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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