News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Tuesday Fulham Stuff (07/03/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, March 07, 2017, 07:57:21 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's victory over Preston was professional - now they have to kick on ahead of Leeds tie
Slavisa Jokanovic's side put on a professional display against Preston, and now they must use that to overcome a tough Leeds side


Use the momentum: Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side are preparing to face Leeds (Photo: Ker Robertson/GettyImages)

Fulham's game with Preston had the potential to be an unwanted banana skin on the road to the play-off places, and sides of old may have slipped and continued to slide all the way to May 7.

But not the class of 2016/17.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side put in an extremely professional performance that has been missing from Craven Cottage in recent years, dominating the game apart from a five minute spell after Preston had scored and securing all three points.

Those three points were vital in keeping the Cottagers hopes alive, especially after Sheffield Wednesday trounced Norwich 5-1 at Hillsborough - a place Fulham must conquer on the last day of the season.

But that's still to come, and at the moment all thoughts go to the visit of Leeds on Tuesday night in what is yet another cup final for Jokanovic's side.

The Yorkshire team sit in fourth place in the Championship, eight points off Fulham, having won five games more than the west Londoners.

It's a massive game, the players know it, the manager knows it and the fans know and Fulham must now push on from their victory over Preston and use it as a catapult to launch themselves into this game.

There's no need to fear Leeds - Fulham have the players capable of beating Monk's side, but they must be on the top of their game from the first to the final whistle.

They have the perfect springboard going into the game after Saturday's match, the performance against Preston was a joy to watch and they did everything that needed to be done. and they did it well.

Of course, the goal they conceded was a black mark on an otherwise clean performance, but nonetheless they would've been happy to take that result at the start of the day.

Winning breeds confidence, and beating a team that were only a point off them at the start of the weekend so comfortably will have given the entire side a confidence boost, something they must use against Leeds.

Chris Wood is a threat for the away side, but they will come to Craven Cottage with the aim of getting out without being beaten, and Fulham need to use that to their advantage and try to dominate the game.

Like they did against Preston, the utilisation of whoever plays at fullback will be key, as will whoever Jokanovic chooses to play up front - in my opinion, this game is calling out for Chris Martin to play up front and worry the Leeds defence.

It isn't the end of the world if Fulham lose, they still have that game in hand, but it will be a big blow, both to the confidence of the side and the run of form they currently find themselves on.

So long as the team get a result, they can continue their forward momentum and push Sheffield Wednesday right to the end.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-victory-over-preston-professional-12697314

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Leeds United
TUE, 07 Mar 2017Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage



Fulham have scored 34 goals in their 17 home games in the Championship this season, a tally only bettered by Newcastle, Brighton and Norwich

BBC coverage
How to follow:
    BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website




Fulham remain without Lucas Piazon (broken jaw) and fellow forward Floyd Ayite for the visit of Leeds United, which could prove to be a crucial match for their play-off hopes.

The Londoners are five points off the top six, with a game in hand on sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday, and eight points behind the fourth-placed Whites.

Leeds United have no new injury or suspension concerns.

Full-back Charlie Taylor and midfielder Ronaldo Vieira could both feature.

Match facts
    The last three league meetings between Fulham and Leeds have ended 1-1, with Fulham's Tom Cairney and United's Chris Wood netting two of their team's three goals in this run.
    Leeds have won just one of their five Championship meetings with Fulham since the start of the 2014-15 campaign (D3 L1) - only against Brighton have they played a team as often while picking up fewer wins in this period (P5 W0).
    Tom Cairney has created more goalscoring chances than any other player in the Championship so far this season (90).
    Chris Wood has scored 11 goals in his last 11 Championship appearances for Leeds. He has found the net in 22 different competitive matches this season for the Whites.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39111570

WhiteJC

 
Fulham are well-placed to reach the Championship play-offs, insists Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic says the west Londoners have put themselves in a good position to make the Championship play-offs after winning four of their past five games.

