Friday Fulham Stuff (24/09/10)...

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1323/0/johnson-close-fulham-return?
Johnson close to Fulham return

Fulham have been boosted by the news that Andrew Johnson will return to full training next week.

The £10.5m striker has not played since injuring his knee in the defeat at Blackburn in January.

But he is hoping to be pushing for a place in the squad for the game at West Ham on October 2.

Johnson's return is a welcome piece of good news for Craven Cottage boss Mark Hughes, who has lost Bobby Zamora and Mousa Dembele to injury in the last fortnight.

Zamora has been ruled out for up to five months after breaking his leg against Wolves.

And Dembele faces at least a fortnight on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament in a tackle from Stoke full-back Andy Wilkinson that Hughes called 'ridiculous'.

But Johnson could return to lead the line at Upton Park, having played just 13 games last season due to knee and shoulder injuries.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=214264
Fulham - Dembele Latest!
We`re still a little up in the air when it comes to the extent of the injury Moussa Dembele suffered at Stoke on Tuesday evening.

The club has announced that X-rays have shown that there is no fracture to the ankle but that an MRI scan has shown there is ligament damage.

The obvious statement is added that this damage must be allowed to repair before he can resume training but no indication is given as to any time scale.

Fingers crossed that it won`t be too long!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=214264#ixzz10QVzwnn6

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=214265
Fulham v Everton Preview!
After suffering their first defeat of the season, up at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke in the Carling Cup, Fulham will want to get back to winning ways when they entertain Everton this weekend. Everton, despite an array of stars in their line-up, have struggled this season, thus far, and find themselves lurking around the relegation area, something David Moyes wouldn`t have anticipated when the season started. A thriller, at the Cottage, could be in prospect!

Vital Quotes:
A second visit, inside a week, to West London beckons for troubled David Moyes. After a poor start to the season the troubled Everton boss is keen to rally his troops for the visit to Craven Cottage.

After being knocked out of the Carling Cup, at our London neighbours Brentford, Moyes had this to say,

"We had a poor performance on Saturday. And this performance on top of that was not very good."

"I`m always concerned about it. In that position any manager would be concerned,"

"You want to get point on the board and you don`t want to get knocked out of the Cup. We had set up this year to start very strongly."

"We had prepared differently in pre-season and we were expecting a good start. I`ve got a job on now."

"I know I`ll need to manage, to get to work. I`ll take the responsibility."

"I`ll try to get things changed around. But I will be there on the touchline in the next game and people will be able to see me."

I guess with our decent home record Moyes might have wished for an easier away trip to try and stir his team into producing a winning performance.

Fulham Team News:
Mark Hughes, having witnessed the latest of his playing staff in Moussa Dembele get ting injured, is down to his bare striking bones this weekend. With Bobby Zamora sidelined until February, Dimansy Kamara and Andrew Johnson still on the comeback trail, Mark has to decide whether to push Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera up front or whether to entrust Eddie Johnson and David Elm to do the job.

David Stockdale, out since injuring his ankle at Bloomfield Road, will hopefully return to the fold, whether he`ll displace Mark Schwarzer or not remains to be seen. Apart form those players mentioned; the only possible change we can envisage is the return of Damien Duff with the Irishman having missed out at Stoke, in midweek.

Fulham could line up as follows:-

Schwarzer (or Stockdale), Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Duff, Gera and Dempsey (or Johnson)

Player to watch: Danny Murphy
With Mikel Arteta on the opposition side, Saturday could see an enthralling midfield battle to determine who is the better passer of the ball, if Fulham are to emerge victorious and take all three points then this is a battle that Danny will have to win.

Everton Team News:
David Moyes has a squad filled with star names. Howard, Jagielka, Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar, Fellaini, Baines and co should be capable of giving anyone a decent game, but their current league position, allied with a midweek Carling Cup defeat by Brentford, suggests all is not well at the club. In fact Everton have yet to win a game all season only picking up two points from two draws, such is their current predicament.

