Saturday Fulham Stuff (17/12/16)...

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Friday Nights Result

Norwich 1-2 Huddersfield

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20% off adidas Replica Kits

Today's 12 days of Christmas advent offer provides Fulham fans with 20% off adidas Replica Kits this weekend.

This offer is available in the Stadium Store only, and to redeem supporters must download and present the voucher available below to staff between Saturday 17th and Monday 19th December.

The voucher is available on all adult, junior and mini Home, Away and Third Kits only.

Download your voucher today and bring it with you to tomorrow's game at Craven Cottage!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/16/12-days-advent-9

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Do They Know It's Christmas?

That was the question Stefan Johansen asked when we interrupted his Christmas shopping excursion for an official matchday programme interview. Thankfully, he took time out from wrapping gifts to talk to us about his recent goalscoring form and life at the Cottage since his summer switch from Celtic.

"I've found it tougher playing here," he tells the publication for the visit of Derby County. "The main reason is that, at Celtic, they're the best team in Scotland. No offence to the other teams, but Celtic have too much quality for them.

"Here, in England, it's harder as the teams are closer. We [Fulham] have just played the team bottom of the table and it was very tough."

To read the full interview with Johansen, pick up a programme on Saturday.

Other highlights from the matchday magazine include:

Chairman Shahid Khan looks ahead to what he hopes will be a prosperous 2017 and vows to back Slaviša Jokanović in the transfer market in January
The Head Coach and skipper Scott Parker pen their respective columns
Ray Lewington gives his first interview since England's Euro 2016 exit
Tom Cairney dishes the dirt on his Whites teammates
We continue our countdown of '100 Memorable Moments' in the Club's history
And Barry Hayles picks the best XI he played with during his time at the Cottage

Priced £3.50, the programme is available along 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 on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags from 9am on Saturday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/16/stefan-johansen-derby-programme

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Fulham used to be Jekyll and Hyde - now the horror story is nearly over says captain
Whites pivotal figure believes light at the end of a long tunnel is getting brighter as side gears up to face Derby County at the Cottage


Future bright: Scott Parker

Scott Parker says Fulham are slowly losing their Jekyll and Hyde tag - and the captain should know.

Against all odds the former England international has dodged bullets for the last four years that included relegation, a fight to avoid it in the Championship - and a series of managers, one of whom compelled the 36-year-old to dip into his wallet.

Madcap Felix Magath levied swingeing fines on two young players and Parker felt so aggrieved, he paid them himself.

Last season, he was chasing his tail as he put it, to catch up after an ankle injury necessitated surgery, but now fully fit, Fulham are reaping the benefits under a bevy of new talents and coach Slavisa Jovanovic.


Leaders: Slavisa Jokanovic (L) and Scott Parker

"We bought in quality players and we're not Jekyll and Hyde like the last few years - we've found a bit more consistency," Parker said.

"I've been here four years, and obviously it's not been the best with me not being in a struggling side some times.

"But now being in a successful team would be a massive highlight.

"We've got a bit of continuity and we're building on that."

Fulham lie 10th in the Championship but a win away from the play-offs and a with a much better goal difference over all above them save Derby - Craven Cottage visitors tomorrow.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-used-jekyll-hyde-now-12329929

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STEVE MCCLAREN COMMENTS ON CHRIS MARTIN'S LOAN DEAL



According to The Derby Telegraph, Steve McClaren has admitted his surprise to find Chris Martin out on loan.

Chris Martin is currently on a season-long loan at Fulham after Derby County sanctioned a temporary exit in the summer.

Nigel Pearson was in charge of Derby when Martin was sent out on loan and this is a decision which McClaren finds perplexing.

The current deal means that Martin stays at Fulham until the end of the season and McClaren admits that the chances of the Scotsman returning to Derby County in January look bleak.

This is because all three parties would have to agree on it and it looks like Chris Martin is happy at Fulham and Jokanovic is using him as a key player.

The 28-year-old has six goals this season for the Cottagers and Fulham are said to be keen on making his deal permanent.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/steve-mcclaren-comments-on-chris-martins-loan-deal/

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Opposition Camp

In an interview with RamsTV, Derby County manager Steve McClaren discusses his side's gameplan ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"This will be a big test for us on Saturday because Fulham are a very good team and especially at home too.

