Saturday Fulham Stuff (05.11.10)

[White Noise]

Fulham FC  Arsenal target Mark Schwarzer set for Fulham stay


Nov 5 2010

By Paul Warburton


MARK Hughes believes that against all the odds Mark Schwarzer will sign a new contract and stay with Fulham.

The wantaway keeper was sorely miffed in the summer after a £2.5million switch to Arsenal was vetoed by the Whites – and hints that followed from the Aussie's camp suggested he would walk away from Craven Cottage a free man next May and into a lucrative deal abroad.

Shay Given at Manchester City was mooted as the obvious replacement.

But Schwarzer's Fulham manager made it plain today the World Cup keeper is a priority in the contract negotiation stakes, and suggested talks were well down the road in securing the 37-year-old for the next two seasons as well.

Hughes said: "We're not looking any further than Mark Schwarzer because we believe he's going to be our keeper.

"We've been talking with Mark in recent weeks – we want to make that happen, so hopefully we'll soon have some goods news about his future."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/11/05/arsenal-target-mark-schwarzer-set-for-fulham-stay-82029-27609497/#ixzz14Rf3EmXv

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/05/squad-sheets-fulham-aston-villa

Squad sheets: Fulham v Aston Villa

guardian.co.uk, Friday 5 November 2010 16.45 GMT


With Emile Heskey joining their list of stricken strikers Villa may ask the England Under-21 striker Nathan Delfouneso to lead the attack. So the chances of Gérard Houllier's team improving on their modest league total of nine goals appear limited. Fulham have also been short of experienced finishers although Andy Johnson's brief reappearance against Wigan last weekend suggested the problem was easing. Either way this is unlikely to be a goal-fest and one will probably be enough to decide it assuming either side get that far. David Lacey

Venue Craven Cottage, tomorrow 3pm Tickets Sold out Last season Fulham 0 Aston Villa 2 Referee P Walton



Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic This season's matches 4 Y17, R1, 4.50 cards per game

Odds Fulham 11-8 Aston Villa 9-4 Draw 12-5

Fulham
Subs from Stockdale, Pantsil, Halliche, Gera, Riise, E Johnson, A Johnson, Greening, Dikgacoi, Kamara

Doubtful None

Injured Stoor (groin, Dec), Zamora (leg, Feb), Senderos (calf, Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide WLLDDD

Disciplinary record Y13 R0

Leading scorer Dempsey 4

Aston Villa
Subs Guzan, Cuéllar, Ireland, Beye, Clark, Lichaj, Hogg

Doubtful None

Injured Agbonlahor (groin, 10 Nov), Heskey (knee, Dec), Carew (calf, Jan), Petrov (knee, Jan), Weimann, (ankle, Jan), Delph (knee, Jan) Suspended None

Form guide DLDLWD

Disciplinary record Y21 R0

Leading scorer Downing 3

Match pointers
• Fulham have won three of their 18 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa


• Villa have scored two second-half goals this season, the fewest in the division, and have gone 344 minutes since their last goal


• Clint Dempsey has been involved in five of Fulham's last six league goals (four goals, one assist)


• Villa have had the lowest shooting accuracy from inside the box in the league this season (37.9%)


• Fulham have not won back-to-back league matches since February

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/05/football-transfer-rumours-allan-mcgregor-manchester-united


Gilberto Silva wants to leave Panathinaikos and return to London, with Fulham and Newcastle interested. "Gilberto and his family loved London and can see themselves settling there after his retirement," said "a pal". "He'd love to go back to the Premier League."

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/05/football-transfer-rumours-allan-mcgregor-manchester-united


The last 24 hours have seen a surge in internet-based rumours linking foreign strikers with moves to England, including French starlet Alexandre Lacazette, a target for Tottenham; Fulham and Everton are interested in PSV's 21-year-old drug-test-failing Jonathan Reis and Liverpool arepeering at the 20-year-old 6ft 8in Cluj giant Lacina Traoré.

[Travers Barney]

The Guardian report indicates that our best player last week and Skipper is not playing tomorrow?



We are the whites

[WhiteJC]

http://astonvillablog.com/fulham-vs-aston-villa-preview-houllier-needing-win/?

