Saturday Fulham Stuff (22/12/12)

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http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/289323/



MARTIN JOL: 'LUIS SUAREZ WAS A SURE THING'

22nd December 2012


By Ian Winrow



MARTIN JOL spotted Luis Suarez as a future world star when the Liverpool striker was a teenager in Holland.

Jol made Suarez his captain at Ajax and the forward responded by topping the Dutch scoring charts and being named player of the year.

That was the launch-pad for Suarez's £23m move to Anfield, where Jol takes his Fulham side today.

The Cottagers manager said: "Luis Suarez is his own man, he started at Groningen, a smaller club in the north of Holland, and he scored goals for fun there. Then he joined Ajax for l7m or l8m and he did the same thing there. I think I was fortunate to get more goals out of him, maybe that is true.

"But maybe it was as well because he was developing and getting better and better.

"He was exceptional for me at Ajax. He was always exceptional.

"He was even exceptional when he was with Uruguay and when he was at Ajax before he went to Liverpool. The only thing is, the Premier League is the best league in the world and now more people will see him play than when he was in Holland or playing for Uruguay.

"He was probably the same player he is now."

Jol is hoping to halt Fulham's slide after a run of one win in nine has left them five points above the relegation zone.

The last month they have been without Bryan Ruiz, who will be missing at Anfield.

Jol said: "The evidence lies in the fact that every time Bryan Ruiz plays, we have scored more goals than when he doesn't. So it's simple."

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-boss-martin-jol-we-need-1501080



Martin Jol: We need Bryan Ruiz back sharpish - Berbatov is fed up of doing so much running!


21 Dec 2012 22:29



"At one stage, he [Berbatov] covered 12 kilometres and it was a record for him," said the Fulham boss



Reluctant runner: Dimitar Berbatov has been playing the No 10 role while Ruiz has been out
Jamie McDonald


Martin Jol has revealed how Dimitar Berbatov has been forced into hard labour in the absence of injured Bryan Ruiz.

Ruiz has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury as Fulham's promising start has quickly faded.

Jol's side have won just one of their last nine games and sit five points above the drop zone ahead of today's clash with Liverpool.

The boss believes it is no coincidence they have struggled without the Costa Rican – and admits Berbatov is feeling the strain.

Jol said: "Dimitar knows how important Ruiz is to us. Berbatov has been filling in that role of a No.10 and it was a bit of a surprise at the start of the season that he could play there.

"At one stage, he covered 12 kilometres and it was a record for him. But you have to get the ball up to your best players and they play in the front four.


Bryan Ruiz has missed the last month with an injury
Getty


"We were one of the best teams in the league last year, that is what I want and that is what Berbatov wants.

"The evidence lies in the fact that every time Bryan Ruiz plays, we have scored more goals than when he isn't. So, it's simple."

Jol faces a reunion with Luis Suarez today, a player he helped to a £23m move to Anfield.

The boss made Suarez his captain at Ajax and he responded by topping the Dutch scoring charts and being named player of the year.

Jol said: "He was exceptional for me at Ajax."

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Players' greed may scupper new deals, warns Rodgers as Sterling pens new Liverpool contract



By Dominic King


PUBLISHED:22:00, 21 December 2012| UPDATED:22:00, 21 December 2012

Comments (3)


Raheem Sterling finally signed a new five-year Liverpool deal on Friday after months of negotiations.

The 17-year-old England winger admitted it was a 'relief' that talks had reached a successful end. 'It was so frustrating that everyone thought I was not going to sign when you know deep down that you are going to sign sooner or later,' he said.

And boss Brendan Rodgers has warned potential signings they will talk themselves out of a move if their sole focus is money.

A £12million deal for Daniel Sturridge stalled this week after it emerged Liverpool will not pay his agents' demands for a percentage of any sell-on fee. It comes as part of a clampdown on the amount of fees the club are paying to middle men.

Rodgers, though, is determined to be just as careful in terms of the money that goes to new arrivals. He pulled out of a move for Gylfi Sigurdsson in the summer because of the terms being demanded and will not be afraid to do the same again.

'You have to get hungry players in who want to work and want to fight to be successful – that is the biggest thing for me,' said Rodgers, whose side face Fulham this evening for the first time since Liverpool's very public pursuit of Clint Dempsey.

'They will get a good contract coming here but if they want to argue over money, and other things that go around it, I don't want them here. In my experience those players will eventually let you down anyway.

'So, for us, it is about getting players in who are hungry to succeed and to pull on the shirt. That's the simple message for any player coming here – you can't take the money and run. You have to earn the right to play for this club and to help us succeed.'

Raheem Sterling finally put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal yesterday after months of negotiations and the England winger admitted it was a "relief" that talks had reached a successful conclusion.

'It was so frustrating that everyone (though I was) not going to sign when you know deep down that you are going to sign sooner or later,' said Sterling, who has missed some training sessions this week through illness. 'So it was just really good to get it over and done with. I'm happy with that.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2251894/Raheem-Sterling-signs-Liverpool-contract-Brendan-Rodgers-fires-warning.html#ixzz2FlZhVsQO

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Cottagers calm over Balotelli link


Fulham are remarkably relaxed about their manager Martin Jol and Mario Balotelli having the same agent.


