Saturday Fulham Stuff (19/08/17)...

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Results

Friday
Burton	2 - 1	Birmingham

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reveals team news ahead of Sheffield Wednesday tie

The Fulham boss gave an update on his squad ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday game, with three players set to miss out through injury

Fulham will be without Michael Madl, Floyd Ayite and Lucas Piazon for their game with Sheffield Wednesday, but Reading target Sone Aluko will be part of the team.

Reports had suggested that Aluko was unhappy that bids had been rejected for him and that there had been no new contract offered by the club, but despite that the 28-year-old has stepped into the captaincy role left vacant by Tom Cairney as a result of his injury.

Slavisa Jokanovic has spoken previously about the need to keep hold of his vice-captain, who has featured in all three league games this season, and it looks likely that he will be in the side tomorrow to face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Floyd Ayite and Michael Madl will both miss the game while new signings Sheyi Ojo and Rui Fonte will be in the squad, while Tom Cairney and Marcus Bettinelli have both returned to training.

When asked about the situation with Aluko, Jokanovic said: "There is nothing - Sone Aluko is captain of this team with Tom Cairney not available.


Sone Aluko (Image: Eddie Greville)

"He started the season very well and is working good and he is going to be part of the team for tomorrow game.

"We cannot use Michael Madl, Floyd Ayite and unfortunately, Lucas Piazon for a long time.

"All the other players have been working towards this last game and will be available to be part of the squad.

"It is important to have the chance for choice between more players, it's true Denis Odoi played very good for two games in the position of centre back and Tomas Kalas is ready to support us and we are thinking about finding the space for both players on Saturday."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-reveals-13496716

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Fulham close in on Porto defender Rafa Soares


Porto left-back Rafa Soares is understood to be having a medical with Fulham

Fulham are closing in on a loan deal for Porto left-back Rafa Soares, according to Sky Sources.

The 22-year-old is understood to be having a medical with the club after a season-long deal was agreed between the clubs.

Soares spent last year on loan at Rio Ave and has nine caps for Portugal U21s.

Fulham had been hoping to tie up a deal to sign Cardiff's Joe Bennett, but he tweeted on Friday morning stating that he was not leaving the club.

He said: "Just wanted to let the Cardiff fans know the rumours that I'm leaving are false. As are other rumours. I'm happy at the club.

"I'm working hard to get back fit for the games coming up after this weekend. Good luck to the boys at wolves tomorrow."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/10994191/fulham-close-in-on-porto-defender-rafa-soares

[WhiteJC]

 
Knock-Out Entertainment

Supporters attending Saturday's game against Sheffield Wednesday at Craven Cottage can look forward to some knock-out entertainment thanks to our sponsors, Grosvenorcasinos.com.

Ahead of the big fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor next week, Grosvenorcasinos.com are putting on their own boxing experience for Fulham fans, where match-goers can star in their own Vegas-style weigh-in.

Supporters also have the chance to meet boxing legend Frank Bruno, as well as watch sparring from Boxing Technicians before the match.

Fans can visit the boxing ring in front of the Johnny Haynes entrance pre-match, which will be in operation from 12pm until kick-off at 3pm.

A green screen will be used for fans to face off against their friends in their own weigh-in graphic, where they can choose to either be #TeamMoney or #TeamNotorious – just like Fulham stars Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen have done in their own 'tale of the tape'.

Users can then send their graphics in to @grosvenorcasino, using the #GrosvenorWeighIn hashtag.

Grosvenorcasinos.com will be showing the Mayweather McGregor fight at each of their 53 casinos nationwide, including at their nine locations in London. To find out where you can watch, visit: https://www.grosvenorcasinos.com/local-casinos.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/18/knock-out-entertainment

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes it is 'necessary' to make more moves in the transfer window

Rui Fonte and Sheyi Ojo have both been added to the squad and have been described as "quality signings" by the manager, but he feels more business may be necessary

Slavisa Jokanovic believes both Rui Fonte and Sheyi Ojo are "quality" signings, but still thinks it's necessary for Fulham to make some more moves in the transfer window.

Fonte and Ojo join Aboubakar Kamara, Marcelo Djalo, Lucas Piazon, Tomas Kalas and Oliver Norwood in signing for the Cottagers this summer, with the transfer window open for another two weeks.

Despite some fans feeling transfers have taken too long to be done, Tony Khan and the recruitment team have delivered on bringing in strikers to the club, as well as resigning Piazon and Kalas on loan, while completing arguably the most important business of the summer in tying down Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon to new deals.

Both new signings will be in the squad tomorrow but Jokanovic is giving them every opportunity to get up to speed with the team.

He said: "These new players (Fonte and Ojo) are going to be followed and we are going to work with them, both will be part of the squad tomorrow.

"Our pre-season is over some weeks ago and we must be ready for competition, but at the same time we must offer them the chance to follow our style of football.

"Both players are quality players and they have the capacity to learn and both can be important for us in the competition.

