Sunday Fulham Stuff (04/10/15)...

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RESULTS

Friday
Rotherham	1	-	2	Burnley
Saturday
Wolves	3	-	0	Huddersfield
Blackburn	2	-	0	Ipswich
Brighton	1	-	1	Cardiff
Bristol City	1	-	1	MK Dons
Derby	2	-	0	Brentford
Leeds	0	-	2	Birmingham
Nottm Forest	0	-	1	Hull
QPR	4	-	3	Bolton
Reading	2	-	0	Middlesbrough
Sheff Wed	3	-	1	Preston

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Fulham: Husband says 'on to Charlton'

James Husband says Fulham are itching to take on Charlton Athletic on Sunday as the Whites will aim to put their disappointing defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers behind them. The 10-man whites were beaten 3-0 by Wolves at the Cottage on Tuesday night.

Kit Symons and the Fulham squad were brought back down to Earth after last week's thrashing of local rivals Queens Park Rangers.

"I thought we started the Wolves game okay, although obviously not as well as we did on Friday against QPR," Husband told the official website. "But we spoke about the QPR game beforehand and said we just had to draw a line under it, we couldn't get too carried away with how we played.

"This is the nitty-gritty of the Championship, you're not going to play like we did against QPR every game; you have to roll your sleeves up sometimes."

When Fulham were level at 0-0, Tom Cairney was dismissed for a heavy two-footed tackle on Adam Le Fondre. The Whites will be without the attacking midfielder for three games.

"The sending off probably hurt us more than we thought it would," said Husband. "Everyone's seen it in the stadium, but if someone does that you have to roll your sleeves up and dig them out.

"We tried our best but unfortunately we couldn't do anything. They got a fortuitous first goal and it rolled on from there. It was disappointing."

Fulham have the prefect chance to bounce back when  they face Charlton at the Valley in Sunday's mid-table clash which will be shown on Sky Sports.

Charlton are without a win in six competitive games and Husband stated "We'll pick ourselves up, we've got another game on Sunday which is a good one for us and we're already focused on it. Hopefully we'll go there, give a good account of ourselves and get three points. We'll go into the game level headed, looking to put in a good performance and get some more points on the board."

"The squad we've got now is miles better than last season. The gaffer has brought in some good Championship players, which I think we were missing last year. The whole squad is strong."


"The squad we've got now is miles better than last season. The gaffer has brought in some good Championship players, which I think we were missing last year. The whole squad is strong."


http://the72.co.uk/37438/husband-on-to-charlton/?

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MATCH PREVIEW: Charlton vs Fulham


Charlton Live writer Matt Riggs previews the clash with the Cottagers on Sunday lunchtime...

It's six games since the Addicks last tasted victory and there are, without a doubt, causes for concern.

Some forwards are struggling to find the back of the net, others are being linked to leave on loan and key players have looked worryingly average.

Oh, and we're on TV next. Against Fulham.


The impressive start to the campaign is now a distant memory. The most optimistic of supporters, who thought a play-off spot or better was nailed on from the moment Morgan Fox fired in a second against QPR, have been brought back down to earth with an almighty thud.

At the same time, though, it's important to remember a few things. This is the same squad that we had such high hopes for after five matches and Guy Luzon is the manager who guided the side to eight points against some of the division's better sides, playing exciting football while, at the same time, keeping it tight at the back.

But the recent rut has left the side in 17th place in the Championship and the Addicks need a win. Yet, we can't help but be fearful – it's the curse of the cameras, after all.

Valley View: A Look at the Addicks

Recent results have been poor, and probably more disappointingly, painfully obvious. The 3-0 away defeat to Blackburn left Charlton without a win against Rovers in five matches and it's as many games at Molineux in which the Reds have failed to pick up maximum points.

Add those to a poor draw at home to winless – at the time – Rotherham and a home defeat to Huddersfield, who had also failed to grab a victory when they arrived in SE7, and you have the perfect ingredients for a typical Charlton slump.

The heavy defeat at Selhurst Park did nothing to change the mood of supporters and though Luzon's men did take the lead at Cardiff last week, they could not hold on.

Admittedly, injuries have caused ongoing issues for weeks, with strikers Simon Makienok, Igor Vetokele and Tony Watt all experiencing their own problems, leaving Charlton short up-top. Alternative options in Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Conor McAlney don't exactly strike fear into experienced Championship defender's eyes.

But these problems are part-and-parcel of life in the Championship and though the number of strikers to be absent could be seen as unlucky, most would have told you when the season started, the squad was thin.