On the injury front, Moyes is faring a lot better than this time last year, a time whereby his squad was beset with major injury problems to key players. This weekend, one of the most promising youngsters to emerge from the Goodison scene for ages, Jack Rodwell, is amongst those absent through injury.

Player to watch: Tim Cahill
The Australian has the knack of being in the right place at exactly the right time when lofted balls arrive in the box to score with uncanny frequency with his head. A man who`ll need to be watched!

Match Facts & Stats
Fulham enter this fixture unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Our record may only feature the solitary win but our resilience has seen us pick up draws when faced with adversity, typical examples being away to Blackpool and at home to Manchester United whereby late, late goals rescued points for us.

Everton, on the other hand, are still looking for a first win of the season having only mustered two draws this season, one of which, just like us, related to a last gasp rescue mission against Manchester United.

Last time out Everton went out of the Carling Cup at Brentford off all places whilst Fulham exited the same competition up at Stoke.

Match Prediction:
This will, in our opinion, be a close game. Everton showed, against Manchester United that they can never be written off and it`s something of a mystery as to why they are so far down the table and why their form is so inconsistent. Fulham, on the other hand, are s resilient as ever and will fancy beating anyone on their own pitch. Us Vital Fulham staff, reckon this`ll end up as a Fulham win but by the narrowest of margins, 1-0!

Next Fixtures:
It`s a jaunt across London, to the jolly old East End, for us next when we make the relatively short journey to Upton Park to play West Ham United.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=214265#ixzz10QWHeaMP

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314711/Fulhams-Andrew-Johnson-returns-training-Mark-Hughes-battles-striking-injury-crisis.html?
Fulham's Andrew Johnson returns to training as Mark Hughes battles a striking injury crisis

Fulham have been boosted by the news that Andrew Johnson will return to full training next week.

The £10.5m striker has not played since injuring his knee in the defeat at Blackburn in January.


So close: Andrew Johnson has targeted the first week of October to make his return from a nine month injury absence
But he is hoping to be pushing for a place in the squad for the game at West Ham on October 2.

Johnson's return is a welcome piece of good news for Craven Cottage boss Mark Hughes, who has lost Bobby Zamora and Mousa Dembele to injury in the last fortnight.

Zamora has been ruled out for up to five months after breaking his leg against Wolves.


Another blow: Moussa Dembele is likely to be out for two weeks after suffering an injury in a tackle with Stoke City's Andy Wilkinson

And Dembele faces at least a fortnight on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament in a tackle from Stoke full-back Andy Wilkinson that Hughes called 'ridiculous'.

But Johnson could return to lead the line at Upton Park, having played just 13 games last season due to knee and shoulder injuries.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314711/Fulhams-Andrew-Johnson-returns-training-Mark-Hughes-battles-striking-injury-crisis.html?#ixzz10QXAoMgo

[WhiteJC]

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2010/09/playing-with-big-boys.html?
Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.

Playing with the big boys
It's been a bruising few weeks for the Fulham team. A cynical Wolves playing a more physical game than expected followed up by matches against the typically robust tactics of Blackburn and Stoke has seen the sum total of two crocked strikers and a roughhoused goalkeeper. I reckon Schwarzer will be fine - any keeper would have struggled with the last two games, especially with no protection from the referee at Ewood Park.

All it needed to round up this set of fixtures would have been a match against Bolton Wanderers, although Owen Coyle appears to have rounded off some of the rough edges that he inherited from Gary Megson.

Still, Everton can also offer a physical challenge when needed, especially old Marouane Fellaini, so Fulham need to toughen themselves up for this weekend's match, which may not actually see any recognised strikers on the pitch.. It depends if either managers are going to put their faith in previously underperforming reserve forwards - Eddie Johnson and Jermaine Beckford.

The way Fulham have been playing, it would suggest that Tim Cahill is bang on to score first with his head - a 7/1 shot and favourite given the only players sporting shorter odds are AJ and Dembele.