"It's true we missed some victories at the beginning but this is behind of us and it is not so easy with this schedule, we played three tough games and it's true we missed being a bit more clinical in the few games we created enough chances.

"We only have draws but we believe we can be in the highest level and play better football, we are working and trying to be more clinical.

"The transfer window is still open and I believe it is necessary to make some more moves."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-believes-13497979

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Matchday Live: Sheff Weds

Fulham's overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Sheffield Wednesday.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

If you want to ensure you don't miss a moment of our live streams throughout the season then you can sign up for an overseas annual subscription, priced at £120.

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 15 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly or standard annual subscription. The official App is currently being upgraded, so if you use this as your means commentary, please access via the dashboard link, rather than the commentary icon at the top of the App.



Any fans who experience problems on a matchday with your stream please contact > [email protected].

Fans who had issues accessing the stream of the Reading game are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from the launch match.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/18/matchday-live-sheff-weds

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Carlos Carvalhal shares discussion he had with Braga chairman about Fulham's new signing Rui Fonte

The Sheffield Wednesday head coach is familiar with the Fulham forward.

Fonte signed a three-year deal with Wednesday's weekend opponents Fulham on Thursday, having scored two goals in four appearances for the Portuguese side this season.

As it transpires, the 27-year-old is a player who has been discussed in the past by Carvalhal - a former Braga player and manager.

"I know the player, of course," he told BBC Radio Sheffield. "Braga is my city. He is the captain of the team. He is a very good player. He is a very good striker. He is the brother of Jose Fonte.

"It is a little strange to me because the chairman of Braga (Antonio Salvador) told me: 'I can sell all the players but never Rui Fonte,' and now they sell Rui Fonte.

"It is a good investment (for) Fulham. They have (signed) a quality player."

Carvalhal has previously used his Braga ties to sign Vincent Sasso (now a Belenenses player), although it is unclear if Fonte or any of his ex-teammates were ever serious targets for the 51-year-old.

According to Sky Sports (13:24), another Portuguese player, Porto left-back Rafa Soares, is set to follow Fonte to Fulham.

And Wednesday have also raided Liga NOS this week, taking Vitoria Setubal centre-back Frederico Venancio on an initial year-long loan deal.

Both the Owls and Cottagers were beaten in last season's play-off semi finals, having finished in fourth and sixth place respectively.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/18/carlos-carvalhal-shares-discussion-he-had-with-braga-chairman-ab/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham (a) Preview

The Owls head to the capital for an early season match with their fellow playoff semi-finalists from last season. The Owls come off the back of an improved performance and 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Hillsborough in midweek, but must be ruing the fact they still have no league win on the board despite having arguably the best of the game against the Wearsiders.

Wednesday have conspired to concede the first goal in every game so far this season, and although they have been arguably unlucky with some decisions, most would agree that performances - although slowly improving - have for the most part not been what is expected of a team challenging for automatic promotion.

Like Wednesday, Fulham have not yet lived up to the standards of their unexpected promotion-chasing campaign last year; they are also yet to take all three points in the league, their only win coming in the Carabao Cup against lower league opposition.

Wednesday...
Influential duo Sam Hutchinson and Glenn Loovens sat out the game against Sunderland, both with injuries picked up in the early stages of the draw against QPR; Loovens' back injury has improved through the week but Hutchinson's knee injury may take a little longer. New centre back Frederico Venancio should be available to fill any holes in defence should Carlos Carvalhal prefer Daniel Pudil to revert to left back. Fernando Forestieri is also presumably available, but may again not feature following his alleged training ground altercation with Sam Winnall.

Fulham...
The Cottagers will be without loanee Lucas Piazon who suffered a broken leg against L**ds in midweek, and has returned to Chelsea for treatment. Midfielders Tom Cairney and Floyd Ayité, and keeper Marcus Bettinelli are all approaching first team returns after minor knocks, however, and may feature for Fulham. Tomas Kalas is available following a one match ban, and Sheyi Ojo - a loan winger from Liverpool - may make his Fulham debut.

Last time out v. Fulham at Craven Cottage...
Wednesday's first London away day of last season saw the points shared after a 91st minute Scott Malone equaliser. The Owls had led for most of the match following Fernando Forestieri's emphatic 10th minute opener but, as so often during the campaign, were guilty of missing good chances to put the game to bed.

Some stats v. Fulham...
Saturday's game will be the 74th meeting between the two sides; Wednesday hold the head-to head advantage currently on 31 wins with 16 games finishing level. Fulham have the advantage at their West London home, however, with 20 wins in 35 matches.

Fulham have kept only one clean sheet in the last 16 against Wednesday, a 4-0 home win in December 2014.
Fulham have drawn all three league fixtures this season but have never started a season with four consecutive draws.

Sam Winnall looks to be the danger man for the Owls with three league goals in his last five appearances.

