Saturday Fulham Stuff (07/12/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Williams' FA Cup Win

A late, late penalty saw Oxford United progress in the FA Cup with Budweiser on Thursday evening, with Ryan Williams the man who won the spot-kick.

Non-League Gateshead – who had held the Sky Bet League Two leaders in a 2-2 draw in the first game – continued to frustrate the U's in the Replay on Tyneside and were just four minutes away from a penalty shoot-out when Williams was brought down in the box.

Williams played the full 120 minutes as Oxford struggled to break down the home side in normal time, with a Dave Kitson header that was cleared off the line the closest anyone came to breaking the deadlock.

Fulham's Australian winger forced a save from Gateshead goalkeeper Adam Bartlett in the first half of extra-time before Gateshead twice thought they'd snatched the opener. First, they had a goal ruled out for offside before James Marwood saw his volley crash against the post in the 114th minute.

However, Oxford settled the contest two minutes later. Williams collected a pass from Matt Bevans and, as he did so, was clipped on the ankle by James Curtis. Deane Smalley stepped up to drill home from 12 yards and set up a Second Round tie with Wrexham on Monday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/06/williams-fa-cup-win?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham: Number 18

Fulham will be ball number 18 when the draw for the Third Round of the FA Cup with Budweiser is made on Sunday.

The draw will take place at around 4.10pm on ITV1 following the conclusion of the televised match between Tamworth and Bristol City, with the ties set to take place on 4th and 5th of January 2014.

Last season, the Whites were knocked out in the Fourth Round by Manchester United at Old Trafford.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/06/fulham-number-18?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dutch Desire

Maarten Stekelenburg has a strong will to succeed and a natural desire to do well.

With extensive UEFA Champions League experience, Stekelenburg was part of the Netherlands side that reached the 2010 World Cup Final. He's impressed at the very top and, as a result, the 31-year-old has set high expectations.

With that in mind, it's fair to say that the experienced stopper hadn't quite foreseen the conditions that surround Fulham at present. As the Whites' last line of defence, it's been a testing period for Stekelenburg, with 16 goals conceded in the last six league outings. He has, though, been one of our most impressive performers, making a number of stunning stops.

"In my position, you have a lot of responsibility," he told Sunday's official matchday programme. "The spotlight is on, and if you make a mistake it's often highlighted. I know I can play well but still be on the losing team - that's the life of a goalkeeper. This is a team sport, so we score and concede goals together. I'm pleased with how I've been playing but, at the same time, football is based on results.

"I'm just focusing on the next game and thankfully, there are a lot of matches to play at the moment. There's a lot of opportunities for us to put things right."

To read the full interview with Stekelenburg, pick up an official matchday programme on Saturday.

Other key content in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is available to download digitally from 12pm on Saturday - include:

Rene Meulensteen's programme notes
Adel Taarabt takes the Fulham 50 challenge
Former Fulham striker Steve Earle recalls a famous win against Aston Villa in 1966
Villa legend Ian Taylor assesses Sunday's game
Kit Symons takes stock of the season so far for his Under-21s and explains his new role at the Club
Young midfielder Josh Smile is profiled in Through The Ranks
And Sean Davis is Yesterday's Hero
Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Fans can also order copies directly from www.programmemaster.com

The programme is also available as an app with added video content from 12pm on Sunday via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags. You can subscribe for the whole season for the digital edition or buy a single issue for £1.99.


Tickets for Sunday's game with Villa (1.30pm) are available to purchase on General Sale, with a 50 per cent discount available to Season Ticket Holders.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/06/dutch-desire?

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Fulham v Aston Villa match preview

The form of Belgium striker Christian Benteke is key to the hopes and aspirations of Paul Lambert's Aston Villa side. Having held on to him throughout the summer, penning a new contract and scoring 4 goals in as many games at the start of the season, Benteke has since been injured and gone off the boil.

Sunday's trip to Craven Cottage will see Benteke's best chance to find some form when he comes up against a fragile Fulham defence that has shipped 13 home goals in the league so far.

New Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen had a rude introduction to life at the top level with Wednesday's defeat to Tottenham, squandering a 1-0 lead in doing so.

