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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 07/11/20...

Started by WhiteJC, November 04, 2020, 08:27:40 AM

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WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Preview: West Ham vs. Fulham

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is our preview of the upcoming match for Fulham against West Ham. Joining us during the show was Bob Ballard as he was on to give us the West Ham perspective on this match.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/11/6/21553460/cottage-talk-preview-west-ham-vs-fulham

WhiteJC

Match Preview: West Ham v Fulham

Blast from the past

12th January 2008 – Gordon Brown was Prime Minister, Basshunter was number one with 'Now You're Gone', I Am Legend topped the UK box office and mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary had died the day before. Meanwhile, West Ham United secured a 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham in front of 34,947 at Upton Park.

Former Hammers left-back Paul Konchesky was in the visitors' starting XI that day, while ex-Fulham man Luis Boa Morte came off the bench for the Irons. Roy Hodgson had taken over as Fulham boss just over a fortnight previously. Despite struggling in the league's relegation zone, Simon Davies gave the visitors the lead after just eight minutes when his glided free-kick from the left evaded the home defence and bounced past the helpless and flat-footed Robert Green. Freddie Ljungberg was enjoying one of his better afternoons in claret and blue, albeit wearing a shirt without his name or number after an earlier injury had left his original shirt bloodied – the Swede beat Konchesky after 28 minutes to swing over a cross which was expertly met with a brilliant glancing header by Dean Ashton at the near post. The 24-year-old striker would go on to be the Hammers' top scorer that season, with 11 goals in 35 matches. Ashton's thunderous left-footed drive soon after crashed against the crossbar, via the fingertips of Antti Niemi.

Niemi denied Ashton and strike partner Carlton Cole before the Hammers found their winning goal with 22 minutes remaining, Anton Ferdinand (pictured above) providing a firm finish to Mark Noble's fine cut-back – the Hammers' homegrown midfielder had chased down the ball when it seemed to be harmlessly heading out for a goal-kick. Midfielder Jimmy Bullard ended 16 months of injury hell after coming on as a late substitute for Fulham against the club which had released him earlier in his career without making a senior appearance – he was met with generous applause by home and away supporters alike. The West Ham goals from this game can be viewed in my video below.

Alan Curbishley's Hammers went on to finish the 2007/08 Premier League season in tenth place, while Hodgson's Fulham ended up 17th, surviving on goal difference. Goalkeeper Green would be voted Hammer of the Year, with George McCartney runner-up. Manchester United won the title and Portsmouth won the FA Cup.

West Ham United: Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Anton Ferdinand, Matthew Upson, George McCartney, Freddie Ljungberg (Julien Faubert), Mark Noble, Hayden Mullins, Matthew Etherington (Lee Bowyer), Carlton Cole (Luis Boa Morte), Dean Ashton.

Fulham: Antti Niemi, Moritz Volz (Jimmy Bullard), Dejan Stefanovic, Carlos Bocanegra (Aaron Hughes), Paul Konchesky, Simon Davies, Chris Baird, Danny Murphy, Steven Davis, Clint Dempsey, David Healy (Alexei Smertin).

Club Connections
Ryan Fredericks welcomes his former club. Scott Parker played for both clubs and is currently manager at Craven Cottage. A decent number of players join the pair in representing West Ham United and Fulham over the years. These include:

Goalkeepers: Bill Biggar, Jan Lastuvka, Tony Parks.

Defenders: Paul Kelly, Bobby Moore, George Horler, George Redwood, Kevin Lock, Tony Gale, Jack Hebden, Rufus Brevett, John Paintsil, Paul Konchesky, Ian Pearce, Wayne Bridge, Jon Harley, Alan Stephenson, Andy Melville.

Midfielders: Luis Boa Morte, Dick Richards, George Carter, Papa Bouba Diop, Fergus Hunt, Havard Nordtveit.

Strikers: Johnny 'Budgie' Byrne, Brian Dear, Alf Harwood, Jack Fletcher, Roger Cross, Iain Dowie, Fred Harrison, Billy Brown, Archie Macaulay, Danny Shea, Kenny McKay, Leroy Rosenior, Bobby Zamora, Mladen Petric, Bill Davidson.

This week's focus though is on a player who joined Fulham after starting his career at West Ham. Ray Houghton was born in Glasgow on 9th January 1962; a boyhood Celtic fan, he moved to London at the age of ten and progressed through the youth ranks at West Ham, signing professional forms as a 17-year-old in July 1979. He made his first team debut at the age of 20 under John Lyall, as a 60th-minute substitute for fellow Scot and Academy product George Cowie in a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on 1st May 1982. Due to intense competition for midfield places, Houghton was allowed to move to Fulham on a free transfer just over two months later.

