Saturday Fulham Stuff (09/11/13)...

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Liverpool v Fulham: Bryan Ruiz can handle the heckles, says Martin Jol


The Costa Rica international has become a source of frustration for Fulham fans

Fulham boss Martin Jol believes Bryan Ruiz is strong enough to shrug off the effects of the booing he received from the home crowd last weekend when his side run out at Anfield on Saturday.

Ruiz was singled out by fans who voiced their displeasure as Fulham slumped to 16th place and two points away from the relegation zone.

Jol said: "The Premier League is a tough world. If you do well the people will praise you and if you don't they will boo you. He's quite strong, he's not a pussycat. It will affect him personally but I don't think it will affect his game."

Whether Jol risks Ruiz depends on whether the Costa Rican attacking midfielder has sufficiently recovered from a niggling back problem which has troubled him for the past few weeks and saw him miss a training session in midweek.

But Jol refuses to panic as the pressure grows on himself and his team.

"If they (the fans) are disappointed I can understand that," Jol said. "The only disappointing thing was with Ruiz.

"As long as we don't have the results they can do it (boo) with me, but hopefully they will support the team. We are not in the best of situations, but we are not in the worst."

Jol also has a doubt about Norwegian central defender Brede Hangeland, who has been suffering from a sciatic nerve problem but whose experience could be crucial against the Liverpool strikeforce of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Jol knows Suarez well, having managed him at Ajax where he made the Uruguayan striker his captain.

He has tried to pass on inside knowledge to his defenders but acknowledged the talent of Suarez is difficult to shackle.

Jol said: "Suarez is one of the best in the world and he will prove that. He will score a lot of goals. He would have been top scorer last year if he had not been suspended.

"Sturridge has also had a big impact since he went to Liverpool. They are very good going forward with these top players up front.

"Maybe you could stretch your imagination a bit and say they could be title contenders. They are strong and they will be going for a top four spot this year."

Fulham will be without right-back Sascha Riether, who begins his three-match suspension after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association for stamping on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj.

Meanwhile, Jol admits he would allow reserve goalkeeper David Stockdale to leave on loan if he had back-up for number one Maarten Stekelenburg.

Jol said: "If I had another very good goalkeeper I would send him (Stockdale) on loan. Neil Etheridge (Fulham's third choice goalkeeper) hasn't got the experience yet. He has never played in the Premier League.

"Goalkeepers live by experience. Neil is one of the 'keepers who should go on loan and get 50 or 75 games under his belt and then be a good goalkeeper because he is talented.

"Stockdale is different. He's already played a lot of games in the Premier League and he was fine at the start of the season. But he is ambitious and wants to be in goal and I can understand that."

PA


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-v-fulham-bryan-ruiz-can-handle-the-heckles-says-martin-jol-8929227.html

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Liverpool v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on Saturday Nov 9, 2013, kick-off 15.00 (GMT).

Saturday, November 9 2013
Liverpool v Fulham
Anfield
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT.
TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.

Liverpool (Possible, 3-5-2): Mignolet; Touré, Skrtel, Sakho; Johnson, Lucas, gerrard, Henderson, Cissokho; Sturridge, Suárez.
Out: Aspas (thigh), Coates (knee).
Test: Enrique (match fitness).

Fulham (Possible, 4-4-2): Stekelenburg; Zverotic, Senderos, Amorebieta, Richardson; Dejagah, Parker, Sidwell, Kasami; Berbatov, Bent..
Out: Riether (suspended), Rodellega (leg), Briggs (hernia).
Tests: Hangeland (sciatic nerve), Ruiz (back).

Referee: Michael Jones. Matches: 4, R1 Y11.

Betting: Home 1-4, Away 10-1, Draw 5-1.

Team News
Defender Glen Johnson is fit to return for the visit of Fulham after illness ruled him out of last weekend's defeat at Arsenal.

Fellow full-back Jose Enrique has missed the last three matches with a knee problem but has trained this week and is back in contention.

After his first 45 minutes' action in nearly seven weeks after a shoulder operation playmaker Philippe Coutinho is pushing for a starting place.

Meanwhile, Fulham right-back Sascha Riether misses the Anfield game to start a three-match suspension after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association for stamping on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj.

Striker Hugo Rodellega will be out for five to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg and defender Matthew Briggs will be sidelined for another six weeks following his hernia operation.