Final thoughts...
For the first time in long time we created plenty of chances against Sunderland but, as ever, need five or six good opportunities to put one away. That's simply not good enough for a team with these forwards. Wednesday need to build on the positive aspects of the last two league games, and leave the jitters in the stands - it's early days yet but the wins don't come soon there may well be big changes to be made in the dressing room. And it would also be nice to keep all our players on the pitch for most of the first half.

All that said It's my first game of the season; I predict a home win.




https://owlsonline.com/?page=news&news_id=1798

[WhiteJC]

 
How Would Fulham's Attack Line-Up With This Liverpool Loanee In The Team?

Sheyi Ojo

How Would Fulham's Attack Line-Up With Sheyi Ojo In The Team

Fulham have beaten several other clubs to the loan signing of Liverpool forward Sheyi Ojo and it could mean even more competition in an already congested looking forward line at Craven Cottage.

Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano, Lucas Piazon and Ryan Sessegnon can all play in the two positions either side of the striker in a 4-3-3, as can Ojo, and should Slavisa Jokanovic go back to his previously favoured 4-2-3-1 you can add Tom Cairney to that list too.

The boss though, has struggled to land a prolific striker (what if McCormack had stayed last summer?) and may well continue to use the likes of Ayite or Aluko in the number nine position and that has created the need for Ojo's presence.

Ojo can play down the left-hand side, though his better position is that as a modern right-winger, cutting in onto his stronger left foot. With that in mind and assuming Ryan Sessegnon remains in the back four for now, here is how Fulham may line-up in a 4-3-3 formation:

RW – Sheyi Ojo

Probably the right role for him as it would be unwise to expect much tracking back or anything in the way of defensive astuteness, so long as Fredericks is providing width from the right-back position.

LW – Lucas Piazon

The on-loan Chelsea man should peak this season and is a real talent. Once again, this formation probably panders to him as it would suit his style more, than a 4-2-3-1.

ST – Sone Aluko

Although probably more comfortable on the right, Aluko may represent Fulham's best source of goals with nobody having stepped forward at the club to nail down the centre-forward position.

Another Possibility

Should the manager though revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation which took the club far last term, then it may look more like this:

RW – Sheyi Ojo

In this set-up, Ojo could get in Cairney's way somewhat when cutting in, as well as being expected to track back a little more.

CAM – Tom Cairney

This would appear to be his favoured position and given the quality player that he is, it may be easy for Jokanovic to pander to his needs.

LW – Lucas Piazon

Like Ojo on the other side, Piazon would probably prefer the 4-3-3 and for the same reasons, though his position could be even more under threat should Sessegnon be seen as a forward rather than as a left-back.

ST – Sone Aluko

Will undoubtedly go back to the right should Ojo be unavailable, though he does have capabilities in this position.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/19/how-would-fulhams-attack-line-up-with-this-liverpool-loanee-in-the-team/

[WhiteJC]

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 4 vs. Sheffield Wednesday
With Both teams will hope to get their first win tomorrow, let's look at the key players who will hope to get the job done for the Owls.


Nigel Roddis/Getty Images Europe

Considering how early this season is, it is most appropriate to remember not to panic if your team struggles and to take things into context. For Fulham's case, they haven't won once out of their first three games. That being said, all their fixtures have been drawn, with one of them occurred while playing with ten men for almost the entirety of the 90 minutes, and all of their opponents finished within the top eight of the Championship last season. This next fixture is no exception as fellow playoff participants Sheffield Wednesday come to Craven Cottage.

Like Fulham, the Owls come to Southwest London in desperate need of a win. They currently have two points in three games, recently drawing with Sunderland last Wednesday. While a defeat shouldn't put anyone of these teams at a crisis point, it will be difficult for the loser's sets of fans to not start to panic. After all, Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping this is their third straight year where they are contending for promotion back to the Premier League after a 17-year absence.

During his two years at Hillsborough, Carlos Carvalhal has drilled his team to a solid defensive unit that can also beat you with high-caliber shot selection on offense. Last campaign, Wednesday only gave up 45 goals, and their 51.5 expected goals against tally were strong enough to have both totals finish in the top four in the Championship.

On the other side of the ball, Wednesday was not known as a team that will pound you into submission. After all, they were just slightly above average in shot rate with 13.2 per 90 minutes. However, Along with that, the Owls were able to rack up a sixth best total of 68.5 expected goals, despite only scoring a league average 60 actual ones. That is due to being so strong in getting the ball to the six-yard box that their 1.22 shots per 90 minutes from that area was only bettered by Brighton and Wolves.

Wednesday really doesn't have the personnel to simply walk it into that area. They were among the worst teams in the Championship in successful dribbles last campaign and this campaign is no exception. What they do have is some of the best players in executing crosses and long ball passes. While no team really wants to make football difficult for themselves, if one team has such a strength, they might as well use it. With that in mind, let's look at the key players Fulham will have to deal with this Saturday.