Houghton made his debut for Malcolm Macdonald's Fulham in a 1-1 draw against Rotherham at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the 1982/83 season – the club were playing in the Second Division having just won promotion from the Third. The club nearly achieved back-to-back promotions, but missed out on a place in the top flight by one point after losing four of their final five matches. Fulham dropped to 11th the following season before finishing ninth in 1984/85. After scoring 16 goals in 129 league games for the club, Houghton signed for First Division Oxford in September 1985 for a fee of £147,000.

Houghton won the League Cup in his first season with Oxford, scoring the second goal in a 3-0 win over QPR in the Final. He helped keep the club in the top flight in his two seasons at the Manor Ground and also became an international player during his time there. Houghton had declared himself available for the Republic of Ireland having qualified to play for them through his Irish father – he won his first cap in Jack Charlton's first match as manager, a 1-0 defeat to Wales in a friendly at Lansdowne Road on 26th March 1986.

Houghton left Oxford for Liverpool for £825,000 shortly after the start of the 1987/88 campaign. He scored his first goal for his country on 12th June 1988, a looping header and the winning goal in a Euro '88 group match in Stuttgart against England. He also represented his country at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, scoring a penalty in the second round shoot-out win over Romania to help send the Green Army into a quarter-final clash with the hosts. The dynamic, diminutive midfielder (he stood at 5'7 tall) won two First Division titles, two FA Cups and the Charity Shield during his five years at Anfield; he departed for Aston Villa in a £900,000 move in the summer of 1992 and won the League Cup with Villa in 1994.

Shortly after that League Cup win, Houghton again represented the Republic of Ireland at an international tournament, the 1994 World Cup in the USA – he scored the shock winner against Italy in the opening group game with a lofted left-foot strike at Giants Stadium, New Jersey. Houghton returned to London with Crystal Palace for £300,000 in March 1995 but couldn't keep the Eagles in the top flight and spent the following two seasons with them in the second tier.

Houghton joined Reading on a free transfer in the summer of 1997 and won his last cap for his country in the second leg of a World Cup '98 Play-Off against Belgium in Brussels on 15th November 1997 – he came off the bench to sign off with a goal to level the tie but couldn't prevent the hosts eventually winning 3-2 on aggregate. He had won 73 international caps, scoring six goals.

After two seasons with Reading, the second of which was spent in the third tier after relegation from the First Division, Houghton ended his career with a spell at non-league Stevenage, signing for the club in September 1999 before retiring in May 2000 at the age of 38. Having represented the Hammers for just half an hour, Houghton had gone on to make over 700 domestic appearances during the rest of his career. Houghton has since been a consultant on the Football Manager game series and was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Huddersfield in 2005 for services to sport. Now 58, he works as a television and radio pundit in both Ireland and England.

Referee

Tonight's referee will be Merseyside-based Robert Jones, who will take on his second ever senior Hammers appointment – his only other match involving West Ham's first team was the 4-0 defeat at Oxford in the League Cup third round in September 2019.

Jones has refereed one other Premier League match in his career so far, that being Sheffield United's 1-0 win at Brighton last December.

Possible line-ups

West Ham United will be without Michail Antonio. Aaron Cresswell should be available, but Mark Noble is a doubt. The Hammers are unbeaten in the past ten meetings between the sides in east London, winning six and drawing four. West Ham's tally of 13 goals is the club's third highest after seven fixtures of a Premier League campaign.

Fulham are without the injured Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo, while Josh Onomah is also out and Aboubakar Kamara is suspended. Neeskens Kebano is available, but Mario Lemina is a doubt. Fulham won their first Premier League game away to West Ham in 2001 but are winless in ten subsequent league visits, drawing four and losing six. Fulham manager Scott Parker made 129 appearances for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, scoring 12 goals.

Possible West Ham United XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku; Bowen, Soucek, Rice, Fornals; Haller.

Possible Fulham XI: Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Lemina, Anguissa; Decordova-Reid, Cairney, Lookman; Mitrovic.

Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!



https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2020/11/07/match-preview-west-ham-v-fulham

WhiteJC


In a match with a history of goals, can West Ham maintain their excellent record against Fulham?

