Monday Fulham Stuff (05/12/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Liverpool Tactical Preview: Alternatives for Dalglish without Lucas

Liverpool... at the Cottage.

London, Liverpool, then London again. It was a trio of fixtures against shirts of Blue. Two wins at the Bridge, plausibly building a bridge too far for Chelsea to secure domestic success this season. Sandwiched in between was an utterly dominant performance against Manchester City, with the Reds arguably on top of their rivals for sustained periods. A score draw, though, was perhaps a fair reflection of the tie, with Joe Hart undeniably brilliant in goal.

Yet there was a time for deep thought, for concern, for sadness. Ligament damage, six months. Out for the season. Lucas Leiva, the evergreen apex of Liverpool, is now reduced to a cheering fan on the stands, unable to impose his commanding presence and tower over others much like a Brazilian beast.

As such, varying emotions will accompany Liverpool in their third trip down to London in a mere two weeks. This time, their rivals are stationed at Craven Cottage, lying on the banks of that famous river. As far as the Thames is concerned, Fulham are treading perilously close to relegation waters. They are just three points off the drop zone.

Lose and they will be closer to that dreaded chop – and if you fancy a punt – do note records say that Fulham have failed to score in six of their last eight league games against Liverpool. Last season's corresponding fixture saw Maxi bag a hat-trick as Liverpool romped to a 5-2 win, so this should be a clash the Reds will relish.

Fulham's form hasn't been a bed of roses of late – Won one, drew twice and lost twice in their last 5 league games. Their latest Europa League assignment saw them succumb to a narrow defeat at Twente – meaning they have only scored once in their past three games, with that single coming courtesy from a Vermaelen own goal.

All this will be left up to Liverpool to exploit, but whether the job gets done, therein lies a different matter altogether. The disenchantment amongst Liverpool fans grew after their repeated failings against 'lesser' sides, so the Reds must resolve this if they have serious ambitions to their top-four claims.

Probable team line-ups

Probable team line-ups

Now for the nitty-gritty. As mentioned earlier, the unfortunate prognosis on Lucas' knee means that he'll be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, there's no specific timescale placed on Gerrard's progress, but he's looking suspiciously close to a first-team return. Jack Robinson is the other injury doubt.

The barely trivial matter of Lucas' prolonged absence means that Dalglish will need to reshape his tactics to suit the needs of the team. While Spearing is Leiva's carbon-copy, it's difficult to foresee the 23-year-old being used on a consistent basis.

A more sensible decision would be to slot Jordan Henderson into his favoured midfield role, with him and Adam reversing duties constantly – one could hold the fort at the back while the other attacks, and vice versa. This varies from the previous primary tactic, where Adam was the one entrusted with attacking responsibilities with Lucas providing the defensive shield.

Over at the Cottagers' end, the most prominent absentee is in the form of former Chelsea winger Damien Duff, who has picked up a calf injury. Their other concerns include Sidwell, Sa, Grygera and Davies – all of whom won't make it in time to face the Reds. But they do boast a relatively strong side, spearheaded by veteran Danny Murphy, who once plied his trade in a Liverpool side. Another ex-Red will make an emotional return to a side he spent 8 years with – John Arne Riise, who will line up for Martin Jol's side in his hugely favoured left-back position.

Fulham, The Opposition

Martin Jol plays a traditional 4-4-2 formation, focussed on a narrow passing game. Much like Liverpool's former central axis, Fulham's centre midfield is strikingly similar. Etuhu plays the holding role, protecting the back four, whereas the attacking impetus lies more towards Murphy. This is reminiscent to the respective roles Lucas and Adam play in Liverpool's central midfield. It has to be said though, that at age 34, Murphy isn't the kind of player who will embark on bombarding runs through the centre like how Adam is accustomed to, instead choosing to utilise his experience to play intelligent passes.

Out wide, Fulham's Bryan Ruiz is deployed on the right but he doesn't provide width, instead constantly choosing to cut in with the aid of his stronger left foot without really running down the line. While he is an intelligent player blessed with great technical skill, he hasn't quite adapted to the demands of English football yet. This is contrary to his time at Twente, where he banged in 36 goals in 61 games in all competitions which persuaded Fulham to part £10m for the Costa Rican attacker.

Together with Dempsey and Murphy, he will look to provide adequate support for the men up front, Dembele and Zamora. In fact, Fulham's wide midfielders do have a penchant for returning the ball into the middle channel for the likes of Dembele, who drops back on a regular basis.

Up front, Bobby Zamora will provide the fearful presence – and he will be employed by Jol as a primary target man due to his ability to hold up the ball, together with his other attributes such as his aerial presence and good awareness.

Fulham's passing heatmap

That said though, Fulham are a rather defensive team, especially against top sides. Against Arsenal last week, a staggering 71% of their passes were played in their own half – with only 6% of their passes being played in the final third of the pitch out wide.

Fulham's tactic is rather unique. It centres around the wide midfielders but attacking towards the corners is not encouraged towards their final third of the pitch. Their primary passage of play do pass through the wide players, but in effect the ball is then returned to the players like Murphy or Dembele, who will then carry on from there.

