Friday Fulham Stuff (10/12/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/15-games/?

15 games
Filed under: General — rich

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6564107,00.html?

Etuhu eyes Fulham revival
Midfielder frustrated by poor form

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu is hoping his side can get back to winning ways to climb away from trouble at the wrong end of the table.

The Cottagers are just out of the drop zone because of a superior goal difference after going six games without a win.

Etuhu faces his former club Sunderland this weekend and the Nigeria international believes they are improving after a tough run of fixtures.

"Fans are frustrated and so are we - but three wins and we're right up there again," Etuhu told the Fulham Chronicle.

"We're getting stronger, and everyone has to remember we played Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the last month and it's not been easy - but we're looking forward to playing Sunderland.

"It's a thin line between success and where we are, especially if you remember Chelsea have lost four and so have we. It's the draws that have killed us so far."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6564117,00.html?

Dempsey agent cools speculation

American linked with Reds and Wolfsburg

Clint Dempsey's agent has dismissed speculation linking the Fulham midfielder with a switch to Liverpool or Wolfsburg.
The 27-year-old USA international has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage and speculation has mounted that he could join former boss Roy Hodgson at Anfield.

Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg are not having the best of runs in the Bundesliga and are also thought to be trailing the Texan.

However, Dempsey's agent Lyle Yorks claims the mooted interest from these two clubs is mere speculation, although he did reveal a number of sides are trailing the Cottagers star.

"Some of it is just reports and some of it is accurate," Yorks told MLSsoccer.com.

"There's interest in Clint, but there are no discussions right now."

On the Liverpool and Wolfsburg links, he added: "These two are just reports at this point.

"But there's always interest in Clint. It's been that way for a long time. People have him on their wish list."

Dempsey has been a rare shining light for Fulham this season, as the West Londoners have struggled under new boss Mark Hughes so far this term.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/3564/9/liverpool-fulham-and-arsenal-alert-traore-eyes-english-move?

Liverpool, Fulham and Arsenal on alert as Traore eyes English move

Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, who plays for Cluj in Romania, says he wants to play in the Premier League next season – which has alerted Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool.

All three clubs are interested in a deal, with the player - who is only 20 years old - valued at £4m. Fulham are the favourites.

Traore's teammate Roberto De Zerbi let the cat out of the bag when he said: "I know he is close to signing for an English team."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337236/Chris-Coleman-willaccept-Larissa-job-Wales-opt-No-1-target-Gary-Speed.html?

Chris Coleman leaves Greek outfit Larissa waiting over national job - but Wales want Sheffield United's Gary Speed as their next manager

Chris Coleman is waiting to find out if he becomes Wales manager before considering an offer from Greek first division club Larissa.

The former Fulham boss was interviewed by the Welsh FA on Tuesday, but would otherwise like to go abroad after a spell at Real Sociedad in Spain.


Thinking it over: Ex-Fulham boss Chris Coleman wants the Wales job but may have to settle for an offer in Greece

Sheffield United manager Gary Speed has emerged as the FAW's No 1 choice.

Ex-England boss Terry Venables was interested, but did not apply formally.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/09/2254009/fulhams-clint-dempsey-is-attracting-interest-but-not-from?

Fulham's Clint Dempsey is attracting interest but not from Liverpool or Wolfsburg - agent
Representative claims there have been no talks with rival clubs

The agent of Fulham forward Clint Dempsey has denied rumours that Liverpool and Wolfsburg are interested in the player.

Lyle Yorks did insist, however, that interest from other clubs is very much real, and has been for some time.

"Some of it is just reports and some of it is accurate," Yorks told MLSsoccer.com. "There's interest in Clint, but there are no discussions right now."

Dempsey has been the subject of recent speculation linking him with a move to Roy Hodgson's Liverpool, along with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, but Yorks was quick to quash these reports.

"These two are just reports at this point," he said. "But there's always interest in Clint. It's been that way for a long time. People have him on their wish list."

Despite the constant rumours of a move away from Craven Cottage, Dempsey has never spoken of a desire to leave the club.

