Friday Fulham Stuff (21.01.11)

[White Noise]

Fulham to land Chelsea's Kakuta on loan

Published 23:00 20/01/11


By Darren Lewis



Fulham boss Mark Hughes is close to snapping up Chelsea starlet Gael Kakuta on loan.

The French 19-year-old quashed doubts about his long-term future with the champions last month when he signed a new deal through to 2015.

But Kakuta is desperate for some first team action and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to have sanctioned a temporary move.

The former Lens youngster, who joined Chelsea four years ago, has made just one Premier League start this season, but has been given more opportunities from the bench and in cup competitions.

Kakuta can play on the wing or up front and there has been no shortage of interest in him from his native France, with Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille all prepared to take him until the end of the season.

However, it is believed Chelsea's west London neighbours Fulham are in the driving seat to clinch his signature.

Hughes is hoping to tie up the Kakuta capture by the end of the weekend

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-is-close-to-snapping-up-Chelsea-starlet-Gael-Kakuta-on-loan-for-the-rest-of-the-season-article677493.html#ixzz1BeF1mGq9

[White Noise]

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/20/liverpool-hope-to-use-flop-to-help-land-10m-rated-premier-league-attacker-clint-dempsey/


Liverpool Hope to Use Flop to Help Land £10m Rated Premier League Attacker Clint Dempsey


20 comments

by The Newshound on January 20th, 2011

Anfield hoping to be able to use Paul Konchesky to help snare Craven Cottage's star performer?



Liverpool eye Clint Dempsey transfer

Fulham have been offered a boomerang deal to take back Paul Konchesky, with Liverpool keen to use him in a transfer deal to buy Clint Dempsey.

Konchesky, a Roy Hodgson signing, has been a flop in front of the Kop in his four months at the club – failing to prove his credentials at left-back.

Frozen out of first-team plans since Kenny Dalglish began his reign, Konchesky is limited in his movements due to Premier League rules stipulating a player may not play for more than two top-flight clubs in any one season.

Utility player Chris Baird has been warming Konchesky's old spot in Fulham's defence, but with limited funds Mark Hughes would only be inclined to bring the 29-year-old back to Craven Cottage on a loan deal following his £4m move to Liverpool last August.

Anfield bosses could look to maximise the deal by bringing in highly-rated playmaker Clint Dempsey, who has been in excellent form this season.

The 27-year-old Texan, who is contracted to the Cottagers until 2013, makes sense for the Reds' American owners New England Sports Ventures who are keen to focus on maximising players' marketing potential.

SOURCE: Metro

As transfer rumours go this one may have to be consigned to the wishful thinking basket. There seems little doubt that Paul Konchesky has played his last game for Liverpool due to a mixture of reasons relating to poor form and his mum, but quite how this source arrives at the idea that he would a) be going back to Fulham (who it seems have replaced him with in form Chris Baird) and that b) they could nab Clint Dempsey, seems highly contrived and unlikely.

Sure as a rumour it adds up. American owners would like American player but it doesn't really work like that. Mark Hughes is unlikely to want to sell one of his most potent attacking weapons when they are in a very real relegation dog fight, and whilst the West London club may have limited funds they will not be as silly as to sell arguably their best player for a relatively big fee just to end up getting relegated because of that very sale.

Paul Konchesky has been linked with a number of clubs in the Championship and his performances this term may see a move downwards a far more likely proposition and perhaps Liverpool can then look to reinvest what little funds they would get from that sale to put towards the pot for much needed new additions.

[White Noise]

The Premier League is upside down! West Ham boss Avram Grant is top for the chop again


THE FIRING LINE

By Dan Ripley

Last updated at 8:22 PM on 20th January 2011


Avram Grant has dodged a bullet on quite a few occasions this season but the last week has been his biggest escapology act yet.

With the owners at West Ham flirting with the idea of bringing Martin O'Neill in to take charge, Grant was faced with the prospect of getting sacked no matter what result he got against Arsenal last Saturday.

But after O'Neill backed out, the Hammers have been left with no other option and Grant somehow finds himself still in charge at Upton Park.

Either way the club's behind the scenes antics show the Israeli is far from trusted to lead West Ham towards safety.

Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street.

Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as the Firing Line...

1 West Ham - Avram Grant Has been given a second chance even if it is only by default. Defeats to Newcastle and Arsenal were accompanied by shambolic performances and the Hammers must improve to stay up. NON-MOVER

2 Aston Villa - Gerard Houllier Has the boards backing for now after the £24milion signing of Darren Bent, but there can be no more excuses. Owner Randy Lerner will expect a rise up the table from his investment. NON-MOVER

3 Chelsea - Carlo AncelottiFinally starting to turn the corner after a slightly laboured win over Blackburn. Bolton away next will be the acid test to see if the champions really are up for an on-field battle. NON-MOVER

4 Fulham - Mark Hughes Secured a valuable late point at Wigan which could prove crucial towards the battle at the bottom come May. Stoke at home next who have shown improvements on the road. NON-MOVER

5 Birmingham City - Alex McLeish Hard to beat in general but City are not picking up enough wins. Just three points off the bottom, it doesn't get easier with a trip to unbeaten Manchester United next. UP FOUR