Another full house against a team with a relatively poor record at the Cottage suggests a good atmosphere this weekend and I reckon an Everton HT/ Fulham FT is a decent bet, especially as it can be found for as long as 40/1.

[WhiteJC]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/david-elms-new-blog.html?
David Elm's new blog
By: timmyg | September 23rd, 2010

Last year David Elm was blogging for Barometern, a Swedish newspaper. Using the power of google translate, we got a inside look at the happenings at Motspur Park, albeit in broken English.

Well, turns out David and his brother Rasmus now have their own website. And just look at this picture splashed on the homepage:

Wow.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943413/Fulham-v-Everton-match-preview.html
Fulham v Everton: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Everton at Craven Cottage on Saturday Sept 25 2010, kick-off 15:00 BST.

Fulham (possible, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies; Gera, Dempsey.

Everton (possible, 4-5-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Osman, Fellaini, Heitinga, Arteta, Pienaar; Yakubu.

Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 2. R0 Y8.

Tale of the game
Find a friend and ask them to name the four unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United they should all get without too much trouble. But it's a good bet they'll name one of them twice before they happen upon Fulham, who boast a proud record of one win, four draws and no defeats so far.

Mark Hughes is earning a reputation as a draw specialist, and on the face of things this game has 0-0 written all over it.

Everton's strikers have all struggled in front of goal this season, while Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson are all injured for Fulham. If you adhere to the 'regression to the mean' theory, however, this should be a fiesta of goals.

Fulham still have striking options; Zoltan Gera and Eddie Johnson will compete to start alongside Clint Dempsey. Louis Saha, Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe are all out for Everton, while Tim Cahill is a doubt after missing the defeat to Brentford on penalties in midweek.

After Everton's cup exit, is it too early to posit that defeat to Fulham might put a little pressure on David Moyes? The Scot has earned some patience after being in the job for eight years – but equally, never in his eight years have his side started a season this poorly.

Last season: Fulham 2 Everton 1; Everton 2 Fulham 1.

Stat of the game: Steven Pienaar has won the most free-kicks of any Premier League player – 19.

Betting tip: Zoltan Gera is 10/1 to open the scoring.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/09/24/fulham-full-back-carlo-salcido-s-amazing-journey-from-a-carwash-to-craven-cottage-82029-27330577/?
Fulham full-back Carlo Salcido's amazing journey from a carwash to Craven Cottage

CARLOS Salcido has finally made it to the Premiership with Fulham after an amazing journey through heartbreak and hunger.

The 30-year-old Mexican World Cup defender endured losing his mum when he was nine – deportation from the USA three times - working in a carwash at 14 – and even the effects of eating nothing but fast-food because he didn't have the English to ask for anything else.

The left-back's climb from near poverty to an excellent debut at Blackburn last Saturday as the natural successor to Paul Konchesky appears as smooth as silk.

The same can hardly be said for Salcido's rise to glory.

"I thought I was lucky to get a job in the carwash," he explained. "But my feet were suffering with the water and the boots and I reluctantly had to quit.

Salcido had a batch of illegal goes at crossing the US border like so many of his countrymen in search of a better life.

But it was only at the age of 20 when the second youngest of six used a fake player's licence to get a trial with Mexican club Chivas in his native Guadalajara he got his first break.

He impressed coach Ramon Candelario, who immediately forked out a $1,000 to make sure he got his man.

Salcido explained: "I told him I lived with an aunt and we didn't eat so well – and he realised that if he gave me the money maybe I could really make it as a footballer."

When the established Salcido was transferred to PSV Eindhoven in 2006 he discovered the set-up in Holland was nothing like the help he's had since joining Fulham.

"After 15 days in Eindhoven I was desperate. I felt abandoned," he said. "Not knowing what to do, I only ate at a McDonalds or Kentucky because it was easier, and my game suffered for a while.

