An exciting new Barclays Premier League season under the guidance of Martin Jol begins with the highly anticipated visit of Aston Villa to the Cottage (KO 3pm).
ARRIVE EARLY AND YOUR TICKETS
2011/12 Members are reminded that the first ticket you ordered for this weekend’s game will be loaded on to your card and any additional tickets will be issued as paper tickets.
Please note the three cards (pictured on the right) represent the two types of Season Ticket Cards as well as the Membership Card for the 2011/12 season. Any other card designs are no longer valid.
Supporters are urged to arrive at least an hour early in order to ensure they enter the ground before kick-off.
YOUR CATERING VOUCHER
To get your matchday off to the best possible start we'd like to offer you a chance to buy a beer or wine and get a pie FREE, alternatively you can buy a soft drink and a pie for only £3. Download your voucher.|
OUR OPPOSITION
Last season’s final position of ninth marked a fourth consecutive top half finish, but was regarded as a disappointment in contrast to the three previous seasons when sixth was achieved.
The 2010/11 campaign was disrupted early on when long-serving manager Martin O’Neill resigned just days before the opening game. Gerard Houllier was eventually appointed as his full-time replacement, but over the summer the Frenchman decided he was unable to continue and the club controversially appointed Alex McLeish who had earlier resigned as Birmingham City boss.
Villa have been amongst the most active clubs in the summer transfer market, albeit with more notable departures than arrivals. Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was signed from Manchester City to replace Brad Friedel who joined Tottenham, and Villa also paid a reported £9.5million for wide player Charles N ’Zogbia from Wigan.
Two big name sales from the Birmingham club were England internationals Ashley Young and Stewart Downing who joined Manchester United and Liverpool respectively. Meanwhile, Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton) and Norwegian striker John Carew also made their exits.
Villa started their pre season with victory at Walsall before travelling to the Far East to participate in the bi-annual Barclays Asia Trophy where they reached the final before losing 2-0 to Chelsea. Villa’s last major trophy was the 1996 League Cup, although they have subsequently reached both the FA and League Cup Final, the latter in 2010 when they lost to Manchester United.
YOUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
|For all the opinion and insight surrounding the big kick-off, be sure to pick up the critically acclaimed official matchday programme.
As well as being the ultimate traditional matchday souvenir, the official Fulham publication tells you everything you need to know about the big game, including detailed analysis of our opponents, interviews with your favourite Fulham stars, including goalkeeping legend Tony Macedo, plus in-depth news and views from behind-the-scenes at the Club.
Buying a programme will also automatically enter you into the Lucky Programme Number prize draw to win the new Fulham home shirt signed by the First Team squad!
The Riverside Bar
Looking for a place to watch the late Barclays Premier League match taking place between Newcastle and Arsenal? Well look no further than the new Riverside Bar between the Hammersmith and Riverside stands and will be staying open until 7pm. The newly refurbished outdoor bar will broadcasting Newcastle v Arsenal live and will be serving throughout
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RETAIL SPECIALS
Make any instore retail purchase prior to the match on Saturday and receive a FREE matchday collectible but only while stocks last.
What's more, the first of a series of collectible programme t-shirts are on sale now but you'll need to get one early as quantities are limited and once they're gone, they're gone!
This first t-shirt is the front of the Fulham v Benfica programme from 29th February 1972 which also marked the official opening of the Riverside Stand. Buy yours today.|