Tuesday Fulham Stuff (14/01/14)...

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Brede Hangeland available for Norwich cup replay

Brede Hangeland should finally be fit for his first action in three months following back surgery in December as Fulham host Norwich in an FA Cup third round replay tomorrow.

The Norwegian may have to start from the bench though, as boss Rene Meulensteen eases his experienced defender back in.

First-choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg will not be ready in time for the third round replay, as he edges towards a return from ankle trouble.

Provisional squad: Stockdale, Riether, Richardson, Hughes, Amorebieta, Karagounis, Parker, Kasami, Dejagah, Dempsey, Berbatov, Etheridge, Hangeland, Riise, Kaciniklic, Sidwell, Taarabt, Bent, Rodallega.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/brede_hangeland_available_for_norwich_cup_replay_1_3202268

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Fulham youngster Burn set for second Birmingham loan spell



Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen believes it is vital for Dan Burn to continue playing regularly, after the 21-year old defender impressed on a loan spell at Birmingham.

Burn joined the Championship side on loan in July but was recalled for Fulham's FA cup fixture against Norwich last week and could feature in the replay on Tuesday night.

Meulensteen said: "At this stage of his career it's important that he plays a lot of competitive games, so we brought him back so we could take a look at him first-hand.

"We were delighted with his performance against Norwich, which showed that his loan deal to Birmingham was working."

The manager also hinted that Burn is likely to be loaned back to Birmingham, as it would be "silly to not let that continue" given his impressive progress.

He said: "We wanted to keep him in training here for the next cup game, and after that we are most likely going to give him an opportunity to loan back to Birmingham as he's progressed so well."


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/fulham-youngster-burn-set-second-birmingham-loan-spell-14011375393#oi8tmfgc0mt3jFgA.99

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Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen ready to place his faith in the kids for FA Cup replay with Norwich

The Cottagers host Chris Hughton's Canaries on the back of a 4-1 dismantling by the Premier League's bottom club on Saturday


Struggles: Meulensteen's Fulham were hammered at the weekend by Sunderland
Steve Bardens
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is ready to hand his young guns another chance to impress in tomorrow night's FA Cup replay against Norwich.

Meulensteen gave debuts to four of the club's promising academy players in the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road, with Dan Burn and Chris David among those getting their first taste of senior football with the Cottagers.

And with a massive game against Arsenal at the weekend, the Dutch boss is ready to place his faith in Fulham's kids again.

He said: "The demands in the Premier League are that high and everybody is fighting for something. It's logic that the managers are playing their best team week in, week out.

"A lot of young players were given a chance and against Norwich did really well. The cup gives managers the opportunity to do that, otherwise where do we see opportunities for these young players to test them and bring them through."

Brede Hangeland is expected to be involved for the first time since October after recovering from a sciatic nerve problem.

However, keeper Maarten Stekelenburg faces a late test as he battles back to fitness following an ankle injury.

Meulensteen added: "He will have to be assessed again: he's still a doubt. He's progressing nicely, but maybe just not enough to make it back for Tuesday."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-fa-cup-preview-rene-3017527#ixzz2qMRTU7nd
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Cup Replay - Mixed Messages!
   
Tomorrow (Tuesday) we have a chance to get back to winning ways whilst also progressing through to the 4th round of the FA Cup.

However, with survival in the Premier League the absolute priority, there are mixed messages coming from the managerial chair.

Whilst Rene Meulensteen is adamant that he wants to win, he`s also intimating that there could be wholesale changes with regards to the starting eleven with the Dutchman remarking to the media,

"First and foremost, the Cup is a fantastic competition, which I have a lot of respect for. Secondly, nothing good comes out of losing a game so we`ll take that game seriously."

"But it is a game where you have to utilize your squad - it would be stupid not to do it."

"A lot of players have put in a lot of effort and some may need time to recover."

Personally, I`d send those out who have let us down in recent weeks and order them to get a result, how about you?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345335#ixzz2qMRpBts7

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Sleepless Nights!
   
The devastating loss at home to Sunderland, on Saturday, has landed us with a record that doesn`t make for pleasant reading.

The 4-1 defeat means that for the first time ever Fulham Football Club have lost 14 of their first 21 top-flight matches or 66% in other terms.

