Fulham FC vs Ipswich Town Match Preview
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 10:11 pm
Fulham v Ipswich Town
Saturday 14th February 2015 – 15:00
Craven Cottage
Opening Thought - Jamma
Well I think it's fair to say that we're all feeling a bit better about ourselves after Tuesday night! With four of the top six playing each other, the Blues' home match against Sheffield Wednesday was always likely to be a pivotal moment in the promotion shake-up. When the half-time scores came in, we were 9 points adrift of the top and just a point above Norwich. By the time the 90 minutes were up, though, Darren Bent's equaliser at Dean Court meant that Town's 2-1 win had taken us to within 5 points of new leaders Middlesbrough, while keeping our Norfolk neighbours at arm's length. Just as important as the turnaround in the scoreline was the way in which we achieved it. It wouldn't have been an Ipswich Town game without some kind of drama but, rather than panic over going a goal down, the team kept the supporters on side with some good football and were well worth the 3 points in the end. McCarthy has faced some criticism for his recent reluctance to change the team around in personnel and formation. But he should take plenty of credit for the success against the Owls, both for giving some of the fringe players a chance and for his substitutions. The introduction of Tyrone Mings at half-time may have raised some eyebrows but was crucial in turning the game in our favour, allowing Jonathan Parr to get forward more and have a hand in the first goal.
Tuesday night's win could have more significance than just the improvement in our league position. Whereas our recent lean spell had some fans questioning whether we had been overachieving so far this season, victory against a Wednesday side who hadn't previously lost when scoring first could also have a big psychological effect. Our upcoming fixtures, rather than present a daunting proposition, suddenly take on a different complexion. Ahead of the big one on the horizon, we have two back-to-back games at Portman Road which should provide a confidence booster. Before that, though, is another trip to the capital, where we have enjoyed ourselves so far in 2014/15. A recent 3-1 victory at Millwall, along with the memorable last-gasp win at The Valley, should act as additional inspiration as we take on an unpredictable Fulham team. This is a good opportunity to reflect on our opening day success over the Cottagers. While we may have surprised ourselves with the performance and result against one of the pre-season favourites on that occasion, I'm not sure even the most optimistic of Tractor Boys (naming no names!
) could have predicted where the ensuing campaign would take us. Ipswich Town still have an excellent chance to make this a season to remember for all the right reasons...The Opposition - Fulham
Fulham Football Club based in London was founded in 1879.
The club has spent twenty-four seasons in English football's top division, the majority of that in two spells during the 1960s and 2000s.
Fulham have never won a major honour, although they have reached two major finals. In 1975, as a Second Division team, they contested the FA Cup final for the only time in their history, losing 2–0 to West Ham United. Fulham reached the 2010 Europa League final, which they contested with Atlético Madrid in Hamburg, losing 2–1 after extra time.
The club has been in the Football League playing in various divisions since 1907.
In modern times Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed bought the freehold of the club for £6.25 million in summer 1997. Micky Adams was fired by Al-Fayed in the aftermath of a poor start. He installed a two-tier management "dream team" of Ray Wilkins as First Team Manager and Kevin Keegan as Chief Operating Office, pledging that the club would reach the Premier League within five years. After an argument over team selection, Wilkins left the club in May 1998 to hand over the full managerial duties to Keegan, who steered the club to promotion the next season, winning 101 points out of a possible 138, after spending £1.1 million to sign Paul Peschisolido from West Bromwich Albion who was top scorer and captained by Chris Coleman – then the most expensive footballer outside the top two divisions of the English league.
In 1999, Keegan left Fulham to become manager of the England team, and Paul Bracewell was put in charge. Bracewell was sacked in March 2000, as Fulham's promising early season form dwindled away to a mid-table finish. Frenchman Jean Tigana was put in charge and, having signed a number of young stars (including French striker Louis Saha), he guided Fulham to their third promotion in five seasons in the 2000–01 season, giving Fulham top flight status for the first time since 1968. Fulham once again amassed 101 points out of a possible 138 in their scintillating title run, which was crowned with an open-top bus parade down Fulham Palace Road.
They are the only team to have twice reached 100 points in a season.