Things don't get much easier for the Dutchman with an Aston Villa side who have been in fine form on the road this year, only losing once.



KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm



PAST MEETINGS:

Aston Villa 1 (N'Zogbia) Fulham 1 (Delph (og)), Premier League, April 2013

Fulham 1 (Baird) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, October 2012

Aston Villa 1 (Weimann) Fulham 0, Premier League, March 2012



STATS:

Fulham having conceded 13 goals at home this season, only Sunderland have conceded more

Villa's away record is Won 3, Draw 3, Lost 1, joint third best in the league

No player has scored more than twice for Fulham in the league this season

Benteke is Villa' top scorer with 4 but has not netter since early September



ODDS:

Fulham to win: 2.7

Aston Villa to win: 2.7

Draw: 3.2



TV:

Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm

Highlights on BBC One Match of the Day 2 at 10.25pm



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-fulham-v-aston-villa-match-preview-8986278.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Villa v Fulham: Mat Kendrick's bumper big match preview

Everything you could possibly need to know ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Fulham

Team news
Ron Vlaar is a serious injury doubt for Villa ahead of Sunday's trip to struggling Fulham.

Vlaar hobbled off with a calf problem midway through Wednesday's remarkable 3-2 victory at Southampton.

It is a concern for the claret and blues, who lost the captain for two months to a similar problem around the same stage last season.

Villa's medics will continue to assess the 28-year-old defender over the next few days, but he is doubtful for Sunday's 1.30pm clash at Craven Cottage.

Matt Lowton replaced Vlaar in midweek, with the right-back stepping off the bench and slotting into the three-man backline alongside Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker.

"We had a blow losing Ron at half time," said Paul Lambert. "We'll have to wait and see how he is.

"He was in a wee bit of pain but it's early. So we'll have to assess him and see how he is. I think it's his calf."

Vlaar has been Villa's best defender so far this season, with his personal improvement playing a major part in them already matching last season's clean sheet tally of five shutouts.

Although Lambert's team defended determinedly without him during Southampton's second-half onslaught at St Mary's, the skipper's absence would be a blow.

Elsewhere, Lambert has a dilemma over whether to recall Christian Benteke to the first XI after the top scorer's encouraging cameo from the bench.

It is a welcome selection headache after fellow strikers Gabby Agbonlahor and Libor Kozak scored in midweek.

The opposition
Fulham are in freefall. Six straight defeats have dumped the Cottagers into the Premier League bottom three ahead of Villa's visit to West London this weekend.

Martin Jol paid the price for the fifth of those consecutive league losses by losing his job after the 3-0 reverse at West Ham last weekend and new boss Rene Meulensteen was unable to stop the rot when Tottenham won 2-1 at Craven Cottage in midweek.

By all accounts Fulham were much improved against Spurs and, after taking the lead, were simply undone by the high quality of the opposition goals. It was only a matter of time before Meulensteen replaced Jol after recently arriving as his assistant at Craven Cottage.

And the former Manchester United coach admits getting Dimitar Berbatov back to his best could be key to Fulham's revival amidst rumours that the Bulgarian enigma is unsettled.

"I said to the players I want an inspired performance, that is how we win the fans back, and we did that," he said.

"I think we have been hard done by with some results but it is up to the players. I refuse to get negative."

"I've had some good chats with Dimitar Berbatov and he is a player that really cares for this club. Dimitar was phenomenal against Tottenham, the way he led the line was evidence of his quality.

"I know really well what he is capable of doing, because I worked with him for so long.

Darren Bent was not in the squad against Spurs and cannot play against Villa under the terms of his season-long loan.

Key men
Strictly speaking, Fabian Delph's first Premier League goal was not that stunning winner at Southampton on Wednesday night.

It was his unfortunate own-goal equaliser for Fulham during the 1-1 draw at Villa Park, which was the last time these two teams met, in April this year.

If memory serves correctly, that is the only significant time Delph has put a foot wrong – or rather a head as he unintentionally nodded past Brad Guzan from a corner – in the past nine months or so.

Delph has been immense for Villa since the closing stages of last season and the opening stages of the current campaign and his cracker at St Mary's was just reward for his efforts.