A trip down memory lane as we preview Fulham's visit to take on the Hammers at the London Stadium


Saturday 3rd February 1968. 52 years ago. It was two days before my fourteenth birthday. A morning game playing for the school under 14s was followed by a trip to Upton Park in the afternoon. We took the District Line train from Barking to Upton Park shortly after noon, bought our programme (6d – 2.5p), and our hot dogs (1 shilling – 5p) outside, before heading into the ground when the gates opened to take up our places on the "big step" about halfway back slightly to the left of the goal in the North Bank. A group of us congregated there for the home games. I can't remember for sure how much it cost to get in. I think it was 2 shillings (10p) for Juniors, but it might have been double that?

We were expecting to win the game against Fulham who were bottom of the league and looked like they would be going down. To be fair, we weren't world beaters at the time ourselves and sat in sixteenth place. We had been 20th in November, and 19th at Christmas, but a run of five wins in six games had seen us climb the table and begin to alleviate any fears of relegation.

The West Ham team that day was full of many players who were, or would become club legends. In goal we had Bobby Ferguson who had joined us at the beginning of the season for a world record fee (for a goalkeeper) of £65,000. He was never quite the keeper that we expected, a great shot stopper but not so great at crosses. However, he went on to appear 277 times for the club over a number of years.

The full backs were two youngsters. Billy Bonds who had signed in the close season for £50,000 from Charlton, a transfer which would turn out to be probably our best ever, and a young Frank Lampard who had made his debut the previous November. They would go on to become West Ham legends and the two players who made the most appearances in a claret and blue shirt, 799 and 670 respectively. The centre backs in our 4-3-3 formation were England World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore who was of course our most famous player of all time, and who made the third most appearances in our shirt (647), and John Cushley, a centre half signed that season from Scotland who never really made it with us.

The three summer signings, Ferguson, Cushley & Bonds were made to strengthen the defence following a season (1966-67) where we had conceded 84 goals. We had scored 80, so it was obvious that we made the purchases to strengthen the weakest part of the team (current administration take note!). That season had ended poorly, and was one of the examples often quoted of West Ham coming down with the lights after Christmas. On December 27th we sat in 7th place in the table, but only won four games in the remainder of the campaign (including three in a five day spell over Easter). We were still 10th with just eight games remaining, but just one point in those final fixtures, three goals scored, and 19 conceded, led to a finishing position of 16th (out of 22 in those days).

Back to the Fulham game that day, and in midfield we had three club legends, Sir Trevor (4th most appearances for the club), Martin Peters, another England World Cup winner, and Ronnie Boyce who had scored the winning goal for us in the 1964 Cup Final. They played 643, 364, and 341 times for us.

Up front another legend and scorer of the hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final, Geoff Hurst, who scored 249 goals in his 503 appearances for the club, Brian Dear, who was bang in form and had scored 9 goals in the 7 games before the Fulham game, and a tricky left winger John Sissons who turned out on 213 occasions for us.

What a team that was, and yet we were struggling to make an impact in the top flight, rarely finishing in the top half of the table. It was hard to believe that we lost more games than we won with those players in 1967-68. In our 42 games that season we won 14, drew 10, and lost 18. In fact we lost 8 of our home games, a number only beaten by the two clubs who were relegated that season, Fulham and Sheffield United. We scored 73 goals and conceded 69, so a positive goal difference which was helped by the game that day against Fulham. At least the season was a bit of an improvement on the one before and we eventually finished 12th, with a better finish this time, only losing two of our final 11 games.

We won the match 7-2, with goals from Brooking (2), Hurst (2), Moore, Dear and Peters. The 11 players who played that day went on to play a total of 4,564 games for the club, and scored 660 goals for us between them. The world has changed in more ways than one, and football has changed too. I wonder if we look back in years to come at the 11 players who will start the game against Fulham this time around, and total up their appearances and goals. Of course it won't come anywhere close to those legends I watched as a young teenager. I wonder how many of today's team will be remembered as legends of the club?

The current restrictions mean that I am unable to be at the London Stadium for this game but I'll be paying my £14.95 and tuning in to the TV to see if we can manage another 7-2 victory. We go into this game in 14th place, while Fulham sit just above the relegation places in 17th. Our position does not really reflect our fine performances in a number of games in this season so far, it is more a reflection of the strength of the opposition we have faced in our opening 7 games. All 7 teams we have played are in the top 11 of the league at this early stage of the campaign, including the top three. I think it would be fair to say that the majority of our supporters have been generally pleased with our start, and would have bitten off your hand for 8 points from the opening seven games.

We now have the opportunity to put more points on the board in the next 12 games against lesser opposition (on paper) that will take us up to the halfway point of the season on 16th January, later than usual this time. But to do this we will need to maintain the form that we have shown so far, and find a different way to play in the absence of Antonio, whose form was a key factor in the opening six games – he was missed in last week's game at Liverpool. An interesting statistic that I saw was that we have only won one of our last 12 Premier League games when Antonio has not been in the side. That emphasises the proof of his importance to the team, and the need to find a system that suits when he is not there.

