Only Rooney and Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor are ranked higher as English strikers in the Index.

Their struggle this season is apparent in the fact their goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is their highest ranked player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Begovic has now made 38 saves in the Barclays Premier League, the 5th highest of any goalkeeper and is the 4th ranked goalkeeper overall behind Joe Hart, David de Gea, and Tim Krul



http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/10/football-news/stoke-city-v-fuham-–-match-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
STOKE CITY v FULHAM
PULIS WARY OF FULHAM STRIKEFORCE

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has warned his defenders they will be coming up against one of the best strike partnerships in the Premier League when Fulham visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson have scored a combined 14 goals in all competitions so far this season and the pair will be looking to continue that impressive form tomorrow.


"Johnson and Zamora are as good as anything in the Premier League on their day," Pulis said.

"Zamora is a very, very good player, a very good hold-up player and he can score goals as well. Johnson is bright, clever and very quick, he's always scored goals. It's going to be a tough game for us.

"I knew Bob when he started off, at Brighton, Bristol Rovers. I've seen Bobby come through his career and it was lovely to see him get selected the other week for England as well."

Zamora's and Johnson's goals have helped Martin Jol's side recover from a slow start to the season and they are unbeaten since August, including games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

"I don't think you should forget they finished eighth last year in the Premier League," Pulis said.

"The year before they got to a European final, a major European final, so they're no mugs.

"They've got some very good players. Last year they did the double over us, they're a good side and we and certainly won't be underestimating them.

"They were a very good side under Roy (Hodgson, who led them to the Europa League final in 2010), and they finished eighth last year under Mark (Hughes) so Martin's picked up a decent club.

"They've got a system of playing that suits their team and have got a very experienced group of players.

"They haven't changed the players very much, it's 90% the same players and it's going to be a really tough game."



http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121401.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Squad sheets: Stoke City v Fulham

Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager will wait on the fitness of Matthew Etherington after the winger had a sugar injection in an ailing back. Stoke are far from sweet with four league goals to their name this season – Fulham's Andy Johnson has six in his last three games in all competitions – but they remain unbeaten at home. With Jermaine Pennant and Kenwyne Jones likely to be out, Etherington's presence could be key against a Fulham side that crushed QPR 6-0 in their last Premier League outing and have kept four consecutive clean sheets. James Callow

Venue Britannia Stadium, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £30-40 ((01782) 367599)

Last season Stoke 0 Fulham 2

Referee Martin Atkinson

This season's matches 7 Y20, R4, 3.43 cards per game

Odds Stoke 6-5 Fulham 14-5 Draw 9-4


Stoke City v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic
Stoke

Subs from Nash, Sorensen, Whelan, Shotton, Wilkinson, Arismendi, Jerome, Upson, Jones, Soares, Tonge

Doubtful Etherington (back), Jones (hamstring), Pennant (hamstring), Wilson (hamstring)

Injured Higginbotham (knee, 20 Oct), Palacios (knee, 23 Oct), Fuller (achilles, Nov), Sidibe (match fitness, Nov), Diao (cheek, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide LDLWWD

Disciplinary record Y12 R0

Leading scorers Crouch, Jones, Shotton, Walters 1

Fulham

Subs from Etheridge, Somogyi, Kelly, Sidwell, Baird, Sá, Kasami, Gecov, Duff, Briggs, Kacaniklic, Marsh-Brown

Doubtful Hughes (groin)

Injured Frei (ankle, 23 Oct), Ruiz (knee, 29 Oct), Senderos (thigh, 29 Oct), Davies (knee, Nov)

Suspended None

Form guide WDDDLL

Disciplinary record Y14 R0

Leading scorers Jonhson, Zamora 3

Match pointers

• These sides met three times in league and cup last season and all the games ended with one side winning 2-0

• Since their defeat at the Britannia Stadium by Fulham in 2010-11, Stoke have lost just one of 12 subsequent top-flight home games

• Andrew Johnson scored the quickest top- flight goal of the season so far (after one minute 19 seconds) against QPR in Fulham's last match

• Stoke have had fewer shots on target (17) than any other side and have not scored more than one goal in a match for nine games, the worst current run in the division



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/14/squad-sheets-stoke-city-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Patriot games come at a cost to clubs

In one attack, a man who was in Asuncion 80 hours earlier. In the other, a footballer who was in Torreon at the same time.

