Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish’s side are on a run of four straight away victories and have twice enjoyed success in Fulham’s south west London neighbourhood recently – against rivals Chelsea.

But Liverpool paid a high price for last week’s 2-0 Carling Cup quarter-final win at Stamford Bridge when Brazilian star Lucas sustained a serious knee injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The Anfield club’s midfield resources are already stretched due to Steven Gerrard’s injury so Jay Spearing must now prove himself an able deputy while Maxi Rodriguez, who scored a hat-trick in last season’s corresponding fixture, may also come in (8/1 First Goalscorer).

Rodriguez, who scored in both recent wins over Chelsea, looks like he could be a big price to grab another judging by his record of eleven goals from his last 25 Premier League starts for the club – but ten in his last eight in all competitions (9/4 Anytime).

Fulham picked up knocks to Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff in Holland but have quality in reserve with Chris Baird and Brian Ruiz their likely replacements.

Moussa Dembele (7/1 First Goalscorer) could be fit and Clint Dempsey (8/1) should return from a thigh complaint with Martin Jol determined to see his side improve their goal tally after a series of blanks.

Liverpool can equal a long-standing club record with a win – which would be their seventh consecutive victory on the road in all competitions – while Fulham have won just one of six Premier League games at Craven Cottage this season.

Dalglish’s side have scored two goals in each of those last six away wins – beating Everton, West Brom and Chelsea by a 2-0 margin (9/1 Liverpool 2-0 Correct Score) and Brighton, Stoke and Chelsea by 2-1 (8/1 in Correct Score).

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The Cottagers face a tricky trip to Group K leaders FC Twente as they seek to extend their run in Europe although the Dutch outfit have already booked their spot in the next round and this could work to Fulham’s advantage.

FC Twente remain unbeaten in Europe but they may choose to rest some of their top men in order to focus on their trip to FC Utrecht at the weekend, with Twente already seven points behind Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar.

It will take a big effort from Martin Jol’s side but considering what is at stake and the fact Twente are already through the Cottagers could well emerge victorious on Thursday.  The west London club have plenty of experience in the Europa League, having reached the final in 2010, and at 10/3 they look good value to grab the win in Holland, Twente are the 5/6 favourites to come out on top and the draw can be backed at 5/2.

If Fulham win in Holland they will secure a spot in the last 32 but a draw could also be good enough if the other sides in Group K, Odense BK and Wisla Krakow, draw on Thursday night.

When the groups were drawn it was noted that Stoke City had been handed a particularly hard task for their European campaign. However, the Potters are currently top of the Group E table and will qualify for the last 32 if they manage to take at least a point when they face Dynamo Kiev at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday night.

Besiktas and Maccabi Tel-Aviv make up the rest of Group E and if the Israeli outfit emerge victorious in Tel Aviv, Stoke will qualify regardless of their own result. However, Potters boss Tony Pulis will be taking nothing for granted and will be gunning for the victory.

The Potters secured a draw in Kiev when the two sides met in September and would have taken all the points had it not been for a last-gasp equaliser from the Ukrainian side. Stoke are a formidable outfit on home soil, despite their Premier League struggles of late, and at 13/10 are a great price to seal the win.

Pulis has rotated his squad for Europe and seems set to continue with that policy for Kiev’s visit – Asmir Begovic is set to start in goal, while Ryan Shotton, Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth could all be involved. The draw, which would be enough for Stoke to progress, is priced at 9/4 and a win for Dynamo Kiev is priced at 21/10.

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Thursday

Stoke City are preparing for the start of what they hope will be a long and successful European journey when they face Hadjuk Split at the Britannia Stadium (Stoke 1/2, draw 13/5, Hadjuk 9/2).

This will be the first European tie for the Potters since 1974 and the Staffordshire club have come a long way in those 37 years.

Now heading into their fourth season in the top flight, Stoke have established themselves as a Premier League side under their manager Tony Pulis.

What has stopped the club from dropping down into the Championship has been their impressive home form at the Britannia, where even the Premier League’s top clubs don’t like to play.

With loud passionate fans who get behind their players this will be an intimidating atmosphere for their Croatian opponents.

Hadjuk have just got their domestic season off and running and sit in fourth place in the table after a victory on the first day of the campaign.

They will be looking to go back to Poljud Stadium with something to play for but the Potters, backed by their home fans, should take a lead to Croatia.