I have no doubt that Haller will be given another opportunity to replace him in the starting eleven, but he really needs a player alongside to bring out the best in him. That would go against the system that has been successful this season so far, so it will be interesting to see if David Moyes and the coaching staff have come up with a suitable plan. Perhaps one to consider for this game against Fulham who seem to be a "keep possession side" would be to play without a recognised centre forward and flood the midfield, in a 4-6-0 formation? Whatever is decided I hope we see more of Said Benrahma than the two minutes he was given at Anfield.

In a season of more goals than usual, it is hard to imagine that the game can possibly end up goalless, especially as we have only kept two clean sheets in the 13 Premier League home games in David Moyes' second time in charge, and Fulham haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 15 Premier League fixtures against us. It would be great to see a repeat of the 7-2 that I remember so fondly from my teenage years. But games don't end 7-2 these days do they? Oh, hold on a minute, what was the score in the Aston Villa v Liverpool game just a few short weeks ago?

In the season before our 7-2 win we beat Fulham 6-1 with our World Cup winning goalscorers netting all the goals (Hurst 4, Peters 2). I was at Upton Park that day too before going home for fireworks in the evening to follow the fireworks in the afternoon. The date was 5th November 1966. 6-1 would be a great score too.

On the exact anniversary of today's game – two days later on 7th November 1966 – 54 years ago today – we had an evening game at home in the fourth round of the League Cup when we faced the mighty (at the time) Leeds United. We did even better than we did against Fulham, beating Leeds (with all their first team playing – players weren't rested for the Cup games in those days) 7-0, with hat-tricks from Hurst and Sissons and a goal from Peters.

So what do I fancy today, the first game in the second lockdown, and the last game before the second international break? 7-2? 6-1? 7-0? So many times in the past we have failed to beat "lesser" teams that we would expect to beat. I'd just like to see an entertaining game, a good strong performance, a comfortable victory and the three points that would enable us to start to climb the table. What are the chances?



https://westhamway.net/2020/11/07/in-a-match-with-a-history-of-goals-can-west-ham-maintain-their-excellent-record-against-fulham/


WhiteJC

Devil is in the detail over David Moyes message to Sebastien Haller on eve of Fulham clash

The big takeaway headline from West Ham United's pre-Fulham press conference yesterday was 'David Moyes backs Sebastien Haller'.

Yes on the face of it, Moyes – like any manager who has only one striker available to him would – offered words of encouragement to the Frenchman.

But make no mistake this was a clear challenge from Moyes to West Ham's record signing. And the devil is in the detail.

Devil is in the detail as Moyes throws down challenge to Haller

This was no friendly backing from the boss. It was a case of the Scot telling Haller it is about time he delivered. That he must adapt his game to suit West Ham and the Premier League, that he needs to put more effort in.

And most tellingly that he is building something good at West Ham and it is up to Haller if he wants to be part of it.

Haller polarises opinion among the West Ham fanbase. But there was no hiding for him after a dreadful, lacklustre performance against Liverpool.

Even those backing the forward had to hold their hands up as Jamie Carragher tore the striker apart in commentary.

Many said it was unfair to judge as it was against Liverpool.  And with supposedly easier games to come that would suit Haller better.

'I want to see a big, wholehearted centre forward who can contribute to the team'

But that didn't wash with Moyes. He also made it clear he wants players who can turn it on no matter what the opposition when the same excuse was put to him by reporters for Haller's display.

"We have always said to Seb he will get his opportunity – it is a big chance for him to show exactly what he can do, and why West Ham value him so highly," Moyes said in his press conference on Friday (Sky Sports).

"He has a great reputation throughout Europe – his goals in Germany were excellent at Frankfurt, so lets hope he can bring that to West Ham.

"I hope I don't need to categorise him that he can only play in a certain type of game. We want to try and bring in players that are always up for games against good quality opposition.

Moyes throws down gauntlet to Haller

"I am sure in Germany he came up against the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, top teams in Europe.

"I don't want to put him in any kind of category – but what I do want to do is I want to see a big, whole-hearted centre-forward who we know can contribute to the team.

"We have got the makings of a good team and I want Seb to be part of that."

Fail to impress against Fulham and there will be serious question marks over Haller's future ahead of the January window.



