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

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Finding Value: Did the Eredivisie give us false expectations of Bryan Ruiz?
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on JANUARY 13, 2014

There are clichés abound as to January being the hardest time for a football club to get value for money in the transfer market. Fulham are in particular need of a trip to the transfer supermarket this January and we are all well aware of the constraints on budget a team in our position face when entering such a market.

The question with transfer targets then becomes which players can Fulham sign within budget at a price that can be considered worth the value that has to be paid.

With the enigmatic talent that is the Bryan Ruiz experience set to complete his loan move away from Fulham to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, I asked myself this question; why is it that players, attackers in particular, from the Eredivisie seem so hit and miss in England's top flight?



There are many factors as to why a player succeeds, not least their physical attributes, but is it possible that the league a player comes to the Premier League from can play a role in their success once they get there?

Perhaps strikers who score goals in a league where it is statistically easier to score goals should come with a warning label. The Eredivisie averages nearly a goal a game more than France's top division for example. So should the price paid for 20 goals in Holland equal the price paid for 20 goals in France?

Should it be then that clubs like Fulham look to sign players who excel in the opposite trait to the league they play in. Surely a striker who scores goals in a league where goals are hard to come by must have more about him than a striker scoring goals for fun in a league where defending is at a premium.

Simultaneously, would a defender who excels above and beyond his peers in a division such as the Eredivisie be worth more than a defender in a league where attacking is at a premium?

Take 7 major European leagues; Barclays Premier League (England), Eredivisie (Netherlands), Serie A (Italy), La Liga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), Ligue 1 (France), The Championship (England)

Here are there stats for goals scored in the 2013/14 season up to last weekend:

   Goals Scored   Number of Matches   Average Goals Per Game
Premier League   
533

200

2.67

Eredivisie   
557

162

3.44

Serie A   
495

180

2.75

La Liga   
524

180

2.91

Bundesliga   
486

153

3.18

Ligue 1   
461

190

2.43

Championship   
724

28

2.51



On the basis of these statistics, Ligue 1, France's top division, and The Championship, the second tier of English football, are the hardest to score in. Holland's Eredivisie and the German Bundesliga are the easiest. What the stats cannot explain, at least at this level, is whether the results are as a result of good defending or profligate striking or vice versa.

If, however, for the sake of argument, we assume the hypothesis is correct, and strikers who excel in a league in which it is traditionally hard to score are more likely to have success in England, should Fulham be looking to France for a new goalscorer?

If we exclude all players from mega-rich sides Paris St Germain and AS Monaco from discussion as there is as much chance of a player leaving those for Fulham as there is Darren Bent being World Cup Golden Boot, here is a comparison of two players Fulham could consider if trawling the French transfermarche:

Age   Height   Weight   Goals   Shots per goal   Dispossessed per game
Player A   28   1.86m   84kg   9   5   0.7
Player B   22   1.75m   73kg   9   5   1.7



Player A is Andre-Pierre Gignac. The Marseille forward will be well known to Fulham fans after a move to South West London fell through for the Frenchman at the eleventh hour in 2011. Having scored 9 times in the league this season Gignac has shown a propensity to score for an underperforming team. His statistic that shines out is his strength in possession, as shown by an impressively low 0.7 dispossessions per game. This ability to hold up the ball would suit Fulham's 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations, which at present lack any semblance of a target man to lead the line.

Player B is Alexandre Lacazette. At 22 the Olympique Lyonnais forward is 6 years younger than Gignac. Statistically, these two forwards have identical success rates of one goal every five shots. In comparison, incumbent Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov averages a goal every 8.25 shots this season. Lacazette's age would likely render him more expensive than Gignac as would Lyon's infamous stance on selling young stars.

However, which of the two would be more suited to the Premier League, and Fulham in particular?