Fulham vs Aston Villa Preview: Houllier Needing Win

Aston Villa travel to Fulham tomorrow in need of a win after picking up just 2 points from a possible 12. The away day at Craven Cottage is an exceptionally difficult one with Mark Hughes continuing Roy Hodgson's accomplishment of making his side extremely hard to beat at home. Under normal circumstances many Villa fans wouldn't be too disheartened with a draw but after a poor run of form culminated in a dismal performance against the Blues on Sunday, Gerard Houllier is in desperate need of three points. It has been hard going for the Frenchman so far but is only going to get harder in the coming weeks after injuries to his two remaining fit senior strikers.

Emile Heskey and John Carew joined Gabby Agbonlahor on the treatment table this week after picking up knee and calf injuries respectively in training. The absences mean that the Frenchman has been forced into handing 19-year-old striker Nathan Delfouneso a first Premier League start, a chance that many Villa fans would have been waiting for more than the player himself! The pacey striker has been in fine form for the reserves after netting 4 in his last 3 games but his first team chances have been few and far between. Houllier will be hoping that Delfouneso can hit the ground running with his three injured strikers not expecting to return for at least 2 weeks, Agbonlahor being most likely to make his comeback first after joining training this week.

On a positive note the visitors will have emerging talent Marc Albrighton back from suspension after missing out in the derby due to a red card received in the Carling Cup. Luke Young made his return last weekend and is likely to retain his place at right back. The impressive Ciaran Clark may also have earned a start after starring, which admittedly wasn't difficult, in the Birmingham game on Sunday. The natural centre back could well keep a place alongside captain Nigel Reo-Coker in midfield after Steve Sidwell failed to impress. Fellow youngster Barry Bannan will also be in contention after a decent cameo performance in a week which has seen him become a likely call up for a first senior international cap with Scotland. Stephen Ireland was victim of some harsh criticism from his manager this week after struggling to settle at his new club. The midfielder may have to be content with another substitute appearance after being overlooked in favour of Bannan and defender Clark last week.

The hosts returned to winning ways last weekend after successive defeats ended Hughes unbeaten start in the league at Fulham. The 2-0 win over Wigan came courtesy of two Clint Dempsey goals and the American may well be the Cottagers main threat once more. New signing Moussa Dembele started his Fulham career in decent form but injury stunted his progress. Now back from injury the striker will be another goal threat replacing the injured Bobby Zamora. Andy Johnson made his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines last week and is in contention but likely to start on the bench due to a lack of match fitness.

The two clubs occupy 10th and 14th respectively but are separated only by goal difference ahead of this weekends clash. Fulham have lost just two all season although last weekends win was also only their second after 6 draws in their opening 7 games kept them in mid table. Good news for Villa is that Fulham have not picked up back-to-back wins in the league in 22 games.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327029/FULHAM-v-Aston-Villa-Damien-Duff-Dickson-Etuhu-set-returns-starting-XI.html?

FULHAM v Aston Villa: Damien Duff and Dickson Etuhu set for returns to starting XI

Damien Duff and Dickson Etuhu return for Fulham's Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Duff and Etuhu have recovered from their respective calf and ankle injuries.

Andy Johnson is set to continue making his comeback from the bench.

Team (from): Schwarzer, Stockdale, Kelly, Pantsil, Salcido, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Duff, Etuhu, Davies, Halliche, Gera, Riise, E Johnson, A Johnson, Greening, Dikgacoi, Kamara, Dembele.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327029/FULHAM-v-Aston-Villa-Damien-Duff-Dickson-Etuhu-set-returns-starting-XI.html?#ixzz14UN22LuF

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/midfield-quandary-for-hughes-1115164.html?

Midfield quandary for Hughes

Mark Hughes has been boosted by the news Damien Duff has recovered from a calf injury ahead of Fulham's visit of Aston Villa.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder missed last week's 2-0 win against Wigan at Craven Cottage due to the injury, but he is now back in contention. However Duff might have to settle for a place on the bench if boss Hughes opts to stick with Hungarian international Zoltan Gera on the right wing.

The Cottagers are also boosted by the news Dickson Etuhu has recovered from his ankle injury and could also feature, while striker Andrew Johnson is set to start on the bench again as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury absence.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/hughes-momentum-must-be-maintained-2409516.html?

Hughes - Momentum must be maintained

Mark Hughes has demanded Fulham keep their foot on the pedal as they seek to continue their climb up the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone with last weekend's 2-0 victory over Wigan, a result that lifted them to 10th.

It was only their second league win of the season and Hughes wants more of the same when Aston Villa visit south-west London tomorrow.

"Performance-wise we've been fine but results-wise we want more points on the board," said the Fulham manager.

"We've been playing well this season, although with a bit of frustration with a few draws initially.

"We had a couple of defeats but last weekend I thought we were excellent.