For several seasons, Villa have longed for a central character like Delph to get around the pitch, breaking up opposition play and starting off claret and blue moves, hence constant links with Scott Parker down the years.

Martin O'Neill, in particular, was keen to bring Parker to Villa Park and, even at the age of 33, he is one of Fulham's most consistent performers during a season of struggle.

Form
WHO'S HOT: Fabian Delph – the only thing mising from his game was a goal ... and what a way to set that straight at Southampton.

WHO'S NOT: Ron Vlaar (above) has been a rock at the back this season and Villa hope the captain's latest calf problem is not serious.

LAST FIVE GAMES

FULHAM.................................LLLLL

VILLA.................................DWDDW

VILLA: Guzan, Clark, Baker, Bacuna, Luna, Westwood, El Ahmadi, Delph, Kozak, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Lowton, Weimann, Steer, Albrighton, Sylla, Tonev, Herd. Injured: Vlaar (calf), Okore (knee), N'Zogbia (Achilles), Bennett (back)

Referee: M Dean (Wirral)

FORECAST: Win

LAST TIME THEY MET

April 13 2013, Villa 1, Fulham 1: A cruel own-goal from Fabian Delph costs Villa two survival points after it cancels out Charles N'Zogbia's curling opener.

Flashback: Fulham 0 Villa 2 - January 30th, 2010
THINK Gabby Agbonlahor's goal against Southampton in midweek was impressive?

Well, his double in Villa's last win at Fulham on January 30, 2010, wasn't bad either.

The Brummie's brilliant brace secured a 2-0 victory and ensured Martin O'Neill's claret and blues finished the match in the familiar position of sixth in the Premier League.

Agbonlahor got in front of Chris Smalling to nod Villa in front from Stiliyan Petrov's cross on 40 minutes.

And he doubled the advantage four minutes later when he received a pass from Carlos Cuellar, expertly got away from his marker and curled a sublime finish inside the far post.

"That would be a major confidence boost to him to know he is able to get those goals," said O'Neill. "The second goal followed because he'd already got the first one and the confidence was restored."



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/villa-v-fulham-mat-kendricks-6378671?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham enter race to sign Hungary winger



Several top European sides will battle with Fulham to sign Hungary international Balazs Dzsudzsak in the New Year.

The 26-year-old, who became the most expensive Hungarian player in history when he joined Dinamo Moscow from Anzhi Makhachkala last year, is reportedly a January target for new Craven Cottage boss Rene Meulensteen.

The winger's representative Jozsef Vorosbaranyi has confirmed the player's desire to test himself in one of the continent's best leagues, but insists he is focused on life in Moscow.

He told Russian newspaper Izvestia: "There is interest from several top clubs in Europe. The player is focused on Dinamo Moscow although he has never refused the idea of playing in one of the best leagues in Europe."

Vorosbaranyi also revealed that Liverpool were keen on the former PSV Eindhoven man earlier in the year.

He added: "In the summer Inter Milan and Liverpool were interested in him, but Dinamo did not want to sell."



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/fulham-enter-race-sign-hungary-winger-13120670852#zpkK0Dv0poYaw8Qe.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fergie time can help Rene get something extra out of Fulham

Rene Meulensteen says he will draw on his experiences as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man to help Fulham in their battle against relegation.

Meulensteen spent 12 years under Ferguson at Manchester United and will use a lot of the methods he learned in his new role.

The Fulham boss worked as one of Ferguson's assistants for five years and will need to use all of that experience to help his side stay up this season. Fulham are in the bottom three following six successive Premier League defeats.

Meulensteen said: "I have been fortunate to sit alongside one of the most successful managers in Sir Alex. I will definitely draw into the experiences that I have had with him.

"He taught me a lot but the one thing that stood by me, in life and in football, is that you are constantly faced by challenges. You want challenges, and sometimes they are in adversity. The most important thing is to accept the challenge, embrace the challenge, and enjoy taking that challenge on."

Fulham host Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Sunday and Meulensteen said: "Paul Lambert and Villa were in a similar situation [to Fulham] last year and they have gone through that. Every positive result or performance always starts with hard work, commitment and discipline, and that is what we have got to do."

