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Thursday Fulham Stuff (08/12/11)...

Started by WhiteJC, December 08, 2011, 08:50:03 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Bet on under 2.5 goals as Swansea host Fulham
Fulham have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to stifle teams on their travels, although Swansea could still nick all three points.

With six of Fulham's seven away games this season featuring fewer than 2.5 goals, a bet on a repeat looks the obvious way to go when the Lilywhites meet Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

For while the Swans hit a purple patch of form on their own turf in September and October with 3-0, 2-0 and 3-1 wins over West Brom, Stoke and Bolton respectively, four of their seven games at the Liberty Stadium have also contained under 2.5 goals.

Last time out, Aston Villa held Brendan Rodgers' men to a 0-0 draw, while the visit of Manchester United ended in a narrow 1-0 win for the away side.

With a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates two weeks ago, Fulham demonstrated their ability to keep teams quiet in their own back yards even when the opposition is comfortable in possession.

As such, Saturday's game looks likely to be another low-scoring affair.

Unfortunately, this is reflected in the odds, with bwin quoting a price of 13/20 on there being under 2/5 goals in the match.

Bigger returns are therefore available in bwin's 3Way football betting market, where a Swansea win is priced at 3/2, a draw is available at 11/5 and a Fulham success is quoted at 9/5.

However, a better option could be to build on the likelihood of a low-scoring game and bet on a Swansea or Fulham win with under 2.5 combined goals or a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.

A home win in a game with fewer than three goals is priced at 4/1, while an away success in similar circumstances is at 9/2.

Meanwhile, odds of 25/4 and 19/4 are available for 0-0 and 1-1 draws respectively.

Of those bets, the odds of 4/1 on a Swansea win with under 2.5 goals looks the most appealing, with a successful punt on this outcome set to return £125.

Danny Murphy's absence could swing the game decisively in Swansea's favour, with the former Liverpool player having proved himself a key man for Martin Jol's side in recent seasons.

It is no different in this campaign, with Murphy once again showcasing his ability to set the tempo and weighing in with a goal and five assists.

The 34-year-old's unavailability through injury will therefore go some way towards blunting Fulham's attack, making the Swans more likely to steal all three points.

Furthermore, with the Welsh side's defeat to Manchester United understandable and the game against Villa played out in trying circumstances given the sudden death of Gary Speed, it is not too hard to imagine Swansea returning to winning ways.

Just don't expect too many goals.


http://bwinbetting.com/bet-2-5-goals-swansea-host-fulham,11112.html?

WhiteJC

 
Former Fulham boss may convince Anelka to join Shanghai Shenhua

Jean Tigana could sign for the Chinese club imminently and Anelka could join him

Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka's future could be decided within the next few days.

The Frenchman has been heavily linked with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

"There'll be news very soon," the club's media office Ma Yuetold The Associated Press.

"There'll be news in four to five days, at the latest. In five days, we'll definitely have news on whether it is yes or no."

Shenhua are expected to sign former Fulham boss Jean Tigana.

While it hasn't been officially confirmed, Ma is confident that they will get their man and believes his arrival could help convince Anelka to play in China.

"It's basically decided," he continued.

"He will be coming with his own team picked from France. Now you understand why Anelka might choose us."

A stint in China could revive the Frenchman's career according to Ma.

"In England or other European countries, his age might be considered quite advanced," he added.

"But the football level is not as high here. We don't think it's any problem for him to play for another three years.

"It's not convenient for us to give figures at the moment. The figures being spoken about outside are not necessarily correct."


http://www.london24.com/sport/chelsea/former_fulham_boss_may_convince_anelka_to_join_shanghai_shenhua_1_1147985?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham lead six-team Premier League chase to sign Bristol City star Adomah

Fulham are believed to be leading the chase for Bristol City winger Albert Adomah, 23.

Adomah, City's player of the year last season, signed a three-year contract extension in the summer.

Aston Villa, Everton, Bolton, Sunderland and Stoke are also interested.


Wanted: A host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Bristol City winger


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2071308/Albert-Adomah-wanted-Fulham.html#ixzz1fvzg1Bsj


WhiteJC

 
Reds rage over charge of failing to control their players

Liverpool were in a state of indignation last night after the FA charged Luis Suarez with improper conduct over what appeared to be an indecent gesture towards Fulham fans on Monday night and also deemed the club guilty of failing to control its players during their 1-0 defeat.

