Tuesday Fulham Stuff (09/11/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DembeleFeature.aspx?

Total Package

Mousa Dembele has revealed his impressive start to life at Fulham on the pitch was aided by the Club's desire to ensure the Belgium international striker settled into his new surroundings with ease, following his summer switch from AZ Alkmaar to SW6.

"I like it very much here at Fulham and I'm enjoying it," Dembele told fulhamfc.com. "It's a really good Club and they make sure you don't have a lot of stress as a player. It's a very well organised Club and that's why I've made a good start.

"Everything has been taken care of for me. I live in a nice hotel and if I want to go somewhere they drive me and London is a good city. It makes me feel comfortable as a player."

After making a scintillating start to the new season Dembele was fortunate to escape serious injury at the Britannia Stadium in late September following a wreckless injury time challenge by Andy Wilkinson.

Fortunately for Fulham, Dembele made a speedy recovery and the striker is just thankful that he is back on the pitch again as the Whites prepare for two away games against Chelsea and Newcastle this week.

"Everybody gets injuries but in the beginning I thought it [his ankle] was broken," explained the Belgium international. "I thank God that it wasn't that serious and I only missed two matches. I'm just happy I'm playing again.

"I've seen the tackle again on the internet and it was a bad tackle for sure, but what can you do? That's football. I think every team has its own style and some teams play a more physical game.

"Everybody says the Premier League is really tough but it's alright. There are teams that play a strong game but I like that. There's more power in the Premier League."

Aside from his goals this season, Dembele's creativity and movement when in possession along with an abundance of pace, power and skill have impressed all who have witnessed his performances. It is no surprise to hear that the Belgium striker modelled his game around one of the finest strikers of his generation, Patrick Kluivert, who Dembele had the pleasure of working alongside at his former club.

"I supported Barcelona when I was young and I was a fan of Patrick Kluivert," said Dembele. "It was crazy because he was at Alkmaar when I was there. He wanted to become a manager so he went there with Louis van Gaal and he spent a lot of time with me with advice and tips.

"He sends me messages and he's a really nice guy. When I was young everybody said I looked like him and had the same style as him. He was good with his back to the goal and I do play like him a bit. He congratulated me on my transfer to Fulham."

When it comes to discussing his status as a rising star of the Premier League, Dembele prefers to do his talking on the pitch and enjoy the game in its purest form.

"I'm not the kind of guy who stays up front and just thinks about goals," explained the striker. "I want to be the total package. I want to be an important part of the Team and provide assists as well as score goals. I like being involved in the game.

"I never think about becoming famous – I just like to play football. I'm like a child that always wants to play football. The other stuff goes with it but I'm not interested in that. It's important for me to play against the best to make me a better player. I want to become the best I can be."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DembeleFeature.aspx?#ixzz14layNyhX

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/NextUpChelseaandNewcastle.aspx?

Away Day Preview

On Wednesday evening we make the short trip to Stamford Bridge before embarking on our longest journey of the season three days later, to St. James' Park.

Whilst we have won three Premier League games at St. James' Park, we have yet to register a Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge. Our last victory across SW6 came in October 1979 when late goals from John Beck and Gordon Davies secured a 2-0 win.

the dark side are, as usual, leading from the front this season, this in spite of having key players like Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba all sidelined at times during the opening weeks of the campaign. The Blues have yet to drop a point at home, although they did lose a Carling Cup tie to Newcastle by the odd goal in seven.

Our last visit to Tyneside 18 months ago proved a momentous afternoon as a 1-0 win virtually guaranteed our UEFA Europa League place.

The Magpies were subsequently relegated, but bounced back at the first attempt, winning the Championship title by 11 points last season when they remained unbeaten at home throughout.

Early results at St. James' have been somewhat mixed but the Magpies are now on a roll, with a 5-1 victory against Sunderland followed up with a 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend.

FULHAM AT THE BRIDGE

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against
31	2	11	18	24	50

Last Time
Barclays Premier League 28.12.09

the dark side    2-1    Fulham
Drogba 73
Smalling (og) 75       (Gera 4)       


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/NextUpChelseaandNewcastle.aspx?#ixzz14lcLyf00

[WhiteJC]

http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2010/11/08/gera_goals_will_come?

