Google

Friday, March 04, 2005

Claus Jensen and Fulham

The disappearance of Claus Jensen from The Valley at the end of last season has always been one of the more mysterious transfers of recent years. Sometimes players leave because (often mistakenly) they think that they can develop their careers more effectively at a 'bigger' club. But Fulham is no Chelsea. Indeed, it is one of the few examples of a 'smaller' club in the Premiership than Charlton.

Jensen made 124 starts and 10 sub appearances in the four years he was at Charlton after signing from Bolton for £4m in 2000. He scored seventeen goals, including a beauty in the 4-2 away victory against Arsenal and a decider in the last minute at home against Blackburn. He had his critics among fans, some of whom categorised him as a 'luxury' player. This reflected his lack of willigness to clatter into the opposition or indeed tackle anyone at all very often. However, he compensated for his defensive weaknesses by the creativity he brought to Charlton's midfield.

What's the betting that he will score against us tomorrow at Craven Cottage? Charlton haven't beaten Fulham at Craven Cottage since 1986 and haven't scored an away goal against the Cottagers in three encounters in the Premiership. The best result for the Addicks was 0-0 in 2001/2. Nevertheless, the sub-Standard has the match down for an away win. Boffins at Warwick University's Decision Technology Group give Fulham a 57% chance of victory.

At least Fulham are no longer playing at that shoebox of a ground, Loftus Road, with its over intrusive searching at the gate. Craven Cottage has always been one of my favourite venues in London with the walk through the park alongside the river. And I think that we will get at least a score draw tomorrow.

Authoritative match analysis will be provided by senior match analyst Hooch the Pooch. For all your signage needs in Berks, Bucks, Oxon and Wilts, please support the sponsors of our canine match analysts:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home