6 Wigan - Roberto Martinez The Fulham result sums the Latics up. They play good football but are not clinical enough in attack as well as naive in defence. The latter could be exploited heavily at Arsenal next. NON-MOVER

7 Wolves - Mick McCarthyWolves are fighting for their lives in the league so won't be happy about being dragged into an FA Cup replay by Doncaster. Manchester City away next. DOWN TWO

8 West Bromwich - Roberto Di Matteo Stopped the rot of six consecutive defeats with the win against Blackpool. Not without warning though as the Seasiders squandered a host of chances. Improvements are still needed. UP ONE

9 Man City - Roberto Mancini So much for City's perceived negativity, they have gone goal crazy after scoring eight in their last two games. Goals are being leaked too but as long as City keep winning the fans won't care. DOWN TWO

10  Blackburn - Steve KeanThe uncertainty around Ewood Park is helping no one and putting off any potential transfer targets. To his credit, Kean is doing a solid job and will do well to avoid a relegation scrap. NON-MOVER

11 Sunderland - Steve Bruce It looks like Bruce's masterstroke of the season thus far was signing Asamoah Gyan last summer. Bent will be hard to replace but the Ghanaian has the potential to fill the void. UP ONE

12 Newcastle - Alan Pardew Pardew has got off to a fair start at St James' Park but it's hard to figure out what he is doing right that Chris Hughton was doing wrong. At home to Tottenham next. DOWN ONE

13 Bolton - Owen Coyle Only West Brom have a worse record over the last six league games than the Trotters. They have lost their last five on the road which is heavily damaging their hopes of European football. UP ONE

14 Stoke City - Tony Pulis
The Potters can move up to seventh with their game in hand and at this stage of the season can still mount a credible challenge for Europe. Pulis continues to impress. DOWN ONE

15 Blackpool - Ian Holloway Won't be too concerned with just one win in his last four games. Blackpool continue to create chances in front of goal and his team play with enough confidence to pick up points. NON-MOVER

16 Everton - David Moyes Failure to put Liverpool away means only Manchester United have drawn more games away than the Toffees. Europe is still a realistic target with West Ham at home next. NON-MOVER

17 Liverpool - Kenny DalglishStill awaiting that first win, he will at least be relieved not to have lost the Merseyside derby. Pursuit of Luis Suarez shows he recognises Torres needs help in attack. NON-MOVER

18 Tottenham - Harry RedknappHe says Spurs are still in the title race, but the failure to pepper 10 man Manchester United's goal shows his side lack the experience to ruthlessly put teams away. NON-MOVER

19 Arsenal - Arsene Wenger Six years without a trophy could still easily end with a quadruple for Wenger. His side are making good progress in the cups as well as providing a credible challenge for the league. NON-MOVER

20 Man United - Sir Alex FergusonGrateful to collect another draw away from home at Tottenham. Fergie's old fashioned philosophy of win your home games and draw your away ones may just be the key to the title. NON-MOVER



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1348982/West-Ham-boss-Avram-Grant-chop--The-Firing-Line.html#ixzz1BeGk0zuW

[White Noise]

Chelsea kid Kakuta set to join London rivals Fulham on loan

By Laura Williamson


Last updated at 11:04 PM on 20th January 2011

Comments (2)


Fulham are interested in signing teenage striker Gael Kakuta on loan from west London neighbours Chelsea.

The two clubs have a good understanding and the 19-year-old is keen to play under Fulham boss Mark Hughes, a former Chelsea player.


Move across town: Kakuta (R) is set to join Fulham on loan for the rest of the season


Hughes has also spoken to Arsenal about England Under 21 midfielder Henri Lansbury, who spent a month on loan at Norwich City this season.

But, with Barclays Premier League clubs only able to take two players on loan at once, Fulham are unlikely to sign both young, relatively inexperienced players on short-term deals.

Hughes is losing striker David Elm, 28, who is close to completing a permanent move back to his native Sweden, and is involved in ongoing talks with Manchester City about signing winger Shaun Wright-Phillips for the rest of the season.


On the move: Kakuta will be hoping to get more first team experience under his belt


Fulham are confident Wright-Phillips wants to re-join his former boss Hughes and personal terms have been agreed, but City would prefer to sell the 29-year-old on a permanent deal, and Newcastle are also promising suitors.

It is unlikely Liverpool left back Paul Konchesky will return to Fulham, even though the 29-year-old is desperate for a move away from Merseyside, less than five months after leaving west London.

Fulham are the only top-flight club who could take him on loan, as he has played a game there this season, but they already have Carlos Salcido, Matthew Briggs and Chris Baird.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is clinging to the hope that Frank Lampard will be fit to face Bolton on Monday night, although a training-ground calf injury means a two-week lay-off looks more likely.

The 32-year-old has already missed four months of the season with groin and abductor muscle injuries and only returned to action in December.

Chelsea tried to allay fears that Lampard could face another lengthy absence by saying they 'expected' him to be ready for the Reebok.

But Ancelotti has been extremely cautious with Lampard's injuries this season, and it is unlikely he will risk aggravating the midfielder's latest problem, given how vital he is to getting Chelsea's campaign back on track.