"After this season, I'll still have two years on my contract and we'll see what happens," Dempsey confirmed. "Right now, I'm trying to make the most of my football where I'm at – at Fulham."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/09/2254034/sunderlands-craig-gordon-asamoah-gyan-in-race-to-be-fit-for?

Sunderland's Craig Gordon & Asamoah Gyan in race to be fit for Fulham game
Anton Ferdinand hails resilience of squad

Sunderland have confirmed that duo Craig Gordon and Asamoah Gyan are doubtful for this weekend's clash with Fulham.

Gordon is struggling with a hamstring injury he picked up in training, while Ghana striker Gyan is suffering from a toe injury.

Scotland keeper Gordon has only recently returned from a lengthy lay-off and Simon Mignolet is on stand-by to replace him between the sticks.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce will give the pair until the last minute to prove their fitness ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage.

Meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand has hailed the side's character believing their ability to bounce back from set-backs has improved from last season.

"The Wolves game [3-2 defeat] was disappointing, because we should have won after scoring two goals away from home," Ferdinand told the club's official website.

"But the way we bounced back shows the character we've got this year. Maybe last year we wouldn't have come back from that and lost the next game, but not this year.

"When we've lost games this year we've always come back and won the next one and put in a good team performance. That's the difference between this year and last."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent10-Freedelivery.aspx?

Free Delivery this Weekend

Christmas will be here before you know it and to help you purchase your perfect Christmas gifts, we are offering you a fantastic free delivery service* this weekend only!

This offer is open to all Fulham FC fans and means that you will not even need to step outside your house to get your goods. The free delivery offer is available on all items (£30 minimum spend).

The new travel range is now out plus we have a wide selection of gifts that would make a perfect treat for any Fulham fan.






Browse more Christmas gifts



Extra Special Gift
Limited Edition Commemorative Shirt



This exclusive box set will go down in Fulham history, with only 500 boxes being produced, the Limited Edition Shirt features the embroidered signature of Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, in classic gold stitch and each shirt is numbered 001-500. Buy yours today to avoid disappointment!

Buy your Limited Edition Shirt



Make sure you take advantage of this free shipping offer, and tick everything off your list in one delivery!

Order online now or call 0870 442 1223

*Applies to UK standard delivery orders only. Valid until 9am Monday 13th December.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent10-Freedelivery.aspx?#ixzz17h7ExCJk

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/10/2254090/dickson-etuhu-blames-tough-run-of-fixtures-for-fulhams-slump?

Dickson Etuhu blames tough run of fixtures for Fulham's slump in form
Midfielder hopes to return to winning ways against Sunderland

Dickson Etuhu is hoping Fulham return to winning ways in the near future in an attempt to start climbing back up the Premier League table.

The Cottagers currently lie in 17th place in the league, only escaping the relegation places due to a superior goal difference, after a six-game winless run.

The Nigerian international has bemoaned a tough set of fixtures, however, and believes his side are improving.

"Fans are frustrated and so are we - but three wins and we're right up there again," Etuhu told the Fulham Chronicle.

"We're getting stronger, and everyone has to remember we played Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the last month and it's not been easy - but we're looking forward to playing Sunderland.

"It's a thin line between success and where we are, especially if you remember Chelsea have lost four and so have we. It's the draws that have killed us so far."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/clint-dempsey-s-agent-denies-liverpool-link-82029-27801482/?

Clint Dempsey's agent denies Liverpool link

CLINT Dempsey's agent has dismissed reports linking the Fulham forward with a move to Liverpool.

Roy Hodgson is rumoured to want the 27-year-old to join him and former Whites full-back Paul Konchesky at Anfield, while Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg are also thought to be tracking the Texan.

But Dempsey's agent Lyle York insists neither club have shown any interest.

He said: "These two are just reports at this point.


"But there's always interest in Clint. It's been that way for a long time. People have him on their wish list."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/clint-dempsey-s-agent-denies-liverpool-link-82029-27801482/?#ixzz17h7tfC16

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943740/Fulham-v-Sunderland-match-preview.html

Fulham v Sunderland: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Saturday Dec 11 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.



Fulham v Sunderland
Goodison Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.