Gera: Goals will come
Zoltan Gera remains confident of ending a Barclays Premier League goal drought stretching back more than 10 months after missing another two great chances for Fulham against Aston Villa.

Gera is renowned as a goalscoring midfielder, but while he has netted plenty in cup competitions and for his country in the past year, the Hungary international has not found the net in the league since the end of December.

That goal came at Chelsea, the scene of Fulham's next game when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for the west London derby.

Gera, who missed a good volleyed chance against Villa on Saturday before fluffing his lines one-on-one with Brad Friedel, told his club's official website: "On the first, when I tried to hit the volley, I focused on the target but didn't hit it, and I rushed on the second chance.

"It was very frustrating because I should have scored in the last two games as well. But hopefully the goals will come.

"The positive thing is that I am getting chances, so hopefully it will just be a matter of time because I`m very hungry to score more goals."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6495511,00.html?

Lampard won't face Cottagers
Midfielder could make eagerly-anticipated return against Black Cats

Carlo Ancelotti will not risk Frank Lampard in midweek but hopes he will be fit to face Sunderland on Sunday.

Chelsea are set to face local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, desperate to bounce back from their weekend defeat at Liverpool.

Ancelotti has revealed that Michael Essien is likely to return to the side against the Cottagers but has admitted that Lampard is set to miss out yet again.

The England international has been sidelined since the end of August after undergoing a hernia operation, forcing him to sit out crucial fixtures at home and abroad.

He is closing in on full fitness once more, but Ancelotti is reluctant to throw him back in ahead of schedule.

Optimistic

"Frank Lampard will not be fit for Wednesday but I hope he will be back for Sunderland," said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has also sought to brush off the impact of Sunday's defeat at Anfield, with Chelsea still two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

"Our moment is good and we have to look forward to the next game against Fulham," he said.

"We are in the better position compared to the other teams.

"Psychologically it can happen to lose a game but we are top of the table and we have to win the next game."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220312

Fulham - Salcido Injury Blow!
Just as our Mexican sensation was starting to make a name for himself, he picks up what could be a nasty injury.

Carlos Salcido has been a surprise package this season and quickly become a favourite of the Fulham faithful but now, courtesy of a challenge from Luke Young on Saturday, the defender is looking at a spell on the side-lines.

Post match Mark Hughes was far from happy with the Luke Young challenge remarking to the assembled press,

"It doesn`t look good in fairness. He`s in a boot at the moment. I`ve seen the tackle on video and the lad`s gone over the top and I would imagine its ligament damage."

"I don`t want to say how long but it`ll be a number of weeks."

Just what we didn`t need with a fixture at Stamford Bridge fast approaching!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220312#ixzz14leP3j66

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220313

Fulham - Healy`s Remarkable Run!
Interesting to note that an ex-player of ours made his usual great start at a new club!

David Healy, once of Fulham but now on the books of Sunderland, is currently serving a one month loan spell at Doncaster Rovers after not making a starting appearance for Sunderland since January.

The Northern Irish international scored the winner for Doncaster, against Millwall, this Saturday continuing a remarkable run that has seen him score for Leeds, Fulham, Sunderland, Northern Ireland and now Doncaster on his debut.

Has anyone else ever matched that feat?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220313#ixzz14leaozeM

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220314

Fulham - New Style!
Changing managers usually results in two things!

Initially you tend to get a glut of good results and then you tend to get a period whereby a transitional period sets in as the playing staff acclimatise to the new style of play.

It makes you ponder whether the unbeaten start to our season fell into the first trait and that now we`re heading towards the transitional stage.

On Saturday there were periods when we looked to be confused, puzzled and struggled to break down a Villa defence that whilst being efficient are not noted as being amongst the best in the business.

Thankfully, a last gasp winner, from our towering Norwegian defender, Brede Hangeland, rescued a point and we now ponder a visit to the current champions, Chelsea.

Speaking about a scenario we`ve mentioned, Brede had this to say,

"We`ve got a new manager and he wants to impose his style of play and we are working as hard as we can to put that on to the field."