Meulensteen once told his Brondby players to imagine themselves as animals before a game but Aaron Hughes says that unusual method has not been used at Fulham yet.

"No it hasn't!" insisted the defender. "Having worked with him over the last few weeks, there has not been a massive change.

"Martin Jol left and there were a few little distractions this week but we have spoken about keeping our focus."



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fergie-time-can-help-rene-get-something-extra-out-of-fulham-8988509.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Fulham sell "lazy" Berbatov in January or keep the mercurial striker?

With Fulham struggling to produce anything of quality this season, Rene Meulensteen has taken the reigns, tasked with rescuing the storied London club.

The green manager's biggest challenge will be to inspire a squad that seems to have little fire burning beneath them at times.

"It's a massive challenge," Meulensteen told Sky Sports. "But at the end of the day, when you're faced with a challenge like this, it comes down to making sure you get the basic things right."

The biggest challenge of the squad is none other than its name-brand striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The 32-year-old Bulgarian throughout his career has been on the end of a back-and-forth debate between fans and pundits alike. Some criticize him for a lack  in the work rate department, others praise him for moments of brilliance on the ball with a brilliant first touch and pinpoint accuracy.

With just a single Premier League goal to his name this season in 12 starts, Fulham's number-9  has given his critics new life and new ammunition.

"We need to make sure that you stay mentally strong, that the fans are getting behind the team, and we need to make sure that the players stay mentally strong and believe," Meulensteen said to Sky. " And then you make sure you get the basic things right, work rate, discipline, that sort of thing."

Berbatov has proven to be Meulensteen's biggest conundrum in the work-rate department, and that's not news to anyone.

The Mirror's Darren Lewis called him a "luxury player" and said, "In the situation they find themselves, Fulham now need fighters and scrappers. Not flair players more suited to a grander stage."

Whether Meulensteen can not only transform his position from temporary to permanent but also transform the club from bottom-3 caliber to Premier League assured will no doubt hinge on a correct decision regarding their main man at the front.

Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev told the Mirror that rumors of his client's desire to leave Craven Cottage this January are true.  He was quoted as saying "Dimitar is not happy at Fulham."

But not so fast.

In Fulham's energetic 2-1 loss to Tottenham midweek, Berbatov looked at times a new man.  He showed more touches of brilliance than the entire season prior. Sure there were lackluster moments as well, but it was a clear improvement.

Should the Cottagers decide to offload their biggest signing of the last few years, it would potentially save them a good £2 million ($3.27 million) in wages.  However, they'd also become even more barren in the attack.  After all, Fulham have scored a paltry 12 goals all year, with just Darren Bent and an injured Hugo Rodallega waiting in the wings.

Should Rene Meulensteen give in to the vultures, with clubs like Trabzonspor and West Ham circling, or should he stay the course and keep faith in his main man?

It's hard to say what the right answer is, but the other options sure don't seem much better, if better at all.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/06/should-fulham-sell-lazy-berbatov-in-january-or-keep-the-mercurial-striker/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Aaron Hughes: Fulham "still fighting"

Fulham centre-back Aaron Hughes has insisted that the players are "still fighting" in the bid to retain their Premier League status.

The Whites have just 10 points from their 14 games so far, which has left them 18th in the table, and Hughes said that the players must now take responsibility in order to begin to put things right.

"I thought we were very unlucky not to get something against Tottenham Hotspur," he told Fulham's official website. "There was a lot of energy in the performance but we were undone by two good strikes. We were disappointed with the result but felt we can take a lot of positives from our display.

"We couldn't do anything about [previous manager Martin Jol's sacking] - we just had to try to turn a corner. The manager left but it was important for us not to be distracted and try to win the game.

"As players, we have to take responsibility. We expect better of ourselves and needed to lift our game. It's easy to point fingers and blame other people but we haven't done that - we've stuck together and gone out and put in a good performance. We're still fighting."

Fulham host Aston Villa at 1.30pm on Sunday.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/hughes-fulham-still-fighting_122471.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa preview
Fulham have been rocked by the news that captain Brede Hangeland will be out until the New Year ahead of their game with Aston Villa on Sunday.