Kenny Dalglish will be asked for his reaction at his weekly press conference today and it may be incendiary, given that Suarez is already facing an FA charge over alleged racist abuse towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the clubs' match at Anfield in October -- another charge which Liverpool have rejected.

The FA's governance and regulation committee, which analysed images taken from Fulham's Putney End, have concluded that the Uruguayan did raise the middle finger of his left hand to home fans who had subjected him to abuse.

The additional decision to charge Liverpool with "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, following the dismissal of Jay Spearing," stems from the way in which the referee, Kevin Friend, was surrounded by Martin Skrtel, Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Glen Johnson after Spearing's 72nd-minute challenge on Moussa Dembele.

punishments

Suarez has until 4.0 on Monday to decide how to respond to the charge and if convicted he could face a ban, though punishments in such cases have varied.

Birmingham City's Stephen Carr was banned for one game for an obscene gesture directed at Aston Villa supporters last year, while Joey Barton -- then at Manchester City -- was merely fined £2,000 in 2006 for dropping his shorts to Everton fans.

Spearing is already facing a probable three-game ban and Liverpool can ill afford to be without Suarez even for one game, given his importance to the club.

If he pleads guilty to the charge and apologises -- as Carr did -- he could miss Liverpool's visit to Aston Villa on Sunday week, with a match at Wigan following four days later.

Liverpool's position mirrors that of Birmingham, who, after the match at Villa in which Carr made his gesture, were also fined £10,000 for failing to control their players.

Dalglish, who requested a meeting with referees' head Mike Dean earlier this season after complaining of decisions repeatedly going against his side, is convinced that Premier League clubs' failure to contain Suarez is leading others to denigrate him.

"I think people try and find it easy to criticise him because he is such a good player," he said last month. "Rather than wax lyrical about him, they try and find a fault that isn't really there." (© Independent News Service)

- Ian Herbert


http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/reds-rage-over-charge-of-failing-to-control-their-players-2957709.html?

WhiteJC

 
How Fulham Exploited Liverpool's Defensive Lapses



It was a match that Liverpool should have won, if only they'd taken their chances. If only the officials hadn't overturned an offside Luis Suarez goal that wasn't. If only Kevin Friend hadn't given Jay Spearing a questionable red card or if only he had awarded a penalty and not a free-kick when Charlie Adam was felled as he entered the sixteen-yard box. If only the posts Liverpool hit twice had seen the ball deflect into the back of the net things would have been different, too, though of course if one were in the mood to consider maybe and what if, then Fulham too could point to their own missed opportunities. Opportunities like the one they had less than six minutes into the match, when a well-worked move probably should have ended in a goal for the hosts.


Danny Murphy (1) receives the ball from Dembele (2), free to roam throughout the match and at the moment taking up a position on the right with Bryan Ruiz (3) moving up top to support Zamora. Dembele continues his run inside while Charlie Adam rushes out to meet Murphy. Luis Suarez, playing on the wing, doesn't track Dembele inside, leaving Jay Spearing (4) to pick up the run with the centre backs occupied by Ruiz and Zamora.


As the ball is returned to Dembele, Liverpool seems well equipped to deal with the immediate threat of Fulham's attack, outnumbering the immediate attackers and with Charlie Adam returning to the defensive zone in support.


Dembele moves the ball quickly to Zamora (1), who touches it off to Ruiz (2). Agger and Enrique watch Ruiz while Skrtel stays on his man, ensuring that Zamora doesn't have the opportunity to spin off him, searching for a return ball and clear run at goal.


Spearing, unfortunately, is caught watching the ball as it heads to Ruiz, actually coming to a full stop while Dembele continues his run (1). With Skrtel pulled up the pitch marking Zamora, it leaves acres of space for Dembele and an easy pass for Ruiz.


Spearing points to the man he had been covering seconds earlier (1), but it doesn't help Skrtel, who has to change direction in an attempt to catch up with the free-roaming Dembele in full flight. Luckily for Liverpool—and fortunately for Spearing—Dembele doesn't manage to beat Reina on the ensuing chance.

Fulham's clearest chance of the first half coming as a direct result of the man tasked with filling in for the injured Lucas Leiva failing in his duties didn't bode well for the rest of the night, though in the end it would instead be a much more simply worked goal that did in the visitors, with Pepe Reina partially clearing a corner only to see the ball come straight back at him.