Good news did arrive in the shape of contracts for two left-backs this week – first Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, then Morgan Fox – but Charlton are going to need to rediscover some of their early season form if they are to take anything from the Fulham game on Sunday.

Important too will be Luzon's team selection. Watt as the front man with one in behind has proved unsuccessful and therefore the importance of playing Johann Berg Gudmundsson out wide is huge, with two up-front an obvious choice in a home London derby. Ultimately, though, the result could hinge on which strikers are available for selection.

Alou Diarra is back in contention after serving a one match suspension, but the fear for Charlton fans is that this could all cease to matter once the Sky cameras are inside the Valley. I needn't remind you of the abysmal TV record.

The Opposition: Fulham

Inconsistency – that's Fulham's current problem. Kit Symons' men followed up last weekend's convincing 4-0 win over QPR with a 3-0 home defeat to Wolves on Tuesday and currently sit in 14th in the Championship.

But inconsistency hasn't stopped the Cottagers in the past when facing Charlton. Last season, live on Sky, again in October, they romped to a simple 3-0 victory albeit having started the season poorly.

And looking back to their past record against the Addicks, it's impressive. You have to go back to 2004 to see Charlton's last win in this fixture, though there have only been three meetings between the sides in the last nine years.

Ross Mc(four)mack is a name opponents never enjoy reading on the teamsheet, least of all Charlton, and teenager Moussa Dembele has started the season well with three goals. They are, without a doubt, one of the more dangerous pairings in the Championship.

For supporters, either delight (for those that realise he always plays well against us) or dismay (for those who just love to give him grief) will come with the news that Scott Parker is unlikely to be fit for the match, having been unable to feature in any of Fulham's matches this season.

We've met before: Previous Encounters

As previously mentioned, the two sides met on Sky last October, and it ended horribly for Charlton. Karlan Ahearne-Grant, in only his fourth senior appearance for the club, was the only bright spark in an otherwise uninspiring display by Bob Peeters' men.

A 1-1 draw was played out at the Valley later in the campaign, with Gudmundsson cancelling out McCormack's opener, but it really is depressing looking back previous to last season.

The 4-0 scoreline in the FA Cup defeat at Craven Cottage from Charlton's League 1 promotion season doesn't tell the whole story of that game, yet the match before that...

Tomasz Radzinski's hand, anyone?

The Verdict

Ultimately, Charlton are on a slippery slope and they need to turn things around.

But with injuries still limiting Luzon's men, and last season's 13-match winless run still a painful memory, it's not a given that this slump will end anytime soon.

Fulham are an outfit who possess two dangerous goalscorers and could hurt Charlton on Sunday, but the Addicks are desperate to end this TV hoodoo. That leaves one possible outcome – a draw is on the cards.


http://www.charltonlive.co.uk/2015/10/02/match-preview-charlton-vs-fulham/

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Charlton Athletic Factfile


Fulham will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against Charlton Athletic to a ninth match when the two sides meet at The Valley on Sunday (12pm).


The opposition

After a fine start to the season which saw them take eight points from matches against Queens Park Rangers, Derby County, Nottingham Forest and Hull City, Charlton's form has dipped somewhat having taken just a solitary point from their last five Sky Bet Championship games.

The Addicks were leading in their previous outing away to Cardiff City through 18-year-old Karlan Ahearne-Grant's effort, but they left Wales with nothing thanks to strikes from Joe Mason and Sean Morrison.

Team news

Charlton have been unfortunate with injuries so far this season, with Johnnie Jackson, Igor Vetokele, Cristian Ceballos, Simon Makienok, Stephen Henderson and Reza Ghoochanneijhad all sitting out their last two matches, and they could miss out again on Sunday. Alou Diarra, though, returns from suspension.

Tickets

Tickets will be available for Fulham fans to buy on the day of the game, priced at £22 for adults and from £5 for concessions.

How to get there

There are no trains running in or out of Charlton on Sunday. There are a number of buses that fans can take from various tube stations in South-East London, such as the 54, 180 or 380 from Lewisham, the 177 or 180 from Greenwich, or the 161, 422, 472 or 486 from North Greenwich.

Weather

It should be a pleasant afternoon in South-East London on Sunday, with the sun out and temperatures of around 14 degrees at midday.

Pre-match

The Anglican opposite Charlton train station is the designated away pub.