Fulham beat Preston North End 3-1 on Saturday - thanks to goals from Sone Aluko, Neeskens Kebano and Chris Martin - and are five points outside the top six with a game in hand.

The Cottagers face fourth-placed Leeds at Craven Cottage tomorrow night and Jokanovic said: "In general where we are now, we can be relatively satisfied.

"We are around the top six and we now want to close the gap to the top six.

"This is our target and we are still in position to be fighting to play after the first week in May.

"We have taken 13 points from the last five games and my team play with confidence."

Meanwhile, Garry Monk's men are on a similarly impressive run, having won three of their last four games, to ignite hopes that they can secure a return to the top-flight.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-are-wellplaced-to-reach-the-championship-playoffs-insists-slavisa-jokanovic-a3482886.html


WhiteJC

 
Boost for Leeds United starlets ahead of Fulham clash

Leeds United manager Garry Monk has said that winger Ronaldo Vieira and full-back Charlie Taylor will be in contention to feature in the match against Fulham.

18-year-old Vieira failed to make the 18-man squad for the weekend's win against Birmingham City despite being match-fit.

Likewise, Taylor was declared injury-free following an Achilles injury that sidelined him for nearly two months,but he also failed to make the bench.

However, Monk has defended the omission of the two players, and has reassured supporters that they will be considered for selection when Leeds travel to Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the former Swansea boss said: "They are all available [for selection].

"Ronny was available [for the Birmingham game]but I have to manage the group how I want to manage them and with young lads you have to sometimes pull them back to put them back in, and Ronny was one of them.

"He could have played and travelled but it's for me to manage all of those situations, and manage the group right and what I feel is best for them, and make sure that everyone is ready for the games that come."

Leeds have enjoyed a fantastic season so far; they currently sit in fourth position in the Championship table and look on course to secure their first top-six finish since their promotion from League One seven years ago.

Two weeks ago they gained huge ground in the race for the playoffs with a crucial 1-0 win against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, and followed it up with another three points against Birmingham on Friday evening.


http://the72.co.uk/76617/boost-leeds-united-starlets-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Leeds United: Clotet: We'll be ready for 'full-on' Fulham display

Leeds United assistant boss Pep Clotet is ready for a "full-on" performance from Fulham tonight – but believes the Championship table is putting the pressure on Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Clotet said he expected a crucial meeting at Craven Cottage to live up to its billing with Leeds looking to defend and increase their eight-point advantage over seventh-placed Fulham.

Fulham are leading the battle to break into the Championship's play-off places and the London club have the advantage of a game in hand over Leeds but Clotet said Fulham's dip beneath the top six had put them in a position where "every point really counts".

United would strike a significant blow by winning at Craven Cottage and Clotet, who will resume his usual duties this evening after taking charge of the dug-out while head coach Garry Monk served a one-game touchline ban at Birmingham City on Friday, ruled out any possibility of Leeds looking for a draw.

"We're prepared to fight for every game and we take every game as very important," Clotet said. "We're preparing to win.

"After the game you look at the balance. Maybe a point will be a fair result or maybe you had a better game, or a worse game. You judge the result after. But before it you always have to look to get a win.

"For them the situation is a bit different than for us. Every point really counts for them and we understand they'll go full-on because the closer they can get (to the top six) and the better results they have against the teams who are there, the more chance they have to go to the play-offs."

Clotet said United's playing staff had identified "a few weak points" in Fulham's line-up but he warned that Leeds would be coming up against a confident side who have won six of their last eight home matches.

"They're a team who are clear how they play," Clotet said. "They're very good at building from the back and they're very good at keeping a high level of possession and using that possession to create chances.

"They have a few weak points but they're a strong side, especially at home because they have the confidence to play their football. It's not easy to battle."

Leeds, however, climbed to fourth in the table with a 3-1 win at Birmingham and Clotet said: "We all agree we had a very good result on Friday.