Before Liverpool can reorganise from the corner, the ball is sent out to the right footed Danny Murphy on the left (1). Jordan Henderson, jogging back, is the nearest support player (2), but he leaves Johnson to defend Murphy one on one and covers against the pull back.


Murphy dips his shoulder to the left and Johnson bites, shifting his body weight onto his right foot as he prepares to block off the outside. Murphy, however, moves straight ahead, around Johnson and onto his stronger foot.


Johnson recovers, but not in time to stop Murphy from getting a shot off. Meanwhile, Agger and Skrtel are left outnumbered in front of goal, still deep from the corner and with three men to worry about. With Skrtel focusing on the man in front of him, Andy Johnson (1), that leaves Agger with two men to worry about.


If either defender is to recieve any blame for the goal it is Agger (1), who allows Dempsy to pass in front of him, choosing to defend space instead of following the most dangerous man in it. And, of course, on most nights the initial shot is stopped and held by Reina, and nobody remembers the passage of play five minutes later. On this night, a rare lapse by the Premier League's best keeper on the back of earlier errors means three points dropped.

Here, Johnson made the key, initial mistake that was at the root of Fulham's goal. He also made the mistake that is hardest to explain away or excuse. In their ways, Reina spilling Murphy's shot and Agger choosing to ignore Dempsy's run across him may both have been bigger errors, yet for the normally sure-handed Reina it is easy enough to write it off as one bad moment while Agger's mistake came about from being faced with two men to mark. He made the wrong decision, but it was a wrong decision made in a more difficult circumstance than Johnson, who instinctively bit on Murphy's fake to the outside and gave the Fulham captain the inch he needed to move inside onto his stronger foot and get a clean shoot off.

However, the biggest culprit may in fact be poor set-piece defending, with four Fulham players around the six-yard box and only three Liverpool defenders to mark them after the partial clearance left Liverpool's defenders scrambled and ill-prepared to stop Fulham once Johnson flinched. Whose fault exactly it becomes then is nearly impossible to know for certain for anybody not involved in training, though with Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson, and Charlie Adam all looking on with no man to cover it's not a stretch to think that any one of them being more aware of the threats could have led to things turning out differently for Liverpool.

If one had to assign blame, then Kuyt, most central of the three and seen in the early shots watching the ball more than the Fulham players near to him, would seem the most likely choice to add to Johnson, Agger, and Reina in the list of players who all should have done better on the goal. As is so often the case, then, a team effort. If anything, however, it is Fulham's earlier chance that is far more worrying in the long term, as on that occasion it was almost entirely the fault of Jay Spearing. With the assured Lucas out for the remainder of the season and no chance of reinforcements until January, such an error is one more reason—if any were truly needed—to fear points will be lost through an inability for the club to compensate for their missing holding midfielder.


http://liverpool.theoffside.com/team-news/how-fulham-exploited-liverpools-defensive-lapses.html?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham star: Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal games are vital

Former Liverpool Champions League winner John Arne Riise believes the club have vital games coming up, including Bolton and Swansea

Fulham star John Arne Riise admits that the next few games are vital for the club.

The Whites travel to Swansea before a must-win Europa League Group K tie against Odense.

The west London club also face Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of 12 days over the Christmas period.

"There are so many games coming up now so you need all the points you can get," Riise said.

"There are some massive teams coming up as well so it was a big game for us and to go away with three points against Liverpool was important for us and it shows we can beat anyone.

"It's a new game at Swansea on Saturday.

"We just have to keep going. If you play against Manchester United and Arsenal it's going to be hard work as, on paper, they are the better side.

"If we do what we can we have a chance of getting three points.

"The table never lies. You just have to get a few points on board.

"To be fair we have a strong defence. To play up against Suarez, Carroll and Bellamy with two of them very quick and lively.

"It's not easy for the defenders and they coped well. It was nice to keep a clean sheet."


http://www.london24.com/sport/chelsea/fulham_star_manchester_united_chelsea_and_arsenal_games_are_vital_1_1147655?


WhiteJC

 
Bryan Ruiz reassures fans he only had eyes for Fulham


Committed: Bryan Ruiz (left) moved to Fulham from FC Twente on transfer deadline
day for a reported fee of £10.6million


Bryan Ruiz has swiftly rebuffed reports that he only joined Fulham for the money.