With two away games coming up, and reflecting on our poor away form when it comes to victories, let`s hope the new style comes to fruition very soon!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=220314#ixzz14lexz5xW

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9163153.stm?

BBC: Che!sea    v    Fulham

Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that Michael Essien will return from a toe injury against Fulham.

Fellow midfielder Frank Lampard is not yet available following a hernia operation, but Ancelotti says he may feature against Sunderland on Sunday.

Fulham left-back Carlos Salcido is facing several weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in the draw with Aston Villa.

Salcido's absence could mean a recall for defender Stephen Kelly.

Chelsea:
Doubtful: Essien (toe)
Injured: Benayoun (Achilles), Lampard (hernia)

Fulham
Injured: Salcido (ankle), Senderos (calf), Zamora (leg)

MATCH PREVIEW
It is almost 15 months since Fulham won a Premier League game on their travels, and the omens are against that run ending on Wednesday. Their last top-flight victory at Chelsea was back in 1964, while Chelsea have won 15 of their last 16 league games at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues may have come a cropper in Sunday's defeat at Liverpool, who are managed by former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, but on home turf they are an entirely different proposition.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has never lost back-to-back Premier League games, and the unflappable Italian refused to panic after losing at Anfield, instead praising his side's second-half display.

Fulham are the top flight's draw specialists, sharing the points in seven of their 11 Premier League games this season.

While the Cottagers have a poor record against the Blues, recent games have generally been close. The visitors led for for over an hour in this fixture last season before succumbing to two goals in three minutes.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes spent three years as a player at Chelsea, but has not enjoyed returning to Stamford Bridge as a manager. He has lost four of five games in the opposition dugout, drawing the other, conceding a total of 12 goals.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Fulham have beaten Chelsea just once in the last 27 league and cup meetings, spanning 31 years. That solitary success was 1-0 at Craven Cottage in March 2006, when Luis Boa Morte got the only goal.
• Chelsea have not lost this fixture at home since October 1979, when Fulham won 2-0 in the old Second Division. Fulham's last top-flight victory at Stamford Bridge was 2-1 in March 1964.

Chelsea
• Didier Drogba has scored nine goals in his last six Premier league games at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have won all seven league games this season in which they opened the scoring.
• The Blues have lost two of the three top-flight matches in which they conceded the opening goal this term.

Fulham
• Fulham have failed to win any of their last 23 away league games. Their last victory on the road was at Portsmouth on the opening day of last season, although they have since won Uefa Cup games at Basel and Wolfsburg, plus an FA Cup tie at Accrington.
• Mark Hughes' side have drawn four of their five away league games this season.
• Fulham have won only four of their last 22 Premier League fixtures.
• And Mark Hughes has also won only four of his last 22 Premier League matches as manager of Manchester City and Fulham.


LEADING GOALSCORERS

Chelsea
Anelka: 10 goals (3 league); Malouda: 7 goals (7 league);
Drogba 7 goals (6 league)

Fulham
Dempsey: 5 goals (4 league); Dembele: 3 goals (2 league); Zamora: 3 goals (1 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant referees: Stuart Burt & Peter Kirkup
Fourth official: Keith Stroud

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Chelsea (L0-2 v Liverpool, a): Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov (Sturridge 76), Kalou (Drogba 46), Anelka, Malouda. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Kakuta, McEachran

Fulham (D1-1 v Aston Villa, h): Schwarzer, Baird (Kelly 58), Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido (Duff 69), Davies, Greening (Andrew Johnson 59), Murphy, Gera, Dembele, Dempsey. Subs Not Used: Stockdale, Pantsil, Etuhu, Eddie Johnson.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9168991.stm?

'Frustrated' Roque Santa Cruz resigned to Man City exit

Roque Santa Cruz has told the BBC he is resigned to leaving Manchester City in January and revealed his frustrations at the lack of first-team chances.

City manager Roberto Mancini admitted in October the 29-year-old Paraguay striker would find it "difficult" to gain a place in the first XI.

