Friday Fulham Stuff (04/11/11)...

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Prolific Fulham are close to knockout

Fulham 4 - 1 Wisla Krakow

Fulham edged closer to the Europa League knock-out stages by securing an impressive 4-1 home victory in a tempestuous encounter against Wisla Krakow last night.

The Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

With in excess of 6,000 fans cheering on Wisla, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

Damien Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andrew Johnson's low cross, but Andraz Kirm equalised with a deflection off John Arne Riise.

Johnson put Fulham in control with goals in the 30th and 57th minutes before sub Steve Sidwell wrapped it up late on.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/prolific-fulham-are-close-to-knockout-16073039.html?#ixzz1cjvNLoHq

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Johnson: Fulham will be ready for Spurs

Andrew Johnson insists Fulham's players will be ready to go straight back into battle and face Tottenham in Sunday's London derby.

Spurs rested a number of key players for their Europa League match on Thursday, while Fulham fielded a strong side and were rewarded with a 4-1 win against Wisla Krakow.

It means that whereas Fulham's stars must play two games in less than three days, their opponents this weekend will have benefited from a break.

"It's always going to be tough, but we've got great medical staff around us," said Johnson.

"Tottenham played as well and rested more players than we did, but we're professional footballers and we'll all be ready for Sunday.

"We can't really use midweek games as an excuse. We're all fit lads. We stepped up [against Wisla] and I'm sure the boys will step up again on Sunday."

Johnson's two brilliant goals saw off Wisla and left Fulham close to securing their place in the next stage of the competition they reached the final of in 2010.

And the striker, who says ongoing contract talks are "coming along nicely", rates his stunning volley against the Polish champions as one of his best ever strikes.

"I was delighted to see it go in. It's up there in my top goals," he declared.

"It was probably as clean a strike as I'll ever hit. It was a great ball in from Danny Murphy, a little bit behind me, and it always looks nice when it hits the post and goes in."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/johnson-fulham-will-be-ready-for-spurs/?

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Lawro predicts Spurs to beat Fulham



BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur will beat Fulham on Sunday.

He told BBC Sport Online: "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 in the build up for a Europa League tie in midweek 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://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/fulham-spurs-prediction/?

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Fulham v Tottenham preview
Team news for Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash between Fulham and Tottenham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 4pm).

Tottenham defender William Gallas could make his first Premier League appearance of the season at Fulham after he suffered no reaction when making his comeback from a calf injury in Thursday night's defeat to Rubin Kazan.

Luka Modric has a slight groin problem but should be fit while Roman Pavlyuchenko came off with a back complaint in his homeland on Thursday and will be monitored over the next couple of days.

Michael Dawson (Achilles), Niko Kranjcar (thigh) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) are all out while there are doubts over Giovani dos Santos (calf), Vedran Corluka (foot), and Danny Rose (ankle).

Fulham team news to follow.....

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Friedel, Cudicini, Bale, Kaboul, Corluka, Bassong, Gallas, King, Walker, Assou-Ekotto, Rose, Parker, Modric, Livermore, Townsend, Carroll, Lennon, Falque, Sandro, Pienaar, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Dos Santos, Adebayor, Van der Vaart.



http://www.football365.com/match/3422906/preview?

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Dempsey- Revenge not the spur

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists three points rather than revenge was the motivating factor after Thursday night's 4-1 Europa League win over Wisla Krakow.


The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Polish champions 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 Argentinian 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."

He added: "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. 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."



http://www.footymad.net/football-news/dempsey_revenge_not_the_spur_3917605/index.shtml

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Schwarzer: Spurs is a big game for Fulham

"Tottenham is a big game for us"

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is looking forward to taking on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Craven Cottage and admits it will be tough to claim the three points.

The Whites usually play a weakened team in the Europa League however they fielded a strong team for their 4-1 win over Group K rivals Wisla Krakow.

The north London club, however, will have players returning after they were rested for their Europa League Group A defeat at Rubin Kazan.

"Everyone loves playing the big games and Tottenham is a big game for us and it will be a tough game as well," he told London24.

The Australian international insisted revenge was not the motivation for the Whites against Wisla Krakow.

The west London club had Mousa Dembele sent off in the first leg after Gervasio Nunez theatrically fell to the ground after a push by the Belgian.