The 26-year-old moved from FC Twente on transfer deadline day for a reported fee of £10.6million despite interest from several other Premier League clubs.

However, Ruiz reportedly told Dutch magazine Voetbal International he would rather have signed for London rivals Tottenham and only moved to Craven Cottage for the money.

But the Costa Rica international moved quickly to deny the comments.

"Following media reports concerning interviews I gave in Holland last week about my move to Fulham Football Club, I wish to make it known to the club's supporters that as soon as Fulham's interest was apparent to me in the summer, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining FFC," Ruiz said.

"As I said on the day I signed, I was attracted by the club's ambition and the opportunity to play under Martin Jol.

"Fulham felt far more personal to me than any of the other clubs I visited and there was no question of me joining any other Premier League team once I had spoken to Fulham's representatives. The truth of the matter is I'm delighted to be at Fulham Football Club.

"I'm back in the team, we're playing well and I feel like I'm showing my true form. We started the week brilliantly against Liverpool and I just want to focus on helping the team against Swansea on Saturday.

"I am indebted to the chairman and Martin Jol for bringing me here and I want to thank the Fulham fans for the warm reception and affection they always show towards me."

Ruiz has endured a frustrating start to life in west London due to struggles with form and fitness, only playing his first 90 minutes in Monday's 1-0 defeat of Liverpool.


http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24019155-bryan-ruiz-reassures-fans-he-only-had-eyes-for-fulham.do?

WhiteJC

 
Lack of Dempsey interest must surely delight Martin Jol

Under the guidance of his fifth manager at Craven Cottage, Clint Dempsey is firmly navigating his way into Fulham folklore, but that very statement surely displays as much disbelief as it does loyalty, with the unfathomable realisation that the American is seldom the subject of transfer speculation.



For the bigger teams in the Premier League it can often be hard to purchase players who instantly settle into the frenetic pace of Premier League football, and in Dempsey we have a player who is a relentless headline act at his club, whilst still improving as his 29th birthday approaches.

When Martin Jol took charge at Fulham in the June of this year, relatively speaking, he inherited a skeleton squad that would need a handful of inspirational players to continue as the nucleus. Captain Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer founded that very group, but while most of that trio have been linked with moves away, Dempsey's name rarely appears in the tabloids' sometimes haphazard transfer-rumours page.

It is as much a mystery to witness Fulham jostling for mere bottom-half supremacy, as although under pressure at times in their recent Liverpool victory, they fashioned fluid and concise football; the product of an industrial midfield. This season Jol and his side are attempting to wrestle the very same beast that Tony Pulis is with his Stoke City side, in trying to marry a domestic campaign with the gruelling demands of the Europa League. Therefore, keeping key players fresh is pivotal, so Jol must use the likes of Dempsey both intelligently and sparingly.

The American's late strike not only gave his side three vital points against the Merseysiders, but it also elevated him in to leading the club's scoring charts, with four goals. Of course it is subjective, but there are surely few Premier League sides that Dempsey could not provide some creative impetus. He is blessed with great positional sense that unrestrictedly manoeuvres him between defence and midfield, areas that are hard to stifle unless opposition teams man-mark. His consistency has shone through since his arrival back in 2006 - as the then most expensive US export to arrive in England's top flight at £2m - by scoring 37 goals in 161 games, a tally to be admired for an attacking midfielder. The recent statement from American goalkeeper Brad Friedel, calling Dempsey "the US. team's best outfield player,' only bolsters the latter's current standing.

Jol was undoubtly hired at Fulham to paint on a big canvas. Fundamentally he will be allowed to build a side with his own blueprint - especially after the uncertain period bred from the Mark Hughes debacle. With the likes of Bryan Ruiz and Moussa Dembélé beginning to find their feet, and despite the Cottagers struggling in the first quarter of this season, the outlook is mostly positive.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager needs to retain the team's aforementioned spine if they are to make genuine progress. Therefore, and although to the confusion of outsiders, it must delight Jol that the staunch Dempsey attracts few suitors, as their rival's loss is certainly to Fulham's gain.


http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_11920_lack-of-dempsey-interest-must-surely-delight-martin-jol.html

WhiteJC

 
Suarez charged over finger gesture at Fulham

The English FA charged Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on Wednesday with improper conduct over an alleged hand gesture aimed at Fulham fans after his team's 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage on Monday.