"This is great opportunity and a challenge for us. Fulham will be one of the teams, for me, that will be up in the Play-Offs this season.

"They score a lot of goals and are an attacking side. We need to take care of the ball and defend very well down there.

"When we get the opportunities, we need to hit them on the break and score in that kind of way.

"I saw them against Rotherham in midweek and that's how they got into the lead. That's how we need to win the game; with a solid foundation, real discipline and the ability to be effective when we go forward."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/16/opposition-camp-derby

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Derby County fans' guide to Fulham

Derby County head to Fulham's Craven Cottage

Derby County fans hit the road again on Saturday as the Rams head to Fulham's Craven Cottage.

It is their second trip to the capital in four days and they'll be hoping to return home with three more points - just like they did following the 1-0 defeat of QPR on Wednesday evening.

Here, for those supporters heading to Fulham, are a few things you should know about Craven Cottage:

What's the ground like?

The George Cohen statue outside Craven Cottage

Our friends at the footballgroundguide.com said: "On one side of the ground is the Stevenage Road Stand which has recently been renamed the Johnny Haynes Stand after the former Fulham great.

"It previously had terracing at the front but this has now been made all seated. The stand was originally designed by Archibald Leitch (who designed a number of football grounds and stands in the early part of the 20th century) and was opened in 1905.

"Considering its age, it can be forgiven for having a number of supporting pillars and old wooden seating in its upper tier. It does though have a fine classic looking gable on its roof; labelled Fulham Football Club."

How do I get there - and where can I park my car?

Website justpark.com offers fans the chance to book parking spaces for games for prices ranging from £7.50 to £25 depending on the distance to the ground. Spaces are usually driveways but designated car park spaces are also available.

And where can I grab a pre-match pint and a bite to eat?

The Crabtree is located a half mile away from Craven Cottage and is the usual pub for away fans. The Crabtree offers a pint of Guinness for £4.10 and a bag of Pipers crisps for £1.10.

Hot food is also available and is served in authentic orange polystyrene trays.


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derby-county-fans-guide-to-fulham/story-29986472-detail/story.html#EA2L3kmkVhQG7o1D.99

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Fulham v Derby County
SAT, 17 DEC 2016CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage

Steve McClaren's Derby have won their last seven Championship games, rising to fifth in the table

BBC coverage
How to follow:
Final Score, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

On-loan Fulham striker Chris Martin is ineligible to face his parent club, so manager Slavisa Jokanovic will have to reshuffle his forward line.

Lucas Piazon could come into the starting XI, having been on the bench for the last four matches.

Derby County could be without forward Johnny Russell, who has a hip problem, as they look for an eighth successive Championship victory.

Winger Ikechi Anya (knee) and left-back Max Lowe (hip/groin) and are still out.

Match facts

Fulham have lost just one of their last 12 home league games against Derby (W7 D4).
However, four of the last five meetings between them at Craven Cottage have ended level.
After a run of five league games without a win at Craven Cottage, Fulham are now unbeaten in their last five (W3 D2).
Derby are on a run of seven consecutive wins in the Championship; their longest streak in the competition since December 2013.
Stefan Johansen has had a hand in five goals in his last four league outings for Fulham (three goals and two assists).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38271830

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Youth Cup Commences

Fulham Under-18s' FA Youth Cup campaign kicks off in the Third Round at home to Mansfield Town on Friday afternoon (4pm).

Goals from Stephen Humphrys (2), Dennis Adeniran and Luca de la Torre earned the Under-18s a 4-2 win over Bury in Round Three last year, but a late flurry of goals saw them beaten by Aston Villa in the following stage.

It's a rare meeting between the sides, with Fulham's Under-18 group competing in the Premier League Southern Division, while the Stags take part in the EFL Youth Alliance. They progressed to Round Three courtesy of 3-0 and 5-2 wins over Bedworth United and Dunkirk, respectively.

Fans can come down to Motspur Park for the game, with tickets priced on the door at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. Goal updates will be provided on Twitter.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/16/youth-cup-commences

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Three to watch as Derby County head to Fulham's Craven Cottage


Floyd Ayité joined Fulham from French side SC Bastia this summer
 
Derby County are back on the road tomorrow when they head to Fulham's Craven Cottage.