Biggest on-pitch battle

Philippe Senderos v Luis Suarez

Senderos will be up for one of his toughest assignments, when he faces Liverpool's hot-shot Luis Suarez. Despite being a rather decent defender, tough in the air, Suarez's craft and cunning could prove too hot to handle for the Swiss defender. Senderos' distinct lack of pace and acceleration means that should Suarez combine lethally with Bellamy – it could pose severe implications for Fulham, where the ever-reliable Mark Schwarzer could prove to be the Cottagers' key man come Monday night.

Dalglish's tactical approach

Breakdown of Fulham's goals

Fulham are notoriously slow starters, and very prone to concentration errors especially towards the end of both halves. The graphic above showcases the breakdown of goals scored and conceded by Fulham. The most distinct and alarming stat is that a total of 11 goals have been shipped in the last 15 minutes of each half, so there should be further encouragement for Liverpool having failed to break down both Norwich and Swansea despite laying late surges on their respective goals in this season's home ties.

Dalglish will demand a high-tempo start, but might probably ask his players to peak especially in key periods when Fulham have been error-prone.

Liverpool's attacking stats

Liverpool's play this season has mainly centred on the use of flanks, particularly on the left, as proven by the graphic above. With Fulham fond of having their wide midfielders to cut inwards, it is possible that Dalglish will instruct a persistent, pressing game on the likes of Luiz and Dempsey to dispossess them before quickly feeding the ball down towards Liverpool's wide channels, with Enrique and Johnson overlapping on a consistent basis.

Lucas could have been a pivotal player for Liverpool in this fixture, but the onus will now fall on the likes of Adam and Henderson, or even Spearing to press and then feed the ball down to these channels. However, with the likes of Maxi and Kuyt constant back-trackers, they are likely to harry Luiz and Dempsey respectively to aid the overlapping full-backs.

Ideally, Dalglish could also request for Johnson and Enrique to play further up the field, possibly in a wing-back role, since it has been pointed out earlier in the piece that Fulham aren't keen on running down the flanks.

Conclusion

Both sides enter December, one of the more crucial months which could be potentially season-defining. For Liverpool, 6 League games on offer, all very winnable and 18 points up for grabs. This represents the beginning – a test of whether or not our top four aspirations are validated, and whether or not we can reverse a trend which has seen us perform poorly against lesser teams, in comparison to sides like Man City, Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Fulham represents this first obstacle. Based on form, history and paper, this is a side that Liverpool must demand three points from themselves. Also, this fixture is the first since we've lost Lucas Leiva to injury. It will be interesting to see how Dalglish reshuffle, how Dalglish best utilises the alternative solutions in his pack of cards.


http://thespionkop.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/fulham-v-liverpool-tactical-preview-alternatives-for-dalglish-without-lucas/?

[WhiteJC]

 
EXCLUSIVE: Fulham's gag to repair Cottage leak as club clamps down

Fulham players have been hit with a gagging order to stop tales of dressing-room unrest leaking to the media. 

Players face a fine of two weeks' wages if they speak publicly without the club's permission. 

Fulham sent all squad members a letter outlining the possible punishment — which could cost the club's highest-paid stars more than £100,000 — after it was revealed Pajtim Kasami was fined £500 for missing a penalty against Chelsea in the Carling Cup in September.


In the dock: Fulham's Pajtim Kasami was fined for missing a penalty

The west London club are braced for a difficult December. Their 1-0 Europa League defeat at FC Twente last Thursday was the first of eight matches they face in 31 days.

Martin Jol's side have managed just two wins from 13 Premier League games this season and must win their final Europa League group match against Odense on December 14 to guarantee a place in the last 32. 

Fulham also play Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea before the new year, starting with the visit of Kenny Dalglish's side to Craven Cottage on Monday. 


Tough times: Martin Jol (right) has endured a difficult start to his Fulham tenure

But, despite admitting last week the Fulham  job is the toughest of his 20-year career in management, Jol is not under any immediate pressure from chairman Mohamed Fayed.

The Dutchman will look to strengthen again in January and will once more concentrate on lowering the average age of his squad, leaving senior players uncertain as to whether they will feature in Jol's plans. Damien Duff and Simon Davies, both 32, and Brede Hangeland, 30, are under contract until  May 2013, but captain Danny Murphy, 34, and 30-year-old striker Andrew Johnson — who is attracting interest from Sunderland — could be free agents at the end of the season. 

Mark Schwarzer's deal also runs out then, but the Aussie goalkeeper, who came close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2010, has the option of another year.


Flying high: Kenny Dalglish

Meanwhile, Dalglish has warned Liverpool remain a work in progress, despite being on the brink of a club record. If Liverpool win tonight it would be their seventh consecutive away win in all competitions, a feat which has been achieved only twice before, most recently between January and March 1988 — when Dalglish was first in charge.

Since losing at Spurs on September 18, Liverpool have enjoyed an 11-game unbeaten run and reached the Carling Cup semi-finals with a win at Chelsea.

'A positive result (like against Chelsea) helps everybody,' said Dalglish.

'We've beaten some good teams and we've deserved it. We are still a work in progress and we will continue to work.