Gignac, at 6 foot plus and 10 kilos heavier may be more attuned to the immediate physical demands of being a lone target man in English football. Being dispossessed 1 time less per game also indicates Gignac has an ability to hold up the ball, a characteristic long missed by Fulham following the departures of Bobby Zamora and Pavel Pogrebnyak some time ago.

Age   Height   Weight   Goals   Shots per goal   Dispossessed per game
Player C   21   1.84m   82kg   11   4.5   3.3


Now consider the case of Player C, Vincent Aboubakar of Lorient. At 1.84m and 82kg, Aboubakar is a similar physical specimen to Gignac, and at only 21 he also has the opportunity to improve his physical stature. His goal stats are impressive in what has been a breakout season following his move from Valenciennes in the summer. However, the Cameroon international also shows signs of rawness, his dispossessed statistics indicate a man who's yet to fully learn his craft.



So which then of the three players would you want Fulham to look at? Name recognition would suggest it be Gignac. The statistics back that up, but would a 21 year old with near identical, if not better, numbers from a lesser fancied club not be the better value signing?

Simultaneously if we look at The Championship where it also proves difficult to score relative to the Premier League.  Compare the following two strikers:

Age   Height   Weight   Goals   Shots per goal   Dispossessed per game
Jordan Rhodes   23   1.85m   71kg   16   4.3   0.8
Danny Ings   21   1.78m   73kg   16   4.9   2.6


The two hottest striking prospects in the Championship, Rhodes and Ings will both surely end up in the Premier League one day, should that be with Fulham?

On the basis of the above statistics, Rhodes might just be the answer. The Blackburn striker has age on his side and has the physical attributes required to succeed in the physically demanding Premier League. His ability to hold up the ball is impressive, but what is remarkable is his conversion rate. At 4.3 shots per goal it is nearly twice as good as that of the aforementioned Berbatov.



Unfortunately when it comes to finding value, The Championship is not a good marketplace. English, or Scottish as would be the case with Rhodes, young talent is vastly overvalued when compared to its continental rivals. It is the so-called British tax.

There is also the difference in quality of leagues that needs to be taken into account. Both Ligue 1 and The Championship are of a lesser quality than the Premier League. However, Fulham's relative stature and size of transfer war chest (or transfer piggy bank if you will) means targeting players from the other major European leagues in Germany, Spain or Italy becomes more difficult.

With there needing to be a focus on recruiting players in form and in their prime, there has to be a new found focus on value for Fulham's transfer activity. There should be no more scatter-gunning of aging former names with no sell on value from the substitutes bench of other clubs from the major leagues. Scouting must get clever.



There is of course another reality, that there are still strikers in Holland worth paying for, where the increased price still results in value for the purchaser. Alfred Finnbogason's 17 goals in 15 league games at a goal every 4.05 shots will make him a much sought after commodity. Are his chances easier though? What would Gignac, Rhodes or Berbatov do if they were playing for Heerenveen?

We'll probably never know, but it is time Fulham did something to shake up the system. From start to back the team isn't working. Defence is the major problem.

For all I've written about strikers above, it is a new defence that will keep us in the Premier League. Having the worst goals against record is something to be ashamed of and is a far cry from the halcyon days of Hughes and Hangeland under Roy Hodgson.

Watching some of Jermaine Defoe's introductory press conference at Toronto FC, CEO Tim Leiweke quoted Bobby Kennedy when he said, "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?"

Well, why not Fulham fans. We can survive if our club dreams to make it so. The next three weeks will be crucial. After several seasons of doing the minimum, it is time for Fulham to dare to dream. By standing and waiting for the miracle solution to present itself, we might just let it pass us by.

COYW


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/01/finding-value-did-the-eredivisie-give-us-false-expectations-of-bryan-ruiz/?

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John Arne Riise urges Fulham to be more clinical in front of goal

John Arne Riise admits Fulham must be more ruthless in their FA cup third-round replay against Norwich.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen will be seeking a response in the cup tie after his side were dragged back into the relegation zone by Saturday's 4-1 defeat by fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Riise insists the Cottagers could have avoided this costly result if they had taken their chances and urged his team-mates to be more clinical against Norwich at Craven Cottage tonight.