"But I've always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and Fulham have given me that opportunity. Since I joined, I've met very nice people and everyone has been very supportive."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/09/24/fulham-full-back-carlo-salcido-s-amazing-journey-from-a-carwash-to-craven-cottage-82029-27330577/?#ixzz10QZlYAjK

[WhiteJC]

http://www.soccertimes.com/americans/2010/sep23?
Dempsey's first goal allows Fulham to draw 1-1 with Rovers.

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)
SoccerTimes
(Thursday, September 23, 2010) -- United States attacker Clint Dempsey notched his first goal of the season Saturday and it ended up earning Fulham an important point in the English Premier League standings.

Against host Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, Fulham fell behind on a goal from Christopher Samba on the half hour. Then in the 56th minute, defender Carlos Salcido brought the ball down the right side and floated a cross toward the far post. Dempsey outran defender Ryan Nelsen to the ball to hit a powerful header that easily beat goalkeeper Paul Robinson for the equalizer in the 1-1 match.

For the second match in a row, Dempsey yielded to fellow American striker Eddie Johnson, this time in the 78th minute.

The match proved costly to Fulham with forward Bobby Zamora suffering a broken leg. The injury should ensure Dempsey more playing time.

Fulham is in a five-way tie for sixth place at seven points, undefeated at 1-0-4.

On Tuesday, Dempsey went the distance and Johnson played the final half hour in a 2-0 loss to Stoke City (17th in the Premier League) in the third round of the Carling Cup. Dempsey, who played on the front line in place of the injured Zamora, had a golden opportunity in the second half because of a goalkeeping error, but sent his shot over the crossbar.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/SalcidoExclusive.aspx?
Carlos' Dream Move

It was not until the age of 20 that Carlos Salcido finally found a route into the professional game after enduring years of hardship during his formative years in Mexico.

At the tender age of 14, Salcido worked in a car wash but six years later his life was to change forever when he earned him a trial with Chivas in Guadalajara.

Coach Ramon Candelario was clearly impressed and signed Salcido before helping the defender, on and off the pitch, fulfill his talent.

"I told him [Candelario] I lived with an aunt and we didn't eat so well," Salcido explained. "He realised that if he gave me money maybe I could really make it as a footballer."

Salcido never looked back, making 105 appearances for Chivas between 2001 and 2006 and following his appearances at the 2006 World Cup with Mexico, he was transferred to PSV Eindhoven but evidently found the transition tough.

"After 15 days in Eindhoven I was desperate. I felt abandoned," he said. "Not knowing what to do, I only ate fast food because it was easier but my game suffered for a while."

Things quickly improved on the pitch with Salcido earning the captaincy at Eindhoven during a four-year spell that saw him gain Champions League experience during his time in Holland.

Salcido's sterling performances at the 2010 World Cup finally earned him a move to the Barclays Premier League this season, with Mark Hughes signing the defender on a three-year deal. It was, he reveals, a dream come true.

"As a professional football player I have always dreamt of playing in the Premier League. It was most definitely my dream as I've always been a fan of the English football and followed most of the teams – I'm delighted because Fulham has given me the opportunity to play here.

"I'm really happy because since I joined Fulham I've met very nice people. My team-mate and all the staff at the Club have been very supportive. I've been made to feel really welcome."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/SalcidoExclusive.aspx?#ixzz10QaXzCNp

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9026619.stm
Fulham v Everton

Considering the job he has done, I find it unbelievable that there is now a bit of pressure on Everton boss David Moyes after their home defeat by Newcastle and Carling Cup exit on penalties at the hands of Brentford.

Yes, they were two poor results but Everton have been playing some decent football and creating stacks of chances. Their luck will turn soon, and it could happen for them at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are still unbeaten in the league this season, and look very solid, but Moussa Dembele has joined Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson on the sidelines and they might not carry enough of a threat up front.

Prediction: 1-2

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314795/Everton-skipper-Phil-Neville-calls-team-mates-pull-together.html?
Phil Neville issues rallying call to Everton team-mates and says: Let's come together at Fulham

Everton captain Phil Neville has called on his side to dig themselves out of a hole - starting at Fulham on Saturday.

