Saturday Fulham Stuff (01.1.11)

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3325931/Arsenal-reject-Fulhams-5m-offer-for-Nicklas-Bendtner.html


You won't Nick him for £5m

Published: Today


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FULHAM have had a £5million bid for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner rejected.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes will have to pay £6.5m to land the Danish hitman, 22.

Hughes is also looking at Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd.

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Growing Stronger


Saturday 1st January 2011



Mark Hughes believes Fulham will grow stronger over the second half of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season due the Club's training regime at Motspur Park.

Historically Hughes' teams have always achieved greater success over the second period of the season during his managerial career and Fulham's Manager explained the reasons behind this trend ahead of Tuesday night's match against West Brom at the Cottage| (KO 8pm).

"By virtue of the training sessions we do on a daily basis the players have a baseline and a body of work within them that enables them to be stronger during the second half of the season," Hughes told fulhamfc.com.

"Some players become jaded in the second half of the season but more often than not my players become stronger due to the level of intensity and how we approach training sessions.

"We don't look for quantity of work, we look for quality. If we get that quality sessions are cut short and we look to the next day. It's all about the quality of work we do with the players.

"We know what's ahead of us and it doesn't faze us. We feel very confident in our ability to climb the League very quickly."

Get behind the Team on Tuesday night when Fulham take on West Brom at the Cottage (KO 8pm).|
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/GrowingStronger.aspx#ixzz19lk7HbQm

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http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Four-ways-Fulham-can-frustrate-rampant-Tottenham/12770/

Four ways Fulham can frustrate rampant Tottenham


January 01, 2011 | Match Preview | 0 Comments |
     


Premier League, January 1, 2011 - White Hart Lane, London

Odds: Tottenham - 1.41; Fulham - 8.41 ; Draw - 4.20. Click here to bet.

Fulham's 2-0 victory at Stoke City on Tuesday ended a dreadful run for the Cottagers of eight games without a win. But despite Chris Baird's double, Mark Hughes' men are still languishing in the relegation zone.

And the West Londoners face a huge test in trying to get out of the drop zone when they face a rampant Tottenham at White Hart Lane today.

Tottenham had a terrific Christmas, beating Aston Villa and Newcastle in some style, despite playing much of each game with 10 men.

Harry Redknapp's men are oozing confidence, and while most would still doubt the veracity of his insistence that his side can challenge for the title, another Champions League finish for the Lilywhites could well be on the cards.

So can Fulham stop one of the most on-fire sides in the country? Here are four ways they could go about frustrating the north Londoners.


Man-mark Modric



Certainly easier said than done, but in the absence of Tom Huddlestone, the playmaking mantle has fallen even more firmly with the Croat, who taken the extra responsibility with aplomb.

So if Fulham can find a way to nullify him, they will cut a huge creative source for Tottenham's free-flowing football and classic counterattacks.

And Dickson Etuhu would be the ideal candidate to stay close to the crafty Croatian. The Nigerian is a strong midfield ball-winner who is adept at breaking up the play. He came into the Fulham side after Jimmy Bullard left for Hull and has established himself as a key player for the Cottagers in protecting the back four.

He has the wherewithal to stick to an opponent, but he'll need to be highly disciplined, too, as an early booking would certainly put a spanner in the works.   

Press Palacios



Tottenham's passing game has been an absolute joy to watch at times, but the comfort in possession of the vast majority of Redknapp's men means those without top-class distribution tend to stick out like a sore thumb.

And one of those men is Wilson Palacios . The Honduran is there for his ball-winning, but many of Tottenham's moves appear to break down around him, and one gets the feeling that once Brazilian signing Sandro is fully used to the pace of the Premiership, Palacios may have more difficulty getting into Redknapp's first XI. When Palacios has time on the ball, he does retain possession and can pose a threat with his driving runs. But when he's pressured, he has the tendency to panic and give the ball away, and at times commits rash fouls in his bid to make up for his errors and win the ball back.

If Etuhu is monitoring Modric, it will be down to the experienced and astute midfielder Danny Murphy to press Palacios when he's in possession, particularly in Tottenham's half.

The former England international is an attack-minded midfielder with excellent technique and passing skills, but he's also a determined player with good tackling abilities.