Both men rushed back over the Atlantic Ocean to be rejoin for Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield today, but it scarcely counts as the ideal build-up for one of the biggest games of the season.

Luis Suarez was in the Paraguayan capital, Javier Hernandez in the north of Mexico, far distant from Merseyside and Manchester, respectively. Patriotism comes at a cost in terms of time when energy-sapping trips to all four corners of the planet can take place a matter of days before crucial Premier League matches.

Should either forward's legs fail him today, there will be mitigating circumstances. In his bid to help his country qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Suarez was deep in the heart of South America, the disappointment of conceding a last-minute equaliser in Uruguay's 1-1 draw followed by a marathon journey, presumably in the company of his teammate, Sebastian Coates, who was an unused substitute.

Quite a contingent travelled to Torreon, where Mexico hosted Brazil. Liverpool's Lucas Leiva started in the visitors' midfield while United's Anderson and Fabio da Silva were on the Brazil bench. To complete the contingent of transatlantic travellers back to Old Trafford, Antonio Valencia helped Ecuador to victory in New Jersey, where the defeated Americans included Everton's Tim Howard and Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

At least the Red Bull Arena is close to Newark, a major international airport. At least, too, Fulham is particularly convenient for Heathrow, another of them. Asuncion and Torreon do not exactly rank as transportation hubs. Neither, for that matter, does La Ceiba. Struggling to place it? The chances are you are not alone. It is a port on the Caribbean coast of Honduras and it was there that the Central American country beat Jamaica 2-1 on Tuesday night.


In their defence was Maynor Figueroa. Today he should be in Wigan's back four for the derby against Bolton. Behind him will be Ali Al Habsi, whose homeland of Oman is hardly near Lancashire. Athletic's problem was that Oman were away on Tuesday. In Australia. Sydney and Wigan are separated by 17,000 kilometres and 10 time zones.

Had the Paraguayan Antolin Alcaraz and the Colombian Hugo Rodallega been fit, Roberto Martinez's squad could have been dispersed still further. Such are the problems for the smaller clubs who cannot compete with richer institutions for deluxe talents. Strange as it may sound, Wigan are the global game in microcosm.

Others are accumulating the air miles while their superiors worry. "As a Premier League manager, I'm always nervous during the international break," said Alan Pardew, the Newcastle manager. "It is not just injuries, you don't know how much travelling they are doing."

Arsenal's recent recruit, Park Chu-young, opened the scoring for South Korea in their 2-1 win over the UAE in Suwon, while Sunderland's Ji Dong-won also featured. Teammates then, they have a further 24 hours to recover before they are pitted against each other tomorrow, probably as substitutes.

Preparing for the weekend games has been difficult. "Having a little break left us with four or five players, which was not a lot," said Fulham's Martin Jol. Yet it could have been worse: England's sole game, in Montenegro, was eight days before the Premier League resumed, while international fixtures have been shifted forward 24 hours - Friday and Tuesday rather than Saturday and Wednesday - to help the clubs.

It is understandable that some club managers prefer to keep their charges closer to home. Park Ji-sung would have been in Suwon, too, except that he, like Dimitar Berbatov, retired from international football in the summer.

Manchester United are one of the world's biggest clubs, but Sir Alex Ferguson prefers to keep his players where he can see them. As the performance of at least one jet-lagged player somewhere in the Premier League this weekend will surely show, travel may broaden the mind, but it can also tire the limbs.



http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/patriot-games-come-at-a-cost-to-clubs?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke City vs Fulham Match Preview

Stoke City will be looking to continue their unbeaten home record when they play host to Fulham.

Fulham have not yet won away from home this season, but will have had their confidence boosted by the 6-0 win over Queens Park Rangers last time out.

Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan may be rested after midweek international duty, while Matthew Etherington is struggling with a back injury. Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are also injury doubts for Stoke.