The Rams, unbeaten in their last seven games, could go up to third if results elsewhere go their way.

But Fulham have promotion ambitions of their own and are also unbeaten in December, having scored 11 goals in their last three games.

Here we take a look at the three Fulham players to watch:

Tom Cairney


The 25-year-old Scotsman has made 21 appearances for Fulham this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists from an attacking midfield role.

After signing from Blackburn last season for £3.5m, the midfielder has become a main stay for the side from London, scoring eight goals and providing six assists last season and, with current good form, is looking likely to best those numbers this year.

Sone Aluko


The former Hull City striker has made an appearance in all but one of Fulham's Championship games, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Nigerian international Aluko, who joined from Hull on a free transfer at the start of the season, is starting to find form that earned him over 100 appearances for The Tigers.

A dangerous man to mark, Aluko always provides a threat with bursting pace and strength that makes him a menace to any defender.

Floyd Ayite


Pacey Togolese winger Floyd Ayité joined Fulham from French side SC Bastia this summer for a deal worth just over £1m.

Since signing, Ayité has scored for Fulham three times and has assisted twice in 14 appearances. The 27-year-old had his most prolific years at Bastia, but is impressing Fulham fans with athletic, skilful play as well as his ability to score important goals, such as a last minute equaliser against Wolves which earned his side a point in a thrilling 4-4 draw.


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/three-to-watch-as-derby-county-head-to-fulham-s-craven-cottage/story-29986273-detail/story.html#jah5xS3Y3kjl6XFj.99

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Column: Eddy Looking For Derby To Finish How They Began

In my opinion, this past week has seen Derby County produce their best performance on home soil this season as well as claim their most satisfying victory of this seven-game winning streak.

Now the question is can they make it a perfect week?

It certainly started in the best possible way with a 3-0 win over the club's biggest rivals, Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The first half, initially, was about containment. Forest, on the back of three wins themselves, looked very good on the counter attack, but did not get any change from the Derby back five that is not giving anything away at this moment in time.

These local derby fixtures are, mainly, for the supporters – one where bragging rights are won – but in a much improved second half display, there was only going to be one set of supporters enjoying their Sunday evening and the forthcoming days in the offices.

The second half showing six days ago was fantastic. The tempo was increased, the players were on the front foot and that, combined with a Forest side that looked deflated after Nicklas Bendtner's own goal, made for one of the most comfortable derby day outcomes in recent history.

Every time Derby got forward, they looked like they could score and the second goal – from the perfect weighted pass from Chris Baird to the sublime finish by Tom Ince – really typified the form that this group of players are in at the moment.

As I mentioned, I feel that it was the best performance on home soil this season and that has since been backed up by that 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers – a game in which a different set of qualities were required.

The trip to Loftus Road was never going to be one for flamboyance and instead was determined, largely, by a solid showing at the back. Ian Holloway's side went into the game desperate to get back to winning ways after three consecutive defeats and were always going to make it as difficult as possible for Steve and his side, even going as far as to alter their formation to try and achieve that.

On that particular night and after managing to stay in the game, Steve was rewarded for his bravery.

Substitutions can play a significant role in the outcome of the game – sometimes they come off and sometimes they don't – and with Derby under the cosh, he went for the three points, introducing Craig Bryson, Matěj Vydra and Abdoul Camara.

They all played their part, especially the latter, who has endured a frustrating first year here at Pride Park Stadium with injuries. He delivered the cross for Ince's winning goal and in the time that he was on the pitch he proved that he has got something to offer to Steve and this squad.

That's the biggest thing for me. Whilst the squad has been, largely, unchanged in recent weeks, the players on the substitutes bench and fringes are chomping to play their part and that itself is making everyone raise their game.

That scenario is great for Steve, of course, and off the back of two physically and mentally draining fixtures the question for Fulham is whether or not he will freshen the squad up?

People speak about the long travel being a problem, especially so quickly after a similar journey, but when you're winning games, the last thing you think about is the travel. In my opinion, bearing in mind the full week's recovery ahead of the Birmingham game on the 27th, I wouldn't change a winning team. I can guarantee that there won't be any players wanting to sacrifice their place in the starting line-up this weekend.

Fulham, on the brink of the play-off picture, will have their own worries ahead of this weekend's fixture.