With three tough fixtures to follow:-

• Arsenal (a)
• Swansea (a)
• Southampton (h)

Am I the only one (I suspect not) who is starting to have sleepless nights about our survival prospects?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345336#ixzz2qMS2TZUG

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Adel Taarabt: 'Fulham below par'

Adel Taarabt has admitted that Fulham played below par during Saturday's 4-1 defeat at home to Sunderland in the Premier League.

The Cottagers were comfortably beaten in front of their own fans to leave themselves one point above the relegation zone.

"We didn't perform as well as we have done recently," Taarabt told the club's official website. "If we'd have scored first, it would have been a different game but we made it difficult for ourselves.

"I stayed calm but the play was compact and there wasn't much space for me and Dimitar Berbatov – it was difficult. Credit to Sunderland, but we're all very disappointed."

Fulham return to action on Tuesday when they host Norwich City in an FA Cup third-round replay.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/taarabt-fulham-below-par_130133.html

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Fulham focus on Nani as Bryan Ruiz returns to Holland


Nani is wanted by Sporting Lisbon and Fulham (Picture: Getty Images)
Fulham are trying to hijack Nani's loan move to Sporting Lisbon as Bryan Ruiz prepares to take a medical which will rubber stamp a switch to PSV Eindhoven.

Cottagers coach Rene Meulensteen wants to strengthen his squad as they face an uphill fight to stay in the Premier League following Saturday's devastating defeat at home to fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Nani is considered one of the fringe players unable to make a further impact at Old Trafford and Manchester United manager David Moyes is happy to unload him along with Anderson, who is bound for Fiorentina, and Wilfried Zaha who will be loaned to Cardiff City.


Bryan Ruiz of Fulham (Picture Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
Fulham will clear room in their first team squad by allowing Costa Rica midfielder Ruiz, 28, to join PSV until the end if the season when a permanent move will be discussed, according to the Evening Standard.

Ruiz became Fulham's club record signing when he was signed three years ago from FC Twente for £10.6million.

He has only featured once since Martin Jol was fired last month and is anxious to leave for regular first-team football to boost his World Cup chances in the summer when Costa Rica will be playing in the same group as England.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/13/fulham-focus-on-nani-as-bryan-ruiz-returns-to-holland-4261072/?

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Meulensteen backs Dempsey to shine

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen believes it is only a matter of time until Clint Dempsey rediscovers the form he showed during his first stint at the club.

Dempsey, 30, left Fulham at the beginning of last season to join Tottenham, but he returned to Craven Cottage earlier this month on loan from the Seattle Sounders.

The United States international failed to impress during Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Sunderland, but Meulensteen is sure he will soon be back to his best.

"Clint's a fit boy and that comes pretty quickly," Meulensteen said. "The more minutes and games he gets under his belt the quicker that will all come. It won't take long for him to be right back up there."

Meulensteen feels Dempsey, who scored 50 league goals in his first Fulham spell between 2007 and 2012, just needs to find the back of the net once again and the rest will soon follow.

"If he could have got his head on one of those crosses in the second half it would have been good for his confidence," Meulensteen said. "He's just got to keep working, but that's his character and that's exactly what we know he will do."

Next up for Fulham is Norwich in Tuesday's FA Cup third-round replay.

While Meulensteen is keen to progress in the competition, Premier League survival remains the club's primary concern.

"Well first, the FA Cup is a fantastic competition that I respect," he said. "If you look back on its history there are so many joyful moments. And secondly, nothing good comes out of losing. There's nothing positive in doing that [writing it off].

"However, it is a game where we have to utilise the squad, that's normal and it would be stupid not to do it. That approach can give a few players that extra bit of time to recover."

Information from the Press Association was used in this report



http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1679731?&cc=5739

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FA Cup team news: Fulham v Norwich

Brede Hangeland should finally be fit for his first action in three months following back surgery in December as Fulham host Norwich in the FA Cup.

The Norwegian may have to start from the bench though, as boss Rene Meulensteen eases his experienced defender back in.

First-choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg will not be ready in time for the third round replay, as he edges towards a return from ankle trouble.

Norwich have no fresh injury problems ahead of the trip to London.

Midfielder David Fox could come back into the side, while striker Luciano Becchio could also be handed a chance to impress along with 18-year-old winger Josh Murphy and his twin brother Jacob, who both played in the first tie.

Midfielders Alex Tettey (knee) and Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) have both returned to training, and could come into contention for the Barclays Premier League game against Hull.

