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Saturday Fulham Stuff (07/11/15)...

Started by WhiteJC, November 07, 2015, 08:05:13 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Are Fulham too nice? Study reveals Cottagers are the Championship's cleanest team

No team in the division has committed less fouls than the Cottagers so far this term


Marked man: Adam Le Fondre has Richard Stearman breathing down his neck

Kit Symons' Fulham have been the cleanest side in the Championship this season.

The Cottagers have only committed 137 fouls in league games this season, according to figures taken from Opta.

That's an average of just over nine a game, no other side in the division has committed fewer.

Hull can also claim to be the division's cleanest side having been judged to have committed just 137 fouls as well.

Cardiff have committed just 145 fouls, Burnley 150 and MK Dons 155.

Sheffield Wednesday are the "dirtiest" team in the division though.

The Owls have been pulled up by referees for 205 fouls in league games this season.

That's an average of almost 14 a game, more than any other club in England's second tier.

Queens Park Rangers are the next "dirtiest" team having being judged by referees to have committed 198 fouls.

The Rs are followed by Brentford (185), Rotherham (184), Ipswich (also 184) and Bolton (182).

Leeds United have been the Championship's most fouled side this season.

The club's opponents have been pulled up for a total of 207 fouls on Leeds players, 42 more than the 165 that they have committed themselves.

MK Dons have been fouled 199 times, Birmingham City 190, Derby 182 and Reading 181.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-nice-study-reveals-cottagers-10397083?

WhiteJC

 
Here's To You

There will be a minute's silence at Saturday's game with Birmingham City as football takes the opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Fulham will also wear poppy-embroidered shirts to mark Remembrance Day and support The Royal British Legion and the official matchday programme remembers those with with Fulham links who fought in the First and Second World Wars.

Ryan Tunnicliffe is the main interview. A key component in Fulham's midfield this season, the 22-year-old has begun to add goals to his game. After the Whites' unbeaten run came to an end at Burnley on Tuesday, the midfielder is looking to get back on track on Saturday.

He may be a bundle of energy on the pitch, but it's a tired Tunnicliffe we speak to on the phone on Wednesday. Like the rest of the squad, the midfielder had only arrived back in London in the early hours after Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at in-form Burnley.

The 22-year-old cut a frustrated figure on the team coach from Turf Moor to Manchester Airport. He asked to view Burnley's first goal again on a laptop to see if there was anything he could have done to prevent Andre Gray's header that opened the scoring in Lancashire.

Tunnicliffe told the official matchday programme: "I was annoyed afterwards, you're right. We'd gone there off the back of a few good results and had a bit of confidence. Going 2-0 down wasn't the greatest start, but considering how we played second half I thought we deserved something."

Attentions now turn to today's meeting with another high-flying side in Birmingham City. Blues arrive in SW6 in sixth place and have won four of seven games on the road.

"I won't get the Burnley defeat out of my system until we start training again for the Birmingham fixture," said Tunnicliffe. "Then you start focusing on the next game and try and get the last match out of your head and move on to the next one.

"Again, they'll be another hard team to play against. But they're coming to our place and we'll go into the game confident that we can beat them. It will be a tough match but one I'm fully expecting us to go into and do the job."

To read the full interview with Tunnicliffe in which he discusses goals, scrapbooks and inconsistency, get your hands on Saturday's matchday programme.


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

Manager Kit Symons on taking six points from a possible nine in the last three games
Captain Scott Parker reveals why he sat out Fulham's last two fixtures
Jamie O'Hara answers some random questions in the Name Game
Harry Potter star James Phelps discusses a life of following Birmingham
Alain Goma waxes lyrical on his spell in SW6
Les Strong pens his latest columns
We continue to take a walk down memory lane to the 1998/99 promotion-winning season
And we chat to legendary striker Steve Earle ahead of his return to the Cottage on Saturday


Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download with added video content from 12pm on Saturday, 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 or Pocketmags.