'We have to remember how we got those rewards — by working for each other and playing for each other.

'We are much more difficult to beat as a team rather than an individual.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2069935/Fulham-gag-players-speaking-publicly.html#ixzz1fe7wPJEF

[WhiteJC]

 
We're not the finished article yet! Dalglish warns Liverpool ahead of Fulham trip

Kenny Dalglish has warned Liverpool remain a work in progress as he demanded his players remember the ingredients that have taken them to a brink of a club record.

If Liverpool beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night it would be their seventh consecutive away win in all competitions, a feat which has been achieved only twice before, most recently between January and March 1988 – when Dalglish was first in charge.

Since losing at Tottenham on September 18, Liverpool have put together an 11-game unbeaten run, reached the Carling Cup semi-finals and beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge twice but Dalglish is determined to manage expectations.

He is looking to squeeze further improvement from his squad and believes that will be necessary for them to bridge the gap with the top four.

'A positive result (like against Chelsea) helps everybody,' said Dalglish. 'We are plodding on. How the players go about their work and their quality will give them their reward.

'We've beaten some good teams and we've deserved it on the day. We are still a work in progress and we will continue to work.

We have to remember how we got those rewards – by working for each other and playing for each other.

TEAM NEWS
LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Rodriguez; Bellamy, Suarez.
OUT: Gerrard (ankle), Lucas (knee), Robinson (foot)

'If we stand besides each other we have a better chance, we are much more difficult to beat as a team rather than an individual.

The players' attitude has been fantastic. If that is right, there is a fair chance of us winning.'

Jay Spearing is expected to take over in the holding midfield role following the season-ending injury Lucas sustained at Stamford Bridge and Dalglish is also considering rewarding Maxi Rodriguez's input with a rare Barclays Premier League start.

The Argentine midfielder scored a hat-trick when Liverpool beat Fulham 5-2 at Craven Cottage in May and has found the net 10 times in his last nine starts in all competitions.

'Maxi is someone that you admire,' said Dalglish. 'A lot of people can look at him and also learn from him. Maxi, Craig Bellamy and Carra, are the elder statesmen. The way they look after themselves, the way they train and the way they prepare themselves, they are a great example to everybody.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2069909/Kenny-Dalglish-warns-Liverpool-complacency-ahead-trip-Fulham.html#ixzz1fe8o7njN

[WhiteJC]

 
Kenny Dalglish hopes for luck to stay on Liverpool's side at Fulham
• Liverpool looking to equal club record run of seven away wins
• 'We've had the luck away that helps you go over the line'

Kenny Dalglish has described Liverpool as a "work in progress" and pinned their impressive away form on the good fortune he claims has been lacking at Anfield. Liverpool will equal a club-record seventh successive away win in all competitions should they triumph at Fulham on Monday night, a feat last achieved in 1988, and, despite the loss of the influential midfielder Lucas Leiva for the rest of the season with a knee injury, they are high on confidence after two wins at Chelsea and an encouraging display against Manchester City.

Liverpool won only one game away in the league under Roy Hodgson in the first half of last season but Dalglish, who has collected more points away from home than at Anfield this term, attributes the transformation to little more than luck. "The players have gone about their work the same way away as they have at home but we haven't got the result our performances have deserved at Anfield," he said. "But away from home, maybe we've had at times that little bit of luck that helps you go over the line."

Dalglish's assessment is in keeping with his attempts to maintain perspective on Liverpool's run. He denied the 1-1 draw with City represented a positive result for a club with ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League and insisted improvement was required.

"We are plodding on. How the players go about their work and their quality will give them their reward," he said. "We've beaten some good teams and we've deserved it on the day. We are still a work in progress and we will continue to work. We have to remember how we got those rewards – by working for each other and playing for each other. If we stand beside each other we have a better chance. We are much more difficult to beat as a team rather than an individual."

Liverpool produced arguably their best away performance since Dalglish's return at Craven Cottage last season, a 5-2 win that included a hat-trick for Maxi Rodríguez. The Argentina international also scored in the recent Premier League and Carling Cup wins at Chelsea but has frequently been overlooked for a starting role this season.

"I'm tempted to play Maxi in every game. He has a fantastic recent goalscoring record," Dalglish said. "He is an intelligent footballer and he must have been some player five years ago when he was in his prime. He might be getting a bit towards my age now [Rodríguez is 30] but he is still a clever, intelligent footballer. He knows how to play and he knows how to finish. He's just an intelligent footballer who understands the game on and off the pitch. The same as everybody should do. The squad is more important than the individual."

Fulham (probable, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, BH Riise; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey; Dembélé, Zamora.

Liverpool (probable, 4-2-3-1): Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, José Enrique; Spearing, Adam; Bellamy, Kuyt, Rodríguez; Suárez.

TV Sky Sports 1, KO 8pm.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/04/kenny-dalglish-liverpool-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham players banned from talking to press
by DAN on DECEMBER 4, 2011

The Daily Mail reveals tonight that Fulham have banned their players from speaking to the media in a bid to end the leaks that have undermined Martin Jol's time in charge at Craven Cottage.

