Roy Hodgson will lead Fulham against Atletico Madrid in the
Europa League Cup final in Hamburg tonight
Wednesday, 12
May 2010
Channel 61 Football Frenzy
: 2.45 am
- (Live) (Thur
Morning)
Europa League Final
Talking tactics:
The key for Fulham will be
to contain Atletico's obvious attacking threats, notably Jose
Antonio Reyes, Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero. It means that Roy
Hodgson will require major midfield performances from Danny Murphy
and Dickson Etuhu. Atletico, however, do have a suspect defence and
have conceded 57 goals this season in La Liga.
Managers:
Roy Hodgson v Quique Sanchez Flores: With their teams settled in
mid-table of the respective domestic leagues, the Europa League has
developed into the priority this season from both Hodgson and
Flores. Fulham look to have a decisive advantage in the dugout,
both in terms of Hodgson’s experience and tactical acumen. Flores
has endured domestic disappointment in what is his first season at
Atletico following spells with Benfica, Valencia and Getafe.
Key clash:
Diego Forlan v Brede Hangeland: It is his unpredictability than
can make Forlan, the former Manchester United centre-forward, so
dangerous. His pace and movement are other major assets, as
Liverpool found to their cost in the semi-final, meaning Brede
Hangeland will need to rely on much more than his commanding aerial
presence.
What they are saying:
Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores said:
"They have excellent players. The physical aspect and strategy come
together. We have to take some risk but not open ourselves to
dead-ball situations. There are many reasons to be optimistic but
we have to be careful. And we need to be courageous."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson: "If we lose then I
hope it means we've been beaten by a better team and not that we've
been very unlucky or been hit by some decisions that are
controversial. At the moment we're planning not to be second best,
we're planning to try and win the competition. Whatever happens
it's been a very good season for us and we're determined to crown
that season by winning the trophy."
Probable teams:
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hangeland,
Hughes, Konchesky; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): De Gea; Valera,
Dominguez, Perea, Antonio Lopez; Reyes, Paulo Assuncao, Raul
Garcia, Simao; Aguero, Forlan.