Mino Raiola, a former waiter in an Italian restaurant in Amsterdam, has been involved in a number of Fulham transfer deals since Jol took charge at Craven Cottage but seems to have little effect on Balotelli's erratic behaviour at Manchester City.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2251908/FA-set-talks-Sir-Dave-Richardss-role-John-Terry-racism-case--Charles-Sale.html#ixzz2FlaZl4Gc

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3 Could this be the last Christmas programme when Liverpool are owned by Americans?

Possible, if you believe some people. For now they have to try and reverse the pair of 1-0 defeats suffered against Fulham in the Premier League last season.

Not that it is normal for the Cottagers to score at Anfield, with only 3 goals from their last eleven trips to Anfield.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2251669/Something-Weekend-Lionel-Messi-plays-game-year-Barcelona.html#ixzz2FlaxjmvK

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Bosingwa fined £100k by Redknapp for refusing to sit on QPR bench


By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED:23:57, 21 December 2012| UPDATED:23:57, 21 December 2012

Comments (15)

Jose Bosingwa has been fined £100,000 by QPR after refusing to sit on the subs bench for the relegation threatened club.

The former Chelsea defender stormed out of Loftus Road after learning he would not be in the starting team to face Fulham last weekend.

And manager Harry Redknapp, angry at what he saw as an assault on his authority, invoked the maximum club penalty of two weeks wages as punishment.

Bosingwa, 30, was left behind altogether from the QPR squad that travelled for Saturday's match at Newcastle although the club tried to hide the trouble, claiming the Portuguese star was suffering a back injury.

But his future at Loftus Road looks bleak as Redknapp tries to reshape his squad for the fight for Premier League survival with players who will be committed to the cause.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2251965/Jose-Bosingwa-fined-100k-QPR.html#ixzz2FlbEIBsr

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http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/reds-aim-to-end-five-year-drought


Reds aim to end five-year drought


22nd Dec 2012 - Latest News


Did you know five years have passed since a Liverpool player scored against Fulham at Anfield? Get all the pre-match statistics ahead of the game with the Cottagers courtesy of club statto Ged Rea.

Last season, Fulham won at Anfield for the first time in their history. Martin Skrtel's sixth-minute own goal gave the Cottagers a famous win in the 50th league meeting between the teams.

Overall in the Premier League, Liverpool have won 12 and drawn four of the 22 meetings.

Liverpool's biggest win over Fulham in the league came in November 1955 when they won 7-0 with Billy Liddell scoring twice.

Their biggest top-flight victory in this fixture came in March 2006 when the Reds won 5-1.

The only Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in this fixture at Anfield is Billy Liddell. He did so in September 1954 with the help of two penalties. The only other player to score three against Fulham in the league was Maxi Rodriguez, who achieved the feat in a 5-2 win in London in May 2011.

Jamie Carragher, with 18, has made more appearances for Liverpool against Fulham than any other player in the Reds' history. He has scored once - in a 4-0 win in December 2006.

Liverpool have scored one goal in the last four home league games with Fulham and that came courtesy of John Pantsil, who scored an own goal - the Reds' only win over the Londoners in the last four Anfield meetings.

The last Liverpool player to score in this Anfield fixture was Steven Gerrard, whose penalty completed a 2-0 win in November 2007. He and Fernando Torres scored in the final 10 minutes.

The Reds have had four players red-carded against Fulham in the Premier League era, all at Craven Cottage - Josemi (2004), both Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher (2009) while Jay Spearing was dismissed last season.

Liverpool last won their final fixture before Christmas in 2007 when they beat Portsmouth 4-1 at Anfield.

Liverpool have won two of their last nine league games against London opposition, while at Anfield they have beaten teams from the capital once in the last five clashes.

Luis Suarez needs one goal to equal his league total for the whole of last season - 11.

It is now 30 games in all competitions since Liverpool were last awarded a penalty.

Fulham recorded their first ever league double over Liverpool last season, winning both games 1-0. Clint Dempsey scored the only goal in the win at Craven Cottage.

No Fulham player has scored in their last six visits to Anfield - Martin Skrtel scored their goal last season and the only men to net for them on this ground in the Premier League era (11 visits) are Andy Cole (2005) and Collins John (2006).

The Cottagers have won once at Anfield in 31 visits in all competitions.

Fulham could make history by beating Liverpool in a third successive league game for the first time.

Fulham have scored 18 goals in 22 Premier League meetings with the Reds, with 15 of those coming in the capital.

Dimitar Berbatov is the last player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool - for Manchester United at Old Trafford in September 2010.

Berbatov is Fulham's joint top-scorer this season with five - but has not found the net in his last six games.

Mladen Petric also has five goals, with his last two coming when he has come off the bench.

John Arne Riise played 348 times for Liverpool, scoring 31 goals - though he never managed to score against Fulham in 11 appearances.