The biggest talking point is that the Cottagers are going to be without Chris Martin, who of course has been the focal point of their attacking play since making the move to the Capital back in August on loan.

They are big shoes to fill so the question for Slaviša Jokanović is who will take up the reins this weekend?

That can play into Derby's hands and the message has to be to go to Craven Cottage and make sure you finish what has been a good week for the club on a high.

Steve and his players will go with a point and I feel coming back with a point would be a positive result after such a week. We have to remember that this Fulham side beat Newcastle United, Huddersfield Town and Reading – all in the current top six – comfortably on home soil. The latter two resulting in high scoring wins.

The away supporters will have their part to play once more too.

More than a thousand of you, the supporters, made the trip to Loftus Road in midweek and I have seen that more than a 3,000 will be going to Craven Cottage this time too.

Even when I was a player here, the club's supporters turned out in their numbers week after week. Especially at this time of year, with Christmas just around the corner, it is often a little more difficult to find the spare money to make long trips and attend these games, but the fact that so many supporters are continuing to turn out and give their backing is great credit to them.

They have been a massive part of the success the club has enjoyed over the last two months and I'm sure those that are making the journey down to SW6 on Saturday will have a big part to play again.

Finally, and whilst the meeting with Fulham is the final game for the first team before Christmas, football returns to Pride Park Stadium next Monday as Derby County's Under 23s prepare to face Manchester City's Under 23s in the Premier League Cup.

I was here for the Liverpool clash last month and it was good to see Darren Wassall's young side in action against what was very talented opposition.

This next game is just another indicator of the challenge that Derby's up and coming players are faced with every week in the top flight of Premier League 2 and the game's programme that comes with holding such a position.

Darren and his players are facing top clubs with an astronomical number of quality young players at their disposal.

It represents a great experience for the coaches and players and I am looking forward to seeing Derby pit their wits against an extremely talented Manchester City outfit – one that they took right to the wire in a 3-2 defeat back in August – and I hope to see as many of you as possible turn out to support them in their latest challenge.



Read more at http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/column-now-go-and-finish-how-you-started-3472437.aspx#1upQjl7mAokXEoG9.99

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3 TRANSFERS FULHAM SHOULD LOOK TO TIE UP IN THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY

Life in the Championship hasn't been easy for Fulham since their relegation in 2014, but this season they are quietly pushing for a play-off place.

Not many backed them in the summer as other teams as various other sides spent big money to bolster their squad, but Fulham too brought in some good signings during pre-season.

Arrivals such as Floyd Ayite, Sone Aluko and David Button are proving to be good additions to Slavisa Jokanovic's squad as they challenge for a top six finish.

The Cottagers are 10th in the league table, just 3 points away from the play-offs with 8 wins so far from the 2016/17 campaign.

Despite making a good start, to really push for a play-off spot in what will be a tough battle this season, and with the January transfer window now less than a month away, Jokanovic can do exactly that.

Football League World writer Rob Booth identifies THREE signings Fulham should tie up next month...

CHRIS MARTIN


After a poor end to 2015/16 and a horrific start to 2016/17, Chris Martin was sent out on loan by Derby, and Fulham was his destination, with the striker joining on loan.

Martin has found his shooting boots once again at Craven Cottage, bagging 6 goals since arriving in London, 2 of which came in a 5-0 drubbing of Reading earlier this month.

It's already been reported that Fulham are eager to make Martin's move a permanent one, and with his Championship goal scoring record, Slavisa Jokanovic's side would definitely benefit.

PETER CROUCH


To win promotion from the Championship you need goal scoring power, and adding another striker to their ranks would do Fulham's top six push no harm.

With Chris Martin in decent form and his parent club flying under the manager who got the best out of Martin, Derby may want to recall him and keep him in their own squad.

So if Martin cannot be signed permanently, former England forward Peter Crouch could be an option.

The 35-year-old has played at the top level for his whole career, but is struggling to get into the Stoke City side and may seek a move away from the top flight outfit.

Peter Crouch would contribute goals to Slavisa Jokanovic's side and could be the perfect signing to help get them over the line.

NICHOLAS LLANOS


Nicholas Llanos is a midfielder who is currently plying his trade with Croatian club Hajduk Split.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage following his lack of game time at his current club, so fan could see Llanos in a Fulham shirt in the near future.