If the England star is ruled out for a fortnight, he will also miss Chelsea's FA Cup clash with Everton and Premier League games against Sunderland and Liverpool.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1348924/Chelsea-kid-Gael-Kakuta-set-join-London-rivals-Fulham-loan.html#ixzz1BeJnucnZ

[White Noise]

Al Fayed vows to 'take council to hell' over plans to extend sand quarry into greenbelt land

By Daily Mail Reporter


Last updated at 4:53 PM on 20th January 2011


Mohamed al Fayed today vowed to take Surrey County Council to court if plans to extend a sand quarry on greenbelt land are successful.

Mr al Fayed warned he would 'take them to hell' if the quarry near his family home in Oxted, Surrey, is used for mineral extraction.

The plans would not only 'destroy' English countryside but would also put strain on small country roads as heavy lorries go to and from the site, said the former Harrods owner.

The chairman of Fulham Football Club - who has lived near the proposed site for 40 years - claimed the council failed to consult local residents properly about the plans.


Fight: Mohamed Al Fayed with fellow residents outside Surrey County Hall in Kingston upon Thames today


He said that if the council is successful he will take it to court. 'I will take them to hell,' he said.

'I can't understand how people can be in charge if they create devastation, pollution everywhere and dangers for the community. It is not acceptable. I am not going to let them get away with that.'

Mr al Fayed, who today attended the Oxted Sandpit Mineral Plans hearing at council offices in Kingston upon Thames, said: 'I'm here today with so many of my neighbours to fight a battle that must be won against Surrey County Council and its plan to destroy large parts of the English countryside by allowing excessive and unnecessary quarrying.'

Mr al Fayed said another quarry nearby is already putting strain on the narrow country routes.

He said he feared for schoolchildren, cyclists and horseriders taking to the roads with 32-tonne HGVs 'thundering' by.

'Hundreds of children and young mothers are forced to live with these lorries and, if they dare to walk anywhere, they take their lives in their hands,' he said. 'It is only a matter of time before there is a terrible accident.'


A plan showing where greenbelt land could be dug up to create a sand quarry

He continued: 'So I am standing up with the community and the villagers of Surrey to say 'No'.

'We have had enough and we will not have our lives and environment blighted like this.'

Dozens of Oxted residents attended the meeting with a planning inspector who was assessing the Surrey Mineral Plan.

The proposal has outlined 19 new or extended possible mineral extraction sites around the county.

Mr al Fayed hired QC David Holgate to express his concerns at the meeting.

The inspector is expected to make her judgment about whether the sites are plausible at the end of March.

If she decides the Oxted site could be used for sand extraction, then prospective mineral companies would still need to apply for planning permission in the usual way, a spokesman for the council said.

He said the Oxted sandpit holds enough sand for approximately two years' extraction before it would close and be revived.

Surrey County Council cabinet member for environment Lynne Hack said the main HGV route to the proposed sandpit will only pass by one house.

She said of the Oxted proposal: 'It is a sandpit that has been mostly worked, it has about 200,000 tonnes left which would be about a year or two year's worth of extraction and then the site would be restored.

'At the moment it is an open sandpit and just taking this last little bit out will enable it to be restored to countryside.

'Obviously we need minerals for our schools, hospitals, roads etc and it's better that they come from Surrey rather they are imported and you have more lorry movements.

'I really wouldn't like us to dig up greenbelt but unfortunately most of the minerals are in some form of greenbelt land.

'We've tried to protect areas of scientific interest and areas of outstanding natural beauty but unfortunately 70% of Surrey is greenbelt and that is where those minerals are.'

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/8272804/Chelsea-and-Fulham-in-talks-over-Gael-Kakuta-loan.html


Chelsea and Fulham in talks over Gaël Kakuta loan

Chelsea are in discussions with local rivals Fulham to send winger Gaël Kakuta on loan and are also set to allow defender Jeffrey Bruma to leave until the end of the season.


Neighbourly: Chelsea winger Gaël Kakuta may be loaned out to local rivals Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Jason Burt 10:14PM GMT 20 Jan 2011


Fulham's interest in Kakuta — who is also wanted by three clubs in his native France — would suggest they are not confident of landing Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips despite making a £4 million bid this week.

Chelsea have no problem in allowing Kakuta, who recently signed a new long-term contract tying him to the club to 2015, to move to Craven Cottage as long as he is guaranteed the opportunity to play more games. Indeed they would prefer him to stay in the Premier League rather than join Marseille, Bordeaux or Lille, who have also been courting him.

Chelsea's priority signing is a central defender. They remain in discussions with Benfica over the Brazilian David Luiz. Chelsea have offered €25 million (£21.2 million) with the Portuguese club holding out for €30 million — having, until earlier this week, demanded €40 million. There are hopes a deal can still be done which would allow Bruma to leave until the summer.

Chelsea are also close to agreeing a deal to sell striker Fabio Borini, 19, to Parma. The Italian, who is out of contract in June, has made clear that he does not intend to sign a new deal.