Fulham have conceded 18 away goals in the Premier League this season - only Southampton going into this round of fixtures have a worse record.

The Cottagers have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine league games - at Chelsea last month.

Mark Clattenburg takes charge of a Liverpool game for the first time since last season's League Cup Final win at Wembley, while Fulham are unbeaten in the last seven games he has refereed.

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http://thepremierleagueowl.com/fulham-interesting-statistics-from-201213/

Fulham: Interesting statistics from 2012/13


Well, the world hasn't ended, so let's embrace life fully by doing a statistical breakdown of Fulham's season between August and December.

– The side average 49.3% possession in each game.

– They have a pass success of 82.9%, which puts them ninth in the Premier League.

– With 15 yellow cards and 1 red, they have the fourth-best disciplinary record in England.

– They have scored the most penalties of any side in the Premier League (tied with Chelsea).

– Martin Jol's side play, on average, 67 long-balls per game – second most in the division.

– Dimitar Berbatov is the club's top-scorer with five goals, while Damien Duff has provided the most assists (5). Duff's tally puts him third in the league, equal with Robin van Persie, Carlos Tevez, and Lukas Podolski.

– The Irishman also had the highest pass success rate of amongst his teammates (87.5%), and completes, on average, more crosses per game than anyone else at the club (1.8).

– Dimitar Berbatov averages 2.7 shots per game.

– Brede Hangeland has been accurate with 61 of his attempted 85 long balls this season, a team high.

– Hangeland also averages the most defensive clearances per game (7.6).

– Chris Baird makes more interceptions than anyone else in the Premier League, and is tied for top spot with Tottenham's Sandro with 3.8/game.

– Baird also, on average, blocks more shots than any other Fulham player (0.8).

– Dimitar Berbatov, on average, produces more key passes per game than any other player in the side (2.2).

[White Noise]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20738392


Liverpool  v Fulham 


KO 17:30


21 December 2012 Last updated at 12:32

By Alistair Mann


BBC Match of the Day commentator Barclays Premier League

Venue: AnfieldDate: Saturday, 22

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique could play some part, having resumed training this week after a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Nuri Sahin is fit after surgery on a broken nose but Oussama Assaidi is out with a knee problem.

Fulham have recalled goalkeeper David Stockdale from his loan spell at Hull as cover for Mark Schwarzer after Neil Etheridge suffered a leg injury.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell is banned but full-back Sascha Riether has recovered from a knee problem.

MATCH PREVIEW

Fulham and Liverpool ended last season with identical records in the Premier League - both finished on 52 points, having won 14, drawn 10, and lost 14.

Though goal difference edged the Reds into eighth, one place above the Cottagers, Martin Jol's side were responsible for two of those Liverpool losses as they secured a double over them for the first time in their history.

Indeed, their 1-0 triumph in May was a landmark moment for Fulham as they finally won at Anfield at the 31st time of asking, having previously lost on 21 occasions since their inaugural visit in 1934.

That elusive victory wasn't entirely unexpected, though, as recent games between the two have become increasingly tight - with only two goals having been scored in their last four duels on Merseyside, both of which were own goals. Intriguingly, the Reds haven't been able to boast a home scorer since a Steven Gerrard penalty in November 2007.

Saturday's match will be Liverpool's 10th home game of this season, yet they are seeking only their fourth success there. Their three wins so far have come against bottom four sides: Wigan, Reading and Southampton.

In truth, it's been a calendar year of enormous disappointment in front of the Kop, who witnessed their seventh Anfield league defeat of 2012 when Aston Villa emerged triumphant last weekend.

Fulham's recent form doesn't suggest they're likely to inflict an eighth, though, as they're currently on a run of just one victory in their last nine games. They've also only managed to secure just one more away win since their historic triumph at Anfield seven months ago.

History, of course, is also against them too, as statistically they're not due their next win at the famous old ground until 2090!

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

•Fulham did the double over Liverpool last season, winning 1-0 both home and away - the latter was their first-ever win at Anfield.
•Liverpool have won on just one of the last four occasions that they have hosted Fulham and no Liverpool player has scored in any of those four matches.
•The only two goals in the last two meetings at Anfield have been own goals - Martin Skrtel turned the ball into his own net to give Fulham a 1-0 win last season, while Liverpool won 1-0 the season before after John Paintsil sliced the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Liverpool

•Liverpool are looking to avoid back-to-home defeats for the second time this season. Their home record reads: W3 D3 L3, with 10 goals scored and 10 conceded.
•The Reds have lost five league games this season but have so far not suffered consecutive defeats.
•Brendan Rodgers won both Premier League matches against Fulham last season without conceding a goal. His Swansea side won 2-0 at home and 3-0 away.
•Liverpool have benefited from four own goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other team. Among Liverpool players, only Luis Suarez has scored more than four league goals this season.
Fulham

•Fulham have won just one of their last nine league games (W1, D4, L4).
•The Cottagers have won just one of their last 10 league away games (W1, D4, L5).
•Only four clubs (the Manchester teams, Spurs and Arsenal) have scored more than Fulham's 28 league goals this season.
•Fulham have lost on all eight occasions when they have conceded the opening goal in this season's Premier League (D3, L5).