Brede Hangeland: Surgery required to cure nerve problem

The influential centre-half has been missing for over month with his sciatic nerve problem, and now faces another six weeks out after it was agreed that surgery was required.

Defender Matthew Briggs is still working his way back from a groin complaint, while Hugo Rodallega is unlikely to figure again before Christmas as he nurses a similar ailment. Darren Bent will not be able to feature against his parent club.

Villa captain Ron Vlaar was forced off at half-time during a midweek win at Southampton with a calf complaint making him a major doubt heading into the weekend.

Joe Bennett could make a timely return from a back injury to help fill the defensive void if Vlaar misses out.

Jores Okore (knee ligaments) and Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) are both long-term absentees for Villa.



http://www.football365.com/match/3679038/preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Brede Hangeland faces six weeks out after surgery



Injured Fulham defender Brede Hangeland faces another six weeks on the sidelines after deciding to have surgery to clear sciatic nerve trouble.

The 32-year-old has already missed more than a month with nerve damage which has affected his right leg.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen said: "We have looked at all medical strategies and it's a bit of an awkward one.

"He's seen another surgeon and a specialist. I think they have decided they're going for the surgery."

Fulham, who host Aston Villa on Sunday, were hoping to bring the Norway defender back to full fitness without the need for an operation.

But Hangeland now faces a total of 10 weeks out, which will include the crucial Christmas period.

"On a positive note we know now, there's clarity," added Meulensteen.

"And the one thing that I want for such an important player for us is that he can focus on the rehabilitation, so when he comes back he will be like a new player for us."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25273197?

[WhiteJC]

 
Keep Berbatov
   
When there`s trouble ahead it is a case of all hands to the pump!

We may be floundering in the relegation places, our confidence may be low and people may be talking about that dreaded word, relegation, but there is hope ahead, there are more than sufficient games for Fulham Football Club to climb out of our current predicament.

But, if we are to do so, it`ll need everyone to pull in the right direction, especially a certain Dimitar Berbatov who is, supposedly, looking for a January transfer window exit.

Aaron Hughes, back in the heart of the defence due to Brede Hangeland`s continued absence ha surged Dimitar to stay, complimenting the Bulgarian on his display against Spurs, on Wednesday, remarking,

"He is a vital player for us. We saw that in his performance in Wednesday`s defeat against Spurs and the contribution he has to our team."

"Those displays are brilliant for us. We need all our players performing at the highest levels they can."

Indeed we do and we need to head off to Villa Park, this weekend, with the clear emphasis of getting a result to stop the rot numerous consecutive defeats has seen set in!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=341060#ixzz2mmQ3WJLp

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker v Ashley Westwood: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Fulham and Aston Villa



Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' players ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Fulham and Aston Villa, see how the sides' players Scott Parker and Ashley Westwood compare.

Data and graphic provided by whoscored.com



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/scott-parker-v-ashley-westwood-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-aston-villa-8988839.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham vs. Aston Villa Preview: Second Time Lucky For Meulensteen?

Fulham v Aston Villa
8/12/2013

K/O: 1:30pm

Venue: Craven Cottage

Having notched up a surprise road win against Southampton during the week to move them back inside the top half of the Premier League, Aston Villa will look to make it six away matches in a row without defeat as they make the trip to London.

Fulham have lost a staggering six league matches in a row (scoring just three goals in that time also) and have won just one at Craven Cottage this season, but will no doubt understand the importance of getting a good result here and moving out of the dreaded relegation zone as a result.

Team News:
Fulham
Rene Meulensteen shouldn't have too many injury problems to worry about for this fixture, though the presence of Brede Hangeland (who will undergo a late fitness test on his back) will no doubt be a huge inclusion if available. Striker Hugo Rodallega and defender Matthew Briggs (both groin/pelvis) are unlikely to be included in the matchday squad at all.

Aston Villa
Joe Bennett (back) and influential midfielder Andreas Weimann (hamstring) will both undergo late fitness tests to determine whether they will be included in Paul Lambert's team this weekend. Jores Okore (knee) and Charles N'Zogbia (calf) both remain long-term absentees.

