Saturday Fulham Stuff (05/11/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham will be hungry for more points when they host rampant Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The Cottagers - who are in 15th place on the Premier League table - recorded their first away win of the season when they sent Wigan to the bottom of the standings with a 2-0 win last Saturday.

The southwest London side will also be looking to make it three victories in eight days after extending their unbeaten home record in European action to 22 games with a 4-1 victory over Wisla Krakow on Thursday night.

Martin Jol's men will find it tough against a Spurs side packed full of world class performers, although Craven Cottage has been a difficult venue for the visitors in recent years.

Harry Redknapp's side managed a 2-1 win at Fulham in last season's league fixture, but suffered a 4-0 defeat in a fifth-round FA Cup clash at the Cottage in January this year.

A brace from Gareth Bale spurred Tottenham on to a convincing 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers last weekend, but the Londoners slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Rubin Kazan in Russia on Thursday.

Spurs will no doubt want to bounce back after that loss, which denied them progression to the last 32 in UEFA's Europa League.

Defender William Gallas could make his first Premier League appearance this season against Fulham.

The robust centre-back showed no signs of discomfort after making his return from a calf problem in Thursday night's defeat.

Luka Modric has a minor groin problem while Roman Pavlyuchenko has a back strain and faces a late fitness test. Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Niko Kranjcar (thigh) and Michael Dawson (achilles) are all sidelined. Giovani dos Santos (calf), Vedran Corluka (foot), and Danny Rose (ankle) are doubts for the match.

Fulham captain Danny Murphy has a knee injury but is hopeful of playing against his former club. Bryan Ruiz will return against Spurs, along with Mousa Dembele who is back in the squad after serving a one-match European ban.

Orlando Sa (hamstring), Philippe Senderos and Aaron Hughes (both thigh) are all out for the Cottagers.


http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_7291973,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Wisla Kracow 1

Now wasn`t that so much better than the last chance we all congregated at Craven Cottage?

A thumping win, a chance to boo a certain Argentine gentleman and the chance to sit in a smoke filled environment and also wonder just what our stewards were searching for when the Polish supporters came through the entrances.

Desperate to enhance our chances of getting through to the next stages of this competition, a competition that goes on for ever, Fulham got off to a cracking start.

With just five minutes on the clock Damien Duff broke the deadlock. Zamora and Johnson combined and Duff was on hand to meet the ball perfectly.

All credit to the visitors though because four minutes later they were back on level terms when Kirm equalised, his shot taking a deflection off of Riise.

As the game switched, quickly, from end to end, Fulham thought they`d taken the lead again when Duff saw his shot parried by the keeper for Andy Johnson to slot home, sadly AJ was in an offside position and the goal was ruled out.

But that second Fulham goal did come and what a cracker of a goal it was. Danny Murphy saw a corner cleared but when the ball was worked back to him the cross in was met sublimely by Johnson with an acrobatic volley.

As half time approached, Fulham could have scored again, Duff fired over form some distance out and Clint Dempsey rattled the bar with an effort. A quite remarkable forty-five minutes.

Half Time - Fulham 2 Wisla Kracow 1

Kracow tried to get back on level terms in the early stages of the second half but Schwarzer was having none of it and pushed a shot from our friend, Nunez, past the post.

Just before the hour mark Fulham put the fixture beyond the Polish sides reach with another exceptional goal and once again the finish came from the silky Johnson.

Having won a free kick, Murphy found Zamora and when his flick found AJ the arrogant flick over the keeper brought Craven Cottage to its feet.

It now seemed to be only a mater of how many, but the visitors` gallant defending was to restrict Fulham to one last goal, coming from Steve Sidwell. On as a substitute Sidwell met a cross from Duff which cannoned off the bar, but the midfielder remained alert to smash home the rebound.

Next up Spurs on Sunday!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=261488#ixzz1coPFPnS1

[WhiteJC]

 

Fulham v Wisla Krakow – Player Ratings
by LORK on NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Good win last night courtesy of a couple of wonderful goals and a deserved one too based off our dominance of attacking pressure. Defensively we still look ropey, the goal we conceded and number of opportunities Wisla had in dangerous situations are testimant to that, but going forward there is definately a flow about is not seen since the Tigana days probably. Our first, a wonderful one touch move, as was the second (albeit a rehearsed one but equally clever and well executed), sandwiching a quite brilliant volley, topped off with a powerful header following a good cross. A point puts us into the next round, and unless Twente fail to win against Wisla (which is pretty hard to imagine) then only a win in Holland will do to top the group whether we draw with or beat Odense, so it's quite tempting to put out a much weakened side, although more risky. Anyway, onto the player ratings.