Fulham (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey; Gera; Kamara.

Sunderland (Possible, 4-3-3): Gordon; Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Henderson, Cattermole, Richardson; Bent, Gyan, Welbeck.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick. No PL Matches.

Tale of the game
Fulham need a win badly after six games without, a spell that has produced just three points from a possible 18.

It is their worst run since January while another failure would represent their worst run since February 2008 – when they went 12 without a win.

However, 10 of their 15 points have come at Craven Cottage, as have 10 of their 16 goals.

Fulham, who need one goal for 400 in the Premier League, still miss Rafik Halliche, Moussa Dembele, Carlos Salcido, Fredrik Stoor, Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos while Andrew Johnson undergoes a test.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce finally ended his six-year wait for a Premier League win in London, at Chelsea, and he could be unchanged after the 1-0 victory over West Ham.

Sunderland have had only five different goalscorers this season while Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell, Trevor Carson and Michael Turner are all missing.

Last season: Fulham 1 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 0 Fulham 0.

Stat of the game: The last four meetings between theses teams home and away have produced just two goals.

Betting tip: Oh dear, but this looks goalless. That'll get you 15-2.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/47401/fulham-vs-sunderland/preview

Fulham - Sunderland Preview: No fresh injury worries for hosts, while Gordon and Gyan are doubts for Black Cats

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Manager Mark Hughes has no fresh injury concerns, after last week's narrow defeat against Arsenal. However, the injury list at Craven Cottage continues to remain long with a host of important players still on the treatment table.

Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and defender Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are a long way off full fitness and will not return until early next year, while Carlos Salcido is still out with an ankle injury.

Hughes will also be without Moussa Dembele, but the striker should be ready to return for next weekend's clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

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

Sunderland

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and striker Asamoah Gyan are the main doubts for Steve Bruce for the game at Craven Cottage.

Gordon picked up a hamstring injury in training earlier this week, so back-up Simon Mignolet is on standby, while Gyan is struggling with a toe problem.

Meanwhile, Bruce will still be without defenders Titus Bramble and Michael Turner (both knee), Matt Kilgallon (back), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Fraizer Campbell (knee).

Possible starting XI: Mignolet; Onuoha, Ferdinand, Mensah, Bardsley; Zenden, Cattermole, Henderson, Richardson; Bent, Welbeck.

Cottagers still looking for win

The defeat at the Emirates last week saw Fulham's run of games without a win stretch six, which has now seen them slide to 17th in the table. However, they will be buoyed by the fact that they beat Sunderland in this fixture last year, winning by a one goal margin.

The Cottagers will want a positive result in front of their home fans having only won two games all season, and the heat will be on manager Mark Hughes if the results do not turn around quickly.

Black Cats on form

Sunderland have steadily improved while Steve Bruce has been in charge and sit comfortably in seventh place and within reach of a European place.

Since the humiliating defeat against bitter rivals Newcastle, the Black Cats have only lost once, and have boasted wins against Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford and beat lowly West Ham last weekend.

But Bruce will know they will face a battle to beat Fulham, having only beaten them once in six games at Craven Cottage.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9272984.stm

Lawro's prediction


Fulham v Sunderland

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce did well with Jordan Henderson last week because he used the old 'I might have to leave you out because you're looking a bit tired' routine. Henderson trained like a dog and came back better than ever to score their winner against West Ham. That tells you something about that boy's quality.

Sunderland are looking very comfortable in the league but Fulham have not had a good run at all. They have drawn far too many games and you can see how much they are missing their injured strikers.

But I just feel this might be a game that the Cottagers can win - they need a bit of a break and, like Everton, they have had a bit of a talking to recently - in their case from owner Mohamed Al Fayed - which might bring a bit of a reaction.

Prediction: 2-1

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337279/Sam-Allardyce-wants-unite-David-Bentley-Roque-Santa-Cruz-Blackburn.html

Sam Allardyce wants to re-unite David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz at Blackburn Rovers

Tottenham flop David Bentley is being offered the chance to resurrect his career at former club Blackburn.