"I can't see myself playing in the team and that's frustrating," Santa Cruz told BBC Radio 5 live.

"When the boss does not believe in you then you can't push him to do so."

Santa Cruz scored 23 goals in 57 matches for Blackburn before joining City in the summer of 2009 for £17.5m.

However, injuries and stiff competition for places have hampered his progress and he has scored only four goals in 23 appearances for the club.

He added: "It's frustrating for me because I'm healthy and I'll keep working hard on my fitness.

"But once the time comes I'll have to look at my options of playing somewhere else. There is no alternative."

Fulham boss Mark Hughes, who worked with Santa Cruz both at City and at Blackburn, has already expressed his interest.

"I'm interested in players of the quality of Roque," said the Welsh manager in October, who failed in an attempt to sign Santa Cruz on loan during the summer.

"My interest in him before was there for everybody to see and whether we pursue that in January is open to debate. I'm not aware that he's available. That might change."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327865/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-set-raid-Aston-Villa-Luke-Young-Stephen-Ireland.html?

Hughes at the double as Fulham boss lines up swoop for Villa pair Young and Ireland 

Fulham have re-ignited their interest in Aston Villa defender Luke Young.

Manager Mark Hughes was keen on landing the 31-year-old in the summer but failed to secure a £2million transfer.

Young had been told he was not part of then manager Martin O'Neill's plans yet rejected a possible move to Liverpool. He has since played regularly under first caretaker boss Kevin McDonald and Gerard Houllier. However, Hughes is ready to return with a January bid for the ex-England man.

Hughes is also monitoring Stephen Ireland's situation at Villa with the Republic of Ireland international struggling to make an impression with Houllier - who has been linked with a move for 37-year-old former Arsenal winger Robert Pires.

However, Ireland's £8m valuation may be outside Fulham's price range especially as they also look to tie up a deal for Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz in January.

Liverpool may also look at Ireland but their priority is to first bring in a striker.

Meanwhile, Juventus are considering a possible loan deal for Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge.

The England international is on the fringe of Roberto Mancini's plans despite playing in the Europa League last week and Juventus are one of the few clubs who can handle his £100,000 a week wages. A couple of English clubs have shown interest but would want City to subsidise any loan.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1327865/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-set-raid-Aston-Villa-Luke-Young-Stephen-Ireland.html?#ixzz14lghehZj

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/third-of-season-award-readers-poll/?

Third of Season Awards readers poll
Filed under: General — timmyg
After Wednesday's game at Chelsea, we will basically be one-third of the way through the season. And you know what that means? The return of my third of season awards!

In addition to my (moronic) ramblings, this year I want to open up the floor to readers and let you suggest the winners. I've retired one of the awards and renamed another to keep the list fresh and relevant (I lost track of what the Bob Seger Award meant, and does anyone know who Rex Grossman is?).

The award categories up for vote are as follows:

The Milk Carton Extraordinaire Award for the player you often forget is on the roster yet makes very sporadic first team appearances. Past winners are Andranik and Seol Ki-Hyeon. (Which, on second thought, should really be the award's namesake. Hmmm...)

The Brian McBride Award for the player who best shows guile, heart, endeavor, and all that GI Joey Jazz. Past winners are Damien Duff and Clint Demspey.


The Slim Charles Award for the player that isn't lighting up the highlight reels yet shows longevity. Past winners are Chris Baird and Bobby Zamora.


The Zat Knight award for the player or coach that is slated all across the boards, sites, [Ed. or pubs, stadiums, or in our subjective minds] somewhat needlessly considering their contributions to the side. Past winn]rs are Roy Hodgson and Jonathan Greening.

Please post your thoughts in the comments section, and also feel free to make up your own award and recipient. I'll tally all the votes and choose some of the best new awards after Saturday's game at Newcastle .

Come On You Fans!

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-are-back-in-the-market-for-Aston-Villa-defender-Luke-Young-article624685.html

Fulham ready to return for Villa defender Young

Fulham have re-ignited their interest in Aston Villa defender Luke Young.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes was keen on landing the 31-year-old in the summer but failed to secure a £2million switch.