Schwarzer – 7, no complaints about this performance. Played it out really well in possession, kicking long and well when needed and passing/throwing on the deck  with assurance, which is nice because one of his major (well, only) criticisms is his kicking is relatively poor. He also made a couple of good saves and, as usual, caught everything he needed to.

Baird – 6.5, again, his fizzing passes out of the back really stick out to me, several times he just stroked it forward from the back four right up to Zamora's feet, along the ground, very impressive. I also like how he'll join attacks as an auxillary midfielder or right back sometimes, although it leaves us exposed. Defensively, solid and wasn't tested too much overall.

Hangeland – 6.5, much like Baird had a solid game although he dived in once or twice, including for their goal, when it wasn't necessary, taking him totally out of the game. Graham Taylor for Channel 5 remarked last night about how good Hangeland's first touch was, and it wasn't anything I noticed before but after he said that I really started to appreciate just how fantastic Hangeland's control is. The subtlety he uses just to take it away from forwards when being closed down to give him a few seconds to play it is actually really impressive.

Kelly – 7, another good showing from right back by Kelly, getting forward often and making one very good tackle in our box in a dangerous position. Really good squad member to have, and no longer do you see the Kelly detractors who gave him stick for really no apparent reason.

Riise – 6, I was suprised to see Riise player over Briggs, and again another unconvincing performance but did just enough not for it to be considered a bad one. Was caught hopelessly out of position at one point in the first half but made a few good driving runs forward.

Etuhu – 6, ok for this one I'm going to copy and paste something I wrote on FOF a little earlier:

He's not a bad player by any means and his passing is derided so much to the extent that it's now underrated, he gives the ball away relatively little and once in a while can open up play with a decent ball. Sidwell is more dynamic and that is probably needed (I mean, it's not as if Murphy's movement is bad either, just that he can't find space like he used to). He is more specialised than Murphy, Sidwell and Gecov and so our options would suddenly be very limited in central midfield if he were to go.

People make it sound so easy, 'Hodgson could see what we saw, so only made him pass 5 yards and etc etc' but fact is it really isn't or, and its a bit of a cliché, anyone could do it. For a player who played practically the whole of our 5 month push to our highest ever finish and similarly was a mainstay in our Europa League season he gets an awful lot of disrespect. I'm not saying he's better than Sidwell but appreciate him at least.

Gave the ball away last night for the first goal very poorly, although I'll also watch the goal again to see the return pass he got because I didnt pay attention to it at the time, and miscontrolled a ball from Murphy in the first half; other than that I can't think of any poor times he gave the ball away last night. Similarly he didn't open their defence up (although made a couple of bursts forward which takes defenders with him), but he kept possession with short passes and he recycles the ball quite well actually, and the Busquets comparison that Rich makes is certainly a good one.

Plus that huge tackle on Nunez.

Murphy – 7.5, I do love it when Murphy's pumped up because when he does we are very hard to stop, and noticeably in the first half an hour he was a man possessed. Made several great passes, moved the ball around quickly and sharply, played one twos and burst forward, he was certainly pumped up and played like it. I'm not sure whether the cross for AJ's volley was intentional but if it was, what a ball. Shame he had to come off with an injury and I hope he makes Spurs.

Dempsey – 7.5, overall Dempsey had a bright game, often joining Johnson and Zamora to make a very narrow forward three in attack. It was such a shame that his audacious Ruiz/Juventus-esque chip after beating 3 or 4 defenders hit the crossbar but deserves credit for the sheer audacity alone, not to mention the technique.

Duff – 7.5, his best performance of the season so far. His crossing hasn't been the greatest this season but today he offered a threat both inside and outside the fullback, setting up Kasami's chance with his right foot and Sidwell's goal with his left, for example. The goal he scored was really quite sweet too, well struck first time effort. As always worked like a demon and had a little personal battle going on with Nunez, the two couldn't stay away from each other for long.

Zamora – 7, definitely not up to the form he showed at the back end of last season. His touch isn't totally there and the goalscoring instincts he demonstrated a couple of years ago again seem to be absent to some degree (but bare in mind the gorgeous finishes against Blackburn, City and QPR, it's still there, he's still got five to his name), but he still keeps racking up the assists. It was a lovely deft touch for his direct assist to AJ's second and similarly for Duff's goal, a great first time flick with the outside of his foot to set AJ free down the right.