Tom Lees

All data from whoscored.com

The one thing you can count on with a Carvahal coached Wednesday is that they will certainly have a strong spine in whatever formation he chooses. Daniel Pudil has been exceptional moving from left back to center back this season, but the one constant in central defense for the Owls over the years has been Lees.

Based on his radar alone, The 26-year old has been the best case scenario Fulham fans were hoping for when Dan Burn was at the club. While the current Wigan man may have a good five inches over Lees, that doesn't mean that the former England Under-21 International cannot dominate in the air. In fact, Lees' 4.72 aerials duels won and 70% aerial win percentage since 2013/14 has been one of the best outputs in the Championship during that span.

What has prevented him from being a Premier League caliber defender is his lack of high numbers in other defensive categories. Still, his 74.5% tackle success rate since 2013/14 is solid and he can pass from the back at a decent rate as well. He will be key to Sheffield once again when facing any of Fulham's front line players.

Ross Wallace

All data from whoscored.com

While I could also highlight the former Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan as being the one player that emphasizes Carvalhal's systems the most, I prefer to highlight the former Burnley midfielder for being the key man to unlock Fulham's defense. Wallace is certainly no Tom Cairney, but the 32-year old's 74 key passes last season are certainly something that can't be ignored. And while Fulham was begging for players that knew how to cross a ball, there was no team better at doing that than Wednesday last season.

The ring leader for such situations was Wallace himself, thanks to his team-leading 75 successful crosses and an incredible 32.5% success rate in such passes to go along with it. That being said, Bannan was no slouch in this area of expertise along with fullbacks Adam Reach and Jack Hunt. It will be critical of Fulham to not give any of Wednesday's passers time with the ball at their feet, otherwise, they could be picked apart by the men getting on the end of such passes.

Fernando Forestieri

All data from whoscored.com

While the English media have had their eyes on the situation going on at Chelsea with striker Diego Costa, the start of the season for Forestieri has not been a rosy one either. Transfer rumors have been swirling for the 27-year old with Brighton being the team in most demand for him. Along with that, Forestieri has played only one of Wednesday's games so far due to a supposed training session bust-up during a between him and teammate Sam Winnall.

With the additions of Winnall, Steven Fletcher, and Jordan Rhodes in the past 18 months, Wednesday are not short on attacking talent and experience. That said, Forestieri is definitely the better of the four options thanks to being the best dribbler in the club last season (46) and consistently averaging over three interceptions and tackles per 90 minutes every season.

Along with having a high shot volume and being a better than average passer of the ball, the former Italy youth international definitely has what it takes to play in the top flight of English football. He certainly is not as talented as his comparison, but his radar has similarities to that of Tottenham's Heung Min-Son. With such productive seasons while at Hillsborough, there's no denying the talented player that he is and he will be missed from a football standpoint if he were to miss Saturday's game.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/18/16163894/three-players-to-watch-matchday-4-vs-sheffield-wednesday

[WhiteJC]

 
Owls need capital gain to get season up and running

Fulham Vs Wednesday: Team news & preview

Sheffield Wednesday have travelled to London where they will face Fulham in the EFL Championship on Saturday.

Wednesday could include new centre-back Frederico Venancio for the first time following his loan move from Vitoria Setubal. Fellow defender Glenn Loovens was ruled out of the midweek draw with Sunderland due to a back injury and is struggling to be fit.

Influential attacker Fernando Forestieri has missed the last 2 matches for internal disciplinary reasons but has made the trip south with the squad. Steven Fletcher & Jordan Rhodes will be in contention for recalls having appeared from the bench on Wednesday.

The home side will be without Lucas Piazon after the attacking midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, suffered a broken leg in the draw at Leeds United on Tuesday. Key midfielder Tom Cairney is struggling for fitness due to a knee injury but Sheyi Ojo could make his debut having signed on loan from Liverpool and Tom Kalas is available after completing a suspension.

Last seasons beaten play-off semi-finalists have both made slow starts to this campaign. Fulham have started with 3 draws though they have faced 3 sides that were in promotion contention for large spells of last season. Wednesday have followed up their opening day defeat at Preston with 2 draws and although the performance against Sunderland on Wednesday was encouraging the Owls need a win to get their campaign up and running.

Fulham beat the Owls 2-1 at Hillsborough on the last day of last season though it was a much changed Wednesday line-up. The match at Craven Cottage last season resulted in a 1-1 draw when the home side grabbed a late leveller.



http://www.footymad.com/sheffield-wednesday/news/tmnw/owls_need_capital_gain_to_get_season_up_and_running_910654/index.shtml

[WhiteJC]

 
Arena should give Ream a look in Brooks' absence

With John Brooks out three months thanks to a horribly timed thigh injury, the United States yet again has to scramble to fill a void at the back. It's not the first time an injury to Brooks has left the USMNT scrambling for cover at a thin position.

In the successful Gold Cup this past summer, with a largely domestic squad in place, Omar Gonzalez saw the bulk of the time at central defender, with Matt Besler his partner through the final two matches. However, with European-based players now in contention for spots with the early September international break, those two are unlikely to continue, at least not together.