The Toffees' dreadful start has seen them slip into the Barclays Premier League's bottom three as well as suffering a Carling Cup shock against Brentford on Tuesday.

And Neville told Everton TV: 'The spirit that everyone raves about has to come to the fore now.

'As captain I have to make sure I'm leading from the front, but I couldn't want a better set of players behind me to get us out of this mess that we're in.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314795/Everton-skipper-Phil-Neville-calls-team-mates-pull-together.html?#ixzz10R2GHwvI

[WhiteJC]

http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_4501_club-focus-fulham-dembele-the-latest-on-the-cottagers’-disassembly-line-of-strikers.html?
Club Focus - Fulham - Dembele, the latest on the Cottagers' disassembly line of strikers

Fulham's chances of having a successful season in the absence of talisman Bobby Zamora were on a knife-edge after Andy Wilkinson's frankly appalling challenge on Moussa Dembele at the end of Tuesday's somewhat miserable away performance at Stoke City. Should the Whites lose the so-far impressive Dembele for a lengthy spell as well as England international Zamora, early-season predictions of a top-half finish will look wildly optimistic.

The club's official statement announced that, while Dembele was lucky enough to avoid a fracture (which looked inevitable after the offence), there was ligament damage, which will make unofficial announcements of a two-week lay-off look incredibly ambitious. In truth, the two-month mark is a better estimation. The club have not set a timescale as yet, but it will come as bad news to Fulham fans who had to watch one of their best performers be subjected to a needless and mindless, and of course career-threatening, tackle. A red card would have been a lenient response from the referee, but as it stands Wilkinson will - if selected - play in Stoke's next game, yet Fulham will be without the Belgian for quite some time.

The game was already lost, so perhaps Mark Hughes could have substituted his skilful forward as the game drew to a close, knowing the potential for injury is higher when such tackling is encouraged as good old-fashioned British grit at some venues around the country. Hughes will, of course, feel he should not have to protect his players from 'over-enthusiasm', but there was none coming from the referee so playing safe and withdrawing Dembele was an option that probably should have been taken. Disappointingly, the incident did tar a more impressive Stoke passing performance than they have become known for, but such incidents are always the danger, and it is the victims who are the ultimate losers.

The Whites are running out of forwards faster than Hughes is running out of patience with his managerial compatriots, and up front the Welshman's squad is down to the bare bones. Without Zamora, the emphasis had been placed on Dembele to get the goals for Fulham, but now the burden must be shared between a few midfielders masquerading as strikers, a soon-to-return, once-excellent striker and an actual forward yet to score a goal for his club despite a magnitude of substitute appearances. The lack of a genuine outlet up top is a massive worry - Clint Dempsey, despite his excellent header last weekend, and Zoltan Gera, both play their best football behind Zamora, and as such are relatively untested as a striking pair. Andy Johnson, who will return to full training next week, is still weeks away from first-team action, and will need time to regain sharpness, and his namesake, Eddie, is completely unproven, but has shown glimpses of quality in his appearances so far this term. There is another striker, David Elm, available, however Hughes has yet to select him at all this season, suggesting little faith in the Swede.

Goals have been of the essence in the handful of league games so far - relatively speaking in comparison to Roy Hodgson's tenure of course - but there is real danger of them drying up without Zamora and Dembele. Eddie Johnson, then, if selected has some pressure on his shoulders, but also a genuine chance at Fulham which he has yet to be given. With his natural pace, the American tends to sit on the shoulders of opposition defences - as reflected in his being caught offside frequently - yet has shown precious little composure in his limited time on the pitch since joining the club. He should not yet be labelled 'not good enough' for this league, and indeed he could be set for more playing time in order to prove his doubters wrong. That Hughes has brought him on several times in second-halves this season suggests he is to be given a chance to shine. All Whites fans will be hoping he can take it, because with the shaky-looking Mark Schwarzer conceding for fun at the other end, the goals dare not dry up.

