Follow every kick as Fulham take on Hamburg at Craven Cottage in the Europa League
on 29-Apr-2010, kick off time 20:05
Fulham v Hamburg LIVE
Fulham will give striker Bobby Zamora a late fitness test on his Achilles problem ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg at Craven Cottage.
The 29-year-old sustained the injury in last week's first leg in Germany, which ended goalless.
Right-back Chris Baird is suspended, so John Pantsil, fit again following a knee problem, is set to come into the side.
Manager Roy Hodgson reported no fresh injury problems, having rested some nine players for the Barclays Premier League trip to Everton.
Stefano Okaka and Nicky Shorey are both ineligible.
Hamburg's preparations have been disrupted by the decision to axe manager Bruno Labbadia after less than 10 months at the helm with his side languishing in seventh in the Bundesliga table.
Ricardo Moniz, who had a spell working at Tottenham as part of Martin Jol's coaching team, has stepped in to take charge until the end of the season.
With the Germans having set their sights on a place in the Europa League final at their home ground next month, and with the likes of former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in the team, Hodgson does not expect the change in head coach will have a major impact.
"When you reach a game of this level, with the experience and quality of the Hamburg players, they will be capable of producing a very good performance, whomever the manager may be," said the Fulham boss.
"They have played many, many games together, the assistant has stepped in, so there will not be any vast change of philosophy.
"I am expecting the same type of Hamburg we faced a week ago."
Fulham's European adventure has taken them from a third qualifying-round tie back in July against FK Vetra of Lithuania, through the group stages against Roma to superb performances which knocked out favourites Shakhtar Donetsk and then Italian giants Juventus.
Hodgson has also managed to keep Fulham on track in the Premier League, currently safe in 12th place - a remarkable achievement given the relative resources of the Craven Cottage club.
"Maintaining our momentum in the Premier League was our main concern about playing in this competition, now we are up to something like 58 games already," he said.
"For a club like ours, in terms of squad size, there was concern we would not be able to compete on both fronts.
"I am really delighted we have been able to prove people wrong and in the bargain have beaten some very good teams along the way to this semi-final."
Hodgson added: "It is an outstanding achievement, and I take a lot of pride in that.
"But we are all determined not to fail at this stage and to take the ultimate step to the final, rather than go out as gallant losers."
Moniz is hoping for a welcome return to Craven Cottage, having been in the dugout when Spurs recorded a 4-0 FA Cup win during February 2007.
`I spoke about it when we drove here, I lived in another part of London, but it is familiar," said the Dutchman.
"We played here a few times and the last game we played here was a positive result for Spurs, so it's a nice feeling for me."
Having spent most of his career working as a specialist skills coach, tomorrow night will represent a first match in sole managerial control for the former Holland international, with the tie delicately poised following a goalless first leg in Germany.
"There is no fear," Moniz said. "I am only happy and just look where I can help - I have to be objective, I have to be neutral.
"It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that.
"The players know me and I'm looking forward to it."
Moniz added: "The coach was sacked, it was a tragedy, but you can only be who you are.
"It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us.
"My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength."
Source: DSG
