Thursday Fulham Stuff (20/10/11)...

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Joy on the Road?

After the disappointment of the Britannia Stadium, last Saturday, Fulham have a chance to get back to winning ways this Thursday evening.

We resume our Europa League campaign with a fixture, in Poland, against Wisla Krakow.

Now I don`t imagine for a minute that we`ll be taking anything more than a couple of hundred supporters but Pajtim Kasami reckons those few hardy souls could be in for a treat.

Our young midfielder has pointed out that one more good performance, like the 2-0 win we carved out in Odense last time out, could put us well and truly in the mix to qualify from Group K, with Kasami commenting,

"Normally home form is probably what will decide if we progress, but maybe this time we have a chance to go on by doing it by doing well away."

"We can really get into a strong position if we play our normal game with a bit more confidence in front of goal."

Decent enough words but remember who takes the penalties Pajtim!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=259467#ixzz1bIid8vIv

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Fulham trio to miss Europa League game



Fulham skipper Danny Murphy has been ruled out of Thursday's Europa League match against Wisla Krakow, while Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey will be rested.

Murphy, who went off during the second half of the weekend defeat at Stoke, is nursing a knee injury and Fulham are hoping he will recover in time for Sunday's visit of Everton.

And boss Martin Jol has opted not to select Zamora or Dempsey in Poland. Andrew Johnson, who scored twice against Odense, is again set to lead the Whites attack.

Zamora recently returned to action after an ankle problem, while United States star Dempsey has been heavily involved for both club and country of late.

Youngsters Kerim Frei and Alex Smith have been included in the squad and could feature.

Fulham sit second in Group K, level on four points with leaders FC Twente after a draw with the Dutch side and a victory over Odense. Wisla are bottom of the group and yet to register a point.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-trio-to-miss-europa-league-game/?

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Opta Stats: Fulham v Everton

There are few fixtures in the Premier League calendar that produce home wins as regularly as this one. Will the Cottagers keep that Opta trend alive?

Fulham and Everton have met 20 times in the Premier League and 18 of those matches have ended as home wins, though the one draw and one away win both came at Craven Cottage.

The last three victories in this fixture have all been by a 2-1 scoreline.

Louis Saha has scored five goals in 10 Premier League games against his former club.

Fulham have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches (W1 D5 L3).

The Londoners have lost just one of their last 13 matches at Craven Cottage in the Premier League (W7 D5 L1).

Everton have lost their last three Premier League games, but haven't suffered four defeats on the bounce since December 2005.

Fulham's Danny Murphy has created more scoring chances for team-mates than any other player in the Premier League (25).

Tim Howard has saved four and conceded only two goals from the last seven penalties he has faced in the Premier League.

Everton have only scored three goals in their last six Premier League away matches, alternating between not scoring and netting one goal.

The Toffees have won none of their last nine Premier League trips to play London sides (D6 L3).



http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/opta-stats-fulham-v-everton-191011.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Krakow v Fulham: Cottagers can triumph in Poland

Michael Lintorn expects Fulham to edge closer to a place in the knockout rounds with victory away to Wisla Krakow on Thursday teatime...

Wisla Krakow v Fulham, Thursday 18:00 BST, ITV4, Match odds: Wisla Krakow 3.75, Fulham 2.24, The Draw 3.4

Whereas Fulham's Premier League record of seven points from eight games is rather poor, they have been very impressive in Europe, with the fact that they have already played nine times in the Europa League no doubt a factor in their slow domestic start.

The Cottagers have won five and drawn three of their encounters to date as they bid to repeat their heroic run to the final two years ago, and they have triumphed twice on their travels, including in their last Group K clash in Odense.

Those results leave them joint-top with Dutch side Twente, whereas latest opponents Wisla Krakow are bottom without a point having most disappointingly been beaten in Poland by unfancied Odense.

Wisla have been victorious in only two of their last seven as hosts in this competition, losing four of those, with Premier League clubs Blackburn and Tottenham among those that they have dropped points to, so a back of the visitors at 2.24 appeals.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Martin Jol's men have scored just three times in their last eight away matches - though admittedly two of those did come in their last continental tie in Denmark - however they have been strong defensively over that period, conceding seven and keeping four clean sheets.

Those two trends point to both a flutter on under 2.5 goals at 1.81 and also the Fulham clean sheet at a chunkier price of 2.8 as wise investments.

Admittedly, attack has been one area that Wisla have delivered in Europe this season, but they have been shut out three times in seven Ekstraklasa fixtures, so don't read too much into their two Europa League strikes. Fulham are 3.7 to win to nil.