Laura Williamson, who covers Fulham regularly for the Mail, reports that all members of the squad received a letter last week informing them that they are no longer allowed to speak to the press without the club's prior permission. Any player who breaks this rule could receive a fine of two weeks wages.

The move comes after rumours of a bust-up between Jol, who admitted this week that he is currently enduring his toughest period in management, and England striker Bobby Zamora surfaced in the tabloid press. The news that Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami had been fined £500 for disobeying team instructions and taking a penalty in the club's Carling Cup exit at Chelsea – instead of the designated spot-kick taker – also made the papers. In recent weeks, the focus has largely been around the likely exit of Andy Johnson, who has turned down Fulham's offer a new contract.

The report also claims that Jol's job is not under immediate threat and that he will continue to look to reduce the average age of Fulham's squad in the January transfer window. The club will hope that their new media policy will allow them to keep any dressing room disquiet under wraps.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-players-banned-from-talking-to-press/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Euro absence a blessing for Reds: Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Monday night's (Tuesday morning AEST) opponents Liverpool may be benefiting from a season without European football.

The Cottagers head into Monday evening's clash at Craven Cottage 13 points behind the Merseysiders, lying 15th in the Barclays Premier League table.

Fulham's Europa League exertions have been blamed for its indifferent domestic form and many suggest the competition is merely a hindrance.

Asked whether Liverpool have benefited from not being in Europe this season, Jol said: "That's what they say in England. They are quite clear about it, especially the big clubs and Liverpool are a big club.

"Although they have big squads, it's a problem for other teams like Stoke, who play an away game in Europe and then an away game in the league.

"But we can't complain about it because we are in Europe.

"I think Liverpool are quite happy not to play in it, and maybe Spurs as well. I think Harry [Redknapp, Tottenham manager] said it could be quite a challenge."

Fulham face Liverpool on the back of Thursday's last-gasp Europa League defeat to FC Twente.

The Cottagers struggled going forward in Holland, a trait which has become a hallmark of its season.

Jol was disappointed at the defeat in his homeland, but is confident his side will soon start finding the net with regularity.

"Sometimes we have showed in Europe and sometimes in the league that we can score goals," he said.

"We have scored two goals away from home against Wigan and six against QPR, but it is not the consistent thing that I would like it to be.

"Even against Arsenal we scored a goal and it is always a nice cushion when you are looking for a result."

Fulham may well have to look for goals without key midfielder Damien Duff.

The Ireland international was forced off in the first half of the defeat in Holland after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury.

Mousa Dembele also limped off but could feature while Clint Dempsey should return from a thigh complaint.

The west Londoners will also be able to call upon Bryan Ruiz, who comes back into contention after being cup-tied against former club Twente.


http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1084191/Euro-absence-a-blessing-for-Reds-Jol?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool will attempt to a equal a club record sequence of seven away wins by beating Fulham
Liverpool may have toiled for points at Anfield this season, but on the road the club now have records in their sights. Victory at Fulham on Monday night would equal the club's best sequence of away victories – seven – and underline their status as credible contenders for the top four.

Results have been hard earned. West Bromwich Albion, Stoke and Everton all saw their traditionally forbidding home grounds conquered, while Chelsea have been stormed twice, in the Premier League and Carling Cup. Even Brighton, the least noteworthy scalp, were unbeaten at their new Amex Stadium home until Liverpool's visit in September.

Dalglish puts the anomaly between home and away results down to good fortune. "The players have gone about their work the same way away as they have at home, but we haven't got the result our performances have deserved at Anfield," said Daglish.

"We are still a work in progress, but away from home, maybe we've had at times that little bit of luck."

But there is surely more to it than that. Under Dalglish, Liverpool are more positive in their approach on their travels, surprising opponents with their sense of ambition. "We're now a lot more on the front foot and less tactical," was how Jamie Carragher recently described the change.

It was never more apparent than when Liverpool won 5-2 on the banks of the Thames at Fulham last May, Dalglish still urging his full-backs to rampage forward when his side held a two-goal cushion.

Maxi Rodríguez, who struck a hat-trick that day, has regained favour in the past month. The Argentine scored in both wins against Chelsea and Dalglish has been fulsome in his praise for the midfielder's attitude. "I'm tempted to play Maxi in every game," said Dalglish. "He might be getting a bit towards my age now, but he he still knows how to finish."



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8934319/Liverpool-will-attempt-to-a-equal-a-club-record-sequence-of-seven-away-wins-by-beating-Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fatigue no excuse, Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer has warned his Fulham team-mates that tiredness is not an acceptable excuse for their winless streak.



The Cottagers host Liverpool on Monday night seeking their first win in five games, and first in the Premier League since October 2.

The 1-0 loss at FC Twente was Fulham's 27th match of the season, but Schwarzer says that fatigue shouldn't be a factor.

"When people ask me about the national team and the amount of travelling and the number of games that we play, for me it's all about a mental approach and a mindset," he said.

"You've got a long time to recuperate after you've finished playing.

"When you talk about the demands of the English Premier League, yes they are tough. But you're playing in one of the best leagues in the world; do you expect any different?"



