Tuesday Fulham Stuff (03/02/15)...

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Fulham consider move for Arsenal striker

FLW understands that Kit Symons' Fulham are considering a late loan move for Arsenal striker, Chuba Akpom.

Akpom, who won a penalty in the Gunners' 5-0 embarrassment of Aston Villa yesterday is out of contract in the summer and has attracted interest from numerous sides in this window, including struggling German giants, Borussia Dortmund.

It was rumored that Wigan were set to add Akpom on loan earlier today but their interest in the 19-year-old appears to have died down, and FLW understands that Fulham are prepared to make a loan move for the promising forward.

Akpom is seen as something for the future, he has never scored a professional goal for the Gunners, nor out on loan at Brentford or Coventry City, however he has managed 14 goals at international level during involvement with the England youth sides.

The youngster joined Arsenal at the age of 8 and has been prolific whilst progressing through the Arsenal youth sides, scoring 10 goals in as many games in the 2012/13 U21 Elite Group Stage. Akpom will surely be looking for an opportunity for some serious development and Symons could be set to offer him just that.

According to FLW sources, Akpom may join the Championship club tonight, however it is more likely that he will move during the emergency loan window, which opens up for Football League sides on 10th February.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-consider-move-for-arsenal-striker/?

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U21 Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-2 Fulham – Barclays U21 Premier League

Manchester United suffered a rare 2-1 defeat to Fulham as they failed to take advantage of a dominant first-half performance. It was a tale of two halves for the Reds as they were completely on top of Fulham at half-time. They started the second half with a 1-0 lead over the visiting side courtesy of a Nick Powell goal but Fulham turned the game around in the second half to come away with a win.

After failing to create anything in the first-half, Fulham played with a lot more purpose in the second-half. They soaked up a lot of pressure and hit back on the counter with pace and width. Fulham had two shots on goal and scored on both counts to come away a very good win. After falling behind, United were slow and flat. They surrendered possession too easily in the second-half and couldn't create anything.

It was a disappointing loss for the young Reds as they should have put the game away in the first half. They have only themselves to blame as despite enjoying majority of the possession in the game they didn't create enough chances or covert the chances into more goals. Fulham turned it around in the second-half and were clinical with their chances in front of goal.


http://mufclatest.com/u21-player-ratings-manchester-united-1-2-fulham-barclays-u21-premier-league/?

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Fulham boss Kit Symons tells players to prove themselves in Sunderland FA Cup clash
KIT SYMONS has told his Fulham youngsters to prove they are good enough for the Premier League.

Symons' Championship outfit face top-flight outfit Sunderland in a fourth round replay at home tonight.

And the Fulham boss wants his starlets to dump Gus Poyet's side out of the cup and show there is a bright future at Craven Cottage.

Symons, who will place his faith in the likes of Cauley Woodrow, George Williams and Patrick Roberts, said: "It's half an eye on players saying, 'Yes, I am good enough to play in the Premier League.' I want all the players to aspire to be playing there in the very near future.

"It was part of the team talk before the first tie up at the Stadium of Light. We did that. We matched them and acquitted ourselves really well.

"We are going in the right direction and it would be good for everyone at the club to have a cup run.

"When you have some excellent young players who could be the future of the club for a long time to come they need to see light at the end of the tunnel.

"I want to build for the long term and the future with the players we have got is really bright."

The reward for tonight's winners is a fifth round tie at Bradford, who knocked out Chelsea 4-2 in one of the competition's biggest ever shocks.

But Symons added: "I've not even given Bradford a second thought because it's irrelevant unless we can do the job.

"We have an awful lot of work to do to make the tie a reality. I'd just be delighted to be playing them. It's a great tie for whoever wins."


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/423433/Fulham-Kit-Symons-Sunderland-FA-Cup

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U21s: Man Utd 1-2 Fulham

Manchester United missed out on the chance to push for the top of the table by losing 2 - 1 to Fulham at Leigh Sports Village.

United took the lead through Nick Powell in a first half which saw the Reds dominate possession. However Fulham turned things around in the second half converting their few chances into goals to claim the victory.

Jesse Lingard was pulled out of the squad late on, having originally been named in the starting XI. Rafael da Silva began his return from his facial injury playing the full 90 minutes. Unsurprisingly he chose to go without the protective mask.

United dominated the opening stages of the game and took an early lead. James Weir pounced on a Fulham mistake and found Nick Powell who coolly side-footed the ball into the bottom corner.