"We had 60 per cent possession (against Sunderland), we dominated possession but we didn't take our chances," Riise told Fulham's official website.

"We should be more experienced to keep control of the game, especially when we got back to 2-1.

"We've been conceding too many goals, especially from set-pieces.

"We have to do better in games like this, and now we've definitely got to get the win against Norwich."

The return of Clint Dempsey has added some firepower to the Fulham squad and Meulensteen expects him to quickly regain his best form after two appearances.

"It won't take long for him to be right back up there," said the head coach.

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


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9115252/john-arne-riise-urges-fulham-to-be-more-clinical-in-front-of-goal?

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Transfer News: Luke Moore set for free move from Turkey


Luke Moore: Could be heading back to Premier League

A host of clubs are showing an interest in former Swansea and Aston Villa striker Luke Moore after it emerged he is available for nothing.

Moore signed a three-year deal with Turkish club Elazigspor last summer, but they are now set to let him leave as they are struggling to meet their financial obligations.

His agent, Peter Morrison of James Grant Group, confirmed to Sky Sports that Moore could be set for a move.

"The club have informed us that they are going to struggle to meet their financial obligations which is disappointing but also enables him to leave without any compensation," Morrison revealed.

Sky Sports understands the likes of West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have all registered their interest.

Scottish champions Celtic are also monitoring the situation along with MLS sides Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire, and clubs from the Middle East.

Morrison admits that the interest in Moore is understandable, and added: "Given he has played over 200 league games in the top flight and is still only 27, I'm not surprised."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9115315/?

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Fulham face competition for the signing of Everton man – report

Fulham face competition from Turkish club Kasimpasa for the signing of Everton defender John Heitinga, according to the Daily Mail.

The Dutch defender has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage and Norwich are also reported to be interested.

Meanwhile, Bryan Ruiz is expected to finalise his move from Fulham to PSV Eindhoven after completing a medical at the Dutch club.

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

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

Metro claim Fulham are looking to replace Ruiz with Manchester United's Nani, who the Daily Star say is wanted by his former club Sporting Lisbon.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/whites-and-norwich-face-competition-for-the-signing-of-everton-man-report-wls-football

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Up For The Cup

The magic of the FA Cup stretches far and wide - just ask Elsad Zverotić.

The 27-year-old was given his first taste of the competition in our Third Round trip to Carrow Road. And with that match taken to a Replay, the right-back wants to get back out there again on Tuesday night to help the Whites claim their place in the next round.

"At home, in front of our fans at Craven Cottage, we have a very good chance," he said. "It's up to us now to make sure that we progress. I'd heard a lot about the FA Cup because it's a very famous competition. Growing up I was very familiar with English football, and the cup is a big part of that. There have been some special games over the years, and hopefully we can experience something similar. 

"Cup football is unpredictable, anything can happen. Who knows where Tuesday's game will take us? It would be fantastic to go all the way. I know that the team got to the Final in 1975 -so it would be nice to replicate that. But there's a long way to go."

Three of his seven appearances for Fulham to date have come in either the League Cup or the FA Cup, so Zverotić will be looking towards the game against Norwich City as another step in establishing himself in English football.

"Of course, the Barclays Premier League is a big step up from what I was used to, and I mean no disrespect to Swiss football when I say that," he admitted. "There's always a period of adjustment, and I'm working very hard on being the best player that I can be. I want to develop further as a player, and I'm confident that I can do that at Fulham."

To read the full interview with Zverotić, pick up an official matchday programme on Tuesday.

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

René Meulensteen pens his regular programme notes
Lasse Vigen Christensen takes the Fulham 50 challenge
Kit Symons recalls a League Cup win for Fulham at Norwich during his playing days
Former Norwich striker Iwan Roberts assesses Tuesday's game
Les Strong remembers the time Eusebio came to the Cottage
And Viv Busby 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 12om on Tuesday 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.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/14/programme-plug?