Or to ensure you don't miss a single copy of the official matchday programme, purchase an annual subscription. Head here for full details.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/06/heres-to-you?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham without trio for Birmingham visit

Andy Lonergan, Ryan Fredericks and Jazz Richards are amongst the players Fulham manager Kit Symons will have to do without against Birmingham.

On-loan Joe Lewis will again deputise in goal on Saturday, with Marcus Bettinelli a long-term absentee due to knee ligament damage and Lonergan facing a month out with a hamstring injury.

Fredericks is unlikely to be risked after coming off in Tuesday's 3-1 loss at Burnley with a hamstring complaint, while fellow full-back Richards remains absent with a calf injury.

Former England midfielder Scott Parker, who is building up his fitness following ankle problems, could return to the squad, but Jack Grimmer (ankle) and Sakari Mattila (illness) are out.

Birmingham boss Gary Rowett could be without Paul Robinson and David Cotterill at Craven Cottage.

Defender Robinson (dead leg) and winger Cotterill (knee) are doubts with Blues aiming to cling onto their play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship.

Maikel Kieftenbeld has a groin injury and is also a doubt with Blues coming off the back of three winless games.

Rowett's team have also failed to score in the last 340 minutes, since beating Bolton 1-0 last month.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/422761/fulham-birmingham-city/preview?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Birmingham

Andy Lonergan, Ryan Fredericks and Jazz Richards are amongst the players Fulham manager Kit Symons will have to do without against Birmingham.


Kit Symons: Injury problems for Fulham boss

On-loan Joe Lewis will again deputise in goal on Saturday, with Marcus Bettinelli a long-term absentee due to knee ligament damage and Lonergan facing a month out with a hamstring injury.

Fredericks is unlikely to be risked after coming off in Tuesday's 3-1 loss at Burnley with a hamstring complaint, while fellow full-back Richards remains absent with a calf injury.

Former England midfielder Scott Parker, who is building up his fitness following ankle problems, could return to the squad, but Jack Grimmer (ankle) and Sakari Mattila (illness) are out.

Birmingham boss Gary Rowett could be without Paul Robinson and David Cotterill at Craven Cottage.

Defender Robinson (dead leg) and winger Cotterill (knee) are doubts with Blues aiming to cling onto their play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship.

Maikel Kieftenbeld has a groin injury and is also a doubt with Blues coming off the back of three winless games.

Rowett's team have also failed to score in the last 340 minutes, since beating Bolton 1-0 last month.


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/339716/-?

WhiteJC

 
Ryan Tunnicliffe "confident" of picking up victory against Birmingham City

Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe has claimed that his side remain in high spirits ahead of their Championship clash against Birmingham City.

The Cottagers saw their five-game unbeaten run come to a halt in midweek following a 3-1 defeat away at Burnley.

Despite the setback, Tunnicliffe insists that taking on sixth-placed Birmingham City this weekend provides Fulham with the perfect chance to regain some momentum.

Speaking to the club's matchday programme, the 22-year-old said: "I won't get the Burnley defeat out of my system until we start training again for the Birmingham fixture.

"Then you start focusing on the next game and try and get the last match out of your head and move on to the next one.

Again, they'll be another hard team to play against. "But they're coming to our place and we'll go into the game confident that we can beat them.

It will be a tough match but one I'm fully expecting us to go into and do the job."

Fulham, who have failed to beat Birmingham in the last five meetings between the pair, find themselves five points off the top six in the Championship table.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/ryan-tunnicliffe-confident-of-birmingham-win_256113.html#$$nxfqp1&&+SboHoUmEeWRNxKp/GPoWQ$$

WhiteJC

 
Blues trio doubtful for Fulham trip

David Cotterill, Paul Robinson and Maikel Kieftenbeld are all injury doubts for Blues ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship game against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Cotterill (pictured) picked up a knee injury during Tuesday's draw against Blackburn, whilst Robinson is suffering from a thigh problem.

And despite being on the bench against Rovers, midfielder Kieftenbeld is still not 100 per cent fit because of a slight groin injury. 

"We have got a couple of injuries after Tuesday's game," confirmed Blues boss Gary Rowett this morning.