Minutes later Weir, who started  brightly, almost found Ashley Fletcher with a chipped ball over the Fulham defence, the goalkeeper came out to to block Fletcher and the ball made it's way out to Josh Harrop. Harrop made space for the shot and attempted to chip the Fulham goalkeeper, Magnus Norman, but Norman managed to catch the ball albeit he ran backwards into the woodwork.

Rafael had an excellent first half, running up and down the wing with the energy of a Duracell bunny. He went on a fantastic run and tried to pick out Ashley Fletcher but unfortunately Noe Baba got between the striker and the ball. There were a few more chances but nothing which really tested Norman.

Powell saw a bicycle kick saved in opening stages of the second half. However apart from that and a later attempt from Tom Thorpe which was skied over the bar United didn't really trouble. Several players who were involved in much of the good play in the first half, including Weir, Rafael, and Harrop, were much quieter.

Fulham despite not playing well, converted their chances when they got them. They equalised on the hour mark with a neat cutback which the defence couldn't deal with. Then shortly afterwards, they took the lead with what proved to be the winning goal when Thorpe pushed Taggart out wide but just not wide enough for Joel Pereira to be able to cut off the angle.

That defeat sees United stay in 4th position in the u21 Premier League, while Chelsea who started in third place this evening leapfrogged Southampton on goal difference having beaten them this evening. A win for United tonight would have placed the Reds level on points with both Chelsea and Southampton.

Speaking to MUTV after the game Rafael was disappointed with the loss, "We dominated the first half - created lots of chances. The second half was sloppy and they scored two goals. They had two shots and got two goals. We had some chances but we didn't finish them. If we'd scored the second goal then perhaps it gets easier but we didn't."

Manchester United: J. Pereira, Rafael, Thorpe (c), Blackett, Janko, Harrop (Willock 72'), James, A. Pereira, Weir, Powell, A. Fletcher (Grimshaw 79').

Unused Substitutes: O'Hara, Love, C. Evans.

Goals: Nick Powell.

Man of the Match: Nick Powell.


http://thepeoplesperson.com/2015/02/02/u21s-man-utd-1-2-fulham-71464/?

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Ross McCormack warns Sunderland ahead of FA Cup replay

Fulham striker Ross McCormack believes that his side has a good chance of progressing through to the FA Cup fifth round at the expense of Sunderland, this evening.

The sides will meet at Craven Cottage in a replay after a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light last month, and the £11m signing thinks that an upset is on the cards.

"It's a good chance at Craven Cottage, where we've proved we can beat anyone. We can blow teams away and we'll definitely be looking to do that," the Scotland international told reporters.

"I've heard a lot of people say that we should have beaten Sunderland at their place, but if you look at the game they had quite a few chances. Betts (Marcus Bettinelli) probably kept us in the game so I think a draw was a fair result in the end."

Fulham currently sit 15th in the Championship.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/fa-cup/news/mccormack-we-can-blow-sunderland-away_203233.html

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'Incredible' Ricky Alvarez can make the difference in starting role at Fulham

RICKY Alvarez will be handed only his fourth Sunderland start at Fulham, as the Black Cats bid to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Argentine international Alvarez has been limited to a bit-part role since his arrival on a season-long loan from Inter Milan last summer, albeit he has been hit by a series of niggling injuries since returning from two months on the sidelines with a knee problem.

Sunderland have the option to sign Alvarez in an £8m deal next summer, but the 26-year-old has done little to justify such a lofty investment, although there have been some suggestions in Italy that the loan will automatically be made permanent if the Black Cats remain in the Premier League.

Gus Poyet is reluctant to be drawn on whether that is indeed the case, but the head coach has confirmed that Alvarez will start at Fulham tonight in the FA Cup fourth round replay – likely to be at the expense of Adam Johnson.

Poyet said: "Ricky needs to play. He will play tonight. That is one change I will tell you.

"I'm going to play him because he's the type of player who need to play in certain games.

"The Burnley game was going OK in the second half, but it wasn't really the right game for him.

"Tonight is a big opportunity for him and the longer he can play, the better.

"Ricky has been in and out. He's never really had the chance to have a run of games and really perform.

"We will refresh a little bit tonight. He can refresh us a bit and give us a little bit of quality.

"He has incredible quality. He should make a difference. We need to make sure he's an important player for us."

Poyet's quandary over Alvarez has been whether to use him out wide or in an attacking midfield role.

It has been a similar situation with Emanuele Giaccherini, who could also be in contention to start at Craven Cottage.

"Depending on the score on Saturday, Giaccy was a good option because he can open a game up," added Poyet.

"We didn't need that, which is welcome.

"I want the Giaccy that we saw in pre-season. He was our best player, with John O'Shea.

"He is getting closer to that. When you're injured and you come back, you need to play."