Manager manager Martin Jol will wait on the fitness of central defender Brede Hangeland and attacking midfielder Bryan Ruiz before naming his final squad.

Match Notes
Manager Brendan Rodgers believes thatan average of two points a game will be enough to secure Champions League football for the first time in five seasons and, despite last week's humbling 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, they could move above that rate of progress with a victory over Martin Jol's side.

Martin Jol has dismissed the pressure that appears to be mounting but a heavy loss may test the resolve of those above him at Fulham.

Stat of the game: Fulham have kept three clean sheets in their last five Premier League trips to Anfield.

Graham Chase's prediction: Liverpool 3 Fulham 0.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10424131/Liverpool-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

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U18s' QPR Cup Tie

Fulham Under-18s have been drawn away to local rivals Queens Park Rangers in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup.

Further details regarding the fixture will be published on fulhamfc.com in due course.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/08/u18s-qpr-cup-tie?

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Liverpool look to bounce back against lowly Fulham

Liverpool will be looking for a fairly easy win against struggling Fulham at Anfield to bounce back after last week's defeat to Arsenal.

Despite a strong start to the season by Brendan Rodgers' side, the Reds boss may now feel his team will be focusing on a top four place after being somewhat brought back down to earth by the Gunners last Saturday.

Still, the visit of Fulham should present a good opportunity for Liverpool to restore some confidence and get points on the board again quickly, with Martin Jol's outfit looking like being candidates for relegation this season after a bad start to the campaign.

Fulham have fared badly against the top sides so far, losing some difficult games against Arsenal, Chelsea, and most recently Manchester United, who won 3-1 at Craven Cottage last Saturday.

The odds will certainly be against them here then, with Liverpool looking in fine form at home, and Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge looking in particularly dangerous form upfront.

Stats 'n' facts:
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 home games against Fulham in all competitions.
- Liverpool have won 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Premier League.
- Daniel Sturridge has scored in all but 2 of Liverpool's Premier League games this season.
- Fulham have only won 5 away games in the Premier League in 2013.

Injury/Team News:
Steven Gerrard has a hip problem but is expected to make it back for this game, while Liverpool also hope to include Glen Johnson, who missed the Arsenal match through illness.

Fulham are still without Hugo Rodallega, but may be able to include key defender Brede Hangeland for this tricky fixture.


http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-previews/35385-liverpool-look-to-bounce-back-against-lowly-fulham.php#.Un3wO6UcKbA

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Rewind Report

Before each game we take a look back through the archives to revisit a match against our upcoming opposition. Today we recall a famous first-ever triumph at Anfield from May 2012.

1st May 2012 Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

A disciplined and gutsy performance saw Fulham record their first-ever Anfield victory as an early Martin Skrtel own goal secured all three points for the Whites.

Three former Liverpool players started for the Whites as John Arne Riise returned to Anfield for the first time, Captain Danny Murphy was restored to the heart of the midfield, and former Reds youth player Alexander Kačaniklić was also handed a spot in Fulham's first XI.

With Martin Jol absent with a chest infection, Michael Lindeman and Billy McKinlay again took charge and the Whites, smarting from the weekend's 4-0 loss at Everton, made a fantastic start to proceedings, going in front via Skrtel after just five minutes.

Clint Dempsey, playing just off Pavel Pogrebnyak, marauded forwards before feeding Riise down the left. The Norwegian fizzed a low ball into the area and Kačaniklić's touch was enough to wrong-foot Skrtel who could only watch as it deflected off him and past Alexander Doni into the net.

Liverpool, perhaps with one mind on their forthcoming FA Cup Final appearance, were limited to shots from distance but Brede Hangeland was forced to clear the ball off the line on 28 minutes after Mark Schwarzer had been stranded following a collision with Andy Carroll.

The Reds were finishing the half the stronger and Schwarzer needed two attempts to collect Carroll's low header in the 45th minute after the striker got a good connection on Jay Spearing's cross.

Kenny Dalglish replaced Jordan Henderson with Stewart Downing at half-time and the home side began the second period on the front foot with Jay Spearing testing Schwarzer within three minutes after robbing Dempsey.

The Whites responded five minutes later when Dempsey beat Skrtel in the air to get on the end of Damien Duff's corner but nodded a yard wide of Doni's near post, before Hangeland made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Maxi Rodriguez a shot on goal after the Argentine had seemingly burst clear.

