Fulham

Europe: UEFA Europa League (Round of 16)

Roy Hodgson has nothing but praise for the way his Fulham side have adapted to the demands of European combat this season. Although the Cottagers were beaten at Manchester United on Sunday, they remain in the top half of the table, comfortably clear of any relegation worries. They also have an FA Cup sixth round replay with Tottenham to come. It is precisely the kind of fixture congestion Hodgson feared 12 months ago, when his side were moving into contention for European qualification. Hodgson worried about the problems all summer. And while he never felt entirely comfortable, he is delighted at the way his team have performed. "We have coped with this season better than anyone could have expected us to do, especially given the amount of players we have lost to injury," said the Fulham boss. "We have done remarkably well to keep going as we have done. It is going to be very important for us to get through this period but once we get past Tottenham, things will start to settle down to a somewhat more normal programme."