"Obviously it gives you a boost going to Fulham but we know it's going to be a very hard game. We have a very hard game in front of us."

Meanwhile, Leeds United have signed young Limerick defender Paudie O'Connor on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The 19-year-old centre-back is linking up with United's Under-23 squad after Leeds completed a deal to bring him to England from the League of Ireland side.

O'Connor made his debut for Limerick in 2015, a campaign in which the club were relegated, and was part of the team who won the first division title and promotion back to the Premier Division last year.


http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-v-leeds-united-clotet-we-ll-be-ready-for-full-on-fulham-display-1-8424712

WhiteJC

 
Fulham maestro Tom Cairney reckons March will be the defining month in their season
Fulham have five fixtures in the month - with four of those at home - and Cairney reckons this month will define their season

Tom Cairney believes that March will be the defining month of Fulham's season as they face four home games in their next five matches.

The first of those come tonight when Slavisa Jokanovic's side welcome Leeds United to Craven Cottage as fourth meets seventh in the Championship.

Fulham then face Newcastle at St James' Park before games against Blackburn and Wolves at home complete their month.

The west London outfit will have a clearer picture as to whether or not they have a chance at making the play-offs once the month is over, but Cairney doesn't think the task facing his team mates and himself is daunting at all.

He said: "This month is defining - I think it will make or break our season we have four home games and I think we have to win at least three.

"We have another cup final here on Tuesday and we have to chase the pack down and I think if we keep playing like that (against Preston) we won't be far off.

"I think Leeds are going to bring about 40,000 fans down probably, it's one of those games you want to play and want to be involved in so I'm looking forward to it.

"It's not daunting because we have a game in hand, we have to win that game but it isn't daunting and five points in this league is nothing."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-maestro-tom-cairney-reckons-12700084


WhiteJC

 
Three reasons Leeds will secure vital win vs. Fulham

Championship high-flyers Leeds United will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce when they face fellow in-form side Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

Garry Monk's men closed the gap on the automatic promotion places to seven points with an impressive 3-1 success on the road against Birmingham City on Saturday, and with eleven games of the season remaining, they will be going all out to try and seal a spot in the top two by the end of the campaign.

It won't be an easy task to take all three points in the capital, though, with Slavisa Jokanovic's outfit in seventh position – just five points from the play-offs and eight behind their next opponents – after taking 13 points from the last 15 available in England's second tier.

The latest of those results was a 3-1 win against Preston North End at the weekend, where Neeskens Kebano was particularly impressive, picking up a goal and an assist.

Here are THREE reasons Leeds will take all three points and end Fulham's unbeaten run in midweek...

They can smell blood
Despite the huge size of the club, Leeds United's failures in previous seasons means there is little pressure on them at the current time when it comes to winning promotion back to the Premier League.
In fact, with a play-off position looking secure at the current time, Garry Monk's men will be looking up rather than over their shoulders, and they will have been delighted with what they have seen from the likes of Brighton and Huddersfield in recent weeks.
The Seagulls have lost their last two while Huddersfield have taken just a point from theirs, and the Whites will be even more determined to take advantage of those slips in their next couple of fixtures.

They've got Chris Wood
While Dwight Gayle has been in brilliant form for the Championship leaders Newcastle United, there is one man that is ahead of him in the goalscoring charts this season – step forward, Chris Wood.
The New Zealand international has been in outstanding form for Leeds this term, and he comes into the fixture at Craven Cottage flowing with confidence.
Wood netted a double in the success against former club Birmingham on Saturday, which added to the winner he scored against Ipswich Town at Elland Road the previous weekend, to take his tally to 22 league goals for the campaign.