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/21/liverpool-fulham-squad-sheets


Liverpool v Fulham: Squad sheets


The Guardian, Friday 21 December 2012 17.04 GMT


Brendan Rodgers and his players "did not see that coming" against Aston Villa last weekend but at least they now know the cost of over-confidence at Anfield ahead of the visit of struggling Fulham. Martin Jol's team have won only once in nine league games and their midfield has been hit by injuries to Bryan Ruiz and Mahamadou Diarra plus a one-match suspension for Steve Sidwell. Liverpool were lethargic in the loss to Villa and the manager is contemplating a rest for Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen, among others. Andy Hunter

Venue Anfield, Saturday 5.30pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Liverpool 0 Fulham 1

Referee Mark Clattenburg

This season's matches 8 Y31, R4, 4.38 cards per game

Odds Liverpool 8-15 Fulham 5-1 Draw 3-1



Liverpool v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic
Liverpool

Subs from Jones, Gulacsi, Shelvey, Carragher, Coates, Sahin, Henderson, Assaidi, Morgan, Robinson, Yesil, Cole, Pacheco, Flanagan

Doubtful Assaidi (knee)

Injured Borinin (foot, Jan), Kelly (knee, Mar)

Suspended None

Form guide LWWLDW

Disciplinary record Y24 R2

Leading scorer Suárez 10

Fulham

Subs from Stockdale, Somogyi, Kelly, Senderos, Kasami, Petric, Kacaniklic, Briggs, Frei, Dejegah, Tavares

Doubtful None

Injured Davies (neck, Jan), Ruiz (hamstring, Jan), Diarra (knee, unknown), Etheridge (leg, unknown)

Suspended Sidwell (one match)

Form guide LWLDLL

Disciplinary record Y15 R1

Leading scorer Berbatov, Petric 5

Match pointers

• Martin Jol is unbeaten in his last three Premier League matches against Liverpool, including two 1-0 wins over the Merseyside club with Fulham last season

• Luis Suárez has averaged a shot at goal every 20 minutes in the league this season, more frequently than any other player

• Fulham have hit the target with 53% of their shots so far this season, a higher proportion than any other Premier League team

• Mark Clattenburg has handed out more cards per game on average than any other top-flight referee (4.6)

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http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/10121980._/

Knight's Posh background


4:00pm Friday 21st December 2012 in Latest


By Marc Iles


YOU never forget your first break up, as Zat Knight will attest, heading back to the club that launched his professional football career.

At the turn of the millennium, the in-form defender was a fresh-faced 20-year-old looking to make his debut in the senior ranks at Fulham.

He was farmed out on loan to Peterborough, where then-boss Barry Fry plunged him straight into the action at Cheltenham Town... as a right-back.

Two months later, Knight had helped Posh into the play-offs and was looking forward to a potential game at Wembley when Fry pulled him to one side and said he was unlikely to feature in the semi-final against Barnet.

Peterborough won 1-0 against Darlington at Wembley, and 12 years, 372 appearances, more than £8million of transfer fees and two England caps later, Knight can still recall how his pride was stung on his return to Craven Cottage.

"I thank Barry Fry for the opportunity but in the end, when we did get to the play-offs, I felt a little bit more used than anything," he told The Bolton News.

"I stayed for a month, and then the loan got extended. I didn't play a single game at centre-half – I was a right-back taking long throws and everything.

"I had played every game until the manager pulled me aside to say I wasn't guaranteed to play again.

"I helped them get to the play-offs but he wanted to use his own players so I thought 'fine, I'll go back to Fulham and go on holiday to Tenerife.'

"They got promoted in the end, so fair play. It would have been nice for them to phone me or give me a medal, but they didn't.

"That's football though, isn't it? I knew from an early age how fickle it can be. "You do a job for someone, get used and abused, then life goes on."

In fairness, the early blow did not exactly knock Knight's career off course. A couple of years later he was commanding a place in Jean Tigana's excellent Cottagers team that romped the First Divison title ahead of Wanderers A quick glance around the web tells you that Posh fans still hold him in some regard, despite only eight appearances in all.

A Zat Knight fridge magnet is still puzzlingly available on one site.

"I went back to play for the under-21s at Fulham, then into the first team and played for the national team; they were all stepping stones," the big man recalls.

"When you are that age, I think the loan system is really, really important. "I was training with all these big names in the Fulham first team, so Peterborough was a great experience.

"They have a good support and it's a nice little ground. I've been back once since, when we played a friendly there at Aston Villa.

"But I'm not really someone who looks back or takes notice when I play against a former club. It's more about the job at hand.

"For us it's a big game because I want us to stay in touch. There are a lot of teams on the same amount of points, so from here we can go north or south.

"We've lost one in nine now, although we've drawn a lot, but I think we've been playing okay."

After seeing Peterborough topple Cardiff City last week, Knight is well aware that Peterborough's lowly league position is no guarantee of three points.