Johnson – 9, and in Zamora's place step up Fulham's new hero, Andy Johnson. Like Zamora was before he smacked in 19 goals, AJ was largely written off and fans were drooling at the prospect of getting a million for him and 40k a week off our wage bill. Unlike with Zamora though (when he was in talks with Hull I said we shouldn't sell him because he has the ability to score 20 goals in a season, hey presto, he scores 19 goals </bragging>) I was in agreement to some degree. But he's proving everyone wrong. Not only a goal poacher but a goal scorer of some ability. With that injection of pace back in his game and confidence which one gets after entering double digits by the beginning of November, and while in some sense that figure's been inflated by weaker teams, he's scored 3 against QPR, 2 against Odense, 1 against Twente, and now 2 against Wisla who aren't really the mickey mouse teams that some people make them out to be. Besides, someone has to score. His pull back for Duff's goal was very good, and he managed to top that with a sublime volley, really was a true a strike as you'll ever see, and capped it with a neat little chip over the goalie. Other than that he was full of running and in general played well. Like Murphy, I hope he's not too injured.

~Subs~

Sidwell – 7, came on for the injured Murphy with half an hour to go. In a way I would have liked to have seen Gecov but Sidwell played well, the usual dynamism we've come to expect from him. A jack of all trades in every sense; this time he scored a goal via a really impressive leap and following up like a goal poacher to tap in the rebound.

Frei – 6, really really pleased to see him come off the bench and get a good twenty minutes. Saw little of the ball but worked back hard in defence, trying to impress and it worked, and the one chance he did have to run at the Wisla defence he took advantage of very well, driving toward the penalty area. On that run he was tripped about 5 yards from the edge of the box and could have stayed on his feet but went down thinking he lost the ball, without knowing that Duff was behind him, but he opened up play impressively with that and I can't wait to see more of him. Hopefully he starts against Odense.

Kasami – N/A, was unlucky not to get his first Fulham goal as he drew a good save from the Wisla keeper. Didn't do anything spectacular but was lively in the cameo he made.

~lork


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/fulham-v-wisla-krakow-player-ratings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Take two



Just gathering Fulham Reviews for a customer and it's the first time I've seen them all together for a while. Nice. Remember, these are available at www.godsfoot.com at good prices. I think they're all good value but the latest is always a favourite. It's sold quite slowly though, so we have plenty left. £5 for that one, most of the others are even less. Have a look – your support (and specifically Fulham Review purchases) helps to keep CCN going!



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/take-two/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

A flood of goals are expected at Craven Cottage as in-form Tottenham travel to face their former boss Martin Jol and his Fulham side who are looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Jol spent a successful three year spell at White Hart Lane in the mid-noughties taking the club to within a whisker of the Champions League in the 2005/06 season. After leaving North London he had spells at Hamburg and Ajax before being tempted back to the Premier League by Mohammed Al Fayed in the summer. He's endured a difficult spell on the Thames thus far but last weeks 2-0 win over rock bottom Wigan will have given the Cottagers fans hope of pushing on after a slow start to the campaign. The Europa League has played it's part in that with their 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow being their 23rd fixture of a season that started way back in June. It's astonishing that the squad has yet to succumb to fatigue and Jol will have been extremely pleased with his sides performance on Thursday night with Andy Johnson scoring twice and shining throughout. His return to full fitness after an injury laden last few years has been a big plus and his pace and selfless running will be key to beating Spurs for the first time since November 2008 in a run that has seen them win just one in their last 10 league meetings. Another man who has started to find his form again is Clint Dempsey with his goal against Wigan last week putting him level with Brian McBride as the highest scoring American in the top flight on 36 goals.

Becoming the record holder might prove difficult up against a Tottenham side who are riding the crest of a wave at the moment although they will be without Harry Redknapp in the dugout after his heart surgery in midweek.  They are unbeaten in the last seven league games since losing their opening two against the two Manchester clubs and a win could send them into the top four if results go their way. Emmanuel Adebayor's arrival on loan from Manchester City coincided with the upturn in form with the Togo striker scoring three in two games after his move. He's failed to find the net since the 4-0 win over Liverpool at White Hart Lane on 18th September but it's his all round performances that have been a delight. His energy and link up play with midfield has given the side an extra dimension and certainly made Spurs more fearsome i the final third. The goals are flowing for Rafael Van Der Vaart though with the Dutchman looking to find the net for the 6th successive game. Should he score he will become the seventh player in Spurs history to do so in six or more consecutive games with Garth Crooks the last player achieve such a feat back back in the 1984/85 season.

