Friday Fulham Stuff (21.01.11)

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/21/football-transfer-rumours-juan-riquelme-blackburn

Fulham are the morning's other big movers and shakers, lining up a return for Paul Konchesky which allows Liverpool to kill the fatted calf for Stephen Warnock from Villa. Mark Hughes also fancies nipping in for Leeds United's Bradley Johnson, Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and is keen to take Henri Lansbury on loan from Arsenal and Gaël Kakuta from Chelsea.

[WhiteJC]

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

Replica Shirt Offer

£10 off all replica shirts for 10 days

Now's your chance to own one of the Fulham Kappa shirts at a £10 discount.

From now through Sunday 30th January, fans can pick up the Fulham home, away and third shirts including the Special Edition home shirt and even the Chairman's boxed shirt with £10 off the original retail price.

Buy a Fulham Kappa shirt today

Supporters can take advantage of this great offer valid for all size kits, through all usual channels either online, instore or direct.

If you're heading to the Cottage for this Saturday's home match against Stoke or when the Whites host Spurs in the FA Cup Fourth round on Sunday 30th January, why not grab a bargain while you're there?  This offer won't be around for long!

Happy shopping!

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/replicashirtoffer.aspx?#ixzz1BfXROnNp

[WhiteJC]

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

Premier League Preview: Fulham - Stoke City

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.

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.

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/more_action_less_talk.php?

More Action - Less Talk

Our second meeting with Stoke inside a month could be spicy. Bairdinho's brace out of the blue left Pulis fuming as we finally nailed that away win. Beware the wounded beast.

Two proud Welshmen unable to shake hands at the end of our Stoke triumph, plus the lingering resentment from Danny's criticism of Stoke's play after Dembele got whacked, makes for an intriguing encounter this week at the Cottage.

One of the Prem's least gracious figures, sore loser Pulis will be burning up to see his side make Fulham suffer in front of their own fans, and repeat their success here in West London at the back end of last season. Stoke have come on a bundle in two seasons, sitting a highly respectable 8th - with 30 points already they've banished any fears of the drop - unlike Fulham. Like him or loathe him, the records suggest Pulis has proved to be one of football's most effective managers over recent seasons.

Clubs know what to expect from a Stoke team, who rarely give you an easy game. To credit the players, the game at the Britannia never boiled over, despite the ill feeling from the terraces. Baird's double knocked the stuffing from them early on and Stoke fell flat having to come from behind against our well organised defence. Even Pulis admitted his front men had been very ordinary on the day. Will we be so lucky again?

Coming two days after the dismal West Ham defeat, those three points at the Britannia may well have kept Hughes in a job - defeat would have spelt 3 straight losses for the Whites ahead of the WBA home game - and was a result I never saw coming. Although we have climbed out of the relegation positions, no one in their right mind would suggest we have turned a corner.

As with the result at Upton Park in the autumn, I'm still needled by the inability to beat Wigan last week. Away opportunities like that between now and May will be scarce.

So our on-going precarious league position means another week without action in the transfer market only adds to fans apprehension and uncertainty. By the time this goes up, we could well have added a couple of players, currently there's nothing to report but rumours and wild conjecture. It does seem however the board are taking a cautious approach with any cash they can spare. It all leads me to suggest we want loan deals primarily, and the crazy wages linked to the bigger names will rule most out of the equation, as with SWP (?). I'm not a fan.

The window still has 10 days to run. As I've already posted, another win over Stoke will influence the board to feel they can cope with what they have on the books, and Bobby now just 14 days away from fitness. It remains to my mind a massive game of brinkmanship, and begs the question - if Zamo comes back firing blanks, or heaven forbid quickly picks up a knock, we are back to square one.

And square one Mr. Hughes has been screaming at you since September, not good enough!

To end on a positive note, with a strong referee Saturday's game could well be full of incident. So worth getting along if you have been wavering as tickets are available. And keeper Stockdale is yet to be on a losing Fulham side this season. Hope Gera comes off the bench and heads the winner, he's too valuable to let go.