"Revenge wasn't the motivation," Schwarzer added. "We set about our game with a confidence and self belief to get three points.

"We were a different class to them and we deserved to win."

His words were echoed by midfielder Clint Dempsey who was only motivated by getting the 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."



http://www.london24.com/sport/tottenham/schwarzer_spurs_is_a_big_game_for_fulham_1_1117371?

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Will European outings give Spurs the edge over Fulham?

Tottenham may be rueing their decidedly inconvenient and ultimately disappointing trip to Russia this week, but their next top-flight opponents are being even more distracted by the Europa League this season.

Indeed, when it comes to using exploits on the continent as an excuse for fatigue, Fulham certainly have more justification than Spurs.

Unlike Tottenham, the Cottagers had the luxury of being at home last night, hosting Wisla Krakow.

However, that was their 12th game in the Europa League already, and their 23rd match of a campaign which began all the way back on June 30 in the early qualifying rounds.

Meanwhile, as Tottenham's first team were being rested yesterday with Sunday's London derby in mind, Martin Jol was fielding a virtually full-strength side to secure an important 4-1 win, which took his side second in Group K.

Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy were all withdrawn in the second half, but there is little doubt that Tottenham will be the fresher team this weekend.

Of course, entry into the early stages of the Europa League was Fulham's prize for winning the Fair Play League last season – a dubious honour which was nearly bestowed on Tottenham, giving the Lilywhites all the motivation they needed to finish fifth in May and enter the tournament at a later stage.

Fulham's new boss Jol is no stranger to Europe – indeed he memorably learned of his sacking at Spurs during a Uefa Cup clash with Getafe in October 2007.

However, the balancing act between continental commitments and domestic affairs has not been easy for him so far this season, and the Cottagers' league form has suffered as a result.

Jol was a popular choice to replace the cautious Mark Hughes, particularly given the exciting brand of football the Dutchman was known for in his days across London at Tottenham.

However, a 6-0 home win over local rivals QPR and a fightback from 2-0 down to earn a draw with Manchester City are the main highlights of a fairly uninspiring start to the league campaign.

To their credit, Fulham remain the only side to take points off City, but they lie in 15th place, four points above the relegation zone, with just two wins from their opening 10 league matches.

The danger men are all familiar names. Johnson's brace against Krakow last night took his tally to 11 goals in all competitions, and he hit a hat-trick in the derby victory over QPR at the Cottage.

Zamora has five goals to his name and Clint Dempsey scored his third league goal of the season in a 2-0 win at Wigan on Saturday, while the attack-minded ex-Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise joined Fulham over the summer.

However, record signing Bryan Ruiz is taking his time to find his feet in the Premier League after making a £10.6million move from FC Twente.

He has just one league goal so far, but Jol was encouraged by his delicate chip over Tim Howard in a 3-1 defeat to Everton last month.

"You could say that his goal against Everton was a sign for everybody else – I knew what he is capable of. He has an excellent quality of setting up goals and can also score goals," said Jol.

"It can take time to settle in. There was too much pressure. He needs to know that it is not only about scoring and setting up goals.

"He is a midfielder, not a striker. In Holland, he scored more goals than any other midfield player.

"When he came here, people thought he was a striker but he can play out wide or as an offensive midfielder.

"He's not a pacy player. It is about his vision and his ability to play the killer pass. He can fill the gap between Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson and my midfield."

The effect of last night's Europa League fixtures should give Spurs an advantage on Sunday, but they are likely to need it if their record in this fixture is anything to go by.

The Lilywhites have only won two of their league trips to the Cottage since Fulham joined the top flight in 2001.

And, while one of those came last season in October, that success was then eclipsed by the 4-0 defeat on the Thames in the FA Cup three months later.

That mauling will be uppermost in Tottenham's minds as they return this weekend to face their old manager and a host of former players – Murphy, Zamora and Stephen Kelly, while Simon Davies is out of action through injury.

Harry Redknapp will miss the trip to Craven Cottage as he continues to recover from a minor heart operation, but the Spurs boss is expected to return after the international break.

The verdict: Having already won away at Wolves, Wigan and Blackburn, it could be suggested that Spurs should beat 15th-placed Fulham here - as they did last season.

However, anyone who witnessed the FA Cup tie at Craven Cottage last season will be very wary of this fixture, and so are we – 2-2


http://www.london24.com/sport/tottenham/will_european_outings_give_spurs_the_edge_over_fulham_1_1117429?

