Well the time has come for me to write another preview, may I start by saying that the previous two match previews I have done have resulted in a Rovers victory. Against, Norwich in 2004/2005 campaign and Middlesbrough last year, both at Ewood. I start as most of these previews do with an interview with a Fulham fan, this year I have chosen the American supporters branch of Fulham FC, to ask them questions not only on Fulham, but on the state of our beloved soccer in the United States. THE INTERVIEW Fulham in 2006/2007 1. What has been the highlight of the season so far? Back to back goals by McBride and Bocanegra in the final minutes of our match AT Newcastle. That was magic. And I was watching with a Newcastle fan, so I got to enjoy rubbing it in. 2. Lowest point of season so far? Jimmy Bullard's injury, also during Newcastle away. He scored two goals in the first 3 games, and when playing everyone could see he loved playing the game and playing at Fulham. The injury was like a dagger to the heart. Everyone is looking forward to his return. 3. Player of the season as of this moment? Tough one. Antti Niemi I guess. Not the greatest keeper, but the man has had to battle nearly every match and has kept us in some. Brown's attitude has been a good addition. 4. Chris "Cookie" Coleman? How good is he as a manager? His tactics are frustrated at times to the fans, but he's working around the injured players and getting some good results. He is a good manager, but there are times when we wonder why he's still there...but that's the same story with every manager in the game. 5. What are your thoughts of Blackburn ahead of the game? They give up quite a few penalties. If/when Blackburn give up a penalty we can only hope Friedel slips or something as he's done quite well with them. Keep track of Bentley at all times. McCarthy is due for another goal being that his last Premier League goal came against Liverpool 14 October...I just hope he can wait until you travel to Charlton. 6. Blackburn's best player? Friedel has been great for Blackburn on penalty saves alone (remember Sheff. Utd.?). Bentley has also been good. I can't resist asking, are Blackburn fans disappointed with Jason Roberts so far? 7. Match Prediction 2-2 Football/Soccer in the U.S. 8. Is it really the next big thing in America? I wish it would be, but very unlikely. It competes against too many sports here. American football, college football, baseball, basketball, college basketball, and hockey. It might over-take hockey, but I can't see over-taking anything else. Heck, golf gets more coverage than "footie." 9. Is the sport seen as an upper class activity? Again, no... it's seen as a suburban middle class sport. In 'Upper Middle Class' circles the 'in' sports to play are Rugby and LaCrosse 10. Is it considered a female sport by the majority of Americans? Not so much anymore. The men's teams definitely gets more coverage than the women's teams. I'm sure highschool American football players still tease the soccer players at being sissies and are playing a girly sport. But the appreciation of soccer is increasing in this country. 11. How did the fans react to the poor World Cup showing by the National team? Disappointment, but not shock for the knowledgable fan. This WC, amazingly, did a lot to elevate soccer interest in the US. The casual fan got to see how tough a sport it really is and could relate coaching decisions and player performances to those sports they follow most closely. Many who had never paid much attention got swept up in the drama and watched other teams... and seem to have 'got it'. - I have to say McBride's blooding, and the notorious 'head-butt' didnt hurt interest here.. even American Sports talking heads now compare 'dirty play' to that event. 12. Future American stars? I would have to say Benny Feilhaber (Hamburg), Jose Altidore, and David Arvizu (both at New York) intigue me the most. Adu is talented but I'm not sure he'll ever live up to the hype 13. Best current American footballer/soccer player? I would say Clint Dempsey. 14. If Fulham were an American sports team they would be......? The Cubbies undoubtedly (Chicago Cubs that is). The first time I saw match at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs play, you could just smell the history and genuineness. Haven't been to The Cottage yet, but all reports and impressions are the same. The term Fulhamish is equally applicable to the Cubs Thanks to all who posted. Be sure to check out the Fulham USA forum for more. THE TEAM Probable: Niemi Rosenior/Knight/Pearce/Queudrue Volz/Boa Morte/Jensen/Bocanegra McBride/Radzinski TOP FANTASY PERFORMER ANTTI NIEMI Outstanding Finland goalkeeper signed from Southampton in January 2006. Established himself as one of the most respected keepers in the Barclays Premiership during his time at St Mary's. Earlier made his name as one of Scottish football's top shot-stoppers with spells at Hearts and Rangers. Capable of breathtaking saves and performed heroics for Finland in a World Cup qualifier in 2001 - shutting out Germany to seal England's place in the finals. YOUNG GUN LIAM ROSENIOR Signed from Bristol City in November 2003, Rosenior is a promising talent who can play in a number of positions. Most suited to right-back, he has also played up front and his athleticism and intelligence provide a valuable addition to the squad. PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN PREMIERSHIP AT EWOOD Rovers 2-1 Fulham ~ August 20th 2005 MGP's Stunner vs. Fulham - August 2005 Tugay's Stunner vs Fulham - August 2005 Rovers 1-3 Fulham ~ May 7th 2005 Rovers 0-2 Fulham ~ September 28th 2003 Rovers 2-1 Fulham ~ November 30th 2002 Rovers 3-0 Fulham ~ May 11th 2002 PREDICTION I'll leave that up to you

I watched James Bond last night as well and must agree with what has been said a great film and a shot in the arm for the Bond franchise, It will be interesting to see where they go from here.