We want that double to really stick it to Pulis, so COYW!
Twitter@fulhamphil

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349252/Fulham-v-STOKE-Jon-Walters-set-miss-despite-match-winning-performance-FA-Cup.html?

Fulham v STOKE: Jon Walters set to miss out despite match winning performance in FA Cup

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will restore his strongest line-up for the trip to Fulham, although forward Jon Walters pressed his claims for retention with both goals in the midweek FA Cup victory over Cardiff.

Pulis gave a number of his squad players - including Walters - a run-out against the Championship side but will bring back the 10 Barclays Premier League regulars he omitted.

Defender Danny Higginbotham came off with a hamstring strain in midweek and is unlikely to recover in time to be included in the squad.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Wilson Delap, Etherington, Whitehead, Tuncay, Jones, Sorensen, Faye, Collins, Pugh, Whelan, Pennant, Walters, Fuller.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349252/Fulham-v-STOKE-Jon-Walters-set-miss-despite-match-winning-performance-FA-Cup.html#ixzz1BfdF3PI4

[WhiteJC]

http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2272599,00.html?

Fulham Tickets: Latest News

STOKE CITY supporters will be able to pay on the turnstiles at the Barclays Premier League match at Fulham tomorrow.

Tickets for the trip to Craven Cottage will remain on sale at the Britannia Stadium until 5.00pm this afternoon, but then those who wish travel without booking in advance will be able to gain admission on the day.

The Club have an allocation of 1,600 tickets with prices as follows:

£35 for adults
£25 for over 65s/under 21s
£15 for under 16s

There are also 5 wheelchair disabled places available priced at £17.50 + free entry for carer.

Coach travel is also available which will depart from the Britannia Stadium at 9.00am prompt.

Prices are:

£19 for Season Ticket holders
£18 for over 65s/under 17s
£21 for non-Season Ticket holders

*For further information, please contact the Britannia Stadium Ticket Office on 0871 663 2008.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/6684469/Fulham-v-Stoke-preview?

Fulham v Stoke preview

Team news for Saturday's Premier League clash between Fulham and Stoke at Craven Cottage.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will revert to his strongest line-up after making 10 changes for the midweek FA Cup win over Cardiff.

However Jon Walters will hope to keep his place after scoring both goals in South Wales, which John Carew could go straight into the side up front after signing on loan from Aston Villa.

Danny Higginbotham came off with a hamstring strain in midweek and is unlikely to recover in time to be included.

Stoke (from): Begovic, Sorensen, Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Collins, Wilkinson, Pugh, Wilson, Delap, Whitehead, Whelan, Pennant, Etherington, Tuncay, Jones, Walters, Fuller, Carew.

Fulham team news to follow...

[White Noise]

Stoke to bring back big guns at Fulham

Published 11:49 21/01/11


By MirrorFootball


Stoke manager Tony Pulis will restore his strongest line-up for tomorrow's trip to Fulham, although forward Jon Walters pressed his claims for retention with both goals in the midweek FA Cup victory over Cardiff.

Pulis gave a number of his squad players - including Walters - a run-out against the Championship side but will bring back the 10 Barclays Premier League regulars he omitted.

Defender Danny Higginbotham came off with a hamstring strain in midweek and is unlikely to recover in time to be included in the squad.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Wilson Delap, Etherington, Whitehead, Tuncay, Jones, Sorensen, Faye, Collins, Pugh, Whelan, Pennant, Walters, Fuller.

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Stoke-team-news-Tony-Pulis-to-recall-first-choice-players-rested-for-FA-Cup-replay-against-Cardiff-defender-Danny-Higinbotham-struggling-with-hamstring-injury-suffered-in-midweek-article677725.html#ixzz1BfljP6vd

[White Noise]

Matchday Programme


Fulham host Stoke City on Saturday as the team look to extend a positive start to the second half of the season by doing the double over their Staffordshire opponents.