Philippe Senderos, Kerim Frei and Bryn Ruiz are all sidelined for Fulham, while Aaron Hughes will return from a groin injury.



http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/214059/stoke-city-vs-fulham/_preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Andy now so handy
Hat-trick hero Johnson

Finally! Fulham have discovered that cutting edge that has been lacking all season.

Two wins in 4 days before the international break saw us hit 8 goals without reply to get our season up and running after an indifferent start.

Odense in the Europa League was a potential banana skin and they looked a decent outfit. Luckily we had the born again Andrew Johnson firing on all cylinders. AJ took both goals well, in particular the second which clinched the 3 points in Denmark. We have played better this season and lost due to a lack of firepower up top so it was pleasing to see the boys come out of an even game with a comprehensive result.

If that was a good result then what followed on Sunday was nothing short of magnificent. QPR made the long anticipated short commute to Craven Cottage for our first ever Premier League meeting.

Equalling our greatest victory since promotion to the top flight could not have come at a more apt time. Languishing in the relegation zone, desperately craving a first league win of the season; anything other than victory would have been devastating.

clinical

The shot count portrays the match as an even encounter but our boys were simply clinical. AJ showed why we paid 10 mil for him and Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey also bagged nice goals which will have done them the world of good.

But Johnson was undoubtedly the star of the show. After a couple of injury ravaged years there were concerns that he may have lost that sharpness but any remaining fears were allayed that afternoon. He didn't give the Rangers centre halves a moments respite and deserved to be the first Fulham player ever to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.

Worryingly AJ is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Cottage. Martin Jol revealed recently that Johnson rejected a deal which was put to him, although the striker has stated in no uncertain terms that he wants to stay at the club. Of course we won't know the ins and outs of what is holding the deal up but it will be a huge relief when the ink is dry on that contract extension.

A fully fit Andy Johnson is like a new signing and if we keep creating chances for him like we have been then he could go on to have a highly prolific season indeed. Together with the likes of Dembele, Zamora and Dempsey, there are definitely plenty of goals in the side. Hopefully the new found confidence that arose from the Rangers drubbing will see opposition keepers picking the ball out of the net more frequently from now on.

The Premier League campaign has only just started for Fulham, courtesy of a QPR catalyst ignited by Andrew Johnson. A few more performances like that between now and May and it will be hard for Capello to ignore him when it comes to selecting his squad for the Euros.



http://www.skysports.com/fanzone/blogs/story/0,,19349_7241882,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke v Fulham preview

Team news for Saturday's Premier League clash between Stoke and Fulham at the Britannia Stadium.

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 face 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.

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.
Source: Team Talk



http://www.stokecity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/stoke_v_fulham_preview_706514/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
PARTY TIME IS FINE FOR MARTIN JOL

MARTIN JOL will carry on fining his Fulham players – to help fund the Cottagers' Christmas party.

The club's fine system was in the spotlight when Pajtim Kasami was hit with a £500 bill after missing a penalty against Chelsea.

The teenager was punished for taking the spot-kick – not for failing to score – as he was not the designated taker.

Jol is adamant there will be no let-up, even though his decision to fine Kasami was dubbed harsh.

Jol said: "I spoke to Kasami. And he agreed with the fine. I feel we have a disciplined team.

"If I tell someone to take the free-kicks, there shouldn't be a 19-year-old taking the ball off you.

"It's not the right thing. Danny Murphy is the penalty taker and Bobby Zamora can take a penalty.

"So I don't think in the next game someone else should take the ball. That is not good discipline, and that was the only issue.

"I spoke about fines and discipline at the start of the season and said it's all coming back to us, for drinks, at the Christmas party for example, although I don't think that will be enough.

"It's not a game but if someone is late for dinner before an away match it's undisciplined and I don't want that.

"I had the same with a manager, who is well known, who said they were all on time. I asked one of his Dutch players and he said they are always late.

"I hate that. You all have to go in the same direction."

Jol's side return to action at Stoke today for the first time since their 6-0 crushing of QPR.