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7353785/Fatigue-no-excuse-Schwarzer?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Liverpool FC: Maxi Rodriguez could play in his favourite post code

MANY footballers have their preferred grounds. Few, though, can lay claim to a favourite post code.

But punch SW6 into the team coach's sat-nav and Maxi Rodriguez suddenly begins rubbing his hands in anticipation.

In three visits to the plush London district during 2011, the diminutive Argentine has scored five times, netting in both recent wins over Chelsea to add to his memorable treble at Fulham towards the end of last season.

Liverpool return to Craven Cottage this evening aiming to complete their own particular hat-trick of wins in the capital and keep pace in the battle for a top-four berth and Champions League qualification.

Having persistently saluted the strength of his squad this season, Kenny Dalglish now finds it put to the test as the Anfield outfit begin life without influential midfielder Lucas Leiva, who will not play again this season after suffering serious knee damage at Stamford Bridge last week.

Of course, one player's injury is another's opportunity.

And few have grasped that particular concept better than Maxi, who, soon to celebrate his 31st birthday, is regarded by Dalglish as one of the "elder statesmen" in the squad alongside Jamie Carragher and Craig Bellamy.

Certainly, the Argentine has contributed when called upon, netting a remarkable 10 times in his last nine starts.

Although a regular feature in the Carling Cup, Liverpool's summer recruitment drive had nudged Maxi on to the sidelines in the Premier League until he marked his first top-flight start of the campaign at Chelsea eight days ago by netting the opener in an impressive 2-1 win.

And an admiring Dalglish says: "I'm tempted to play Maxi in every game. He has a fantastic recent goal-scoring record.

"He is an intelligent footballer and he must have been some player five years ago when he was in his prime.

"He might be getting a bit towards my age now, but he is still a clever, intelligent footballer. He knows how to play and he knows how to finish.

"Maxi is someone that you admire. A lot of people can look at him and also learn from him.

"Maxi and Bellers, along with Carra, are the elder statesmen.

"The way they look after themselves, the way they train and the way they prepare themselves, they are a great example to everybody."

Asked if Maxi has been unfortunate not to feature more in the Premier League this season, Dalglish adds: "He'd have been even more unlucky had Rafa not signed him for Liverpool!

"He's just an intelligent footballer who understands the game on and off the pitch. The same as everybody should do. The squad is more important than the individual.

"If they are given an opportunity, there's not one of them that won't go on to the pitch and do their best.

"That's all we can ask for. Maxi epitomises that. He has made a contribution.

"There's no point me telling you how players react to not playing, because you'd go right through the card. We'd be here for a long time.

"You see how they react when they play. You see the pride they take in themselves, and the football club.

"Whether it's every game or less games, their attitude has been superb. Everybody comes under that, not just Maxi.

"If they aren't disappointed not to be playing, then we'd be disappointed with them."

The 5-2 win at Fulham last season arguably remains the standout performance of Dalglish's reign since returning to the Anfield hot-seat in January.

Three goals up inside 16 minutes, Liverpool demonstrated the pass-and-move philosophy that was ingrained in the team during the Scot's previous tenure 20 years earlier.

And when asked if that was the game when he realised the players understood his orders, Dalglish responds: "I don't think they were orders!

"It was great for the players, they produced a performance everybody knew they were capable of. It gave them a bit of belief in themselves.

"It gave them a fitting reward for the work they had done since January to help turn the place around. We were happier for them than anyone else.

"It also gave the punters a lift because it's not easy to go to Fulham and win, and it won't be easy on Monday night.

"I don't know if they've played better since then, but it doesn't matter. There's not a league table of performances.

"Jonjo came on that night, Flanno played left-back, we had a few changes.

"But they all stepped, passed and moved, and Jonjo was involved with a great ball for Luis for the fifth goal. Maxi got his hat-trick too.

"It was a fantastic performance but we aren't going to dwell on what we did in May. We've moved on a wee bit since then."

Fulham stand just two points above the relegation zone with just two wins from 13 games, although their last Premier League outing saw them earn a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

The Cottagers, who were beaten in the Europa League by FC Twente on Thursday, have lost their last two home league games, but Dalglish believes Martin Jol's side present a difficult test.

"It's difficult when there's a change in management and obviously that's their third one in a short space of time," he says.

"Roy (Hodgson) was there first, then Mark Hughes came in and now Martin Jol is in.

"Martin is a good coach, so I'm sure they'll respond well to his thoughts.

"Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to put your own thoughts into the team, but Fulham are very good at home and were very unlucky against Spurs in a game I saw there.

"We know it's going to be a very difficult game. It's the same every time we go to play a game – they're always going to be difficult games – but at the moment I think we're making it difficult for other teams as well."



http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2011/12/05/fulham-v-liverpool-fc-maxi-rodriguez-could-play-in-his-favourite-post-code-55578-29894030/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Jol looking for goals against Liverpool

Whites manager desperate for side to me more potent in front of goal

Fulham manager Martin Jol is desperate for his side to be more clinical in front of goal, starting with tonight's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

The Whites boss has complained about his sides creativity and potency for most of the season and they face the Reds off the back of Thursday night's 1-0 defeat to FC Twente.