The Whites have already beaten Stoke this season, with Chris Baird scoring both goals in what proved to be a valuable 2-0 victory at the Britannia.

Stoke enter this game in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League table and on the back of an impressive midweek defeat of Cardiff City in the FA Cup. Tony Pulis' side are again enjoying a solid season, and will be looking to amend their December defeat to the Whites by securing their fourth away win of the campaign.

Mark Hughes welcomed back both Mousa Dembélé and Andrew Johnson last weekend, and armed with their added firepower, Fulham go in search of their fourth win from six games.

And as ever, fans heading to what is sure to be an entertaining encounter, will be able to get their hands on the Club's award-winning official Matchday programme.

What's more, buying a copy will automatically enter you into a draw to be in with a chance of winning a unique Kappa football signed by the Fulham First Team squad.

This week's essential Matchday read includes:

A message from Fulham Manager Mark Hughes.
Danny Murphy's views as Club Captain.
An exclusive one-on-one feature interview with Brede Hangeland.
New signing Steve Sidwell on his arrival and his ambitions in the black and white of Fulham.
Away team insight from Stoke's in-form midfielder Matthew Etherington.
Expert Analysis from BBC Pundit and former Stoke favourite Garth Crooks.
Guest column from former Fulham and Stoke striker Viv Busby.
All the action from the U18s' 3-0 defeat of Norwich City in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup.
Through The Ranks with young Academy hopeful Grant Smith.
The popular Black & White Eye, covering all things Fulham.
Match action from the trip to Wigan Athletic.
Unprecedented fan interaction and tonnes of fun for younger fans too.
Plus, so much more besides!



The brilliant Matchday publication will be on sale in and around the ground from two hours before kick-off and at half-time.

If you miss your copy outside then look out for sellers on the Putney and Hammersmith Terrace, or at half-time from the programme room situated inside the Johnny Haynes Stand by Block E (opposite Turnstile 24).

Buy Matchday Programmes online|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Fanzone/FFCMatchdayProgramme.aspx#ixzz1Bflyyc5F

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9362434.stm?

BBC: Fulham v Stoke

TEAM NEWS
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson may start after his goalscoring appearance from the bench last weekend, while Moussa Dembele could also make welcome return.

Goalkeeper David Stockdale continues to deputise for Australian Mark Schwarzer, who is still on international duty.

Stoke look set to hand a debut to new on-loan striker John Carew, with two-goal FA Cup hero Jonathan Walters set to revert to the bench.

Danny Higginbotham is a major doubt after he injured his hamstring midweek.

Fulham
Injured/unavailable: Briggs & Senderos (both calf), Schwarzer (international duty), Zamora (leg)

Stoke
Doubtful: Gudjohnsen (neck), Higginbotham (hamstring), Sidibe (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham and Stoke will be hoping their third meeting of the season will be remembered for all the right reasons, after both previous games left a sour taste in the mouth.

Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis are the only two Welsh managers in the Premier League, but recent evidence suggests there is little solidarity between them.

Pulis refused to shake Hughes's hand after Fulham's 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium in December, three months after Hughes ignored Pulis at full time in protest at a challenge by Potters defender Andy Wilkinson on Moussa Dembele in the Carling Cup.

Fulham captain Danny Murphy and Stoke chairman Peter Coates were also involved in a war of words last October after Murphy claimed that Stoke players were one of three clubs entering the field too pumped up. His comments were later criticised by the League Managers Association.

Both sides have been in decent form since they last met, so both Hughes and Pulis will be determined that all eyes remain on the pitch. Fulham are vying for back-to-back victories at Craven Cottage for the first time this season, whereas Stoke begin a run of five season-defining away fixtures in the space of six matches in all competitions.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Fulham and Stoke have each won two of the five Premier League games played between the sides.
• Chris Baird has only ever scored twice for Fulham, both came in the reverse fixture at the Britannia Stadium last month.
• Fulham have drawn 11 games this term, the joint-highest amount in the Premier League. Stoke have drawn just three times, the equal-fewest in the top flight.