"The level we reached against Wigan was what I'm looking for and I want to make sure the standard we achieved last weekend is maintained against Villa.

"We want to build on that result against Wigan and achieve back-to-back wins.

"If we can pick up six points in two games we'll very much establish ourselves in the top half of the table - and that's where we want to be for the remainder of the season."

Fulham have been lifted by the return to fitness of Damien Duff and Dickson Etuhu, who have recovered from their respective calf and ankle injuries.

"It's been a good week and we're in good shape - Damien Duff has trained most of the week so he's available for selection," said Hughes.

"Dickson Etuhu has been involved over the past few days so he's also an option."

Andy Johnson will continue his comeback from the bench having made two substitute appearances this season.

The former England striker only recently recovered from a combination of shoulder, knee and hip injuries but Hughes insists he will soon be ready to start.

"Every day Andy gets stronger and more ready for 90 minutes," he said.

"He won't start this weekend but we'll look to introduce him at some point in the game.

"Andy's really pleased with where he's at and the way he feels.

"With strikers it's more a timing issue than actually being physically tired in games.

"It's about getting your timing right, arriving at the right time in the box and creating chances in the box when you get the opportunity."

Press Association

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6488825,00.html?

Hughes hopes for more
Cottagers boss wants push up the table

Fulham manager Mark Hughes hopes his team can push on and produce a sustained march up the Premier League.

The Cottagers boss has enjoyed a steady start to his tenure and is preparing for the challenge of Aston Villa on Saturday.

Fulham picked up a 2-0 win over Wigan last weekend and Hughes is hoping for more performances of the same ilk, and points to follow.

"Performance-wise we've been fine but results-wise we want more points on the board," he said.

"We've been playing well this season, although with a bit of frustration with a few draws initially.

"We had a couple of defeats but last weekend I thought we were excellent.

"The level we reached against Wigan was what I'm looking for and I want to make sure the standard we achieved last weekend is maintained against Villa.

"We want to build on that result against Wigan and achieve back-to-back wins.

"If we can pick up six points in two games we'll very much establish ourselves in the top half of the table - and that's where we want to be for the remainder of the season."

Comeback trail

Striker Andy Johnson is on the comeback trail and came on for 10 minutes against the Latics at Craven Cottage.

He will not start this weekend but is expected to feature against Villa and Hughes hopes to ease him back to full fitness.

"Every day Andy gets stronger and more ready for 90 minutes," he remarked.

"He won't start this weekend but we'll look to introduce him at some point in the game.

"Andy's really pleased with where he's at and the way he feels. With strikers it's more a timing issue than actually being physically tired in games.

"It's about getting your timing right, arriving at the right time in the box and creating chances in the box when you get the opportunity."

Hughes added: "It's been a good week and we're in good shape - Damien Duff has trained most of the week so he's available for selection.

"Dickson Etuhu has been involved over the past few days so he's also an option."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=219943

Fulham v Villa Preview!
After getting back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic last time out, we have another home match this weekend against Aston Villa. Villa are now managed by the Frenchman Gerrard Houllier after Martin O`Neill left them in the lurch days before the season started and have yet to hit the kind of form that saw them rated as possible Champions League contenders last season. However, they still have enough decent players to give us a hard game and the prospect exists for this to be one of the most enthralling games of the season at Craven Cottage, so far.

Vital Quotes:
Aston Villa arrive in South-West London suffering from a mini-goal drought. But the new incumbent of the managerial seat, at Villa Park isn`t too concerned by that, citing that his defence is strong, or in his own words,

"Is the lack of goals a worry? No, because the positive side we`ve conceded only one Premier League goal, an own goal against Sunderland. But yes, we know we have to score goals."

This could well be a low scoring affair!
Fulham Team News:
Mark Hughes`s squad is slowly starting to be boosted by those who have been out injured. Although Philippe Senderos and Bobby Zamora remain in the rehabilitation period, Hughes has already welcomed back Andrew Johnson and it looks as if Damien Duff will be available for selection this weekend.

Hughes has a couple of difficult decisions to make for the fixture. Does he recall Johnson for his first start since injury kept him out for so long or does he stick with Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele in attack? Dempsey was the star of the show last time out and may well have done enough to keep his place. The other conundrum evolves around Damien Duff. Will the Irishman go straight back into the side, probably at the expense of Zoltan Gera or will the Hungarian hang on to his place?

One man who this game has come a game too soon is Dickson Etuhu who should be ready for our trip to Chelsea, in midweek.