All the while, though, Fulham posed a threat on the counter and Kerim Frei, a replacement for Kačaniklić, grazed the post with a curling shot from 20 yards after being found in space on the left by Dempsey.

Fulham were presented with a glorious chance to sew the game up in the 78th minute when Dempsey was sent clear by Frei. The Whites' top scorer tried to bend it into the far corner but Doni read him well and beat the ball away.

Liverpool desperately searched for a way through but couldn't beat Schwarzer who held out to complete his 140th Premier League game without conceding, putting him joint second with David Seaman for clean sheets held in the competition's history.

More importantly, the result earned Fulham their first-ever victory at Anfield and saw the Whites move level in the table with their hosts on 49 points.

From the archives

The Mirror – Tuesday 1st May 2012

'Skrtel own goal caps another home horror show' by David Maddock

"Fulham were good value for their win with a fine performance. But Liverpool were as bad as the scoreline suggests, as bad as they have been on their home ground in a season of terrible Anfield performances, and as bad as their manager described afterwards."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/08/rewind-report?

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LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Liverpool v Fulham

The important thing for Liverpool now is to try to bounce back from last week's defeat by Arsenal. Fulham are probably the ideal opponents for them to do so.

I think we saw against the Gunners that playing with three at the back does not work for Liverpool against top-class opposition, because they are clever enough to take advantage of it.

Intelligent players will find more space, and they will hurt Liverpool.

Arsenal's full-backs had attacking duties as well as doing their defending. The Gunners were the better team all round, but that is where they won the game.

Liverpool can play using different systems but that one allows them to play Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge together up front.

And, while it did not work against Arsenal, it will work against the Cottagers. The Reds can win on Saturday with three at the back.

As for Fulham, their manager Martin Jol obviously remains under lots of pressure. His future will not depend on this result, the same as it didn't depend on last week's defeat by Manchester United.

It is his next two or three league games which will be the key for him: at home to Swansea, away at West Ham and home to Spurs.

Jol needs at least five points from those matches but the first thing he requires is a performance from his team, because the results will follow. At the moment, the performances are not good enough.

Lawro's prediction: 3-0
Schneider's prediction: 3-0



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24841322

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Fulham defender Sascha Riether banned for Adnan Januzaj stamp because officials did not see initial clash
The FA published the written reasons for banning Fulham defender Sascha Riether for his stamp on Manchester United forward Adnan Januzaj, revealing he was punished because the officials did not see it

Sascha Riether was banned using trial by video for stamping on Adnan Januzaj because the match officials did not witness the specific "coming together" of the players, the Football Association revealed on Friday.

The FA published the written reasons of the three-man regulatory commission which punished Fulham defender Riether with a three-match suspension on Wednesday, explaining why the panel did so when Fernando Torres escaped action over a similar incident just over a month earlier.

Fulham had challenged whether the FA had exceeded its authority in charging Riether because, despite the officials declaring they had not seen his stamp on Manchester United winger Januzaj on Saturday, referee Lee Probert had been running towards the incident and even blew his whistle the moment it took place.

The London club felt that placed it in the same category as Chelsea striker Torres's scratch on Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen in September, which the FA said it could not act upon because one of the officials had witnessed the "coming together", albeit not in its entirety.

In Riether's case, a panel chaired by former Blackburn Rovers winger Stuart Ripley decided that while Probert had seen a "coming together" of several players involved in a melee near the corner flag at Craven Cottage, he had not witnessed the specific "coming together" that involved the stamp.

Having detailed so precisely such a nuanced case, it was somewhat unfortunate the FA report describes the incident as a series of "coming's together", as opposed to the grammatically correct "comings together".

The FA will also be hoping there is no repeat of the Torres or Riether sagas before a rule change revealed this week comes into effect in two weeks which will close the loophole that cast doubt on the viability of both cases.

The Riether issue was particularly farcical after the player himself effectively admitted his guilt and his readiness to serve a ban only for his club to contest the validity of the charge.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10436390/Fulham-defender-Sascha-Riether-banned-for-Adnan-Januzaj-stamp-because-officials-did-not-see-initial-clash.html

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U18s Head To Spurs

Our Under-18s take part in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday when they make the trip to Tottenham Hotspur (11am).

The Whites' 6-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers last time out saw Steve Wigley's charges leapfrog Spurs to go to top spot in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League Southern Group.