Key Players

Danny Murphy - Managed by Jol at Tottenham and now at Fulham the experienced midfielder is key to the way Fulham attack. His knowledge and guile in the centre of midfield is second to none and if he is afforded time and space he can pick out a telling pass like the best of them.

Rafael Van Der Vaart – Many thought the Dutchman would be heading out of North London in the summer but quite the contrary has happened. The former Real Madrid man has stepped up his game superbly since the opening weeks of the season providing a goalscoring threat and link between attack and midfield. Watch out for his intelligent movement in-between the lines on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-3

Clint Dempsey's three goals have come from 30 attempts at goal with 63% on target, and he has also contributed three assists
Midfielder Dempsey has also been supporting in defensive play, making 20 interceptions and winning 74% of 19 tackles attempted this season

Rafael van der Vaart broke the Manchester stranglehold on the top three spots on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index by scoring his 6th goal in 5 Barclays Premier League games to go 2nd in the index
Van der Vaart has scored 6 goals and contributed 2 assists this season, meaning he has had a hand in one in three of Spurs' goals


http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/11/football-news/fulham-v-tottenham-hotspur-match-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Krakow's Robert Maaskant out at Fulham boss Martin Jol over 'play-acting' comments about Gervasio Nunez
The 42-year-old noted that his Dutch compatriot has previously coached Luis Suarez, who is known for play-acting, so he should not point the finger at any of his players

Wisla Krakow coach Robert Maaskant has slammed Martin Jol after the Fulham boss criticised midfielder Gervasio Nunez for play-acting.

Jol slammed Nunez's behaviour in the build-up to Thursday's Europa League game, which Fulham won 4-1 to remain second in Group K.

The Argentine was accused of play-acting during the match between the two clubs in Krakow a fortnight ago as he was involved in an incident which resulted in Moussa Dembele receiving a red card.

"Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a hostile atmosphere," Maaskant said after the game.

"Always nice to see a coach who worked with [Luis] Suarez [at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that, but I think Nunez did really well."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2915/europa-league/2011/11/04/2743185/wisla-krakows-robert-maaskant-out-at-fulham-boss-martin-jol-over-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Points over revenge for Dempsey

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists three points rather than revenge was the motivating factor against Wisla Krakow.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Polish champion two weeks ago in a game marred by Mousa Dembele's controversial sending off.

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up in Poland, with Dembele pushing over Wisla's Gervasio Nunez after he caught him on the back of the ankle.

The Argentina midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height and, while admitting it was nice to get revenge, Dempsey insists it was not the main motivation for the 4-1 win.

"It was to get the points," the United States international said. "[Revenge] was a bonus, showing the team what kind of quality we do have.

"I thought we did that and the most important thing is that we got the points to help us get out the group stage.

"It was a good game. We would have preferred not to have conceded and kept a clean sheet.

"It was good for some players to get some goals and some assists, which I think will help us going forward.

"At home we always try and take the game to our opponents. I think we play a good style of football.

"We had good movement in the midfield and up front, while our outside backs were overlapping so we had chances and our players stepped up for us."

The victory helped Dempsey and his Fulham team-mates edge closer to the Europa League knockout stages in what was a tempestuous encounter.

Andrew Johnson's brace was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham four points clear of Group K rivals Odense BK and Wisla Krakow.

"We have played some good football this season," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10.

"Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow manager Rob Maaskant thinks counterpart Jol used the Nunez incident in the first game to his advantage.

"Martin Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a little bit of a hostile situation in this stadium," he said.

"It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suarez [as manager at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that.

"That said, I think Nunez did really well."



http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/uefa-europa-league/news/1079821/Points-over-revenge-for-Dempsey?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss wary of Van Der Vaart threat

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

MARTIN Jol has admitted he regrets not having had the chance to work with Tottenham's Rafael Van Der Vaart ahead of the playmaker's visit to Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Jol took over as coach of Hamburg in May 2008 just weeks before Van Der Vaart left the German club to join Spanish giants Real Madrid in an £11million deal.

The Fulham boss was disappointed by the departure of his fellow countryman and believes the Whites will need to keep a close eye on him this weekend.

"It was unfortunate that when I went to Hamburg he was only there for about two weeks," Jol said.

"On the Saturday we were going to be playing against Real Madrid in the Arsenal Tournament [The Emirates Cup]. He said 'I will probably be playing for the opposition tomorrow' and the next day they told me they had sold him to Real Madrid.

Jol is not surprised by the way Van der Vaart has taken to the English game, with the former Galáctico having found the net seven times in 12 appearances for Spurs this season.