Liverpool lost the game to a late strike by Fulham's Clint Dempsey and Suarez was filmed pointing his middle finger towards the Fulham fans as he walked off the pitch.

During the match the home crowd were often heard shouting "cheat" at the Uruguayan forward.

Suarez was already in hot water with the authorities after he was charged by the FA with racially abusing Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra during a 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.

The FA also charged Liverpool with "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" following the sending-off of midfielder Jay Spearing during the Fulham game.

Suarez and Liverpool have until December 12 to respond to the charges.



http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/91861/default.aspx?


WhiteJC


WhiteJC

 
Today's Retail Christmas Offer

Thursday's Advent Offer brings you 30% off the UEFA Europa League Polo Shirt. This fantastic product is part of the official UEFA Europa League range and is available for you to buy today.

Make sure you arrive to the home match against Odense BK in your stylish UEFA Europa League Polo. This fashionable black style includes the Official Fulham FC and UEFA crests.

This is certainly an item to own which pays tribute to the Whites 2011/12 UEFA Europa League campaign, so why not make the most of the 30% discount that is available now from our Daily Advent Offer.

Happy Christmas



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/DailyAdventOffer-8thDecember.aspx?#ixzz1fwec1heF

WhiteJC

 
Jol heads queue for Robins winger

Fulham are reportedly leading a number of clubs who are looking to sign the highly-rated Bristol City winger Albert Adomah in January.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol has expressed a desire to bolster his squad in the New Year and it seems he has his sights set on taking Adomah to Craven Cottage next month.

The 23-year-old has impressed at Aston Gate, where the Robins have enjoyed a revival under Derek McInnes who took over the managerial post in October.

And, in addition to Fulham; Everton, Bolton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Stoke are also thought to be interested in the signing the former Barnet man.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has a good relationship with McInnes, having worked with him during their time together at St Johnstone, but reports claim it is Fulham that lead the way for his signature.

Adomah signed a new long-term contract earlier in the year but that might not stop him leaving if someone can match Bristol City's valuation.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-heads-queue-for-robins-winger-1350959.html?


Sector9

Quote from: WhiteJC on December 08, 2011, 08:56:32 AM

Fulham keeping tabs on Bristol City winger
by DAN on DECEMBER 7, 2011



Sky Sports reports that Fulham are keeping a close eye on Bristol City winger Albert Adomah.

Several Premier League clubs have been alerted to Adomah's outstanding Championship displays over the last month, despite City insisting that they have no desire to sell their best players in the January transfer window. While Nicky Maynard, long rumoured to be a Fulham target, is out of contract at the end of season, Adomah signed a three-year deal at the end of the last campaign, meaning any interested parties would have to table a big bid to interest City in selling.

Sky believe that Fulham may make an official offer once the window reopens but also report that Aston Villa, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Sunderland and Stoke City have all had Adomah watched. The 23 year-old, who won his first cap for Ghana against Brazil at Craven Cottage in September, has scored five goals in 21 appearances for City this season. He scored ten times in 67 appearances since joining City from Barnet for a tribunal-mandated £150,000 in July 2007.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-keeping-tabs-on-bristol-city-winger/?


Watched him play at the beginning of the season, definitely outshone Nicky Maynard that day, don't know if he could make the step up but definitely looked a talent.

WhiteJC

 
Premier League preview: Swansea v Fulham

Fulham will be hoping to build on their 1-0 triumph over Liverpool when they visit Swansea in the Premier League on Saturday.

Martin Jol's side recorded their first league win in more than a month on Monday when Clint Dempsey seized upon an error from Pepe Reina to score a late winner at Craven Cottage, easing the pressure on Jol, whose team are 13th in the league.

Swansea, meanwhile, are 15th - one point behind Fulham - but they have not won since their 3-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers on October 29, and in their most recent outing they were beaten 4-2 at lowly Blackburn.

Of the two managers, Jol has the more extensive injury list, with winger Damian Duff (calf) and midfielder Danny Murphy (ankle) both under fitness clouds, while defender Zdenek Grygera is a long-term casualty with a knee injury.

Steve Sidwell has not played since Fulham's 3-1 loss to Spurs in October, but Jol is optimistic he will be ready to resume against Swansea after a hernia operation.

"Hopefully he (Sidwell) can be fit for the next game," Jol said.