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Boss Rene encouraged by Trotta's form

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has been encouraged by the progress of Marcello Trotta on loan at Brentford and has suggested the youngster could have a future at Craven Cottage.

The Italy Under-21 striker has been in prolific form for the Bees, scoring four goals in his last five games and eight this season.

Meulensteen allowed Trotta to rejoin Brentford until the end of the campaign last week and says he rates the 21-year-old as one of Fulham's best prospects.

"Trotta is another youngster we've been pleased with," he said.

"Loans are always a little bit of a gamble but for him it's worked. He's doing well, playing his football and scoring goals.

"He's similar to Dan Burn [on loan at Birmingham] – another player whose progress we have to make sure keeps going."

Meulensteen added: "All our guys out on loan are potentially very good players and we always look at the best pathway forward for them.

"We discuss as and when what we're going to do with their futures at Fulham."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/boss-rene-encouraged-by-trottas-form?

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Fulham v Norwich – FA Cup Third Round replay preview



Fulham meet Norwich for the third time this season, with a place in the FA Cup Fourth Round up for grabs at Craven Cottage. League One strugglers Sheffield United will host the winners of Tuesday night's Third Round replay after a win over Aston Villa in Round Three at Villa Park.

Tuesday's hosts Fulham last failed to make it beyond the Third Round of the FA Cup back in 2008, and will be confident of progressing against a Canaries side without a win in seven matches. In fact, Fulham are unbeaten in their last 14 games against Norwich – winning ten of them. The last time Norwich played at the Cottage, they were thrashed 5-0 on the opening day of last season.

Fulham have won their last four games against Norwich at Craven Cottage with a combined scoreline of 15-1. Norwich (35 goals conceded in the Premier League) and Fulham (46) are the two leakiest defences in the Premier League this season.

Norwich have made the FA Cup semi-finals on three occasions – most recently in 1992. Fulham were losing finalists to West Ham United in 1975. Aside from their meeting in the Cup at the beginning of the month, the two sides have only each once in the competition. That meeting came in 1908 at Craven Cottage with the Whites running out 2-1 winners.

Team news

Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's spell on the sidelines looks set to continue into a sixth game. Full-back Matthew Briggs and club captain Brede Hangeland are Fulham's other casualties. Whites boss Rene Meulensteen is expected to experiment with youth as he did at Carrow Road, with Dan Burn, Chris David, Ange-Freddy Plumain and Lasse Vigne Christensen all expected to feature.

Norwich are facing a race against time to sign Newcastle's Jonas Guitierrez in time to feature on Tuesday. The Argentina international will be eligible to play for the Canaries having sat out of the Magpies' Third Round defeat to Cardiff. Norwich boss Chris Hughton could be without Jonny Howson, Alex Tettey and Anthony Pilkington, while Elliott Bennett and Michael Turner are sure to miss out.



http://blog.marathonbet.com/?p=9528

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Norwich to savour FA Cup joy in goal-filled replay at Fulham
Meulensteen misery to grow after seeing his side lose five of seven at home.

The stop-start Rene Meulensteen Fulham revolution hit the wall in their last outing and Norwich are ready to capitalise on the shell-shocked side in this FA Cup replay for your viewing pleasure.

The Cottagers are priced at very opposable evens to prevail in this third round replay, with Chris Hughton's side 12/5-rated underdogs.

The draw is a princely alternative at 23/10, but the best punt lies in the overs market, with a massive 17/4 available for those willing to combine an away win with more than 2.5 total goals notched.

Fulham have been bested in five of their previous seven at Craven Cottage.

After taking a comprehensive spanking from Adam Johnson and Sunderland last time out, the last thing Fulham's relatively new Dutch coach needs is to suffer another loss to a fellow relegation dogfighter.