For the next 7 seasons they mainly achieved lower mid table positions in the Premier League.
Roy Hodgson was named as the new manager of Fulham on 28 December 2007, and took up his contractual duties on 30 December
In the 2008–09 season, Fulham finished seventh, their highest-ever league placing, earning qualification for the inaugural UEFA Europa League, the second time that the club had entered a UEFA competition.
2009–10 was arguably the most successful season in the club's history. They were eliminated from the FA Cup in the quarter-finals for the second year running, and finished twelfth in the Premier League. In the inaugural UEFA Europa League, however, Fulham reached the final, meeting Spanish club Atlético Madrid at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. In their first European cup final the Cottagers were beaten 2–1 in extra time, having drawn 1–1 after full-time. The achievement of taking Fulham so unexpectedly far, beating famous teams like Hamburg, Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Basel in the competition led to Roy Hodgson being voted the LMA Manager of the Year by the widest margin in the history of the award. The home match in the round of 16 was arguably Fulham's greatest result in the history of the club. Despite losing 3–1 in the first leg at Italian giants Juventus and falling behind minutes into the second leg at Craven Cottage, Fulham scored four goals with no reply from Juventus.
At the end of the season, Hodgson left Fulham to manage Liverpool.
On 29 July 2010, Mark Hughes was named the successor to Roy Hodgson, signing a two-year contract with the club. Hughes resigned as manager of Fulham on 2 June 2011, having spent fewer than eleven months at the club. The Whites had an encouraging finish in 8th position and qualified for the Europa League via Fairplay.
On 7 June 2011, Martin Jol signed a two-year contract with Fulham, becoming the successor of Hughes. Fulham's Premier League form in the 2011–12 season was mixed, with the continuing away-record hangover of previous seasons dragging on.
Clint Dempsey scored a club record 50 Premier League goals for Fulham between 2007 and 2012
In the 2012–13 season, Fulham ended a seven-match winless run by beating Swansea City 3–0 away at the Liberty Stadium on the final game of the season on 19 May 2013. Fulham finished the season in 12th place.
Shahid Khan took over as chairman in July 2013, but after a poor start to the 2013-14 season, having only amassed 10 points from 13 games, Martin Jol was sacked as manager on 1 December 2013, with Rene Meulensteen taking charge as Head Coach. Meulensteen was subsequently replaced by Felix Magath on 14 February 2014, but remained under contract with Fulham until four days later, when Fulham confirmed the sacking of him along with coaches Ray Wilkins and Alan Curbishley. They were eventually relegated after a 4-1 defeat to Stoke City on 3 May.
Magath lasted in the Managers role until 18th September 2014 when he was dismissed due to poor early season results and Kit Symons took over as Caretaker Manager until his appointment was made permanent on October 29th 2014.
One To Watch - Patrick Roberts
In spite of Fulham's recent troubles, they still boast an impressive squad, with a potent mix of their promising Academy youngsters and some seasoned campaigners of the likes of Scott Parker and Ross McCormack. One of their rising stars to catch the eye at Portman Road back in August was attacking midfielder Patrick Roberts.
The recently-turned 18-year-old was a member of the Whites’ U18 squad that reached last season’s FA Youth Cup final, drawing the plaudits before they ultimately went down 7-6 on aggregate to West London rivals Chelsea. Hailing from Kingston-upon-Thames, Roberts signed his first professional deal with the club in February 2014. He combined his youth team commitments with a growing involvement with the First Team, making his debut in a 5-0 defeat to Champions elect Manchester City. Although the campaign was to end in bitter disappointment for the Cottagers, Roberts enjoyed international success in the summer as England’s U17s won the European Championship. One of the stars of the tournament, he claimed the most assists and was the joint top scorer, adding to his already rising star. As demonstrated on the opening day, the exciting youngster provides an attacking outlet with his pace and willingness to run at the opposition. He has been limited to mostly substitute appearances but clearly has a big future ahead of him, with some of the big names from the Premier League already showing interest.
The Gaffer – Kit Symons
43 year old Symons is an English-born manager and former Welsh international footballer.