But after hearing grumbles from his own fans last weekend after the 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic, the former Villa man hopes those travelling down to London Road will show a bit more festive spirit.

"They will be on a high after the Cardiff win," he said. "That result must have broken a few bets.

"Everyone wrote them off. They might be doing against us as well.

"But we will go there confident. We got a good win last weekend ourselves and if we play anything like we did last Saturday I think we can win.

"I know from the fans' point of view they were on our back a bit, but we got the result we wanted.

"As players, we have to forget that at the moment and do it for ourselves. It's frustrating that we have to win them over.

"I don't know if people think we're still a Premier League team, because we're not. We're in the Championship, so let's just deal with it and stick together.

"As players we've got to do that and the fans can help us as well, so if there's a message I can give them, it's just stick with us."

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http://www.anfieldasylum.com/2012/12/21/3791044/lets-not-start-over-liverpool-v-fulham


Let's Not Start Over: Liverpool v Fulham


By SamFels on Dec 21, 6:00p



Liverpool look to start another streak that won't happen.

The worst thing about a loss like last week's, or at least one of them, is that you now know it all has to start over for a winning streak that Liverpool require to give the season real hope and verve. Maybe the best policy is to give up on that idea entirely and just take each match on its own, with no meaning carrying over to the next or from the last. So tomorrow Liverpool aren't trying to recover from a horrible home loss or trying to build through the month. They're just playing Fulham.

It'll be interesting to see what changes Rodgers makes after such a limp performance. Enrique probably returns from injury so he'll be in. The rest of the defense will probably be the same, as wonky as they've been the past two matches.

It's in midfield that we'll see if Rodgers is ready to put his stamp on things. While Lucas needs the match to further his recovery, everyone could see that Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard were not up to the pace. Both are in need of at least a rest, but there's no way in hell Rodgers will sit both, or likely either. If there's any change it'll be Shelvey or Henderson in for Allen, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

The front-line also has some questions. Raheem Sterling is also badly in need of a breather, but does Rodgers trust any one else to help the attack? I'd like to see Suso get another chance, but are you banking on that? Assaidi is struggling for fitness, and Joe Cole went back to being Joe Cole last week. If it's based on last week, Stewart Downing may actually get a start in his preferred role, hopefully with Suso. Possibly Shelvey could still fill in up there.

Fulham sit right behind Liverpool, with two less points. It hasn't been all that exciting of a season for them, either. They're coming off donating QPR their first win of the season, which wouldn't exactly build confidence. There are some threats here, though they mostly come in the shape of Dimitar Berbatov. He still scares me. Yes, he's a penis. Yes, he can disappear for games on end. But that first touch. Oh my god, that first touch. When he wants to, he can still be devastating. Hugo Rodallega has provided his problems in the past when he was with Wigan as well.

Fulham are kind of goofy. They've shot it out with Arsenal and held Chelsea to a scoreless draw, but also lost to Sunderland at home and the aforementioned loss to QPR. Hughes and Hangeland can be imposing defensively, but their mobility issues would lead one to believe the movement of Liverpool'a attackers should provide headaches. Steve Sidwell needs a cane to hold things down in midfield. There should be space for Liverpool.

But there's always space for Liverpool. It rarely matters. This time, we won't take the performance or result as meaning. It's just another chapter in a club in transition and trying to find itself. Maybe that will help us enjoy the occasion more.

[White Noise]

http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/the-big-match-tactical-view-liverpool-v-fulham-211212-60.html


The Big Match Tactical View: Liverpool v Fulham


Michael Cox looks at Brendan Rodgers' meeting with Martin Jol.

Fulham v Liverpool, Saturday 5:30, ESPN.

Match Odds: Liverpool 1.55, Fulham 7.4, The Draw 4.4.

No matter who their manager is, Fulham always seem to have a disastrous record away from home - and with just one win on the road so far this season, 2012/13 isn't looking much rosier for the Cottagers' travelling support.

Martin Jol has Fulham playing attractive, expansive football - but that might play into the hands of a Liverpool side that enjoy open games, rather than having to break down a 'parked bus' in their home matches. Brendan Rodgers' side will dominate possession, and should be able to create plenty of chances.

Rodgers has fielded a variety of central midfielders this season, but the return of Lucas Leiva means a triangle featuring him, Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard is the obvious first-choice in the centre of the pitch. This combination seems a little too 'sideways' at times - both Lucas and Allen prefer to distribute the ball calmly from flank to flank, while Gerrard can't provide as many thrusting runs as at its peak - but against Fulham they should have plenty of space in midfield.

In fact, they might find themselves with a three-versus-two situation in the centre of the pitch. Bryan Ruiz performs his defensive responsibilities manfully when fielded as the deep-lying forward, but his absence means Dimitar Berbatov is likely to play that role. His defending is rather less committed, and Lucas should be able to play in advance of the Bulgarian, preventing balls played into his feet when Fulham win the ball, but otherwise providing a simple passing option and keeping the tempo of the game high. Allen can be the link man, and Gerrard should be able to get into the box.