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/devil-is-in-the-detail-over-david-moyes-message-to-sebastien-haller-on-eve-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

West Ham XI vs Fulham: Confirmed early team news, predicted lineup, latest injuries for Premier League match

After a string of impressive performances against some of the biggest sides in the Premier League, David Moyes and West Ham face an entirely different challenge against Fulham today.

The Hammers have had success in sitting deep and picking off the likes of Wolves and Leicester to win comprehensively before taking a point from both Tottenham and Manchester City.

Against Scott Parker's side this weekend, when they will again be without talisman Michail Antonio, Moyes's side will be asked to dominate possession and dictate the proceedings.

That could bring a change of tact from Moyes, but given the success of his back three system, the Scot is likely to stick to what has worked.

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Fabianski; Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku; Bowen, Fornals, Haller

Saturday 8pm, BT Sport Box Office

Venue: London Stadium

Referee: Robert Jones

Last meeting: West Ham 3-1 Fulham (2018-19)

West Ham squad from: Fabianski, Randolph, Martin, Balbuena, Diop, Ogbonna, Dawson, Coufal, Fredericks, Johnson, Cresswell, Masuaku, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Snodgrass, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Benrahma, Bowen, Haller

Injured: Antonio (hamstring), Noble (rib)



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-xi-vs-fulham-confirmed-early-team-news-predicted-lineup-latest-injuries-premier-league-b51937.html

WhiteJC

David Moyes must unleash West Ham's Said Benrahma from the start vs Fulham

David Moyes is wrong to overlook West Ham United forward Said Benrahma for Saturday's Premier League clash with London rivals Fulham after hinting at the Algerian being shackled to the bench once more.

Benrahma joined the Hammers on a season-long loan costing £5million this summer, but has so far featured for just one minute of regular time having entered the action as a late substitute against Liverpool last weekend.

Moyes felt heading into the Irons' trip to Anfield that Benrahma needed additional time to gain match fitness having been deemed out of shape seven days prior, when the Scottish coach opted to omit the 25-year-old from his 18-man matchday squad that drew with Manchester City.

Hopes of seeing Benrahma make his first start in claret and blue against Fulham on Saturday have been dealt a major blow, though, with Moyes stating at his pre-game press conference that the Brentford loanee who West Ham will sign permanently for £20m next year is still not yet 100 per cent match fit.

"We have got a squad of players now, good competition and Said is part of that," Moyes noted, via quotes by football.london. "He got an introduction the other day, he is getting closer to match fitness, so we are pleased with how he's getting on.

"We will see exactly what stage he is at but yes, he will be in and around the squad again."

Benrahma struggled to make an impact upon being thrust into the action moments after Diogo Jota fired Liverpool into the lead last weekend, with the five-time Algeria international only managing four touches.

Yet Moyes is wrong to seemingly overlook starting the attacker who played a role in 27 goals last season (17 scored, 10 assisted), as Benrahma has already shown this term the damage he can do against Fulham.

Before departing Brentford for the London Stadium, Benrahma played an instrumental role in helping the Bees to beat Fulham 3-0 in the Carabao Cup, as he offered a Man of the Match display featuring two goals, a key ball and nine successful dribbles from 10 attempts, per SofaScore.

He further won 12 of his total 13 ground duels with a 92% success rate, was fouled once, offered two tackles, one interception and one accurate long ball, while attempting two crosses.

Benrahma was less successful in beating Fulham in the Championship Play-Off Final in August, as the Cottagers won 2-1, but the Algerian was still able to offer three shots, four successful dribbles, took 70 touches and won 10 of his 18 ground duels.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank once hailed Benrahma for giving everything to the cause, too, having sparked top-flight interest just months into his time in Greater London upon arriving from OGC Nice.

"He wants to give everything to improve his performance," said Frank, via quotes by Le Buteur.

Moyes will be hoping to see Benrahma offer that same level of attacking threat now that he is in the Premier League, and where better to start than by starting against a side he has experience of terrorising.



https://www.footballfancast.com/west-ham-united-news/moyes-hints-said-benrahma-substitute-vs-fulham-opinion


WhiteJC

West Ham v Fulham: Can Cottagers end unwanted record run?

West Ham United face a promoted club for the first time this season as they target a second home win of 2020/21 to bounce back from defeat at Liverpool last time out.

Fulham will aim to build on their first win of the campaign against West Bromwich Albion. 

Team News

Mark Noble (rib) is unlikely to be fit in time for West Ham, but Aaron Cresswell (groin) should be available.

Mario Lemina is rated as "touch and go" by Fulham head coach Scott Parker, but Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo remain out.

Did you know?