Having hit five in their previous outing, Fulham continued to show their ruthless streak in front of goal with strikes from Jordan Evans, Emerson Hyndman (2), Patrick Roberts and George Williams (2) securing a commanding victory at Motspur Park.

The boys head to Spurs' Hotspur Training Centre on Saturday, where the hosts have won four of their six home fixtures so far. Away from home, they have won five and drawn one of their six matches.

Last weekend, Tottenham slipped to a 4-1 loss against Sunderland, with Shayon Harrison on target for the North London club. Having taken one point from their last two games, Spurs Academy Manager John McDermott will be looking to oversee a performance that sees his side return to winning ways.

Amongst the players at his disposal are the highly-rated England youth internationals Will Miller, Connor Ogilvie, Harry Winks, Emmanuel Sonupe and Joshua Onomah.

While Fulham were drawn to play Queens Park Rangers away from home in the FA Youth Cup Third Round, Tottenham will host Middlesbrough.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/08/u18s-head-to-spurs?

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Pajtim Kasami's black and white army

One man's quest to keep Fulham in the Premier League.


Every article related to the club of late has been negative, with fans reflecting a journalist's need to state the obvious – Fulham are underperforming.

Putting all that aside, which I understand is difficult, there is one person I feel should be exempt from the confidence-stripping headlines, and that's Pajtim Kasami.

Tenacious and courageous, Kasami, who grabbed headlines recently with a stunning goal at Crystal Palace, is far more than this one off achievement would suggest.

An all round midfielder, Kasami supplements both the attacking and defensive passages of play with intelligent positioning and hard work – closing down the opposition in all areas of the pitch.

With tomorrow's game at Anfield being in some ways an inevitable disappointment, Kasami, who recently commented "we need to step up and play as a team", presents passion and desire - foreign traits to the majority of the team.

At the age of just 21, Kasami is for me the future of our football club. His encouraging displays and post-match comments present him as not only a great footballer, but a great leader too. If we are to turn this season around then more players need to at least aspire to emulate what Kasami produces every week, as the energies of one man cannot be held responsible for the success of a club, regardless of how impressive they are.



http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2013/11/8/5080932/pajtim-kasamis-black-and-white-army-fulham?

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Liverpool v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats



Check out all the vital statistics ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at Anfield

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Liverpool and Fulham, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8929723.html

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Liverpool v Fulham – Premier League preview

Despite his admirable optimism and positive outlook, Fulham Manager Martin Jol must be feeling the zenith of pressure as a Premier League manager with the Whites just two points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone.

To make matters worse, the lovable Dutchman takes his troops to in-form Liverpool on Saturday searching for the club's second ever win on the red half of Merseyside. However, Jol can afford a slither of optimism given that Fulham have uncharacteristically won twice on the road already this season.

That said, Liverpool's home form has been imperious thus far. Bar a defeat to this year's surprise package Southampton, the Reds have won all of their home Premier League matches this season. Further still, Fulham face the daunting prospect of being the first side this term to face Liverpool with Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho at Brendan Rodgers' disposal.

If there is a club that can go to Anfield and get points against all odds, then it is Fulham. Marathonbet currently have Jol's men priced at an industry high 16.00 - and there is splash of value in that price considering that Fulham went to Anfield and won in 2012, although that was somewhat fortuitous due to Martin Skrtel's own goal.

Liverpool have won both league clashes since that win, scoring seven goals to Fulham's one, including a 4-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season. The West London side have scored just three Premier League goals in 12 visits to Anfield.

There is a glimpse of hope of Fulham finding the back of the net against Liverpool on Saturday given that the Reds have conceded in each of their last seven Premier League games since keeping three consecutive clean sheets to open their campaign. However, Fulham have lost all five of their league games against top-half clubs this season.

The Cottagers have kept three clean-sheets in their last five trips to Anfield, but there will be little hope of shutting Liverpool out this weekend with Fulham keeping just two clean sheets in 13 matches. Add to that the fact that prolific Liverpool forward Sturridge has scored a league-high 18 goals in 2013 and Jol will be needing miracles on Merseyside.