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Bobby Zamora makes Fulham fitness vow ahead of Spurs showdown



BOBBY Zamora insists Fulham will be fighting fit and raring to go against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Spurs left most of their first team at home for last night's 4,000-mile round trip to Russia, while the Whites fielded a near full-strength XI in their Europa League clash against Wisla Krakow.

However, the England striker says they will be back up to speed for the Craven Cottage clash against his former club in two days time.

He said: "We'll be ready for Sunday. We're at home, which is massive as well. We've got a great record here.

"The last couple of years we've put in some good performances against them. It would be nice to win but it's going to be a tough game. They're a great side with some top players."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/04/bobby-zamora-makes-fulham-fitness-vow-ahead-of-spurs-showdown-82029-29717663/?#ixzz1cjyMrUIj

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Fulham strike duo delighted with win over Wisla Krakow

"We'd worked on that free-kick for the first time the other day. It worked brilliantly"

Fulham stars Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora were delighted with the manner of the Whites' 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow in their UEFA Europa League Group K clash last night.

The England internationals combined for the west London club's third goal, which was straight off the training ground.

"It was a well-worked free-kick (that made it 3-1), something we'd been practising on, and I was delighted to get it over the keeper," Johnson said.

"The main thing was that the team got the win they needed because we lost at their place the other week, which was a bit disappointing.

"I was delighted, the first one was a great ball from Danny Murphy and probably as clean a strike as I've hit in my career."

Fulham gained some form of revenge over the Polish side, after losing 1-0 in Krakow a fortnight ago.

"A good performance and a few goals for the boys which is nice," Zamora added.

"Some good goals, some well-worked goals, I'm pleased because AJ's on fire."

The England striker also expressed his delight at Fulham's perfectly executed free-kick.

"We'd worked on that free-kick for the first time the other day. It worked brilliantly," he added.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_strike_duo_delighted_with_win_over_wisla_krakow_1_1117490?

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Best bets: Fulham v Tottenham, Premier League

Fancy a flutter on Sunday's London derby? Here are our top tips as Fulham host Tottenham at Craven Cottage.

Following their excellent win over QPR last weekend, a buoyant Spurs side make the short journey to Craven Cottage on Sunday, having enjoyed a rare double over their London rivals last term.

Not surprisingly, given their victory at Loftus Road (and Fulham's worrying league position), it's Spurs who kick off as Paddy Power's 13/10 favourites.

The home side's odds of 12/5 (Partybets) are a reflection of their poor form – they've managed just one home win this season – and the fact that they've scored only once against Tottenham in their last five league meetings.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that honours have been more-or-less equally shared in this fixture since the pair were reunited in the top flight a decade ago, a statistic which adds appeal to Victor Chandler's 12/5 odds for a draw.

Harry Redknapp's men will head to Fulham in a confident mood, however, as they've lost only once away from home and have a game in hand on all of the sides above them in the league table – Ladbrokes' 6/1 for them to win 1-0 cannot be discounted.

Although Fulham have scored 10 goals at home this season, when Skybet give Spurs an artificial one-goal deficit and price them at 10/3 to win, shrewd punters may be inclined to take advantage and combine the wager with another.

For instance, bet365 post a hefty-looking 9/4 against Tottenham retaining a clean sheet, while Stan James post 3/1 in favour of them enjoying a one-goal margin of victory.

There's little to choose between the sides in the first goal market where Spurs are 4/5 with Sportingbet to open the scoring, while Gareth Bale has been well-backed to grab the game's first goal – he's 15/2 with Boylesports.

Betdaq chalk 8/1 against it finishing 2-1 to Spurs, and Betfred post a market-leading 6/1 for a 1-1 draw.

However, the majority of punters anticipate another Tottenham win and Totesport have 10/1 marked in favour of a 2-0 away success.



http://www.london24.com/sport/tottenham/best_bets_fulham_v_tottenham_premier_league_1_1115590?

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I won't be blown aside by Gareth Bale's 'whoosh', insists Mousa Dembele



Sweet feet and fleet feet are set to go toe to toe at Craven Cottage on Sunday and that clash of styles between Fulham's Mousa Dembele and Gareth Bale, of Tottenham, should ensure the season's trend of enthralling derbies is maintained.