The most obvious choice to start September 1st against Costa Rica and likely shoo-in should he remain healthy for the next two weeks is Geoff Cameron. The 32-year-old has been back and forth between defense and midfield with club and country, and although he has publicly acknowledged his preference for a spot higher up the pitch, he was used in a back-three in Stoke City's Premier League opener last weekend and is steadiest at the back.

But with a spot next to Cameron up for grabs in Brooks' absence, a player who should get serious consideration is United States fill-in extraordinaire Tim Ream.

Ream has had to work hard to earn his place with the U.S., and while he's seen time of late, he's not been a first-choice pick. The 29-year-old has four caps so far in 2017, with two of those starts, including one in the impressive 1-1 draw against Mexico at the Azteca with the US still clawing its way back up the Hex standings. Even then, Ream would likely not have earned that spot had Arena not chosen to rotate nearly the entire squad between the pair of qualifiers in that window. His other start this year, the 1-1 draw at Panama, only came after Cameron pulled out of the squad the day of the game with a late injury. The last time Ream started back-to-back matches for the U.S. came back in 2015 when he was somewhat of a regular through the second half of the calendar year.

But now, with Brooks out, Ream looks like the perfect man to fill in again. The 29-year-old defender finished last season in top form as Fulham narrowly missed out on promotion, earning the official website's Man of the Match award in a May 2nd draw with Brentford, and won it again in the club's final match of the season.

Without missing a beat, Ream has picked up where he left off last campaign in the first few matches this month. Last weekend against Reading at the Madjeski Stadium, Ream's center-back partner Tomas Kalas was sent off 36 seconds into the match, forcing Fulham to play a man down for 89 minutes. Ream and company solidified the back, conceding just once in the 61st minute en route to a 1-1 draw.

The club still likely requires reinforcements at the CB position – Ream was forced to partner with right-back Denis Odoi against Reading with Kalas suspended and Michael Madl injured – meaning Ream could see an influx of competition in the coming weeks. However, as it stands, the American is far and away the best (and most improved) central defender on a club favored for promotion.

Gonzalez performed well in the Gold Cup, and Matt Besler was serviceable, but with few other options in the heart of defense to take Brooks' place, Bruce Arena could yet again look to Ream for an in-form replacement.



http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2017/08/18/arena-should-give-ream-a-look-in-brooks-absence/

[WhiteJC]

 
Carlos Carvalhal's wait for a victory continues? Pundit predicts the outcome of Fulham v Sheffield Wednesday

David Prutton believes that Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday will cancel each other out this weekend, and their respective wait for a first victory of the season will continue, reports Sky Sports.

Writing in his prediction column for Sky, Prutton admitted he was expecting both Fulham and Wednesday to cancel each other out, with the game finishing 1-1.

Fulham and Wednesday were last season's play-off semi-finalists, but both clubs have started the 2017/18 campaign slowly, with both still waiting for their first Sky Bet Championship victory.

Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham are unbeaten after their opening three fixtures, having recorded three consecutive draws against Norwich City, Reading and Leeds United.

The most recent of those was a 0-0 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Tuesday, where Jokanovic will have been left frustrated by Fulham's lack of cutting edge in front of goal, with the Cottagers dominating the opening stages, before the hosts played themselves into the contest.

Sheffield Wednesday have themselves had a testing start to the season, with the pressure on Carlos Carvalhal to pick up three-points this weekend, after a defeat and two draws from the opening three fixtures.

The Owls have recovered from a disappointing defeat to Preston North End on the opening day of the season, but failed to record a victory in back-to-back fixtures at Hillsborough against QPR and Sunderland.

The Verdict 

Prutton has sat on the fence with his prediction here, as two of last season's promotion contenders face each other.

Sheffield Wednesday's start to the season has been slow, with pressure really mounting on Carvalhal at Hillsborough already.

However, Fulham have had arguably the most difficult run of fixtures in the Championship, and have come out unbeaten against some strong sides.

With home advantage, Jokanovic's side must be seen as the favourites for three-points.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/carlos-carvalhals-wait-for-a-victory-continues-pundit-predicts-the-outcome-of-fulham-v-sheffield-wednesday/

[bill taylors apprentice]

How Would Fulham's Attack Line-Up With This Liverpool Loanee In The Team?

Sheyi Ojo

How Would Fulham's Attack Line-Up With Sheyi Ojo In The Team

Fulham have beaten several other clubs to the loan signing of Liverpool forward Sheyi Ojo and it could mean even more competition in an already congested looking forward line at Craven Cottage.

Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano, Lucas Piazon and Ryan Sessegnon can all play in the two positions either side of the striker in a 4-3-3, as can Ojo, and should Slavisa Jokanovic go back to his previously favoured 4-2-3-1 you can add Tom Cairney to that list too.

The boss though, has struggled to land a prolific striker (what if McCormack had stayed last summer?) and may well continue to use the likes of Ayite or Aluko in the number nine position and that has created the need for Ojo's presence.