The Croatian could be a good signing for Jokanovic's side, as he would be relatively cheap and has a point to prove, and it's this kind of player that could become influential to the Fulham team.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-transfers-fulham-should-look-to-tie-up-in-the-first-week-of-january/

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Chris Baird looks ahead to Fulham reunion with Derby County

Chris Baird is relishing the prospect of a reunion with old club Fulham this weekend.

Baird is set to line up at right-back for Derby County against his former employers at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm).

Chris Baird is relishing the prospect of a reunion with old club Fulham this weekend.

Baird is set to line up at right-back for Derby County against his former employers at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm).

Fulham remains a club that is close to the 34-year-old's heart.

He joined them from Southampton in a £3m-plus deal and between 2007 and 2013, he made 165 appearances for the West London club.

During that time, he helped Fulham establish themselves in the Premier League and qualify for Europe.

Chris Baird during his Fulham days

They reached the 2010 Europa League final and Baird played in the 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The former Northern Ireland international returned for a second spell at Fulham during the second half of last season, making seven appearances on loan from Derby.

"I had a large portion of my career there and I loved every minute of it," said Baird.

"I had such a really great time there and they are a great club.

"I've still got a lot of friends there, so it will be nice to go back again.

"It's a club that's close to my heart and I always enjoy going back there and seeing some familiar faces.

"I know I was there on loan last season but going to play against them is a bit different.

"I'm expecting a tough game but, hopefully, I'll get a warm welcome!"

Baird was grateful for last season's loan spell at Fulham, which allowed him to build his match fitness ahead of Euro 2016, where he was part of the Northern Ireland squad.

"I just needed to get out," he said. "The Euros were coming up and I needed to get out and play a few games leading up to that.

"I did that and I thank the club for letting me go out and get a few games before that tournament. That was the main reason, really."


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/chris-baird-looks-ahead-to-fulham-reunion-with-derby-county/story-29988552-detail/story.html#8ulq4FT3zpZepHWs.99

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Tomas Kalas: I can win back-to-back promotions to the Premier League
TOMAS KALAS has set his sights on winning back-to-back Premier League promotions.


Tomas Kalas has impressed for Fulham

Kalas played a key role in helping Middlesbrough return to the top-fight last season.

Now the on-loan Chelsea defender is aiming to repeat it.

Free-scoring Fulham are within touching distance of the play-offs ahead of today's clash with Derby.


Tomas Kalas experienced promotion with Middlesbrough last season

Tomas Kalas made his Chelsea debut under Jose Mourinho in the 2014/15 season

But it's at the other end where Fulham looked have solved their Achilles heel - thanks to Czech star Kalas.

He said: "I've come here to win something again. I won promotion with Middlesbrough and I think at Fulham we have the squad that can do the same as well.

"Of course I remember how difficult it was last season. There's a lot of games and no team is easy to beat.

"Every week you are challenged but that's why I like this league.

"I know though that if you can get on a roll you can yourself in a good position. We want to to do the same here."

Kalas was tipped for the top after making his Chelsea breakthrough under Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2014-15 season.

But he has just two league starts to his name and has instead been farmed out to FIVE different clubs on loan.

The 23-year-old added: "I've found it easy to settle in quite quickly wherever I've been, whether that's in Britain or anywhere else.

"I'd rather be in one place for four or five years but if it means I have to travel to play regularly, then I'm willing to do that.

"And I feel at home at Fulham. It's a big help that I'm living at home and not far from Chelsea's training ground at Cobham."


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/571008/Tomas-Kalas-Fulham-promotion

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McClaren: "Our Supporters Really Are Part Of It"

Steve McClaren says Derby County's supporters are providing the team with outstanding backing – and is looking forward to seeing another big following at Fulham today.

In their final fixture before Christmas, Derby will face the Cottagers at Craven Cottage in the Sky Bet Championship this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

The Rams are set to be backed by an away support totalling over 3,000 later today, with McClaren's men chasing an eight successive victory.

The Derby boss was quick to praise the 1,000+ supporters that drove the team on in midweek at Queens Park Rangers, and they were rewarded with a late Tom Ince strike in the 1-0 success at Loftus Road.

McClaren insists that Derby's supporters are as much a part of the game as the players and has made it clear they have a crucial part to play.