Fulham also have Croatian opposition on their hands when they travel to the Park Mladezi Stadium to take on RNK Split (RNK Split 5/1,draw 13/5, Fulham 1/3).

The Cottagers have already got their competitive season underway after seeing off Crusaders and NSI Runavik in earlier rounds, so they are getting used to these European nights.

Fulham have added to their squad this summer as they look to have another successful season in the Premier League and Europe.

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise is one of the latest players to sign for the London club and his experience will be invaluable for this away trip.

Manager Martin Jol knows what these nights are all about and Fulham will be happy to be level pegging when they head back to Craven Cottage.

Edinburgh outfit Hearts get their Europa League campaign off and running when they travel to Hungary to take on Paks at the Stadion PSE (Pak 8/5, draw 11/5, Hearts 7/5).

However, they will do so without the aid of Andy Webster and Mehdi Taouil, who are out through injury, while David Obua is a doubt as he is currently dealing with passport issues.

The Uganda international, who scored against SPL champions Rangers on the opening day of the domestic season, is frantically trying to sort his papers so he can play in Hungary.

After what looks like a promising start to the season with the draw at Ibrox, Hearts will be full of confidence they can get a result against Paks.

The SPL side have had a tendency to come unstuck against continental sides, however they might just nick an away victory in this one.

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Crusaders v Fulham

The Cottagers secured their clash with Crusaders (9/1 to win the game) of Northern Ireland thanks to a 3-0 aggregate win over NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands.

If you look at the side put out by Martin Jol in the legs against Runavik you get an idea of how seriously Fulham (2/11 to win) are taking this Europa League qualifying. They put out a full-strength side in the first leg, with only a few young faces on the bench, and are likely to do the same against Crusaders – at least in the first match between the two sides in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Crusaders finished second in the Irish league last season and Northern Irish international defender Colin Coates will be a massive loss for them, as he could have contended with the likes of England striker Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson.

Chris Morris is also missing for the part-timers as they look to cause a shock in their first game against top-flight English opposition since 1976.

Fulham should not be overly worried about facing Crusaders in Belfast as, even if things go awry on Thursday, they have won six straight Europa League games at Craven Cottage so would fancy themselves to finish the Irish side off next week (The Draw 5/1).

Crusaders are going to be rusty as this is their first game in the Europa League qualifying but are likely to be up for it against Fulham.

However, nothing other than a win for Jol’s men seems on the cards here.
Slask Wroclaw v Dundee United

Dundee United (14/5 to win) travel to Poland to face Slask Wroclaw, who finished runners-up in the Polish First Division last season. The Tangerines face a tough task in the first leg against a strong Slask Wroclaw (4/5 to win, 12/5 draw) outfit.

Manager Peter Houston has a depleted squad to take with him to Poland as giant centre-half Garry Kenneth is the latest name ruled out through injury. Danny Swanson and Scott Robertson are also unavailable, with the boss admitting the Tangerines are “down to the bare bones”.

Celtic keeper and former Dundee United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has warned his former employers to keep their eye on Slask Wroclaw’s dangerman Sebastian Mila.

He is the Polish side’s star player but Zaluska reckons they are not a one-man team and pose a number of threats to the Tangerines. Dundee United are taking just under 500 supporters to Poland and they could need all that support if they are to dream of making it to the play-off stage like they did last season.

Shakhter Karagandy v St Patrick’s Athletic

FC Shakhtyor Karaganda of Kazakhstan came through past Koper of Slovenia in the first qualifying round to face Ireland’s St Patricks Athletic – who overcame IBV. Both teams’ domestic league campaigns are underway and they are riding high in their respective competitions.

St Patrick’s are second in the Airtricity Premier League and have impressed in attack so far this season, while Shakhter Karagandy are a tough side and currently sit third in their Premier Division, with Kazakhstan native Sergei Khizhnichenko firing 11 goals already.

The Irish side are heading into the unknown but should have the ability to score over in Kazakhstan, which would put them in a great position heading into the second leg in Ireland.

And The Rest:

Llanelli face a massive challenge against the Georgian side of Dinamo Tbilisi, especially considering they are without Craig Moses, Martyn Giles, Chris Holloway, Chris Venables and Rhys Griffiths through suspension. (Llanelli 9/2 to win, Tblisi 1/2, draw 11/4).