Steven Fletcher is expected to get a chance tonight, likely at the expense of Jermain Defoe, while Wes Brown is fit after not being risked in Saturday's win over Burnley.

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who replaced Costel Pantilimon for the first game against Fulham 10 days ago, could also be drafted back into the starting XI.


http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/incredible-ricky-alvarez-can-make-the-difference-in-starting-role-at-fulham-1-7085646

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FULHAM VERUS SUNDERLAND PREVIEW

Fulham and Sunderland are fighting for a trip to Bradford City

Fulham – Sunderland kick-off 19:45 GMT

Since the 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light, Fulham travelled to Blackburn Rovers where they lost 2-1. Gus Poyet's side did much better beating Burnely 2-0 with goals from Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe.

Both managers are likely to be without key midfielders. Kit Symons has doubts over Scott Parker's fitness. Poyet will be without Lee Cattermole.

Fulham haven't really struggled to find the back-of-the-net, keeping it out at the other end has been the issue. The Cottagers are going to have to be at their best against a very capable striker in Defoe.

Symons spoke of his disappointment at the 0-0 draw and believes his side has what it takes to beat the Premier League side. Bryan Ruiz will not be available and is set to join La Liga side Levante on loan.

Over 3,600 Sunderland supporters will make the 544 mile round trip and Poyet will want to send his fans home with a smile on their face. Craven Cottage has been a happy hunting ground for Sunderland in recent times. The Black Cats won in West London 3-1 in 2012 and 4-1 last season.

Form Guide

In their last five home games, Fulham have won their last two and lost just once.

Sunderland have won just once in their last five away from home, losing the last two on the bounce.

In The Stand Sport Prediction Fulham 1-2 Sunderland


http://inthestandsport.com/fulham-verus-sunderland-preview/?

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Op blow rules Adam Johnson out of Sunderland's FA Cup tie at Fulham

ADAM JOHNSON has been ruled out of Sunderland's FA Cup fourth round replay at Fulham tonight after being forced to undergo a minor operation.

Johnson netted the first hat-trick of his career in Sunderland's last visit to Craven Cottage 12 months ago, but he will be missing tonight as the Black Cats look to secure a fifth round trip to League One Bradford.

The 27-year-old has had surgery on a thumb injury, and while the procedure was nothing serious, he is unable to play due to the risk of infection.

Ricky Alvarez is pencilled in to take Johnson's place in the starting XI, with the £10million winger expected to return to the fold for Saturday's trip to Swansea City.

Johnson told the Echo: "Unfortunately I won't be there. I'm getting an operation on my thumb.

"I'll be missing this one.

"I just have to get it done, it's not a serious thing.

"But I need the wound to heal. It's the risk of infection that's keeping me out.

"It's the best time to do it with the games coming up though.

"I love playing at Craven Cottage, so I'm disappointed to miss it, but I have to have it done, so hopefully the lads can get through without me."

Sunderland were unable to beat an under-strength Fulham side at the Stadium of Light 10 days ago, yet at least they remained in the cup following a goalless draw with the Championship outfit.

Top six outfits Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Southampton all suffered cup upsets, to open up the competition to the Premier League's lesser lights.

With the winners of tonight's tussle heading to Bradford on Sunday, February 15, and a maximum of six Premier League sides involved in the quarter-finals, Johnson says there is a clear window of opportunity for Sunderland.

Johnson added: "With the draw we've had, and the teams that have gone out, it makes it even more of an opportunity for the so-called lesser teams to do something and get to Wembley.

"We've got to look at it and maybe take it even more seriously than we already were.

"I think a lot of teams will be playing their strongest teams now.

"It's a great chance for us and we want to get as far as we can."


http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/op-blow-rules-adam-johnson-out-of-sunderland-s-fa-cup-tie-at-fulham-1-7085044

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PREVIEW: Fulham v Sunderland

Black Cats travel to the capital.

Sunderland travel to Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening to take on Fulham in an FA Cup fourth-round replay.

The two sides were inseparable at the Stadium of Light just over a week ago, as Jermain Defoe made his home debut and Jack Rodwell was sent off in a goalless draw on Wearside.

Since that stalemate the Black Cats have returned to winning ways with a dominant 2-0 victory over Burnley, which saw Connor Wickham and Defoe find the net as a potent partnership began to blossom.

Fulham, meanwhile, were beaten on Saturday falling to a 2-1 defeat at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.

Ben Marshall opened the scoring for the play-off hopefuls with Jordan Rhodes heading home their second, before Ross McCormack reduced the deficit in vein with 24 minutes remaining.