Meanwhile Chelsea confirmed on Thursday that Frank Lampard had suffered a "minor" calf injury in training but insisted that the 32-year-old midfielder is expected to be fit to face Bolton Wanderers away on Monday.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_fulham_v_stoke_city_22_jan_2011_622703/index.shtml


FM Preview: Fulham v Stoke City 22 Jan 2011  


By Footymad Friday, 21st January 2011


FootyMad attempt to assist you with their form guide as Fulham take on Stoke City in a Premier League match on Saturday, 22nd January 2011 at 15:00.


History of the Fulham v Stoke City fixture

Fulham prepare to entertain Stoke City at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, and hold the advantage on previous meetings between the two. Of the 34 games played, Cottagers have recorded 17 wins, and Stoke City have come away with 10 victories.

The most recent encounter between these two sides at Craven Cottage was less than a year ago, in May 2010, with Stoke City inflicting a narrow 0-1 defeat upon the Cottagers in a Premier League match.

For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here

Recent encounters between the teams:
2010/2011 Tue 28 Dec Stoke City 0 - 2 Fulham PREM
2010/2011 Tue 21 Sep Stoke City 2 - 0 Fulham LGEC
2009/2010 Wed 05 May Fulham 0-1 Stoke City PREM
2009/2010 Tue 05 Jan Stoke City 3 - 2 Fulham PREM
2008/2009 Sat 25 Apr Fulham 1 - 0 Stoke City PREM
2008/2009 Sat 13 Dec Stoke City 0 - 0 Fulham PREM
2006/2007 Sat 27 Jan Fulham 3 - 0 Stoke City FAC

Recent respective form guides

Fulham are not in the best of form at home, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats in their last six. The goals for column just outweighs the goals against over this period, 12 to 10.

The Potters have had a decent run of form away from home recently, coming away with three points on 3 occasions, but drawing 1 and losing 2. The games have constituted a decent return of 10 goals for the Potters, and 5 goals against.

Fulham find themselves struggling down in 15th position in the league having picked up 23 points from their 22 matches. Stoke City lie just outside the playoff positions in the Barclays Premier League, picking up 30 from their 22 games so far.

For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here

Current form guides: P W D L F A P
Fulham 6 3 1 2 13 7 10
Stoke City 6 3 1 2 8 5 10

FootyMad's prediction ...

Your FootyMad panel thinks that Fulham's indifferent home form is due to continue with a narrow home defeat against Stoke City. Away win

Sequence statistics:
Fulham 4 games since last home draw.
Unbeaten run of 3 matches.

Stoke City 4 games since last away draw.
4 games since last defeat.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6681097,00.html

Murphy set for new Fulham deal

Hughes feels Cottagers close to agreeing contract extension

By Ben Collins 


Last updated: 20th January 2011   


Murphy: Set to stay with Fulham

Fulham manager Mark Hughes believes Danny Murphy is set to sign a contract extension with the club.

The 33-year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer and Hughes has revealed that the Cottagers are close to agreeing a new deal.

Murphy signed from Tottenham in 2007 and has racked up almost 150 appearances for Fulham.

He remains a key man under Hughes having missed just one Premier League game so far this season.

"We are still talking but we are very hopeful that a deal will be concluded very quickly," said the Fulham boss.

Fit guy
"There's a will to do it on both sides. Danny's a fit guy, leads his life well, and there's no reason why he cannot play at the top level for a number of years."

Murphy came through Crewe's renowned academy before earning a move to Liverpool in 1997, making 249 appearances for the Reds.

He won nine England caps during his time at Anfield, leaving for Charlton in 2004 and spending the 2006/07 season at Tottenham.

Murphy scored the goal which secured Fulham's Premier League survival at the end of the 2007/08 season and was captain for the club's first European final last season, when Atletico Madrid beat the Cottagers to win the Europa League.

.

[White Noise]

Youth Progress

Thursday 20th January 2011



Kit Symons' Under 18 side will face Watford in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON following the Hornets' Youth Cup victory over Wigan at Vicarage Road on Wednesday evening.

The Whites secured their place in the final 16 last Friday, beating Norwich City 3-0 at Craven Cottage and with Fulham's next opponents now confirmed, Kit Symons looked ahead to another home tie.

"I went to watch Watford against Wigan at Vicarage Road, they're a good side with some good individual players," Symons assessed. "They have a good work ethic and are a physically strong outfit. It will be a very tough game but now that we're in the last 16, every team left is decent.

"We'll certainly show them the respect they deserve but I'm in a position where I'm very pleased with the squad that we have.

"Each game is a big occasion for these boys and they really get up for the games – but it's about how they channel that excitement. It's an educational process for the boys and hopefully some of them will go on and become First Team players for us."

The Whites produced an impressive performance to send Norwich out of the Cup with goals coming from Alex Brister, Kerim Frei and Marcello Trotta.

"It was really pleasing, the boys are in good shape at the moment, we did a lot of homework on Norwich's strengths and weaknesses," said Symons as he looked back on the Norwich encounter. "The really pleasing thing was that they were able to take on board all of the information we gave them. They certainly put their instructions into practice and got the win they deserved.