"Robbo took a bang against Wolves towards the end of it and his quad has just swelled up a little bit. I think he is going to be doubtful.

"Cotts came in the day after Tuesday night's game with a swollen knee. Nothing happened in the game so we are hoping it's not too serious. Again he is a doubt.

"When you have a got a smallish squad you sometimes pay a little bit of a price but we have only got one game until the international break.

"We have certainly got enough players and a good enough team to go down to Fulham and cause them some problems."



Read more at http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/birmingham-city-2787246.aspx#JxPpTrgwvuQCBx6p.99


WhiteJC

 
Gary Rowett calls on Birmingham City players to reward 4,000 Bluenoses at Craven Cottage

Blues boss aware of responsibility to the club's outstanding away fans.


Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett

Gary Rowett has called on his Birmingham City side to reward the massive travelling support going to Fulham tomorrow.

With nearly 4,000 Blues fans expected at Craven Cottage, Rowett said he is mindful of the responsibility that imposes on his team.

And he is confident they can repay that enormous show of faith as Blues go to West London with one of the best away records in the country.

Only Derby and Hull can equal Blues' four road victories - and Rowett said his players are due for a boost when they run out tomorrow.

"It always give you a big lift," Rowett said.

Can you spot yourself in the crowd against Blackburn?

"I'm not taking anything away from Fulham but it's one of those afternoons and type of games that you look forward to because of where it is and because you know the fans are going to go and enjoy the atmosphere.

"We're taking 4,000 and there's always that sense of responsibility when you have a really big away following to go and perform.

"If you look at us away from home, apart from the Hull game, which was against probably the best team in the division, I think we've been very good.

"Occasionally being away gives you a little bit more freedom and probably gives the players a bit more of a chance to try things with a bit more confidence because there's a bit less pressure and hopefully they'll see that performance."

So far Blues have sold just over 3,800 tickets, which remain on sale until 4pm today. However, none will be available on the day.


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-calls-birmingham-city-10397823

WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss Symons facing right-back crisis

Fulham will be without four right-backs for their game with Birmingham City on Saturday, boss Kit Symons has revealed.

Ryan Fredericks came off injured in the defeat at Burnley in midweek and joins Jazz Richards (calf) and Jack Grimmer (heel) on the sidelines.

Swiss full-back Kay Voser is also away from the club for personal reasons.

Fredericks and Richards are expected to be fit after the international break.

Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is out for at least a month with a hamstring injury and with Marcus Bettinelli not yet ready to return, third-choice Joe Lewis will be called into action again.

Midfielders Emerson Hyndman (calf) and Sakari Mattila (flu) will also miss the Birmingham game.

Blues boss Gary Rowett may be without winger David Cotterill, defender Paul Robinson and midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld, who are all injury doubts.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-fulham-face-right-back-crisis-ahead-of-birmingham-game

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Birmingham


SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday 7 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC WM DAB and updates on Radio 5 live; live text/report on the BBC Sport website


TEAM NEWS

Andy Lonergan (hamstring), Ryan Fredericks (hamstring) and Jazz Richards (calf) are all out for Fulham.

Former England international Scott Parker may return to the squad after an ankle injury but Jack Grimmer (ankle) and Sakari Mattila (illness) are out.

Birmingham boss Gary Rowett will give late checks to Paul Robinson (dead leg) and David Cotterill (knee).

Maikel Kieftenbeld's groin injury is also a concern. Young midfielder Reece Brown travels to London with the team.

MATCH FACTS
Fulham are unbeaten in their last five against Birmingham in league competition, winning three (D2).
Birmingham have not won at Craven Cottage in the league since December 2004 (D3 L2).
No player has attempted more passes this season than Jamie O'Hara (1,040)
In contrast, Birmingham City have played the fewest number of passes in the league (5,017).
Fulham have conceded more headed goals in this league campaign than any other club in the Championship (8).
The Cottagers have the best conversion rate in the league (19.85%).
The Blues' defenders have scored more goals than any other team in the Championship (6) - having a 32% share of Birmingham's total league goals.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34685908


WhiteJC

 
Kit's Birmingham City Preview

Kit Symons will look back on recent results very positively going into the international break if his Fulham side take three points at the weekend.