He has been impressive at Fulham, showing good leadership qualities as Cottagers captain, and although 33, he still has enough left in the tank to make an impact for the West Londoners.

Run at Bassong



With Younes Kaboul suspended and William Gallas doubtful with a hamstring injury, it will likely be Sebastien Bassong partnering Michael Dawson at the back for Spurs.

The Cameroonian is a strong and committed defender who relishes the physical battle. He is also comfortable on the ball, having come through the Clairefontaine academy.

However, he could be better in the air for his size and although fast over long distances, he lacks agility, meaning he tends to have difficulty against nippy attackers who are quick on the turn.

And Andrew Johnson , just back from a lengthy injury layoff, could be just the man to exploit the Cameroonian's shortcomings.

Johnson is a speedy little striker, who bases his game on direct running, using his pace to run at defenders as well as to turn and sprint away.

He is a really clinical finisher from close range, and needs to get himself into those dangerous goal-scoring positions by using his clever movement to escape Bassong's attentions.

Win the second ball from Gomes



Opinions about Gomes are mixed at White Hart Lane. However, recent events don't seem to be working in his favour. The Brazilian is a sensational shot-stopper, there is no question about that. However, he doesn't seem to have rid his game of those awful errors which raised serious doubts about his ability in his first season at White Hart Lane. One has to question whether he has actually lost more points for Spurs with his gaffes than he has won with his brilliant saves – and it is increasingly beginning to look like the former.

As far as the opposition, in this case Fulham, are concerned, they won't be able to predict when Gomes will make one of his howlers. However, while he gets to the lion's share of crosses sent into his box, he often opts for a strong punch rather than a catch. Fulham must be aware of this, and rather than piling too many of their players close the six-yard box when crosses are whipped in they would do well to cluster more players than usual - particularly the likes of Murphy, Simon Davies and Johnson - outside the area in anticipation of the Brazilian's half-clearances.

Gomes is also occasionally prone to parry shots, but is rarely punished as he uses his great reflexes to recover and dive onto the ball. If Fulham players, particularly Johnson, can gamble and rush in on Gomes in such a case, the Cottagers could capitalise.   

IMScouting Prediction: Fulham to put up a brave fight, but Spurs' quaility to shine through. Tottenham 2-1 Fulham

[White Noise]

http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201101011145750


Etuhu seeks New Year relief at Spurs
 
By Agency reporter

   
Saturday, 1 Jan 2011   


 
Dickson Etuhu 

Etuhu was on for 90 minutes when Fulham beat Stoke 2-0 on Wednesday. It was a win that gave them a relief from relegation fight but such an inspiration must not cease as Fulham visit Tottenham today. Spurs will also look to continue their fine festive-season form.

On Boxing Day, Harry Redknapp's men secured a 2-1 win over Aston Villa and gained the three points again on Tuesday with a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle to stay in fifth spot in the English Premier League, five points behind leaders Manchester United.

Fulham, by contrast, have struggled this season and are in the relegation zone with just 19 points from their opening 19 matches, placing them third from the bottom.

In their last match, however, they scored a 2-0 away win over Stoke - although the fact that it was their first away win of the season will be worrying to Hughes.

Both managers have selection headaches ahead of the clash, with Redknapp likely to be without William Gallas, who is nursing a hamstring injury, and Tom Huddlestone (ankle).

He will also be without Jermain Defoe and defender Younes Kaboul, who were both handed three-match ban when they were sent off against Villa and Newcastle respectively.

Hughes has injury concerns of his own leading into the match, with long-term absentees Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos certain to miss, although striker Mousa Dembele may be ready to resume after an ankle injury.

In better news, striker Andy Johnson has emerged unscathed from his four first- team starts this term after battling back from a broken leg.

But Hughes would dearly love the front man to rediscover the goalscoring form that made him such a valuable commodity at Crystal Palace, with the 29-year-old unable to find the back of the net in his last 25 games.

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/fulham-potential-transfer-targets-2173111.html?action=Gallery

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LET'S HOPE MARK HUGHES WON'T MAKE MARK 




Schwarzer plays his last match for Fulham at Tottenham today.