Centre-back Michael Turner (hamstring) and midfielder Jonny Howson (back) are still sidelined, winger Elliott Bennett (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Fulham squad: Stockdale, Riether, Richardson, Hughes, Amorebieta, Karagounis, Parker, Kasami, Dejagah, Dempsey, Berbatov, Etheridge, Hangeland, Riise, Kaciniklic, Sidwell, Taarabt, Bent, Rodallega.

Norwich Squad: Bunn, Whittaker, Martin, Bennett, Garrido, Fox, Johnson, Snodgrass, Josh Murphy, Becchio, van Wolfswinkel, Ruddy, Olsson, Elmander, Redmond, Hooper, Jacob Murphy, Hall-Johnson, Gafaiti


http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-01-13/fa-cup-team-news-fulham-v-norwich/?

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Fulham boss backs former Tottenham man to find his form

Clint Dempsey will quickly recapture the form that made him a Fulham favourite in his first spell at the club, according to boss Rene Meulensteen.

Fulham's head coach expects United States forward Dempsey to play his way back to full sharpness, following his loan switch from the Seattle Sounders.

The 30-year-old is expected to face Norwich in the FA Cup third-round replay at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

Dempsey struggled to impose himself in Saturday's 4-1 home Barclays Premier League defeat to Sunderland, but Meulensteen remains confident the former Tottenham man will come good.

"Clint's a fit boy and that comes pretty quickly," said Meulensteen.

"The more minutes and games he gets under his belt the quicker that will all come. It won't take long for him to be right back up there."

Dempsey scored 50 league goals in his first Fulham spell, between 2007 and 2012.

Meulensteen admitted Fulham's wasteful finishing cost them any chance of victory in Saturday's Sunderland shaming.

But the former Manchester United coach said he expects Dempsey to find that scoring knack in next to no time.

"If he could have got his head on one of those crosses in the second half it would have been good for his confidence," said Meulensteen.

"He's just got to keep working, but that's his character and that's exactly what we know he will do."

Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Norwich crowds an already-packed fixture schedule, with Fulham facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in league action.

Premier League survival is the clear priority, but Meulensteen said there is no temptation to field a second-string squad against Chris Hughton's Norwich.

"Well first, the FA Cup is a fantastic competition that I respect," he said.

"If you look back on its history there are so many joyful moments.

"And secondly, nothing good comes out of losing. There's nothing positive in doing that (writing it off).

"However it is a game where we have to utilise the squad, that's normal and it would be stupid not to do it.

"That approach can give a few players that extra bit of time to recover."

Fulham playmaker Adel Taarabt has admitted he was squeezed out of the Sunderland defeat by the attentions of Black Cats midfielder Lee Cattermole.

Accepting responsibility for failing to convert one gilt-edged opportunity, the former QPR midfielder said Fulham must sharpen up against Norwich.

"If we'd have scored first it would have been a different game but we made it difficult for ourselves," he told Fulham's official website.

"I tried to make things happen but Lee Cattermole was behind me all the time and he tried to frustrate me.

"I stayed calm but the play was compact and there wasn't much space for me and Dimitar Berbatov, it was difficult.

"Credit to Sunderland but we're all very disappointed."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_backs_former_tottenham_man_to_find_his_form_1_3202584

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Fulham must sack Rene Meulensteen


Is Meulensteen out of his depth? (©GettyImages)

Sometimes great coaches do not make good managers. Les Reed for example was an awful manager at Charlton. He was a good coach however and since 2010 he has been a great Head of Football development at Southampton helping to guide through a number of players to the first team.

Another great coach who is not a very good manager is Rene Meulensteen. A coach at Manchester United, Meulensteen was well thought of by any number of players but his brief stints in management have been less than successful.

Meulensteen lasted six months at Brondby before coming to an ignominious end. The Dutchman is remembered more for his unusual training techniques than his results.

These techniques included jumping out at players in training and shouting boo whilst juggling and his equally bizarre imagine what type of animal you are pre-match chats.

I mention Meulensteen's previous managerial failures because however, brief a period of time they represent they provide important background to explain help Fulham's poor form.

During Meulensteen's managerial tenure at Fulham he has been in charge for eight games that is 24 possible points. Meulensteen has only been able to guide his side six points.
More than the six defeats themselves is the manner of the defeats.