Fulham
• Goalkeeper David Stockdale is proving to be a lucky omen for Mark Hughes's men - they have not lost in any of his seven appearances this season.
• Fulham have won two of their last four league matches, including a 2-0 win at Stoke last month. Victory would give them a first league double over the Potters since 1998/99, when both were third-tier clubs.
• Seven points from four games represents Fulham's best return of the season.
• If selected, Andrew Johnson will be making his 150th Premier League appearance. He scored his first league goal since March 2009 last weekend.

Stoke
• The Potters have alternated between defeat and victory in each of their last six league games. All three of their wins have been by a 2-0 scoreline.
• Stoke have not conceded more than twice in a league game this term.
• Tony Pulis' side have taken only one point from a possible 12 against London opposition so far this campaign.
• If selected, Rory Delap will be making his 450th career league appearance, whereas Dean Whitehead stands by to play in his 400th club career match.

LEADING GOALSCORERS
Fulham
Dempsey: 7 goals (6 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)

Stoke
Jones: 7 goals (5 league); Huth: 4 goals (4 league);
Walters: 4 goals (3 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistant referees: Simon Long & Peter Kirkup
Fourth official: Andy D'Urso

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (D1-1 v Wigan, a): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Davies (A Johnson 76), Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Kamara (Dembele 59). Subs not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Sidwell, Gera, Greening.

Stoke (W2-0 v Bolton, h): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Higginbotham, Delap, Whitehead, Wilson (Whelan 71), Etherington (Pugh 88), Jones (Walters 81), Sanli. Subs not used: Sorensen, Collins, Pennant, Faye.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349252/Fulham-v-STOKE-New-arrival-John-Carew-line-immediate-debut.html?

Fulham v STOKE: New arrival John Carew in line for immediate debut

New signing John Carew goes straight into the Stoke squad to play Fulham at Craven Cottage after completing the paperwork on his loan move from Aston Villa in time.

The Norway international may have to settle for a place on the bench as he has made only two appearances in the last two months.

Manager Tony Pulis will restore his strongest line-up, although forward Jon Walters pressed his claims for retention with both goals in the midweek FA Cup victory over Cardiff in which 10 first-teamers were rested.

Defender Danny Higginbotham came off with a hamstring strain in midweek and is unlikely to recover in time to be included in the squad.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Wilson Delap, Etherington, Whitehead, Tuncay, Jones, Sorensen, Faye, Collins, Pugh, Whelan, Pennant, Walters, Carew, Fuller.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349252/Fulham-v-STOKE-New-arrival-John-Carew-line-immediate-debut.html#ixzz1Bg0DeOs1

[WhiteJC]

http://www.kickoff.com/news/19818/kagisho-dikgacoi-wants-to-leave-fulham.php

KG – 'I'm letting Bafana down'

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi says his inactivity at club level is bad news for a number of people.

'KG' seemingly got a dream move when he left Golden Arrows for English Premiership side Fulham, but he has spent more time on the bench then anything.

He has spoken about his desire for more game-time elsewhere, but there is a problem: his coach, Mark Hughes, says that he likes him and does not want him to leave the club, but the Welshman never plays him.

"I spoke to the manager, but he says he is not ready to let me go," Dikgacoi tells KickOff.com. "Hughes says he still likes me; he still has me in his plans."

Dikgacoi says a number of lower division English clubs have enquired about the possibility of taking him on loan for the remainder of the season.

"Trust me, a lot of clubs from the Championship have been asking about me," he says. "Also clubs from outside. I want to play; I don't mind where I go. I would be happy to play outside England."

KG says his lack of action in 2010/11 is harming his national team chances too.

"I don't think I'll be doing justice to myself, to the nation and to my teammates and coach in Bafana if I am not playing many game. I want to be part of the national team but, to be fair, I cannot play for the national team if I'm not playing for Fulham – that's a fact. Pitso [Mosimane] has advised me to get a move."