Saturday January 1,2011

By Gideon Brooks 

MARK HUGHES is hoping Australia's footballers prove as hopeless as their cricketers when his first-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer joins up with the Socceroos for the Asia Cup in Qatar.


Schwarzer plays his last match for Fulham at Tottenham today and could be missing for up to a month.

And boss Hughes would not be averse to an Aussies Ashes-style flop that would bring Schwarzer back home in double-quick time.

"It would be ideal for us if they were knocked out at the group stage," said Hughes. "But, looking at the strength of their group, that's probably not going happen."

If Australia finish in the top two of a group containing South Korea, India and Bahrain, Schwarzer will miss three Premier League games against West Brom, Wigan and Stoke and the FA Cup third round against Peterborough on January 8.

Should they progress to the semi-finals, he would miss a fourth league match against Liverpool on January 26.

Despite Schwarzer's absence, Hughes is confident stand-in keeper David Stockdale can rise to the occasion again and help his side build on the promising performance at Stoke on Tuesday.

Stockdale played three Premier League matches at the start of the season and was sufficiently impressive to have been on the verge of an England call up until an ankle injury intervened.

"David did really well when he came in and there's no reason he can't do exactly the same again," said Hughes.



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220499/Let-s-hope-Mark-Hughes-won-t-make-markLet-s-hope-Mark-Hughes-won-t-make-mark#ixzz19lnFVhyJ

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343157/Monaco-latest-club-unsettled-Aston-Villa-star-Stephen-Ireland.html

Monaco are the latest club to show an interest in unsettled Aston Villa star Stephen Ireland

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 1:34 AM on 1st January 2011


Monaco are the latest club to show interest in Aston Villa's unsettled midfielder Stephen Ireland.

The 24-year-old is keen on a move to either Liverpool or Everton and has been the subject of interest from Stoke and Fulham.

Villa want to recoup around £6million for him.



Heading overseas? Ireland

[White Noise]

Fulham and West Ham head the chase for Grasshoppers' Veroljub Salatic


By John Edwards



Last updated at 1:02 AM on 1st January 2011

West Ham and Fulham are leading the chase for Grasshoppers' former Switzerland under-21 midfielder Veroljub Salatic, who is heading for a cut-price move to the Barclays Premier League after deciding against renewing a contract that expires at the end of the season.

Wolves are also keen on the 25-year old, who headed to London yesterday to talk to interested parties. 


London move: Veroljub Salatic (left)


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343187/Fulham-West-Ham-head-chase-Grasshoppers-Veroljub-Salatic.html#ixzz19loW7Vhr

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Andy Townsend's boot room: Clash of the day - Tottenham v Fulham, plus previews for every Barclays Premier League game


By Andy Townsend


Last updated at 7:28 PM on 31st December 2010

Look no further for your indispensable guide to the weekend's Premier League action as Sportsmail's Andy Townsend casts his eye over each and every fixture.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343086/Andy-Townsends-boot-room-Clash-day--Tottenham-v-Fulham.html#ixzz19lp1ztwK

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TOTTENHAM v Fulham: William Gallas to fill in for suspended Younes Kaboul

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 1:12 PM on 31st December 2010


William Gallas is set to make a timely return to the Tottenham side for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

The defender, who had been skippering the side, has missed the last three and a half weeks with a hamstring strain and should replace Younes Kaboul, who starts a three-match ban.



Call of duty: Gallas will step straight back into the Tottenham team

Jermain Defoe is also suspended, Robbie Keane (hamstring) is doubtful, Carlo Cudicini is out with a shoulder problem, while Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Ledley King (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Gomes, Pletikosa, Hutton, Corluka, Dawson, Gallas, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Sandro, Palacios, Jenas, Bale, Lennon, Bentley, Modric, Dos Santos, Van der Vaart, Crouch, Pavlyuchenko, Keane.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343041/TOTTENHAM-v-Fulham-William-Gallas-suspended-Younes-Kaboul.html#ixzz19lpW91OE

[White Noise]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/4154/5/hughes-hints-riise-exit-fulham


Hughes hints at Riise exit from Fulham


By talkSPORT


Friday, December 31

Mark Hughes has refused to offer Fulham outcast Bjorn Helge Riise any first-team assurances, hinting at an impending exit for the midfielder.