Young had been told he was not part of then manager Martin O'Neill's plans.

But has played regularly under first caretaker boss Kevin McDonald and now Gerard Houllier.

Hughes is ready to return with a January bid for the ex-England man.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-are-back-in-the-market-for-Aston-Villa-defender-Luke-Young-article624685.html#ixzz14lukobfP
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6496473,00.html?

Interest mounts in Larsson
Clubs ready to move for Swede

Skysports.com understands that a number of clubs are ready to move for Birmingham's Seb Larsson.

The ever-increasing interest is not only coming from rival Premier League clubs, but also from Spain, Italy and Germany.

Fulham, Newcastle, Sunderland and Blackburn are all keen to talk with Larsson, who is out of contract at the end of the season and can therefore discuss terms with any overseas club from 1st January.

The foreign interest is led by Valencia and should they opt to do a deal, then Larsson could sign a pre-contract with the Primera Liga giants and Birmingham would be powerless to prevent it.

Birmingham took up an option on Larsson's contract last season, and they have since looked to try and broker a new deal.

Alex McLeish has long insisted he wanted the Swedish international to remain but skysports.com understands that a new deal is far from being agreed.

McLeish admits that he does not see any developments before January, admitting: "The last contact (regarding Larsson's contract) was a couple of months ago.

"I know Julia Shelton (City's head of football administration) has been liaising with Seb's agent.

"So, I guess, if anything is going to happen, it will be in the next break (transfer window)."

Larsson has featured prominently for Birmingham this season, starting 11 Premier League games so far.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46504/Chelsea_aim_for_London_derby_lift.aspx?

Chelsea aim for London derby lift

Chelsea go into Wednesday's London derby against Fulham having seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to two points after Sunday's shock 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti's men gave a strangely insipid display at Anfield and were well beaten by a home side who are starting to find their form after a difficult start to the campaign under former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson.

The Blues were also not totally convincing in their win at Blackburn Rovers and the home success over Wolves, with injuries to a number of key players seemingly having an effect.

Fulham are the division's draw specialists this term, having drawn seven of their 11 league games to date.

Mark Hughes' men are having to cope with the absence of star striker Bobby Zamora due to a broken leg, but the return to fitness of Andrew Johnson may just give them the firepower needed to turn draws into wins.

The home side have summer signing Yossi Benayoun sidelined for several months due to an Achilles problem, while Frank Lampard's groin problems make him a major doubt.

Michael Essien should recover from a toe injury which kept him out of the weekend action, while star striker Didier Drogba should start after illness meant that he had to come on from the bench against Liverpool.

Fulham's Mexico defender Carlos Salcido is facing time on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in the weekend draw with Aston Villa.

Chelsea's recent performances have been far from the goal-laden displays of the opening weeks of the campaign and the 2-0 weekend loss at Liverpool came as a rude awakening.

However, their home form this season has been faultless, as they have won five out of five, scoring 16 goals and conceding none.

Fulham have yet to win on their travels this term, but have only been beaten once in five games, a 2-1 loss at West Brom on their last road trip.

Since then they have won 2-0 at home to Wigan Athletic, before a last-gasp Brede Hangeland strike earned them a 1-1 draw with Villa.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with the Cottagers, having won five and drawn three since a 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage in March 2006.

Last season, goals from Drogba and Nicolas Anelka gave the Blues a 2-0 away win, while the Stamford Bridge clash ended 2-1 to the home side, with Drogba again among the scorers.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/MilsomAimingtoImpress.aspx?

Aiming to Impress

The Club took the decision to withdraw from the Barclays Premier Reserve League for this season to have more control over Development Squad fixtures. How have you found the change, Rob?
The decision was based on the fact that there were times when we were part of that league when we went five or six weeks without a game. Now we are playing matches on a more regular basis. The whole point is the players' development and progression, and that is only going to happen from playing regularly. It's a shame that we are not part of a league, because you want to be playing for points and getting ahead of your opposition, but we can fit in games now whenever it suits the Club's schedule, which is better for us as players.