The Cottagers are however enjoying an impressive run of form at home, with their last defeat at Craven Cottage coming against Brighton & Hove Albion in the latter stages of 2014.

Lee Cattermole will miss the trip to London due to a knee injury but Rodwell could feature after returning to availability following a one-match ban.

Scott Parker is also expected to play after returning from injury at Ewood Park.

In total the Black Cats have beaten the Cottagers on 24 occasions since the first meeting in 1935, which also came in the FA Cup and saw the Black Cats seal a dramatic 3-2 win.

Fulham have secured 18 victories with 19 ending level but they will be wary of the Lads' recent record at the Cottage, which has seen them score seven goals to seal back to back wins in their last two visits.

Tuesday's match will kick off at 7.45pm, with full match coverage and reaction available via safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.


http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2015/february/preview-v-fulham?

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Bradford may seize chance to shuffle deck at Fulham in FA Cup tie

There may be more alluring rewards in football than a trip to Bradford City but Fulham and Sunderland meet tonight knowing that a win would put them within touching distance of the FA Cup quarter-finals.

These two sides drew 0-0 at the Stadium of Light on January 24 and the winner of tonight's replay will take on League One Bradford - who famously won 4-2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round - at Valley Parade on Sunday February 15.

It gives tonight's game higher stakes than some might think, and it ought to mean two full-strength sides.

The teams, though, may well have a different priority. Fulham and Sunderland both desperately want to be playing Premier League football next season, although that is far more likely for the visitors than the hosts.

Gus Poyet's side won on Saturday having taken one point from their last five games, and are now 14th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone. Their next three league games are away at Swansea, then home to Queen's Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion.

Seven or nine points would be invaluable, so changes this evening are quite likely. Ricky Alvarez and Emanuele Giaccherini could come in, while John O'Shea may well be rested.

Fulham are lodged in the pack in the middle of the Championship, 13 points from the play-off places. They need to go on a run, having lost at Ewood Park on Saturday, and Kit Symons does not have all his players to pick from tonight.

Scott Parker, their captain, is a doubt and American youngster Emerson Hyndman has a shoulder injury.

Symons, like Poyet, will bring in some squad players, hoping that some fresh blood might encourage his team against Premier League opposition.

FA Cup: Craven Cottage, Fulham v Sunderland, kick-off 7.45pm


http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/bradford-may-seize-chance-to-shuffle-deck-at-fulham-in-fa-cup-tie-30958346.html?

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Poyet ready for Fulham challenge

Poyet previews FA Cup replay.

Sunderland must build on their 2-0 win over Burnley in the Barclays Premier League, according to head coach Gus Poyet.

The Black Cats returned to winning ways in style with a dominant victory over the Clarets but there is little time to dwell with an FA Cup replay at Craven Cottage looming.

The initial fourth-round clash ended goalless with Jermain Defoe forcing a number of saves and Hugo Rodallega hitting the post, as the Black Cats battled to force a replay following Jack Rodwell's red card.

Speaking to safc.com Poyet explained that confidence will be key, as he shared his thoughts ahead of Tuesday's cup clash.

"Confidence is a word that people use a lot and you cannot get better confidence than you can from winning football matches.

"We need to go to Craven Cottage and perform because that is the next challenge and the next step."

He added: "We cannot think that we have accomplished something important because we need to keep improving, whilst winning plenty of games in the next few weeks."


http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2015/february/poyet-pre-fulham?

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FA Cup Fourth Round Replay Preview: Fulham v Sunderland

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe, left, vies for the ball with Fulham's Shaun Hutchinson. Picture credit: Scott Heppell/AP/Press Association Images

A rejuvenated Sunderland face a trip to the capital tonight as they look to take on Fulham in their FA Cup fourth round replay.

Sunderland picked up a huge boost at the weekend after defeating Burnley 2-0. Goals from Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe were enough to see Sunderland win comfortably and ease their relegation worries, for the time being at least.

When these sides last met in the original fourth round tie, nothing could separate them at the end of 90 minutes. The Black Cats had been reduced to 10 men after Jack Rodwell was sent off for two bookable offences, while Jermain Defoe did manage to come close for the hosts despite being a man down.

Fulham could have won it with five minutes to go but Hugo Rodallega's strike cracked the post and the score remained goalless after 90 minutes.

The winner of this tie will face an away trip to League One Bradford, later this month.

Team news

Fulham – Kit Symons will be without captain Scott Parker through injury, as well as on-loan Swansea defender Jazz Richards, who is cup tied.

Sunderland – Lee Cattermole is still sidelined, although he's expected to be back in the next three weeks. Meanwhile, Jack Rodwell could return to the side after serving his one match suspension against Burnley on Saturday.