The Norwegian international has made just two appearances for Fulham this season, both coming from the substitute's bench and Hughes puts the versatility of his other players down to the midfielder's lack of action

"Bjorn has been really unfortunate that we have a number of players that can play in a number of different positions," Hughes said.
"
Bjorn has been a victim of our rotation and the flexibility I have in some players."Mark Hughes

"Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera can both play in wide positions and upfront so, unfortunately, Bjorn has been a victim of our rotation and the flexibility I have in some players.

"They also have more game time under their belts and that is why I lean more to those players more than Bjorn."

The younger brother of former Liverpool defender John Arne, Riise made 12 league appearances under Roy Hodgson last season and has openly stated that he will not wait around for much longer

"It is frustrating for him and I have had a number of chats with him, he is a great professional and conducts himself in an exemplary manner," Hughes said.

"I understand his frustration, I would like to think their will be more opportunities for him in the second half of the season, as I have told him, but I can't guarantee it."

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/31/squad-sheets-tottenham-hotspur-fulham


Squad sheets: Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham


guardian.co.uk, Friday 31 December 2010 17.13 GMT

Tottenham's only fear ahead of this fixture is that 2011 does not prove as good for them as 2010 did. The team go into the new year as a threat in Europe and with some observers tipping them to make a serious challenge for the Premier League title, a belief bolstered by the recent 10-man victories over Aston Villa and Newcastle. Fulham have much to fear, then, as they look to record only a second win at White Hart Lane in 63 years, a result that would see them climb out of the relegation zone for at least an hour and a half. Sachin Nakrani

Venue White Hart Lane, Saturday 3pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Tottenham 2 Fulham 0

Referee Michael Jones

This season's matches 12 Y43, R1, 3.67 cards per game

Odds Tottenham 2-5 Fulham 8-1 Draw 7-2



Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Tottenham

Subs from Alnwick, Pletikosa, Corluka, Bassong, Kranjcar, Bentley, Sandro, Giovani, Palacios, Keane, Crouch

Doubtful Keane (hamstring)

Injured Cudicini (shoulder, Feb), Huddlestone (ankle, Feb), King, Woodgate (both groin, unknown), O'Hara (back, unknown)

Suspended Defoe (second of three), Kaboul (first of three)

Form guide WWDDWW

Disciplinary record Y29 R2

Leading scorer Van der Vaart 8

Fulham
Subs from Stockdale, Kelly, Kamara, Riise, E Johnson, Dikgacoi, Elm, Gera, Salcido, Dembélé

Doubtful Dembélé (ankle)

Injured Briggs (calf, 15 Jan), Senderos (achilles, Feb), Zamora (broken leg, Feb), Stoor (groin, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide WLDLDL

Disciplinary record Y22 R0

Leading scorer Dempsey 5

Match pointers
• Tottenham have lost just one of their last 12 matches with Fulham in all competitions


• Fulham won at Stoke last time out but have not had consecutive league victories since last February


• Tottenham have had a man sent off in their last two Premier League games having not had a man dismissed before Christmas


• Fulham's last three goals have all been scored by Northern Irish defenders in the first 11 minutes of games


• Tottenham have won more corners (144) than any other side in the division

[White Noise]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/will-in-form-spurs-bring-back-fulham%e2%80%99s-travel-sickness/78029/


Will in form Spurs bring back Fulham's travel sickness?

Friday, December 31st, 2010


By John Toner



Tottenham v Fulham, Premier League, December 31, 2010

Tottenham 1.467; Draw 4.500; Fulham 8.620

Bet on the Premier League with Pinnacle Sports.

After going twenty six league matches without one, Fulham finally got an away win at Stoke on Tuesday. However they face a difficult task if they are to make it back to back away victories at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day.

The London neighbours approach yet another festive fixture with vastly differing ambitions, however, the significance of the three points is of equal weight in both camps. A win for Spurs would send them above Chelsea and back into the top 4, whilst a win for Fulham would lift them out of the relegation zone and into the relatively heady heights of 14th position if other results were to go their way.

Tottenham will go into the game brimming with confidence having won their last two Premier League fixtures despite being reduced to ten men for significant portions of both games. As well as this Harry Redknapp's charges are unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions and even managed their second domestic clean sheet of the season in the 2-0 home win over Newcastle United.