Recent Form

As mentioned above, it hasn't exactly been plain sailing of late for Fulham, which is without doubt the reason why Martin Jol was relieved of his duties earlier this month. The Cottagers have been poor this year—particularly in front of goal—and while they will seemingly benefit from being in front of their home fans, the Villans have shown some serious proficiency away from home.

Lambert's men have not been beaten in their last five away matches and have also conceded just four goals in their past five.

Players to Watch
Fulham - Giorgos Karagounis
Somewhat of an underrated player for the Cottagers this season, look for Karagounis to show his importance in defence this week. The veteran has featured in just a handful of matches this year but his impressive tackle success rate—winning 13 of 18—and his seven goal-scoring chances for the year may just entice the new manager into giving him a run out here.

Aston Villa - Fabian Delph
No Villa player has won more duels than Delph this season, with impressive numbers in both tackles and takeons showing just how important he is at both ends of the field. The 24-year-old netted his first goal of the season against Southampton during the week, and with a strong pass completion percentage for the season as well, should again cause his opponents plenty of trouble moving the ball between the midfield and attacking lines.

Prediction
Fulham have to finally start playing well soon, and while there's no form on the board to suggest that they will, simply being at home should be a boost for the Londoners. Aston Villa haven't played well in back-to-back matches so far this season, and while they were very impressive against the Saints, I think they might just struggle to be as clinical in the final third against a deceptively good Fulham defence. There'll be goals, no doubt, but an even result on the day.

Fulham 1-1 Aston Villa



http://www.squawka.com/news/2013/12/06/fulham-vs-aston-villa-preview-league-preview/2013120641213?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dan Burn: I had a few bad games and it really did knock me quite a bit

Birmingham City interview: Dan Burns tells Colin Tattum he is on form and feeling confident


Dan Burn
Dan Burn is back on song for Birmingham City .

But the centre-half admitted that his confidence had taken a knock a little over a month ago.

Burn, in his first season at Championship level, was axed by Lee Clark after uncertain performances against Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United .

Clark kept faith with him for three matches after those fixtures, but decided to take him out of the firing line following the home loss to Charlton Athletic.

Burn took it hard – but didn't let it destroy him.

Instead he refocused and since returning to the side has been sharp, decisive and strong – in excellent form.

"I am playing with a bit more confidence now," said Burn, 21.

"I had a few bad games and it really did knock me quite a bit.

"I'd say the Bolton game and the Leeds game, it really drained the confidence out of me.

"So to be told I wasn't playing, I was gutted, obviously, because you want to play, but I understood."

Kyle Bartley replaced Burn alongside Paul Robinson and looked set for an extended run in the team.

But Bartley's crazy red card at Huddersfield Town turned things on their head again.

Burn was sent on for the last nine minutes plus added-time for 10-man Blues to ensure they saw things through – and he made important contributions as Huddersfield threw everything at Clark's side.

"That last 10 minutes against Huddersfield helped," Burn admitted.

"Obviously Barts getting sent-off was not brilliant for him. But it helped me massively because we won the game and it gave me confidence to push on."

The shirt now appears Burn's to lose again.

"I am hoping so," he commented.

"Barts is injured but when he comes back there is competition for places.

"When I was at Yeovil last season there was only me and another lad who were playing at the back. There wasn't any pressure, we knew we would be playing every week.

"When someone is snapping at your heels it lifts you, it lifts all the lads, it's good for the team."

Burn is gaining valuable experience on a season-long loan from parent club Fulham.

He spent the previous campaign at Yeovil, scoring in their League One play-off final win over Brentford.

In recent times, when Blues were not in such a financial mire, he was the sort of young loanee they would take and then buy.

But that's not an option and 6ft 7in Burn is relishing the challenge of stepping up a level and trying to respond to the responsibility thrust upon him by Clark on a consistent basis.

Blues host Middlesbrough tomorrow in yet another important fixture.


Dan Burn
The draw against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday left the players deflated and frustrated.

But Burn said it was not the end of the world.

"It was definitely two points lost. We had chances to kill the game off.

"Second-half we came out and we weren't quite as sharp as we were in the first-half.

"Maybe we thought we would be able to defend the lead.

"It was one of those bitter blows when they scored.