"He needed a minor operation and they told me maybe he would play the next match after 10 days, but he still feels it."

"It's still painful after the operation. Hopefully he will be OK."

Fulham's Welsh midfielder Simon Davies is definitely out of the clash, although the 32-year-old is nearing a return to first-team football after suffering a knee injury in a Europa League tie in June.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has problems of his own with striker Danny Graham hampered by an Achilles tendon problem, while Angel Rangel has an ankle injury and Alan Tate is a long-term absentee with a broken leg.

Midfielder Joe Allen is suspended after being sent off in the Blackburn match.


http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2011/December/08/premier-league-preview-swansea-v-fulham/?

WhiteJC

 
'Old School' Jay Spearing Tackle Irks Match of the Day Pundit

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has lambasted Premier League referee Kevin Friend for sending off Jay Spearing at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

The aforementioned Liverpool midfielder was dismissed during their defeat against Fulham in what proved to be one of the decisive moments in the match and one that has seemingly divided opinion in football.

Lawrenson believes the red card is sadly indicative of the way modern football is going, suggesting the tackle made by the 23-year-old Liverpool youngster would "not have even got a yellow card" a few years ago.

The Liverpool legend, who won five league titles during his memorable Anfield career, suggests Premier League football is no longer of the robust, physical nature it used to be, intimating referees are becoming less and less permissive.

The Match of the Day pundit believes football will soon become a non-contact sport if challenges like the one made during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Fulham carry the maximum punishment. 

"If Jay Spearing's tackle on Mousa Dembele was a red card offence, then I fear football will become a non-contact sport within 18 months." The former Anfield star told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"Five years ago, the challenge would not have even got a yellow card.

"You see so many tackles week in, week out where any type of intent seems to give referees the justification to brandish a red card. I am old school. For me it wasn't a foul.

The Liverpool hero continued: "Spearing got the ball first and then his momentum takes him through the player.

"The art of tackling is to get the ball, and if in making a tackle you collide with the player on the way through, then what are you supposed to do? Try and avoid contact with the player? I don't think so.

"A lot of people have said it is definitely a red card. But anyone who has played football or watched it for a long time will think it was a good tackle."

The Liverpool icon, who is now a long serving pundit on Match of the Day alongside his former defensive colleague at Anfield, Alan Hansen, admits he fears football is going "too far" in their efforts to protect the league's best players.

"It encapsulates the problem in the game today. In rightly trying to protect skilful players, referees are being urged to go too far and penalise any kind of contact." Lawrenson concluded.


http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/263718/20111208/old-school-jay-spearing-tackle-irks-match.htm?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham V Swansea City – Match Preview

Fulham go in search of only their third home win the league this season against a Swansea side who yet to pick up three points on their travels.

The Cottagers have endured a tiring season so far with their Europa League campaign mixed with their domestic commitments casing fatigue levels to rise on the Thames. A stop-start campaign, which has been mixed with impressive victories and disappointing defeats, see's Martin Jol's side lie 13th in the Premier League table with only three wins on the board. Their latest success is arguably their most impressive of all with Liverpool leaving Craven Cottage empty handed after Clint Dempsey's late goal securing a priceless three points. It was as good a defensive performance that Fulham have provided this season as they frustrated the Red's £50 million plus strike force for 90 minutes before their late smash and grab. The win provided a five-point safety net between themselves and the relegation zone with a run of one defeat in their last five putting them on the road to safety. It's been a frustratingly slow start for Jol since his appointment in the summer with the players initially struggling to get to grips with the Dutchman's attacking philosophy. Goals have been a problem this season with the Cottagers finding the net only 16 times this season. They'll need to start scoring ahead of the energy sapping festive season with Swansea providing a great opportunity to preserve the confidence built up during their strong form in November.