Cementing a top six spot
As we mentioned previously, Fulham are the team just outside of the play-off positions, and Garry Monk will be well aware that this is a big chance to increase their push for a top-six spot.
With the outfit from the capital unable to be caught by any of the sides below them whatever the results on Tuesday night, Leeds have the chance to create an eleven-point gap with victory at Craven Cottage – it is a result that would take them a step closer to sealing a place in the end-of-season lottery.


http://www.footballfancast.com/image-gallery/three-reasons-leeds-united-will-end-fulhams-unbeaten-run-on-tuesday

WhiteJC

 
Leeds United receive huge injury boost ahead of Fulham clash

Championship side Leeds United have received a boost on the injury front as midfielder Ronaldo Vieira is set to return for the league fixture against Fulham on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old star missed Leeds' 3-1 win over Birmingham City with a suspected injury.

According to Yorkshire Post, manager Gary Monk will have the talented youngster at his disposal for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Vieira, who came through Leeds' youth academy, has been a key member of Monk's squad this season. He joined Leeds' youth academy from Portuguese giants Benfica in 2015.

He has formed a key midfielder partnership with Liam Bridcutt and has made 26 league appearances for the Whites this season.

The Yorkshire side are currently placed fourth in the table, and three points against the Cottagers could see them move into the third spot. Meanwhile, the Cottagers are in the pursuit of a playoff spot themselves and will aim for nothing less than three points.


http://futnsoccer.com/2017/03/06/leeds-united-receive-huge-injury-boost-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

 
These 2 Fulham players will cause Leeds United serious problems on Tuesday night

Due to phenomenal recent form, Fulham have edged themselves closer and closer to the top six and at this stage of the season, it is still all to play for.

The Cottagers currently occupy a position just outside of the play-offs and they are now within five points of sixth place Sheffield Wednesday with a game in hand.

With 13 points taken from a possible 15, Fulham are a side that nobody would want to face in current form but their next opposition aren't in a bad vein a form either.

Each and every result from now until the end of the season could be huge in the push for promotion so Craven Cottage could be in for a very open affair on Tuesday night, as both sides look for the three points.

Over the next few pages, FLW writer Tom Rawcliffe will identify TWO Fulham players who could cause Leeds United big problems come Tuesday night....

Sone Aluko


Fulham made a big statement at the beginning of the season as they brought in Sone Aluko from Premier League side Hull City.

The decision to sign the versatile attacker certainly hasn't backfired as his influence on the side is never ending.

His five goals and eight assists this season have had a sizeable effect on the side and wherever he plays on Tuesday night, his pace and trickery is sure to cause the Leeds backline problems.

Ryan Fredericks


Whilst the obvious threats such as Tom Cairney need to be watched, there are other players who have gone under the radar this season and that includes Ryan Fredericks.

The full-back has shown his qualities this season both in an attacking sense and also defensively.

The 24-year-old is certainly not scared of venturing forward and he showed this on Saturday's game as he claimed an impressive assist against Preston North End.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/these-2-fulham-players-will-cause-leeds-united-serious-problems-on-tuesday-night/


WhiteJC

 
Pressure is all on the Cottagers says United assistant Clotet as play-off rivals go head to head

LEEDS UNITED assistant manager Pep Clotet insists the pressure is on Fulham tonight ahead of a potentially pivotal clash in the race for the play-offs.

The Elland Road club has spent the past four months in the top six and look well set to extend their season beyond the final day of the regular season on May 7.

Eight points separate United in fourth place from the chasing pack but with Slavisa Jokanovic's side looking the only side capable of making a concerted push to dislodge any of the clubs occupying a play-off place then tonight's clash at Craven Cottage could have big ramifications.

"We are prepared to fight for every game and we take every game as very important," said Clotet, who will resume normal duties after standing in for the suspended Garry Monk on the touchline during Friday night's win at Birmingham City.

"After the game you look at the balance. Maybe a point will be a fair result or maybe you had a better game, or a worse game. You judge the result after. But before it you always have to look to get a win. We are preparing to win.