After a run of eight games without a win the three points gained away to Stoke will have lifted Mark Hughes' men, the significance of which is not lost on defender John Paintsil: "We were tactically disciplined on the pitch and everyone did really well. When we do our jobs the team game takes care of itself. What we have to do now is continue that form on Saturday against Spurs." However without a win in seven attempts against the Lilywhites, Fulham will be all too aware of how different a proposition Spurs represent.

The hosts go into the game without the services of Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul who are both serving suspensions. William Gallas looks set to return after three and a half weeks out with a hamstring strain while Robbie Keane (hamstring) is doubtful and Carlo Cudicini is out with a shoulder problem. Tottenham will also be without long term absentees Ledley King (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin).

Moussa Dembele was hoping to make his long awaited return for Fulham after suffering ankle ligament damage in November but will just miss out, however Mark Hughes is confident the striker will return for the West Brom game on January 4th. It could prove timely for Fulham as fellow forward Bobby Zamora (broken leg) will be out for at least another couple of weeks.

Also still unavailable for the Cottagers are Phillipe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) while Mark Schwarzer will play his last game before heading off to play in the Asian Cup with Australia.

Current form and recent history in this fixture do not bode well for Fulham and Tottenham's class and strength in depth should see them through. However, due to its congested nature and the fact that footballers are humans after all and will celebrate Christmas and or New Year to some degree, the packed festive schedule does have the capacity to turn out some unexpected results.

It could be argued that Fulham are more in need of the three points due to their perilous position near the foot of the table and the lurking danger of relegation, although, a lot has been staked on a successful season at Spurs and most importantly a return to the Champions League.

If either club fails to achieve its respective ambitions a large drop in revenue and the risk of losing some of their most prized assets awaits, from now on, every point counts.

Toner's Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Fulham 1.

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http://mcnamarasband.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/no-room-for-complacency-tottenham-v-fulham-preview/

McNamara's Band


A blog about Tottenham Hotspur Football Club of the Premier League


No room for complacency: Tottenham V Fulham preview

Posted on December 31, 2010


by mac| 4 Comments


The BBC reports that Cudicini has a shoulder injury answering for me why Pletikosa was on the bench against Newcastle. We also know that following the sendings off of Defoe and Kaboul that they are both suspended.

However, the word was that Billy Gallas was always going to play this game so either Daws or Kaboul were stepping down. I'm interested in seeing Billy and Michael pairing up. Which one of them gets the captain's armband will be of interest but I think their leadership skills will be good for the team.

For he remainder of the side whether Pav or Crouch or Wilson or JJ starts are the only debates. I suggested Crouch for the Newcastle game and was wrong so I'll switch horses to see if my gamble pays off. I also fancy that Jenas may get the nod as his record with cards is better.

If Luka plays as he did on Tuesday we'll all enjoy the game. Even if he doesn't it's likely that one of the others will pick up where he left off and it is time for Bale to have another rip roarer. If we score early we could have a bit of a field day against a Fulham side that has been struggling of late.

That being said our record against Fulham at home has been first class and after a deserved away win in their last match at Stoke we need to take care that we do not find a banana skin to start the year with a 1 in it.  Mark Hughes is a manager under pressure to continue the run of his predecessor so he will want his side to put in a competitive shift in an effort to secure a point.

If we score they will fall so the first goal will be all important: 

                                    Gomes

        Hutton            Dawson        Gallas            Ekotto

Lennon                   Jenas             Modric               Bale

                     Van Der Vaart

                                                    Pav   

Prediction: I'm going to press for a second clean sheet with 3-0 and hope that we get 9 from 9 to keep our challenge on the boil.

[White Noise]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/tottenham-boss-redknapp-slams-fulham-fans-over-hughes-abuse-1355861


Tottenham boss Redknapp slams Fulham fans over Hughes abuse


31.12.10 | tribalfootball.com


Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp cannot believe Mark Hughes is under pressure at Fulham.

Fulham are fighting for their lives at the other end of the table, with Tuesday night's 2-0 win at Stoke easing the pressure on Hughes.

Redknapp said: "It's just a case of people - owners - holding their nerve when you have a bad run.