All I remember is Flowers being SUPERB and then shouting BOTTLE at the camera

Bond looks awesome. The Simpsons movie trailer can now be seen on Apple Trailers. Harry Potter 5 teaser is out on Friday as well for those who like that sort of thing!

Foster to be fair has been in good form for Watford. He'll be the England number 1 one day. As for Kieran Richardson and Shaun Wright Phillips, good to see that the inform players at a premiership level are being chosen ahead of the bigger clubs' reserve team!!!

I was a bit disappointed with PES 6 on the X Box 360. Game looks good, but lack of Editor/Replay Save option/PES Shop/More Stadia are evident throughout. Maybe my expectations were too high but I prefered FIFA

Only two things disappointed me today. The lack of respect from United fans for the minutes silence. And the idiot who threw the ball into the ground, then taunted Wayne Rooney in the second half. The guy was like 40 as well! Grow up and behave yourself!

Although this will never happen It would be Superb to see him in a Rovers shirt, even if just on a couple of months loan! Well done to Sparky though! If you don't ask, you dont get.

Borat was very funny. Saw it last night. Would reccomend it highly. As long as your not easily offended.

The guy is a great scorer of tap-ins! Can't argue with his record though

Glad I went. Great goal from Tugay and nice to get another European win! IT WAS BLOODY FREEZING THOUGH!!!!!!!!! Gloves next time me thinks

i got four today. only a few left so if people want them act now!

I rented FIFA 07 for the Xbox 360 last night from Blockbuster and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice playing in proper kits and proper stadiums including the New Wembley and Millennium Stadium. FIFA obviously know people think its too easy, so they've set difficult challenges for a the user to gain points which can be put towards the editor or new kits/balls and even highlights of the 2005/06 season from the top European leagues. I am yet to play PES 6 but from what I hear it has been a disappointment. FIFA 07 is by no means as polished as Madden 07 but its certainly the best FIFA game there has been for a while.

no editor thats shocking!!

I thought Rovers thoroughly deserved their result. Tugay was awesome. No complaints about any other players. All made me proud to be a Rovers fan today and two good performances at Ewood should put us through to the knockout stages.

What happens when the club badge changes?

Probably a Geography student like me!!! hehe The hours are ridiculous!

Great chance for Rovers to create a third kit. Why not get the fans to either put forward their own designs in any colour of their choice (but not Red, Blue or White). Or propose a selection of kits from which to choose from ala End of last season. It could be the people's kit!!! Haha. I was thinking about this before and maybe they will convert the training kit into a third kit. Knowing Rovers though we'll all be left dissappointed and they'll arrange it so Feyenoord and Blackburn both play in their away kits.

Follow, Follow, Follow Blackburn Rovers are going to Glasgow They'll be thousands of Blues We'll be making the News Blackburn Rovers are going to Glasgow. For the UEFA Cup run, hopefully culminating in a visit to Glasgow's Hampden Park. ***Credit to Bobster BRFC**** New Lyrics Follow, Follow, Follow Blackburn Rovers are going to Glasgow We will follow our team While were living the dream Blackburn Rovers are going to Glasgow.

Well done Bob great read

Its all about winning the home games, If we do, we should do enough to get into the next round.

Is Bentley suspended for the next game though for a booking in both legs?

Has anyone got the tape of Mike Newell's hat-trick against Rosenborg? Its still the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history, yet I can't really remember any of the goals, despite going to the game!! Any descriptions of the goals would also be much apprechiated. Still this win remains our only victory in European competition, hopefully this will change tonight though.

Great post Super Stella. Im coming over from Liverpool for tonights game. Lectures finish at 5 then straight over. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Good luck to those watching the game on Eurosport, because they certainly will be missing out on what could be an historic day for the club.

SHEARER, SHEARER, SHEARER. His record says it all. Overall Appearances 171. Overall Goals 130 League Appearances 138. League Goals 112 As Jack Walker began to pour millions into the football club and Rovers had been promoted to the Premier League, Kenny Dalglish went in search of a strike partner for Mike Newell. What he found was Alan Shearer a 22 year old striker with one England cap to his name. And the rest they say is history. Shearer instantly became a fans favourite not only at local level but at a national level. 16 goals in 21 games saw Rovers finish fourth in the Premiership in the 1992/93 campaign. If Shearer hadn't damaged his cruciate knee ligaments in December 92 who knows what could have happened. Rovers fans were anxious to see if Shearer would recover from such a major injury in the 1993/94 season. Alan once again shone 31 goals in 40 games including a memorable double against Manchester United at Ewood. Then came Shearer's career defining moment the Championship winning season. Shearer was phenomenal, scoring 34 goals, including memorable strikes against Queen's Park Rangers and Newcastle to clinch Rovers' first title in 81 years. Shearer also picked up the PFA Player of the Year award in 1995 (Still the only Rovers player ever to do so) The Season after Shearer managed a mere 31 goals in 35 games! However this was to be Big Al's last campaign as a Rover as the lure of playing for his boyhood idol (Kevin Keegan) and for his home town(Newcastle) became too great and he was subsequently sold for a then record £15 million. Shearer was the best player I have ever seen play at Ewood, and that includes players for other clubs. Shearer was a born finisher and leader on the pitch. Yet his game was not all about scoring goals, he chipped in with assists and was used regularly in defensive set pieces. Shearer easily makes it into the Greatest ever team, he would probably captain the side aswell!