The Canaries must fancy their chances of progressing here, as their opponents have been vanquished in five of their last seven games on their own patch.

In each of those five defeats, Fulham have conceded at least two goals, shipping four in their last two and seeing the scoreboard shatter the 2.5-goal barrier long before the final whistle was blown.

Sturdy Norwich can capitalise on the Cottagers' leaky back line.

Norwich are far from proficient travellers, losing six of their last nine sojourns, but they have avoided defeat in three of their most recent four on the road to raise spirits ahead of this FA Cup date.

This run includes a 2-0 victory at West Brom, their best away result of the season so far and they're primed to take advantage of a defence that's shipped 16 in seven at home, with Gary Hooper – 6/1 to open the scoring – looking to add to a recent haul of three goals in seven starts.

The three Craven Cottage clashes between the pair this century have yielded more than 2.5 goals.

Every visit the Norfolk club have made to this corner of west London has seen the criteria for an over 2.5 goals winning bet met.

None of these matches have resulted in away day joy – they've lost 2-1, 5-0 and 6-0 here – but recent form says the trend will be bucked at the fourth attempt.

Norwich win & over 2.5 goals scored @ 17/4


- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/cups/fa-cup/norwich-savour-fa-cup-joy-goal-filled-replay-fulham,50796.html?#sthash.QIWevyLE.dpuf

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Brede Hangeland's back to plug the holes at leaky Fulham


Rising star: Fulham have missed the towering presence of Brede Hangeland

Fulham are confident that Brede Hangeland will not suffer any recurrence of the back problem which has kept the defender sidelined for three months.

Hangeland has not played since October because of nerve damage that affected his right leg but he is likely to make his long-awaited return against Norwich tonight.

The Fulham captain, 32, underwent surgery to clear the injury last month and manager Rene Meulensteen has no concerns over his player's long-term fitness.

Meulensteen (below) must now decide whether to start Hangeland, who is back in full training, at Craven Cottage tonight.

"The surgery we did was the right thing to do and he is fine now," said Meulensteen. "He is knocking on the door again and he is raring to go."

Hangeland cannot return from injury soon enough for Fulham, who have conceded 46 goals in 21 games this season — 11 more than any other Premier League team.

They have shipped 36 goals in 13 League games without Hangeland but have let in only 10 in eight with him in the team.

Poor defending has been a recurring theme for Fulham this season and Meulensteen said: "Only time will show just how much we have missed him.

"He was very frustrated with the injury and he wants to help get things back on track.

"He is an experienced central defender, calm on the ball and capable of playing out from the back. He is also an attacking threat in the opposition box from corners and set-pieces. It is a big boost to have him back."



Fulham, who were beaten 4-1 by Sunderland on Saturday and are just one point above the relegation zone, host Norwich tonight in an FA Cup third-round replay following their 1-1 draw at Carrow Road earlier this month.

Meulensteen may decide to rest key players ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Arsenal so Dan Burn, 21, and Chris David, 20, may be given a chance to impress.

The Fulham manager, who is committed to ensuring the progression of his best youngsters into the senior squad, said: "The demands in the Premier League are high and everybody is fighting for something.

"It is logic that managers are playing their best team week in, week out.

"The cups give managers an opportunity to give young players a chance. Otherwise where do we see opportunities for these players to test them and bring them through?

"We definitely want to progress in the FA Cup and that is why you have a squad, to deal with the cup competitions."

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who is close to returning after three weeks out with an ankle injury, will be given a late fitness test but he is more likely to make his comeback against Arsenal.

Meulensteen hopes to strengthen his squad this month and remains confident of keeping Dimitar Berbatov.

The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker has only scored four Premier League goals this season but Meulensteen knows he is crucial to Fulham's survival chances.