He added: "The Spurs way is to play with wide players like Lennon and Bale who are always capable of playing good football. I thought at first with a number 10 [Van der Vaart] it would be different.

"I thought they would play with two strikers but Van der Vaart has made such a difference. I think they play in a very flexible, continental way."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/04/fulham-boss-wary-of-van-der-vaart-threat-82029-29721907/?#ixzz1coRrGFtg

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol praises Spurs star ahead of Craven Cottage clash

FULHAM boss Martin Jol is not surprised by Gareth Bale's rise to superstardom at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman handed an 18-year-old Bale his debut against Manchester United back in August 2007 after the wing-wizard's arrival from Southampton.

Bale was named PFA Player of the Season at the tender age of 21 and Jol says the signs that the Welshman was special were there from the beginning.

He said: "I remember him in his first game against Man United and his stats were unbelievable. After that he was a bit unlucky.

"He's so quick and has got a great left foot. He was a great talent and I remember when he took three or four free-kicks and scored so it was not hard to predict [he would become a great player]. I was so happy when he scored his goals in Italy [against Inter Milan]. Everybody knew him after that and that's what he deserves."

Bale has been in fine form so far this season, bagging six goals in 15 appearances for Spurs, including two in his last outing against QPR.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/04/martin-jol-praises-spurs-star-ahead-of-craven-cottage-clash-82029-29721911/?#ixzz1coS4MW7R

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Martin Jol ready for 'extra special' Tottenham encounter
• Jol to face Spurs for first time since sacking in 2007
• Dutchman bears no grudge towards Tottenham hierarchy


Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, faces Tottenham for the first time since his sacking
in 2007. Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images

Martin Jol is looking forward to an "extra special" afternoon when the Fulham manager faces Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday for the first time since he departed White Hart Lane in difficult circumstances four years ago.

Despite taking Spurs to consecutive fifth-place finishes, the Dutchman was sacked in late October 2007 during a Uefa Cup game with Getafe and replaced by Juande Ramos. Two club executives had previously been photographed with the Spaniard.

Yet Jol says he bears no grudge against the Tottenham hierarchy. "It will be very special," he said of a game against the club where he was promoted to replace Jacques Santini as manager after a brief spell as the Frenchman's assistant. "It was a great time. Three years and four months [at the club] – not now, but probably at the time it was a record [in fact Gerry Francis is the longest-serving Spurs manager in the Premier League by two weeks]. I still have positive feelings, which is the most important thing. And even in that last game [against Getafe] you could get some positives out of it.

"The first and main thing is that we get the points. It doesn't matter who we play. But it's probably the first time that I see the fans again and play against Spurs. Of course they are getting on and have improved. They have a great squad. I always like to watch them."

Asked if he has a good relationship with Daniel Levy, despite the Spurs chairman's public pursuit of Ramos, Jol said: "Yes." But he would not be drawn on whether he took any satisfaction in Ramos failing to last more than a year at the club. "It's better for me not to answer that or say things," he said.

Many of Tottenham's regular players were at the club when Jol was in charge. He said: "[Michael] Dawson, Ledley King, the left-back [Benoît Assou-Ekotto] [Younes] Kaboul so that is four in the back four, Gareth Bale, Tom Huddlestone, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon."

But Jol denied he was jealous when Harry Redknapp took the club into the Champions League two years ago. "Maybe if they had done it straight after me leaving that would have been a bit harsh," Jol said. "But it was a long time after that and they improved the squad and spent a lot of money and got the quality in they needed and then the quality players staying like [Luka] Modric.

"I loved it because I know Daniel Levy wants to be in the top four in England and he works very hard for that [and] I know a few people in the board so I was happy for them."

Fulham's captain, Danny Murphy, had a difficult time when Jol brought the midfielder to Tottenham in January 2006. After 18 months he was sold to Fulham having featured only 24 times, and the 34-year-old believes this helped revive his career.

He said: "It was a good experience. The good things are always easy to remember, but it's probably one of the only negative spells of my career I had there. There were a few factors, but it made me stronger, definitely. I think that little lull, without playing so much, maybe gave me the hunger and desire to kick on again and prove a few people wrong.

"It's not too healthy looking back on the negatives. I try and focus on the positives of my career. I made some good friends and worked with some good coaches at Tottenham, learned plenty off them, which hopefully I'll be able to use in future years. I don't think about the negatives too much, even though I would've liked to have done more."