After losing their first Premier League home match against Fulham in November 2001, West Ham are unbeaten in their last 10 at home against the Cottagers in the top flight (W6 D4).

West Ham manager David Moyes has won 12 of his 13 Premier League home meetings with Fulham, with his only failure coming in a 2-2 draw in February 2014 when in charge of Manchester United.

Fulham are looking to inflict on West Ham a ninth defeat in their last 13 Premier League London derby matches (W3 D1), though the Cottagers themselves are on a top-flight record run of 12 consecutive defeats in such matches.

Fulham are seeking back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since April 2019. 

Match officials

Referee: Robert Jones. Assistants: Darren Cann, Mark Scholes. Fourth official: Martin Atkinson.  VAR: Andre Marriner. Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1880430

WhiteJC

Benrahma hope for Fulham clash

David Moyes has dropped a big hint that we may well see more of Said Benrahma against Fulham this evening.

There are no givens with the manager when it comes to team selection keeping virtually everything regarding the matter a big secret.

His answers to such questions are full of 'maybes'  but talking to reporters he expanded on his thoughts  giving hope to those those keen to see the former Brentford start.

In discussing him this time he dropped in the phrase "when we are ready" but in general terms his comment was very positive in the 25 year old's direction

Speaking to reporters the manager said: "He's certainly got himself in better condition over the last couple of weeks.

He hadn't played many games. One of the games he did play was against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. He was lacking... maybe a little bit out of condition from what I've seen.

But now he's in much better condition, he's looking better, he's settling in well, and I think when we're ready I'd have no fears about putting him in."



https://www.claretandhugh.info/benrahma-hope-for-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

De Cordova-Reid: Fighting To Prove Doubters Wrong

The Whites will aim to make it back-to-back wins on Saturday and Bobby De Cordova-Reid admits the squad are looking to "prove doubters wrong."

Scott Parker's side head to West Ham on the back of a morale-boosting first league win, which came against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

"It was nice, everyone was buzzing and I think it was long overdue for us. It was nice to get three points on the board which will bring confidence going into the next game."

De Cordova-Reid was pleased to feature in the starting lineup, having been on the bench in the two games prior.

"Everyone wants to play but you've got to understand that it's a big squad and everyone is going to be used. You have to be patient but when you get your chance you've got to be there to take it and influence the team."

Our attacker netted his second league goal to fire us in front, after linking up with the Aleksandar Mitrović.

"We flooded the box and Mitro's always dangerous in the air so I knew I had to be activated around it. It dropped to me and I put it away. I always know he's going to be a threat around the box so if I can be in and around it, I can get on the end of stuff."

Harrison Reed admitted last week that 'it was the best week of training he had experienced' since joining and De Cordova-Reid is aware that this is a good sign.

"It shows that everyone's on it and it shows everyone's fighting to prove doubters wrong and we all want to get points on the board, so it starts off with training and we take that into the game. It's been another good week."

The next test comes in the form of a West Ham United side looking to improve on last year's league finish.

"They're a good team. We know their dangers and we've got to be solid as a unit away from home and try and nick something. We've got confidence going into the game so who knows. We're going to give it a good go and try and get the three points."

With a gap in fixtures fast approaching, De-Cordova Reid is hoping to end this current batch of games on a high.

"We've got the international break coming up so if we can get more points on the board going into that it would be perfect. We're confident and hopefully we can get back-to-back wins."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/november/De-Cordova-Reid-Fighting-To-Prove-Doubters-Wrong/


WhiteJC

David Gold sets challenge for West Ham star Arthur Masuaku ahead of Fulham game

West Ham United co-owner David Gold has set a challenge for Arthur Masuaku ahead of tonight's game against Fulham.

West Ham take on an improving Fulham side at the London Stadium.

But the Hammers will go into the game full of confidence given the way they have negotiated one of the toughest fixture schedules ever handed to a team at the start of a Premier League season.

Can West Ham build on excellent foundation?

West Ham need to beat Fulham to build on their impressive start.

Too often West Ham teams get up for the games against top sides only to lose to so-called 'lesser' clubs.

Key to West Ham's success so far this campaign has been David Moyes's switch to a wingback formation.

That has helped breathe new life into the West Ham careers of Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku.

The latter has been able to use his pace and skill to better effect without being as exposed defensively as when he plays left-back.

Gold lays down challenge for Masuaku ahead of Fulham

Masuaku will be hoping he is celebrating victory on his birthday after turning 27 today.

And ahead of the Fulham game West Ham co-owner David Gold has challenged him to toast it by scoring the winning goal.

"Happy Birthday to Arthur Masuaku who turns 27 today," Gold said on Twitter.