Here at Vital Fulham we suspect Hughes will go for the following starting eleven:-

Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Murphy, Greening, Davies, Duff, Dembele, Dempsey
Player to watch: Chris Baird
The Irishman has been a revelation since Hughes declared his faith in him. Whether it`s been in midfield or at right back, Baird has been a pleasure to watch when it comes to performance and commitment, long may it continue.

Preview Team News:
Since taking over the Villa post, Houllier has rejuvenated the Villa career of Emile Heskey, although he will now have to revert to another plan after the forward picked up a knee injury in training and is now sidelined. With Agbonlahor also sidelined Houllier could be forced to turn to young Nathan Delfouneso with reports coming in that Carew is also crocked.

Also struggling to make it is Steve Sidwell with the midfielder having been laid low with flu this week. Villa`s promising defender, Ciaran Clark hopes to have recovered from a knock picked up in the dour 0-0 draw with Birmingham last time out.

Another of the promising youngsters being churned out by the Villa youth system, Mark Albrighton, is another who may return after an enforced lay-off.
Player to watch: Ashley Young
Coveted by many a club but supposedly staying at Villa Park. Has pace in abundance and can terrify any defence on his day

Match Facts & Stats
History is on Aston Villa`s side in this fixture with Fulham having won only 3 of the 18 games the sides have contested in the Premier League.

But Fulham will be grateful that one of their chief tormentors last season, Agbonlahor who scored three goals, will be absent through injury.

Earlier we mentioned Villa were suffering something of a goal drought, it`s actually 344 minutes since they last hit the net in a Premier League game.

On the road, they`ve also lost 5 of their last 6 fixtures.

Ref Watch:
Peter Walton takes charge. The men running the line will be Mike Cairns and Martin Yerby with Keith Hill keeping order in and around the technical area.

Match Prediction:
This will be a tough one and I need to apologise if I suggested in an article earlier this week that Villa were a club in decline, that wasn`t exactly what I meant. But, I digress. This fixture will be a lot tougher than last week, although that can`t be hard considering how poor Wigan were, but Fulham are a decent outfit at home and I believe this is a game we can win, although it will be by the narrowest of margins, a single goal.

Next Fixtures:
Next up is a trip down the road to play our neighbours, Chelsea. It promises to be a thriller!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=219943#ixzz14UOKZUxU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327054/Aston-Villa-striker-curse-Now-John-Carew-injured.html?

Aston Villa striker curse strikes again as John Carew breaks down - to hand Nathan Delfouneso a big chance

Aston Villa have suffered a further injury blow with the news that striker John Carew, who had been set to deputise for Emile Heskey at Fulham this weekend, is now injured himself.

The Norway international has torn a calf muscle and joins former England forward Heskey on the sidelines. Villa announced earlier this week that Heskey would be out for up to a month with a medial ligament injury.

The club are desperately short of forward options, with Gabriel Agbonlahor having only just returned to light training after a groin operation.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier said: 'Having Heskey out is a big blow because in the six games he played, he scored three goals and created some chances as well.

'His work rate was phenomenal. But the other blow is that John Carew won't be playing because he picked up an injury yesterday in training.

'He had a scan this morning and there is a slight tear of his calf which will rule him out for a minimum of three weeks, maybe four weeks.

'Gabby is still in the recovery period although for the first time today he took part in training, in the ball work.

'Emile had the operation last night and it was successful but he will maybe need another three or four weeks.'

Houllier confirmed that Nathan Delfouneso will make his first Premier League start after 14 appearances as a substitute during the past three seasons.

He said: 'It is an ideal opportunity for the young Nathan to step up. He will definitely be the main striker.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327054/Aston-Villa-striker-curse-Now-John-Carew-injured.html?#ixzz14UOr8HY3

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/11/fulham_favoured_to_demolish_th.php?

Fulham Favoured to Demolish the Villa

Despite last winter's 2-0 success Villa rarely do well at the Cottage. Saturday's side travels bereft of big names and struggling to raise a strike force, while the Whites are full of confidence.
"Our most pleasing win to date, this is the tempo we want to play at consistently, it's vital to maintain momentum and move higher up the table. This is where we want to be at the end of the season." Punchy sound bytes from the boss on the eve of our clash with Villa, as Hughes sends out the battle cry for another big performance this Saturday at the Cottage.

Roy had his own way of expressing confidence in his teams at Friday press conferences, but while he came across as your friendly sage about to unravel a tricky algebraic formula, Hughes fills the room with his smouldering presence like a boxer straining to enter the ring and start slugging.