"To be fair, even when they got the goal I thought that sprung us back into life a little bit. I thought the last 10, 15 minutes we had a really good go and might have won it.

"But we are unbeaten in four, so that's always a positive to take away compared to the run at the start of the season."

Burn added: "We need to take our away form into the home games.

"Obviously playing at home there is a bit more pressure, you are playing in front of your own fans.

"But that shouldn't make a difference, to be fair.

"We go into the Middlesbrough game now and hopefully we will take the three points there. It's another massive game as the bottom three all won midweek.

"If we do that then Doncaster is forgotten about.

"We are just trying to keep pushing up the table and beat the teams in and around us."



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-interview-dan-burns-6379145?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland Update

The Club can confirm that Brede Hangeland underwent surgery on Thursday evening to address a nerve problem in his right leg, from which he has been suffering.

The procedure went well and the musculature appears healthy following the operation.

Brede will begin his rehabilitation straight away with an estimated return time of six weeks.

Watch Head Coach Rene Meulensteen give his thoughts and discuss team news ahead of the Aston Villa game in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fatKiknS28c



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/06/hangeland-update?

[PokerMatt]

"Fulham have to finally start playing well soon, and while there's no form on the board to suggest that they will, simply being at home should be a boost for the Londoners. Aston Villa haven't played well in back-to-back matches so far this season, and while they were very impressive against the Saints, I think they might just struggle to be as clinical in the final third against a deceptively good Fulham defence. There'll be goals, no doubt, but an even result on the day."

What on earth do we think this means? That they've been conceding goals this whole time to hustle the opposition?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa



By John Murray
Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 8 December

Fulham will be without Brede Hangeland after the defender chose to have surgery in an attempt to clear sciatic nerve trouble.
On-loan forward Darren Bent is ineligible to face his parent club.

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is a fitness doubt after being substituted at half-time of the midweek win at Southampton with a calf injury.

Fellow defender Antonio Luna is nursing a groin problem and could also miss out on Sunday.

MATCH PREVIEW
You only have to cast an eye over the Fulham facts and figures below this preview to realise what a pickle they've got themselves into. It makes grim reading. And the prospect of playing in-form Everton and Manchester City in their other two pre-Christmas matches makes it crystal clear how important this match is to Fulham.

For his first game after taking over from Martin Jol, at home to Tottenham on Wednesday, Rene Meulensteen certainly switched things around - making no fewer than seven changes to Jol's last team selection. And though they took the lead, the eventual outcome was the same as in Jol's last six league and cup matches in charge - defeat.

Failure to end that run here would raise the the very real possibility of Fulham being bottom of the table when they go to Carrow Road on Boxing Day.

Dimitar Berbatov was one of the players restored to the side against Spurs, even though it seems far from certain he'll see out the winter with his current employers.

Actually, Meulensteen and co don't need to look too far to see the kind of thing they need. Aston Villa topped off a good month - little more than that - with their victory at St Mary's in midweek and found themselves in the top half of the table.

Anyone who saw Villa win so impressively at Arsenal on the opening day of this Premier League season could have been forgiven for expecting them to spend most of the campaign in the top 10, but they are clearly still a work in progress.

Similarly, it is remarkable after his start to the season that Christian Benteke has gone nigh on three months without scoring.

There also continues to be a suspicion about them that, for some reason, Villa are more comfortable playing away from home. Not what Fulham wanted to hear...

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Fulham have only won four of their 24 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa (W4, D11, L9). All of those victories have come at home, latterly last season when Chris Baird scored the only goal in the 84th minute.

The last four meetings have only produced four goals.

Fulham
Fulham have lost six consecutive league matches for the first time since February-March 2002 in their debut Premier League season.

It's the club's joint-worst start to a top-flight campaign. They had an identical record after 14 matches in 1967-68 (W3, D1, L10) and ultimately finished bottom of the division.

Fulham have won just one and lost nine of their last 11 Premier League games at Craven Cottage (W1, D1, L9).

This the first time the Whites have lost five of their opening seven top-flight home matches.

They have trailed in 11 games this season, more than any other side, and lost 10 of those matches (D1).