Redknapp will not take charge of Spurs due to his recuperation from heart surgery this week. Murphy is a slight doubt for Sunday's game after being withdrawn with a knee complaint against Wisla Krakow on Thursday.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/04/fulham-martin-jol-tottenham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy thinks Spurs experience made him stronger
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Little snippet from the Guardian of Danny Murphy reflecting on his tough time at Spurs.

It was a good experience. The good things are always easy to remember, but it's probably one of the only negative spells of my career I had there. There were a few factors, but it made me stronger, definitely. I think that little lull, without playing so much, maybe gave me the hunger and desire to kick on again and prove a few people wrong.

It's not too healthy looking back on the negatives. I try and focus on the positives of my career. I made some good friends and worked with some good coaches at Tottenham, learned plenty off them, which hopefully I'll be able to use in future years. I don't think about the negatives too much, even though I would've liked to have done more.

Fulham fans would certainly agree that Murphy revived his career at the Cottage. He's been the beating heart of our midfield for more than four years now. Quietly, the skipper had a very effective game against Wisla Krakow last night. He'll be pumped up for Sunday against Tottenham too. There's a little hint in there that'll he want to go in coaching once he hangs up his boots – and I'm sure he'd be welcome to start at Motspur Park.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/murphy-thinks-spurs-experience-made-him-stronger/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham manager Martin Jol delighted for Tottenham despite his painful dismissal
Fulham manager Martin Jol has insisted that he is happy about ­Tottenham's recent success despite the unfortunate circumstances in which he left the club four years ago.


Reunion: Martin Jol will face Tottenham for the first time since the club sacked him 
Photo: AP

The Dutchman is facing his old club for the first time on Sunday since they unceremoniously sacked him before a Europa League game against Getafe in Oct 2007, but said he still harbours positive feelings for the club.

Like a spurned lover, Jol still remembers the exact length of his relationship with the club. "It was a great time," he said. "Three years and four months. Of course, they are getting on and have improved. They have a great squad, so I always like to watch them."

Tottenham fans still remember Jol with fondness after he guided them to consecutive fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League — more fondness, at any rate, than Juande Ramos, who was parachuted into the job after Jol's dismissal. Despite leading Tottenham to victory in the Carling Cup, he was sacked a year later with the club bottom of the Premier League.

Harry Redknapp has taken the club into the Champions League, but many of the current squad, such as Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Ledley King, Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Jermain Defoe were there in the Jol years.

"They spent a lot of money, got the quality in they needed, and quality players like Modric stayed. I loved it, because I know a few people on the board, so I was happy for them."

Jol paid tribute to Bale's development, saying: "You could see he was a good player even when he was 17. He had an unbelievable left foot. I was so happy for him when he scored his goals in Italy [against Inter Milan]." Everybody knew him after that."



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/8871162/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-delighted-for-Tottenham-despite-his-painful-dismissal.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Tottenham
Fulham had a good win at Wigan last week and had a bit more of a goal threat away from home than usual.

This can be a funny fixture - there have been some mad results, with the Cottagers scoring four times in the first half in the FA Cup last season and Heurelho Gomes being badly at fault for a couple of goals in 2008 - but I'm still backing Tottenham to come out on top.

I've always said that they are the team most likely to finish fourth this season but they might be thinking they can finish third with the way they are playing at the moment.

As a five, the Spurs midfield and Rafael van der Vaart were absolutely brilliant against QPR on Sunday.

Scott Parker is their insurance policy, which is great for Luka Modric because he can just go and play. Then you have Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale with unbelievable pace down the wing and the cleverness of Van der Vaart.

Up front, Emmnauel Adebayor is still playing like he is in his honeymoon period, which has lasted a lot longer at Tottenham than it has done anywhere else. That says a lot about the way Harry Redknapp manages.

Tottenham have been to Russia and back this week for a Europa League tie but many of their first-choice players were left at home so it should not affect them too much.

Redknapp did not travel because of heart surgery but he hopes to be back in the dugout at Craven Cottage. Fingers crossed he will be all right and make a swift recovery.

Prediction: 1-2



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15573320.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
FM Preview: Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur 06 Nov 2011

The game between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on 6th November 2011 at 16:00 takes centre stage for FootyMad's preview analysis.

History of the Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur fixture

Fulham prepare to entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, needing to improve on a poor record between the sides. The visitors have won 14 of the 38 previous games, with the Cottagers winning just 10.

The most recent encounter between these two sides at Craven Cottage was less than a year ago, in January 2011, as they swept to an impressive 4-0 win in a F.A. Cup match.