There has been a clear change in the way the First Team is playing this season. Is the new management's tactical approach reflected in the Development Squad as well?
It is slightly different because what the Manager wants is filtered down. As a midfielder, last season I was shutting down opponents and showing them inside, now we're showing them the outside. The bottom line is that he wants to see his teams playing good football, and that's something that we have always tried to do. It's been very positive.

Andrew Johnson has been lining up with the Development Squad over the last few weeks as he makes his return to full fitness. What's your assessment of the impact he can now make?
It's a big boost, more so for him really because he spent a long time out. He scored a couple of goals for us, and it's just very good news because he's a great player. He really impressed in those games that he has played with us and worked really hard. He looks fresh too; you wouldn't know that he hadn't played since January. AJ looks really sharp and I can see him making a big contribution in the coming weeks. It's a credit to the work he's put in really.

Having not been named in Fulham's 25-man squad, is the aim to force your way into the Manager's thinking come January when that quota can be shuffled?
Of course, and I was massively disappointed not to be in it from the start. I'll do my best to impress the Manager and the coaches in the games that I play between now and then. I have faith in my ability and I am confident that I can do a job at that level. I always give 100 per cent in training so fingers crossed that can get me noticed. There is a lot of competition for places here, but that is still my goal. Having spent part of the summer out on loan, I only really had about 10 days to impress the new Manager so it was difficult. But now is my time to do that.

You spent the end of last season and the beginning of the summer on loan at Finnish club TPS Turku. Is a similar short-term move an option for you this term?
It's a possibility yes. I do want to be playing first team football, and at the moment that might happen elsewhere with a loan move. My time in Finland went well, and it was a good experience but next time I would want to stay in England. A few clubs have shown a bit of an interest, but I think the Manager and the other coaches want to see me go out to a Championship club. We'll see what happens, but the main thing is that I get my head down and keep working hard as I have been.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/MilsomAimingtoImpress.aspx?#ixzz14mqgWrA2

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/FullSupport.aspx

Full Support

Fulham's staff and players will adorn poppies during this weekend's match against Newcastle at St. James' Park in remembrance and support of the men and women involved in conflicts past and present.

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, Manager Mark Hughes highlighted the importance of supporting The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal that provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served, or who are currently serving, in the British Armed Forces.

"It's vitally important, more so in this day and age, when young men are fighting on distant shores," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "The support that we show them has to be strong and relevant.

"It's a small part that we can play. We're here and they're overseas and it's really important that there is a huge swell of support for everything they are doing.

"To be recognised by the poppy is really important. We recognise that as a Club and as people. We certainly support it."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/FullSupport.aspx#ixzz14mrB1bPi

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2010/11/09/home-comforts-await-against-cottagers/?