Coral match odds

Charlton: 8/5

Draw: 12/5

Fulham: 9/5

Last time we met

An early goal for either side saw Fulham and Charlton draw 1-1 at The Valley back in April. A clever looping header from Ross McCormack put the Whites in front with just eight minutes played, but the hosts hit back just after the quarter of an hour mark when Johann Gudmundsson netted.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/october/03/charlton-athletic-factfile?

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Everyone's a winner as far as James Husband's loan deal with Fulham is concerned

Aitor Karanka is delighted that Boro defender James Husband is getting games under his belt in London

As far as James Husband's Fulham loan in concerned, everyone's a winner according to Aitor Karanka.

The Boro left-back extended his temporary stay at Craven Cottage earlier this week after impressing for the Cottagers.

And Karanka is delighted the 21-year-old is making the most of his opportunity to play first team football.

George Friend's form has made it all but impossible for Husband to break into the Boro starting XI so the decision to allow him to return to Fulham on loan at the end of August made perfect sense for all parties.

Karanka says the young defender is a great example to other players at Boro.

"He's the best example, he's playing for Fulham, he's improving, he's becoming more mature, he's getting to know the league, he's playing every single game so Fulham is winning, James is winning and we are winning because he is our player.

"He's the best example for everybody.

"Hubby was the kind of player who it's difficult as a manager when I went to my office it was difficult not to pick him because he was always training really well," added the Boro boss.

"When he played the cup games against Barnsley or Oldham he always did his best - sometimes he can play better and sometimes he can play worse - but always he is trying to improve on the training ground and in his games.

"He is a very good kid, he is improving and hopefully one day he can play with us."


http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everyones-winner-far-james-husbands-10184191?

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Craven Corner: Why a point at Charlton could be crucial for Fulham

The 4-0 victory over QPR was the best result I had seen at the Cottage for a number of years, but sadly the mid-week defeat to Wolves brought me back to reality.

There was no doubting the ability of the Fulham squad going into the game but many fans had doubted Kit Symons' managerial knowledge, with many of the bookmakers making QPR the strong favourite going into this fixture.

But, Kit named only one change to his starting eleven with Ryan Fredericks replacing the injured Jazz Richards at right back.

Less than 5 minutes on the clock and young Moussa Dembele proved his class with a towering header past the experienced Rob Green.

A signal to the board, that Moussa is the future of the club and they should be working around the clock to agree a new deal for the 19 year old.

Every attack was fluid, the direct long ball style that was implemented last season under Symons was nowhere to be seen.

With Jamie O'Hara and Ryan Tunnicliffe pulling the strings in midfield, Karl Henry and Ale Faurlin could only chase shadows for the evening and Tjarron Chery was even substituted under the half hour mark – QPR began to full apart.

Fluid football and attacks continued with Fulham taking a well deserved and hard earned 3-0 lead into the Half Time interval.

Chances were frequent in the second half but Fulham could only manage to add one more goal to their tally to win comfortably 4-0.

Sadly, the mid-week game against Wolves brought any ambitious Fulham fan back down to reality.

Wolves are club currently up for sale and arguably in a little bit of poor form, but they waltzed up to the Cottage left comfortably with all three points leaving Fulham players with nothing but egg on their faces.

Fulham were second to everything and an early sending off for Tom Cairney made the comeback even more unlikely.

Man of the Match in the Wolves match? Mr.Kevin McDonald the midfielder that Fulham pursued heavily for most of the summer.

While it was an off-day for Player of the Season so far, Jamie O'Hara, his partner Ryan Tunnicliffe looked the best of a bad bunch. Tunnicliffe has really improved this season ever since he got back into the team.

If the sending off for Tom Cairney presents Lasse Vigen Christensen with a chance to get some game-time and impress, then Fulham could become a stronger outlet because of it.

Lasse Vigen Christensen changed Fulham's season last year when he was introduced by Kit Symons but sadly injuries and the arrival of Tom Cairney has slowed his development.

LVC will know that he has to take this chance with both hands and really impress in the next three games.

After Wolves, Fulham must face a much-improved Charlton side that have recruited incredibly well over the summer, even if a majority of those are from overseas.

The towering presence of Makienok will be a stern test for our defenders especially with as they have pace going forward in Tony Watt & Igor Vetokele. In all honesty, if Fulham can manage to come away from the fixture against Charlton with a point, it'll be a very precious point indeed.

I expect Charlton to be a top 10 side this season, so they will be stealing a lot of points from many of the 'predicted to be promoted' sides.

A very special mention has to be made for Jamie O'Hara who has been nominated for Player of Month in the Championship.