But Fulham are exercised a clause in Dikgacoi's contract to extend his time at the club, despite him having appeared on the pitch just once this season, as a substitute against struggling Wigan on October 30.

Fulham have been struggling too this season, but this has not convinced Hughes to select him. The club's lowly position in the English Premiership could actually be the reason Hughes will not release the midfielder.

"Things are tough, and with injuries and suspensions, the manager maybe thinks he will need me," Dikgacoi says. "I am now waiting for my agent [Mike Makaab] to talk to the club to sort this out."

So, while the ranks of South African footballers in London is swelling with the arrival of Steven Pienaar and Bongani Khumalo at Tottenham Hotspur, and the possibility that Siphiwe Tshabalala might join Millwall, Dikgacoi might find himself moving away from the English capital – if Makaab can convince Hughes to change his mind.

By Richard Maguire   

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-target-defender-return-1152867.html?

Cottagers target defender return

Paul Konchesky is being tipped to return to Craven Cottage in the summer, with Fifa rules denying him a January switch to Fulham.

The left-back moved to Liverpool with Roy Hodgson back in August, but things have not gone according to plan and the defender could be joining his former boss out of the Anfield exit door.

Konchesky has lost his place in the Reds team in the last couple of games and speculation is mounting that he could be on the move, despite Kenny Dalglish saying the defender can fight his way back into his plans.

But Fulham are believed to be keen on ending the ex-West Ham man's Anfield nightmare, although they will have to wait until the end of the current campaign.

Fifa rules prevent a player from playing for a third club in the same league in one season and having played for Fulham before leaving for Merseyside, he looks set to remain at Liverpool until at least May.

[WhiteJC]

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

FIFA Superstars

Fulham Football Club and EA SPORTS have teamed up to produce a very special edition of FIFA Superstars, available to play here on fulhamfc.com.

FIFA Superstars is a free-to-play football management game where you can sign real players from the world of football and take on your friends' teams every day. Play the season mode, pit your world-beaters against real clubs from across Europe and predict real football scores to test your football knowledge. No downloads are required, all you need is a Facebook account to login and start managing your own team straight away.

Start your management career from fulhamfc.com and your team will be rewarded with the Fulham crest, Craven Cottage and two Fulham FC players straight away for FREE!

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/FIFASuperstars.aspx?#ixzz1Bg1fOPtC

[WhiteJC]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-target-chelsea-star?

Fulham target Chelsea star
Mark Hughes is set to make a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta

Fulham are lining up a loan move for young Chelsea star Gael Kakuta, according to the Daily Mail.

Kakuta has been given limited chances to prove himself during what has been a difficult time for Chelsea in the Premier League and Fulham manager Mark Hughes is offering him a chance of regular football at Craven Cottage.

The 19 year-old has made six Premier League appearances for the champions without scoring and it is thought that Carlo Ancelotti wants the French youth international to get some Premier League experience under his belt before giving him a run of games in the Chelsea team.

On 21 December 2010, Kakuta signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea, committing himself to the club until 2015.

Kakuta joined Chelsea in 2007 from French club Lens who had him in their academy setup.

Fulham are also said to be closing in on a deal that would see Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips return to West London after limited opportunities at Eastlands. Arsenal's Henri Lansbury has also been linked with a move to SW6.

[WhiteJC]

http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2011/01/21/sidwell_set_for_stoke_debut?

Sidwell set for Stoke debut
Steve Sidwell is pushing to make his Fulham debut in the Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke.

The midfielder was an unused substitute at Wigan last weekend following his switch from Aston Villa and now has a full week of training under his belt.

Boss Mark Hughes has no new injuries but is still without Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf), while Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/21/SOCCER_Fulham_Kakuta.html&TEAMHD=soccer

HUGHES WANTS KAKUTA ON LOAN

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is hoping to tie up a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta.

The 19-year-old has yet to break into the first team on a regular basis at Stamford Bridge and could be tempted to make the short trip across west London.