When considering current individual contributions to the greater good of the Premier League, there are surely few more exciting players to watch than Dembele, whose mesmerising close control makes you wonder if the ball is stitched to his boots, and Bale, the winger whose speed and vision set White Hart Lane alight against Queens Park Rangers last weekend.

And if Fulham boss Martin Jol chooses to face his former club with Dembele starting on the right wing rather than his alternative position in the hole behind striker Bobby Zamora, the Belgium international will be staring Bale straight in the eyes.

Having watched enthralled, just like the rest of us, as Bale completed a wonderful seven-pass move for Spurs's third goal against QPR, Dembele today revealed his eagerness to go up against the Welshman.

The 24-year-old, exactly two years to the day Bale's senior, said: "I like to challenge myself, to compare myself against the best. I've watched Bale a few times. He is different from me. He is more like a player who goes 'whoosh', who is very fast.

"But I saw his second goal on Sunday, and whenever I see something good that another player does, then I will think about it and try to learn from it.

"Nobody is perfect. Even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can sometimes look like players from League One. But the best players in the world always try to learn from somebody else.

"That is why I like to challenge myself against a big team like Tottenham. It is not just Bale, they have a lot of really great players."

Like Scott Parker, who outshone even Bale against Rangers and who on Sunday will engage in an intriguing midfield duel with former Spurs player Danny Murphy.

Having been present on the pitch to witness the veteran Fulham captain inspire only a second League win of the season against Wigan on Saturday - when his raking first-half pass allowed Zamora to set up Clint Dempsey for the vital opening goal - Dembele is backing his man.

He said: "Everybody knows Danny is a very important player for us. He can pick the right passes. He has enough experience, so he knows exactly what he has to do."

Dembele, himself, added Fulham's second goal at the DW Stadium, the surprise being it was his first strike of the season.

The contribution Dembele has made to the Fulham cause since Mark Hughes, Jol's predecessor, bought him from Dutch Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar for £5million in the summer of 2010 has been immense.

The hours Dembele devoted as a youngster to practising on basketball courts and inside the family home near the Bercham district of Antwerp, testing the patience of a mother who had to sweep up the resulting shards of shattered crockery, enables him to twist and turn with the balanced dexterity of a slalom skier.

In the wake of the Wigan victory, Jol said: "Mousa is so gifted. He has all the talent in the world. But the next step is for him to score [more] goals."

Dembele accepts that flashy footwork on the pitch is not enough and his overall contribution needs to embrace a better strike rate.

He said: "That is the thing I want to improve most, to score goals.

"For me, in the past, scoring has not always been the most important thing. My priorities have been to play well, to be important for the team.

"After that, I've always told myself that if I score, then that's just okay. But now I'm changing my thoughts and I want to score more goals. Every day in normal training I'm trying to score more. And after training I stay to practise my shooting as well."

One of Dembele's rare goals came at Craven Cottage back in January when Fulham thrashed Spurs 4-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Harry Redknapp was so impressed that in the summer he was reported to have made a tentative inquiry about the player.

Spurs are doing very nicely having banked 19 points from their last seven League games to go fifth in the table. But Dembele counters that form by pointing out how Fulham have turned the Cottage into a fortress which has borne witness to only one home defeat in domestic and European football this season.

Nicely rested after missing last night's Europa League tie against Wisla Krakow through suspension, Dembele said: "When I talk to my colleagues in the Belgium side - like Marouane Fellaini and Thomas Vermaelen - they all say they don't like to play at Fulham, that it is not easy to play against us at our place."

He has to hope that holds true for the Spurs players on Sunday, with Fulham only just clear of the relegation zone after a testing campaign.

But Dembele insists the team's lowly standing is a false one. He added: "We should be higher up. There has not been one team that we've played this season who were much better than us."

At the moment, there are not many attacking players much better than Dembele. And he can confirm that by out-whooshing Bale on Sunday.

Mousa Dembele was playing in the FIFA 12 Pro Player Challenge. Think you've got the skills to beat Wayne Rooney and other Premier League stars at FIFA 12? Upload your best FIFA goal to easportsfootball.com and win a place to take on your heroes in the FIFA 12 Pro Player Challenge Final at the 'House of Wayne'



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24006099-i-wont-be-blown-aside-by-gareth-bales-whoosh-insists-mousa-dembele.do?