"Craven Cottage is a great ground, for me, when the away end is full and we've seen it a few times in the past ourselves," McClaren told RamsTV.

"I look forward to seeing our big following on Saturday and I hope the supporters look forward to our performance too.

"The 1,000+ fans at QPR were fantastic behind the goal on Wednesday, singing and driving the team on and it was great that we scored in front of them late on."

He added: "They think that they just come and support the team but they really are part of it.

"They're part of the ups and downs of the game. They can keep us going in the bad times and they're as much a part of the match as the players on the field."


Read more at http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/mcclaren-our-supporters-really-are-part-of-it-3472359.aspx#hKTKUCpXr7eP9aVc.99

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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Ride Winning Wave To London

After the Rams ground out their 7th consecutive win away to QPR on Wednesday, Derby faces an even tougher task again in London, when they travel to Fulham.

Derby are still likely to be without Anya and Lowe, Russell is struggling with a hip injury and could be omitted from the 18, whilst Christie, Thorne and Forsyth are still on the long term treatment table.

After a cameo performance the other night, Camara is pushing Weimann all the way for a start on the right wing. However McClaren will possibly stick to the same starting eleven and use Camara as an impact sub late on. Otherwise The Rams remain unchanged as Hughes will continue to play through the pain barrier with a damaged left hand.

On loan striker Chris Martin is not eligible to play for Fulham who will need to reshuffle slightly. Lucks Piazon seems the most likely to replace Martin.

Fulham are having a good season and are a free flowing, good football team who create chances and score goals. Derby's tight and stern defence will be tested to its absolute limit.

Look out for Johansen causing problems going forward as he is a good attacking threat. Fulham are in good form at home having won 3 and drawn 2 of their last five games.

Match Prediction:
This will be a very tough test for the Rams. It was against Fulham away under McClaren's last spell when the wheels started to come off his teams promotion push after sitting at the top of the league.

Derby have not had much success at Craven Cottage in the league with wins a rare commodity. The Derby defence will be tested to the limit; however the Rams are bang in form and need to create chances.

Recently McClaren has spoken about being on a wave and trying to stay on it but many Rams fans would be pleased with a point from this fixture.

The home side could nick a tight game, but staying with the glass half-full, let's get a 1-1 draw with Bent to score.



Last Time They Met:
Fulham 1 v 1 Derby

Craven Cottage - February 6th 2016



http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/derbycounty/news/44510/

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Tom Ince glad Derby County will not be facing Chris Martin at Fulham

Tom Ince is glad that Derby County will not be coming up against Chris Martin at Fulham.

Martin is currently on a season-long loan with Fulham from the Rams - but he is not allowed to face his parent club when the sides meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm).

The striker scored 61 goals for Derby in the past three seasons but was allowed to leave at the end of this summer's transfer window after falling out of favour with then-manager Nigel Pearson.

Martin has netted six times in 16 outings so far for Fulham, who are 10th in the Sky Bet Championship table, three points behind fifth-placed Derby.

"Fulham is another big test for us," said Ince.

"They are a good side with bags of ability and they have added a few players.

"I don't think Chrissy can play on Saturday, can he? No? That's good!

"I know a few of the boys have kept in touch with him.

"He's doing well and I'm sure he's enjoying playing football. It's a bit of a fresh start for him.

"Luckily, he can't play against us.

"It will be interesting to see who he is supporting!"


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/tom-ince-glad-derby-county-will-not-be-facing-chris-martin-at-fulham/story-29988698-detail/story.html#HhUp2F3MEsPwdW6u.99

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Opposition Camp

In an interview with RamsTV, Derby County manager Steve McClaren discusses his side's gameplan ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"This will be a big test for us on Saturday because Fulham are a very good team and especially at home too.

"This is great opportunity and a challenge for us. Fulham will be one of the teams, for me, that will be up in the Play-Offs this season.

"They score a lot of goals and are an attacking side. We need to take care of the ball and defend very well down there.

"When we get the opportunities, we need to hit them on the break and score in that kind of way.

"I saw them against Rotherham in midweek and that's how they got into the lead. That's how we need to win the game; with a solid foundation, real discipline and the ability to be effective when we go forward."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/16/opposition-camp-derby

McClaren's comments on how to beat us using quick breaks must be on the front page of every other manager's notebook in the Championship.