Let's hope the boys get a dose of red meat from the pre-match team talk at 2.45 and realise Villa are there for the taking. Common sense surely dictates we stick with last week's starting eleven. AJ will definitely start from the bench and with Duff and Etuhu fit to sit among the subs we of a sudden look to have options all over the park. On paper this should be enough to have Villa quaking in their boots.

Except football doesn't work like that. Day one of the season, Wigan humbled 0-4 at home to new boys Blackpool. 7 days later they go down 0-6 to Chelsea. On matchday three they go to Spurs and win. Yes, that's the same Tottenham who've just pasted Inter Milan in the CL.

Having introduced a note of caution however, consider this. Petrov, Heskey and Carew have all joined Agbonlahor on the treatment table, with Houllier having to opt for a makeshift front two of Ashley Young and Delfonouso. Steven Ireland hasn't settled in the Midlands and Downing's had the fans on his back. Add to that three games without a goal for Villa and four defeats from five on the road this season.

But what does that prove. Football is all about statistics...oh, hang on - that's cricket. All I know is Fulham have rarely started such red-hot favourities to win a Premier League match. If we do land the three points, it will be our first back-to-back wins in 22 games. Anything like last week's excellent performance against Wigan should see us home, and we then go into our two away fixtures at the Bridge and on Tyneside in the best possible shape.

Are you feeling the tingle yet? Bring it on!

COYW

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/5/1796096/my-five-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-against-aston-villa?

My Five Keys To Victory For Fulham Against Aston Villa - Match Preview

This Saturday, Fulham will be at home at Craven Cottage to play Aston Villa. The game takes place at 3PM UK Time and 11 AM EST. The game will be shown live on Fox Soccer Plus in the United States. However, there also is another option online. You can watch the game on Foxsoccer.tv live. This is a subscription based service that I would recommend. 

Fulham are coming off a victory last Saturday at Craven Cottage against Wigan. Aston Villa are coming off a 0-0 draw with Birmingham. Fulham are currently 10th in the table. Aston Villa are in 14th in the EPL. Both teams will be hungry for the victory.   

Gerard Houllier is the manager for Aston Villa. Players to watch tomorrow for Villa include Ashley Young and Nigel Reo-Coker. Villa were hit with a few injuries going into the match. Both Emile Heskey and John Carew are ruled out for this game.

This is a match of two pretty even sides. It should be a fun match to watch at Craven Cottage. Below are my "Five Keys To Victory For Fulham Against Aston Villa."



1. Danny Murphy needs to control the midfield for Fulham.  As we saw last week, when Murphy is on his game, Fulham are able to create a good amount of scoring chances. His play tomorrow I believe is crucial in setting up the strikers up front.   



2.  Fulham need to defend set pieces very well.  The defending of set pieces has been a thorn in the side of Fulham since last season. They cannot afford to give up a goal that results from a free kick or corner kick. Schwarzer is not at his best in these situations.

3. Clint Dempsey needs to be very active in creating scoring chances.  This was a key last week's game. Dempsey came through with scoring two goals. I wouldn't be surprised to see him score against Aston Villa.

4. Carlos Salcido needs to create scoring chances with his crosses into the box.  Salcido has proven to be a huge weapon in attacking situations. He was instrumental in Dempsey's first goal against Wigan. I think Fulham need similar type of crosses from him tomorrow against Villa.

5. Fulham need to contain Ashley Young.  Even with Emile Heskey out of this match, Aston Villa can still be dangerous and Ashley Young is the man that Fulham will have to watch out for. It will be the job of Hangeland and Hughes to contain Young. He has has only scored one goal this season, but he is a scoring threat.

My prediction for the match is a 1-0 victory for Fulham. This will be a tough game for the Cottagers, but since the game is at home I feel they can come away with all 3 points. 

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10110860.php?

FULHAM v ASTON VILLA
BIG MATCH STATS AND FACTS

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored three goals in two Premier League games against Fulham last season.

• Fulham have only won three of the 18 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa.

• Villa have scored only two second half goals this season, fewer than any other side in the division.

• Fulham have only won three of their 18 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa.

• Gabriel Agbonlahor scored three goals in two Premier League games against Fulham last season, but is unavailable on Saturday.

• The Birmingham side have gone 344 minutes without a Premier League goal.

• Stephen Warnock has been booked in six of his last seven league appearances.

• Fulham have not won back-to-back league matches since February.