The New Saints could have a secret weapon up their sleeves against the Danish team FC Midtjylland in the shape of their artificial pitch. Cliftonville, who they overcame in the first round, struggled to cope but Midtjylland, who finished fourth in the Danish Superliga, will pose a much tougher threat (New Saints 18/5, Midtjylland 8/13, draw 5/2).

Glentoran are going to be without some key players for their clash with Vorskla Poltava. They overcame FC Renova of Macedonia in the first round to book the game with the Ukranians but the loss of Colin Nixon, Jonny Taylor, Sean Ward, Richard Clarke and Elliot Morris will hamper their chances of victory (Glentoran 18/5, Poltava 8/13, draw 5/2).

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Fulham

The Wanderers bounced back from their 5-0 FA Cup hammering against Stoke to record an impressive, albeit rather fortuitous, victory over Arsenal on Sunday.

Bolton’s win all but ended the Gunners’ title challenge but the Whites are not particularly great on the road and Owen Coyle’s men have registered just two wins away from the Reebok this season, drawing five and losing nine.

Fulham are a strong side on home soil and they have accumulated the vast majority of their points at Craven Cottage this season.

One win is all the Cottagers need to virtually guarantee survival and Mark Hughes’ men will be eager to take a maximum haul when Bolton arrive on Wednesday.

Fulham are 4/5 to win the match and take a massive step towards safety, while Bolton are 18/5 and the draw is 5/2.

Hughes chose to rest strikers Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora at Wolves on Saturday but the duo both appeared as substitutes in the second half and as soon as they entered the action Fulham looked more dynamic going forward, with Johnson grabbing the equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

Both Johnson and Zamora are expected to start against Bolton and the pair could well cause the Bolton back-line problems, with Zamora 11/8 and Johnson 7/4 to score anytime.

However, Bolton may still need to be considered a wounded animal and they will be eager to finish as high up in the table as possible after suffering FA Cup heartache.

The Wanderers are currently eighth in the Premier League table but they can move above Everton and to within three points of sixth-placed Liverpool if they can grab a win at Craven Cottage.

Boss Owen Coyle will be hoping on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge can shrug off an ankle knock picked up in the win over Arsenal in time to face Fulham.

The youngster, on loan from Chelsea, is expected to pull through despite the concerns over his fitness and Coyle will be desperate to include Sturridge in his starting XI after seven goals in nine games since his January arrival.

Sturridge is Bolton’s most likely candidate to get amongst the goals and can be backed at 13/8 to score anytime, while he is 11/2 to score the first goal of the game.

The game at Craven Cottage could well be a tight affair and possibly one decided by just a single goal. Fulham’s home advantage and greater need for points could see them emerge victorious in this one and in the Half-time/Full-time market a draw/Fulham result is 10/3.

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Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have had an interesting week with Wayne Rooney’s ban for swearing at West Ham dampening the mood after their 1-0 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge.

Rooney’s absence boosts Fulham’s chances of getting a result at Old Trafford, a ground where the Cottagers last won in 2003, as does the return of Bobby Zamora.

The striker grabbed a brace on his first Premier League start since August against Blackpool last week and ought to be backed to score again, anytime at 9/4.

Bet: Zamora anytime goalscorer (9/4)

Chelsea, still smarting from Wednesday’s controversial defeat, entertain Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge and can be backed with confidence to win with a clean sheet.

The Latics are the Premier League’s lowest scorers this season and their recent record boasts two goals from the last five matches, four of which have seen them draw a blank.

With Fernando Torres out of form, Carlo Ancelotti may turn to Nicolas Anelka or Salomon Kalou for the goals and they should run out comfortable winners by 3-0 (7/1) or 4-0 (9/1).

Bet: Chelsea 3-0 & 4-0 (7/1) & (9/1)

Wolves are in dire need of a lift too after taking a 4-1 hammering at Newcastle last week and losing their Republic of Ireland stars Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt to injury.

Mick McCarthy’s side host Everton in the early kick-off with the visitors having the incentive of closing the gap to rivals Liverpool to just a point if they can win at Molineux.

However, a draw (11/5) looks a more likely result – an outcome that has happened in each of the three Premier League matches since Wolves were promoted back to the top flight (1-1, 0-0 and 1-1).

Bet: Draw (11/5)

Blackburn against Birmingham could be the ugliest match of the season, let alone the weekend, with so much at stake in terms of the relegation picture and momentum.