"You have to look at all the circumstances - injuries.

"Fulham lost Bobby Zamora - that was a massive loss. For them, he was different class. Everything revolved around Bobby Zamora."

Hughes was subjected to chants of "Hughes out" and "You don't know what you're doing" during Sunday's 3-1 defeat to West Ham.

Redknapp said: "No disrespect, what are Fulham supposed to do? If they finish halfway, it's a fantastic achievement, in my opinion.

"He's spent no money, Mark. He's gone in there, worked with what he's had.

"I don't know what else people can expect.

"They used to be in the old Fourth Division."

[White Noise]

Samba reinstated as Blackburn captain following heart-to-heart with Kean


Published 23:00 31/12/10

By MirrorFootball



Chris Samba is back as Blackburn Rovers skipper after a heart-to-heart with boss Steve Kean.

The defender was stripped of the armband after insisting he wanted to quit Ewood Park in the wake of Sam Allardyce's sacking.

Kean refused to let Samba continue as captain and the stopper looked set for the exit door with Aston Villa and Fulham interested.

But Kean has thrashed things out with the Congo star and claims the stopper is only looking to move to a top-four club.

And he is happy to let Samba carry on as ­captain knowing he has no plans to jump ship to a mid-table rival. "We had a chat on the morning of the West Brom match, while we did a couple of laps of the pitch," said Kean.

"He said, 'I've never asked to leave. All I said was if a bigger club comes in I've ­aspirations to play in Europe and win things, it's something I would look at.'

"I stressed to him we're trying to build a squad that certainly gets us into the top half then come the summer we'll make additions to try and challenge the top six.

"He said, 'Great, I'm happy now I know we're aspiring to go up the table'. And he added that he didn't want to make a sidestep."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-Christopher-Samba-reinstated-as-aptain-following-heart-to-heart-with-Steve-Kean-article661119.html#ixzz19ltf7H4H

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8233541/Tottenham-Hotspur-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham: match preview


Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at White Hart Lane on Saturday Jan 1 2011, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
 
By John Ley 1:00PM GMT 31 Dec 2010

Saturday, January 1

Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
White Hart Lane
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.

Tale of the game

Two London rivals clash with wins vital for differing reasons.

Tottenham extended their unbeaten run, in all competitions, to 10 games with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Tuesday, and are now in fourth place.

They are now just five points behind leaders Manchester United and another victory would put pressure on their rivals.

Fulham, meanwhile, are in the relegation zone despite their 2-0 win at Stoke in midweek.

The win was rare; it was their first away from home in 27 attempts, going back to the start of last season.

But their record at White Hart Lane is poor. In a total of 31 league visits, they have won just twice, in the Premier League in September 2002, and in the old Second Division in April 1948. Spurs have won 17 and drawn 12.

Spurs, though, will be without Jermain Defoe, serving the second game of a three match ban, and Younes Kaboul, who is suspended following his 'stupid' red card in the 2-0 win over Newcastle.

William Gallas could return if passed fit from a hamstring problem, but Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King, Jamie O'Hara and Jonathan Woodgate are all still missing.

Fulham recalled Chris Baird at Stoke and he responded with two early goals in the 2-0 win over the Potters, so he should keep his place ahead of the dropped Carlos Salcido.

Moussa Dembele undergoes a test but Matthew Briggs, Fredrik Stoor, Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos are still missing.

This season: Fulham 1 Tottenham 2.

Last season: Fulham 0 Tottenham 0, Tottenham 2 Fulham 0.

Stat of the game: Fulham have failed to score in five of their last six league visits to White Hart Lane.

Betting tip: Tottenham have forgotten how to lose so go 2-0 to Spurs at 6-1.

Tottenham Hotspur (probable, 4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Jenas, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart; Pavlyuchenko.
Fulham (probable, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Dempsey, A Johnson.
Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 14. R1 Y50.

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9326764.stm

Tottenham    v    Fulham

Saturday, 1 January 2011

Barclays Premier League

Tottenham v  Fulham 15:00

   

TOTTENHAMFULHAMPossessionTottenham 50%Fulham 50%Attempts on targetTottenham 0Fulham 0Attempts off targetTottenham 0Fulham 0CornersTottenham 0Fulham 0FoulsTottenham 0Fulham 0

Barclays Premier League
Venue: White Hart Lane Date: Saturday, 1 January Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC London; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles


TEAM NEWS
Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul begins a three-match suspension as a result of his red card for clashing heads with Newcastle's Cheik Tiote.

