Tag Archives: Fulham

Fulham continue Europa Crusade

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The long road towards the Europa League proper continues this week and on Thursday there are seven teams from Britain and Ireland involved in the second qualifying round.
The majority can only dream of the reaching the tournament proper, but here is our guide to the home nations’ best chances in the second qualifying round.

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 set to cross the line

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Fulham are on 39 points and they can end any lingering fears of relegation with a win over Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

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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Fergie should fear firing Fulham

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Bet on the Champions LeagueManchester United usually have their way with Fulham but Saturday’s Premier League clash could be an uncomfortable affair for the leaders, sandwiched between their Champions League quarter-final skirmishes with Chelsea.

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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Fulham set for new Hughes era

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Mark Hughes will be drawing up a list of potential targets he believes will improve the Fulham squad (20/1 to finish in the top six), as he waits to be named as the club’s new manager ahead of the new Premier League season.

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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Fulham go back to drawing board

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Martin Jol has turned down the chance to become the new Fulham manager, leaving the Cottagers (15/2 to be relegated in 2010-11 season) turn their attentions elsewhere in the search for a successor to Roy Hodgson.

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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Forlan Wrecks Fulham Europa Cup Dream

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europa league 300x214 Forlan Wrecks Fulham Europa Cup DreamThe 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.

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Forlan Wrecks Fulham Hopes

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europa league 300x214 Forlan Wrecks Fulham HopesThe 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.

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Europa League Final: Can Fulham Win Or Athletico Win As Tight Match Is Expected

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roy hodgson 300x225 Europa League Final: Can Fulham Win Or Athletico Win As Tight Match Is ExpectedFulham against Atlético Madrid is one of the more unlikely pairings for a European Final, because Fulham are novices at this level and Atlético began the season with high hopes in the Champions League.

Fulham’s run has been a massive surprise but there is no doubting the quality of the teams they have despatched- Shahtar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg in the knockout roundsm plus Roma in the group stages.

  • You Can Bet On this match: Athletico Madrid v Fulham Europa League Final

Atlético are another quality outfit to get past, despite their mediocre league form. The team from the capital were fourth last season and expected to make a bold challenge in the Champions League but it all went wrong for them.

The Europa League run has saved their campaign. Although they have lived dangerously at times, there is no doubting the attacking talent they can deploy with Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Jose Reyes and Simao to call on.

Tactical Fulham Pose Threat

Fulham have made their way by being tactically aware, compact as a team and highly disciplined- that isn’t going to change for the final because Atlético present a real danger on the counter-attack.

Roy Hodgson is under no pressure to make the running in the game and will be quite happy to allow Atletico to come forward. However, the ‘Rojiblancos’ coach, Quique Sanches Flores, has also been cagey in this competition. Twice his team progressed by securing a 0-0 draw at home after scoring in the away leg.

This fixture has the makings of a ‘traditional’ European Final where the two sides feel each other out and search for an opening. Fulham will be desperate to have Bobby Zamora leading the line as the Englishman has kept defences occupied almost single-handedly in Europe.

  • You Can Bet On this match: Athletico Madrid v Fulham Europa League Final

Hodgson will surely stick to his 4-5-1 formation asking Zoltan Gera and Damian Duff (if fit) to get close to Zamora. The Cottagers desperately need Zamora and Duff to be available and in good health if they are to list the trophy.

Focus on Aguero & Simao

Aguero is very much in the shop window as he’s talked about as a big money summer signing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Forlan has become a big game player who gets critical goals- he netted in both legs against Liverpool in the semi-final.

Simao will be leading light for Portugal in the World Cup and Fulham will want their midfielders to give protection to the back four as he and Reyes like to run at defences by cutting inside from wide.

Athlético are a better side than their La Liga position suggests and it will take iron discipline and patience from Fulham to prevail. Goals should be at a premium and the match could well go to extra time or be decided by one strike.

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Moniz doesn’t fear Fulham

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Hamburg coach Ricardo Moniz says his side have nothing to fear as they bid to become the first side to beat Fulham (6/5 to win in the match betting) at Craven Cottage in Europe this season.

The Dutchman, who was part of Martin Jol’s backroom staff when he was in charge of Tottenham, has been placed in charge of the Bundesliga side until the end of the season following the sacking of Bruno Labbadia.

Despite having reached the semi-final of the Europa League Sunday’s 5-1 defeat to Hoffenheim was the final straw for the Hamburg (11/4 to win the Europa League) board, who have viewed results in 2010 as unacceptable with the club sat in seventh with no chance of winning the Bundesliga title.