The Whites were unbeaten in five going into Tuesday's defeat at Burnley – a game in which we matched the promotion challengers for the best part – and victory over Birmingham City could see us move to within two points of the Play-Off places.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Symons stated: "We need to get the win tomorrow. It's an important one for us but if we do then that's three wins out of four games which is excellent form going into the international break.

"But talk is cheap, words come easy, it's getting those three points which we all know can be very difficult, but we're more than capable of doing it.

"We've played pretty much all the top teams now and more than matched them. And coming off after some of the games we've lost, you're almost scratching your head thinking that those teams weren't better than us and yet we've maybe not got what we needed out of the game.

"Obviously Reading was a great result for us. Boro away from home was a really good result but we could have quite easily gone and won that one. So we've played the top teams now and we can rub shoulders with them without a doubt.

"I feel we're as good as these teams but, ultimately, come the end of the season, you're judged by the number of wins you've got and the number of points on the board, and we need to make sure come that last ball being kicked in May, we're up there with these teams. Because I think we're good enough but, as I say, talk is cheap and we need to prove it."

Blues have only taken one point from their last three matches going into Saturday's encounter at Craven Cottage, but their excellent early-season form means they currently sit sixth in the Sky Bet Championship.


They were languishing in the relegation places when manager Gary Rowett took charge little over a year ago, and Symons has a lot of respect for what his counterpart has achieved at St Andrew's.

"He's done a super job I think you've got to say," he admitted. "Speaking to some of the players I know that play there, they all speak really highly of him. He's done a tremendous job.

"I think they're probably one of the shock teams up there at the moment. Again, it just shows what a great job he's done there.

"There's a long way to go yet, mind, as I'm sure Gary's well aware and will be reminding his players. But they are where they are at the moment through merit because they've got the points on the board, so full credit to them."

Birmingham's squad remains largely similar to the one that drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage nine months ago, and Symons believes he's aware of how they're going to line up again.

"I don't think there's any real surprises with the way they play," he said. "And I don't think too many teams have been shocked come the end of the game by the way they play – they might have been beaten by them, but they wouldn't have been shocked by the way it happened.

"They are very good at it, they've got a formula and it works very well for them with the players they've got. Ultimately I think that's the key to it, you get your best way of playing for the players at your disposal, and maximise their ability."

Much of City's success this season has seen them absorb pressure from the opposition before hitting them on the counter attack.

As the top scorers in the division, Fulham are clearly seen as an attacking force, and when asked if his side need to be mindful of Birmingham's willingness to let teams come at them, Symons responded: "We've definitely got to be wary of it.

"I said to the players today, the first half especially might be very cagey, and I'm happy enough if we come in and it's 0-0 at half-time.

"Hopefully we've been probing and passing the ball well and stretching them, but we might not get our rewards in that first period because they're a good side and they can soak up pressure very, very well.

"But if that's the case and it's 0-0 at half-time, I'd ask people not to get frustrated and to stick with it, keep doing the right things, and then have the belief that our quality and our goalscoring prowess will come to the fore before the 90 minutes is up, and that we'll do enough to win the game."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/06/kits-birmingham-city-preview?

WhiteJC

 
Birmingham City Factfile

Fulham will be looking to extend their unbeaten record against Birmingham City to a sixth match when the two sides meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm).


The opposition

A fantastic start to the season has seen Birmingham City emerge as Play-Off contenders, while they also spent some time in the automatic promotion places.

They went five games unbeaten at the beginning of the campaign, although lost their way slightly in September when matches against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Rotherham United yielded a total of just one point.

Blues responded in spectacular style, though, by securing four wins on the spin – form which saw them sit second in the Sky Bet Championship. They do, however, go into Saturday's encounter somewhat out of sorts after losing two of their last three matches, and drawing the other one at home to Blackburn Rovers.