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AJ: Fulham's European assasin
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011



Andy Johnson just can't stop scoring in Europe. The Fulham striker, still banging in the goals as his contract negotiations with the club continue, rates his first goal in the 4-1 romp past Wisla Krakow as one of the best strikes of his career.

The 30 year-old says Fulham were delighted to win so convincingly at Craven Cottage last night – with the victory avenging the earlier defeat in Krakow and getting Fulham's qualifying bid back on track.

We were happy to get the three points to give us a great chance of qualifying. We've got two big games coming up against Odense and FC Twente, so if we can get another win, I'm sure we can progress. I'm pleased [with my own performance], but the main thing is that the team got the win we needed because we were quite disappointed to lose at their place the other week.

The first goal was a great ball from Danny Murphy and it was probably as clean a strike as I've hit in my career. It was a little bit behind me, but I hit it and it always looks nice when it hits the post and goes in. It's probably up there in my top two goals, but the main thing is that we got the three points and we just need to kick on now.

The second was a well worked free-kick that we'd been practicing and I was delighted to get it over the goalkeeper.

Johnson is pleased that with two games left – against Odense and group leaders FC Twente – Fulham's fate is squarely in their own hands.

I don't think anyone likes going into games waiting on other results. You want the incentive of it being in your own hands. Now it's up to us.

It's a massive competition. We got to the Final a couple of years ago. Everyone in and around Fulham knows how important it is to the Club and it's up to us to do well so I'm delighted to keep scoring and hopefully I can carry it on this Sunday.

It was a great game and a great atmosphere. The Fulham fans were top class like they always are, week-in, week-out and they played their part.

Johnson dismissed any worries that Fulham will be jaded after their European exploits when they face Tottenham, played a largely second string side in Russia last night, in Sunday's London derby.

We have great medical staff around us and we have a great recovery squad and a great system at the Club. Tottenham have played as well although I'm sure they rested a few more than we did, but we're professional footballers and we'll all be ready for Sunday. We're all fit lads so we can't use mid-week games as an excuse.

Week-in week-out we play in the Premier League and ultimately we want to stay and do well in it so that's always the main priority. The Europa League is a bonus, but we got to the Final two years ago so I don't see why we can't do it again.

It's been a great week for the guys. We got our first away win which was important and the three points in the Premier League bumped us up the table and relieved a bit of pressure, especially after the unfortunate loss we had last week against Everton. But we bounced back well. We played well last Saturday. We were a little bit lucky but we got the three points and it's taken us to a big game tonight and the boys stepped up again. And I'm sure they'll step up again on Sunday.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/aj-fulhams-european-assasin/?

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Fulham    v    Tottenham

By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 6 November Kick-off: 1600 GMT Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes will again miss out with a thigh injury.

Philippe Senderos is also absent with a similar problem, while Simon Davies and Orlando Sa are out.

Tottenham defender William Gallas came through his comeback match against Rubin Kazan unscathed and is now in contention.

Midfielder Luka Modric should be fit despite a groin problem, but Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Niko Kranjcar are still out.

MATCH PREVIEW
To me, this match is the weekend's most attractive-looking fixture in the Premier League as the one thing I am expecting from it is goals.

Both sides have attacking players in top form. Fulham's Andrew Johnson scored two superb goals on Thursday in the Europa League clash with Wisla Krakow, and Clint Dempsey is now just one goal short of breaking Brian McBride's record for scoring the most Premier League goals by an American.

For Tottenham, Rafael van der Vaart simply cannot stop scoring at the moment and they carry a goal threat all over the pitch.

However, both teams will have to find a way past two of the Premier League's most experienced and impressive goalkeepers. Tottenham's Brad Friedel will be playing in his 276th consecutive Premier League match, while Mark Schwarzer has played 496 games in English league football.

Fulham boss Martin Jol was a hugely popular figure during his three years managing Tottenham and came within a whisker of leading them to the Champions League until that infamous stomach bug struck his team on the last day of the 2005-06 season.

Jol's successor at Spurs, Harry Redknapp, underwent heart surgery this week and it seems unlikely that he will be at the game. His players will be keen to get a result to help aid his recovery and the form book says they will be favourites given that they are unbeaten since those two defeats to the Manchester clubs at the start of the season.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham's last league win over Tottenham came almost three years ago (2-1 in November 2008). They have managed just one victory in their last 10 league matches with Spurs, but thrashed them 4-0 in last season's FA Cup.