Recent encounters between the teams
Season   Date   Team   Result   Team   Comp
2010/2011   Sun 30 Jan   Fulham   4-0   Tottenham H.   F.A. Cup
2010/2011   Sat 01 Jan   Tottenham H.   1 - 0   Fulham   Premier League
2010/2011   Sat 16 Oct   Fulham   1 - 2   Tottenham H.   Premier League
2009/2010   Wed 24 Mar   Tottenham H.   3 - 1   Fulham   F.A. Cup
2009/2010   Sat 06 Mar   Fulham   0 - 0   Tottenham H.   F.A. Cup
2009/2010   Tue 26 Jan   Tottenham H.   2 - 0   Fulham   Premier League
2009/2010   Sat 26 Dec   Fulham   0 - 0   Tottenham H.   Premier League

Recent respective form guides
Fulham have collected 2 wins and 3 draws from their last six home matches. These high-scoring games have yielded a total of 15 goals for the Cottagers, with 8 goals against.

Tottenham Hotspur have an average recent record on the road, collecting 2 wins and 3 draws from the last six. The Spurs's have a narrow positive goal difference over these games, with 6 goals for and 5 against.

Fulham find themselves struggling down in 15th position in the league having picked up 10 points from their 10 matches.

Tottenham Hotspur's total of 19 points from their 9 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Barclays Premier League.

Current overall team form
Team   P   W   D   L   F   A   P
Fulham   6   3   0   3   13   7   9
Tottenham Hotspur   6   4   1   1   10   6   13


FootyMad's prediction ...

Fulham are performing in fits and starts at home in recent games, and FootyMad doesn't see things getting any better, as the visitors squeak past and take all the points. Away win

Sequence statistics
Team   Sequences
Fulham   4 games since last home draw.
Not drawn a match in their last 7 .
Tottenham Hotspur   Last drawn game 5 outings ago.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham - Tottenham Preview: Spurs aim to extend unbeaten Premier League run to eight games and claim a third London scalp
After putting both Arsenal and QPR to the sword, Harry Redknapp's side look to continue their impressive domestic form with a third derby victory, this time at Craven Cottage

PROBABLE LINEUPS
FULHAM
Schwarzer
Kelly, Baird, Hangeland, JA Riise
Dempsey, Sidwell, Murphy
Johnson, Zamora Dembele

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Friedel
Walker, King, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Modric, Parker, Bale
Van der Vaart
Adebayor

Fulham will welcome back striker Bryan Ruiz, who was ineligible for their Europa League demolition of Wisla Krakow, and also fellow frontman Moussa Dembele, who missed out on the Craven Cottage fixture due to suspension.

Skipper Danny Murphy is a doubt for the London derby against his former club, having come off during Thursday night's victory with a knee injury, while Philippe Senderos and Aaron Hughes are missing due to  thigh injuries and Orlando Sa is out with a hamstring injury.

Tottenham will still be without long-term injury victims Michael Dawson, Niko Kranjcar and Tom Huddlestone, and also have doubts over the fitness of Giovani dos Santos, Vedran Corluka and Danny Rose.

Midfielder Luka Modric is doubtful, but should play after suffering a groin problem, while Roman Pavlyuchenko is suffering from a back injury sustained during their Europa League defeat away to Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.


DID YOU KNOW?
Fulham suffered their first home defeat of the season during their last league gameagainst Everton.

This will be the first time Martin Jol has managed against his former side in the Premier League after being fired from White Hart Lane October 2007.

The Cottagers had gone seven games without victory over Tottenham before their four-goal win in last season's FA Cup.

Tottenham, undefeated in seven Premier League games, have won their first two London derbies of the season, beating Arsenal and then QPR at home last Sunday.

William Gallas should make his return to the Spurs starting line-up after injury for what will be his first league game of the season.

Since signing from West Ham at the end of the transfer window, Scott Parker has yet to be on the losing side while wearing the lilywhite of Tottenham.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60268/fulham-vs-tottenham/preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Tottenham: A Familiar Face Awaits Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur travel across Londonto face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, but the Cottagers are not the only familiar face they will encounter. Former boss Martin Jol, faces the task of trying to keep Harry Redknapp's  free flowing Spurs team in check.

Just over 4 years ago as Spurs faced Getafe in a UEFA Cup tie; news of Martin Jol's sacking spread like wildfire during the halftime break. The Dutch man, who had led Spurs to their two best finishes in 16 years, was deemed not good enough to take Spurs to the next level.

There is no doubt that this swift and brutal sacking by Chairman Daniel Levy, stalled Tottenham's progress. Spurs under Jol's stewardship were one lasagna meal away from the Champions League; instead that honour fell to Arsenal whose dominion over Spurs continued and only seems likely to end this year.