Fulham have lost 4-1 at home to Sunderland. They account for six out of Hull's 22 goals or 27% of Hull's goals and have also been thrashed by Everton and Manchester City.

To put this in context previous manager Martin Jol averaged one point a game this season. Meulensteen averages less than a point a game.

Fulham's survival rests on getting their January recruitment right. It would be foolish to allow a novice like Meulensteen to do this. Fulham should sack him now and appoint either Alan Curbishley or Ray Wilkins who are both already coaching at Craven Cottage. It might be harsh but it is the smart choice.



http://www.givemesport.com/418654-fulham-must-sack-rene-meulensteen?autoplay=on

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No fresh injuries for Norwich ahead of Fulham clash

Norwich have no fresh injury problems ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup third-round replay, where manager Chris Hughton confirmed he would again utilise his squad against Fulham.

Midfielder David Fox could come back into the side, while striker Luciano Becchio could also be handed a chance to impress along with 18-year-old winger Josh Murphy and his twin brother Jacob, who both played in the first tie.

Midfielders Alex Tettey (knee) and Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) have both returned to training, and could come into contention for the Barclays Premier League game against Hull. Centre-back Michael Turner (hamstring) and midfielder Jonny Howson (back) are still sidelined, winger Elliott Bennett (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Provisional Squad: Bunn, Whittaker, Martin, Bennett, Garrido, Fox, Johnson, Snodgrass, Josh Murphy, Becchio, van Wolfswinkel, Ruddy, Olsson, Elmander, Redmond, Hooper, Jacob Murphy, Hall-Johnson, Gafaiti.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/no_fresh_injuries_for_norwich_ahead_of_fulham_clash_1_3202658

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Irate Rene hits out at Fulham's strike duo

DIMITAR Berbatov and Adel Taarabt must deliver far-greater final-third firepower to keep Fulham above the Premier League relegation zone, according to head coach Rene Meulensteen.

Fulham's Dutch boss was furious with his chief attacking protagonists for wasting three gilt-edged chances in Saturday's 4-1 Craven Cottage thrashing at the hands of Sunderland.

Berbatov had scored in his previous three league outings for Fulham, either side of a groin strain, but the big Bulgaria striker was off the pace against the Black Cats.

Frustrated Meulensteen admitted Fulham can ill afford the profligacy that saw Berbatov spurn two clear chances in the first 10 minutes, and Taarabt another in the first half.

"We have kept reminding ourselves 'don't think you've turned the corner' just because of a couple of positive results," he said.

Sunderland weathered Fulham's early storm before claiming a 2-0 advantage at the break, thanks to goals from Adam Johnson and Ki Sung-yueng.

Steve Sidwell struck back for Fulham after the break, before Johnson fired in twice more to complete an impressive hat-trick.


http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/irate-rene-hits-out-at-fulhams-strike-duo-29911903.html

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Nani Could Be Reunited With Former Coach In Old Trafford Escape - Report

Fulham are preparing to make a move for Luis Nani, reports claim, with the club hoping to hijack the Manchester United winger's reported loan move to Sporting Lisbon.

Nani fell out of favour with Sir Alex Ferguson during the 2012-13 season and his luck doesn't appear to have changed under David Moyes despite signing a new deal at Old Trafford in the summer.

After making just 10 appearances for the club this season – eight of those coming in the league – it seems that this month the 27 year old could be on his way out of the club.

Once compared to Cristiano Ronaldo Nani failed to build on his first successful seasons at United after moving to the club from Sporting in 2007.

But while he was believed to be set for a loan move this month Metro are claiming that Fulham have joined the race for his signature and hope that a chance to be reunited with former coach Rene Meulensteen will encourage him to make the move to Craven Cottage.

Going from a club challenging for silverware to a side who are currently in a scrap for Premier League safety may be a step down for the Portugal international but staying in the Premier League could be a priority given that the World Cup is only six months away.

Meulensteen left United as David Moyes came into the fold during the summer and went on to look for a club he could manage in his own right. The Dutchman was momentarily in charge of Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala before making the move to Fulham as head coach and he eventually took over as manager when Martin Jol was sacked.

The ultimate decision over Nani's future could very well come down to whether he prefers a move back to his home country on a temporary basis or a stay in England but with the Cottagers looking likely to sell Bryan Ruiz in the coming days they will be desperate to convince him that the latter is a better option.



http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nani-could-be-reunited-former-coach-old-trafford-escape-report-1432137?