Best Bet: Fulham to win @ 2.24
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.81



http://betting.betfair.com/football/uefa-cup/wisla-krakow-v-fulham-cottagers-can-triumph-in-poland-191011.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Krakow    v    Fulham

Uefa Europa League
Venue: Stadion Miejski Date: Thursday, 20 October Kick-off: 2005 BST Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Sport website, updates on BBC Radio 5 live.


Danny Murphy has not completed a full game for Fulham in over a month

Fulham are without striker Bobby Zamora and midfielders Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey for the trip to Wisla Krakow.

Zamora and Dempsey have both been rested, while Murphy has a knee injury though boss Martin Jol is hopeful he will be fit to face Everton on Sunday.

"Clint's played a lot of games recently, including internationals," said Jol. "I want Bobby fit and focused on the Everton game."

Midfielder Simon Davies (knee) remains on the sidelines.

Fulham sit second in Group K, level on four points with leaders Twente, after a draw with the Dutch side and victory over Odense in their opening two games.

Wisla are bottom of the group having yet to register a point.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15285235.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
KEY TRIO OUT FOR FULHAM

Fulham will be without a trio of key players for Thursday's Europa League clash at Wisla Krakow.

Skipper Danny Murphy missed out on the trip to Poland with a knee injury, while Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey were rested.

Philippe Senderos (thigh) is also out, leading manager Martin Jol to draft in youngsters like Kerim Frei and Alex Smith.

Fulham squad: Schwarzer, Etheridge, Kelly, Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Grygera, Briggs, Smith, Sidwell, Kasami, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Frei, Johnson, Sa, Dembele.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/19/SOCCER_Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy, Zamora and Dempsey missing for Fulham

Fulham will be without a trio of key players for tomorrow's Europa League clash at Wisla Krakow tomorrow.

Skipper Danny Murphy missed out on the trip to Poland with a knee injury, while Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey were rested.

Philippe Senderos (thigh) is also out, leading manager Martin Jol to draft in youngsters like Kerim Frei and Alex Smith.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Etheridge, Kelly, Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Grygera, Briggs, Smith, Sidwell, Kasami, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Frei, Johnson, Sa, Dembele.



http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/murphy-zamora-and-dempsey-missing-for-fulham-525009.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol remains confident
Fulham boss has an eye on Sunday's Premier League game

Martin Jol expects his Fulham side to claim a positive result against Wisla Krakow despite the absence of several key players.

Jol has opted to leave Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey in London for the trip to Poland, as he has an eye on their Premier League game against Everton on Sunday.

Dempsey and Zamora are being rested, while their captain Murphy misses the game with a knee injury.

Following the omission of the trio, Jol will be hoping that several fringe players take the opportunity to step into the breach their vacancies have created.

"Danny took a knock to his knee, which was pretty painful but hopefully he will be fit for selection on Sunday," he said.

Risk

"I spoke to the medical staff and we decided not to take a risk. Dempsey was left in London and Bobby was the same as I want him for Sunday, rather than risking him tomorrow because we have Andrew Johnson.
"[Mousa] Dembele is with us even though he had a little problem with his ankle and we have Orlando Sa, who can also play in attack."

He added: "We took a few younger players instead [rather than risking them] like Kerim Frei, Alex Smith and Marcel Gecov.

"That said, I do not have any concerns before the match. We have played with different teams before and have 22 good players, as well as a few younger players.

"Overall, we still have a very good team."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11095_7251694,00.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Ready to Challenge

Dickson Etuhu is relishing the challenge of taking on Wisla Krakow in Poland on Thursday night. The midfielder spoke to the press on Wednesday night in Krakow alongside Manager Martin Jol.

As the evening temperatures plummeted in Poland on Wednesday evening, Fulham's players took to the pitch at Wisla Krakow's stadium for an evening training session ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League match.

One player who is hoping to test his mettle against Wisla Krakow is Dickson Etuhu and the midfielder believes Fulham can enjoy another memorable European night on foreign soil against tough opposition.

"If I'm selected, I'll be really excited about playing on Thursday night," said Etuhu on Wednesday evening.

"Obviously we're expecting a tough game against Wisla Krakow tomorrow night. We know that and every time you play in Europe, away from home, you can expect a difficult match.

"I've heard a lot about Wisla Krakow and how tough it is to play at their stadium. The atmosphere is meant to be amazing so we're all looking forward to the match."

Etuhu highlighted the quality within Martin Jol's squad as he looks to cement his place in central midfield and with captain Danny Murphy sidelined due to injury, Etuhu could partner Steve Sidwell in Fulham's engine room.