Team news

Glen Johnson is fit to play for Liverpool after recovering from a jaw infection. Fellow full-back Jose Enrique might also return after overcoming a knee problem.
Fulham's German right-back Sascha Riether became the first Premier League player to receive a retrospective three-match ban for his stamp on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj. Captain Brede Hangeland has returned to training following a nerve problem in his leg, but he faces a fitness test alongside Bryan Ruiz.



http://blog.marathonbet.com/?p=4451

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Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic insists he is not missing Liverpool after settling in at Craven Cottage

The pacy winger says he has no regrets over switching Merseyside for the bank of the Thames

Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic insists he has no regrets over his decision to quit Liverpool ahead of his Anfield return tomorrow.

The pacy wide man man spent three years with the Reds, but left without making a first-team appearance as a makeweight in the deal that took Paul Konchesky to Merseyside in 2010.

Kacaniklic has gone on to establish himself at Craven Cottage following two spells out on loan, with his exploits earning him international recognition with Sweden.

And the 22-year-old says he made the right choice leaving Liverpool for west London.

He said: "I loved every minute of it. I had three great years, but the unfortunate thing is I never got to play at Anfield.

"I played for the reserves and youth team but never the first team.

"I was with the first team after the summer break, then Fulham came along and convinced me to come here.

"I wouldn't say I never made it; I chose to leave. Who knows what would have happened if I stayed?

"But I certainly don't have any regrets. I'm happy at Fulham."

Kacaniklic insists he's got added motivation heading into the game as he tries to get one over on his old club.

But the youngster hopes Brendan Rogers' men make it into the top four and return the glory days to Anfield.

"You want to do well when you play your old club, so hopefully that's what will happen," he added.

"They've had a great start and I'm really happy to see them back near the top.

"Suarez, Sturridge and Gerrard; it's a great team and I think they can get back into the top four, which is where they should be."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-winger-alex-kacaniklic-insists-2698396#ixzz2k8S8uk7s
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Riise's Return - Liverpool v Fulham Preview

Liverpool look to bounce back against a struggling Fulham side.

US: 10:00am ET on the NBC EPL Extra channels (491 on DirecTv)

UK: Doesn't appear to be televised

While it isn't his first trip back to Anfield, the return of John Arne Riise always makes me feel nostalgic. For those of you who don't know, I have a massive gingey man crush on him. He and Did Hamman are probably two of my favorite Reds that have come and gone. It still irks me the way he was unceremoniously dumped by Rafa for Dossena and that void at left back remained unfilled essentially until Enrique came along.

This is the perfect match for Liverpool to have on the back of the Arsenal loss. It should be back to basics for the team, focusing on playing their game and imposing their will on the pitch as they have for much of the season thus far. Fulham have been quite leaky in defense allowing in 15 goals thus far. They've lost their most recent matches and are a team that look ripe for a battering. Fulham will also be without the services of Rodallega and Hangeland who is probably having that massive lump removed from his throat. Either that or he has a nerve problem in his leg.

Liverpool will still likely be without the services of Enrique although BR stated he might be available. Johnson has recovered from his sudden case of gonaherpasyphilAIDS he contracted before the Arsenal match. I've seen rumors that Gerrard has some sort of knock as well, but nothing I've been able to confirm. Either way, there is no reason to rush players back for this match if they aren't 100% fit. If Liverpool can't do the business here with the healthy squad then we have real issues and the beginning of the season was a mere fluke.

In case you want a little tingle up your spine, you can reminisce about these:

John Arne Riise | Top 10 Goals for Liverpool F.C

Thoughts on the match:

-We might also see the return of the 4-3-3. With Coutinho healthy, Moses well rested and Johnson and possibly Enrique healthy it might be time to go back to it. (Adam)

-I can't wait to hear the Kop demand to know how he scored that goal. (Adam)

-This seems a good match to get Coutinho back to fitness. I would expect him to start. (Adam)

-Agreed with Adam, I'd like the return of the 4-3-3 and I think Coutinho will get at least 65 minutes. (Matt)

-Need a win here, there's no two ways about it. Champions League form is a serious endeavor and dominating struggling clubs at home is a prerequisite for a top four place. (Matt)

-If Enrique is unfit, I would prefer Glen Johnson on the left with Martin Kelly or even Flanagan again on the right. Aly Cissokho is in time out. Forever. (Matt)

-God, can I just say, that I love and will always love John Arne Riise? I also remember Adam over there with a Riise top, which I loved to bits. How DID he score that goal? (JAceKopite16)

-I agree with Matt, on his first statement, but I don't wanna be so harsh on Aly. He's had one bad game and an injury. Cool your jets kids. (JAceKopite)

Coutekkers needs to start, but I wouldn't expect to see him go out all guns blazing, maybe he'll be at 100% next match, and that's another thing I agree with Matt on. (JAceKopite)



http://anfieldasylum.sbnation.com/2013/11/8/5080518/riises-return-liverpool-v-fulham-preview?