"For them, the situation is a bit different than for us. Every point really counts for them and we understand they will go full-on because the closer they can get (to the top six) and the better results they have against the teams who are there, the more chance they have to go to the play-offs."

With Norwich City and Derby County having dropped precious points in recent weeks, the Cottagers have emerged as the major threat to a top six that contains three Yorkshire clubs.

The Cottages have scored more goals than all bar leaders Newcastle United of the sides above them in the table, and their goal difference is superior to those of Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Reading.

Fulham have momentum, though this is something Monk's United also boast after beating Sheffield Wednesday and Birmigham City in back-to-back games in front of the live Sky cameras.

"Fulham are a team who are clear how they play," Clotet said.

"They're very good at building from the back and they're very good at keeping a high level of possession and using that possession to create chances.

"They have a few weak points but they are a strong side, especially at home because they have the confidence to play their football.

"It is not easy to battle."

Charlie Taylor and Ronaldo Vieira both return to the squad after failing to make the 18 on duty at St Andrews on Friday night despite Monk admitting both were available.

Neither is likely to make the starting XI, however, for a visit to a ground where the hosts have won six of their last eight league outings and also humbled Premier League Hull City in the FA Cup

Clotet added: "We all agree we had a very good result on Friday. Obviously, it gives you a boost going to Fulham but we know it is going to be a very hard game. We have a very hard game in front of us."

Last six games: Fulham WWLWDW, Leeds United LLWDWW. Referee: L Probert (Wiltshire).

Last time: Fulham 1 Leeds United 1; October 21, 2015; Championship.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/pressure-is-all-on-the-cottagers-says-united-assistant-clotet-as-play-off-rivals-go-head-to-head-1-8424794

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Leeds United: We must be on the front foot at Fulham, insists Bridcutt

Tonight is a rare occasion when Leeds United could be tempted to take a point before kick-off. It is not the way under Garry Monk – no squad in the Championship has drawn fewer games than his – but the first priority at Craven Cottage will be to stop Fulham gaining ground.

Fulham have much to cover if they are to finish above Leeds but the results over the weekend left the West London club, in seventh place, as the only conceivable challengers to the clubs lodged in the Championship's top six.


Liam Bridcutt.

They are five points behind Sheffield Wednesday, seven behind Reading and eight behind Leeds with a game in hand over all of them. "My team are definitely playing with confidence," said Fulham's manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, after a 3-1 win over Preston North End on Saturday.

The same can be said of Monk's side and the concept of playing for a draw at Craven Cottage is at odds with the way Leeds think.

The threat tonight is that Fulham move to within five points of United but Monk's captain, Liam Bridcutt, is more interested in killing off the challenge completely.

"We go into every game wanting to win and knowing we can win," Bridcutt said. "Tuesday's going to be no different. We're going there to be on the front foot, looking to win the game."

Leeds and Fulham shared a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in mid-August, conjuring strange levels of emotion for a game so early in the calendar.

Fulham's display was, in Monk's eyes, as fluent and as easy to appreciate as that delivered by any team against Leeds this season and Jokanovic was aggrieved to see his team concede an overhead kick from Chris Wood in the third minute of injury time.

Wood needed that goal badly and reacted to it by cupping his ear to the Elland Road crowd, a pointed gesture to the sections of it who had targeted him for criticism a few days earlier.

Wood has not looked back from that finish and his brace at Birmingham City on Friday night took him to 25 for the season, the highest tally in England's top four divisions. He is on course to become only the fifth player in United's history – after Jermaine Beckford, John Charles, Peter Lorimer and Tom Jennings – to score 30 in one season.

Bridcutt completed a permanent transfer to Leeds from Sunderland on the day of Fulham's draw in Yorkshire, the end of a protracted transfer saga. "I remember watching them from the crowd," he said. "I said then that they were easily one of the best teams in the Championship in terms of the performance that they put in on that day.