"Overall in terms of chances created I think we were worthy winners and deserved to go through. It was also good to get a clean sheet, the West Brom match before that was a great occasion [a 6-4 victory] but as an ex-centre-half, you don't like to see your team conceding four goals – but when they score six you put up with it.

"We've got a bit of flair going forward and a great balance in the side, with pace, skill, aggression and strength. We've got a little bit of everything. If it gets physical we can compete, we can score scruffy goals and we have players who have outstanding ability and natural skill who can create that bit of magic to win you the game.

"I'm really delighted with the group. A lot of credit has to go to Gary Brazil who worked with them over a number of years. So it's great for me to come in and take over a group of players who are in such a good place.

"Credit must also go to the players individually because they're the ones who have to go on the pitch and produce. Collectively we're very strong, we certainly won't fear anyone. We'll respect everyone but we'll fear no one."

The fixture date and kick-off time for the Watford match will be confirmed in due course.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SymonsWatfordYouthPreview.aspx#ixzz1BePV9r2R

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943959/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-match-preview.html

Fulham v Stoke City: match preview


Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Stoke City at Craven Cottage on Saturday Jan 22 2011, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

FULHAM V STOKE CITY Saturday, January 22 15:00

Premier League

Craven Cottage

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 21 Jan 2011

Saturday, January 22

Fulham v Stoke City
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: BBC Match of the Day.

Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies; Dempsey, A Johnson.
Stoke (4-4-2): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Higginbotham; Delap, Whitehead, Wilson, Etherington; Jones, Walters.
Referee: Stuart Attwell. Matches: 5. R1 Y27.

Tale of the game

Fulham recorded their first away win of the season at Stoke recently and have the chance to record a league double over the Potters for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

Stoke, though, beat Fulham in the Carling Cup, winning 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium in September.

In last season's meeting at Craven Cottage Stoke won 1-0 with a late Matthew Etherington goal.

Fulham, despite a battle against relegation, have seven clean sheets.

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is still without Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos but Andrew Johnson and Moussa Dembele are both available to boost the attack.

On Tuesday, Tony Pulis's Stoke secured a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 extra-time win over Cardiff in Wales thanks to two goals from Jon Walters and he could be given a start.

Mamady Sidibé returned to the bench in Cardiff after five months on the sidelines but Eidur Gudjohnsen is a doubt with a neck problem.

This season: Stoke 0 Fulham 2.

Last season: Stoke 3 Fulham 2, Fulham 0 Stoke 1.

Stat of the game: Fulham have drawn exactly half of their games – 11 of the 22.

Betting tip: Two Welshman meet by the Thames. Go for a stalemate; 1-1 is 11-2.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StokeHomeTravelUpdate.aspx


Weekend Travel Update

Thursday 20th January 2011


Supporters attending Saturday's match against Stoke City at the Cottage should be aware of significant transport disruptions on the day of the game.

There will be no service on the Hammersmith and City line on Saturday. Additionally there will be no service on the entire Circle Line.

On the District Line, there will be no service between Embankment and Dagenham East.

Supporters are advised to check the TfL website| before they travel.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StokeHomeTravelUpdate.aspx#ixzz1BeR4faXQ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3363313/Nicklas-Bendtner-is-standing-firm-at-Arsenal.html

Nic is sticking to his guns

NICKLAS BENDTNER has told Arsenal he will not be forced out of the club against his wishes.
The Danish striker, 23, is unhappy with his lack of first-team opportunities this season.

But he has made it clear he will only leave the Emirates on his own terms after reports in Denmark said the Gunners have put a£15million price tag on his head.

Bendtner's father and agent, Thomas, declared: "If Arsenal wish to sell him and put a price on him, that's up to them.

"All I can say is that we are not interested."

Bendtner has been playing second fiddle to summer signing Marouane Chamakh.

Now his opportunities have been further limited by Robin van Persie's return from injury.

A number of Premier League rivals have asked about taking him on loan.

But the Gunners insist he will be allowed to leave only for a hefty transfer fee.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/4623/2/sunderland-rule-out-robbie-keane-swoop

Sunderland rule out Robbie Keane swoop

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has ruled out a move for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane.

The Black Cats are on the lookout for a new forward after the shock departure of Darren Bent to Aston Villa.

Keane has been mentioned as a possible replacement, but Quinn insists the Irishman is not the type of player Steve Bruce wants.

"What we are looking for to help [Asamoah] Gyan and Danny Welbeck along is probably a physical presence," Quinn told Kildare TV.

"Robbie works well off a big physical player, but we don't have that now so Robbie doesn't quite suit us now."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Stoke-City-Forget-niceties-City-just-interested-points/article-3127493-detail/article.html?

Stoke City: Forget the niceties, City are just interested in the points

By Stoke City Michael Baggaley

ALL eyes and cameras will be trained on the historic handshake between Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes tomorrow.

Not since Wayne Bridge snubbed John Terry in a pre-match face-to-face has a footballing handshake been so keenly anticipated.

It's effectively round three at Craven Cottage tomorrow afternoon after Hughes first snubbed Pulis up the wrong way by barely shaking his hand at the end of a Carling Cup tie in September following Andy Wilkinson's late tackle on Moussa Dembele.