Previous history

Sunderland have won just two of their last 11 meetings against Fulham. But those victories have come in their last two consecutive visits to Craven Cottage. Firstly they won 3-1 there in 2012 and then again last season 4-1, which saw Adam Johnson score a hat-trick.

Last meeting

Fulham travelled to the north-east in January to take on Sunderland in the fourth round tie, however, after 90 minutes nothing separated them. Few chances were created, although the Lilywhites keeper Marcus Bettinelli was equal to Jermain Defoe's best attempts. Sunderland were then reduced to 10 men when Jack Rodwell picked up his second yellow card.

Key players

Fulham

Lasse Vigen Christensen is a hard working midfielder who brings a real tenacity and edge to Fulham's midfield. Sunderland will have to make sure they don't allow the Dane to much time on the ball as he can produce a quality pass as well.

Sunderland

Jermain Defoe hasn't played much football in recent months so its likely he'll feature in this match. Sunderland need goals and Defoe's career stats are enough to prove they have a great striker on their hands.


http://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/fa-cup-fourth-round-replay-preview-fulham-v-sunderland/?

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Behind Enemy Lines

Ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup Fourth Round Replay, Sunderland Writer for The Chronicle and Sunday Sun James Hunter gives his take on the Black Cats.


Just how big was Saturday's 2-0 win over Burnley for Sunderland?

In a word: huge. Sunderland have struggled all season and their home form has been woeful – just one league win at the Stadium of Light going into the weekend. That had led to understandable frustration on the terraces, which Fulham fans will recall after Sunderland were booed off after their poor performance in the original FA Cup date.

The pressure was building and, against that background, the home match against a Burnley side also fighting for survival essentially became a must-win game. Fortunately a change of personnel and system led to a much-improved display, and a much-needed three points, which has lifted the mood.

Has this season gone as you expected for them?

After last season's Great Escape, this season was all about establishing a firm foundation – I don't think anyone expected Sunderland to become a top-10 side overnight. At the start of the season I said they should be aiming to finish in lower mid-table, and they are still on course to achieve that. But I had hoped they would have scored a few more goals and won a few more games by this stage.


Which players have particularly impressed you?

He may be injured at the moment, but Lee Cattermole has been outstanding over the last 12 months. He is the heart and soul of Sunderland's team, was instrumental in securing survival last season, and carried that form into this campaign. Seb Larsson has also excelled in central midfield, while Costel Pantilimon has been immense – literally! – since establishing himself as Gus Poyet's first-choice keeper.

What was your take on the first game between Sunderland and Fulham? Were you impressed with Fulham?

Well, it wasn't a classic! I thought Sunderland were too cautious, and they were clearly not particularly comfortable playing 3-5-2 – it was only the second time this season they had played that way. Jack Rodwell's sending-off did not help, either!

As for Fulham, Kit Symons obviously had a gameplan – keep Sunderland at bay for 75 minutes, and throw on Hugo Rodallega and Ross McCormack for the final 15 and try to nick the game. Aside from a couple of chances for Jermain Defoe, they did keep Sunderland at arm's length, but they were just unable to get the winning goal they were looking for.


How do you see Tuesday's game going?

I hope it will be a better spectacle. I think both teams will be more attack-minded, bearing in mind it has to be settled on the night. At home I expect Symons to try and put Sunderland under more pressure, but Sunderland will have a bit more confidence after their win against Burnley, and will fancy their chances of getting through to face Bradford City in the last 16.

What's your take on Poyet's wing-back formation that he adopted in the first game?

I would be amazed if Sunderland play with wing-backs again tonight. It was something Poyet tried for a couple of games, but it really didn't work and he abandoned it for the Burnley game on Saturday. Poyet admitted after the Burnley win that the players looked a lot more comfortable with an orthodox flat back four, and I agree with him. Sunderland had played with four at the back for most of the season, and to switch to a 3-5-2 mid-season proved to be too much of a radical change.

Where do you think the key battles will be played out on Tuesday?



That's a tough one, because it depends on what teams the two managers send out! But against Burnley, Patrick van Aanholt was a real danger bombing forward from left-back and Fulham will have to find a way to neutralise that threat.

It wouldn't surprise me if Poyet gives Danny Graham a game up front, and he could be a handful for either Shaun Hutchinson or Nikolay Bodurov. In midfield, I thought Seko Fofana was a threat in the first game, and Sunderland need to handle him better tonight.

Have you been to Craven Cottage much before? Is it a fixture you enjoy covering?