Sam Allardyce is keen to spend some of his new owner's money on the winger and would like to team him with another former favourite Roque Santa Cruz.

Spurs want to recoup as much of the £15million they paid for the England international in 2008 but a loan deal with £1m fee may be more likely.

Fulham and Everton are also interested in Bentley while City's Shaun Wright-Phillips has also been discussed.

Everton are also continuing to monitor Barnsley's £2m-rated winger Adam Hammill, 22.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337279/Sam-Allardyce-wants-unite-David-Bentley-Roque-Santa-Cruz-Blackburn.html#ixzz17hAMKZC9

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3269424/Hughes-taking-note-of-Memo.html

Hughes taking note of Memo

FULHAM are on the brink of signing Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa.
The 25-year-old, known as 'Memo', will meet Cottagers boss Mark Hughes today.

Ochoa, who plays for Club America in Mexico, is rated at £8million.

But he is available on the cheap next month with his contract expiring in June.

Fulham's Mexican defender Carlos Salcido and the club's South American scout Juan Carlos Padilla recommended him.

Padilla said: "Fulham's people were in Mexico a few months ago. They saw Memo perform well, and asked Salcido about him.

"We hope Fulham will make an offer that suits everybody."

Ochoa has won 37 caps, and played for Mexico at the 2006 World Cup finals.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3267194/Zamora-hopes-to-steal-a-March.html

Zamora hopes to steal a March

FULHAM striker Bobby Zamora is targeting a March return.
The England ace has been out for three months after breaking his leg in a challenge with Wolves skipper Karl Henry.

During surgery it was discovered Zamora, 29, had also suffered ankle ligament damage.

He had treatment in an oxygen chamber before heading to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation.

It was feared Zamora - who had only just signed a new four-year deal - would be out for the rest of the season.

But while the former West Ham hitman is refusing to rush back, he expects to feature in what could be a relegation fight for the Cottagers.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/sunderland/6564342/Bruce-Cottage-encounter-tricky?

Bruce: Cottage encounter tricky

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is preparing his side for a challenging away fixture at Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Bruce knows the Black Cats must be at their best to avoid getting caught cold in the capital.

"It's never going to be easy at places like Fulham. They might not have won many games this season, but at home they are very difficult to beat, like most teams.

"If we play like when we were last in London (a 3-0 win at Chelsea) we will be okay, but if we play like we did at Wolves (a 3-2 defeat) and again make errors, then we will come unstuck again.

"But I'm confident the proper Sunderland will show up, and if we do that then we've every chance of getting a result."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en/match/47401/fulham-vs-sunderland/preview

Premier League Preview: Fulham - Sunderland
No fresh injury worries for hosts, while Gordon and Gyan are doubts for Black Cats...

Cottagers Still Looking For Win

The defeat at the Emirates last week saw Fulham's run of games without a win stretch six, which has now seen them slide to 17th in the table. However, they will be buoyed by the fact that they beat Sunderland in this fixture last year, winning by a one goal margin.

The Cottagers will want a positive result in front of their home fans having only won two games all season, and the heat will be on manager Mark Hughes if the results do not turn around quickly.

Black Cats On Form

Sunderland have steadily improved while Steve Bruce has been in charge and sit comfortably in seventh place and within reach of a European place.

Since the humiliating defeat against bitter rivals Newcastle, the Black Cats have only lost once, and have boasted wins against Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford and beat lowly West Ham last weekend.

But Bruce will know they will face a battle to beat Fulham, having only beaten them once in six games at Craven Cottage.

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Manager Mark Hughes has no fresh injury concerns, after last week's narrow defeat against Arsenal. However, the injury list at Craven Cottage continues to remain long with a host of important players still on the treatment table.

Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and defender Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are a long way off full fitness and will not return until early next year, while Carlos Salcido is still out with an ankle injury.

Hughes will also be without Moussa Dembele, but the striker should be ready to return for next weekend's clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

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

Sunderland

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and striker Asamoah Gyan are the main doubts for Steve Bruce for the game at Craven Cottage.

Gordon picked up a hamstring injury in training earlier this week, so back-up Simon Mignolet is on standby, while Gyan is struggling with a toe problem.