• The Villans have lost five of their last six away matches in the Premier League.

• Fulham have won only four of their last 21 Premier League fixtures.

• And Mark Hughes has also won only four of his last 21 Premier League matches as manager of Manchester City and Fulham.

• The London club have not won back-to-back league matches since February.

• Aston Villa have managed just nine goals in the league so far this season. No team has scored fewer goals than them in the second half of matches (two).

• They have gone 344 minutes without scoring a league goal.

• Villa have lost five of their last six league matches on the road.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327074/Houllier-careful-Ireland--Hughes.html?

Villa boss Houllier must be careful with temperamental Ireland, warns Hughes

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has questioned Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier's treatment of Stephen Ireland.

Houllier dropped Ireland for Villa's last game and was openly critical of his work ethic after the game.

Hughes, who worked with the midfielder when he was in charge at Manchester City, said: 'You have to know your players. Some can take criticism and others can't. Sometimes you can get it wrong and it can have a detrimental effect.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327074/Houllier-careful-Ireland--Hughes.html?#ixzz14UQRyLLk

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/11/05/villa-tomorrow-2/?

Villa tomorrow
Filed under: General — rich
Little to say.    My keys to the game are that we must score more than them through exciting attack and careful defence.

Villa, as we know, have few forwards left.   Something to watch though:  if Houllier uses Ashley Young in a central role, tell me if you see any Zamora in the way he plays.    I wouldn't post this on a message board – "he's a winger!" – but despite this I think he uses his body well and can be good with his back to goal.   Keep an eye out.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10110873.php?

FULHAM v ASTON VILLA
VILLA ROCKED BY CAREW BLOW

Aston Villa have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that striker John Carew, who had been set to deputise for Emile Heskey at Fulham on Saturday, is now injured himself.

Carew has torn a calf muscle and joins Heskey on the sidelines leaving Villa desperately short of forward options. Gabriel Agbonlahor has only just returned to light training after a groin operation.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier said: "Having Heskey out is a big blow because in the six games he played, he scored three goals and created some chances as well.

"His work rate was phenomenal. But the other blow is that John Carew won't be playing because he picked up an injury yesterday in training.

"He had a scan this morning and there is a slight tear of his calf which will rule him out for a minimum of three weeks, maybe four weeks.

"Gabby is still in the recovery period although for the first time today he took part in training, in the ball work.

"Emile had the operation last night and it was successful but he will maybe need another three or four weeks."

Houllier is urging Nathan Delfouneso to make his mark and help Villa overcome the striker crisis.

Houllier said: "It is an ideal opportunity for young Nathan to step up. He will definitely be the main striker.

"Young players don't stay young all their lives. At some stage they will grow and get mature. But their career usually starts when there is an opportunity.

"I know Nathan is not a newcomer because he has already played under Martin (O'Neill) so he knows the Premier League.

"But to him maybe it is an ideal opportunity to put his footprint on things."

Houllier is refusing to be downcast by the growing list of injuries which also includes skipper Stiliyan Petrov.

He added: "Injuries are part and parcel of the football club and that is why we need the squad. I am confident. I think we've got a good squad, a good team.

"We have to deal with things on a daily basis. I am not down. It happens. I am not devastated. In fact, I am confident."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/columns/10110224.php?

THE MIKE NORMAN COLUMN
SATURDAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE 3.00m KICK-OFFS

Best Bet: Back Aston Villa at 3.8 to beat Fulham.

Fulham 2.22 v Aston Villa 3.8; The Draw 3.4

It's fair to say that Gerard Houllier's impact at Aston Villa hasn't been immediate, not in terms of results anyway. But in all honesty I had to look twice when I saw they were available to back at 3.8 as I believe those odds are way too big. Hence then, I'm making a Villa victory my best bet of the day.

True, Villa aren't scoring many, but they've only conceded one (an own goal) in their last three league games. They will be without the injured duo of Emile Heskey and John Carew but that gives an opportunity to the highly promising youngster Nathan Delfouneso and I'm hoping he takes it with both hands (or should that be feet?). Fulham haven't recorded back-to-back league wins for nearly 10 months so I'm backing Villa to win and Delfouneso to get on the scoresheet - he will be available to back at around 4.2 once the To Score market materialises.

[WhiteJC]

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THE ANDY GRAY COLUMN

Fulham v Aston Villa
Villa are not as strong this season and Fulham remain very difficult to beat at home. I do expect goals though.
Recommended Bets: Back the draw at 3.35; 2-2 at 19.5