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Fulham v Norwich



FA CUP THIRD-ROUND REPLAY
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Tuesday, 14 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score

Fulham could have defender Brede Hangeland back in their squad for the FA Cup replay with Norwich after three months out following back surgery.

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is still out with ankle trouble so David Stockdale will continue.

Norwich are likely to rest players, with midfielder David Fox and striker Luciano Becchio likely to play.

Teenage twins Josh and Jacob Murphy are also set to be in the squad after playing in the 1-1 draw last week.

New Norwich signing Jonas Gutierrez is not available after he arrived on loan from Newcastle.

Fulham, who are 16th in the Premier League, were thrashed 4-1 at home by Sunderland at the weekend.

But coach Rene Meulensteen said "nothing positive" would come of fielding a second-string team against Chris Hughton's side.
"The FA Cup is a fantastic competition that I respect," he said.

"If you look back on its history there are so many joyful moments. And nothing good comes out of losing.

"However it is a game where we have to utilise the squad, that's normal and it would be stupid not to do it."
The victors will travel to Sheffield United in the fourth round.

MATCH STATS

•   These sides drew 1-1 at Carrow Road on Saturday, 4 January.
•   Fulham are unbeaten in the last 14 meetings in all competitions, winning 10.
•   Their only other FA Cup meeting and their first ever meeting in all competitions was in February 1908. Fulham won the game 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
•   Fulham were beaten finalists in 1975 when they lost 2-0 to West Ham at Wembley.
•   Norwich have never been further than the semi-finals of the FA Cup. They have reached the last four on three separate occasions, most recently in 1992.
•   Norwich manager Chris Hughton won the FA Cup with Spurs in 1981 and 1982.
•   Norwich were knocked out by non-league Luton in the fourth round last season.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25633476?

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Under-18s in Göttingen

Fulham's Under-18s were unable to transfer their trophy success to the indoor pitches, as they finished fourth at the Sparkasse and VGH Cup in Göttingen, Germany.

Steve Wigley's side impressed playing the five-a-side format en route to the Semi-Final. However, after a disappointing display in their last-four tie, it was Austria Vienna that made it through following a 2-0 win. The Austrians were crowned winners, defeating Hannover 96 4-3 in the Final.

Fulham lost their Third-Place Play-Off match as FC Schalke 04 claimed a 5-3 win – with Emerson Hyndman (2) and Jordan Evans scoring the Whites' goals.

The four-day competition started with the Whites beating local sides Hardegsen (9-0) and Gross Ellershausen (4-1), with victories against Heiligenstadt (3-0) and Radolfshausen (6-0) following.

The group stage matches drew to a close with a 4-3 defeat against Schalke, with Patrick Roberts and Evans (2) on target. The Whites then slipped to a 5-2 defeat against eventual finalists Hannover, with Solomon Sambou and Dean O'Halloran scoring our goals.

Progressing to the second phase of group games, Wigley's side saw off Mainz 05 2-0, thanks to strikes from Evans and Cameron Burgess. A 5-3 defeat against Austria Vienna followed, with George Williams, Evans and Liam Donnelly scoring.

Borussia Monchengladbach were our Quarter-Final opponents, with Mekhi Leacock-McLeod, Hyndman and Evans finding the net in the 3-3 draw. The Whites progressed courtesy of 9-8 penalty shoot-out win.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/13/gottingen?

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Ruiz passes PSV medical

Bryan Ruiz has passed a medical at PSV Eindhoven ahead of a loan move from Fulham, his agent has confirmed.

The Costa Rica forward is now just waiting for Fulham and Dutch side PSV to finalise their agreement before a deal can be completed.

"He did have a medical at the club on Monday and I can say that everything went well," Ruiz's agent Rene Vijt said.

"Now it is up to the two clubs before anything else can happen."

Ex-Fulham boss Martin Jol made Ruiz his biggest signing in 2011, recruiting the 28-year-old for a reported £10.6million fee.

The 61-cap international has struggled to impose himself at Craven Cottage though, and is now set for a swift exit.

New Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen admitted last week that he would allow Ruiz to leave this month.

"I wouldn't call his signing a mistake because at that time it was probably for Fulham the right choice and the right investment," Meulensteen said.

"Don't get me wrong, he is a very good player. I've come in, I've looked at the squad, worked with these players, I've picked my teams on what I think are the right reasons and motivations, but I can also understand Bryan's point of view."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/9114858/-?