Meanwhile, Bruce will still be without defenders Titus Bramble and Michael Turner (both knee), Matt Kilgallon (back), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Fraizer Campbell (knee).

Possible starting XI: Mignolet; Onuoha, Ferdinand, Mensah, Bardsley; Zenden, Cattermole, Henderson, Richardson; Bent, Welbeck.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/article8256318.ab

Kalmar FF in contact with Fulham - he may return on loan

Fulham professional set for return

A source close to Kalmar FF said: "KFF want to sign Elm on loan from the Premier League club"

"There's not much first team action for me here, so I have to look at several options", David Elm said.

[...]

Do you feel that your time in England  made you a better player?

"I think I'm in a good form, and that still I make progress. I'm definitely a better player since leaving Sweden."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/FairPlayUpdate.aspx?

Fair Play Update

The latest Barclays Premier League Fair Play tables have been released. The tables are compiled from marks awarded by The Premier League Match Delegates.

Fulham's fans have moved down one place, from fifth to sixth, in the Behaviour of the Public table while the team has climbed from fifth to third in the Fair Play League.

Behaviour of the Public

Pos	Team	Played	Pts	Avge
1	Sunderland	15	130	8.76
2	Blackpool	15	128	8.53
3	Man Utd	15	124	8.27
4	Blackburn	15	124	8.27
5	Chelsea	15	123	8.2
6	Fulham	15	122	8.13
7	Everton	15	121	8.07
8	Arsenal	15	121	8.07
9	Aston Villa	15	120	8
10	Liverpool	15	120	8
11	Newcastle	15	120	8
12	Suprs	15	120	8
13	Man City	15	118	7.87
14	West Brom	15	116	7.73
15	West Ham	15	116	7.73
16	Wigan	15	114	7.6
17	Wolves	15	114	7.6
18	Bolton	15	110	7.33
19	Birmingham	15	108	7.2
16	Stoke	15	107	7.13

Fair Play League

Pos	Team	Played	R/Y	P/P	R/O	R/R	B/O	Pts	Score	Avge
1	Chelsea	15	125	124	91	93	83	516	129	8.6
2	Spurs	15	128	125	91	92	78	514	128.5	8.57
3	Fulham	15	131	113	92	93	78	507	126.8	8.45
4	Man Utd	15	126	119	88	90	82	505	126.3	8.42
5	Blackpool	15	126	124	90	91	72	503	125.8	8.38
6	Aston Villa	15	121	119	87	90	80	497	124.3	8.28
7	Everton	15	129	119	87	86	74	495	123.8	8.25
8	West Ham	15	126	110	89	91	79	495	123.8	8.25
9	West Brom	15	113	110	89	91	78	492	123	8.2
10	Wigan	15	126	106	85	91	81	489	122.3	8.15
11	Arsenal	15	110	126	86	90	75	487	121.8	8.12
12	Blackburn	15	124	111	85	89	78	487	121.8	8.12
13	Man City	15	115	115	86	87	84	487	121.5	8.1
14	Liverpool	15	119	114	86	88	77	478	121	8.02
15	Bolton	15	117	117	84	89	74	481	120.3	8.02
16	Sunderland	15	118	115	83	86	77	479	119.8	7.98
17	Stoke	15	120	114	83	87	74	478	119.5	7.97
18	Birmngham	15	127	106	79	83	80	475	118.5	7.9
19	Wolves	15	113	114	82	86	79	474	118.5	7.9
20	Newcastle	15	114	110	81	82	82	469	117.3	7.82

Key:

R/Y = Red & Yellow Cards - Maximum 10 pts per Match (Red 3 pts, Yellow 1 pt)
P/P = Positive Play - Maximum 10 pts per Match
R/O = Respect Towards Opponent - Maximum 7 pts per Match
R/R = Respect Towards Referee - Maximum 7 pts per Match
B/O = Behaviour of Officials - Maximum 6 pts per Match
Matches up to and including Sunday 28th November 2010



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/FairPlayUpdate.aspx?#ixzz17hk79hie