He made more than 100 League appearances for each of his first three clubs – Portsmouth, Manchester City and Fulham. He played for Fulham until December 2001, when he was signed by Crystal Palace for £400,000, the club at which he finished his playing career after 60 senior appearances.
Symons won 36 caps for Wales, scoring twice. Symons qualified to play for Wales because his father was from Cardiff.
He became caretaker manager at Palace, and following the subsequent appointment of Iain Dowie he combined the roles of player and assistant manager, as the club gained promotion to the Premier League.
After Peter Taylor was dismissed as Palace manager on 8 October 2007, Symons was confirmed as Caretaker Manager until the appointment of Neil Warnock three days later (Palace did not play during this time). Following Warnock's appointment, Symons stepped down from his position of Assistant Manager and left the club on 15 October.
Symons joined Colchester United on 16 January 2008 following Micky Adams' resignation as assistant manager the previous week. He was appointed as Colchester's caretaker-manager in September 2008 after the departure of Geraint Williams. He led the club to two wins in five games, in the process becoming the bookie's favourite to get the job full-time. However, he left the club after Paul Lambert took over as manager.
Symons was subsequently employed by Fulham as Senior Scout and Academy Coach.
In January 2012 Symons was appointed to the Wales national team coaching staff under team manager Chris Coleman.
On 18 September 2014, Symons was confirmed as caretaker manager of Fulham following the departure of Felix Magath. On 29 October 2014, after a string of good results (5 wins in 9 games), Symons was announced as the full-time manager of Fulham. Symons stated that it was "no secret this is a club that is very close to my heart and this is a job I've always really wanted to do." Khan also stated that Symons' "passion for everything that Fulham represents came through loud and clear."
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
Trev's Trivia
Players that have played for both Ipswich and Fulham
Jimmy Bullard (Fulham 2006-2009) (ITFC 2001-12)
Shefki Kuqi (ITFC 2003-05 then on loan 2008) (Fulham Loan 2007-08)
Sylvian Legwinski (ITFC 2006-09)( Fulham 2001-06)
And although Sir Bobby didn't play for both he did manage both teams (Fulham 1968 ITFC 1969-1982)
Media Watch - K L Blue
Found this piece on Sporting Life after Tuesday’s match
Mick on the win over Sheffield Wednesday
Mick McCarthy praised his fringe players after Ipswich got back to winning ways with three precious points at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday.
Ipswich had gone into the match having tasted just one victory in seven league and cup matches.
But fears that a mid-season slump was going to derail their promotion push were eased at Portman Road thanks to second-half headers from Daryl Murphy and Luke Chambers in a 2-1 victory.
The victory vindicated McCarthy's decision to freshen up his team by making five changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Rotherham on Saturday.
The Ipswich boss said: "The lads on the periphery have supported the side and if you don't give them a chance when we have won only once, when will they get their chance? They came in tonight and did really well."
McCarthy again had words of praise for the work rate of Murphy, the Championship top scorer with 19 goals, and his inspirational captain Chambers whose bullet header made the difference.
Of the latter, the Ipswich manager said: "Captains make the difference at times. He drives the team forward, he's a really good character and he got into the box to score.
"They were two good headers and we absolutely deserved the win - it would have been a travesty if we had not got the points. It is now about maintaining it and doing it again on Saturday."
It could have been so different after Wednesday, who had gone into the match on the back of a four-game winless run, took an unexpected lead.
Kieran Lee fired into an empty net after indecision from Town keeper Bartosz Bialkowski and centre-back Christophe Berra.
Ipswich refused to panic and although Murphy was denied by the inside of the post on the cusp of half-time, the Town number nine grabbed the equaliser eight minutes after the restart, getting on the end of Freddie Sears' pinpoint cross to head home.
After Darren Ambrose had hit a post, the winner duly came midway through the second half after tenacious work by Murphy and sub Kevin Bru saw the latter cross for Chambers to rifle a header past the stationary Kieren Westwood.
Wednesday boss Stuart Gray said: "That was our worst performance of the season, without a doubt. It was not like us at all. We were not at it from kick-off and that makes it even more frustrating.
"We were out-fought and out-battled and had too many men have an off-day.