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Norwich FA Cup Tickets

Tickets for our FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round Replay against Norwich City on Tuesday (7.45pm) are available to buy online up until 5pm on the day of the game.

Supporters can buy up to six tickets each which are the same price in all areas of the ground! Buy yours today for just £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s and £1 for under-17s!

Tickets can be purchased online at fulhamfc.com/tickets or by calling 0843 208 1234.

Buy your tickets today and be at the Cottage to cheer on the team as we look to make it to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup!

Tickets will also be made available on the turnstiles before the match. Supporters are advised that turnstile sales are cash only. Fans can buy tickets using credit or debit cards direct from the Ticket Office but should arrive early to beat the queues.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/13/norwich-fa-cup-tickets?

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Taarabt eager for Fulham clash with Arsenal

Fulham playmaker Adel Taarabt is confident they can bounce back from their 4-1 Premier League defeat to Sunderland against Arsenal.

Rene Meulensteen's side were dealt a major blow when they were convincingly beaten 4-1 by fellow strugglers Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fulham are in FA Cup action against Norwich City on Tuesday before they travel to title-chasing Arsenal at the weekend.

But Taarabt expects his side to raise their game for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, and is not ruling out springing a shock.

"When we play big teams we have to go there and try and get points," he told the club's official website.

"If we get one point then great, but why not try and get three? We have nothing to lose.

"Arsenal will be the favourites but in this league anything can happen and that's how we have to approach the game."

Fulham have been in mixed form of late, winning two of their last five but conceding 13 goals in that time.

Taarabt feels Fulham have been playing well, but let themselves down against Gus Poyet's side on Saturday.

"We haven't been playing too badly of late but if we'd have won against Sunderland, we could have been as high as 12th or 13th in the table," he continued.

"We said before the Norwich City league match on Boxing Day that if we could take nine points from the next four games we'd be very happy.

"We just took six which isn't bad but Sunderland was a big day for us and we didn't perform."



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/taarabt-eager-arsenal-clash#qYTfXqmGXDMdmZpg.99

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Fulham and Norwich set for FA Cup replay
Fulham and Norwich are set to battle it out at Craven Cottage for a place in the 4th Round of this season's FA Cup



Fulham v Norwich - Live on BT Sport 1, Tuesday, January 14, KO 7.45pm

Fulham and Norwich will attempt to put their Premier League woes to one side on Tuesday night when they go head-to-head in their FA Cup third round replay at Craven Cottage (BT Sport 1, 7.00pm).

These two sides battled to a 1-1- draw in the original fixture at Carrow Road earlier this month and now must do so again with a place in the fourth round and date with Sheffield United at Brammall Lane on January 26 awaiting the winner.

A Robert Snodgrass header ensured Norwich escaped with a share of the spoils last time out following an earlier score from Fulham striker Darren Bent – just his fourth goal in 19 appearances for the club since signing on loan from Aston Villa in the summer.

Fulham may well take heart from the 2-1 win they claimed against Norwich in their Premier League clash on Boxing Day when goals from Pajtim Kasami and Scott Parker saw the Londoners home.

Norwich suffered their 11th league defeat of the campaign on Saturday - a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Everton – that leaves them 15th in the table. But that is one place above their opponents Fulham who saw their own survival hopes dented by a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of relegation rivals Sunderland.

With the top-flight status of both clubs in jeopardy, the managers were unsurprisingly underwhelmed by the prospect of a re-match following their earlier draw. "We didn't want a replay and I don't think Chris (Norwich boss Chris Hughton) wanted it either but that's how it turned out," commented Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen

His Norwich counterpart felt his side were unlucky a fortnight ago but took comfort from the fact their Cup hopes are still alive. "We gave everything to try to win the game. On the balance of play, I thought we deserved it," said Hughton. "It's a replay we would rather not have, but having said that we would rather still be in the competition than out."

Meulensteen is hoping to draw on home comforts but has also hinted that he may continue to concentrate on his side's league predicament when it comes to selection. "We've got the home advantage now so hopefully we can turn a draw into a win. The FA Cup is a great competition to be in and it is a competition where you want to utilise the squad."



http://sport.bt.com/sportfootball/football/englishfootball/facup/fulham-and-norwich-set-for-fa-cup-replay-S11363865753677?