Brendan Rodgers' side make the trip to West London having kept only one clean sheet on their travels this season and yet to record a victory away from the Liberty Stadium. A bright start to their debut campaign in the top-flight saw the Swans win a legion of admirers for their total football style passing principles as opposed to the usual backs to the wall approach adopted by promoted teams. However despite their encouraging start to life in the Premier League their form has dipped considerably since mid-October with Welsh club recording just one win in their last seven league games. They went three games without scoring before finding the net at Blackburn last week although they went on to lose 4-2 against the relegation strugglers. Their inexperience at this level is starting to become evident with each passing game and it's starting to cost them points. Conceding goals has started to become a monumental issue whilst finding the net themselves is also a problem having scored just 14 in as many games. Manager Rodgers has the likes of Scott Sinclair, Leroy Lita and Danny Graham to choose from up front with the latter the only forward who has score consistently at times this season. Supporters will be extremely disappointed that Sinclair has failed to replicate his form in the Championship in the top-flight with a series of underwhelming displays seeing his place come under threat. Starting their festive campaign off against in-form Fulham is hardly ideal and it might be a good idea to implement a more stringent approach to ward off yet another winless game.

Fulham – 13th

Last Five: Won 1-0 v Liverpool (H), Drew 1-1 v Arsenal (A), Drew 0-0 v Sunderland (A), Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H), Won 2-0 v Wigan (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Schwarzer 6. C. Baird 18. A. Hughes 5. B. Hangeland 3. J. Riise 11. B. Ruiz 10. P. Kasami 20. D. Etuhu 23. C. Dempsey* 30. M. Dembele 25. B. Zamora

Injury News: Captain Danny Murphy has been ruled out for the Cottagers whils Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell will also miss the visit of

Key Player: Clint Dempsey

Despite a slightly underwhelming start to the season from Dempsey he proved his worth to Fulham with the late winner against Liverpool on Monday. The American hasn't been at his best for the Cottagers during the current campaign but he is still one of the best players in the Premier League and he can be unstoppable when he wants to be. With Danny Murphy out injured Jol will be relying on Dempsey to provide the midfield inspiration that will see them record a second win in a row.

Match Fact: Fulham haven't tasted defeat against Swansea in four games since a 2-1 loss in May 1994 when both sides were plying their trade in the old Second Division.

Swansea – 15th

Last Five: Lost 4-2 v Blackburn (A), Drew 0-0 v Aston Villa (H), Lost 1-0 v Manchester United (H), Drew 0-0 v Liverpool (A), Won 3-1 v Bolton (H)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Vorm 27. A. Richards 2. A. Williams 16. G. Monk [C] 3. N. Taylor 27. M. Gower 15. W. Routledge 7. L. Britton 12. N. Dyer 11. S. Sinclair* 16. L. Lita

Injury News: Rodgers is without leading scorer Danny Graham for the trip to West London whilst Angel Rangel remains out.

Key Player: Scott Sinclair

Despite not being able to match his performances from last seasons successful Championship campaign Sinclair still remains a vital part of the Swansea squad. The work he does up and down the left flank has proved invaluable to the Welsh side this season and whilst his goals tally may not look pretty it's his overall contribution to the team that has saw him retain his starting place. His pace and skill down the wing will be vital on Sunday as will his tracking back

Match Fact: Swansea haven't won at Craven Cottage in the league since a 3-0 victory in February 1994 – a run of eight games.

Last Time at Craven Cottage

FA Cup 24 February 2009

Fulham 2-1 Swansea

Dempsey (77) Zamora (81)

Scotland (47)

Attendance: 12,316

Referee: Mark Halsey

PREDICTION

Fulham's win against Liverpool will have lifted the confidence levels at Craven Cottage and they'll be expecting to take all three points against Swansea on Saturday to move further away from danger. The Swans haven't been performing well of late and their winless run on the road is likely to increase in West London and send them towards the bottom three.

Score: 3-1


http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-swansea-city-match-preview?

The Bronsons

Quote from: WhiteJC on December 08, 2011, 01:43:13 PM

Fulham V Swansea City – Match Preview

Fulham go in search of only their third home win the league this season against a Swansea side who yet to pick up three points on their travels.

The Cottagers have endured a tiring season so far with their Europa League campaign mixed with their domestic commitments casing fatigue levels to rise on the Thames. A stop-start campaign, which has been mixed with impressive victories and disappointing defeats, see's Martin Jol's side lie 13th in the Premier League table with only three wins on the board. Their latest success is arguably their most impressive of all with Liverpool leaving Craven Cottage empty handed after Clint Dempsey's late goal securing a priceless three points. It was as good a defensive performance that Fulham have provided this season as they frustrated the Red's £50 million plus strike force for 90 minutes before their late smash and grab. The win provided a five-point safety net between themselves and the relegation zone with a run of one defeat in their last five putting them on the road to safety. It's been a frustratingly slow start for Jol since his appointment in the summer with the players initially struggling to get to grips with the Dutchman's attacking philosophy. Goals have been a problem this season with the Cottagers finding the net only 16 times this season. They'll need to start scoring ahead of the energy sapping festive season with Swansea providing a great opportunity to preserve the confidence built up during their strong form in November.