Mahamadou Diarra is still injured and Steve Sidwell is suspended for Fulham, which means Giorgios Karagounis might come into the centre of midfield. The Greek veteran has a tendency to pick up yellow cards - although he's escaped one so far this season, around 3.6 for Karagounis to be shown a card would be good value.

In the front three, Rodgers has been hinting that Raheem Sterling might be due a rest, so Suso could start in a wide position with Stewart Downing challenging for a place on the left wing, as Jose Enrique is expected to be fit enough to play at left-back. Liverpool must stretch Fulham's defence to create gaps for others to pass through - Jol's back four defends effectively when allowed to stay narrow.

In all, this might be a poor game - Liverpool will be a little nervous after last week's shock 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, while Fulham are simply on a bad run of form. I'm reluctant to back either side in the Match Odds market, but I'm confident Liverpool will win more corners - they'll dominate possession, have more shots and play with greater width. They've won 14, 10, 10 and 7 corners in their previous four home matches, while Fulham have been averaging around 3 or 4 on the road recently - I'll back Liverpool in Corners Match Bet at around 1.6.

A more ambitious bet would be Brede Hangeland to score first - he's yet to register in the Premier League this year, but has netted two goals for Norway. Liverpool aren't a tall side, and I'm surprised their lack of height hasn't been more readily exposed at set-pieces so far this season. You'd be looking for something around 75.0, but set-pieces will be an important part of Fulham's approach.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/21/elite-league


Under-18s Face Elite


Friday 21 December 2012 17:25


Fulham Under-18s will face SW6 rivals Chelsea when the Barclays Academy Premier League Elite Group kicks-off in the New Year.

Steve Wigley's side finished four points behind the Blues in Group Three of the qualification phase, winning eight of their 12 matches and scoring 38 goals in the process.

The last of those victories came against the Blues, with Fulham recording a 2-1 win this week.

Having won two straight Barclays Academy League titles, and the National Play-Off Final last season, our Under-18s are looking for further success in this year's new format.

Fulham will also take on Crystal Palace (who finished third in Group Three), Reading, Manchester United, Southampton, Everton and Bolton Wanderers.

Academy Director Huw Jennings said: "Looking at the clubs we will face, there are obviously some very enticing games. We've had a good season so far, at times we've played some great football and deserve to be in the Elite Group.

"It shows that we continue to make progress, and of course, we want to build on what has been an undoubtedly positive period for us. We're all looking forward to the New Year and a new set of fixtures – it's exciting."   

[White Noise]

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=146281


Kevin Keegan Praises Dimitar Berbatov's Football Brain


Former footballer and England manager Kevin Keegan has lauded the intelligence and skills of Fulham's in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov.

"Watching him against Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, his vision on the ball was just wonderful. He links up play with one touch here and there, pushing it on - he's a complete player," Keegan says in an ESPN article.

"Berbatov has the tendency to blow hot and cold but he has got very silky skills and a great football brain. When he's on his game, it's great to watch."

Keegan has described Berbatov's move to Fulham as a major surprise. However, he has noted that it suits the Bulgarian better to be the main man.

"People seem to deem his spell in Manchester as a failure, but he won trophies and was the Premier League's top scorer only 18 months ago. As the heart of a team's attack, like he is now at Fulham, he's an unbelievable asset."

[White Noise]

http://liverpoolfootballblog.com/match-previews/6-key-factors-to-look-for-in-liverpool-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+liverpoolfootballblog+%28Liverpool+Football+Blog%29

6 Key Factors to look for in Liverpool vs. Fulham


Written by Jeremy Farrell on December 21, 2012 in Match previews, Premier League - 4 Comments



Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Ahead of Liverpool's clash against Fulham at Anfield here are 6 key factors you should be looking out for.

1. Fulham's away record

It's not really a secret that Fulham are terrible away from home and pretty hard to beat in their own backyard. In keeping with that they've not won once in the last six away games. They've also only won twice in 10 games home and away, and suffered the ignominy of being the first team to lose to bottom feeders QPR last weekend. In theory, Liverpool should win a game like this 9 times out of 10 but after last weeks Aston Villa humiliation and a not all too convincing home record don't be hugely suprised if Fulham nick it.

1. Referee Mark Clattenburg

Liverpool have never won a Premier League home match in which Mr. Clattenburg has officiated. In a season when they are one of the only clubs yet to have a penalty awarded to them despite giving away four, it's not the most encouraging news. Too often officiating is used as an excuse to cloak poor performances, but there have been games this season that have hinged on poor refereeing decisions. Even so, Liverpool need to be able to win despite poor refereeing, just as they did against West Ham.

1. Can Luis Suarez find his scoring boots?

Suarez started the season strongly but he hasn't scored since the 3-0 victory against Wigan on the 17th of November. That's too long for the only recognized striker at the club and whether Tom Ince and Daniel Sturridge are the players to help him out has been much debated. Liverpool need Suarez to start scoring again if they have any chance of clawing their way out of the bottom half.

1.What about Berbatov?