"Scoring the winning goal would be a great way to celebrate your birthday have a great day Arthur. DG."

According to the likes of West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh in the summer, Masuaku was for sale to any interested bidders.

Outcast to key man

How things have changed, though.

While he still has the odd lapse which can prove costly to the team, Masuaku's performances this season are starting to get lofty recognition.

Respected journalist Henry Winter was the latest to be impressed with Masuaku.





https://www.hammers.news/club-news/david-gold-sets-challenge-for-west-ham-star-arthur-masuaku-ahead-of-fulham-game/

WhiteJC

ExWHUemployee claims midfielder could be absent from West Ham line-up against Fulham

West Ham skipper Mark Noble is a doubt for today's clash against Fulham according to ExWHUemployee.

That news comes after Football.London reported earlier this week that the 33-year-old could be back and available for selection for tonight's game.

It seems as though that may no longer be the case, however. Noble has been out of action since early October with a rib injury.

The West Ham captain is still an incredibly important influence both on and off the pitch at the London Stadium. But his playing days are clearly nearing an end.

That isn't to say that he doesn't still have a lot to offer the Hammers, however. There will be games when we need him and games when we don't as much.

ExWHUemployee reckons that Noble is a doubt for tonight's game against Fulham.

But that isn't the end of the world. We will be expected to go out and take the game to Scott Parker's side.

And because of that, Noble would have been fairly ineffective.

It's a massive game for West Ham tonight. Three points is an absolute must. And if we don't get them, our impressive start to the season will have been for nothing.

Maybe that's a little harsh. But that is what it will feel like.



https://www.hammers.news/injury-news/exwhuemployee-claims-midfielder-could-be-absent-from-west-ham-line-up-against-fulham/

WhiteJC

Predicted line-up: David Moyes will resist Said Benrahma calls but West Ham fans should be excited

West Ham United take on Fulham in a clash which will say a lot about how far – or not – the Hammers have come under David Moyes.

West Ham welcome a Fulham side fresh from their maiden victory of the season – a 2-0 triumph over former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic's West Brom – to the London Stadium.

The Cottagers have been steadily improving and were deserved winners over the Baggies.

West Ham meanwhile have defied all predictions by picking up eight points from one of the most daunting set of fixtures ever handed to a Premier League team at the start of a season.

West Ham's solid foundation can become a great start

In reality that is at least two less than they truly deserve.

It may not sound much. But coupled with a positive goal difference and a run of much easier fixtures – on paper at least – it sets West Ham up for what could be a very successful campaign.

Now Moyes must tackle an age old West Ham problem. They have proved they can get up for the games against top opposition.

But can the Hammers maintain those levels for matches against the likes of Fulham?

Despite being in the running for player of the month, some West Ham fans are calling for Pablo Fornals to be dropped and replaced by exciting new signing Said Benrahma.

Moyes will resist those calls. Fornals has been West Ham's most creative, effective and hardest working player so far this season.

Moyes will resist Benrahma calls but plenty for fans to be excited about

And the Scot made it clear in his pre-match press conference that Benrahma will be integrated slowly as he builds up his fitness.

Sebastien Haller will get another chance up front despite some suggestions Moyes could turn to Andriy Yarmolenko.

There were concerns the Hammers boss may be forced into one change with Aaron Cresswell picking up a groin strain against Liverpool.

But Cresswell is fit and available.

Despite Benrahma being consigned to a bench role again, West Ham fans should be excited.

There is the very real prospect that Moyes will give him more time against Fulham.

And having been forced to set up very defensively during the difficult run of games to start the season, Moyes will also unleash Tomas Soucek once again.

More minutes for new boy and the shackles off for Soucek and co

Soucek has been an immense goal threat throughout his career. That continued at West Ham as he played a key role in keeping the club up last term.

But the Czech international has had his wings clipped to help make sure West Ham were difficult to break down in recent weeks.

That will change against Fulham as Moyes takes the shackles off him, Arthur Masuaku and Vladimir Coufal with the Hammers knowing they must now take the game to the opposition.

Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Fulham:

Fabianski, Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Haller.



https://www.hammers.news/match-preview/predicted-line-up-david-moyes-will-resist-said-benrahma-calls-but-west-ham-fans-should-be-excited/


filham

Good to read about Clint Dempsey , he was a very good player for us and that goal against Juventus was an absolute peach and one that will be remembered for a long tim.
However when it comes to listing our American favourites I have to put Clint in second place a distance behind Brian McBride who I would find a place for in any all time Fulham line up

RaySmith

Quote from: filham on November 07, 2020, 02:30:22 PM
Good to read about Clint Dempsey , he was a very good player for us and that goal against Juventus was an absolute peach and one that will be remembered for a long tim.
However when it comes to listing our American favourites I have to put Clint in second place a distance behind Brian McBride who I would find a place for in any all time Fulham line up

Both great players for Fulham.