"Sometimes we have showed in Europe and sometimes in the league that we can score goals," he said.

"We have scored two goals away from home against Wigan and six against QPR, but it is not the consistent thing that I would like it to be.

"Even against Arsenal we scored a goal and it is always a nice cushion when you are looking for a result."

Fulham may well have to look for goals without key midfielder Damien Duff tonight.

The Ireland international was forced off in the first half of the defeat in Holland after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury.

Mousa Dembele also limped off but could feature while Clint Dempsey should return from a thigh complaint.

The west Londoners will also be able to call upon Bryan Ruiz, who comes back into contention after being cup-tied against former club Twente.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_jol_looking_for_goals_against_liverpool_1_1144964?

[WhiteJC]

Adam: Murphy was my toughest

Charlie Adam will tonight do battle with the midfielder who provided his sternest test during his sparkling season with Blackpool.

Fulham captain Danny Murphy will line up against his former club at Craven Cottage and our No.26 is expecting a tough night as the Reds look to make it 12 games unbeaten.

Speaking at one of the club's Equality 4 All coaching sessions, where he held a Q&A with young aspiring footballers, Adam told Liverpoolfc.tv: "People still rate Danny quite highly at this club and that's because he is a top player.

"Danny is a very, very good player and the two games I played against him for Blackpool last season were probably the two most difficult games I had."

London has been fairly kind to Kenny Dalglish's charges so far with away successes at Chelsea (twice) and Arsenal.

Adam is hoping the Reds can continue their good form on the road and three points at Craven Cottage would see them equal a proud club record of seven successive victories away from home in all competitions.

"Wherever you go in this league away from home you know it's going to be difficult, but if we can go to the capital and pick up points like we have been doing then that's important," said the Scottish international.

"We have done very well against Arsenal and Chelsea twice, so hopefully we can do that again against Fulham.

"Our performance against Manchester City, which we should have won, and Chelsea in midweek showed we are heading in the right direction.

"It will be an open game. Fulham have got a good manager and a good team but if we can perform like the lads did towards the end of last season, then we are confident we can get the right result and that is a victory."

Last season Maxi Rodriguez stole the headlines with a hat-trick against the Cottagers - his second in succession.

Adam is backing the Argentine ace to find the net again.

"We were talking about that with Maxi the other day and he's scored 10 goals in his last nine starts which is fantastic," he said.

"We'd take another hat-trick from the wee man on Monday if he's selected, which would be nice. As long as he doesn't do that dance again though like he did at Chelsea we'll be happy!"

Adam also gave his reaction to the Carling Cup draw which saw the Reds paired with Manchester City in a two-legged semi-final.


"They are going to be two special matches," he said. "The good thing for us is the second leg is at home and already I think that game is going to be like a Champions League night at Anfield.

"As soon as the draw was made I felt that game at Anfield was going to be like the atmosphere at a Champions League game. It will be terrific and hopefully we can do well in the first leg to make that happen.

"Manchester City are a top team. They have been the best so far and that's why they are top of the league, but it's over two legs. It's going to be difficult but at Anfield last week I thought we more than matched them, and at times played some terrific football and should have won the game.

"Even at Chelsea on Tuesday night we had over 3,000 fans down in London supporting us, and coming so soon after the City game that showed why this club is one of the very best in the world.

"Hopefully we can reward them with the right performances and right results over the two legs."


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/adam-murphy-was-my-toughest?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol calls for more goals
Fulham boss feels Liverpool have benefited from no European football

Fulham manager Martin Jol is keen to see his team score goals on a more consistent basis in a bid to climb the Premier League table.

The Cottagers have struggled in front of goal this season and have failed to score in five of their 13 league matches to date.

Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson are the club's joint top scorers with three, although the latter's tally came in one game - the 6-0 home thrashing of Queens Park Rangers.
Jol feels Fulham have shown they can score goals at times, including in the Europa League, but is looking for more ahead of Monday's home game with Liverpool.

Cushion

"Sometimes we have showed in Europe and sometimes in the league that we can score goals," said Jol.

"We have scored two goals away from home against Wigan and six against QPR, but it is not the consistent thing that I would like it to be.

"Even against Arsenal we scored a goal and it is always a nice cushion when you are looking for a result."

Meanwhile, Jol believes Liverpool may be benefiting from a season without European football, adding: "That's what they say in England. They are quite clear about it, especially the big clubs and Liverpool are a big club.

"Although they have big squads, it's a problem for other teams like Stoke, who play an away game in Europe and then an away game in the league.

"But we can't complain about it because we are in Europe.

"I think Liverpool are quite happy not to play in it, and maybe Spurs as well. I think Harry [Redknapp, Tottenham manager] said it could be quite a challenge."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7353873/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Spearing can help record-chasing Liverpool beat Fulham
The Reds are looking to win their seventh straight away game in all competitions

Liverpool's home form may have been less than brilliant this season but on the road there appears to be no stopping Kenny Dalglish's men.

The Reds have won all of their previous six games away from Anfield – excluding a friendly defeat against Rangers – and are favourites at 11/10 to see off Fulham this evening.

