Fulham are behind 1-3 in the tie, but Dickson Etuhu's away goal gives them hope, as does Juve's incredibly poor form recently- they blew a 3 goal lead at home this past weekend. A 2-0 result would take the Cottagers through, but an early away goal will mean they need to score three times to level the tie. Keep in mind they've outplayed Manchester United, Man City, Roma, and Shaktar Donetsk at home this season, so its possible. I will be in attendance at the Cottage. Praise be to Hodgson. I'm quite chuffed for this match, mostly because Dempsey's playing against Juventus has been the highest profile appearance for an American outfield player in a European knock-out competition in sometime. Not since DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven made a run to the Champions League Semi-Finals, has an American featured at any level beyond this. Since Beasley's appearances against Barca and Lyon for Rangers, you could argue that this is the first glamor UEFA tie of any kind that an American player has legitimately featured in (barring Marcus Tracey's appearance against City). My hope is that in the near future this will no longer be such a momentous occasion, but for tomorrow in remains unique- Fulham will be looking to Zamora, Duff, Dempsey, and Gera for offesnsive spark, but the suspension of Danny Murphy looms large, and stalwart Brede Hangeland will be a gametime decision after suffering studs to the chest at the weekend. Come on you Whites'
you know what, after the Shakhtar Donetsk thing, i wouldnt be surprised at all to see Fulham get the result. I think theyre gonna pull it off in fact. They make Craven Cottage a fortress these days
you think he will get the start? He needs to play wide left and Gera 2nd striker. I'm still pretty angry about that 3rd goal. Things always get 'funny' in Italy or against Italian teams.
I'd be surprised. Anyone know off hand if this will be televised in US? Are we that deep already? (sorry not to know, life's been a whirlwind lately)
It's on the Gol TV schedule for 2 pm. http://www.goltv.tv/index_en.php?target=programacion_en&lang=en
I would think Donovan starting in the Champion League round of 16 (if I remember right) was a bit higher level but nice post, should be a fantastic game to attend.
Appreciate the kind words, and I'm glad others are excited as well. I didn't forget though - Donovan played for Leverkusen in the CL that same year, (concurrent to DMB's run). PSV went deeper in the tournament. I did however, forget to mention that LD did play a couple weeks ago in Europa League for Everton, but he certainly wasn't a key cog in the machine for a long period of time as DMB or Dempsey were/is. I still think DMB's time with PSV and those cracking Champions League Semi-final legs against AC Milan is one of the high water marks for our outfield players. I'd say chances of Dempsey starting tonight is about 40/60, but he'll be desperate to play. Off to the city now to enjoy the match.
I am not exactly hopeful here on the result. Italians will come out looking to kill the game off at all costs. Lost of sniper shots, diving, that stupid thing they do with their hands begging for more meat in their sauce. Greening and Etuhu better be careful because every semi-rough tackle is going to the stretchers. 15minutes of football, 75 minutes of italian cabaret.
On any given Thursday, it's a no-brainer to go to Courtyard's for the first half . . . on Tournement Thursday, not so sure. May be a coin toss.
Dempsey starts on the bench according to the Europa League website. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleagu...ve/index.html?matchday=10&day=1&match=2000953 Also, I didn't realize Danny Murphy was still unavailable for this one. Was that last red a 2 game suspension?
Not surprised by this. I thought he was pretty unhappy to be started up top last match and it showed. Hodgs certainly knows this team better than anyone, but I question using gera in midfield when he gets overrun on defense time and again. He is possibly a more clever box player than Dempsey so I would certainly use him as a second striker behind the Zanimal. arrrgggg.
COYW's !!!! Hope to see this line-up or one with Gera and Clint swapped. _________Zamora_____Dempsey______ Gera_______Baird____Etuhu_______Duff Konch____Hangeland____Hughes___Kelly _______________Schwarzer___________ Subs: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Davies, Riise, Dikgacoi, Nevland
Well dang. I was going to take my lunch and watch the first half. But, since Dempsey ain't starting, I think I'll have to go hungry for another hour. Soccernet also has him on the bench.
Looks like we'll see Clint for Davies around the 70th minute. Not sure I agree with Roy about starting Davies but Clint is probably not 100% yet and hopefully I will be proven wrong today and Davies will actually produce.
Could there be a more accurate post ever? I think we can all agree 100% here. Expect plenty of looooooooooong injuries and flops.
So now Fulham have 85 minutes to score three goals without letting in any against an elite Italian club. I think they'll have to go to the bench sooner rather than later.
It's all over. Fulham are done. That's ok though because they had a great run, enjoyed the time in European competition, and can now focus on the FA cup and the Prem. Great European season Fulham.