"He's a player I know and I like the qualities he has," said Hughes, who has also been linked with Robbie Keane, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Henri Lansbury.

"We are having lots of conversations about lots of players, but at the moment we don't know if any will go through.

"There is a lot of interest out there, whether we can conclude the deals only time will tell."

Hughes is also close to agreeing a new contract with skipper Danny Murphy, whose current deal runs out in the summer.

"We are in discussions and are very hopeful that will get concluded, there's a will on both sides to get that done.

"He's a big influence on group and a good captain. It's important for everybody that Danny knows where he's going to be."

(re-opens) Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti today indicated Fulham would have to wait on any deal for Kakuta, as the club are still assessing whether it would be beneficial to let him leave on loan.

"We are thinking about if it's good for a young players to have experience on loan for six months," he said.

"With Kakuta, we didn't take a decision (yet)."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/01/21/fulham-v-stoke-preview-andy-johnson-back-on-target-and-hungry/?

Fulham v Stoke Preview: Andy Johnson back on Target - and Hungry for More

Fulham may be in the middle of a fight against relegation, but they won't mind the fact that it's Premier League tough guys Stoke who are their next visitors.

The two sides met in the Potteries on December 28 and Fulham picked up a rare away win thanks to two even rarer goals from the unsung Chris Baird, with both coming in the first ten minutes - revenge for Stoke's Carling Cup victory there by the same 2-0 scoreline earlier in the season.

Fulham anager Mark Hughes is also hoping for a double dose of good news off the pitch as well. He is confident veteran midfielder Danny Murphy will agree to sign a new one-year contract and that Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips will come to the club in search of first team football.

Stoke are handily placed in eighth place and manager Tony Pulis will no doubt make changes after needing 120 minutes in midweek to win an FA Cup replay at Championship promotion hopefuls Cardiff.

Key Match-up: Andrew Johnson v Ryan Shawcross. Fulham fans have been waiting a long time for a goal from injury-prone striker Johnson but his first since August 2009 was an important one as the substitute came off the bench to fire an equaliser at fellow strugglers Wigan and secure the point that kept them just above the drop zone. But no forward relishes coming up against the Potters' uncompromising centre back Shawcross, especially one coming back from a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

Form Guide: Since winning 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium Fulham have won one, drawn one and lost one in the league as well as thrashing Peterborough 6-2 in the FA Cup. The same period has seen Stoke win twice at home and lose at Manchester United as well as overcoming Cardiff in the cup via a replay.

Odds: Fulham 5/4, Stoke 9/4, Draw 9/4

FULHAM:
Baird is unlikely to score another doubl, but remains an example of how perseverance can pay off in the face of adversity.

The former Southampton man, who was signed during the ill-fated reign of Lawrie Sanchez, took an age to be accepted by the supporters and become a regular on the team sheet.

And his position was further complicated by off-field problems when hs family home in Northern Ireland was petrol bombed last year.

But Baird, who has been used at right back, left back in midfield and in central defence, refused to hand in a transfer request.

"It was a tough time when I wasn't getting games but I never wanted to leave," he told the Ealing Gazette. "Sure, you read of players who want a transfer if they're not in the team. But that's just an easy option. I've no time for that.

"The business with my mother's house was dealt with by me. I just told her to say nothing - and I just got on with it back here, and it went away pretty quickly - although that wasn't the first time it had happened."

Strategy: It's rare for this fixture to feature more than a single goal, with five of the last eight meetings before this term being won by that margin, with Stoke winning three and Fulham two. The Cottagers will be sure to try to keep it tight at the back in the hope that Johnson, Clint Dempsey, Mousa Dembele or Diamansy Kamara can plunder something at the other end.

Indeed, the win at Stoke featured just three attempts on target, two of which went in. But at least Johnson has finally ended his lengthy barren spell in front of goal, which dated back to March 2009 as far as the Premier League was concerned.