With an almost-perfect home record against Saturday's opponents, Everton, whomever is selected to lead the Fulham line can look forward to, hopefully, a game of football, rather than a fusion with the sport played with the oval ball as has been witnessed during the past three fixtures. A few matches without serious injury or blatant cheating - such as Blackburn Rovers' goal - would make a refreshing change. A successful season is not yet out of the question, and indeed this side will continue fighting for each other until even the youth team are in hospital.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2010/09/24/fulhams-good-start-why-its-on-a-par-with-chelsea-arsenal-and-man-utd-240901/?
Fulham's good start: why it's on a par with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester Utd
By Brian Sears
24 September 2010

Four teams remain unbeaten in the Premier League after five rounds of matches and three of them are the "usual suspects" in that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have done it the most often of all the Premier League clubs.  But Fulham have now achieved the feat for the first time in their 10 Premier League seasons, unbeaten in five thanks to a home win, a home draw and three away draws. Tomorrow they host Everton, without a win yet this season.

Last season was very different.  For the first time in the Premier League era (since 1992), only one side – Chelsea – went as long as five games before tasting defeat. Chelsea, of course, went on to be champions to register the 10th time out of the 18 completed seasons that the eventual champions had gone at least their first five games unbeaten.

What does this tell us statistically? That the eventual champions, more often than not, have started with five unbeaten games. That would suggest this season's champions will come from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal . . . or Fulham.
Seven current Premier League clubs have yet to achieve the feat of starting with five unbeaten games.

Here's the list with the number of seasons they have been trying in brackets: Bolton (12), Sunderland (10), Wigan (6), West Brom (5), Stoke (3), Wolves (3) and Blackpool (1).

In all, 57 sides in the 19 seasons of Premier League football (or an average of three sides per season) have now managed to go the first five games of a season unbeaten; famously in 2003-04, Arsenal went the whole season without a defeat and then nine games into the next season.

That Arsenal season of seven years ago saw the only time that as many as five sides were unbeaten for at least the first five games. Those teams (with eventual run of unbeaten games in brackets): Arsenal (38), Chelsea (8), Birmingham (6), Southampton (6) and Portsmouth (5).

Here's the list of clubs that have achieved the first five games unbeaten and the number of  times they've done it.
.
FIRST FIVE GAMES UNBEATEN IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE 1992-2010
10 times: Chelsea
8 times: Arsenal
7 times: Man Utd
5 times: Liverpool
4 times: Aston Villa, Blackburn
Twice: Everton, Leeds, Nottm Forest, Portsmouth
Once: Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Fulham, Ipswich, Leicester, Man City, Newcastle, Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham
.
Early avoidance of defeat is not a sure guarantee of eventual success.  Five seasons ago, Manchester City began with three wins and two draws but ended up 15th.  And in 1994-95, Aston Villa had three draws and two wins to begin their campaign but subsided to 18th by the season's end.  But so far no side has managed five unbeaten opening games and then got itself relegated.
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[WhiteJC]

http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/09/fulham-v-everton-toffees-seek-a-slice-of-luck.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29
Fulham v Everton: Toffees seek a slice of luck

How David Moyes isn't grey or bald is a mystery. He has assembled one of the most hard-working and talented squads in the Premier League but after five league games they find themselves in the bottom three and dumped out of the Carling Cup.

After their miraculous comeback at Goodison Park against Manchester United a fortnight ago every man and their dog thought they would see off Newcastle United with ease. However, nobody told the Geordies and Ben Arfa's blistering strike was enough to see them leave Merseyside with all three points.

Again, Everton played well but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net thanks to a combination of great goalkeeping by Tim Krull and poor finishing. This weekend they travel to Craven Cottage, a ground where they have only won once since 1966, to take on the draw specialists Fulham.