Liverpool have won on three of their previous four visits to Craven Cottage and they should have enough to get a club record seventh consecutive away win this evening.

However, they will have to do it without midfielder Lucas Levia who sustained an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in their 2-0 Carling Cup win against Chelsea in the week.

It leaves Dalglish with something of a selection headache with Steven Gerrard still out with an ankle infection.

His options appear to lie in Jay Spearing, Jordan Henderson and Maxi Rodriguez as Lucas' replacement.

Henderson has shown glimpses of his ability over the past few weeks, while Maxi has ten league goals in his last six league appearances for the Reds.

However, it's Spearing who is the most natural replacement for Lucas and his inclusion will mean a minimum of disruption to Liverpool's style that has seen them perform so well on the road.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Martin Jol has called on his players to be more ruthless in front of goal following their failure to score in five of their opening 13 games this season.

If Spearing can perform to the level he is capable of, then backing a confident Liverpool side to shut out Fulham and win to nil at 12/5 looks well worth backing.


http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/spearing-can-help-record-chasing-liverpool-beat-fulham_084101.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Matchday Shirt Offer

If you're heading down to the Cottage tonight then take advantage of our exclusive Christmas matchday Home Shirt offer.

The Club are offering £10 off all adult shirts and £5 off Junior shirts purchased before tonight's match against Liverpool at Craven Cottage (KO 8pm).

Purchase your 2011/12 FFC Home Shirt from our Club Store on the Fulham Road or the Stadium Store at the Cottage before tonight's big kick-off and wear your colours with pride when Fulham take on Liverpool in SW6.

Why not spend your exclusive discount on the official Barclays Premier League shirt printing? Personalise your Fulham kit with your favourite player and you can play as Dempsey, Zamora, Hangeland and the rest of the squad every time you pull your new shirt on.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/MatchdayShirtOffer.aspx?#ixzz1ffOpw9b5

[WhiteJC]

 
Up next: Liverpool (h)
by DAN on DECEMBER 5, 2011

Fulham look to bounce back from their European setback in Twente last week tonight by continuing their gradual improvement in their league form, but it will be easier said than done against an in-form Liverpool side. Considering the way Kenny Dalglish's side swept us aside with some blistering football at the end of last season, there's a dreadful sense of foreboding hanging over this fixture. The Reds come to Craven Cottage looking for a second successive win in London – after they added to Chelsea's miserable start last week – and hoping to match a club record of seven straight away wins.

All of the key players from last year's mauling will be available to Dalglish. Luis Suarez, busy, impudent and deadly in front of goal, will be full of running from the first whistle. Dirk Kuyt, often underrated but an integral part of Liverpool's side for many seasons, should be scampering down the wing and Maxi Rodriguez, whose hat-trick killed us off, is in line for a start after scoring twice at Stamford Bridge in the space of nine days. The big miss for Liverpool will be Lucas Leiva, ruled out for potentially six months with a knee injury, but such is the strength of Dalglish's squad he has a selection dilemma over who comes in. The recovering Steven Gerrard isn't expected to feature but Dalglish has a choice between Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson (who for me is more of a central midfielder than a wide player) and Jay Spearing, who was so impressive in the heart of midfield at the Cottage last season.

Taking on a seemingly rampant Liverpool is a daunting task, especially when you consider that Fulham's home form has not been up to its usual exemplary standards this season. Though it might have been majestic, the Whites have managed just one win at Craven Cottage – the 6-0 thumping of QPR – even if the performances might have merited more than that meagre return. Martin Jol's side dominated Everton and Tottenham at times but were on the wrong end of painful 3-1 reverses that hinted at a worrying brittleness in both boxes. Encouraging performances at Sunderland and Arsenal have hinted at better things to come and the Fulham fans will certainly hope that Thursday's stuttering display at Twente was merely a minor blip.

One of the stand-out performers in recent weeks has been the returning Dickson Etuhu. The Nigerian has his critics – and I've been one of them in the past – but he's been outstanding as the defensive buffer between the midfield and the back four since replacing the injured Steve Sidwell. At his imposing best, Etuhu's physicality and energy makes him a formidable barrier for the opposition to get past. He's got a point to prove, dismayed by Jol's preference for Sidwell in central midfield, and Fulham will need both him and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who played a peach of a ball for our goal at Arsenal last weekend, to be on the top of their game tonight.

There are minor fitness doubts over Clint Dempsey, who missed the European trip with a thigh injury, and Moussa Dembele, who was substituted before the end of that disappointing defeat, but Bryan Ruiz is available again after being cup-tied against his old club. You get the feeling that Fulham will need to be quick out of the blocks tonight and that our best bet is to take the game to Liverpool. Both Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique like to raid forward from full-back, so penning them back with some adventurous wing-play will be vital.

Some Fulham fans, concerned at a perceived drop off in form of our front man, have suggested dropping Bobby Zamora tonight but that would be madness in my book. Zamora's movement and hold-up play is so crucial to the way Fulham are set-up these days that without him we look like genuine relegation fodder. He's not been firing on all cylinders this season, but that's as much due to the change in style as it is poor form. Without a partner up top or an advanced midfielder to offer support (a la Zoltan Gera), Zamora's been pretty isolated for much of the season. Given that we no longer play with the wide midfielders likely to get to the byline, he's not had the service from which he can thrive. Even considering all that, he remains our best option ahead of a tough assignment tonight.