Brendan Rodgers' side make the trip to West London having kept only one clean sheet on their travels this season and yet to record a victory away from the Liberty Stadium. A bright start to their debut campaign in the top-flight saw the Swans win a legion of admirers for their total football style passing principles as opposed to the usual backs to the wall approach adopted by promoted teams. However despite their encouraging start to life in the Premier League their form has dipped considerably since mid-October with Welsh club recording just one win in their last seven league games. They went three games without scoring before finding the net at Blackburn last week although they went on to lose 4-2 against the relegation strugglers. Their inexperience at this level is starting to become evident with each passing game and it's starting to cost them points. Conceding goals has started to become a monumental issue whilst finding the net themselves is also a problem having scored just 14 in as many games. Manager Rodgers has the likes of Scott Sinclair, Leroy Lita and Danny Graham to choose from up front with the latter the only forward who has score consistently at times this season. Supporters will be extremely disappointed that Sinclair has failed to replicate his form in the Championship in the top-flight with a series of underwhelming displays seeing his place come under threat. Starting their festive campaign off against in-form Fulham is hardly ideal and it might be a good idea to implement a more stringent approach to ward off yet another winless game.

Fulham – 13th

Last Five: Won 1-0 v Liverpool (H), Drew 1-1 v Arsenal (A), Drew 0-0 v Sunderland (A), Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H), Won 2-0 v Wigan (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Schwarzer 6. C. Baird 18. A. Hughes 5. B. Hangeland 3. J. Riise 11. B. Ruiz 10. P. Kasami 20. D. Etuhu 23. C. Dempsey* 30. M. Dembele 25. B. Zamora

Injury News: Captain Danny Murphy has been ruled out for the Cottagers whils Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell will also miss the visit of

Key Player: Clint Dempsey

Despite a slightly underwhelming start to the season from Dempsey he proved his worth to Fulham with the late winner against Liverpool on Monday. The American hasn't been at his best for the Cottagers during the current campaign but he is still one of the best players in the Premier League and he can be unstoppable when he wants to be. With Danny Murphy out injured Jol will be relying on Dempsey to provide the midfield inspiration that will see them record a second win in a row.

Match Fact: Fulham haven't tasted defeat against Swansea in four games since a 2-1 loss in May 1994 when both sides were plying their trade in the old Second Division.

Swansea – 15th

Last Five: Lost 4-2 v Blackburn (A), Drew 0-0 v Aston Villa (H), Lost 1-0 v Manchester United (H), Drew 0-0 v Liverpool (A), Won 3-1 v Bolton (H)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Vorm 27. A. Richards 2. A. Williams 16. G. Monk [C] 3. N. Taylor 27. M. Gower 15. W. Routledge 7. L. Britton 12. N. Dyer 11. S. Sinclair* 16. L. Lita

Injury News: Rodgers is without leading scorer Danny Graham for the trip to West London whilst Angel Rangel remains out.

Key Player: Scott Sinclair

Despite not being able to match his performances from last seasons successful Championship campaign Sinclair still remains a vital part of the Swansea squad. The work he does up and down the left flank has proved invaluable to the Welsh side this season and whilst his goals tally may not look pretty it's his overall contribution to the team that has saw him retain his starting place. His pace and skill down the wing will be vital on Sunday as will his tracking back

Match Fact: Swansea haven't won at Craven Cottage in the league since a 3-0 victory in February 1994 – a run of eight games.

Last Time at Craven Cottage

FA Cup 24 February 2009

Fulham 2-1 Swansea

Dempsey (77) Zamora (81)

Scotland (47)

Attendance: 12,316

Referee: Mark Halsey

PREDICTION

Fulham's win against Liverpool will have lifted the confidence levels at Craven Cottage and they'll be expecting to take all three points against Swansea on Saturday to move further away from danger. The Swans haven't been performing well of late and their winless run on the road is likely to increase in West London and send them towards the bottom three.

Score: 3-1


http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-swansea-city-match-preview?

I can safely say Fulham won't win at home this Saturday.