An award that he does deserve to win, but even if he doesn't I'm sure many Fulham fans will agree with me that he's the front-runner for the Player of the Season award. An outstanding string of performances this season and deserving of a new deal as soon as possible.



Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/craven_corner_why_a_point_at_charlton_could_be_crucial_for_fulham_1_4257828
Copyright © LONDON24

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Fulham boss bemoans 'euphoria' after QPR win and plans 'scrappy' victory at Charlton

Kit Symons admitted Fulham's fabulous 4-0 win over QPR came back to bite them on Tuesday night.

Wolves did a number on them and came away with three goals, no reply, and three points (see gallery below).

The gaffer hopes the see-saw tips back their direction in The Valley tomorrow and warned the troops in that getting carried away with brilliant victories has consequences.

He said: "I don't really want euphoria around the place. Yeah, it was great to beat QPR when everybody was up for it and the atmosphere was electric, but it's still just three points."

Symons suggested he would settle for a dozen dull 1-0 wins, and will take the first of them against Charlton and a second triumph on the road.

"We've had opportunities away," he said.

"Going back to the first game of the season at Cardiff (see video), they equalised late on, and we had.

"Hull away too. We had good chances and they scored late on. Sheffield Wednesday: we got done by three set pieces, but scored two good goals, and nearly nicked a pout out of it.

"We need to face the game not worrying whether it's home or away. Sometimes it will be a scrappy game and we nick it - but whatever, it's still just three points."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-bemoans-euphoria-after-10186684?

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Why Moussa Dembélé deserves a France U21 call-up

Jeffrey Gamby Boulger examines Fulham's young Frenchman Moussa Dembélé's impeccable start to the season and wonders why the striker has yet to receive a call-up from Les Bleuets.

The start of the 2015/2016 season has seen OGC Nice begin the campaign in fine form, led by the resurgent Hatem Ben Arfa. And while the struggles of Lyon and Marseille also continue to make headlines on the pitch, it is arguably off the field where Ligue 1 has really drawn attention this season so far.

The recent chaotic return of former local legend Mathieu Valbuena to the Stade Vélodrome has been widely criticised, along with the well-publicised exodus of some of Ligue 1's greatest talents in the summer transfer window. And undoubtedly, the biggest talking point has been Anthony Martial's incredible £36 million move to Manchester United from Monaco, seeing him become the world's most expensive teenager in the process.

But while the world watches on to see if one of France's greatest prospects can justify his price tag with an impressive 3 goals in as many league games for United already, perhaps it is refreshing that one of the nation's other burgeoning young talents has also been able to start the season in impressive form, away from the spotlight.

Under-20 international Moussa Dembélé has begun the 2015/2016 campaign with 3 goals and one assist in 11 appearances for second tier side Fulham in England before this weekend's fixtures, and after making 15 appearances last campaign following his move from Paris Saint Germain in 2012, the young starlet's performances so far have already begun to attract interest from Europe as well as some of the Premier League's top clubs.

This summer Everton were strongly linked with the player, but with the Frenchman remaining in London he will be tasked with fronting Fulham's battle for promotion as he continues his own personal development.

Certainly, the young forward is highly regarded at Craven Cottage, with the club's official website describing their young and dynamic starlet as "A player that can lead the line or play wide in a front three. The France youth international has pace to burn, skill in abundance and an ability to get in behind the opposition defence. Highly-rated in his homeland, Dembélé has great potential".

Amid interest from other club this summer, Dembélé himself said:

"I am very flattered with the interest from top level clubs. I always want to improve, but I love Fulham and have respect for them. I will work hard to do my best".

Already an Under-20 international for his country, Dembélé's impressive form from last season has continued this campaign, so much so that the question could now be asked whether he deserves to make the next step in his burgeoning career, in particular the step-up to Under-21 level for Les Bleus.

Having represented France at Under-16 level all the way through to the Under-20's, it would seem only a matter of time before one made the natural progression to Under-21 level. However, although Dembélé has showed ability in his brief career so far, such enthusiasm for his potential must be realistically tempered.

Comparatively at the same age, compatriot Anthony Martial is now already playing for Manchester United in the Champions League as well as being a full international with Les Bleus. Unlike Martial, Dembélé is currently playing for English second division side Fulham, and the Frenchman has only made 29 first team appearances so far for the English side in his fledgling career, with 5 goals and 3 assists in total.

While arguably talk of progression for the international youth sides is testament to the ability he does possess it should be said, in order to fully convince of his credentials for Les Bleus, he will have to show consistency this season with his improving performances. But should he do so, there is no reason he could not be considered at least for the Under-21 side.