HOME COMFORTS AWAIT AGAINST COTTAGERS

Well-rested after playing just 45 minutes in their defeat against Liverpool on Sunday, a hopefully contrasting Chelsea will host Fulham on Wednesday night. The first-half no-show saw Fernando Torres punish the Blues to the tune of a 0-2 deficit, while an impotent second period frustrated and dismayed in equal measures. Meanwhile, close neighbours Fulham enjoyed a happier – if no less uncomfortable – Saturday, with Brede Hangeland netting a last-minute equaliser at home to Aston Villa, who had led 1-0 from the end of the first-half.
Fulham have so far had a typically Fulham-ish season. Mark Hughes' side sit firmly mid-table in 13th, having won just two games from a possible thirteen. Both victories came at home, with four draws and a defeat all the Cottagers can show from their travels. Incidentally, those wins came against Wolves and Wigan, both of whom currently reside in the relegation zone of the Premier League. Fulham's last away win in the league actually came on the opening day of the 2009/10 season, with Bobby Zamora's 13th minute goal the difference between his side and Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Of Fulham's thirteen league goals this season, five have come away from home, two of which were scored by Clint Dempsey, who incidentally is Fulham's top scorer with four in total.
Carlos Salcido is a fresh injury worry for Hughes, after the Mexican left-back picked up a knock in the Villa draw. Zamora and Phillip Senderos are long-term absentees.
Chelsea will be hoping that Michael Essien will return to the starting line-up after he missed the Liverpool defeat, contributing to a slightly lightweight midfield. Fellow midfield general Frank Lampard will definitely miss out however, while Yossi Benayoun is the only other crocked star on the sidelines at the moment.
Barring a few minor blips in the past few seasons, Chelsea usually welcome a match against Fulham. Last season saw a double victory over the side from Craven Cottage, with a 2-0 away win in August 2009 followed up with a slightly nervy 2-1 win just after Christmas. Zoltan Gera opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, and it took until the last quarter of the game for the Blues to get back on level terms, with Didier Drogba equalising on 73. A little under two minutes later, a Chris Smalling own-goal meant that the soon-to-be Manchester United bound defender handed the home side all three points at Stamford Bridge.
While Fulham haven't beaten Chelsea at the Bridge since 1979, they did come out on top back in an infamous game at Craven Cottage in March 2006. Luis Boa Morte's 17th minute goal saw then-Chelsea boss José Mourinho haul off the unimpressive Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole a little under ten minutes later, to be replaced by Drogba and Damien Duff – now a Fulham player. They failed to make a difference either, however. William Gallas' last-minute red card put the icing on the cake.
The referee for Wednesday's game, Martin Atkinson, was somewhat of a lucky charm for Chelsea last season. In the four Blues matches he officiated in last season – all at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea won all four without conceding, including wins against Liverpool and Manchester United, not to mention the final-day trophy-winning 8-0 romp over Wigan. Coincidentally, Atkinson was also the man in the middle for Fulham's aforementioned win at Pompey.
So far this campaign, Atkinson has shown four red cards in his eleven games, including the dismissal of Ryan Shawcross during the Stoke V Sunderland match on Saturday. During his one Chelsea game this season, a 2-0 win also against Stoke, he awarded the Blues a 77th minute penalty, and booked two Stoke players.
Ultimately, it will be down to the Chelsea players to show their mettle and recover from the Liverpool defeat by sending out a message to their title rivals against Fulham. Barring any major disasters, Fulham's long barren streak away from home should continue at the Bridge on Wednesday, and it represents a big chance for Ancelotti's side to again dazzle in front of their own fans. The away form can be patchy, but at home the Blues are largely unstoppable.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/John-Terry-says-it-will-be-tough-against-Fulham.aspx

JOHN TERRY SAYS IT WILL BE TOUGH AGAINST FULHAM


Chelsea captain John Terry hopes tomorrow's west London derby against Fulham will provide the perfect platform for his side to bounce back from Sunday's defeat at Anfield.

Terry has ordered his troops to remember exactly what made them champions last season, especially as the chance to reopen a five-point gap may present itself with nearest rivals Manchester United making the short trip across town to Eastlands.

He said: "Liverpool is a loss we have to move on from and bounce back. I'm thankful we had a five-point cushion going in but it would have been nice to keep that.

"Unfortunately we lost three points with Manchester United winning so late on at the weekend.

"But we go again tomorrow against Fulham at Stamford Bridge which is the only good thing. The games come thick and fast now and we have to pick ourselves up quickly.

"It will be tough against Fulham, who proved very hard to beat last year, but we have to pick up three points now."

Chelsea failed to compete in central midfield at Anfield where the absences of Frank Lampard (right) and Michael Essien were keenly felt in the 2-0 reverse.

Lampard is unlikely to return against Fulham, but is hoping to be involved against Sunderland on Sunday, while Ghana international Essien is likely to start against the Cottagers.

But Terry insists Chelsea can't use injuries as an excuse for their defeat at Anfield.

He said: "We can't look at the people missing, we will always have players missing. We have a good enough squad to deal with that.

"I don't think we take things for granted at this club but maybe this was the kick up the backside we all needed.

"We have another gear to find and we are still top of the Premier League so we should be encouraged but we can't forget what has got us there."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,8697_6496390,00.html

SOCCEROOS NAME EGYPT SQUAD

Australia will have captain Lucas Neill and Brett Holman back for next week's friendly against Egypt in Cairo.

Coach Holger Osieck named a 20-man squad on Tuesday with Neill and Holman set to feature after missing last month's match against Paraguay in Sydney.