Ojo can play down the left-hand side, though his better position is that as a modern right-winger, cutting in onto his stronger left foot. With that in mind and assuming Ryan Sessegnon remains in the back four for now, here is how Fulham may line-up in a 4-3-3 formation:

RW – Sheyi Ojo

Probably the right role for him as it would be unwise to expect much tracking back or anything in the way of defensive astuteness, so long as Fredericks is providing width from the right-back position.

LW – Lucas Piazon

The on-loan Chelsea man should peak this season and is a real talent. Once again, this formation probably panders to him as it would suit his style more, than a 4-2-3-1.

ST – Sone Aluko

Although probably more comfortable on the right, Aluko may represent Fulham's best source of goals with nobody having stepped forward at the club to nail down the centre-forward position.

Another Possibility

Should the manager though revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation which took the club far last term, then it may look more like this:

RW – Sheyi Ojo

In this set-up, Ojo could get in Cairney's way somewhat when cutting in, as well as being expected to track back a little more.

CAM – Tom Cairney

This would appear to be his favoured position and given the quality player that he is, it may be easy for Jokanovic to pander to his needs.

LW – Lucas Piazon

Like Ojo on the other side, Piazon would probably prefer the 4-3-3 and for the same reasons, though his position could be even more under threat should Sessegnon be seen as a forward rather than as a left-back.

ST – Sone Aluko

Will undoubtedly go back to the right should Ojo be unavailable, though he does have capabilities in this position.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/19/how-would-fulhams-attack-line-up-with-this-liverpool-loanee-in-the-team/

So many words!

So much garbage!

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Sheffield Wednesday (h)
by Dan on August 19, 2017

After three draws to begin the season, today's visit of last season's other beaten Championship play-off semi-finalists, Sheffield Wednesday, is seen by some Fulham fans as the fixture to kickstart Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion push. Although the Owls are also yet to record a league win this campaign, that view discounts Wednesday's obvious quality, the fact that Carlos Carvalhal knows this division inside out and has enjoyed success against Fulham before and fails to factor in the sheer unpredictability of a league that looks even more competitive this term. Then there's the discouraging fact that Stuart Attwell, whose refereeing of the play-off semi-final first leg against Reading bordered on the comical, has been confirmed as the man in charge.

Carvalhal, whose side have come so close to reaching the promised land of the Premier League in two of the past in seasons, might be under a little of pressure in south Yorkshire following Wednesday's rather indifferent start to the season, but that regular purveyor of commonsense Alan Biggs wrote this week it is far too soon for Dejphon Chansiri to be contemplating a change. Wednesday certainly haven't hit the ground running. The Owls were beaten by a Daniel Johnson penalty at Deepdale on the opening day, before being held by Queen's Park Rangers at Hillsborough and needed a David Jones equaliser to claim a point against Sunderland in midweek. The Portuguese coach also has a few injury concerns to address ahead of this afternoon's clash at Craven Cottage.

Wednesday will make a late decision on Glenn Loevens' participation after a back problem saw him miss Wednesday's draw against the Black Cats. Should the former Brighton centre back fail to make it, new signing Frederico Venancio – who arrived from Vitoria Setubal on a season-long loan this week – could make his debut. The impressive Sam Hutchinson, so assured at the base of the Owls midfield over the past couple of years, and Almen Abdi, who won promotion under Jokanovic at Watford, also face fitness checks on their knee injuries whilst former Manchester United youngster Kieran Lee, such a tricky customer out wide, could return following a hip complaint.

Carvalhal has an abundance of creative and forward talent pushing for inclusion in his eleven. George Boyd, brought in over the summer, has experience of promotion from the Championship with both Hull City and Burnley, for whom he starred in the top flight, whilst Wednesday's wealth of forwards leave the head coach spoilt for choice. Scottish international Stephen Fletcher was a half-time substitute against Sunderland, whilst ex-Huddersfield, Blackburn and Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes was introduced as Carvalhal pushed for a winner. He began that contest with Gary Hooper, who so comprehensively dominated Ragnar Sigurdsson last November, and Sam Winnall, a scorer against Fulham on the final day of last season and for Barnsley at Oakwell, up front – and might recall the mercurial Fernando Forestieri, who was dropped after a training-ground bust-up with Winnall in the run-up to the QPR game.

Carvalhal knows Fulham's new signing, the Braga captain Rui Fonte, very well as he hails from the same city that bade so an emotional farewell to the former Arsenal and Crystal Palace forward this week. He was surprised that Fulham were able to snare the striker Braga always insisted was 'untransferrable' and after two goals in four games, the 27 year-old would be sharp enough should he be called upon to play a part today. Jokanovic might prefer to stick with the raw Aboubakar Kamara up top, who continued his acclimatisation to English football at Elland Road on Tuesday, or ask Sone Aluko to lead the line.