Despite spending £22m over the summer and playing in Europe this season, Stoke boss Tony Pulis has been told to aim for 17th place.

He said: "You only need one point more than the team that finishes 18th.

"That will do me and my chairman. If you speak to Peter [Coates] he will say, 'Tony, 17th would be absolutely fantastic – what an achievement again'.

"That's the way we will be. In the Premier League gradually building step by step. Some people might think that is not enough, but the person that counts for me is my chairman."




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/215799/Party-time-is-fine-for-Martin-Jol/?

[WhiteJC]

 
STOKE CITY v FULHAM
UPDATED TEAM NEWS

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson all doubtful for this afternoon's Premier League clash with Fulham.

Pulis is also 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 the match at the Britannia Stadium. Wilson Palacios, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham are definitely out.

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 is also out.

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

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



http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121452.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Andy Townsend's Boot Room: The stats, the facts, the tips and the teams this weekend




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2049327/Andy-Townsends-Boot-Room-The-stats-facts-tips-teams-weekend.html#ixzz1apbAHd1u

[WhiteJC]

 
MARTIN JOL DETERMINED TO MAKE A POINT

MARTIN JOL will feel just as triumphant if Fulham go from 6-0 to 0-0 at Stoke this afternoon.

After the euphoria of putting six past QPR in their last league match two weeks ago, Jol is aware that his side will come back down to earth today.

Just as important as the three points which took Fulham out of the bottom three was the feeling of well-being and relief that followed the Rangers rout.

"It was the first time I could relax," said Fulham boss Jol.

"I saw us controlling the game and scoring goals. The first thing I did when I got home that night was to play the video of the match again."

Like most managers, Jol takes his work home with him.

"It does intrude on my private life," he added.
"If you get a good result you have a good life; if you have a bad result then you have a bad life. And you put pressure back on yourself."

Jol was not in charge when Fulham, under Mark Hughes, won 2-0 at Stoke last year, but he said: "It was the turning point of the season and a similar result could unlock this season."

Jol sees the challenges that Stoke will present as another learning curve for a side that he is confident is well-equipped to deal with physical football.

"Fulham proved last season they could handle Stoke's football, but this time I will be happy if we go from 6-0 to 0-0," he said.

"Old Trafford is probably the most difficult game in the league but Stoke are tough, too, and they are not only about set-plays.

They are improving as a team and are physical. They also have Peter Crouch and they play to their strengths. I respect that.

"Your own organisation has to be good and you tell your goalkeeper to come for every ball that is possible. Stoke score 20 to 30 per cent of their goals from throw-ins.

"We talk about it and will try to do something about it. My players can handle it – they did before.

"Maybe it's a bit arrogant to say so but, hopefully, we can do so again. We know what to expect."



http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/277590/Martin-Jol-determined-to-make-a-point?

[WhiteJC]

 
How do you solve a problem like Danny Murphy?
Posted on October 14, 2011 by zzamora

A problem? There is no problem...

I have read many a comment dismissing Danny as "old","losing it","not the player he used to be" but by far the most common complaint seems to be that our Captain Fantastic is "losing/has lost his legs". Well doubters, look no further. Danny Murphy is very much the player he "used to be" and he definitely has NOT lost his legs.



Lets have a look at Danny's passing range against QPR- 52 successful passes and just 9 that were misdirected... but its more the direction of the passing that I'm looking at here. For a 34 year old to be bossing that central midfield area with a delightful selection of passing to the left flank as well as a few tasty balls to the right that is the sign of a player who is not on his last legs. As for that assist....it has Danny Murphy written all over it. Quick thinking and sublime execution is the sign that Murphy still has a few more years as our Captain Fantastic.

"One match!" I hear you cry at your computer screen. Oh no. I'm not done yet.