And Pulis, not one to let such insults go unpunished, duly returned the compliment by hardly making contact with Hughes and his outstretched hand after last month's league clash.

But while the rest of us will be distracted by the two Welshmen, City assistant boss Dave Kemp, pictured below, will remain typically indifferent towards tomorrow's sub-plot.

"It's just a sideshow as far as I'm concerned," he grumbled.

"I've no idea what their personal relationship is like and I don't really care as long as we get the three points."

And those three points will go a long way, he says, towards making amends for that 2-0 home defeat to Fulham last month.

"Yes, we want revenge for that," Kemp acknowledged.

"We didn't start that game as quickly as we'd have liked, but we put it right a few days later against Everton, and we must make sure we're on our toes on Saturday.

"They've changed their manager since last season and that can have an effect, but they're obviously a good team.

"They're probably only one or two wins away from shooting up the league, and we've got to make sure that doesn't start this Saturday."

Stoke's team virtually picks itself after 10 of last weekend's starters were left at home for Tuesday's FA Cup mission in Cardiff.

They include Tuncay, fresh from his man-of-the-match display against Bolton six days ago, and Kemp is delighted to see the Turkish international break through on the back of a rare run in the side.

"I don't think anybody is surprised because he's such a talented player," said Kemp.

"In the old days a squad was 14 or 15 players, but now it's 25. They'd all like to be playing, but that's not the case for the majority."

That squad was utilised to the full at Cardiff, and Kemp says the changes were justified.

"We could have done without the replay, but we put in a good performance to get through.

"People talk about the selection we made, but we had to play extra-time and the players we put out were fresh that night.

"There's travelling involved as well. We didn't get back until 2.30 on Wednesday morning and we've got to travel again to Fulham. And there's more to come in the next few weeks.

"Also, the more games you play, the more chance there is of injuries and bookings."

Sadly for Danny Higginbotham, the one player to start both the Bolton and Cardiff games, he picked up a hamstring tear in South Wales and seems certain to be out tomorrow after threatening to re-establish himself in the starting 11.

Meanwhile, Kemp has ruled out a second move for TSG Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba – at least in the short-term – after he failed a medical on his knee last week.

"He isn't fit to play right now and we want players who can play, but that's not to say the deal couldn't be resurrected in the future."

DAVE Kemp's deadpan style can often be misinterpreted as negativity, but maybe not after this exchange during yesterday's press conference.

Reporter: "A couple of defeats and you could get dragged into relegation trouble?"

Kemp: "Let's not get too negative. I was thinking of us going the other way."

Reporter: "Yes, you're not too far from fifth or sixth?"

Kemp: "You've changed your tune!"

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48952/fulham-vs-stoke-city/preview

Fulham - Stoke City Preview: Steve Sidwell set to make home debut as Andy Johnson battles for starting spot

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Steve Sidwell could make his home debut for the Cottagers after his arrival from Aston Villa, while Andy Johnson will be hoping for a place in the starting line-up after he scored the equaliser against Wigan Athletic last weekend.

Belgian front-man Moussa Dembele will feature again as he returns to full fitness following eight weeks out with injury.

But manager Mark Hughes continues to be without striker Bobby Zamora who is still recovering from a broken leg, Matthew Briggs and Philippe Senderos (both calf).

Possible starting XI: Stockdale; Paintsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Sidwell, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Dempsey.

Stoke City

Norwegian striker John Carew could make his debut for Stoke if he completes his loan move to the Britannia Stadium from Aston Villa in time.

Meanwhile, manager Tony Pulis has no fresh injury concerns after seeing his side beat Cardiff 2-0 in the FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday.

Pulis made 10 changes to the side that beat Bolton last weekend for the clash against the Welsh side in midweek, so the likes of Asmir Begovic, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross and Kenwyne Jones could return to the starting line-up.

Jonathan Walters could also push for a place in the side, but is most likely have to settle for a seat on the bench despite his goalscoring exploits in midweek.

Pulis remains without Eidur Gudjohnson who has a neck injury, although Mali striker Mamady Sidibe is fit again after a lengthy spell on the sidelines but is short of match fitness.

Possible starting XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Fuller, Jones.

Cottagers remain draw specialists

Fulham have been the draw specialists in the Premier League season, with 11 of their 22 matches ending in stalemates, and manager Mark Hughes knows that the Cottagers need to start turning some of the draws into wins if they are going to improve on their current position of 15th in the table.

In the reverse fixture just after Christmas, Fulham managed only three shots on target, but returned to London with the three points, winning by a two goal margin, and by picking up two wins in their last two home games – a 6-2 victory over Peterborough and a 3-0 win over West Brom – Hughes' men will want to turn Craven Cottage into a fortress.

Stoke defying expectations

Stoke City, meanwhile, continue to defy start of season expectations and currently sit in eighth position in the Premier League table. The Potters eased to victory over Bolton last week, and secured another victory days later as they beat Cardiff to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, so Pulis will be looking for more of the same as they head to London.

Unlike their opponents, Stoke have drawn the joint fewest games in the division - a total of 3 - but do boast a record of scoring almost half of their goals from set-pieces, which remains their strongest weapon.