"But in the Championship you're never set and it doesn't matter how good a team you've got or how good your performances are. It's about picking up results. That's how you're going to end up at the top.

"We know they're a good side and we're not deluded. We know it's going to be difficult. Every game from now until the end of the season is going to be massive."

Fulham have a striker in Chris Martin who, despite his brash refusal to play in December with Derby County keen to recall him from a season-long loan, has taken his goals into double figures but the centre of midfield is where Jokanovic's team tick and where Leeds were outplayed in August.

Tom Cairney, a former Leeds academy player, has seven league goals and nine assists. Stefan Johansen, a Norwegian who signed from Celtic, boasts similar statistics. Kevin McDonald occupies a holding role, allowing Fulham to exploit their pace out wide.

Monk's midfield made hard work of a wet night at Birmingham on Friday and it took the second-half introduction of Kalvin Phillips, a replacement for Eunan O'Kane, to turn the tide. Monk opted to rest Ronaldo Vieira, omitting him from his squad completely, but the 18-year-old's mobility and energy might suit tonight's game. Monk also has a decision to make on Pablo Hernandez, whose influence in matches away from home has been limited.

Leeds, nonetheless, are effective at turning the screw on clubs around them.

Their win over Sheffield Wednesday in an early kick-off 10 days ago put pressure on the teams in or close to the top six.

Their 3-1 victory at Birmingham, 24 hours before Fulham hosted Preston, did likewise. A similar result at Craven Cottage would put them all but beyond Fulham's reach, 11 points to the good with 10 games to play. "We're making it difficult for people," Bridcutt said.

"Last week (against Sheffield Wednesday) we were the early kick-off and everyone was hoping we were going to slip up. We didn't. We showed a great attitude.

"Again (at Birmingham), playing earlier on the Friday, we made it tougher for everyone else.

"We weren't at our best but to score three goals and win the game says a lot for the team and a lot about what the manager's done since he came in. The boys want to go and progress.

"Teams are showing us respect now and making it difficult for us.

"Everyone wants to beat Leeds United because they know about the history of the club but it makes even harder when you're at the top of the table. There's a bit more determination from other teams to beat us."



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-v-leeds-united-we-must-be-on-the-front-foot-at-fulham-insists-bridcutt-1-8424727

WhiteJC

 
LUFC Leeds A Big Price To Win At Fulham

Fulham and Leeds United meet this evening in an important SkyBet Championship clash.

Both clubs are vying for promotion with Leeds currently fourth and Fulham seventh in the Championship table.

Fulham are in great form, they have won their last five games at home, and they know a win would move them to within five points of Leeds with a game in hand.

Leeds have picked up ten points from a possible twelve in their last four games and they know a win would move them a step closer to guaranteeing a top six finish.

SkyBet make Fulham 4/5 favourites, Leeds are 15/5 and it is 11/4 on the draw.

Striker Chris Martin scored his 12th goal of the season for Fulham in their 3-1 win over Preston North End at the weekend. The on loan Derby striker will be looking to add to his tally against Leeds and the Scottish international is 7/2 to score the first goal.

Leeds striker Chris Wood continued his fantastic form this season in front of goal, with two goals in the 3-1 win at Birmingham City last time out.

Wood has now scored 25 goals this season and he is 9/2 to score the first goal of the game.

For a full list of odds go to SkyBet

*Odds subject to fluctuation and correct at the time of print.

Please gamble responsibly.



Read more: http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=483128#ixzz4adBv7tSp


WhiteJC

 
March 'will make or break Fulham's season,' says Cairney
by Dan on March 7, 2017


Tom Cairney says March will define Fulham's season, but the in-form midfielder isn't daunted by the task ahead of his side as they try to break into the Championship's top six.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have two crucial games against two of the promotion favourites in the space of four days – Fulham face Leeds United at Craven Cottage tonight and then travel to St. James' Park to take on Newcastle United at the weekend. The Whites have four home fixtures during March and the Fulham captain told GetWestLondon that he is targeting three wins:

    This month is defining – I think it will make or break our season we have four home games and I think we have to win at least three. We have another cup final here on Tuesday and we have to chase the pack down and I think if we keep playing like that (against Preston) we won't be far off.