A major thing about the was their attitude - they always  gave everything when they played, left it all on the pitch, and well as being top players, and that's what fans  love.

RaySmith

#34
Re that report by the Hammer fans on his first game, when WH beat Fulham  7-2 at Upton Park - I was at that game, but don't remember too much about it apart from the  score.
But I've seen us beat them there twice too - in a Div 2 game in the  late 70's/early 80's, and an FA Cup replay in 2004, when Brian McBride  scored.

The Fulham players in the featured photo, I thought were  John Dempsey going up  for the ball with Geoff Hurst, and John Ryan.


gerrys

Quote from: RaySmith on November 07, 2020, 02:56:57 PM
Re that report by the Hammer fans on his first game, when WH beat Fulham  7-2 at Upton Park - I was at that game, but don't remember too much about it apart from the  score.
But I've seen us beat them there twice too - in a Div 2 game in the  late 70's/early 80's, and an FA Cup replay in 2004, when Brian McBride  scored.

The Fulham players in the featured photo, I thought were  John Dempsey going up  for the ball with Geoff Hurst, and John Ryan.
And Jimmy Conway in the background...

WhiteJC

Rice wants to be the second Scott Parker

Declan Ric says he is desperate to have a career as good as that of Scott Parker, Fulham's manager.

The Hammer will come face-to-face with the ex-Iron on Saturday evening when the two sides meet.

Parker, of course, spent four years in east London, doing everything possible to stave off the inevitable threat of relegation in the 2010/11 season.

He won the Hammer of the Year prize that season, having previously played for the likes of Chelsea, the club Rice supported as a kid, and Newcastle.

He went on to play for Spurs and Fulham before transitioning into the managerial role at the latter, and Rice believes the career Parker had is one for him to aspire to.

Parker also won 18 caps for England.

Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "If you look at Scott Parker and his career, I think he was so under-appreciated and he wasn't spoken about enough, because he was actually such a top, top, top player.

"In terms of the way he played, he would rat around people, his passing ability was unbelievable and the way he used to lead the team showed he was a top player, so if I could have a career like Scott's I'd be delighted.

"He was a fantastic player and a great person as well."

Rice believes he has the abilities to mimic Parker's style of play, as he often looked to take the ball from the defence and drive forward, inspiring his team along the way.

He added: "I think, if you look at the top players who drove their teams forward, your Patrick Vieiras, your Yaya Toures, I feel powerful and I feel strong enough to make those surging runs forward.

"I have definitely got it in my legs to do it, but it's just about my timing and moments.

"It catches people's eyes because there are not many players who can carry the ball forward, so it's just recognising when I can and when I can't, but it's definitely something I'm trying to improve on."



https://www.claretandhugh.info/rice-wants-to-be-the-second-scott-parker/

WhiteJC

'Masterstroke' – Exclusive: Pundit raves about West Ham tactical change pre-Fulham

Darren Bent has hailed West Ham manager David Moyes' decision to switch from a back four to a back three as a "masterstroke".

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Spurs and England forward praised Aaron Cresswell's performances on the left-hand side of the back three.

After lining up with a back four in their defeat against Newcastle United on the opening day, Moyes has changed shape to a 5-4-1.

Cresswell, who has played at left-back for the majority of his career, has moved into a more central role with Arthur Masuaku operating as a left wing-back.

Angel Ogbanna and Fabián Balbuena have made up the rest of the Hammers' new-look defence.

Asked by Football Insider what he made of Moyes' tactical switch, Bent said: "We're seeing this now become the case more and more.

"We saw it with England a couple of times, Kyle Walker playing on the right. We're seeing Kieran Tierney at Arsenal playing the left side of the three.

"You know what it's like, football evolves.

"We're starting to see more and more teams do the same thing.

"It's a masterstroke because now as a centre-half you don't have to be that massive defender, you could be a little bit slight like Cresswell, like Tierney.

"It seems to be really working so you'd have to say fair play, it seems to be working very very well."

Since switching to a back three, the Hammers have earned vital draws against Manchester City and Tottenham.

They have also comprehensively beaten Wolves and Leicester City in that time.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/masterstroke-exclusive-pundit-raves-about-west-ham-tactical-change-pre-fulham/


WhiteJC