Dikgacoi banned for Cottagers
Posted Monday, October 19, 2009 by PA
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has almost a full squad available for his team's Barclays Premier League match at home to Hull.
Kagisho Dikgacoi will be suspended after being sent off in the 2-2 draw with West Ham.
Long-term absentees Toni Kallio (Achilles) and Simon Davies (foot) will miss out, although Hodgson is confident the latter will be available for next week's Europa League match against Roma.
Meanwhile, Brede Hangeland believes Fulham should savour the experience of playing in Europe and not consider it a hindrance to their chances of league success.
Fulham currently sit just three places above the relegation zone after a slow start to their season.
They have won just twice this season - once against rock-bottom Portsmouth - a stark contrast to their form at the end of last term, which saw them pull off an unlikely assault on Europa League qualification.
Manager Roy Hodgson has regularly rotated his squad in an attempt to accommodate the increased demands of playing in four competitions.
It has been suggested that the Fulham squad has not been able to cope with the demands placed upon them. Hangeland, however, believes the squad should cherish their opportunity of playing in Europe and not use it as an excuse for their failings in the league.
"From my point of view I think we should never use Europe as an excuse for not doing so well in the league," he said.
"Getting into Europe is a bonus from doing well last year. We should never feel sorry for playing in those games.
"It's a great experience. It's about being able to handle a few more games. I think we've done that but we can always do better."
Hull record signing Jimmy Bullard is poised to make his long-awaited comeback in the match at his old club.
The #5million midfielder could play some part at Craven Cottage, almost nine months after suffering a serious knee injury on his Tigers debut.
Defender Anthony Gardner, who has been out since August with a knee problem, could also come into contention after playing 45 minutes in a reserves friendly this week.
Ian Ashbee (knee) is the only major long-term absentee, with Richard Garcia (knee) close to a return.
City return to the scene of their most important win of 2009 on Monday hoping to begin a crucial spell with a repeat result.
Phil Brown's men snatched a last-gasp 1-0 win at Craven Cottage in March thanks to an injury-time goal from Manucho, then on loan from Manchester United.
It was the Tigers' only win in their final 22 Barclays Premier League games of last season and proved vital in the final reckoning as they escaped relegation by a point.
Hull have won just twice in the Premier League since but, with the most recent of those coming against Wigan a fortnight ago, confidence has been restored heading into an important three-week spell.
The trip to Fulham is followed by games against Portsmouth, Burnley and Stoke, and points are seen as a necessity.
Assistant manager Brian Horton said: "The game last season was one where we got out of jail because they battered us.
"But we defended well and Manucho came up with a vital goal in the 93rd minute.
"It was probably the vital three points that kept us up last year but that has gone now.
"The next few games are against sides around us, they will all be targeting the same thing.
"It is a massive four or five games for us - but it is always an important time in the Premier League."
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