This is the 76th meeting between the sides. Tottenham have won 37 and Fulham 12, with 26 draws.

Fulham boss Martin Jol managed Tottenham from November 2004 to October 2007. He took charge of 148 games in all competitions, winning 67, losing 43 and drawing 38. In his first full season in charge, he led Spurs to fifth place, their highest league position since 1990.

Fulham
Fulham beat Wigan 2-0 away from home last Saturday despite having only 38% of possession and half as many shots as their opponents.
Clint Dempsey's goal against Wigan was his 36th in the Premier League, which equals the most by an American (Brian McBride also scored 36 goals).
Fulham have only won two of their last 22 London derbies, but one of them came in their most recent attempt at Craven Cottage when they beat QPR 6-0.

Tottenham
Tottenham have scored at least twice in each of their last seven league matches.
Having lost their opening two league matches, Spurs have won six and drawn one of their last seven, a run that started when Scott Parker made his debut for the club.
If fit, Luka Modric will make his 100th Premier League appearance for Tottenham.
Rafael van der Vaart is bidding to become only the seventh player in Tottenham's history to score in six or more consecutive league matches. Garth Crooks is the last player to achieve the feat between December 1984 and January 1985.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15510798.stm?

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AJ at the Double

Andrew Johnson's two-goal salvo against Wisla Krakow on Thursday night took the striker's tally to 11 goals in all competitions this season and helped Fulham move a step closer to qualifying from the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League.

Johnson's first of the evening was a stunning volley from a Danny Murphy delivery, his second was a far more delicate strike – chipping a fine finish over Sergei Pareiko after a crafty set-piece routine.

"We were happy to get the three points to give us a great chance of qualifying," assessed Johnson after the match. "We've got two big games coming up against Odense and FC Twente, so if we can get another win, I'm sure we can progress.

"I'm pleased, but the main thing is that the team got the win we needed because we were quite disappointed to lose at their place the other week.

"The first goal was a great ball from Danny Murphy and it was probably as clean a strike as I've hit in my career. It was a little bit behind me, but I hit it and it always looks nice when it hits the post and goes in. It's probably up there in my top two goals, but the main thing is that we got the three points and we just need to kick on now.

"The second was a well worked free-kick that we'd been practicing and I was delighted to get it over the goalkeeper."

The victory puts Fulham and FC Twente clear of both Odense and Wisla Krakow in Group K and certainly alleviates the pressure going into the final two game of the Group Stage.

"I don't think anyone likes going into games waiting on other results," explained Johnson. "You want the incentive of it being in your own hands. Now it's up to us.

"It's a massive competition. We got to the Final a couple of years ago. Everyone in and around Fulham knows how important it is to the Club and it's up to us to do well so I'm delighted to keep scoring and hopefully I can carry it on this Sunday.

"It was a great game and a great atmosphere. The Fulham fans were top class like they always are, week-in, week-out and they played their part."

Attentions now turn to Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Tottenham for what will be a stern test of the squad's powers of recuperation. However Johnson is certain that the Whites will be fresh-legged for Spurs.

"We have great medical staff around us and we have a great recovery squad and a great system at the Club. Tottenham have played as well although I'm sure they rested a few more than we did, but we're professional footballers and we'll all be ready for Sunday. We're all fit lads so we can't use mid-week games as an excuse.

"Week-in week-out we play in the Premier League and ultimately we want to stay and do well in it so that's always the main priority. The Europa League is a bonus, but we got to the Final two years ago so I don't see why we can't do it again.

"It's been a great week for the guys. We got our first away win which was important and the three points in the Premier League bumped us up the table and relieved a bit of pressure, especially after the unfortunate loss we had last week against Everton. But we bounced back well. We played well last Saturday. We were a little bit lucky but we got the three points and it's taken us to a big game tonight and the boys stepped up again. And I'm sure they'll step up again on Sunday."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/JohnsonWislaReaction.aspx#ixzz1ck70tqbs

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey: Fulham can be a top ten side
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011



Clint Dempsey feels Fulham should be back amongst the Premier League's top ten come the end of the season.