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Woodrow Loan Extension

Fulham youngster Cauley Woodrow has extended his loan spell at Southend United until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old striker will remain with the Sky Bet League Two Shrimpers until Sunday 4th May 2014 with a further extension if Southend reach the Play-Offs.

Woodrow has made 10 appearances in all competitions since joining Southend in September, scoring two goals. United currently sit in ninth place in the table, a point off a Play-Off place.

Woodrow joined Fulham from Luton Town in March 2011 and scored 20 goals in 19 games for the Under-18s last season.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/08/woodrow-loan-extension?

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Lucas Leiva v Scott Parker: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Liverpool and Fulham



Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' midfielders ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at Anfield

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Liverpool and Fulham, see how the sides' midfielders Lucas Leiva and Scott Parker compare.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lucas-leiva-v-scott-parker-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-liverpool-and-fulham-8929867.html

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I Won't Be Sacked Even If Fulham Lose At Liverpool, Claims Boss Martin Jol

Dutchman will need to find a result, though, when his side take on Swansea City and West Ham United after the international break. <a href='fanatix://eventid/51c186dc034c7dfe27000068/' class='in-app-event-link'>Check in to Liverpool vs Fulham</a>

Under-pressure Fulham head coach Martin Jol says that he does not believe that he will be given the sack if the west London club lose against high-flying Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

The hugely likeable Dutchman takes his struggling side to Anfield in desperate need of a positive result after having watched the Cottagers lose their previous three league fixtures, including a 3-1 loss to champions Manchester United at Craven Cottage last time out.

However, despite the fact that Fulham are currently just two points and two places above Norwich City in the relegation zone after the first ten matches of the season, Jol says that he does not think he will be given his marching orders during the upcoming international break if his men lose on Merseyside this weekend.


"I don't think you are under pressure against Liverpool or Man United. You are under pressure in your home games against teams who should lose points against us," said Jol.

"Before Crystal Palace, we really felt some pressure – not because of me but because of the result. Pressure is part of our profession.

"I'm positive, not because I'm a positive character but I remain positive because we are good enough to get results against the teams who are probably as good as us and maybe a little bit better and a little bit worse.

"There will always be four or five teams not as good as we are, and that is what I really believe. That is why I am positive.

"We will have the points on the board. I think, with the spirit we've got, we will be fine."



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/11/08/i-wont-be-sacked-even-if-fulham-lose-at-liverpool-claims-boss-martin-jol-final/?

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Murphy: Fulham have enough to beat the drop



Danny Murphy has backed manager Martin Jol to keep his former club Fulham in the Premier League this season.
The Cottagers finished 12th last term but have endured a torrid time at the start of 2013/14, winning just three and losing six of their opening 10 league games.

The West London club are currently two points clear of the drop zone courtesy of back-to-back victories over Stoke and Crystal Palace, but fans remain restless after a first half horror show at home to Manchester United last weekend.

Fulham face another tough test on Saturday against one of Murphy's old clubs, Liverpool. But the 36-year-old, who made more than 200 appearances for Fulham and reached the Europa League final, believes they have the personnel to extend their Premier League stay into a 14th campaign after promotion back in 2001.

Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo, Murphy said: "I don't think they need to worry about being relegated. When you look at teams down the bottom you associate them with a lack of goals. I think with the likes of Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov at the club they've got enough of a goal threat.

"If they can tighten up and make themselves harder to beat I think results will improve. The depth of the squad isn't as strong as it was a couple of years ago and hopefully the new owner can help Martin address that.

"It's not a time for clubs to panic and sack managers after 10 games in my opinion. Martin will sort it out."



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/murphy-fulham-have-enough-beat-drop#DjlDIJ1gkoev3MoJ.99

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SPURS VS FULHAM U18S - JOHN'S PREVIEW

John McDermott is looking forward to welcoming a handful of players back from injury as our Under-18s prepare for Saturday morning's London derby against Fulham.

The lads are back in action at the Training Centre and will be determined to bounce back following last weekend's defeat to Sunderland.