"I said to the players at half-time I could have made six or seven changes - we can't keep relying on Kieren Westwood to make saves.
"I knew before the game we would miss the experience of Glenn Loovens and Jose Semedo and I will now be looking for a response against Brighton on Saturday."
Stat Time
Head 2 Head
Fulham Wins.................7 (36.84%)
Ipswich Wins.................6 (31.58%)
Draws...........................6 (31.58%)
Fulham Goals...................38 (ave. 2.00/match)
Ipswich Goals...................27 (ave. 1.42/match)
Head 2 Head at Fulham
Fulham Wins.....................3 (33.33%)
Ipswich Wins.....................1 (11.11%)
Draws................................5 (55.56%)
Fulham Goals....................21 (ave. 2.33/match)
Ipswich Goals.....................9 (ave. 1.00/match)
The Predicted Teams
Fulham
This was Fulhams starting team that took the field against Bolton on Tuesday night.
40 Bettinelli
37 Grimmer
04 Hutchinson
06 Bodurov
03 Stafylidis
19 Tunnicliffe
21 Christensen
12 Fofana
11 Kacaniklic
44 McCormack
20 Rodallega
Ipswich Town
Don't change a winning side?
33 Bialkowski
04 Chambers
05 Smith
06 Berra
02 Parr
29 Ambrose
27 Bishop
08 Skuse
12 Hunt
20 Sears
09 Murphy
Marko's Caption Contest
Found myself chuckling away at Dericks "Tommy Cooper" caption. I even went on YouTube and ended up watching over an hours worth of Tommy. Good stuff.
Derick 4pts
Blueblood 3pts
Don 2pts.
TABLE
1. Herforder ......... 29
2. Quasar ............ 27
3. Frosty ............. 26
3. Blueblood.......... 26
3. Derick ............. 26
4. James ............. 23
5. The Don ........ 21
6. Bluemike ......... 20
7. Barmy Billy....... 15
8. Supershred....... 12
9. Ashfordblue ..... 9
10. Jamma .......... 6
10. Floors ......... .. 6
11. Number 9 ....... 5
11. LnP ............... 5
11. Andy M ......... 5
12. ITNO1 .......... 4
12 OhioTB .......... 4
12. Charnwood..... 4
12. Mr Punch ....... 4
13. Nicscreamer ... 4
13. Morph ........... 3
14. Hallamblue...... 2
Have a go with something that relates to a former statue that was on display at Craven Cottage
Match Referee - Mark Haywood
Final Thought - Frosty
The Seagulls may have spoilt our party a few weeks ago, but a good result against the Owls seems to have put our ambitions back on track.
We are facing yet another ‘average’ team in the weekend, although those so called ‘3 pointers’ often go the wrong way for Town. It’s off to London this week where we face 18th placed Fulham, a team which over the past 13 odd months has gone through a new owner, 4 managers and the Michael Jackson statue exiting stage left to Manchester about the same time that Fulham exited the Premiership.
Although we knocked them off 2-1 in this season’s opener, I think most of us are fairly cautious about this fixture, particularly as its being played at Craven Cottage where we have only won one match in 8 visits to the ground.
Fulhams recent form doesn’t scream terror, however less than a month ago they did manage wins against both Forest and our opponent for next Saturday, Reading in consecutive matches. Recently has seen the Cottagers lose away to Bolton, draw at home to Birmingham and a loss to Blackburn away. In the midst of these fixtures, Sunderland also paid a visit, winning 3-1 in an FA Cup replay.
Looking around us on the table, this rounds fixtures stretch into the middle of next week which means we won’t truly know where we are on the table until Boro’s visit to St Andrews next Wednesday. In between times, on Saturday, Bolton receive a visit from Elton John’s favourite club, Charlton host one of Fulhams hated rivals in Brentford and Bournemouth receive Huddersfield at home. On Monday, an interesting fixture is the one between the Budgies and the Wolves as these two sides go head to head to try and get into top 6 contention. The only other fixture of note is on Tuesday when Rotherham host Derby.
For those of you travelling this weekend, have a safe and enjoyable trip, and if you get lost, just remember, London is the town just north of Woking.
FULHAM 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2
Safe trip to everyone going. 