Nevertheless, they currently occupy the final Play-Off spot.

Team news

Manager Gary Rowett has three main injury doubts ahead of the game. David Cotterill – who scored home and away against Fulham last season – picked up a knee injury against Rovers, while Paul Robinson and Maikel Kieftenbeld are nursing thigh complaints. All three could feature on Saturday, but Rowett has conceded they may have to be ruled out.

Tickets

Tickets are still available for supporters to buy, priced from just £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. These can also be purchased on the day, but prices will have increased by £5.

Weather

While it should be dry by the time kick-off comes around, light rain is forecast in SW6 throughout most of the morning and early afternoon. It will remain mild, though, with temperatures around the 17 degree mark.

Coral match odds

Fulham: 13/10

Draw: 5/2

Birmingham: 21/10

Last time we met

An early goal from either side saw Fulham and Birmingham draw 1-1 at Craven Cottage, nine months ago to the day on Saturday.

Hugo Rodallega gave the Whites the perfect start with just five minutes played when he finished from close range after being expertly found by Lasse Vigen Christensen.

But David Cotterill drew Blues level with less than quarter of an hour on the clock when his free-kick from a tight angle evaded everyone and sailed in and at the far post.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/06/birmingham-city-factfile?

WhiteJC

 
Under-18s Host Leicester

Fulham Under-18s take on high-flying Leicester City at Motspur Park on Saturday afternoon (12pm).

The Foxes currently occupy second spot in the Barclays U18 Premier League, having won seven and drawn three of their 12 games played so far. They do, however, travel to Motspur on the back of a defeat after losing 1-0 to Swansea City last time out.

Steve Wigley's side also lost by that scoreline in their previous outing, when a late strike earned West Ham United all three points in East London, leaving Fulham sitting eighth in the standings.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/06/under-18s-host-leicester?


WhiteJC

 
Bobby Campbell: 1937-2015

Everyone at Fulham Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Bobby Campbell.

As a player, Campbell began his career with local side Liverpool, before taking in spells with Wigan, Portsmouth and Aldershot.

He had his first taste of coaching with Pompey and later spent time in the capital with Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal, before joining Fulham as a coach under Alec Stock in the summer of 1976.

Before long, though, he was promoted to manager following Stock's departure. He remained in charge until October 1980 and during his time at the Club he worked alongside players such as George Best, Bobby Moore, Les Strong, John Mitchell, Gerry Peyton and Les Barrett.

After leaving Craven Cottage he took in management spells with Portsmouth and Chelsea, in addition to further coaching spells back with Aldershot and QPR.

The thoughts of all at Fulham are with Bobby's family and friends at this sad time.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/06/bobby-campbell-1937-2015?

WhiteJC

 
GAMEDAY – Fulham away

Gary Rowett takes his team to Fulham hoping that he can snap a winless streak and give the travelling army of 4,000 Blues fans something to cheer about as we head into the next international break.

Fulham
Fulham lie five places and five points behind Blues in 11th place and come into the game on the back of a run of three games that have seen fifteen goals – and six points for Fulham. Blues have not won in five attempts in Craven Cottage going back to 2004.
Andy Lonergan, Ryan Fredericks and Jazz Richards all miss out through injury; Scott Parker may come back in but is a doubt.

Blues
Blues have injury doubts regarding David Cotterill, Maikel Kieftenbeld and Paul Robinson with none of the trio likely to play. This should mean a recall for Jacques Maghoma while Jonathan Spector keeps his place in central defence. Reece Brown has travelled and should be in the matchday squad; Shane Lowry could be the defensive backup on the bench.

Ref
Iain Williamson takes charge of this game; he's been in the middle for 11 games so far this season, showing 43 yellow cards and two reds. His last Blues game was the eventful 2-2 away draw to Derby which saw Blues score twice in injury time to dramatically snatch a point. He booked five players in that game including David Cotterill and Lloyd Dyer of Blues and awarded Blues the penalty which started their comeback.