"We've had a good week with a good mix of training, while a few of the boys have been working with the development group," said John, our Academy Manager.

"Hopefully we'll benefit from that.

"I'm really pleased that we've got quite a few boys back from injury, so we go into tomorrow with quite a big squad. We have lots of players to choose from so we're always optimistic.

"I'm sure Fulham will be a good side but hopefully tomorrow will be a good test for our players and a good test for both teams."



http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/u18s-fulham-preview-081113/?

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Darren Bent: Lambert dumped me in the reserves but Jol makes me feel like I can walk on water

Darren Bent has averaged just 15 touches of the ball in his Premier League matches for Fulham this season.

He goes almost four minutes between touches in the top flight — significantly longer than any other striker. Goalkeepers such as Joe Hart and David de Gea have more touches per game.

The stats don't bother him, however. 'If a chance is presented I want to hit the target and nine times out of 10 I'll take the chance,' says Bent, 29.


Looking forward: Darren Bent is enjoying his loan spell at Fulham after being frozen out at parent club Aston Villa

Super sub: Bent scores the winner against Stoke City after coming off the bench

Improvement needed: Bent looks frustrated after Fulham concede a decisive goal in their Capital One Cup defeat at Leicester City

'That's what I've always tried to do. It's probably instinct — know where the ball's going to drop and get there faster than the opposition. I was an Arsenal fan and Ian Wright was my hero but Michael Owen was probably the best at that instinct.'   

Try as he might at training this week, Bent could not recreate the infamous 'beach ball' goal he scored for Sunderland against Liverpool in 2009, ahead of Fulham's trip to Anfield today.

'Nowhere near!' he says, laughing. 'That was definitely the craziest goal I've ever scored. I could never do it again.'

Bent speaks a little like he plays. There is no tracking back. It seems no coincidence that when the instinctive art of goalscoring is mentioned, Bent gets particularly fired up.


Woops: Bent scores Sunderland's famous beach ball goal against Liverpool in October 2009

He describes Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge as the 'best partnership in football at the moment', but seems less hopeful that the Bent-Berbatov-Ruiz combination can work for Fulham.

The three have been on the pitch together just four times during Bent's season-long loan from Aston Villa, with all apparently unwilling to do the donkey work. Is that fair?

'Maybe,' says Bent, nodding. 'We're all known for going forward but it's up to us to adapt our game. With time, I hope the three of us will work. People might sometimes take Berba's demeanour as arrogance but he just wants to win all the time.'

There is sympathy for Ruiz too, the £10million signing who has been jeered recently by the generally unflappable Fulham crowd.
Bent can understand the extra pressure of a price tag, having commanded fees of more than £50m.


Deadly duo: Bent believes Daniel Sturridge (left) and Luis Suarez (right) are the best strike partnership in the Premier League

Big price-tag: Bent has amassed over £50million in transfer fees, including his £16.5million deal from Charlton to Tottenham

'When I went to Tottenham for £16.5m it was hard. You miss a chance and you're a "£16m flop". It didn't help that Thierry (Henry) went (to Barcelona) in the same window for less. It was like, "Flippin' hell!"

'But when I went to Villa for £24m and Sunderland for £14m it was easy. I just forgot about it. It didn't faze me one bit.

'I had to leave Tottenham because I needed to play games but part of me wishes I had stayed a bit longer, just to succeed there, but everyone needs time.

'Look at Gareth Bale. I remember being at Tottenham and they wanted to send him to Nottingham Forest. And now he's the most expensive player ever.'


Happy times: Bent celebrates a goal for Spurs against Manchester City

Instant impact: Bent fires home Fulham's winner against Everton in the Capital One Cup in September

Calm and composed: Bent converts a penalty for Sunderland against his former club Tottenham

Bent's record — 105 goals in 253 Premier League appearances — puts him 21st on the all-time list and 14th among Englishmen.
There is only a shrug, however, when it is suggested he does not always get the recognition he might deserve.

'I've played for England and at one stage I was the first-choice centre forward because I played in four or five qualifiers in a row.'

He has not given up on England, despite the last of his 13 caps coming two years ago, but he knows he must sort out his club form first.

His three Fulham goals this season have all come from the bench. The 'most important thing is the ball's going in the back of the net', but it is not happening frequently enough for Martin Jol's side, who are just two points clear of the relegation zone.


