Clint Dempsey is hoping Fulham can pick up their first win of the season this weekend against local rivals QPR. The west London derby comes off the back of a poor start to the campaign for the Cottagers, who find themselves behind last season's Npower Championship winners in the table and languishing in 17th position. However, Martin Jol's side have drawn more games than they have lost this season, and Dempsey is confident a win is just around the corner. It would be a bonus if it came against the Hoops. "It would be a good time to put down that first win, especially as this is a game that everyone is looking forward too," the American international told the official Fulham website. "Fans always want to do well in these derby games and with it being the first between the two clubs in a little while there's even more interest as a result. "To be honest, it doesn't matter who that first win comes against as long as it happens at some point." Neil Warnock's side travel to Craven Cottage on a high after a run of impressive performances, if not wins, but Dempsey insists confidence remains high in the Fulham camp and they are expecting to get a result. "QPR have started the season well and will be looking to come to Craven Cottage in the hope of adding to that. But we're confident that we can get the result that we need," he concluded.
All the key facts and stats ahead of the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage. Fulham have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games at Craven Cottage (W6 D5 L1), though they have drawn the last four in a row. QPR have failed to score in their last four games against Fulham. Since the start of last season, Fulham have drawn more games than any other side in the Premier League (20). Fulham have won none of their last nine Premier League London derbies (D3 L6). This will be the first ever league meeting between west London neighbours Fulham and QPR in the top flight. In seasons 2002-03 and 2003-04, Fulham played their home games at QPR’s stadium Loftus Road while Craven Cottage was being redeveloped. Fulham won 53% of games at Loftus Road compared to 45% they have won at Craven Cottage in Premier League history. Fulham have won none of their last seven Premier League matches, though five of them have been draws including the last three in a row. QPR have used 21 different starters in the Premier League, the joint-most in the Premier League along with Arsenal. Fulham have only won 19% of their Premier League London derbies, the lowest proportion by any of the capital clubs. QPR have won none of their last seven top flight London derbies away from home (D2 L5). Opta
It shows just how misleading statistics can be, we have used 21 different starters in the PL, the virus hit us early on followed by the mass influx of new faces. Warnock actually rarely makes wholesale changes and it's only injury and suspension that will change Sunday's starting line-up.
Marriner in charge of Fulham v QPR http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/fb_news.php?storyid=14210
I have to compliment QPR on some very smart signings; picking up Barton and SWP was inspired. We'll see how long Philips stays interested, but he certainly provides a cutting edge to any offense. Barton brings that competitiveness, as well as real skill, to the pitch. Making him captain was smart, too. Having said that, I suspect Fulham will score early and play a smart game of counter-punch thereafter, getting all three points. 2-0 is my prediction.
SWP has no regrets over failed Fulham move SHAUN Wright-Phillips goes to Fulham on Sunday without a pang of regret he missed out joining the Whites in January. The QPR winger was on the Craven Cottage hit list in the winter transfer window. But the £80k-a-week wage share demanded by then club Manchester City was the rock on which the deal foundered. The England international’s ex-manager Mark Hughes was desperate to reunite with Wright-Phillips. Now the player wants to put one over the struggling neighbours down the Fulham Palace Road in the first of the season's west London derbies. “I didn’t think about it (going to Fulham)," he said. "When I got the chance to come to QPR - I took it and that’s what I wanted to do. “The rest is all so much history and nothing more to worry about." By his own admission, Wright-Phillips admits his time in the City wilderness has blunted his match fitness but he is planning to short cut his way to full throttle. He added: "My physical fitness is fine, but people say it takes five to six games to get match fit. I’m hoping I get there quicker than that now that I’ve got to half that total. “I played against Fulham twice when I was at Chelsea. The first time I did fine, the second not so well. When was it? I’ve tried to forget about it. Going into Sunday’s match, I’d rather look forward than back to a bad game." Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest QPR news. iReader
SWP has no regrets over failed Fulham move SHAUN Wright-Phillips goes to Fulham on Sunday without a pang of regret he missed out joining the Whites in January. The QPR winger was on the Craven Cottage hit list in the winter transfer window. But the £80k-a-week wage share demanded by then club Manchester City was the rock on which the deal foundered. The England internationalâs ex-manager Mark Hughes was desperate to reunite with Wright-Phillips. Now the player wants to put one over the struggling neighbours down the Fulham Palace Road in the first of the season's west London derbies. âI didnât think about it (going to Fulham)," he said. "When I got the chance to come to QPR - I took it and thatâs what I wanted to do. âThe rest is all so much history and nothing more to worry about." By his own admission, Wright-Phillips admits his time in the City wilderness has blunted his match fitness but he is planning to short cut his way to full throttle. He added: "My physical fitness is fine, but people say it takes five to six games to get match fit. Iâm hoping I get there quicker than that now that Iâve got to half that total. âI played against Fulham twice when I was at Chelsea. The first time I did fine, the second not so well. When was it? Iâve tried to forget about it. Going into Sundayâs match, Iâd rather look forward than back to a bad game." Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest QPR news. iReader
Good interview Clint. Thanks for saying, well... nothing at all really. Oh, and note to Dempsey's Revenge: nobody involved with UK football says 'offense' except for ex-pat Americans, kids who watch too much TV or people in the executive boxes who don't really like football anyway. Which category do you fall in?
Nice to see how well mannered the QPR fansare. Pay an honest compliment to the team, then get a rash of crap from one of its participants. Classy. Have fun next year playing Millwall in the Championship. SWP is one of those players who starts out with a bang, but then fades over time before falling out of favour (or is it favor, QPAAAH?). But don't worry; he'll be good again just before he negotiates his contract.
Alright mate calm down I can't see what you are basing your SWP statement on, it's been that long since he was a guaranteed a starting spot. He's playing well now without being match fit, and he's got a great attitude
Star will be back for derby Last Updated: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:38 Martin Jol says he expects Bobby Zamora to be fit to play in Sunday's clash with QPR, having returned to training. Zamora was forced to sit out the 0-0 draw with West Brom last week through illness and was left at home, whilst the Fulham squad flew out to Denmark for their Europa League tie on Thursday. But Jol should have the England international available for the derby with Rangers, having taken the advice of the Fulham medical staff. The manager revealed: "Bobby started training again on Tuesday but he's not 100% yet so it's better that he's ready for our next game against Queens Park Rangers. "The medical team thought it would be a very good idea to load him with some extra sessions instead of playing over here." Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet. iReader ================================== Good news for the Fulham offence!
If telling us one of our best players is going to lose interest in playing for the club (no evidence) is a compliment, Dempsey, you must be great company when you hand out abuse!
Ok score predictions lads? I think its going to be a really tough game. Fulham are overdue a win and I have a bad feeling about this game. I will be extremely happy if I am proved wrong but I think Fulham are going to nick this 2-0 or 2-1 Anyones else opposite and confident of a Rangers win?
Slightly arrogant attitude given your standing in the league. And SWP would walk into your team. And it's 'favour'.