MY FULHAM XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, J.A. Riise, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey, Dembele; Zamora, Johnson. Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Senderos, Gecov, Kasami, Frei, Sa.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/up-next-liverpool-h-2/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers boosted by Dempsey return

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is expected to feature against Liverpool on Monday but winger Damien Duff remains a doubt.
Dempsey missed the Europa League loss at FC Twente with a thigh complaint but the American international is expected to recover in time for Liverpool's Premier League visit.

However, Duff could miss out as he is struggling with a recurrence of an old calf injury.

Strike duo Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz are both in line to face the Reds despite minor knocks.



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-boosted-by-dempsey-return-1349510.html?#.TtzHzJgcIds

[WhiteJC]

 
Senior Fulham players unhappy
by DAN on DECEMBER 5, 2011



It looks as though the Sun have found a way past Fulham's new 'no access' media policy.

According to an article in this morning's tabloid, some of the senior players are unhappy that manager Martin Jol is breaking up the side that has delivered for the past few seasons. A club insider is quoted as saying:

It seems to some players as if Jol is not happy with anything they do. He arrived in the summer saying the age of the squad needed lowering and several players think he is putting all the problems on them rather than himself.

Who will first for that big fine then?


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/senior-fulham-players-unhappy/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey back for Fulham

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is expected to feature against Liverpool on Monday but winger Damien Duff remains a doubt.

Dempsey missed the Europa League loss at FC Twente with a thigh complaint but the American international is expected to recover in time for Liverpool's Premier League visit.

However, Duff could miss out as he is struggling with a recurrence of an old calf injury.

Strike duo Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz are both in line to face the Reds despite minor knocks.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/dempsey-back-for-fulham-1349510.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Liverpool preview
Watch Fulham v Liverpool live on Sky Sports HD1 and in 3D

Liverpool's unbeaten run is put on the line as they travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Reds have not been beaten since their 4-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in September.

They have reached seventh in the table and were only the second side to take points off Manchester City in a 1-1 draw in their last outing.

Coincidentally, the only other side to have achieved that feat was Fulham, who drew 2-2 with Roberto Mancini's men almost three months ago.

Since then, the Cottagers have won twice in the Premier League as they have had to come to terms with balancing league, cup and European fixtures.

Indeed, Martin Jol's side go into the game following a trip to Holland where they were beaten 1-0 in the Europa League by FC Twente.

Only once have they managed to win a league fixture following a Europa League game although they have had an extra day's rest than usual this week.

Out of the teams in the bottom half of the table, only Blackburn and Wolves won over the weekend, meaning Fulham have the chance to move 13th with a win.

Conversely, five of the top six achieved maximum points over the weekend, with only Newcastle losing - in their 3-0 defeat by Chelsea.

That means Liverpool can jump up to fifth with a win, overtaking Arsenal and the Magpies in the process.

Kenny Dalgish's side will be hoping for a repeat of last season's visit to West London, as they romped to a 5-2 win courtesy of a hat-trick from Maxi Rodriguez.

Rodriguez also scored in the Reds' last outing as they beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carling Cup last Tuesday.

Team news

Liverpool's build-up to the game has been marred by the injury to Lucas Leiva, with the influential midfielder suffering a knee injury.

The Brazil international will miss the rest of the season, with Jay Spearing likely to deputise.

After his goal against Chelsea, Rodriguez may be rewarded with a rare league start after Dalglish admitted it would be difficult to leave him out.

Damien Duff was substituted in the first half against FC Twente and could miss the visit of Liverpool with an ongoing calf problem.

Clint Dempsey missed Thursday's trip but is likely to return to the Fulham squad after struggling with a thigh complaint.

Stephen Kelly has also picked up a knock, but Bryan Ruiz, Moussa Dembele and Chris Baird could all return to the starting line-up.

Possible Starting XIs

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Dembele

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Rodriguez, Suarez, Bellamy



http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3458911,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Euro Memories

As Fulham look forward to the final match in the Group Stage of this season's UEFA Europa League in mid-December, the official matchday programme is inviting supporters to share their favourite memories of the Club's past forays onto European shores, in the Europa League, InterToto, or even the Anglo-Italian Cup.

Ahead of every home UEFA Europa League fixture, we're asking supporters to vote for their top three in a variety of Euro-related categories, from our toughest opponents, to the best European goals.

We'll add up the votes and print the results, along with some of our favourite supporting comments, in the official matchday progamme for the next UEFA Europa League match.

This time around, we're asking you to vote for your top three Fulham European away trips.
Whatever your criteria, be it a stunning stadium, a fine team performance, the destination city, or even the weather, place your vote today.

Simply visit the official Fulham FC Facebook page, and give us your top three, along with a sentence explaining why each choice stands out so much in your mind.

Then, be sure to buy the Fulham v Odense BK matchday programme on December 14th



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/EuroMemories.aspx?#ixzz1ffQVGTtk