And it could take just the one goal from a set-piece to secure the win for the Potters as five out of the last eight league meetings between the two sides have ended in 1-0 wins, including the last three meetings at Craven Cottage.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229035

Liverpool: Konchesky Enquires Made
Kenny Dalglish says that Paul Konchesky, and Christian Poulsen, can still work their way into his plans however Konchesky will most likely move on at some point in the future. The former Fulham left back has been left out recently with Kenny favouring Glen Johnson at left back and this is believed to have alerted several Premier League clubs to his possible availability.

Skysports.com says that enquires have been made to the Reds about the former England international however none of these clubs would be able to sign the 29 year old, permanently or on loan, as Fifa rules would prevent him from playing for a third club in one season, having already turned out for Fulham before he joined Liverpool.

The possibility of Fulham resigning the defender has been mentioned however I'd think that further Fifa rules would prevent the player from returning to a club that he had only left some six months prior. It's highly likely that Konchesky will remain a Red until the summer but I'd expect him to move on then and I'm sure not too many would miss him.


Read more: http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229035#ixzz1BfCPjvun

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http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2011/01/fulham-v-stoke-city-hughes-hopes-to-ease-his-relegation-fears.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29

Fulham v Stoke City: Hughes hopes to ease his relegation fears

Have Fulham finally turned the corner under Mark Hughes? After their Boxing Day defeat at home to West Ham, Fulham were staring relegation straight in the face. However, since then Hughes' men have lost once in the league and cup. They remain in trouble – only one point off the drop zone – but they are scoring goals and keeping clean sheets, which is a recipe for success.

This weekend they welcome Stoke City to the Cottage and there has been a bit of needle between the two sides this season. The Potters knocked Fulham out of the Carling Cup this season but the game was overshadowed by a nasty tackle on Fulham forward Moussa Dembele. Fulham got their own back in the league game over the festive period with two absolute crackers from Chris Baird separating the two sides. But can the Potters deny Fulham recording the double over them?

Stoke won their first game on Fulham soil last season 1-0 – their first win in west London since 1991 -  but they have lost six on their travels this season. Fulham go into the game unbeaten in three and the majority of the Panel thinks it will stay that way.

Fulham v Stoke City; Kick Off 3pm January 22 2011

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/BairdStokePreview.aspx?

Ready For Battle

Fulham will be targeting a league double over Barclays Premier League rivals Stoke City on Saturday afternoon and defender Chris Baird is expecting another tough encounter against Tony Pulis' side at the Cottage.

"It's always a battle against Stoke," Baird told fulhamfc.com. "Every single one of their players is about six foot and they're all well built. They've got that threat from set plays and to be fair to them they're very good at it.

"We dealt with that well when we played them away so we know what to expect from them when they come to the Cottage on Saturday."

It was Baird's brace at the Britannia that secured Fulham's first away win of the season at the end of 2010 and the Northern Ireland international is hoping his team will secure another three points on Saturday to push the Club towards the top half of the table.

"I surprised myself!" said Baird on scoring at the Britannia. "As soon as the first one fell for me I only had one thought in my mind. Thankfully it came off for me and I wasn't complaining!

"For the second goal I wanted the free-kick straight away and I said to Danny [Murphy], 'I want this.'  It was a good angle for me and he [the goalkeeper] left a little space for me in the corner and I went for it.

"We were chuffed to bits to get the three points because it was such a tough game. It was a massive win for us because to go to a place like Stoke is not easy. We deserved the three points. I'd love to score again on Saturday but the most important thing is to get all three points. The lads that we've got here at Fulham are confident we can get a few wins and climb the league and get into the top ten. That's where we want to be at the end of the season."

Baird highlights Fulham's last five performances as evidence that Mark Hughes' Team are on the rise and believes the Club's current form will serve them well over the remainder of the 2010/11 season.

"We had too many draws [in the first half of the season] but I feel that in some games we've played teams off the park but not had that bit of luck to finish them off," Baird explained. "In the Premier League you have to do that when you're on top. The last few games have been much better for us and we've been harder to beat.

"There are a lot of positives we can take from the last five games and hopefully we can shoot up the Premier League now. We only just missed out on a good result against Spurs and we played really well.

"Obviously we played well against Peterborough and scored six and then at Wigan we played well and got a good point. I actually think we deserved to win it and we're in good form at the minute."

Fulham will be hoping that Mark Hughes' attacking options are boosted by the return of Bobby Zamora for the business end of the 2010/11 season and Baird is relishing the prospect of Fulham's forward line featuring the likes of Zamora, Johnson and Dembele.

"After the season he had last year it was especially tough to lose Bobby to injury. He was massive for us last season so it was very disappointing. He's such a big player for us and is a target man who is so strong and can hold the ball up for us.

"He's [Bobby] a big miss but hopefully he's on his way back soon. We'll be looking to finish teams off more and score more goals. We've got Mousa Dembele and Andy Johnson back now who can bang in the goals for us."

On a personal level Baird is enjoying another fine campaign with Fulham, proving his versatility yet again at left back after excelling at centre half and centre midfield last year. The man himself clearly loves life at Fulham and was delighted to commit his long term future to the Club four months ago.