Thursday’s game with Fulham represents Moniz’s first as a manager with the 45-year-old having previously worked solely as a specialist skills coach.

Moniz is now hoping to make a triumphant return to Craven Cottage having been part of the Tottenham set-up which beat Fulham 4-0 in the FA Cup in February 2007.

However, the newly appointed Hamburg coach has a defensive headache to deal with following the news that Dennis Aogo will be unavailable for the clash, the 23-year-old unable to travel because of a virus.

Midfielder Piotr Trochowski and Turkish striker Tuncay Torun will also miss the game due to suspension and injury respectively.

Having failed to break down a resolute Fulham in the first leg the Cottagers look to have the advantage heading into Thursday’s game with the scoreline still goalless.

However, despite Fulham’s unbeaten home record and his sides stuttering performances this year Moniz remains confident Hamburg will progress to the Europa League final, which is scheduled to be held at their home ground.

“There is no fear. I am only happy and just look where I can help – I have to be objective, I have to be neutral,” said Moniz.

“The players know me and I’m looking forward to it.

“My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength.”

While Hamburg have problems on and off the field Fulham’s only concern is over the fitness of top scorer Bobby Zamora (7/4 anytime goalscorer).

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson said on Wednesday he thought it was unlikely the 29-year-old would be fit for the match after he limped off in the first leg with an Achilles problem.

The only other concern for Hodgson will be over the suspended Chris Baird, although John Pantsil looks as though he will slot into the right back position having overcome a knee injury.

Hodgson is likely to make a whole host of changes to the Fulham side that lost at Everton on Sunday as he looks to book a place in what would be the club’s first European final.

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Europa Containment Is Key For Fulham In Hamburg

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Europa League Preview: Hamburg v FulahmFulham continue their epic Europa League run with a trip to one of the most consistent squads in the Bundesliga. Hamburg SV lie seventh in the current table and have finished in the top five in both 2008 and 2009.

The key for Fulham is to ensure they stay in the tie and give themselves a big chance in the return leg. It’s crucial in European two leg football to avoid conceding a two-goal lead in the first leg. Fulham’s only real problem in their journey from the preliminary rounds came when they went down 3-1 to Juventus.

The Cottagers produced something special to overturn that deficit but still needed a large slice of good fortune as Juve were reduced to first ten, and then nine men. The chances of the team managing another comeback of that magnitude would be slim- especially as Europe is now wise to their quality.

You Can Bet On This Match: Hamnburg v Fulham
For Roy Hodgson, a win in Germany would be huge, a draw would be excellent but any defeat limited to a single goal would still be satisfactory. The manager is likely to use Bobby Zamora to occupy the Hamburg defence and string five across midfield- Zoltan Gera and Damian Duff will be asked to get close and support their top scorer when possible.

Hamburg have some serious attacking talent and a massive incentive as the final will be held at their stadium. In January they acquired Ruud Van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid and the Dutchman is still a predatory striker.
Hamburg boss Bruno Labbadia can pair him with Mladen Petric, the hard running, combative forward who caused Steve McClaren’s England such problems in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, or Swedish player Markus Berg who has shown his best form in Europe this year.

“They’ve had success if we talk about Bayern Munich and Hamburg, even teams like Dynamo Dresden way back,” he said. “The success of German teams goes back very far. If you’ve ever seen them play you’re aware of the strength of German football so, if you get drawn with one, you know it’s going to be a tough game, ” says Roy Hodgson.

Pulling the strings in midfield is Czech playmaker David Jarolim who has been with the club since 2003 and exerts an influence similar to Danny Murphy in the Fulham ranks. Both players are excellent passers who can calm the side and bring shape to the game.

Defensively Hamburg are built around Dutch centre back Joris Mathijsen and can put out a back four of international players. Fulham will hope to snatch at least one away goal but even the in-form Zamora has his work cut out.

After removing Shaktar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg successively, Fulham will not be intimidated; they should certainly keep the tie alive but it would be no surprise to see Hamburg take a single goal lead to the return. A 1-0 (5.50) or 2-1 (8.00) defeat would still be a good night’s work for Fulham.

Related posts:

  1. Europa League Predictions: Fulham Can Hold On At Wolfsburg
  2. Liverpool, Fulham Europa League Semi-Finals Preview
  3. Europa League Predictions: Fulham Can Squeeze A Draw Out Of Shakhtar


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