The Cottagers recorded top ten finishes under Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes but have endured a stop-start beginning to Martin Jol's tenure at the club. The American midfielder thinks there is enough quality in the club's squad to propel them up the table, however:

We are where we are and I think we need to get on a streak and get some wins in a row. We will be fine. We have the quality to be a top half team. The play we have shown we should be higher.

Dempsey doesn't feel that playing so soon after a big European night against Wisla Krakow should hinder the side, either.

You've just got to see it as a positive. We have a good squad and a lot of depth, you can rotate if needs be. And, if you have a bad game, there are a lot of games in quick succession so you have a chance to right your wrongs.

It's always good to look ahead to the next game and in your career you want to play in as many games as you can. I enjoy playing in every game I can possibly play in because you can't play forever, so you want to maximise your career.

The Texan, who was this week voted as the US Player of the Year for the second time, has fond memories of making his debut against Spurs.

Yes, I came on and I think I stole the ball and passed it to Murphy. He played it to Montella who got fouled, which resulted in a penalty, that he scored. We drew the game. That was my first memory and it was great to get in and play against a team like Tottenham.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/dempsey-fulham-can-be-a-top-ten-side/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Home Advantage

Fulham midfielder and US international star Clint Dempsey speaks to the press ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.

Q: With Tottenham Hotspur visiting the Cottage this weekend, do you remember making your debut for Fulham against Spurs?

A: Yes, I came on and I think I stole the ball and passed it to Murphy. He played it to Montella who got fouled, which resulted in a penalty, that he scored. We drew the game. That was my first memory and it was great to get in and play against a team like Tottenham.

Q: After the Europa League games you always seem to have a game against a side that doesn't play in Europe. Does it help this weekend that you're against Tottenham who have had a long trip?

A: Yes, it will make them make decisions with regards to who plays but at the end of the day it's same situation as us. They have good medical staff as well and they can monitor their players and make sure they keep playing at high performance levels.

It won't affect them too much. The benefit we have is we have a home game and we don't have to travel which wears on you. Hopefully we can use that to our advantage.

Q: Having played in Europe again on Thursday with Tottenham on Sunday, is that the down side? There seems to be fixture congestion?

You've just got to see it as a positive. We have a good squad and a lot of depth, you can rotate if needs be. And, if you have a bad game, there are a lot of games in quick succession so you have a chance to right your wrongs.

It's always good to look ahead to the next game and in your career you want to play in as many games as you can. I enjoy playing in every game I can possibly play in because you can't play forever, so you want to maximise your career.

Q: One of your best performances of the season as a team came against Manchester City which was after a Europa League game. Was that an important performance and prove to the squad how good you can be this season?

A: We dug deep and you saw the character of our team. We went 2-0 down and conceded in the first minute of the second half against a team like City. Teams could have crumbled but we got the result and looked like a team searching for the win; not a team that was just happy with a draw.

That was a key game in our season as was Wigan away last weekend. In the second half [against Wigan] we didn't have the best performance in terms of keeping the ball and making chances.

We dug deep and limited their chances, and we were lucky as they hit the bar and post. We grinded out a result and in my mind these games show we have character and heart.

Q: Given the tough games you have had and the results do you feel you are below where you should be [in the Barclays Premier League table] given how you have played in the Premier League?

A: I think so. The play we have shown we should be higher. We are where we are and I think we need to get on a streak and get some wins in a row. We will be fine. We have the quality to be a top half team.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/DempseySpursPreview.aspx#ixzz1ck87Rb7j

[WhiteJC]

 
Balance



There's a bit of noise about how the defence isn't so good now.

People are really pleased with AJ's form.

Under Roy Hodgson we never had these problems in defence.

But the forwards really suffered.

All of the above is not a coincidence!

Under Hodgson we rarely committed men ahead of the ball.  The back door was always being watched, usually by at least five players. So if we lost possession we still had our shape.  It was mad to see and felt a bit like overkill, but a testament to all the hours of training the team put in.

Now is different. At one point Riise was a legitimate left-winger. Clint Dempsey doesn't really defend like he used to (playing that slanting in role he's all over the show, which isn't good for structured defending). Duff works hard but in the midfield there's a new balance: defence is important, but it's not all powerful like it was. Before the midfield could attack but had to be careful. Now they always attack but try to be careful if they possibly can.

It's a big difference.

So the defence looks much shakier and the forwards look better!

More fun but less 'good', perhaps.

