My 5 Keys to Victory in the Europa League for Fulham against Juventus

by Russ Goldman on Mar 17, 2010 4:30 PM GMT Comment 6 comments

Fulham will play tomorrow against Juventus in the second leg of the Europa League. The game takes place at Craven Cottage at 6PM UK Time and 2PM EST. The game will also be shown on GOL TV in the U.S. Fulham are down 3 - 1 in aggregate to Juventus. To move forward in the Europa League they are probably going to have to hold Juventus scoreless. The best score scenario for Fulham would probably be 2 - 0. They would move ahead based on away goals. This task is tough but can be done. Below are " My 5 Keys to Victory in the Europa League for Fulham against Juventus".

1. If Fulham can score a goal early they can really put the pressure on Juventus. The confidence level of Fulham could go way up, and then they could really push forward. The momentum would be with the Cottagers. They would then have plenty of time to find that second goal. If Roy Hogdson's team gets an early goal the game is definitely on.

2. If Brede Hangeland cannot play who will take his place?There have been several reports online that Hagneland's fitness for this match is in question. Hangeland came out of the game against Manchester United with an injury. If he cannot play who does Roy put in to replace him? Chris Smalling could be an option if Hangeland can't play. There is no question that without Hangeland in the middle of the defense Fulham are more vulnerable. This is definitely a key to watch.

3. Who will be in the central midfield for Fulham? With Danny Murphy and Jonathan Greening suspended for this match who are the replacements going to be? Chris Baird could be a fit in one of those positions. Dickson Etuhu would probably be another option in the midfield as well. This is a major key for this match. Roy moved his lineup around in the last match against Manchester United. I will be curious to see who are going to be the replacements for Murphy and Greening. Whoever is in there is going to have to play at a "high level" . Fulham need to control the midfield. The team needs to be able to push the ball forward.

4. Fulham need to do an excellent job defending on set pieces. In the first leg, 2 of the 3 Juventus goals were created by play offf of corner kicks. I will probably be mentioning defending on set pieces until Fulham do a much better job against them. Hogdson I hope is drilling the club like crazy against set pieces this week.

5. Fulham's defense needs to contain Diego and Trezequet. These 2 players really scared me in the first leg. Diego specifically is a fantastic player. There is no question that the Juventus players up front put a tremendous amount of pressure on a defense. If these players can be contained Fulham will have a chance.

I am looking forward to this match. If Fulham do not move forward in the Europa League in my opinion the campaign would still be a success. I can't wait for the game.

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3 really seems to be the most pressing issue

I think Roy is pretty confident with Smalling taking Hangeland’s spot if necessary, but without Murphy or Greening it’s unclear who’s going to provide any creativity from the center of the midfield. Etuhu and Baird both do a good job of the holding role, but neither is going to provide particularly incisive through balls. I wonder whether he might try Dempsey or Davies or Gera there (even though all three are more commonly played elsewhere on the field), partnered with either Etuhu or Baird, to get some offense from that spot.

by JoshNY on Mar 17, 2010 9:43 PM GMT reply actions

I agree with you on #3.

I couldn’t agree with you more regarding creativity in the central midfield. Where is it going to come from tomorrow? You have some good ideas. One of the three you mentioned would make sense. Personally I would go with either Gera or Davies. I want Dempsey either up front, or on the left side of the midfield.

I actually like that Roy has Duff on the right side even though he should be on the left. When he shoots from the right with his left foot he can be lethal.

If it is Etuhu and Baird in those central positions it could be a difficult game. I am hoping your suggestion of one of those 3 players is what Roy does.

by Russ Goldman on Mar 17, 2010 10:12 PM GMT reply actions

I really do think that above all the issues, #1 is the most crucial. Even if Smalling gets in and plays well and the midfield selection looks decent out there; it’s meaningless unless Fulham can grab an early goal.

With all due respect to what the Whites have done this season, Juventus has the better position and have been in these situations before. The best way to throw off a team that has an edge in experience and (let’s be frank) talent is to put them in an uncomfortable spot. An early goal can do that as well as take off some pressure on Smalling and whoever will be set up in the midfield and replace it with confidence.

This isn’t to negate the other issues or points – just that an early goal is crucial. Getting that goal would hinge partially on how Roy and the players themselves answer #2, #3, and/or #5. Just as an early goal against would be just about fatal given the aggregate score.

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by John Fischer on Mar 18, 2010 4:33 AM GMT reply actions