Off the top of my head, I think this will be something like the 10th time I've been to Fulham, but the first time for a cup tie. I think I've seen more Fulham wins than Sunderland ones here, but I remember Adam Johnson's performance and hat-trick in the 4-1 win last January as one of the highlights of last season.

I love visiting Craven Cottage because it's an old-school football ground – it's even got proper floodlight pylons! I know times must change and facilities have to improve, but I'm a traditionalist and I much prefer the character of the Johnny Haynes Stand to many of the brand-new concrete bowls.

What score prediction are you going for?

I'm going for a 2-1 Sunderland win inside 90 minutes. I can't justify it, sorry – predictions are an art, not a science!

Ticket's for the game will be available to purchase on the gate, priced at just £20 adults and £10 concessions.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/february/03/behind-enemy-lines?

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Pro Seko In Sparkling Form

Not too much was known about Seko Fofana when he arrived on loan from Manchester City in late November. More than two months on and he's become a key part of Kit Symons' midfield.

A first-team environment was a new experience for him, but since making his debut as a late substitute at Brighton & Hove Albion, the midfielder has featured in every single game for Fulham. With his close control, eye for a pass and ability to break up attacks as well as make some lung-busting runs, Symons clearly sees the 19-year-old as a vital cog in his midfield machine.

"As time has passed, the more progress I've made," Fofana tells the official matchday programme for the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay with Sunderland. "I feel I've matured and as it has been a great experience so far and I'm really happy to be part of this Club. 

"It's proof of the confidence I've gained first and foremost that I've managed to play many matches. I have to carry on working hard to be able to play as many games as possible. I'm not one to look back and calculate how many matches I've played, I always look forward, continue to work hard and I know I mustn't allow my work rate or standards to drop if I want to be playing for the First Team consistently.

"I set myself personal and collective objectives and I want to do well so the Club finish as high in the league as we can. We're aiming for the Play-Offs and we want to go on a good run in the FA Cup."

Fofana's initial spell at the Cottage was due to expire in late January, but the deal was extended to take in the remainder of the season. He admits the opportunity to move to London on a temporary basis was one he had to ponder.

"I took my time to think about the move and spoke to my family and my representatives who all gave me some really good advice," he said. "In the end I made my decision and it wasn't too difficult as I knew a little bit about the Club's philosophy and before coming here I was aware of the Club's playing style and system so it was an easy decision.

"It was hard at the start, my performances were 'flou' (translated as 'a bit of a blur') because I had a desire to prove myself and because of this sometimes you can make some bad decisions in the game. I've managed to rectify some of my mistakes the more games I've played. There are, of course, still aspects that I need to improve but thanks to the video analysis meetings that the Manager gives, these are highlighted to me and with hard work on the training pitch I hope to eliminate some of these mistakes.

"When you have good players next to you on the pitch, you have to raise your level. When you play with good players alongside you like Scott Parker for example, who shows you a lot of faith and trust, you have to demonstrate that you can step up."

To read the full interview with Fofana, get your hands on a copy of the matchday programme against Sunderland on Tuesday.

Other exclusive highlights in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is also available to download digitally from 12pm on Tuesday - are:

Kit Symons pens his regular programme notes
Gabor Kiraly answers your questions via our social media channels
Ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain assesses the Cottage clash
Tosh Chamberlain recalls a memorable FA Cup game in January 1956
We take a look back at Fulham's previous FA Cup Fourth Round Replays
And Les Strong bring fans his latest column

Priced £3, the 68-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Fans can also save money by taking out a season subscription. Head here for more details.

The programme is also available as an app with added video content from 12pm on Tuesday, so whether you're at home or away, you need never be without it on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand. The programme is also available via the Pocketmags app on Kindle Fire and Blackberry Playbook. You can subscribe for the whole season for the digital edition for just £24.99 or buy a single issue for £1.99.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/february/03/pro-seko-maturing-with-age?

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Defoe explains what's been 'massive' for Sunderland ahead of Fulham game

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe says the win against Burnley last weekend has given the team extra confidence.

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has told the club's website it's massive for the team to be heading into the FA Cup game against Fulham on the back of a win.

Sunderland fought well to secure a 2-0 win against Burnley last weekend and will be the favourites for the game in London this evening, with Defoe insisting he's looking forward to the match.

"I'm looking forward to it and it will be a good game, but it is massive to be heading into it on the back of a win because everyone will be full of confidence," said Defoe.

"Hopefully we can go there and play because if we do we will create chances and I believe we are good enough to win the game."

Gus Poyet's preparation for the game would have been made slightly easier by the fact the Black Cats got a win against Burnley.

It's likely to have given the players a lift and a bit of extra energy in training as opposed to the dip in morale, which can often follow a disappointing result.