Before Jol took over the helm at Spurs, the North London club had endured over a decade of Premier League mediocrity. The previous incumbents of his position had signed mature or sub standard players in search of the Premier League Pound. Christian Gross, George Graham and Glen Hoddle had built teams which, when compared to their London neighbours, paled into insignificance.

Initially appointed as the right hand man to former French national manager Jacques Santini, Jol took sole charge only 13 games into Santini's reign. The French man walked away citing personal reasons, but rumours spread it was due to a falling out with then Sporting Director Frank Arnesen, over the signing of Michael Carrick.

Under Jol Spurs ditched the "parking the bus" strategy that had earned them a point against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, and instead went in search of attacking football. Through good combinations in midfield and attack Tottenham started to live up to self acclaimed title of a good footballing team.

As manager, Jol built an incredible rapport with the Spurs faithful. His honest post match comments and a touch line confrontation with Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, helped win the hearts of the Spurs faithful. The Dutchman's reputation was further enhanced by strong performances against the top teams, culminating in breakingChelsea's 16 year jinx over Tottenham.

However, after suffering a mixed start to the 2007-2008 campaign, Levy's head was turned. The Spurs board actively started sounding out Sevilla manager, Juande Ramos, who on the way to winning the 2007 UEFA Cup, had knocked Spurs out at the Quarter final stage. The writing was on the wall when club secretary John Alexander and Director Paul Kemsley were spotted meeting Ramos at a hotel in Seville.

Jol who has since coached Hamburg and AFC Ajax with some success, will claim not be seeking revenge this Sunday, but he will be determined to remind Spurs that he was the man who laid the foundations from which the current team shines.

The former West Brom and Coventry player has enjoyed a mixed start to his Fulham career. The Cottagers have made good progress in the Europa League; but their Premier League form has been suffering as a result. Fulham have collected 10 points with only 2 wins from the first 10 games.

The biggest issue for Jol is freshening up an ageing squad with relatively little money. Fulham's best players are now all into their thirties and his big money signing Bryan Ruiz, has only scored one goal for the Cottagers.

Jol's former club looks likely to have current supremo missing from the touchline on Sunday. Redknapp who didn't travel to Russia for Tottenham's Europa League defeat, is still recovering from a minor heart operation. Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan will be at the helm hoping to continue their impressive Premier League form. The north London club has taken 19 points from a possible 21 and is playing some vibrant attacking football.

Spurs were impressive last Sunday at home against QPR last Sunday, and I expect them to keep the same five man midfield behind Emmanuel Adebayor. One player who has come back into the team and has made an immediate difference is Aaron Lennon. The winger gives Spurs a natural balance and is better equipped to cover the rampaging Kyle Walker than Luka Modric.

Spurs enter this game as favourites, but they must be wary of Moussa Dembele's unpredictability and Clint Dempsey late surges into the box. Tottenham will do well to remember the 4-0 hiding they suffered in the FA Cup at Craven Cottage last season.



http://soccerlens.com/fulham-v-tottenham-a-familiar-face-awaits-spurs/83947/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Captain's Preview

With Fulham coming off the back of a well-deserved win over Wisla Krakow, Whites Captain Danny Murphy is now eagerly anticipating Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter against his former club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have been in fine form of late in the Barclays Premier League and whilst Murphy is aware that Fulham will be facing a side high in confidence – he also points out that Spurs will also have plenty to be fearful of.

"I have been watching them and they look like they are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment," said the Fulham skipper. "We always have a good game against Tottenham; they play football in the right way. If we think back to the past couple of years they've always been good games, very close games where we have both tried to play the right way.

"They'll give us respect just as much as we will give them respect, but it'll be tight, there's never much between us whenever we play. I'm looking forward to it, I think it'll be a good game but we will have to defend well, especially because of the quality they've got in the attacking areas."

One such player to keep an eye on will be Holland international Rafael van der Vaart.

"I remember the first time I played against him when he was at Ajax," said Murphy. "I was against him and Sneijder and he was special then. He looked a hell of a player then. We played against them in a pre-season tournament I think it was, and he was top draw.

"I think as well for a player who plays in that position, his end product is really good. He makes goals and scores goals, sometimes when you play as that second striker it can be a bit of a luxury but he certainly isn't that. He's very calm in front of goal and knows when to shoot, when to pass, he has that extra second in the box, which top players seem to have."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/MurphySpursPreview.aspx?#ixzz1cog6U1Pg