All three goals against Aston Villa were really disappointing. Many were quick to blame Pepe Reina for all three and while he was at fault for the first goal at his near post the other two were absolutely down to brilliant Aston Villa pressing and sloppy outfield play. Suarez and Joe Cole tried to be too clever in their own halves, defenders were dragged out of position and Liverpool's players seemed to not bother tracking their runners.

Berbatov is not known for his work ethic so it's unlikely Liverpool will face the kind of aggressive, constant pressing high up the pitch that so often frustrates them, but the Bulgarian is still a talented striker and on his day can easily hurt the Reds' inconsistent defense.

1. Who gets rested?

After the Villa game Rodgers suggested he would offer Raheem Sterling, Joe Allen and perhaps others a much needed rest. But with Assaidi supposedly suffering with a knee injury, Borini out and Suso seemingly out of favour who starts on the wing? Will we see a return to Enrique up top, Glen Johnson at left back and a recall for Andre Wisdom? Are Joe Cole and Stewart Downing really the answers again?

In the centre Lucas looked short of fitness against Weimann and Benteke, and Allen and Gerrard looked exhausted. Jordan Henderson has provided great energy, intelligence and penetration in his recent appearances and would be worthy of a start, while Nuri Sahin will always offer a touch of class in midfield, despite a shaky first few months and a broken nose.

1. Do Liverpool have a winner's mentality?

After Liverpool lost to Villa the critics immediately claimed the side didn't have a plan B. They didn't have the height or the power to throw someone on and lob the ball into the box, they said. While Everton often use the power of Fellaini to their full advantage it doesn't mean Liverpool have to follow suit. When they came from behind against West Ham it wasn't through size and power, but through a bit of luck, clever movement, teamwork and a strong mentality.

Against Villa the Reds looked flat. After conceding the first goal they never really looked like they were hungry enough to win it. The question then becomes, if Liverpool go behind, and it's not a hugely unlikely possibility, do they have the mentality of winners to come from behind and win it? We know Suarez has that fight in him but there are few others who can match it.

[White Noise]

http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/jol_backs_fulham_to_shock_liverpool_despite_injury_woe_1_1751093


Jol backs Fulham to shock Liverpool despite injury woe



Friday, December 21, 2012

4:05 PM



Fulham manager Martin Jol insists his side can claim a positive result at Liverpool despite their injur-hit midfield.

Steve Sidwell's one-match ban for collecting five yellow cards, as well as Bryan Ruiz and Mahamadou Diarra still sidelined with injuries, means Fulham will be without the majority of their central midfield players for the Premier League clash at Anfield.

A run of just one win in the club's last nine league outings mean Fulham are now only five points clear of the relegation zone.

Jol remains upbeat about the league position but knows a result at Liverpool, followed by a string of players returning to the fold, would be a timely boost.

"It is about winning games so if we can pull a few games together and have a few wins we will be fine again - but we need to come up with solutions and results," he said.

"It is a constant worry, that is why a lot of managers in the Premier League will tell you they need 40 points as soon as possible.

"There are so many points to gain and so many games to play, I would be worried if we were in the bottom three but now my first worry is the (injured) players and getting them back.

"We have got a problem in midfield, everyone can see that.

"The only one who is there is Chris Baird and he is a defender, we have trained this week and tried to do a certain shape with certain players and we still have the players to do a job."

The high-profile summer acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United, coupled with a good start to the season, left many suggesting Fulham could have a successful campaign.

But Jol is keen to stress he will not put pressure on Berbatov to lift the team out of the current rut.

He said: "You can't rely on one player so hopefully in the next game we will come up with a good result and after that we will have more options .

"We need the points and we need the players.

"Hopefully next week my better players are back, Diarra and Bryan Ruiz, before that we have to try and get a result against Liverpool.

"We were looking fine but we always knew the reality of life - if you would have told me in July that five of my best players in midfield are missing I would worry."

Tomorrow's match will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the Cottagers reported Liverpool to the Football Association for what they believed was an inappropriate pursuit of Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey instead moved to Tottenham on the final day of the summer transfer window and Liverpool have since apologised to Fulham and seen the tapping-up claims dropped.

But Jol will not attach any added importance to the game.

When asked if he felt the match would mean more he said: "No, because Brendan Rodgers is a great man and I know him well."

"He is a fine colleague and I said two weeks ago that they have made an apology so that is it, period."

Defender Aaron Hughes is hoping the team bounces back from an abject performance against local rivals QPR last weekend that saw Fulham lose 2-1 and underlined the magnitude of a potential victory over the Reds.

"A derby is not a normal game, it always has that little bit extra around it and I think we were disappointed because we didn't play as well as we could have," he told the club's official website.

"To get one at Anfield would be a massive achievement for us.

"Maybe they're not as consistent as people would expect them to be, but it's still Liverpool and it's still Anfield so no matter what time of year or what vein of form they are in, you know it's going to be a difficult game."

[White Noise]

http://bet.unibet.com/football/premier-league/2012/12/21/premier-league-betting-liverpool-v-fulham-10-vital-statistics/40


Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Fulham - 10 Vital Statistics


Steve Jennings

Fri, 12/21/2012 - 16:05


10. Before last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, Liverpool had won three games in a row. The Reds are favourites to beat Fulham at 1.50.