Rovers’ form has been woeful in the last two months and Steve Kean is under pressure after eight matches without a win, but this will be no easy task against a Blues side scrapping for their lives.

A check of the result results has revealed that ‘Both Teams to Score’ could be a profitable way to bet this weekend with both teams having scored in the last six Birmingham matches and in four of the last six involving Blackburn.

Bet: Both teams to score (10/11)

West Ham must be one of the most consistently infuriating teams to bet on and that will be the only time that Avram Grant’s side have been termed consistent this season.

The manner of their capitulation from 2-0 to 4-2 down in the last quarter of their home match with Manchester United suggests that they remain mentally fragile – and they look vulnerable away to Bolton this weekend.

The Trotters will battle for a win in this match, but may have to settle for a second-half winner – as the vast majority of their goals have come in the second period.

Bet: Draw HT/Bolton FT in Double Result (7/2)

Only two points seperate Sunderland and West Brom after last week’s results and the two sides meet on Wearside this weekend in no doubt as to which club has the momentum.

The Baggies’ win over Liverpool was thoroughly deserved – as was Sunderland’s 5-0 thumping at Manchester City.

West Brom have not last since Roy Hodgson was brought in to save them from the drop, but this could be a tough test with Sunderland likely to be fired up by Steve Bruce. The value is for a Sunderland home win.

Bet: Sunderland win (6/5)

Finally, Tottenham come back to earth after their trip to the Bernabeu in midweek and need to collect three points at home to Stoke City.

Tony Pulis’ men could be forgiven for having one eye on their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next weekend, but if they do, they are surely going to be punished.

Gareth Bale is back and, if Aaron Lennon declares himself fit to play, Stoke’s full-backs will be in for a tough time.

Bet: Spurs HT/Spurs FT in Double Result (13/8).

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Mark Hughes

Fulham have opted for the former Manchester City boss to replace Roy Hodgson, who was allowed to leave to take over at Liverpool earlier this summer.

The Cottagers took their time with the appointment and several candidates were in the frame, in particular former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who decided to stay at Ajax.

Hughes his since emerged as the man owner Mohamed al Fayed wanted to continue the good work Hodgson did at the club during his two-and-a-half-year reign at Craven Cottage.

The former Manchester United striker has big boots to fill, such was Hodgson’s reputation in west London, but many believe he was unfairly dismissed by the Eastlands club as they looked to appoint Roberto Mancini.

Before that, Hughes was also respected for the job he did while in charge of Blackburn between 2004 and 2009 and is expected to be able to attract some talented new players to Craven Cottage (Fulham 1/18 to stay up this season).

The Welshman has been tipped to raid City for several players, including the likes of strike duo Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy, who he knows very well, while other targets are likely to emerge in the next month.

Hodgson led Fulham, who finished 12th last season, to the Europa League final in May and, while Hughes does not have European football this season at the Cottage, he would do well to emulate his predecessor and guide the club to another top-seven finish like in 2009.

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Former Spurs boss Jol was the strong favourite to fill the Craven Cottage vacancy, having been frustrated by a lack of spending power at current club Ajax.

The Dutch outfit always stated though that they didn?t want to lose their manager, despite holding talks with Fulham over potential compensation.

But after reportedly telling Jol that he will have money to spend this summer, it appears the Dutchman has had a change of heart and has announced his intension to remain in Amsterdam.

Speaking on the Ajax website, Jol revealed: “Ajax let me know they didn’t want me to go, and I don’t think I can bring myself to leave Ajax at this time.

“I came here last summer to be successful, the build a good team and to have fun and those three things are what I am interested in achieving next season.”

His snub means further problems for Fulham, who have now been without a manager since Roy Hodgson joined Liverpool on July 1.

With the new Premier League season just over three weeks away, the Cottagers face a race against time to find a new boss ahead of their opening game with Bolton (Bolton 6/5, Draw 11/5, Fulham 15/8 – Match Betting).

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is among those now being touted for the post, while USA coach Bob Bradley has also been strongly linked with the vacancy.

Of the managers currently out of work and linked with Fulham, ex-Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson could be keen on a return to the Premier League.

Mark Hughes, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are also believed to be on the list of potential candidates for the Fulham board.

The west-London outfit have not yet moved in the transfer market this summer and with the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Simon Davies linked with moves, the new man could have to do some rebuilding.