Suspension Watch
4 Yellow Cards: David Davis
3 Yellow Cards: Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jonathan Grounds, Paul Caddis and David Cotterill
2 Yellow Cards: Jon Toral and Stephen Gleeson.
1 Yellow Card: Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Morrison, Paul Robinson, Clayton Donaldson, Jonathan Spector, Andy Shinnie and Demarai Gray.
The cutoff date for 5 yellow cards to attract a suspension is November 30, 2015
The cutoff date for 10 yellow cards to attract a suspension is April 9, 2016


http://www.oftenpartisan.co.uk/archives/14491/gameday-fulham-away.html?

WhiteJC

 
3 things to look out for in the Fulham vs Birmingham City match

Kit Symons' Fulham will look to get back to winning ways when they entertain sixth place Birmingham City at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The hosts have won five, drawn five, lost five in the league so far, and sit five points behind their opponents this afternoon.

Gary Rowett's Birmingham have gone through a bit of a sticky patch, and are winless in three league games.

Here are three things to look out for in this afternoon's encounter:

1) Can in-form Fulham striker Moussa Dembele keep up his superb run of form?

Currently, teenage starlet Dembele is the joint-fourth top goalscorer in the Championship, with seven goals already this season, including back-to-back braces against Reading and Bristol City.

Certainly a fan's-favourite at the Cottage, Dembele has impressed for the Cottagers so far this season, and given the Fulham faithful cause for optimism after a slow start to the season.

Expect the teenager to continue his impressive form in this afternoon's match.

2) Ross McCormack

At the moment, McCormack is the joint-third highest goalscorer in the Championship this season.

McCormack scored on both occasions when Fulham scored four goals recently: vs Reading and vs Bristol City. Most notably, however, McCormack rescued Fulham in a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic earlier on this season, and scored a beautiful brace against West-London rivals QPR in September.

But it is not just his goals tally which is impressive, his all-round game has been particularly good. Most good things that Fulham do in the final third come through their prolific striker, who will likely have his eye on the Championship Golden Boot this season.

It will be interesting to see how McCormack gets on against another well-organised side in Birmingham today, and whether or not he scores another goal with that wonderful left-foot of his.

3) Can the Birmingham attacking unit deliver after a three-week drought?

Rowett's Birmingham have failed to score in their last three Sky Bet Championship matches.

They have gone without scoring a goal for 340 minutes of football, which is far too long for a side with ambitions of promotion this season.

Birmingham's top goalscorer this season is Clayton Donaldson with four goals. Donaldson has proven to be a real handful for many Championship defences in the past, so it seems just a matter of time before he rediscovers his best form, and bags a few goals for the Blues.

It will be interesting to see how Rowett goes about ending this miserable run in front of goal today.

Fulham have conceded more headed goals in this league campaign than any other club in the Championship with eight, so the powerful presence of Donaldson could be the difference if the Blues play to his strengths this afternoon.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-to-look-out-for-in-the-fulham-vs-birmingham-city-match/?#wyQ7A27vjF2bG0M5.99


WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Birmingham City: Symons plots to make lightning strike twice

Whites gaffer thinks back fondly to last season

Kit Symons has every reason to think fondly of clashes with Birmingham City.

His first win in charge as Fulham boss was a 2-1 away win over the Blues in September last year. He extracted another point when the two sides met back at Craven Cottage in February.

In fact, it's nearly six years since the side that plays at St Andrews have claimed all three points - a 1-0 win when Lee Bowyer scored a 16th minute winner to beat Roy Hodgson's side.

Now Symons is keen to keep the sequence going at home today.


Flashback: Hugo Rodallega celebrates the winner at St Andrews last season

He said: "I'm hoping my first win is a good omen.

"But that was a very different Birmingham team. Lee Clark was in charge then, and we met him a bit later when he was at Blackpool.

"Now they have Gary Rowett in charge. He's a real bright manager and he's doing a great job there."

Fulham are literally hamstrung by having no recognised right-back available to them, while first-choice keeper Andy Lonergan is out for up to six weeks with a second hamstring injury.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-birmingham-city-symons-10403599?