Rene Meulensteen's previous managerial experience is limited to half a season at Brondby in 2006-07 and two games in charge of Anzhi Makhachkala at the beginning of this season. In total, he won six and lost seven of his 20 league games in charge with those two clubs.

Aston Villa
Villa have only lost one of their last nine Premier League away matches (W4, D4, L1). Their record of just three away defeats in 2013 is bettered only by Manchester United (two).

Paul Lambert's side are on a five-match unbeaten run (W2, D3), keeping three clean sheets in the process.

They are the only Premier League side yet to drop any points from a winning position.

Christian Benteke, who came on as a substitute against Southampton in midweek, has now gone eight games without a goal.

Fabian Delph registered his first Premier League goal and assist against the Saints.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25173159?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Sunday Dec 8, 2013, kick-off 13.30 (GMT).


Pressure: Fulham have lost six in a row in the Premier League for the first time and Rene Meulensteen, the new man at the helm, is desperate for three points Photo:
GETTY IMAGES

Sunday, December 8, 2013
Fulham v Aston Villa
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 13.30 GMT.
TV: Live Sky Sports 1, Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day 2.

Fulham (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Hughes, Riise; Sidwell, Parker, Kasami, Kacaniklic; Ruiz; Berbatov.
Out: Briggs (hernia), Rodallega (groin), Bent (ineligible).
Test: Senderos (thigh), Richardson (hamstring).

Villa (Possible, 3-5-2): Guzan; Baker, Vlaar, Clark; Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Luna; Agbonlahor, Kozak.
Out: Bennett, Gardner (both back), N'Zogbia (Achilles), Okore (knee).
Test: Vlaar (calf), Luna (groin).

Referee: Mike Dean. Matches: 0, R Y.

Betting: Home 13-8, Away 8-5, Draw 12-5.

Team News
Brede Hangeland will miss six weeks' action after surgery to correct a nerve problem in his right leg.

Defender Phillipe Senderos will face a fitness test after playing through a thigh strain in Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham, and Fernando Amorebieta is also doubtful.

Loan striker Darren Bent is unable to play due to Fulham facing his parent club. The Villa forward has a hamstring strain in any case. Kieran Richardson is a doubt with hamstring trouble. Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert faces defensive issues ahead of his side's Premier League trip to Fulham on Sunday.

Skipper Ron Vlaar is doubtful with a calf injury that forced him off in the midweek win at Southampton, whilst Antonio Luna is struggling with a groin problem, added to which Joe Bennett continues to recover from a back issue that has kept him out since the end of September.

Lambert must also decide whether to recall Christian Benteke to the starting line-up after relegating the striker to a sub's role at the St Mary's Stadium.

Match Notes
Home advantage may not be applicable at Craven Cottage.

Both Fulham and Aston Villa have saved their best performances for the road this season. Fortunately for Villa, they are the away team this weekend and looking to add to victories at Arsenal, Norwich and Southampton.

Fulham have only won once in front of their own fans.

Villa manager Paul Lambert must decide whether to leave striker Christian Benteke on the bench again.

Stat of the game: In 39 league visits to Fulham, Villa have won only four times, most recently in January 2010.

Matt Law's prediction: Fulham 1 Aston Villa 1.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10483537/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-match-preview.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer Rumour Rater: Dimitar Berbatov to Arsenal

Here's another potential solution to Arsenal's lack of depth up front: Dimitar Berbatov.

Berbatov has been one of the only bright spots this season for a horrible Fulham side that has slid into the relegation zone and has only 10 points thus far.

It is understandable, then, that he wants out of Craven Cottage, according to Darren Lewis of The Mirror.

Bleacher Report's Christopher Atkins said recently that Berbatov would be a great fit for Arsenal, but the striker would not work very well in Arsene Wenger's system.

Sure, he would likely be a short-term option off the bench, but Berbatov is the opposite of Olivier Giroud in many respects—the former is a static goal-poacher, while the latter involves himself in all aspects of Arsenal's attacking play.

Add that to Fulham's almost certain resistance to selling their most prolific player when they need him most, and this appears to be a rumor with little chance of actually coming to fruition.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1878728-transfer-rumour-rater-dimitar-berbatov-to-arsenal?