Goalkeeper Schwarzer is being strongly tipped with a move to Arsenal, while Everton are understood to be chasing Welsh international Davies.

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The Europa League Final proved to be one match too far in Fulham’s long season, Diego Forlan’s second strike of the match won the game with five minutes of extra time to go.

Though the Cottagers put in a typically disciplined performance Atletico Madrid always carried more threat in the contest. With Bobby Zamora hampered by his Achilles injury, Fulham just couldn’t put their Spanish opponents under enough pressure at the back.

Atletico’s much vaunted strikers were the difference. Forlan scored the goals but his partner Sergio Aguero took the eye for his quick feet and darting runs, which left Fulham chasing shadows.

It is testimony to Roy Hodgson’s organisational skills that his players were able to cope. In fact, there was a period in the second half of normal time when Fulham appeared to be the side most likely to win.

Fulham’s equalising goal was typical of their season as Simon Davies produced a great volley from one of the few attacks that penetrated the Atletico box. Throughout their campaign, Fulham have taken every chance offered and lived on scraps- the final was no different.

Fulham’s goal came when then Spanish team were pushing on and looked capable of adding a second to Forlan’s poacher’s strike. The equaliser set them back and it wasn’t until midway through the second period that they started to put Fulham under concerted pressure again.

During the second half of normal time Hodgson had to withdraw Zamora and Damian Duff, probably his two best creative talents. The introduction of Clint Dempsey and Erik Nevland offered more running and graft but the ball failed to stick up front.

Atletico had more of the ball in extra time and though Fulham defended well there was always the feeling that the Madrid team would get one more gilt-edged chance.

Aguero provided it by besting Aaron Hughes and delivering a wicked ball across the six yard box. That man Forlan ghosted into the right place again and applied a delicate flick though the legs of his marker ands past Mark Schwarzer.

It was too late for a tired side to force yet another improbably comeback and at least the final wasn’t settled on the dreaded penalties. Fulham were always in the contest but Atletico were the better side and deserved their victory.

Related posts:

1. Europa Containment Is Key For Fulham In Hamburg
2. Europa League Predictions: Fulham Hit The Big Time Against Juventus
3. Europa League Predictions: Fulham Can Hold On At Wolfsburg

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The Europa League Final proved to be one match too far in Fulham’s long season, Diego Forlan’s second strike of the match won the game with five minutes of extra time to go.

Though the Cottagers put in a typically disciplined performance Atletico Madrid always carried more threat in the contest. With Bobby Zamora hampered by his Achilles injury, Fulham just couldn’t put their Spanish opponents under enough pressure at the back.

Atletico’s much vaunted strikers were the difference. Forlan scored the goals but his partner Sergio Aguero took the eye for his quick feet and darting runs, which left Fulham chasing shadows.

It is testimony to Roy Hodgson’s organisational skills that his players were able to cope. In fact, there was a period in the second half of normal time when Fulham appeared to be the side most likely to win.

Fulham’s equalising goal was typical of their season as Simon Davies produced a great volley from one of the few attacks that penetrated the Atletico box. Throughout their campaign, Fulham have taken every chance offered and lived on scraps- the final was no different.

Fulham’s goal came when then Spanish team were pushing on and looked capable of adding a second to Forlan’s poacher’s strike. The equaliser set them back and it wasn’t until midway through the second period that they started to put Fulham under concerted pressure again.

During the second half of normal time Hodgson had to withdraw Zamora and Damian Duff, probably his two best creative talents. The introduction of Clint Dempsey and Erik Nevland offered more running and graft but the ball failed to stick up front.

Atletico had more of the ball in extra time and though Fulham defended well there was always the feeling that the Madrid team would get one more gilt-edged chance.

Aguero provided it by besting Aaron Hughes and delivering a wicked ball across the six yard box. That man Forlan ghosted into the right place again and applied a delicate flick though the legs of his marker ands past Mark Schwarzer.

It was too late for a tired side to force yet another improbably comeback and at least the final wasn’t settled on the dreaded penalties. Fulham were always in the contest but Atletico were the better side and deserved their victory.

Related posts:

1. Europa League Final: Can Fulham Win Or Athletico Win As Tight Match Is Expected
2. Europa League Predictions: Fulham Can Hold On At Wolfsburg
3. Europa Containment Is Key For Fulham In Hamburg

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