And in his favour, this is a young player who does already have international experience to his name. During the recent 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championships, Dembélé was part of the French side that reached the semi-finals. The young forward scored two goals in the group stage in victories against Ukraine and hosts Greece, further demonstrating his potential. Such an impact will stand in his favour for contention for the step-up at international level and serves as continuing proof of his emerging talent for club and country, despite not yet being the finished article.

Indeed, after netting against Sheffield United in the League Cup this season, Fulham manager Kit Symons spoke of Dembélé, highlighting his raw talent:

"He's getting an opportunity at this moment in time and it's down to him to take it. I was pleased with him to get his goal against Sheffield, but he's had quite a lot of chances, and some he should have finished better."

It should be remembered however that the 19 year-old has time on his side to improve the weaknesses in his game that will allow him to make the next step in his career. But while Dembélé still has potential to blossom for Les Bleuets, doing so for an extend period of time with his club side is however less certain.

Should he continue to impress one would not be surprised to see more clubs linked with the Frenchman, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. When linked with a move away from Fulham this summer, the player said:

"I don't know (if staying at Fulham is the best thing for me). I will take my time to make the right choice. I feel very good at Fulham, I know everyone".

The club have offered the 19-year-old a new deal to keep him at Craven Cottage beyond this season; however whether he commits his immediate future to the London club is still questionable. But despite the on-going contract impasse, Symons has been quick to praise the young forward after his excellent start to the campaign:

"I'm sure he can see he's improving by doing the things we do. He's playing in a good team, and he gets the service he needs. He suddenly looks a yard quicker, and with a bit of success you gain a great deal of confidence. He's buying in to what we want. He's got pace, power and strength and he scares the life out of defenders. He's a proper handful, and will only get better."

While the irony is not lost with Moussa Dembélé arriving at Craven Cottage seemingly to replace Belgium counterpart and namesake Moussa Dembélé following his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, the young Frenchman has already showed glimpses of his potential so far, and if he can continue his rapid rise at club level, there is no reason why he cannot make a similar impact at international level and beyond.

While Fulham will hope to retain his services, progressing to Under-21 level will undoubtedly give Dembélé further opportunities to showcase his talent and grow into the kind of player his potential suggests, allowing France the chance to witness the emergence of a new star. Should he be given the opportunity to step-up, Les Bleuets really do not have anything to lose, and potentially a lot to gain.


http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2015/why-moussa-dembele-deserves-a-france-u21-call-up/?

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Report: Fulham U18 0-1 Villa U18

Villa U18s recorded their third consecutive victory with a single-goal win over Fulham at Motspur Park.

Andre Green's fine solo effort just after the hour mark was the difference.

It was a disciplined performance against a strong opponent as the claret and blues defended extremely well throughout and limited their London opponents to half chances.

During the second half, Villa dominated possession and were rewarded with an excellent goal from Green after 64 minutes.

Moustafa Zeidan was excellent during the second period in a withdrawn central midfield role.

Captain Easah Suliman and right-back Mitch Clark were also outstanding in a hard-fought victory.

Suliman and Rushian Hepburn Murphy now join up with England U17s to compete in the World Cup in Chile.

Villa U18: Sarkic, Clark, Clarke, Zeidan, Finnerty (Prosser 30), Suliman (C), Taylor (Cox 46), Hayes, Hepburn Murphy, O Hare (Mooney 78), Green. Unused subs: Idem, Sundman.


http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~5045444,00.html?

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SBI U.S. U-23 MNT MAN OF THE MATCH: EMERSON HYNDMAN

Facing off with an overmatched Cuba team, Emerson Hyndman's ability to move the ball was on full display Saturday night.

The U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team midfielder helped lead the way in a dominant 6-1 victory, while earning recognition as SBI U.S. U-23 Men's National Team Man of the Match.

Just 16 minutes into the game, Hyndman helped the U.S. kickstart what would become a scoring barrage via an assist on a Cameron Carter-Vickers header. From there, Hyndman and the U.S. midfield continuously picked apart a subpar Cuba team with little to no resistance. Hyndman's efforts payed off in the form of a 69th-minute goal via a rocketed shot on a quick throw in.

The goal was more than deserved for a player that controlled the game throughout, as Hyndman earned SBI U.S. U-23 MNT Man of the Match honors over Luis Gil, Jordan Morris and Carter-Vickers.

What did you think of Hyndman's performance? Which player stood out to you in Saturday's victory?


http://www.sbisoccer.com/2015/10/the-match-emerson-hyndman.html?