Live on BT Sport 1, 7.45pm


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brede-hangelands-back-to-plug-the-holes-at-leaky-fulham-9058367.html

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Fulham vs Norwich: FA Cup preview


Fulham face Norwich for a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup (©GettyImages)

Norwich City travel to Fulham tonight in the FA Cup to battle it out in their fourth round replay.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the original tie at Carrow Road with Robert Snodgrass scoring for the home side and Darren Bent getting his first goal since October for Fulham.

The winner of the replay tonight will face a trip to Sheffield United who knocked out Premier League side Aston Villa in the last round.

Fulham come into the game on the back of a 4-1 thumping by fellow strugglers Sunderland and will be looking to bounce back and get a cup run going. Norwich are without a win in seven games in all competitions, last winning on December 7 against West Bromwich Albion.

Tonight's match will be the third time the sides have met since Boxing Day where Fulham picked up a 2-1 win at Carrow Road.

The west London side may see the return of defender Brede Hangeland who has been out for three months after back surgery.

Rene Meulensteen praises the FA Cup and says it is a chance to utilise his squad according to BBC Sport.

Meulensteen said: "The FA Cup is a fantastic competition that I respect.

"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 Canaries are likely to rotate with Luciano Becchio in contention for a starting place, however new loan signing Jonás Gutiérrez is not available.



http://www.givemesport.com/419138-fulham-vs-norwich-fa-cup-preview?autoplay=on

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Ruiz - Back to Dutch Football!
   
Deemed as surplus to requirements by the new managerial set-up of Meulensteen, Curbishley and Wilkins, our £10.6 million signing, Bryan Ruiz, appears to have found a new home.

Rumours are flooding the news network that the twenty-eight year-old Costa Rican has passed a medical and will be joining the Dutch side, PSV Eindhoven, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Now, apart from the odd glittering burst of skill, we`d have to say that the move to Craven Cottage has never really worked out for Ruiz so it`ll be interesting to see how the Costa Rican gets on back in the league where Martin Jol saw fit to pluck him from for such a large fee.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345442#ixzz2qNcLuyIy

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Fulham v Norwich: Back boosted Berbatov to fire Cottagers through
The Bulgarian is in good form, scoring three in his last four games for the west Londoners



The FA Cup can be something of a distraction for teams struggling in the league but Fulham will relish the visit of fellow strugglers Norwich as they look to use the cup to boost their Premier League form.

The Cottagers are just one point above the relegation zone and gave their fans even more cause for concern when losing 4-1 to basement boys Sunderland last time out, but Norwich are without a win in seven games and have rarely posed a threat to the west Londoners over the years.

Fulham are unbeaten in 14 meetings with Norwich, with the Canaries' last win coming in March 1986.

With that in mind, Ladbrokes has boosted the odds on a 2-0 win for the Whites from 10/1 to a more enticing 12/1.

And when you consider that Fulham have kept a clean sheet in three of the last four ties with the Carrow Road outfit a 2-0 win makes plenty of appeal.

Should Fulham find a way to progress to the next round then in-form-again striker Dimitar Berbatov will be vital to their chances.

The Bulgarian hitman has a return of just five goals from his 17 appearances in all competitions this year and is yet to open his FA Cup account for Fulham.

However, he has a proven pedigree in the competition, scoring 6 goals in 14 games for Tottenham and Manchester United, and has recently found form again, netting three times in his last four outings.

And with Norwich conceding more goals (nine) between the 16th and 30th minutes  than any other period of games this season, it looks a safe bet that the hosts will take an early lead.

As such the 6/1 on Berbatov to open the scoring, up from original odds of 5/1, is a price too good to be ignored.

And those those brave enough to back both the 2-0 win and Berba to net first in a Scorecast, will be rewarded with huge odds of 45/1.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.


http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/fa-cup/fulham-v-norwich-back-boosted-berbatov-to-fire-cottagers-through_183684.html

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Premier League: Fulham boss says Brede Hangeland's return is a massive boost for club

Rene Meulensteen admits the return of Brede Hangeland is a "massive boost" for Fulham's Premier League survival bid.