Mark Hughes's men have drawn four of their five opening league fixtures and have shown a lot of character to come back in four of their outings to get something from the opposition. The former Manchester United and Everton striker has obviously instilled a never-say-die spirit in the squad and that will serve them well as the season progresses.

Fulham are one of only four top flight sides yet to lose a game this season and the majority of the Panel sees that stat remaining come the final whistle.

Fulham v Everton; Kick off 3pm 25 September 2010

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hughes-ponders-striker-options-1100736.html?
Hughes ponders striker options

Mark Hughes has major worries on the striker front as Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson will all miss the Everton clash.

Zamora is out for at least five months with a broken leg, Dembele picked up an injury in the clash with Stoke much to the annoyance of the boss following a tackle from Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson and Johnson is still three weeks away from fitness.

Zoltan Gera may come in to the side and both Eddie Johnson and Clint Dempsey will be looking to lead the Fulham line.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/44174/Winless_Everton_head_to_Fulham.aspx?
Winless Everton head to Fulham

Unbeaten Fulham entertain winless Everton at Craven Cottage in an intriguing Premier League encounter.

The Cottagers have won one and drawn four of their opening five games, while the under-pressure visitors have picked up just two points from the first 15 on offer.

Mark Hughes has certainly managed to pick up where predecessor Roy Hodgson left off with Fulham riding high in seventh place in the Premier League table.

However, they same cannot be said for the Toffees, who find themselves second bottom of the fledgling table following what has now become their customary slow start to a season.

Fulham battled back from a goal down to draw with Blackburn Rovers last weekend with Clint Dempsey stepping into the scoring breach in the first game of Bobby Zamora's (broken leg) lengthy injury absence.

A 2-1 victory over Wolves, 2-2 draw with Blackpool, 2-2 stalemate with Manchester United and goalless opener against Bolton have resulted in Hughes taking plenty of plaudits.

The same cannot be said for opposite number David Moyes, who finds himself coming under increasing pressure with each passing match.

Last weekend's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle was their latest disappointment following similar reverses at the hands of Aston Villa (1-0) and Blackburn (1-1).

The undoubted highlight of the season so far was fighting back from 3-1 down in stoppage time against Manchester United to snatch a point, but Moyes is beginning to feel the heat eight years into his Goodison Park reign.

Losing on penalties in the third round of the Carling Cup to League One strugglers Brentford has increased the pressure on the long-serving Toffees boss.

Scoring goals appears to be a major problem for the Toffees with former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford struggling to make the step up from League One, Yakubu appearing to lack motivation and Louis Saha being injured.

Moussa Dembele is the newest addition in the Cottagers' treatment room after he suffered an ankle injury in the Carling Cup defeat at Stoke City in midweek.

He joins the stricken Zamora (broken leg), Diomansy Kamara (ankle), David Stockdale (foot), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Andrew Johnson (groin) on the sidelines.

Everton are likely to be without Victor Anichebe (knee) while Jack Rodwell (ankle) and Louis Saha (calf) are definitely missing.

Home wins were the order of the day when Fulham and Everton went head to head last season.

Paul Konchesky and Damien Duff score the goals as the Cottagers won 2-1 at Craven Cottage in September, before a Chris Smalling own goal and late Mikel Arteta penalty won the day for the Toffees by the same scoreline at Goodison Park five months later.

Prior to last season, Everton have dominated after winning four of their last five encounters.

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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=826407&sec=england&cc=5739
Fulham relief as Dembele only out for three weeks

Fulham striker Moussa Dembele will be out for only two to three weeks, manager Mark Hughes confirmed, after the striker was carried off following an injury-time tackle by Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson in Tuesday night's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at the Britannia Stadium.

Hughes was furious with the challenge, which he branded ''absolutely ridiculous'', and initially feared the £5 million summer signing from AZ Alkmaar had broken his leg.

But a scan revealed that Belgium international Dembele, who has scored three goals this season in a fine start to life at Craven Cottage, had sustained only minor ankle ligament damage.