It gets better. For a man who's "lost his legs" this chalkboard will suggest otherwise. This would look good if the Mighty Whites were playing at home...but this is for an away match! I don't think we've bossed the midfield at an away match for this long. Murphy stuck a big metaphorical middle finger to all doubters with this scintillating passing performance.A grand total of 80 successful passes, Danny displayed his ever green selection of passing, with some brilliant passing to both flanks this time, as well forming a good "one-two" relationship with Sidwell in the middle whilst deciding to use both Dembele's and Dempsey channel movement with a number of well placed passes forward.  He even played as a kind of sweeper in front of the back 4 on this occasion, with no stray passes back to the Thames barrier, allowing the impressive Kasami to whip forward more often.

"But both of these are against weak opposition!"...I'm not finished yet.



This is against Manchester City,that money power house of the north who seem to buy a player to simply prevent him playing for someone else.... anyway, to end with my moaning. We're focusing on Papa Smurph's excellence here. So, faced with the possibly the strongest midfield to ever grace Craven Cottage,Mr Murphy decides to do what he does best, and show them that some English brains can do just as much as Continental trickery can. He spotted Man City's weak point (Yaya Toure's lack of closing down/lack of interception ability) and exploited it, with a number of balls through the center, the vast majority of which were successful. But this is where it gets better- he noticed Man City playing a high line, and decided to play a number of balls over the top. Top Work Danny. Not only content with exploiting both of these weaknesses he once again bossed that center circle area, controlling it with a number of short passes of which NONE were unsuccessful. And people claim he's too old...

There is no way that we can abandon Danny Murphy yet. He still carries a sublime, sometimes magical array of passing coupled with a astute tactical brain that is capable of not only reacting quickly to a situation but also adjusting the playing style to counteract the oppositions tactics. He's our Captain Fantastic, the man who has lead the team to the top, the man who scored that goal to keep us up on that fateful day in 2008. Papa Smurph may be outspoken at times but he has a fiery passion that has not been lost in these past few seasons- and he's a main focal point for the team to play off.

If there is one thing we can't do, it's get rid of Danny Murphy.






http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=86

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke City: Potters must be wary of Fulham's Bobby dazzler

F ULHAM hitman Bobby Zamora is a great example to every young player. So says a man who should know... Stoke striker Cameron Jerome

Eyebrows were raised when the 30-year-old Cottagers star was named in the latest England squad, ahead of more fashionable candidates such as Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge.

But Jerome is in no doubt that Zamora will be a huge threat at the Britannia Stadium today.

He believes Zamora, pictured below, deserves everything he gets, having worked his way up from Bristol Rovers and then dealt with rejection at the top level after he was made surplus to requirements at Tottenham.

The 25-year-old Jerome said: "Bobby has had setbacks.

"He made a move to the Premier League and it didn't work out for whatever reason, so he went back into the Championship with West Ham and got promoted back to the top flight with them before getting the move to Fulham.

"He is one of the best target men in England. He's brilliant.

"When you think England have wanted a number nine, it is just a shame he has got it together so late in his career.

"Had this happened earlier in his career, he would have been a contender with Emile Heskey for many years.

"But nevertheless he's had a tremendous three seasons at Fulham and has really improved as a player.

"He is a player every young striker should look to.

"He is a one of many good players in the Fulham squad and we will have to be wary of them."

Port Vale manager Micky Adams should take some credit for Zamora's success, having spotted him in Bristol Rovers' reserves team and taken him to Brighton for £100,000 in 2000.

From there, Zamora earned his £1.5m move to Spurs in 2003, but he started only six league games in seven months at White Hart Lane before moving to West Ham to team up with Matthew Etherington.

Tony Pulis wanted to sign Zamora from the Hammers midway through the 2004/05 campaign and was adamant the deal would have gone through had City's Icelandic owners backed him.

Perhaps that dispute needled away between Pulis and the owners before the Stoke boss was sacked at the end of that season for failing to exploit the foreign market.

Zamora has been fantastic for Fulham, scoring 35 goals in three years, and making plenty more, since his £4.8m move from Upton Park.

Reports suggest he hasn't seen eye to eye with former Spurs manager Martin Jol, who took charge in the summer. But that won't stop Jol picking Zamora today as Fulham look to follow up last season's league double over City.