"I've just been enjoying my football and that's the main thing for me. I'm playing games and feeling confident and that's a big thing for me. I was delighted when the Club offered me a new deal and I snapped it up straight away."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/BairdStokePreview.aspx?#ixzz1BfD0kTRD

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http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/city/stokecitynews/Stoke-City-Pre-match-stats-Stoke-s-Premier-League-clash-Fulham/article-3127462-detail/article.html?

Stoke City: Pre-match stats for Stoke's Premier League clash with Fulham
PREVIOUS MEETING

December 28, 2010: Premier League

STOKE CITY 0

FULHAM 2
(Baird 4, 10)

THIS post-Christmas get-together went flat for Stoke from the moment Chris Baird discovered the opposition goal for the first time in years.

A stunning long-range strike in open play, followed by another from a free-kick, left Stoke nursing a painful festive hangover.

Stoke came closest to scoring when Danny Murphy headed a Ryan Shawcross effort off the line during the first half and Mark Schwarzer saved low down from Robert Huth in the second.

Stoke City: Begovic, Wilkinson (Wilson, 79), Collins, Shawcross, Huth, Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington (Tuncay, 69), Walters (Fuller, 56), Jones.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, A Johnson.

Attendance: 26,954.

FORM GUIDE

Fulham: WLWWD

Stoke: WLDWW

WHO WE'D LIKE TO SIGN

Danny Murphy: He can show us all how the beautiful game should be played.

WHO TO BOO

Mark Hughes: Rapidly turning into Mr Grumpy with that chip on his shoulder about Man City.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Stuart Attwell (Nuneaton): Mr Calamity. Seldom can a referee have officiated at the top level at just 28 years old, and seldom can one have been involved is so many controversies. Luckily, Stoke have got off lightly so far, and long may it continue. A goalless draw with Fulham two seasons ago is one of just two of his Premier fixtures that have involved the Potters.

PROBABLE TEAMS

Fulham: Stockdale, Pantsil, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, A Johnson, Dembele.

Stoke City: Begovic, Wilkinson, Collins, Shawcross, Huth, Delap, Whitehead, Wilson, Etherington, Tuncay, Jones.

PREDICTION

DANNY Murphy blasts a second-half penalty over the Stoke bar, a rare chance in a 0-0 draw.

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http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Stoke-City-Pre-match-tactical-analysis-Stoke-s-Premier-League-clash-Fulham/article-3126710-detail/article.html?

Stoke City: Pre-match tactical analysis of Stoke's Premier League clash with Fulham
CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

DANNY Higginbotham limped off at Cardiff with a hamstring problem, making him an immediate doubt for the trip to Craven Cottage.

That would be tough on Higginbotham, who replaced Danny Collins at left-back in last Saturday's game with Bolton having waited since the second game of the season to win his place back.

Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross will return at centre-half, while Andy Wilkinson will be at right-back. Asmir Begovic replaces Thomas Sorensen as Tony Pulis returns to his first-choice defence against a Fulham side who have Andy Johnson back in their starting line-up.

The former Everton striker has been dogged by injuries over the last two years, but came off the bench to score a late leveller at Wigan last Saturday.

His pace and goalscorer's instinct will make him a test for Shawcross and Huth, although Johnson will hopefully still be a little rusty.

He will partner Moussa Dembele, who is also just returning to full fitness after injury problems. Dembele also has plenty of pace to test Stoke's central defenders.

MIDFIELD BATTLE

JERMAINE Pennant may have to settle for a place on the bench having started in the FA Cup team that won at Cardiff on Tuesday.

Rory Delap started on the right against Bolton last Saturday and is set to do the same again. That would leave a chance for playmaker Marc Wilson to start in the centre alongside Dean Whitehead.

Matthew Etherington is a certainty for the left, and will be looking to reproduce the impressive form he showed against Bolton.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes has the option of giving a start to Steve Sidwell following the midfielder's arrival from Aston Villa.

However, Sidwell is likely to only make his debut as a substitute as Hughes starts with the strong central pairing of playmaker Danny Murphy and holding midfielder Dickson Etuhu.

Hughes is hoping to add some pace out wide, which is why he is keen to sign Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips.

If a deal for the winger can't be agreed in time then Simon Davies will start on the right.

However, Damien Duff's place on the left is under threat after some indifferent displays.

Clint Dempsey started up front last week, but is likely to be moved to the left of midfield to accommodate the return of Johnson.

CUTTING EDGE

RICARDO Fuller and Jon Walters played 120 minutes at Cardiff on Tuesday, which suggests neither will be in the starting line-up at Craven Cottage.

Kenwyne Jones is a certainty up front, while Tuncay looks set to partner him after his excellent performance against Bolton at the Britannia last week.

Jones knows to his cost that Hangeland is excellent in the air after the defender dominated in the game at the Britannia.

John Pantsil plays at right-back with the versatile Chris Baird on the left.

Baird signed for Fulham from Southampton as a centre-half, but has also played at right-back and in central midfield.

Keeper David Stockdale has been an excellent stand-in for Mark Schwarzer.