Admittedly the Premier League losses are not a big deal to me. A European finish was not going to be in the cards as it stood and on the opposite end of things, relegation is not going to happen either. Outside of the money a team earns for its' finishing position in the Premier League table, the Cottagers have very little to play for in the league. That's not to say the matches have no importance, but I would say at this point the priority of the team rests in the Europa League.
The main reason priorities have changed in the past week is not just the league table, but because Fulham was knocked out of the FA Cup. Like many others, I was really hoping and thinking this was going to be the year that the Cottagers got back to an FA Cup final for the first time since their last and only final appearance at Wembley in 1975.
Unfortunately, after an early 1-0 Fulham lead, the wheels fell off at White Hart Lane and Tottenham took the Cottagers to the cleaners and ended any hope of a 1975 repeat for Fulham fans. A win over Spurs would have set up a very winnable semifinal date with lowly Portsmouth at Wembley. As it stands, Spurs will take on Pompey and the Cottagers will be left to focus on the Europa League.
With three matches over the previous seven days, it was nice to see Roy Hodgson rest some of his regulars in this past Saturday's match with Hull City. This came at a cost as Hull City defeated the Cottagers 2-0. However, as mentioned earlier, there is little to play for in the Premier League at this point in the season and a priority on resting players in preparation for the defending German champions Wolfsburg to me is wise move by Hodgson and it will give his side its' best chance at winning at Craven Cottage on Thursday.
Wolfsburg is having a disappointing season in the German Bundesliga. After winning the title last season the club has slumped to 9th place in the league. This past weekend they were 2-0 winners over Mainz but the previous weekend Wolfsburg was buried 5-1 against Hertha Berlin. Perhaps Wolfsburg was resting regulars after their Europa League tie the week before the Hertha match, but regardless, a 5-1 defeat at home is not good for any club no matter what players are on the pitch.
Expect a well rested Fulham team on Thursday and with the first leg being played at home, it is important that the Cottagers get the upper hand in this tie before heading to Germany a week later to try and finish off Wolfsburg. Almost as important as winning on Thursday will be not allowing the German champions to score and get the all important away goal. If the Cottagers can keep the Germans off the scoresheet on Thursday it will be a job well done by Roy Hodgson's side.
Needless to say, Thursday is going to be a great day for Fulham Football Club. The team's run in the Europa League has been nothing short of sensational and exciting and I expect more of the same later this week. A semifinal birth is at stake and with Roy Hodgson in charge of our side I am sure the team will be prepared and ready to play. I do like our chances in this tie. After the miracle comeback against Juve in the last round, anything is possible.
Do you think Fulham will win on Thursday against Wolfsburg? Are you disappointed in the team's play over the last week? Did you agree with Roy's decision to rest some of the regulars against Hull City on Saturday? I would like to read what you have to say.
Thursday will be fun against Wolfsburg. I can't wait.
Posted by Teddy_KGB on 03/29/2010
The focus this month has been on the Europa League and FA Cup, and as a result, we've let the League slide a little. That's fine, but now that we're out of the FA Cup, we need to re-focus. I was not happy about the squad selection at Hull. I understand the need to rest players, but we essentially handed them the win.
Regardless of what happens vs. Wolfsburg on Thursday, I'd like to see us take the Wigan match seriously and get the three points.
On a side note, does anyone else see the sale of Smalling as a great piece of business, now? I don't want to be overly critical of the young man as I'm sure he'll improve, but of late, his performances for Fulham and for the England U-21s has been really poor. Hate to say it, but he has the air of Titus Bramble-esque calamity about his play these days. I thought it was decent business before, but now I'm thinking it was a brilliant piece of business.
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Posted by Andrew Sansom on 03/30/2010
Agree with the comments above. No team likes to lose games, but Roy is a shrewd manager and I think he has got it about right. The big disappointment for me was losing the cup replay to Spurs. My sons are Spurs fans and it wasn't a good day for sure. Once the cup tie went to a replay at WHL I think most Fulham fans would have had a sinking feeling, and feared for the worst, while still hoing for the best. The league games, as mentioned above, were not that crucial in the greater scheme of things.
So to Wolfsburg. They seem a bit like Fulham in that they overachieve sometimes, but their normal state is mid table, so this is a good match-up. We should win at the Cottage, but anything less than a 3 goal cushion is going to make for a nervous second leg. To be honest I can't see that happening, so I will grow my finger nails in preparation for the away leg. I have to say though, whatever the outcome, these are great times to be a Fulham fan.
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Posted by abd malik arip on 03/30/2010
Experience football manager, so i agree with Roy Hodgson. Resting some ace Fulham players for this thursday games. its hard,busy for Fulham.Only three days rest for every games? so why dont give opportunity for other Fulham player, they want show what they best performance too.
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Posted by Theo M on 03/30/2010
Fulham has been able to win in Europe through attack. In England defenses are better and the Cottagers struggle. We used to be a defensive force but with that ability gone we come to struggle in England.
At least we're good in Europe. Champions League football at the Cottage, anyone?
T
Posted by Roy in NC on 03/30/2010
Fulham are paying them to play so why not rest some starters and let them play. We should still be able to get 50 points with the home fixtures we have remaining.It won't get us into 7th place this year but it still can't be seen as a failed league season. GO WHITES!!!
Posted by Roy in NC on 04/05/2010
Has anyone else noticed that the four teams that are at home in the 2nd leg are all from the Champions League? They gave the Europa teams the 1st leg at home. It is always an advantage to have the 2nd leg at home. Just something I noticed.
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