Sunderland need to be wary this evening because Fulham will most likely start the game quickly, looking to try and catch the Black Cats on the back foot.

If Poyet can stress the need for the side to defend well early doors, then they should be confident of success in individual battles because they do have more quality in all areas, which should tell over 90 minutes.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/02/03/defoe-explains-whats-been-massive-for-sunderland-ahead-of-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
John O'Shea calls for focus ahead of replay at Fulham

Sunderland captain John O'Shea wants his club to focus on their FA Cup Fourth Round replay with Fulham, without thinking too far ahead.

If they beat Fulham, the Black Cats know they are just two wins away from a Wembley Semi-Final, but O'Shea says they must focus on the task in hand – getting through their replay at Craven Cottage

"People will look at Bradford City, how they were the big giant-killers from the last round against Chelsea and it was obviously amazing for them to come from 2-0 down and win," O'Shea told safc.com.

"They will be happy with a home draw but first and foremost we have a tough away game against Fulham, so hopefully we can progress but it is going to be difficult."

Fulham held Sunderland to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light at the weekend with the replay at Craven Cottage taking place on Tuesday.

Victory in west London will set them up for a Fifth-Round match at Valley Parade against Bradford.

Phil Parkinson's men stunned Premier League leaders Chelsea with an incredible 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, in a match being mooted as one of the greatest FA Cup upsets in history.

And O'Shea said the gap between the top tier and those in the lower divisions can go out the window when paired together in The FA Cup.

"The teams in the lower leagues have already shown how strong they can be," he added.

"But as I said, first-off we have to take care of Fulham and we look forward to that."


Read more at http://www.thefa.com//news/the-fa-cup/2015/jan/john-o-shea-calls-for-fourth-round-focus?#Xzqz1grzFyB8wcEk.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Like Tottenham, Fulham have a Dane who is hot property - meet Lasse Vigen Christensen

Bright prospect: Lasse Vigen Christensen

Christian Eriksen is not the only Danish midfielder enjoying himself in the capital this season.

Lasse Vigen Christensen is turning heads for Fulham and plotting an FA Cup upset when Sunderland visit Craven Cottage tonight.

Christensen is one of a number of bright prospects at Fulham to emerge from the disappointment of last season's relegation. The  20-year-old has been an impressive performer in the Championship and looks capable of developing into a real talent under the continued guidance of Kit Symons.

He has also seen his countryman Eriksen flourish for Tottenham and is targeting some of his own success against Premier League opposition.

"He [Eriksen] is someone that every young player from Denmark knows about and looks up to," says Christensen ahead of tonight's fourth-round replay.

"Right now, he is one of the best players in the Premier League.

"He is a bit more of an attack-minded player where as I am  more of a holding midfielder but, coming through the youth set-up at national level, he was used as an example to follow."

Christensen has looked up to Eriksen on his journey from Denmark to west London, which started at hometown club Esbjerg fB. He joined FC Midtjylland aged 15 and was spotted by Fulham playing  for his country at the 2011 Under-17s World Cup.

A move to Craven Cottage followed  in 2012 and, although it took six months to adapt to his new surroundings,  the club knew they had a player with a bright future. Symons, who has overseen Christensen's development, speaks about an individual who is "focused, driven and capable of becoming a top, top player". He has become a regular at the heart of the Fulham midfield and will play an important role tonight with captain Scott Parker likely to miss out because of injury and illness.

"I came here as a 17-year-old boy and had a lot to learn, both on and off the pitch," says Christensen, whose impressive displays saw him linked with a January move to Aston Villa. "Three years on, it feels like I have grown up physically and mentally. I owe a lot to the people around the club and also to Kit after having him as my manager for nearly my whole time here.

"On the pitch he has been big for me but also off the pitch he has shown me how to act. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster, in terms that I came to a club that was very settled in the Premier League.

"But I am happy now to be in a position to be part of the future here and a new team we are  trying to build."

Fulham were unfortunate not to beat Sunderland at the Stadium  of Light, drawing 0-0 after dominating for long periods and hitting the post late on.

But Christensen is confident they  will complete the job and book a fifth-round tie with Bradford.

"We were all gutted coming away from Sunderland but we showed what we are all about and our performance said a lot about the quality we do have here," he says. "We should not change our mindset. If we can do that, I am sure we will have a good chance. It is important not to give them too much respect because, on your day, you can beat anyone. We have seen that in the cup this year."