It's fair to say the Londoners are the least glamorous league opposition at the Britannia so far this season as they follow in the footsteps of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But Stoke won't underestimate one of the most experienced line-ups in the top flight – especially as they beat City twice last season and their previous game was a 6-0 hammering of QPR.

Jerome says City would be foolish to take Fulham lightly. But the players are deter-mined to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat at Swansea which was only City's second reverse in 14 games this season.

Jerome added: "We have had a tremendous start, but we will get some setbacks so it is how we react that counts.

"The players we have are winners so I think they will react in the right way.

"We are at home and, after losing at Swansea, the boys will really be up for the game.

"The fans will be right behind us as usual which is also a major thing for us.

"If we are right at it, we are capable of taking the three points."




http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-13565503-detail/story.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
On the field... with Fulham


BETWEEN THE STICKS

MARK SCHWARZER

The 29-year-old Aussie has proved to be a great acquisition since Fulham beat Juventus and Bayern Munich to get him on a free from Middlesbrough three years ago.

The keeper is so well established as Fulham's number one that the Cottagers have let England squad player David Stockdale go on a season-long loan to Ipswich.

IN DEFENCE

AARON HUGHES

Mr Reliable is being used at right-back this season, but is also comfortable in the centre of defence.

The 31-year-old Northern Ireland star didn't miss a Premier League game for the Cottagers last season.

BREDE HANGELAND

The towering former FC Copenhagen centre-half is a threat in both boxes.

Dominant at the back, the Norwegian also scored seven goals for the Cottagers last season.

CHRIS BAIRD

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland defender has managed only five goals in his entire career – so it was something of a surprise to see him score twice in the opening 10 minutes of Fulham's 2-0 win at the Britannia last December.

JOHN ARNE RIISE

The 31-year-old Norwegian completes an experienced defence.

The flying full-back comes armed with a rocket-shot. He is best known for his seven years at Liverpool, a spell which included playing in their Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005.

MIDFIELD

STEVE SIDWELL

Tony Pulis wanted to sign Sidwell from Arsenal, but the then young midfield prospect moved to Reading instead.

After winning promotion to the Premier with the Royals four years ago, the 27-year-old had spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa before joining Fulham nine months ago.

DAMIEN DUFF

Republic of Ireland international who played alongside Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters in the Irish win over Armenia on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old winger cost Chelsea £17m eight years ago. He moved on to Newcastle for £5m three years later before moving to Fulham for an undisclosed fee two years ago.

DANNY MURPHY

Not exactly popular in these parts after his claims last season that Stoke employ an over-physical approach. Annoyingly, Murphy responded to a hostile Britannia reception in December with a classy display to help the Cottagers to victory.

CLINT DEMPSEY

The U.S. international was both Fulham's player of the year and leading scorer last season after netting 13 goals. Embarrassed Rob Green with the long-range effort which crept past the keeper to earn the U.S. a 1-1 draw against England in the 2010 World Cup.

UP FRONT

BOBBY ZAMORA

Reports in the London press suggest Zamora is considering putting in a transfer request after a 'blazing row' with Martin Jol during training.

The former Brighton, West Ham and Tottenham striker has edged ahead of Peter Crouch for a place in England's Euro 2012 finals squad.

ANDREW JOHNSON

The 30-year-old striker scored a hat-trick for Fulham against QPR a fortnight ago – and was then linked with a move to Neil Warnock's side the following week.

The former Everton striker is out of contract in the summer. He wants a two-year deal, but Fulham reportedly only want to give him 12 months.

ON THE BENCH

BRYAN RUIZ

The Costa Rica international joined the Cottagers on August 31 transfer deadline day after Newcastle failed with a late bid. The 26-year-old striker cost £10.6m. He can play all across the front line, but can't dislodge any of them at the moment.

MOUSA DEMBELE

Exciting forward who signed last year from AZ Alkmaar.

The Belgium international scored five in 28 games last season – including the club's goal of the season for a spectacular solo effort against Spurs in the 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win.

PHILIPE SENDEROS

Switzerland international who is best known for his seven years at Arsenal. The 26-year-old central defender signed for Fulham in the summer of 2010, but injury kept him on the sidelines for most of last year.

