Fulham and US international star Clint Dempsey is confident Fulham can claim maximum points this week against Odense BK and Queens Park Rangers.
Fulham will fly to Denmark on Wednesday morning ahead of their UEFA Europa League Group match against Odense BK before returning to SW6 for a West London derby against QPR on Sunday afternoon| (KO 3pm).
Fulham’s hectic schedule comes after a tough encounter away to West Brom last weekend but Dempsey was pleased with his team’s performance that saw Fulham return to London with a share of the spoils.
“I think it probably was a fair result last weekend,” Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. “We were disappointed that we didn’t take more from the game but at the same time there were positives to be taken.
“The Hawthorns is a difficult place to visit and a ground where we haven’t taken too much over the years. In the first-half we were very strong and it was a shame that we didn’t make the most of the chances that we created.
“But in fairness, they [West Brom] had opportunities too, especially in the second half, and I’m sure they might feel like they should have taken something as well. So all in all a draw was fair, although in this game you always want to win – but I suppose it’s better to a gain a point rather than lose one.”
Fulham manager Martin Jol was forced to change his starting eleven last weekend when Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson fell ill before the game. Whilst Dempsey admits the late changes were far from ideal, he is more than confident that Fulham have the strength in depth to cope.
“We had a few players miss the West Brom game at the weekend through illness but as far as I know we’re all good now,” said Dempsey.
“It was difficult because we worked all week in the belief that we would line up in a certain way, but then when we lost a few at the last moment things suddenly changed. But it’s just something that you have to react to, and a reason to why we have a big squad.”
Dempsey and company will be hoping to gain some European momentum in Denmark on Thursday night and press on with a successful group stage campaign. However the Fulham midfielder is far from underestimating Odense BK, who are sure to serve up a stern test on home soil.
“We’re taking things in our stride as we have done in the past,” Dempsey explained. “Of course we want to advance from the Group Stage and three points will be the target on Thursday night.
“We want to go as far as we can in the competition and having drawn our opening group game we’re looking at putting things on track with a victory. It’s a good chance for us, and although we know that it will be a difficult game, we have shown that we are capable of getting the results we need and a win on Thursday would put us in a strong position.”
Fulham’s European match comes ahead of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash against QPR that will see the two teams compete for the first time since the 2000/01 season. Dempsey is desperate to secure a first win of the season this weekend and needs no introduction to the importance of a West London derby.
“I don’t think our points total or league standing reflect how we have played so far," said Dempsey. "We have played some very good football at times, but unfortunately we haven’t had much to show from it.
“So now it’s all about getting points and scoring more goals. We need to get some momentum going and as a result hopefully we can then start putting some wins together. We’ll be fine though, because there is a lot of quality in this squad.
“It would be a good time to put down that first win especially as this is a game that everyone is looking forward too, said the US star.
“Fans always want to do well in these derby games and with it being the first between the two clubs in a little while there’s even more interest as a result.
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter who that first win comes against as long as it happens at some point. QPR have started the season well and will be looking to come to Craven Cottage in the hope of adding to that. But we’re confident that we can get the result that we need.”
Fulham host QPR at the Cottage on Sunday (KO 3pm) in what will be the first competitive match between the two teams since the 2000/01 season. Tickets are now on General Sale.|