"We've got a good squad and the Manager's added strength to the squad," Etuhu explained when discussing the strong competition for places. "It's a long season and everyone is getting a game here and there. We're all excited about the future."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/EtuhuWislaAwayPreview.aspx?#ixzz1bIm74NUP

[WhiteJC]

 
Preview: Wisla Krakow v Fulham



Striker Bobby Zamora and midfielders Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey are all out of Fulham's trip to Wisla Krakow on Thursday.


Zamora and Dempsey are both being rested, while Murphy has a slight injury.

"Clint's played a lot of games recently, including internationals," said Jol. "I want Bobby fit and focused on the Everton game."

Midfielder Simon Davies (knee) remains on the sidelines.

Fulham currently have four points from two games and sit second in Group K, behind FC Twente.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/19/Preview-Wisla-Krakow-v-Fulham/gnid-113979/?

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Krakow won't change approach
Wisla Krakow manager Robert Maaskant is hoping to outsmart countryman Martin Jol and his Fulham side in Thursday's Europa League tie.


Krakow: Welcomes Fulham on Thursday

The White Star have performed miserably in their two Group K matches so far, conceding seven goals in two defeats.

Despite having suffered heavy losses to both Odense BK and FC Twente, Maaskant thinks the Polish champions can turn the corner on Thursday against Jol's side.

"The plan is, like always, to score one more goal than they do," said the Dutchman. "That is plan one.

"Of course, we know Fulham are a very good side.

"It has not been very easy to analyse Fulham because they have been changing their line-up many times over the last eight games.

"There are always five players that start but other than that we don't know, for example tomorrow with [Mousa] Dembele because he had a little injury against Stoke.

"So we are not sure how they are going to play but we have to have our own plan.

"We are not going to change that much because it is not possible to change a whole system or to play totally different.

"Of course we are aware that the result tomorrow is going to be very important for the rest of the games.

"We hope are smart enough to get a result against maybe a stronger team."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7251718/Krakow-won-t-change-approach?

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy, Dempsey and Zamora absent as Fulham head to Wisla looking for back to back wins

Fulham go looking for back-to-back Europa League group wins at Wisla Krakow, but will do so without three key players.

Skipper Danny Murphy has missed the trip to Poland with a knee injury, and forwards Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey are rested.


Euro adventure: Jol - seen here with Wisla coach Robert Maaskant - will have to make do without three key players

Switzerland centre back Philippe Senderos (thigh) is also missing, leading manager Martin Jol to draft in youngsters Kerim Frei and Alex Smith.

Having beaten Odense in their last match, victory in Poland would leave Fulham in a great position to qualify.


Flying high: Fulham will move a step closer to the next phase with a win in Krakow

Fulham team to face Wisla (probable)
Schwarzer; Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, Riise; Sidwell, Dembele, Etuhu,
Duff; Kasami, Johnson.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2051108/Fulham-v-Wisla-Krakow-Danny-Murphy-Clint-Dempsey-Bobby-Zamora-absent.html#ixzz1bIn8AK3i

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BOBBY ZAMORA OUT OF KRAK ATTACK

MARTIN JOL risked another row with Bobby Zamora last night by leaving the Fulham striker at home.

The Cottagers face Wisla Krakow tonight in a Europa League clash looking to defend their unbeaten record in Group K.

But boss Jol decided to rest both Zamora and Clint Dempsey with one eye on Sunday's visit of Everton in the Premier League.

Jol left Zamora out against Odense in September because the striker was ill and had to admit the pair fell out over it.

Jol, who is also without midfielder Danny Murphy due to a knee injury, said: "It's not too complicated to leave players at home. We did it before. I don't think it's an issue if you're happy or not happy. Hopefully they wanted to play.

"It's always a good attitude to have. But after talking to the players I don't think it was a problem. They understood.

"You talk with your medical staff and take a decision. I wanted Bobby fit for Sunday instead of risking him in this game.

"It's not a real worry to be without them. Clint is a goalscorer and Bobby is our main striker. But overall we've still got a strong team."

The loss of captain Murphy is also a blow – and Jol admitted he had not yet decided who will lead the side against Wisla.

This is already the 20th competitive match of what could be an epic season for Fulham, who had to play four ties just to get this far in Europe.

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu said: "It's not a problem. It's a big squad. The manager's done well rotating. We're all getting a game. It's exciting."

Fulham: Schwarzer; Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs; Pasami, Etuhu, Sidwell, Duff; Johnson, Dembele.