"That will do him the world of good," Hughes said. "All he has been missing in recent weeks in terms of performances is goals. Now he is off and running, I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season. Strikers need goals, that is what settles them down."

Injury Update: Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

STOKE CITY:
Pulis hopes to persuade John Carew to alter his plans to turn his back on the Premier League and link up with David Beckham at LA Galaxy in the summer.

The Stoke manager has boosted his attacking options with the signing of the 31-year-old striker on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

Carew is delighted to have escaped the bitter relationship with Villa manager Gerard Houllier following the record-breaking arrival of Darren Bent, but believes his short spell at the Britannia Stadium will be his swansong in the English top flight.

The Norwegian international is available on a Bosman in the summer when his existing four-year deal runs out at Villa Park and has set his sights on joining LA Galaxy on a free transfer.

But Pulis believes the former Valencia striker still has plenty to offer in the Premier League and has not ruled out the possibility of offering him a deal beyond the end of his four-month stay.

"This is a fantastic signing. John's record speaks for itself because he has scored goals at the highest level throughout his career," said Pulis.

"As well as all the experience he has gained at international level, he has top played for some top, top clubs across Europe and performed in the Champions League for many seasons, including an appearance in the final for Valencia.

"On top of that, he was Aston Villa's leading scorer last season with 17 goals, so we have acquired a striker with outstanding pedigree."

Stoke have denied claims that they have agreed a £3 million sale of Ricardo Fuller to Sunderland, but with the future of the Jamaican striker in doubt, Carew certainly has the credentials to be a longer-term replacement, but Stoke will have to persuade him to change his plans, after he admitted the MLS is a target for him.

"After Villa I do not think there will be more Premier League in me. Next time I will move on and I will move to a non-prestigious league," said Carew.

Carew has made no secret of his love of the Los Angeles lifestyle and regularly spends time on holiday there and he would relish the opportunity to link up with Beckham, saying: "Of course I want to play in LA."

Strategy: Pulis will most likely ring the changes again after making ten alterations to his team for the extra-time victory over Cardiff City in the FA Cup in midweek. Only Danny Higginbotham remained from the side which defeated Bolton in the Premier League in the previous game. Kenwyne Jones will return to the side after being rested in Wales and Tuncay, who is reinventing himself at Stoke is also likely to make the starting line-up, but Carew may have to wait for his opportunity from the substitutes' bench.

Injury Update: Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has a neck injury and could be out for a couple of weeks. Mamady Sidibie could return to the squad after a calf and shin injury.

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FULHAM v Stoke: Steve Sidwell poised to make his debut following full week's training

Steve Sidwell is pushing to make his Fulham debut in the Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke.

The midfielder was an unused substitute at Wigan last weekend following his switch from Aston Villa and now has a full week of training under his belt.


Off the mark: Andy Johnson scored his first goal of the season against Wigan

Boss Mark Hughes has no new injuries but is still without Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf), while Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Provisional squad: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.


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Hughes chases Kakuta loan

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is hoping to tie up a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta. The 19-year-old has yet to break into the first team on a regular basis at Stamford Bridge and could be tempted to make the short trip across west London.

"He's a player I know and I like the qualities he has," said Hughes, who has also been linked with Robbie Keane, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Henri Lansbury.

"We are having lots of conversations about lots of players, but at the moment we don't know if any will go through. There is a lot of interest out there, whether we can conclude the deals only time will tell."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti today indicated Fulham would have to wait on any deal for Kakuta, as the club are still assessing whether it would be beneficial to let him leave on loan.

"We are thinking about if it's good for a young players to have experience on loan for six months," he said. "With Kakuta, we didn't take a decision (yet)."

Danny Murphy deal
Hughes however is also close to agreeing a new contract with skipper Danny Murphy, whose current deal runs out in the summer.

"We are in discussions and are very hopeful that will get concluded, there's a will on both sides to get that done. He's a big influence on group and a good captain. It's important for everybody that Danny knows where he's going to be."