Cairney, who was released by Leeds as a teenager because he was 'too small,' is looking forward to tonight's test against Gary Monk's impressive outfit.

    I think Leeds are going to bring about 40,000 fans down probably, it's one of those games you want to play and want to be involved in so I'm looking forward to it. It's not daunting because we have a game in hand, we have to win that game but it isn't daunting and five points in this league is nothing.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/03/march-will-make-or-break-fulhams-season-says-cairney/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Leeds United - All you need to know about Tuesday's Craven Cottage clash


LEEDS UNITED head down to London on Tuesday night attempting to strengthen their place in the Championship play-offs.

Fulham are one of the sides hovering outside the top six looking for one or more of the sides above them to slip up. Here, we give you our usual pre-match guide on all you need to know before kick-off.

Key Battle: Stefan Johansen v Liam Bridcutt

Johansen is part of a highly-effective Fulham midfield and his stats speak for themselves: nine goals throughout the campaign, including a streak of four in as many games in December, and a tally of assists which is bettered only by Tom Cairney. Leeds cannot afford to give Fulham as much of the ball as they gave Birmingham on Friday and this particular battle will be crucial.

Key Man: Tom Cairney

Famously declared too small by Leeds and allowed to leave their academy as a teenager but he is proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Championship this season. Seven goals and nine assists is exactly what you look for from a player in his position and Leeds saw in August how deadly a finisher Cairney can be.

The last time ... at Craven Cottage
When? Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Score? Fulham 1 Leeds United 1

Who scored? Fulham - Dembele 23. Leeds - Wood 64 pen.


http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-v-leeds-united-all-you-need-to-know-about-tuesday-s-craven-cottage-clash-1-8424869

WhiteJC

 
Fulham star looks ahead at "defining" period as the play-off race hots up

According to Get West London, Tom Cairney believes that March is a "defining" month which will make or break Fulham's season.

The Cottagers enter the final part of the season in seventh place and they are hot on the trail of Sheffield Wednesday – five points behind but with a game in hand which could take them to within two.

Fulham star Cairney said:

"This month is defining – I think it will make or break our season we have four home games and I think we have to win at least three.

"We have another cup final here on Tuesday and we have to chase the pack down and I think if we keep playing like that (against Preston) we won't be far off.

I think Leeds are going to bring about 40,000 fans down probably, it's one of those games you want to play and want to be involved in so I'm looking forward to it.

"It's not daunting because we have a game in hand, we have to win that game but it isn't daunting and five points in this league is nothing."


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-star-looks-ahead-at-defining-period-as-the-play-off-race-hots-up/


WhiteJC

 
Television pundit makes big prediction ahead of significant clash between Leeds and Fulham

Writing in his prediction column for Sky Sports, David Prutton believes Leeds United will continue their recent winning streak, and record their third consecutive victory this evening against Fulham.

Prutton is predicting Garry Monk's side to win 2-1 at Craven Cottage tonight, and strengthen their grip on a Play-Off place.

Leeds have recorded back-to-back victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City to move fourth in the Sky Bet Championship, but face a tough test against Slavisa Jokanovic's Play-Off chasing Fulham, who sit seventh in the table.

Chris Wood has three goals in his last two appearances, taking his tally for the season to 25, and Prutton believes he could again be the difference tonight, he wrote: "Leeds can win games in an un-sexy fashion, like they did at Birmingham. It won't be easy against one of the best footballing teams in the division, but Chris Wood could just make the difference."