Defender Sasa Ognenovski has been rewarded for his stellar season for K-League club Seongnam Illhwa with his first ever call-up to the Socceroos, while 26-year-old uncapped Danish-based goalkeeper Nathan Coe is in the squad for just the second time.

Veteran Harry Kewell and English Premier League trio Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Brett Emerton have all been included, as has Scott McDonald, who was left out of former coach Pim Verbeek's World Cup squad.

Four A-League players have been selected with Socceroos regular Jason Culina joined by Gold Coast team-mate Michael Thwaite, Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay and Wellington Phoenix defender Jade North.

The Socceroos have only met Egypt once, back in 1987 at the President's Cup tournament in Seoul with the Australians winning in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended goalless in regulation time.

Squad: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Nathan Coe (Sonderjyske); Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Michael Thwaite (Gold Coast United), Jade North (Wellington Phoenix), David Carney (Blackpool); Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Richard Garcia (Hull City), Dario Vidosic (Nurnberg), Tim Cahill (Everton), Brett Emerton (Blackburn); Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough).

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/46129/chelsea-vs-fulham/preview

Chelsea - Fulham Preview: Didier Drogba set to start as Frank Lampard looks unlikely to make comeback just yet

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Frank Lampard (groin) is expected to remain sidelined for this game as well, but manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that fellow midfielder Michael Essien could return from a toe injury to play some part in the west London derby.

The Italian boss will be expected to start with Didier Drogba, having left the Ivorian on the bench during the recent loss to Liverpool. This would put Nicolas Anelka on the right, with Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou competing for the wide role on the other side.

Jose Bosingwa could make a start after having played 20 minutes at Anfield.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Zhirkov; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.

Fulham

Carlos Salcido (ankle) will play no part in this encounter, having been injured in a tackle with Aston Villa's Luke Young during the weekend game at Craven Cottage. Stephen Kelly would be expected to replace the experienced Mexican.

Dickson Etuhu and Damien Duff are expected to make the cut into the starting line-up for this encounter, with the Republic of Ireland international having occupied a spot on the bench over the weekend while his Nigerian team-mate is believed to have shaken off an ankle injury.

Andy Johnson is likely to remain on the bench, with manager Mark Hughes going with Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey in the attacking third of the pitch.

Possible starting XI: Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Dembele, Dempsey.

Home comfort for Ancelotti

Chelsea have been fantastic at Stamford Bridge this season, and remain the only team to maintain a 100 per cent record on their own turf. They have also scored more number of goals (16) than any other team in their home games, and are also the only side not to have conceded a single goal in their own backyard.

Away day blues may have prevented Carlo Ancelotti's charges from running away with a healthy lead at the top of the table, but their home unblemished home form means that the visitors have their task cut out.

The table toppers will also want to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, owing to the recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool. It was a game that saw their opponents showcase some strong form, while the Blues themselves wilted under a forceful first-half performance from their opponents.

With a tough set of fixtures in the form of a trip to Birmingham City and then Newcastle United coming up, with Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal waiting in line to take on the champions, their ability to take away three points from games like this will likely determine whether or not they can successfully defend the Premier League title.

Tough derby day in prospect

Fulham have a history of being poor on the road, but have gone some way to shake off their performances away from home this season. But it's been a mixed bag of results overall, as the team appears to be compensating for being beaten only once on their travels.

Over the weekend, Mark Hughes' men put in a performance that was average at best, with lingering doubts as to whether they deserved a draw with Aston Villa. Brede Hangeland rescued the team on that occasion with a goal scored during the death.

The draw marked one more in a list of eight games in all competitions, of which the Cottagers have won only one. So the short trip to Stamford Bridge does not come at a good time for the club, as they are still trying to find their footing.

The absence of striker Bobby Zamora has also been a telling one, as his replacement Moussa Dembele - despite being a decent replacement - has not been able to provide his side with the necessary amount of goals. His tally stands at a meagre two goals so far, while two assists prove to make his record somewhat acceptable.

But all said and done, the team as a whole will have to take their game to another level to get a result at Stamford Bridge.