9. Martin Jol's Fulham have only recorded one win in their last nine matches. An away win on Saturday can be backed at 7.00.

8. Last season's corresponding fixture ended in a 1-0 Fulham win thanks to a Martin Skrtel own goal. A repeat of that 1-0 winning scoreline for the Cottagers is available at 19.00.

7. The Cottagers have only managed two clean sheets in their last thirteen games. The Londoners can be backed at 7.50 to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool.

6. Fulham have conceded three or more goals in five Premier League occasions so far this season. Liverpool are priced at 2.60 to win without conceding a goal.

5. Dimitar Berbatov is Fulham's joint-top scorer with five goals since joining the club from Manchester United in the summer. The Bulgarian, who scored a hat-trick against Liverpool in his time at United, can be backed at 100.00 to find the net three or more times at Anfield.

4. Fulham's other top scorer is Mladen Petric, who also joined the club in the summer. The Croatian striker is available at 10.00 to score the first goal of the game.

3. Seven of Fulham's last nine games have included three or more goals, whilst Liverpool's last two games have produced nine goals. Over 3.5 goals on Saturday can be backed at 2.60, with unders at 1.42.

2. Liverpool attacking midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is his club's second top scorer with just four goals. Shelvey is priced at 1.33 not to score on Saturday.

1. Luis Suarez has bagged 10 goals in 16 Premier League games so far in the current campaign, but the Uruguayan has failed to find the net in his last six appearances. Suarez is priced at 4.75 to score at least two goals against Fulham.

[White Noise]

http://www.byfarthegreatestteam.com/posts/allens-hard-work-for-liverpool-vs-sidwells-tackles-for-fulham/

Allen's hard work for Liverpool vs Sidwell's tackles for Fulham


Posted on 21 December 2012.


Liverpool v Fulham, Saturday 17:30


- Liverpool were left stunned by Aston Villa in their last game, coming away on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat. A consolation goal from captain Steven Gerrard was little more than that as Liverpool were left outclassed by Villa.

- Gerrard has once again been proving this season that he is the complete midfielder, having delivered 63 crosses (highest among all midfielders), completed 513 passes in the opposition half (5th among midfielders), winning 69.7% of tackles and getting 61.5% of shots on target.

- Saying that, Liverpool did not give Villa an easy ride, and Bradley Guzan put in the busiest goalkeeping performance of the season, being forced in to 16 saves by Liverpool during the game.

- Joe Allen moved up to top spot in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index this week after 6.86 miles against Villa took his total for the season to 108.19. Goalscorer Steven Gerrard also moved up to fourth with his tally now at 105.55 miles.

- Jonjo Shelvey had another two efforts at goal without scoring against Villa, taking him clear at the top of the rankings for most shots without a goal. Shelvey has now had 22 shots without a goal, with 63.6% on target.

- Stewart Downing is looking likely to leave Liverpool in January after being given permission to do so by Brendan Rodgers. Downing is without a goal or assist in 504 minutes this season, but he is not the only Liverpool player needing a change in fortune. Joe Allen has played more minutes than any other midfielder without a goal or assist with 1606 minutes, and Jesus Fernandez Saez has the same title among the strikers with 441 minutes played without a goal or assist.

- Fulham lost out to West London neighbours QPR in their last game, with a late goal by Mladen Petric not enough to earn them a point.

- Petric's goal moves him closer to the leagues most lethal goalscorers. His 6th goal of the season means Petric averages a goal every 121 minutes this season, just behind Javier Hernandez who has scored one every 87.8 minutes and Edin Dzeko who has scored one every 106.5 minutes. 

- Liverpool will need to be at their best to get past the tacking skills of Fulham. Sascha Reither has the cleanest tackling rate in the league, making 42 tackles and giving away just 6 fouls, a rate of one foul every 7 tackles attempted. Reither also wins 78.5% of the tackles he attempts, meaning Stevie Gerrard may struggle to win the dangerous free kick opportunities he thrives on.

- Steve Sidwell will also give Liverpool limited time on the ball, having won more tackles than any other player this season with 51 tackles won, from 90 attempted.

[White Noise]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/121221/sunderland-and-fulham-battle-barcelona-midfielder-187855


Sunderland and Fulham in battle for Barcelona midfielder


By talkSPORT | Friday, December 21, 2012




Sunderland and Fulham are leading the chase to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto according to reports in Spain.

Roberto, 20, has struggled to make his breakthrough into the first-team at the Nou Camp even though he has been outstanding for Barcelona B over the last few years.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is looking to strengthen his squad next month and add some more quality to his midfield.

Fulham manager Martin Jol is also believed to be a big admirer of the talented youngster and could make his move in Janaury.

Reports in Spanish daily newspaper Sport claim Roberto could be set to leave Barcelona in the next few weeks and both Sunderland and Fulham are among the favourites to clinch his signature.


Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/121221/sunderland-and-fulham-battle-barcelona-midfielder-187855#ixzz2FlksZLeV