Dreams of Brazil: Bent has not given up on an England recall, despite not having played for the Three Lions for two years


International recognition: Bent scores for England in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro in 2011

Bent is aware of speculation about Jol's future, yet the striker discusses Jol in particularly warm terms, describing the gruff, glowering Dutchman as a 'great motivator' who makes his players feel like they can 'walk on water'.

Bent says he passed up a reunion with his old Charlton boss Alan Pardew at Newcastle, a manager who 'is only going to go upwards', to work again with Jol, who first signed him at Tottenham in 2007.

'We see how passionate Martin is,' says Bent. 'We probably see a side to him that others don't. They might ask, "What does he actually do?" But he works hard and fires everyone up and he's a great motivator.

'If he puts a session on you know full well he's going to be right in there, pointing the finger and making sure everyone's pulling their weight. He doesn't sit back.


Big attraction: Fulham boss Martin Jol (left) was a big reason for Bent choosing a loan move to Craven Cottage

Benched: Bent endured a frustrating time out of the team at Aston Villa last season

'We like Martin Jol and want him to stay. We like playing for him. We just need that consistency. He was a massive part of me joining Fulham. It was just important to be back around first-team football because it's no secret that when I went back for pre-season (at Villa) I was training with the kids.'

Bent does not describe Villa boss Paul Lambert by name, only mentioning him briefly in the third person before referring to the 'difficult situation' which saw him exiled from the first-team squad. He says he still does not know why.

'I couldn't even tell you,' Bent says. 'People have said, "It's got to have been something. Did you have an argument or a falling out?" But it was nothing. He just seemed to change like that overnight.' Bent clicks his fingers.


Change of heart: Bent says Villa boss Paul Lambert had him training with the club's youth players for no reason

'One minute everything was fine and the next minute — whoosh — out. It was difficult at first. I just couldn't get my head around it. I couldn't quite figure out why it was happening.

'But Aston Villa's a magnificent club and I'm still their player. It's just nice to be back involved. It's just . . . nicer, that's all. As long as I'm scoring goals, I'm happy.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2493982/Darren-Bent-Paul-Lambert-froze-Aston-Villa-Martin-Jol-convinced-join-Fulham.html#ixzz2k8UXytRx
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Liverpool's Luis Suárez a 'good boy', says Fulham manager, Martin Jol
• Uruguayan a different character off the pitch according to Jol
• Former Ajax manager 'wants to forget' striker's 2010 bite

The Fulham manager, Martin Jol, has described Luis Suárez as a "good boy" ahead of a reunion with the forward when his team plays Liverpool on Saturday, recalling their time at Ajax when Suárez bit the shoulder of another player.

Suárez received a seven-match ban after biting the PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal when Jol was the manager of Ajax in 2010, with the Dutch coach keeping the Uruguayan on as captain despite the indiscretion, a decision that he feels contributed to his departure from the club.

Jol will be hoping Suárez is not at his best when Fulham play Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, with the manager booed by a large section of the home support during their defeat by Manchester United last weekend and with speculation surrounding his future.

However, despite Suárez receiving another lengthy ban last season in England for biting the arm of Branislav Ivanovic, Jol claims he is a completely different character off the pitch.

"He's a lot different off the pitch, he's actually quiet," said Jol. "He's not outspoken, he's not someone who will fight people but on the pitch he wants to win. I remember at the World Cup he saved a goal [against Ghana] and it was ridiculous because he looked like a goalkeeper and then they had a penalty and he was cheering when they missed. He's a winner.

"He is always happy for his team and for other players to do well. That is a strange thing because normally they have a big ego but he is a good boy.

"There are always clubs that appeal to you and I know for a fact his agent is the brother of [Pep] Guardiola and he was always linked with Barcelona and he would like to go. When he was at Ajax we really thought he would go to Barcelona and he went to Liverpool. And if Luis makes his mind up he stays I know for a fact he is staying because otherwise he would be on his bike."

Asked if he always had an eccentric side, Jol added: "What is eccentric? You mean to bite someone? Well, you can't deny that because he did exactly the same in Holland and he was suspended for several weeks and for me that was a problem.

"He was suspended for several weeks and he was still my captain. I can still remember I said, 'No, you will remain my captain' and other people were very angry with me that I did that. So I want to forget that spell."


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/08/liverpool-luis-suarez-fulham-martin-jol?