Tickets for tonight's FA Cup  4th-round replay at Craven Cottage are available from turnstiles, priced £20 adults and  £10 juniors.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/like-tottenham-fulham-have-a-dane-who-is-hot-property--meet-lasse-vigen-christensen-10020635.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham youngster George Williams's message to Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli

Fulham youngster George Williams is happy to see his former MK Dons teammate Dele Alli move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham attacker George Williams has taken to social networking site Twitter to congratulate Dele Alli on his move to Tottenham Hotspur.

England Under-19 international midfielder Alli joined North London outfit Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons on transfer deadline day, as confirmed by the club's official website.

The 18-year-old, though, has been loaned back to MK Dons for the rest of the season and will continue his development in League One.

Williams, who played with Alli at MK Dons, is delighted for him and is impressed with his move to Tottenham.

It is indeed a great feat to make the leap from a League One team to a top-four chasing Premier League outfit.

And Alli deserves it.

The youngster has been in impressive form for the past two seasons or so and has earned a strong reputation in England.

Technically very good with an eye for goal, Alli does appear to be a very good signing who is destined for greater things in the future.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/02/03/fulham-youngster-george-williamss-message-to-tottenham-hotspurs/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Davies Joins Fulham

The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Aron Davies from Bristol City.

The 17-year-old defender has signed an agreement that keeps him at Fulham until 30th June 2018.

It's a deal that Academy Director Huw Jennings is pleased to have secured, telling fulhamfc.com: "Aron Davies is a young player who we tracked for quite a long time.

"He's a talented left-sided centre-half. He's a player we've been looking at because, profile-wise, we've lacked central defenders this year and certainly we think Aron's got a lot of potential for the future.

"He's had involvement in a variety of Wales' youth squads and he's the type of composed defender who will be one that we'll hope to develop for the long-term.

"One of the things that we've needed in our Under-18 group is an emphasis on leadership, and we think that Aron's got those credentials.

"We've been a young team at Under-18 level this season, and we've stabilised in the last couple of games where we've kept two clean sheets which has pleased us a lot, but Aron will now go into the group and hopefully provide some calm, assured defending, and an approach which will be good for the rest of the group."

Speaking from the Club's Motspur Park Training Ground, Davies said: "When I met Kit Symons and Mark Pembridge, they gave me a good insight into the Club and showed me that there's a great pathway here for youth players, so that's what interested me.

"Seeing the youth players come up into the First Team gives you a good sign that you might get a chance if you keep progressing.

"I like to think I'm a ball-playing centre-half. I'm quite composed on the ball and I've got a good range of passing, but because I'm a centre-half I like to get stuck in too and I can be quite aggressive."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/february/03/davies-joins-fulham?

[callumc513]

Op blow rules Adam Johnson out of Sunderland's FA Cup tie at Fulham

ADAM JOHNSON has been ruled out of Sunderland's FA Cup fourth round replay at Fulham tonight after being forced to undergo a minor operation.

Johnson netted the first hat-trick of his career in Sunderland's last visit to Craven Cottage 12 months ago, but he will be missing tonight as the Black Cats look to secure a fifth round trip to League One Bradford.

The 27-year-old has had surgery on a thumb injury, and while the procedure was nothing serious, he is unable to play due to the risk of infection.

Ricky Alvarez is pencilled in to take Johnson's place in the starting XI, with the £10million winger expected to return to the fold for Saturday's trip to Swansea City.

Johnson told the Echo: "Unfortunately I won't be there. I'm getting an operation on my thumb.

"I'll be missing this one.

"I just have to get it done, it's not a serious thing.

"But I need the wound to heal. It's the risk of infection that's keeping me out.

"It's the best time to do it with the games coming up though.

"I love playing at Craven Cottage, so I'm disappointed to miss it, but I have to have it done, so hopefully the lads can get through without me."

Sunderland were unable to beat an under-strength Fulham side at the Stadium of Light 10 days ago, yet at least they remained in the cup following a goalless draw with the Championship outfit.

Top six outfits Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Southampton all suffered cup upsets, to open up the competition to the Premier League's lesser lights.

With the winners of tonight's tussle heading to Bradford on Sunday, February 15, and a maximum of six Premier League sides involved in the quarter-finals, Johnson says there is a clear window of opportunity for Sunderland.

Johnson added: "With the draw we've had, and the teams that have gone out, it makes it even more of an opportunity for the so-called lesser teams to do something and get to Wembley.

"We've got to look at it and maybe take it even more seriously than we already were.

"I think a lot of teams will be playing their strongest teams now.

"It's a great chance for us and we want to get as far as we can."


http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/op-blow-rules-adam-johnson-out-of-sunderland-s-fa-cup-tie-at-fulham-1-7085044

Good. Can do without seeing him cheating for the whole game again.