There will be need to be some reorganisation after luckless Lucas Piazon suffered a broken fibula following a robust challenge from Leeds' makeshift centre half Connor Shaughnessy. The likable Brazilian, who has suffered two serious injuries in the space of six months on loan from the other side of the Fulham Road, has already started focusing on the long road back to full fitness and his place in the side could be taken by Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo. The England Under 20 international, who won the World Cup with Paul Simpson's side in Korea this summer, picked Craven Cottage for another Championship loan spell because of the possibility of regular playing time and would be a natural replacement, providing pace and trickery down the flank.

Fulham also have Tom Cairney back in training after he missed the meeting with his boyhood side to rest up a troublesome knee problem. Whether the peerless playmaker will be risked from the start so early in a gruelling season remains to be seen, but the temptation to reprise Fulham's three musketeers of Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen and the skipper must be great. Jokanovic does have Tomas Kalas available again after his sending off at Reading, although Denis Odoi might consider himself unfortunate to be dropping back to the bench after filling in at centre back so capably in Fulham's last two fixtures.

Sheffield Wednesday at home certainly stirs some memories. It has seen memorable strikes from the now departed Scott Malone, who secured a point in stoppage time last November, and Lasse Vigen Christensen, whose superb solo run in the rain in front of the Hammersmith End will live long in the memory, right the way through to Sean Davis so famously clinching the Division One title in injury-time with a piledriver some sixteen years ago. Today's contest is likely to be just as tight – and Fulham will have to be far more clinical that they were against either Leeds or Norwich to claim the points.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Aluko, Ojo, Kamara. Subs: Rodak, Odoi, Djalo, Cisse, Norwood, Kebano, Fonte.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/up-next-sheffield-wednesday-h-2/

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Fulham v Sheffield Wednesday: Owls have the momentum, says Daniel Pudil

RESULTS may mean Sheffield Wednesday are in danger of starting slowly for a third successive season under Carlos Carvalhal but Daniel Pudil insists there has been a clear "progression in every game".

The Owls head to Fulham for one of the Championship's tougher away assignments with just two points from the opening three games.

Already, three clubs – Cardiff City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town – boast three wins apiece to leave Wednesday playing catch-up in a similar fashion to the last two campaigns.

A year ago, Carvalhal's side took five points from their first five games while in 2015-16 the ratio was slightly lower with five points from the opening six fixtures leaving the club with plenty of ground to make up on the early pacesetters.

Wednesday are determined to avoid a repeat, meaning points are badly needed in the two remaining fixtures before the first international break. Pudil believes the Owls can do just that.

"There has been progression in every game," the Czech Republic international told The Yorkshire Post. "The first game against Preston (a 1-0 defeat) was really bad. It was one of the worst games I have been involved in. These things can happen but it was just the one game.

"After Preston, we had a little meeting and we said there was no reason to panic as there are still a lot of games.

"I think we have done brilliant in the last two games. We haven't got the points but, hopefully, the points will come in the next couple of games."

Wednesday finished strongly against Sunderland in the midweek 1-1 draw with Gary Hooper striking the crossbar, moments after Jordan Rhodes and Tom Lees had missed headed opportunities from close range.

Such a strong finale means the Owls can travel south to Craven Cottage in buoyant mood. Today, though, will be tough with Fulham rightly regarded as one of the favourites to clinch promotion to the Premier League come May.

"We were the better side for 70 minutes," said Pudil, who impressed in the unfamiliar position of central defence alongside Tom Lees. "We dominated the whole game. We just conceded a sloppy goal.

"We have to play the football that we played last season where we dominated the ball and kept it on the floor. I think we did well and tried pushing until the end of the game. We scored one goal but it was not enough."



http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/fulham-v-sheffield-wednesday-owls-have-the-momentum-says-daniel-pudil-1-8711213

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Shahid Khan giving 'serious consideration to selling Fulham'
by DAN on AUGUST 19, 2017

The Times deputy football correspondent Matt Hughes claims in his 'Football Notebook' column this morning that Shahid Khan is giving 'serious consideration' to selling Fulham.

Hughes, a well-connected football correspondent of many years standing, suggests that the decision to rebuff interest from across Europe in both Ryan Sessegnon and his twin brother Steven was influenced by the fact that Khan, who bought Fulham from Mohamed Al-Fayed in 2014, is open to offers for the club. He claims that the search for a new owner was put on hold as Slavisa Jokanovic's side reached the Championship play-offs last season but 'Khan remains interested in selling'.

Hughes' full column is behind the Times paywall, but the relevant Fulham section reads as follows:

Fulham's determination to keep hold of the highly-rated Sessegnon twins – Ryan and Steven – is being influenced by owner Shahid Khan giving serious consideration to selling the club. The American billionaire let it be known he would be interested in a sale towards the end of last season when Slavisa Jokanovic's side were in contention for promotion to the Premier League, but the search for a buyer was put on hold following their Championship play-off semi-final defeat by Reading. Khan remains interested in selling, however, and is determined to retain the club's most valuable playing assets in the interim. Tottenham Hotspur had a £25 million bid rejected for Ryan Sessegnon last week, while they are also keen on his 17 year-old brother Steven.