Wisla: Pareiko; Lamey, Jaliens, Chavez, Paljic; Wilk, Diaz; Iliev, Garguta, Kirm; Biton.

Referee: Martin Hansson (Sweden).




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/216641/Bobby-Zamora-out-of-Krak-attack/?

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Fulham Eye German Winger Maximilian Biester

English Premier League outfit Fulham are making eyes at Germany Under-21 winger Maximilian Biester.

The 21-year-old currently turns out for Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan from Bundesliga side Hamburg and has come to the attention of Cottagers boss Martin Jol.

Sources in Germany have indicated that Fulham may make an offer for Biester in the January transfer window.

Whether Hamburg would be open to selling the German remains to be seen, but the chance to move to the Premier League could be too good for the starlet to refuse.

Biester is a product of Hamburg's youth system and made his senior debut for the northern German side in 2009.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/20/fulham-eye-german-winger-maximilian-biester/51157/?

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Jol upbeat despite absentees

Fulham manager Martin Jol is upbeat about his side's chances against Wisla Krakow despite being without a handful of key players for the Europa League tie.

The Cottagers face the Polish champions without captain Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora.

The latter pair have been rested ahead of Fulham's Premier League match against Everton, while Murphy misses out with a knee injury, but Jol remains confident of victory at the Stadion Miejski and backed his squad players to rise to the occasion.

"Danny took a knock to his knee, which was pretty painful but hopefully he will be fit for selection on Sunday," the Dutchman said.

"I spoke to the medical staff and we decided not to take a risk.

"Dempsey was left in London and Bobby was the same as I want him for Sunday rather than risking him tomorrow because we have got Andrew Johnson.

"[Mousa] Dembele is with us even though he had a little problem with his ankle and we have Orlando Sa, who can also play in attack.

"We took a few younger players instead, like Kerim Frei, Alex Smith and Marcel Gecov.

"That said, I do not have any concerns before the match. We have played with different teams before and have 22 good players, as well as a few younger players.

"Overall, we still have a very strong team."

Wisla manager Robert Maaskant is hoping to outsmart countryman Jol and overcome a poor start in Group K, which has seen the White Star lose both its matches and concede seven goals.

Despite having suffered heavy losses to both Odense BK and FC Twente, Maaskant thinks they can turn the corner tomorrow.

"The plan is, like always, to score one more goal than they do," said the Dutchman. "That is plan one.

"Of course, we know Fulham are a very good side.

"It has not been very easy to analyse Fulham because they have been changing their line-up many times over the last eight games.

"There are always five players that start but other than that we don't know, for example tomorrow with Dembele because he had a little injury against Stoke.

"So we are not sure how they are going to play but we have to have our own plan.

"We are not going to change that much because it is not possible to change a whole system or to play totally different.

"Of course we are aware that the result tomorrow is going to be very important for the rest of the games.

"We hope are smart enough to get a result against maybe a stronger team."



http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/uefa-europa-league/news/1077621/Jol-upbeat-despite-absentees?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss defends Zamora absence

MARTIN Jol has defended his decision to leave out Bobby Zamora for tonight's Europa League trip to Wisla Krakow.

The Fulham frontman has not travelled to Poland for the Group K clash, with Clint Dempsey also rested.

Zamora was reportedly furious at being left out for the win in Odense last month, but boss Jol played down his star man's absence.

He said: "Bobby is our main striker, our target man and a very important player for us.

"We didn't want to risk him because we want him to be fit for Sunday's game against Everton.

"We've got Andrew Johnson, Moussa Dembele and Orlando Sa with us and they've done well this season."

Jol will also be without injured skipper Danny Murphy, but Marcel Gecov, Alex Smith and Kerim Frei have been added to the squad.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/20/fulham-boss-defends-zamora-absence-64767-29627729/?

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Courtois expects more loans
Chelsea keeper not anticipating quick Stamford Bridge return


Thibaut Courtois: Expecting more loan spells after joining Atletico Madrid from Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois has revealed that Chelsea have told him he could spend at least three years out on loan before returning to challenge for the No.1 jersey at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old Belgium goalkeeper is enjoying his first few weeks with Atletico Madrid and thinks that he may spend at least two seasons in Spain before joining another English team.

Chelsea signed Courtois from Racing Genk in the summer but immediately loaned him to Atleti on a one-year deal that the custodian already believes will be extended.

"Chelsea told me that I would spend two years in a team like Atletico," he told radio station Onda Cero.

"At the moment is only one yaer, but if they want me for a second Chelsea are fine with that. It is possible."

