Glamour tie for Fulham provides sibling rivalry
John Arne looks set to face his younger brother Bjorn Helge in tonight's clash
Thursday, 22, Oct 2009 01:45
By Michael Younger.
Fulham face Italian giants Roma at Craven Cottage in a glamour tie which should be viewed as a benchmark for the Cottagers to judge their progress over recent years.
The west Londoners secured European football last season through their final Premier League placing and manager Roy Hodgson is looking for his side to prove they belong at this level, as they face their toughest test yet in the Europa League.
Fulham have taken four points from their opening two fixtures against CSKA Sofia and Basle and currently sit top of the group, although Roma will offer a greater test of Fulham's resolve as the Serie A outfit have tasted life in the Champions League on a regular basis over recent years.
Fulham will be without skipper Danny Murphy who has a knee injury and Kagisho Dikgacoi, who isn't eligible.
Toni Kallio, Simon Davies, Dickson Etuhu and Andrew Johnson will also miss out, while Hodgson has admitted he could rest players following the win over Hull on Monday and the trip to Manchester City coming up on Sunday.
"It is the league that counts and we make no apologies for resting players because that is our priority," the manager explained.
"At the same time we are trying our very best and so far have done well in both."
Roma also have injury concerns as captain and talisman Francesco Totti has not been included in their travelling squad because of an ongoing problem with his right knee.
Juan and Marco Motta are also ruled out with injuries, suggesting former Chelsea manager and current Roma boss Claudio Ranieri is likely to start with the same team that lost 2-1 to AC Milan at the San Siro at the weekend.
The game at the Cottage also promises to be extra special for Fulham midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise, if he's selected.
Tonight's clash will provide Riise with the perfect opportunity to finally earn the family bragging rights and put one over his older brother, former Liverpool winger John Arne Riise.
Bjorn said: "I have never played against him before but we have talked about it a lot.
"He called me as soon as he saw the draw for the group stage. He told me he is going to smash me and I am going to smash him!
"I am the little brother and have always lost against him in everything and that really irritates me.
"Whether it's PlayStation or even in the hotel room with Norway if we are bored, we roll up balls of paper and have competitions - throwing them into the wastepaper basket. He even beats me at that!"