William Gallas makes a timely return from a hamstring strain, but Robbie Keane is a doubt with a similar injury.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will play his last game before flying out to the Asian Cup to represent Australia.

Forward Mousa Dembele is nearing a return after a seven-week absence with an ankle injury.



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Tottenham

Suspended: Defoe (two matches), Kaboul (three matches)

Doubtful: Keane (hamstring)

Injured: Cudicini (shoulder), Huddlestone (ankle), King (groin), O'Hara (back)

Fulham

Doubtful: Dembele (ankle)

Injured: Briggs & Senderos (both calf), Stoor (groin), Zamora (leg)


MATCH PREVIEW
Having won with 10 men for the second successive match following Younes Kaboul's red card for butting a Newcastle opponent, Tottenham now have a head-to-head in their favour.

There's no reason why we can't push for the title. We attack teams all the time and we're up in the mix. We are all close and get on with each other. That shows on the pitch and that's why we're getting results

Tottenham's Gareth Bale
They have only lost once in 63 years at home to Fulham and ended the west London side's unbeaten start in the league in October.

Tottenham's recent form has fuelled talk of a title challenge, and anything must feel possible at White Hart Lane these days. Conversely, Fulham begin the year in the bottom three and there were question marks over the future of manager Mark Hughes following the home defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day.

Fulham's subsequent victory at Stoke - their first away win since the opening day of last season - was as deserved as it was unexpected, with Chris Baird scoring his first goals since March 2007. Hughes described the performance as immense; for once, Fulham looked good in khaki.

They displayed a resilience in that game that has been a trademark of Tottenham's performances over the festive period. With their mix of perspiration and inspiration, it is little wonder that Spurs' title odds have shrunk to 20-1.


MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Tottenham's only home defeat by Fulham in 26 league and cup meetings since 1948 was a 3-0 Premier League reverse in August 2003 (W18, D7, L1).

• Fulham are winless in six subsequent league visits to White Hart Lane, scoring only once in that sequence.

• Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has won his last four league matches against Fulham counterpart Mark Hughes. In total, they have six wins each from 13 Premier League meetings.

606: DEBATE
Have your say on this match 
Tottenham

• Spurs have won their last three New Year's Day fixtures at White Hart Lane since losing 2-1 to Coventry in 1994.

• They are unbeaten in their last eight league matches (W5, D3). If they avoid defeat on Saturday it will be their longest streak without defeat since a nine-match run ended in March 1999.

• Tottenham are the first top-flight club since Southampton in 1998 to have won two successive league games despite having a player sent off in both.

• Harry Redknapp's side have gained 16 points from losing positions this season - by far the best record in the division.

Fulham

• Fulham won their first Premier League away game in 27 attempts at Stoke on 28 December.

• They are vying for back-to-back league wins for the first time in 11 months.

• The Cottagers have failed to win any of their last 33 away matches in London since beating Tottenham in August 2003.

• Mark Hughes's side have dropped 13 points from winning positions, more than any other club in the division.

• Fulham's Simon Davies, Stephen Kelly and Danny Murphy are all former Tottenham players.


LEADING GOALSCORERS

 
Tottenham

Van der Vaart: 10 goals (8 league); Bale: 10 goals (6 league)


 
Fulham

Dempsey: 6 goals (5 league)


MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Jones

Assistant referees: Will Smallwood & Glenn Turner

Fourth official: Mike Russell


LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Tottenham (W2-0 v Newcastle, h): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios (Jenas 46), Modric, Bale, Pavlyuchenko (Bassong 66), Van der Vaart (Crouch 72). Subs not used: Pletikosa, Keane, Kranjcar, Corluka.

Fulham (W2-0 v Stoke, a): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, A Johnson. Subs not used: Stockdale, Salcido, Gera, Kamara, Dikgacoi, Greening, Halliche

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/31/fulham-v-west-brom-tickets-up-for-grabs-82029-27915015/


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Dec 31 2010


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