English option

Courtois also revealed that he could spend time on loan at another Premier League club, naming Fulham and Tottenham as possible options.

"After that I would then spend one more season with an English club, like Fulham or Tottenham, to allow me to adapt to the English league.

"Then in the fourth season everything would be normal at Chelsea."

Courtois may return sooner than that if the Chelsea coaching staff's fears over current Blues keeper Petr Cech's long-term fitness come true.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," the young stopper continued. "But he has problems with his knees and with his back.

"The Chelsea goalkeeping coach (Christophe Lollichon) said to me that he does not know how long he can contninue to play at the highest level."

No fears

Atletico were keen to sign Courtois in the summer after selling David De Gea to Manchester United, with Los Colchoneros keen to buy him from Racing Genk before he moved to the Blues.

"Before Chelsea bought me Atletico wanted me too," he explained. "I like it here a lot.

"I know that David De Gea is a very good goalkeeper and it is difficult to start off here because the pressure from the fans as they are used to having a great keeper.

"But I did not have any fears. I just play my game. Now I am here I just want to help the team finish in the top four."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11838_7251599,00.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Europa Team News

Martin Jol revealed the latest team news ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League match against Wisla Krakow in Poland during Wednesday night's pre-match press conference.

Fulham will be without three senior players on Thursday night, including skipper Danny Murphy, but Manager Martin Jol is confident Fulham have the strength in depth to fire Fulham to victory against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

"Danny Murphy's injured so he's stayed in London," Jol explained. "He got a painful knock on his knee but hopefully he will be fit for selection on Sunday. We didn't want to take a risk with Danny.

"We also made the decision to rest Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora and we've brought a few younger players along with us. For example, Kerim Frei, Alex Smith and Marcel Gecov have joined us here in Poland.

"Bobby is our main striker, our target man and a very important player for us and we didn't want to risk him because we want him fit for Sunday's game against Everton.

"Clint has played a lot of games recently including international matches with the USA. I thought it was a good idea to rest him.

"We've got Andrew Johnson, Mousa Dembele and Orlando Sa with us and they've done well this season. Andrew Johnson scored six goals in Europe and a hat-trick against QPR recently so he's on fire.

"Everyone apart from Murphy, Dempsey and Zamora is with us. Overall we still have a very strong team that can hopefully win us the match."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/JolWislaAwayPreview.aspx#ixzz1bIpuEvUM

[WhiteJC]

 
Europa League - Matchpack: Wisla Krakow v Fulham

Team news and manager quotes ahead of the Europa League tie between Wisla Krakow and Fulham at Stadion Miejski.

TEAM NEWS
Wisla are missing key striker Patryk Malecki due to a broken leg.

Fulham will be without a trio of key players. Skipper Danny Murphy missed out on the trip to Poland with a knee injury, while Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey were rested. Philippe Senderos (thigh) is also out, leading manager Martin Jol to draft in youngsters like Kerim Frei and Alex Smith.

MANAGER QUOTES
Robert Maaskant: "The plan is, like always, to score one more goal than they do. That is plan one. Of course, we know Fulham are a very good side. It has not been very easy to analyse Fulham because they have been changing their line-up many times over the last eight games."

Martin Jol: "I do not have any concerns before the match. e have played with different teams before and have 22 good players, as well as a few younger players. Overall, we still have a very strong team."

MATCH ODDS
Wisla Krakow 12/5, Fulham 11/10, Draw 12/5.

PA Sport / Eurosport



http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19102011/58/europa-league-matchpack-wisla-krakow-v-fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League - Match facts: Fulham v Everton

Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Fulham and Everton at Craven Cottage.

Fulham and Everton have met 20 times in the Premier League and 18 of those matches have ended as home wins, though the one draw and one away win both came at Craven Cottage.

The last three victories in this fixture have all been by a 2-1 scoreline.

Louis Saha has scored five goals in 10 Premier League games against his former club.

Fulham have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches (W1 D5 L3).

The Londoners have lost just one of their last 13 matches at Craven Cottage in the Premier League (W7 D5 L1).

Everton have lost their last three Premier League games, but haven't suffered four defeats on the bounce since December 2005.

Fulham's Danny Murphy has created more scoring chances for team-mates than any other player in the Premier League (25).

Tim Howard has saved four and conceded only two goals from the last seven penalties he has faced in the Premier League.

Everton have only scored three goals in their last six Premier League away matches, alternating between not scoring and netting one goal.

The Toffees have won none of their last nine Premier League trips to play London sides (D6 L3).

Opta



http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20102011/58/premier-league-match-facts-fulham-v-everton.html