Fulham and Khan's representatives have strongly denied that the American billionaire, who also owns the NFL franchise Jackonsville Jaguars, is ready to part with the club pointing to the increased role of his son, Tony, who became the club's vice chairman and director of football operations last season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/shahid-khan-giving-serious-consideration-to-selling-fulham/

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This big blow at Fulham may present new opportunities to others at the club this season

Poor Lucas Piazon.

The 23-year-old Brazilian suffered a horrific leg break in Tuesday night's draw with Leeds at Elland Road, and the Fulham loanee is expecting a long injury lay off.

Having enjoyed a great run of form with the Cottagers last season, Piazon returned to parent club Chelsea's west London neighbours on another season long loan, but is now likely to miss the majority of the season as he prepares for his road to recovery.

Joining Chelsea from Sao Paulo in his homeland in 2011, big things were expected of the youngster, and his early performances in the Chelsea youth sides suggested that this player was special.

He looked a class above the rest in a 2012 FA Youth Cup tie at Old Trafford against United, and many expected the player to break into the Chelsea first team in due course.

However, like many youngsters at the Stamford Bridge club, big money signings stifled his progress, and a series of loan moves followed.

Beginning to find his feet at Fulham, Piazon was starting to live up to the promise he showed as a youngster, and boss Slavisa Jokanovic will be devastated to lose his tricky winger.

Fulham must regroup from this set back, and despite not registering a win in three games this year, the Cottagers remain unbeaten.

His team mates must step up in his absence, and Floyd Ayite may now be deployed in a wider role on a more permanent basis, having played as a striker at times in the opening weeks.

This presents Frenchman Aboubakar Kamara with the perfect opportunity to solidify his position as Fulham's number one striker, and he must step up in the coming weeks.

Piazon's absence will come as a blow to Jokanovic's men, and others must be counted for, as the Cottagers go in search of a Premier League return.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-big-blow-at-fulham-may-present-new-opportunities-to-others-at-the-club-this-season/

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Vital Pre-Match - Carlos 'Sick' Of Conceding First Goal

One loss and two home draws is an average start to a season in many fans eyes. Yes, despite chances and bringing on Fletcher!!! Wednesday haven't earnt those three-points needed to build confidence in their 2017/18 EFL league campaign. A trip south to the capital against familiar foes Fulham could be at the right time or the very wrong time for Carlos and his troops.

The Portuguese Owls boss isn't daft and is well aware of the social media fans backlash, with Chansiri feeling it worthy of discussion at fan interaction events earlier this month. Ahead of the trip to South West London, Carvalhal spoke to swfc.co.uk and the media where he spilt out his frustrations of the Osld falling behind in every game and climb a hill thereafter to salvage a draw or win (EFL Cup), he said:

"There are positives and negatives about this situation. The negative of course is that you begin losing the game.

"The positives are you must be with a strong team, strong hearts and strong feelings to change the things.

"If not, you will never return in one game. But it is something we are trying to correct. I believe that things will change about this situation.

"We are creating the chances but our players and team never give up.

"They do completely the opposite which is why I am really very proud about my players, fans and the way we are dealing with the problems other teams are giving to us."



Read more: http://www.sheffwed.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=501328#ixzz4qBy5Ctym

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Holloway has a theory behind Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham struggles

The Queens Park Rangers manager comments on the early-season struggles of Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham in the Championship.

Sheffield Wednesday have finished in the top six of the Championship for the past two seasons and are one of the biggest clubs in England.

The Owls are expected to push for the automatic promotion places this season, but they have not started 2017-18 Championship campaign strongly.

Carlos Carvalhal's lost 1-0 to Preston North End away from home in their opening game of the Championship season.

Wednesday then hammered Chesterfield 4-1 at the Hillsborough Stadium in the first round of the EFL Cup.

The Owls, though, then drew 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers and 1-1 with Sunderland at home in the Championship.

On Saturday afternoon, Wednesday will face Fulham away from home at Craven Cottage in London the Championship.

The Cottagers finished in the top six last season, but their performances and results so far this campaign have been disappointing.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side drew their opening league fixture against Norwich City 1-1 at home, before winning 2-0 against Wycombe Wanderers away from home in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Fulham have drawn their last two Championship fixtures - 1-1 with Reading away from home and goalless draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.

QPR manager Ian Holloway has suggested to Sky Sports that Wednesday and Fulham have not made great starts to the season due to high expectations of them.

"It can also be added expectation because you have created a monster where people are expecting you to win that and not winning 1-0 ain't going to be good enough because you should be better than this, we are on our way back," Holloway told Sky Sports while discussing Wednesday and Fulham's sluggish start to the season.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/19/holloway-has-a-theory-behind-sheffield-wednesday-and-fulham-stru/