There's always a balance. Stack the stones high and you might have a higher tower, but it might fall down in a mess, too.  This is the situation we face.  You can build a big tower against Wisla Krakow, but against the better teams it might be an idea to add a few more stones at the bottom so it's harder to knock down.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/balance-5/?

[WhiteJC]

Dembele hopes for repeat performance
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011



Moussa Dembele is hoping he can replicate last season's form against Tottenham ahead of Sunday's London derby.

The Belgian forward scored a magnificent individual goal as Fulham recorded a memorable FA Cup victory over Spurs at Craven Cottage last January and, after being suspended for last night's vital European win over Wisla Krakow, is confident Fulham can continue their excellent home form.

Last year we won against Tottenham and I think they all know in their heads that it is not easy to play against us at Craven Cottage and that is definitely to our advantage.

I talk with my other Belgium colleagues in the international team and they always say they don't like to play against Fulham. They don't like to play Fulham away; it is a really difficult place.

Dembele will head into the televised clash full of confidence after scoring the crucial second goal that secured victory at Wigan last weekend and admits he is trying to find the net more frequently.

I was very pleased because it was the first goal of the season for me and the thing I want to improve the most is to score more goals. For me, in the past, it [scoring] was never the most important thing. I want to play well and help the team. I want to perform for the team and if I score it is great, that's my kind of thinking.

The 24 year-old is relishing the opportunity of testing himself against a formidable Spurs side again.

I like to challenge myself and compare myself with the best," Dembele explained. "They [Spurs] have a lot of great players there – it's not only Bale.  I like to challenge myself against a big team like that. Tottenham have big players, and I prefer that.

I think the best players in the world learn something from everybody because you cannot be born with everything. Even Messi may look at a player who plays in League 1 or something and if he does something on his own then yes you can learn from him.

If I see someone who does something good, even if it is Bale, I look at it and try to learn something from it for sure.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/dembele-hopes-for-repeat-performance/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunday Showdown

Fulham will be looking to make it three victories in eight days when they challenge Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon (KO 4pm).

Having extended their unbeaten home record in European to 22 games on Thursday night with a 4-1 victory over Wisla Krakow, Mousa Dembele is hoping Fulham can make the most of home advantage in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.

"Last year we won against Tottenham and I think they all know in their heads that it is not easy to play against us at Craven Cottage and that is definitely to our advantage," said Dembele.

"I talk with my other Belgium colleagues in the international team and they always say they don't like to play against Fulham. They don't like to play Fulham away; it [Craven Cottage] is a really difficult place."

Dembele scored the decisive second goal at the DW Stadium to secure Fulham a 0-2 victory over Wigan last weekend and the gifted attacking midfielder was evidently delighted to have put the finishing touch on an impressive all-round performance.

"I was very pleased because it was the first goal of the season for me and the thing I want to improve the most is to score more goals," said Dembele.

"For me, in the past, it [scoring] was never the most important thing. I want to play well and help the team. I want to perform for the team and if I score it is great, that's my kind of thinking."

If Fulham are to head into the international break with their tails up, they will have to overcome a Spurs side packed full of world class performers. Dembele for one, is clearly relishing the challenge that awaits.

"I like to challenge myself and compare myself with the best," Dembele explained. "They [Spurs] have a lot of great players there – it's not only Bale.  I like to challenge myself against a big team like that. Tottenham have big players, and I prefer that.

"I think the best players in the world learn something from everybody because you cannot be born with everything. Even Messi may look at a player who plays in League 1 or something and if he does something on his own then yes you can learn from him.

"If I see someone who does something good, even if it is Bale, I look at it and try to learn something from it for sure."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/DembeleSpursPreview.aspx#ixzz1ck9CjykD

[WhiteJC]

 
Who put the ball in Carlisle's net?

A special guest will be making an appearance on the Craven Cottage pitch this Sunday.  Former Fulham midfielder, and the scorer of one of Fulham's most memorable goals, Rodney McAree, will be stepping out onto the pitch at half-time.

Supporters will fondly remember his 25-yard strike away at Carlisle United in 1997 which earned the Whites a 2-1 win and helped Fulham on their way to securing promotion to Division Two.

Sunday's matchday programme will also carry an exclusive interview with McAree, who is certain to receive fantastic reception.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/McAreeReturns.aspx#ixzz1ck9VQbJ8