''Moussa had a scan after the initial impact of the injury had settled down,'' said Hughes. ''At the moment it looks like he'll be out for two to three weeks. He should be fit and well after the international break.

''The challenge was unnecessary and we're thankful the injury isn't more serious than it is. At the time I was extremely angry and made my feelings known.

''We've been really pleased with what Dembele has produced and he's been a big reason behind the positive start we've had. Not to have him available because of a tackle so late in the game is frustrating for everybody.''

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http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24092010/58/premier-league-matchpack-fulham-v-everton.html?
Premier League - Matchpack: Fulham v Everton

TEAM NEWS
Fulham striker Moussa Dembele misses out because of an ankle injury. Dembele is out for two to three weeks and joins fellow striker Bobby Zamora (broken leg) in the treatment room. With Andrew Johnson (knee) and Diomansy Kamara (foot) back in training but unavailable for selection, Eddie Johnson, Clint Dempsey or Zoltan Gera will start up front. Damien Duff (calf) is expected to return after missing the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat by Stoke in midweek.

Everton have doubts over midfielders Tim Cahill and Leon Osman. Cahill is rated 50-50 after two games out with a knee problem while Osman suffered a rib injury in the midweek Carling Cup loss to Brentford. Full-back Tony Hibbert is also unlikely to feature at Craven Cottage due to a groin strain. Forwards Louis Saha (calf) and Victor Anichebe (knee) both remain on the sidelines while Jack Rodwell (ankle) is out long term.

MATCH STATS
17 of the 18 Premier league meetings between Fulham and Everton have ended as home wins.

Everton have failed to score in six of their nine Premier League trips to play Fulham in the Premier League.

Fulham have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League home matches.

Everton have failed to score in their last three Premier League away matches.

The Toffees have only won three of their last 16 Premier League away matches.

Fulham have recouped six points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.

Mark Hughes has drawn 12 of his last 16 matches as a Premier League coach.

Everton have been fouled 92 times, more than any other team in the top flight.

The Toffees have blocked just 11 shots this season, fewer than any other team in the Premier League.

This is Everton's poorest start to a league season since 1994/95 when they had accrued just one point after five games.

ODDS
Fulham 6/4, Draw 21/10, Everton 8/5
PA Sport / Opta

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/EvertonTeamNews.aspx?
Team News

On Friday morning Mark Hughes revealed that Mousa Dembele will be out of action for 2-3 weeks following Fulham's match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night.

"At the moment it's looking likely he'll [Dembele] be out for 2-3 weeks," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "I would imagine after the international break he'll be fit and well.

"He's been very lucky. The challenge was unnecessary and we're thankful it's not any more serious than it is. At the time I was extremely angry and made my feelings known. I was disappointed by the challenge.

"I've been pleased with what Mousa's produced this season and to not have him available from a tackle so late in the game is frustrating, but we'll get him back as soon as possible.

"It's important we don't get him back too soon and compromise him but the feeling is he'll be out for 2-3 weeks."

There was some good news on the injury front on Friday, with Hughes confirming that Diomansy Kamara and Damien Duff will both be in contention for Saturday's game agaisnt Everton at the Cottage.

"Diomansy Kamara's back in training. He played 70 minutes in a game behind closed doors this week and we'll look at him today [Friday]. Damien Duff also trained yesterday so he's in contention for Saturday."

There was further positive news surrounding the fitness of goalkeeper David Stockdale and striker Andrew Johnson. As Hughes explained, Stockdale is now back in training and will be joined the very near future by Fulham's No.8.

"David Stockdale has started to join in with the senior group. He's not quite ready to play yet but he's not far from it. It's good he's back training again and he should be okay in the next week or so.

"Andy Johnson's doing really well and we're hopeful he'll join the main group on Monday. We'll build him up and try and get him some game time in practice matches with the senior group. We'll take our time with him because he's been out for a long time and we don't want to force him back too quickly."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/EvertonTeamNews.aspx?#ixzz10Rf5gGto