Victory for Monk's side will see them open up an 11-point gap to Fulham, with many, including Prutton, believing that will be enough to secure a place in the top-six.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/television-pundit-makes-big-prediction-ahead-of-significant-clash-between-leeds-and-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Why Kemar Roofe should start ahead of Leeds teammate Pablo Hernandez against Fulham

Leeds United and Fulham go head-to-head this week in a vital league clash.

The footballing enigma that is Pablo Hernandez was in full view on Friday evening, as the Leeds United play-maker hardly had a meaningful kick before a moment of magic set up a late goal that sealed a 3-1 victory.

The problem is, for all his ability Hernandez is not cut out for tough away days in the Championship where he is not granted the time and space to dictate the game and, while some Leeds fans will disagree, he should be dropped for the upcoming clash with Fulham.

Given the Cottagers' resurgence and their position just outside the play-off places, Tuesday's match is one of the biggest and most important of Leeds' season, meaning manager Garry Monk needs to get his team selection spot on.

While Hernandez has it in him to pluck a moment of magic out of nothing, his overall performance against Birmingham means he should be dropped in favour of Kemar Roofe.

The summer signing has had to make do with a bit-part role in recent weeks but he should operate as a secondary striker behind Chris Wood, causing problems for Fulham's defence with his movement and ability to hit on the counter-attack.

If the game is close with time running out, bringing Hernandez off the bench to prise open a tiring back-line could then be Monk's best bet. But Roofe deserves to start in a match that is simply not made for his Leeds teammate.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/03/06/why-kemar-roofe-should-start-ahead-of-leeds-teammate-pablo-herna/

WhiteJC

 
Leeds United player lays down the aim for tonight's clash with Fulham

Leeds United captain Liam Bridcutt insists his side will be looking for nothing less than a victory tonight against Fulham, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Garry Monk's side face a test of their promotion credentials tonight, when they travel to Craven Cottage, to face a Fulham side who are pushing to break into the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs.

The Whites are currently fourth in the Championship table, eight-points ahead of Slavisa Jokanovic's side, heading into this evening's game.

Tonight is an occasion where many Leeds fans believe a draw would be a good result, keeping a Play-Off rival a comfortable distance away from them.

However, Bridcutt insists Leeds will be looking for nothing less than three-points, he told the YEP: "We go into every game wanting to win and knowing we can win.

"Tuesday's going to be no different. We're going there to be on the front foot, looking to win the game."

Fulham are in fine form, and are undefeated in their last five league fixtures, winning four of those, including a 3-1 victory over Preston North End last weekend.

Monk's side drew 1-1 with Fulham at the start of the season, where Bridcutt watched from the stand and was impressed with Jokanovic's side, he continued: "I remember watching them from the crowd.

"I said then that they were easily one of the best teams in the Championship in terms of the performance that they put in on that day."

Leeds themselves will be full of confidence following back-to-back victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City, and looking to close the seven-point gap to the automatic promotion places.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-player-lays-down-the-aim-for-tonights-clash-with-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Key duo set to miss out for Leeds at Fulham

According to a source, Luke Ayling and Chris Wood are both set to miss the game against Fulham. Luke Ayling's partner is expecting the birth of their child and Chris Wood has a knock. This would be a massive loss for Leeds in a massive game. However last time we played without Wood starting we beat Preston 4-1, so you never know.

I hope this information is wrong and they do start, but it's a really trustworthy source. Let's hope the rest of the players step up.


Read more at http://leedsallover.com/key-duo-set-to-miss-out-for-leeds-at-fulham/#mxzkcRQpOcLGtFqz.99

WhiteJC

 
Rotherham On Sale

Fulham kick-off a busy month on the road as we travel to Rotherham United on Saturday 1st April, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets for the match are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members, priced at £23 for adults and from £6 for juniors. Tickets will go on General Sale from 10am on Monday 13th March. Full ticket information can be found here.

To purchase, buy online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Follow Fulham Away and get behind the boys!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/07/rotherham-on-sale