Towering centre-back Hangeland has not featured since October due to a sciatic nerve problem, but could make his comeback in Tuesday night's FA Cup replay against Norwich.

Fulham are just one point ahead of 18th-placed Cardiff after 21 games - but have the worst goal difference in the league at minus 24.

The Cottagers have shipped in 46 league goals so far, conceding four goals in defeats to Sunderland, Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton - and letting Hull City hit them for six at the KC Stadium on December 28.

Meulensteen is hoping Hangeland brings some composure to the Fulham backline - and admits he is an attacking threat too.

The Cottagers boss, who is likely to name Hangeland on the bench against Norwich, told the Fulham Chronicle: "It's a massive boost to have him back because he has been here for so long and knows the club inside out.

"He knows how important it is to get things back on track and has been very frustrated with the injury. He's knocking on the door and is raring to go.

"He's an experienced central defender who is calm on the ball and capable of playing out of the back and feeding the ball to the midfield.

"He's an attacking threat in the opposition box with set-plays and corners as well."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9115772/?

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Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal must win 'nice game' against Fulham
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain targets three points against Fulham after helping Arsenal beat Aston Villa

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is confident that Arsenal will win their next "nice game" against Fulham to keep their Premier League title bid on course.

The Gunners maintained their position at the top of the English top flight thanks to a battling 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Monday night.

The England international made his first appearance since the opening day of the season at Villa Park after being sidelined in August with a knee injury.

And the 20-year-old is already looking forward to the visit of the Cottagers on Saturday.

"It's a nice game for us at home," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal's website. "Fulham are another team that have a lot of skilful players but we've been doing well at home so it's always a nice game at the Emirates.

"But we need to have the right preparation, the right commitment and hopefully we can get the win.

"I'm just happy to be back and now I've just got to work on my fitness in training and make the most of it when I get my chance in the team.

"That's the thing I'm concentrating on at the moment, helping Arsenal do as well as they can."


http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2014/01/alex-oxlade-chamberlain-arsenal-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
FA Cup Third Round Replay: Fulham v Norwich City match preview

Both sides head into this clash on concerning runs of form in the Premier League and may be thankful for this fixture for briefly taking their minds off the relegation battle.

Although the players may feel this way, Rene Meulensteen and Chris Hughton are likely to view the tie as a hindrance and will shuffle their packs accordingly. There were 17 changes in all from the sides selected in the Premier League game prior to the third round tie between the two teams.

This scale of rotation is likely to repeat itself, which will give Norwich's exuberant winger, Jacob Murphy, an opportunity to shine again. He lit up the initial tie, dazzling defenders with his dribbling and testing David Stockdale with dangerous shots from long-range.

Another player to make an impact in the cup clash at Carrow Road was Fulham's Darren Bent. The English striker's goal gave his side the lead and he will be eager to repeat performances like this to climb the pecking-order at Craven Cottage. Under Martin Jol he was often paired up-front with Dimitar Berbatov but this made the Cottagers particularly weak in midfield. Now competing for the lone-striker role under Meulensteen, Bent will be looking to lay down another marker.

Regardless of team selection, Norwich will have to overturn a horrendous history against Fulham if they are to advance. The Canaries have not beaten them since 1986.

Whichever side is victorious will go on to face Sheffield United in the fourth round at Bramall Lane.



KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm



PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Norwich 1 (Snodgrass) Fulham 1 (Bent), FA Cup, January 2014

Norwich 1 (Hooper) Fulham 2 (Kasami, Parker), Premier League, December 2013

Norwich 0 Fulham 0, Premier League, February 2013



STATS:

Norwich have not beaten Fulham in 14 attempts, their last victory dating back to 1986.