DICKSON ETUHU

The 29-year-old holding midfielder came through the ranks at Manchester City before spells at Preston, Norwich and Sunderland. The Nigeria international cost just £1.5m from Sunderland.

CSABA SOMOGYI

The reserve keeper signed for Fulham in the summer from Hungarian outfit Rakospalotai EAC.

Martin Jol had been monitoring the 26-year-old since he impressed on trial at Jol's former club Ajax.

PAJTIM KASAMI

The 19-year-old midfielder was fined a week's wages by Martin Jol after missing a penalty in Fulham's Carling Cup defeat to Chelsea in September. Jol imposed the fine – believed to be about £8,000 – after arguing that Kasami shouldn't have taken the penalty because Orlando Sa was the designated taker.

ORLANDO SA

The 23-year-old Portuguese striker joined Fulham from Porto on a free transfer in the summer. The hitman spent last season on loan at Nacional.




http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-13565490-detail/story.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol fine with direction
Fulham boss gives no excuses for fine system at Craven Cottage

Martin Jol makes no excuses for the fine system at Craven Cottage to make sure the Fulham players are pulling in the same direction.

Some critics thought it was harsh when teenager Pajtim Kasami was fined £500 after missing a penalty against Chelsea in the Carling Cup last month.

He was fined for taking the penalty - not for failing to score - as he was not the designated taker and Jol insists discipline is needed if the team are to prove a success this term.

He told the Daily Star: "I spoke to Kasami. And he agreed with the fine. I feel we have a disciplined team.

"If I tell someone to take the free-kicks, there shouldn't be a 19-year-old taking the ball off you.

Not right

"It's not the right thing. Danny Murphy is the penalty taker and Bobby Zamora can take a penalty.

"So I don't think in the next game someone else should take the ball. That is not good discipline, and that was the only issue.

"I spoke about fines and discipline at the start of the season and said it's all coming back to us, for drinks, at the Christmas party for example, although I don't think that will be enough.

"It's not a game but if someone is late for dinner before an away match it's undisciplined and I don't want that.

"I had the same with a manager, who is well known, who said they were all on time. I asked one of his Dutch players and he said they are always late.

"I hate that. You all have to go in the same direction."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7242632,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Eyes on Butterfield
Everton, Fulham, West Brom and Southampton consider youngster

Skysports.com understands Everton, Fulham, West Brom and Southampton are all interested in Barnsley's Jacob Butterfield.

The 21-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and clubs are already lining up for his services.

Midfielder Butterfield was in May also linked with Aston Villa,Queens Park Rangers, Wolves and Leicester City.
Barnsley would likely hope to keep their Academy product, but he has yet to agree a new contract and his future is uncertain.

And with Butterfield's contract nearing its conclusion, a cut-price January move could be a possibility for the highly-rated talent.




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7242634,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Award

The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel, comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry, were in agreement that this week, the F&C Thames River Performance of the Week Award should go to Fulham following their excellent 6-0 home win against QPR in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday 2nd October 2011.

Fulham manager Martin Jol received a specially engraved crystal football at the Training Ground this week in a presentation to be screened on Sky Soccer Saturday on 15th October 2011. Fulham recorded their first league victory of the 2010/11 campaign with a convincing win over their London rivals at Craven Cottage.

Andrew Johnson became the first Fulham player to score a hat-trick in the Barclays Premier League and he was quick to open the scoring after just after 78 seconds before Danny Murphy converted a penalty. Johnson then added two more goals either side of the interval, with Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora later completing the scoring for the hosts.

After the match, Jol was delighted with the result and hailed the performance of striker Andrew Johnson.

"I felt we played very well from the start," said Jol.  "We created a lot of chances and Andy Johnson put the ball into the back of the net.

"Remember that both Johnson and Zamora were both out injured, so it was nice to see them play together well.

"That is what Johnson is capable of and that's what I said at the start of the season. He's quick, he wants to work and he's a team player and now he proves that he can score goals as well and that is good."




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/LMAAward.aspx?#ixzz1aqkZityn