The Canaries are on a seven match winless streak in all competitions

Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 2.19 goals on average per-game



ODDS:

Fulham to win: 2.15

Norwich to win: 3.10

Draw: 3.30



TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 7.45pm, Highlights on ITV1 at 10.55pm (Wednesday)



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-third-round-replay-fulham-v-norwich-city-match-preview-9059296.html

[jmh]

Cup Replay - Mixed Messages!
   
...

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

Well, gosh, why didn't Rene (and Jol, and Hughes, and Roy, and Sanchez, and Coleman, and everyone else) think of that?  Just order them to get a result!  COACHING IS EASY.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham transfer news: Nani, Larnell Cole to be reunited with Meulensteen?


gordonflood.com

Cottagers target Manchester United pair while Boateng and Ruiz head for the exit and Cardiff City join Morrison chase.

Nani has emerged as a surprise target for Fulham as they seek to secure their Premier League status, according to the Metro.

The Manchester United winger signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford in the summer but has struggled with his fitness and failed to make an impact under David Moyes.

The 27-year-old has 41 goals in his 224 United appearances but has only netted once this season, in the 5-0 away win to Bayer Leverkusen.

Rene Meulensteen is desperate to boost his ageing squad's options and could do with wide alternatives to veteran Damien Duff and on-loan Clint Dempsey.

Nani joined United in 2007 and has won four league titles and the Champions League in that time, but since an impressive 2010/11 season his influence has waned and he has struggled to hold down a place in the team.

Fulham face competition to sign the Portugal star from Sporting Lisbon, the club who originally sold Nani to United for £22m, and United reportedly want around £16-18m on this occasion which would be a big ask for Fulham – perhaps making a loan deal more likely.

Another United player being linked with joining Meulensteen at Craven Cottage is youngster Larnell Cole, according to the Sunday People.

Other than one League Cup appearance in 2011, the 20-year-old midfielder is yet to get a first-team opportunity with the champions and the Cottagers are ready to pounce to bring him to London on a permanent deal.

A new development in the ongoing Ravel Morrison saga, is that Cardiff City are now rivalling Fulham for his signature, according to the Guardian.

Fulham remain in pole position for his signature as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had less time to work on a prospective deal, and a bid of £10m would force West Ham to sell or quadruple his salary to £60,000 a week.

However, Sam Allardyce will be reluctant to let the creative midfielder go to either of West Ham's direct relegation rivals.

Derek Boateng is set to leave Craven Cottage on loan after Meulensteen allowed him to talk to Watford, according to The Mirror.

The Ghana midfielder only arrived in the summer from Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk but has only featured once since Meulensteen replaced Martin Jol in early December.

As Boateng is aiming to secure a place in Ghana's World Cup squad for Brazil 2014 it is vital that he is playing first-team football.

Finally, Bryan Ruiz looks set to complete a move to PSV Eindhoven, who have fended off Real Betis in the search for his signature.

The 28-year-old Costa Rica star has passed a medical at the Eredivisie club, according to the Independent.

The two clubs are looking to finalise a loan deal and Ruiz's agent said: "He did have a medical at the club on Monday and I can say that everything went well.

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


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/14/jp-fulham-transfer-round-up-nani-and-larnell-cole-could-be-reuni/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Not Sure What to make of this One!
   
Well I am really, I`ve consigned it to the bin, but see what you think.

I suppose with Rene Meulensteen in charge and with his Old Trafford connections, we`re always going to be linked with players on the periphery at Manchester United.

Today it is being reported that the Portuguese winger Nani could be leaving the north-west and that, according to the Daily Star, Sporting Lisbon are in the race to land the 27 year-old.

However, those fine people behind the media vehicle the Metro are suggesting that Fulham are set to hijack that particular deal with a view to bringing the Portuguese international to Craven Cottage.

Now do you agree with my valuation of this particular rumour?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345461#ixzz2qOcYeMxG

[Berserker]

What are Sporting Lisbon like in comparision to British teams?

[fulhamben]

What are Sporting Lisbon like in comparision to British teams?

they are like Barcelona compared to cowdenbeath and bangor city