Thursday Fulham Stuff (28/09/17)...

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Results

Wednesday
Birmingham	1 - 0	Sheff Wed
Sheff Utd	2 - 0	Wolves

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Player ratings: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Fulham
by Dan on September 27, 2017

Marks out of ten from Fulham's fine away win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last night ...

David Button: Another excellent display from the Fulham goalkeeper, who seems to have put the jittery performances of pre-season firmly behind him. Button was decisive in coming to claim or fist away crosses – making a couple of key decisions in the first half – and made a number a couple of excellent saves. He got a firm hand to Daryl Murphy's early curler and then did superbly to tip away a Jason Cummings shot that seemed certain to give Forest the lead. 7

Ryan Fredericks: The energetic full-back eventually won his battle with Armaud Traore, even though the Senegalese full-back was afforded far too much time to float over a cross for the Forest equaliser. He fizzed a dangerous cross over early on and was a willing runner down the right all night. Fredericks made a host of interceptions, winning a number of aerial duels and vital tackles, before turning the match in Fulham's favour with a rampaging run from full back that saw him surge away from three tackles before being brought down by Matt Mills on the edge of the box. 7

Tomas Kalas: This was the sort of display that was common place during Kalas' first spell at Craven Cottage last season. The Czech centre back underlined his international pedigree with a composed performance, largely nullifying the threat posed by Daryl Murphy and regularly tracking the runs from deep of Kieran Dowell and substitute Ben Brereton. He made one absolutely crucial block throwing himself into front of Cummings' shot just before the break when the Forest youngster looked set to give Forest the lead and then retreated to head away the loose ball after Button and Ream had thwarted a couple of home efforts in quick succession after the break. 7

Tim Ream: The American had a mixed evening, making a couple of poor decisions with the ball at his feet that on another night could have cost Fulham dearly, but his contributions from the heart of the defence also prevented a couple of goals and saw him head away countless Nottingham Forest crosses. Ream intercepted most of the service intended for Murphy, often stepping out of defence to steal possession, and was in the right place at the right time to prevent Dowell from putting the hosts in front ten minutes after the break. 7

Denis Odoi: The Belgian was replaced at half-time after a first 45 minutes where he didn't cover himself in glory. Odoi allowed Cummings to get past him far too easily on occasions and was personally culpable for the goal, where he allowed Murphy to peel off him and guide what turned into a free header back across David Button from beyond the back post. The full-back did fire an early shot over the crossbar, but Fulham found much more of a foothold in the game once Ollie Norwood was introduced into midfield and Ryan Sessegnon switched to left back. 5

Kevin McDonald: It was almost as if the Scottish holding midfielder delivered his performance to remind Forest of what they were missing after Warburton had been heavily linked with a summer move for the former Wolves man. Such is McDonald's importance to this side that Fulham would never have countenanced his departure and the stand-in skipper provided the ballast at the base of a rejigged midfield, making four interceptions, two dominant tackles and winning five contests against individual opponents. His reading of the game, passing and positioning were exemplary. 7

Stefan Johansen: The Norwegian hasn't yet matched the peerless performances of the last campaign. His boundless running appeared in vain for much of the first half as Fulham struggled against the Forest midfield three and some of passes went astray too early. Johansen looked much more comfortable when he was partnered by Norwood and became increasingly influential in the second half – he was unlucky to only clip the crossbar when Fonte and Kamara fashioned an opening on the edge of the box. Got his goal with a curling free-kick and celebratory knee slide that was reminiscent of the absent Tom Cairney. 7

Sheyi Ojo: This was a frustrating night for the teenage winger, who largely flattered to deceive down the Fulham right. He got into plenty of promising positions but failed to either deliver a telling ball or link the play effectively, often slowly down attacks and losing the ball in tight situations. He might have scored shortly after Kamara's opener, but Jordan Smith parried his effort, and then miscued a shot after a smart one-two with Fonte. It was little surprise when he departed on the hour mark. 5

Ryan Sessegnon: The precocious teenager was quieter than he had been previously when deployed as a left winger but still played a telling part in two crucial goals. His run and disguised pass to slip in Kamara for the first was a thing of real beauty and, despite being switched to full-back after Odoi's withdrawal at the break, continued to get forward to great effect. He linked up wonderfully with Yohan Mollo for the clinching third, carrying the ball deep into Forest territory and releasing the winger at just the right time, before making a late dart into the penalty area to take attention away from Kebano. 7

Rui Fonte: The Portuguese forward struggled to impose himself on proceedings from a deeper number ten role, often concentrating on orchestrating attacks or dropping deep to assist Fulham's central midfielders rather than finding himself in the penalty area where he can really hurt opponents. He almost doubled the lead when his follow-up from Ojo's shot was blocked by Ben Osborn and made good chances for the Liverpool winger and Kamara either side of half-time, but spent much of the second half isolated on the right wing. 6

Aboubakar Kamara: The imposing French forward carried all the confidence after opening his account against Middlesbrough into this contest. He was a menace from the off, a willing runner into the channels and gave all of Forest's three centre halves a torrid time. Kamara took his goal superbly, having the presence of mind to take a touch and compose himself before shooting past Jordan Smith after his intelligent run was utterly ignored by the hosts' defence. His link up play was outstanding – especially when he shifted the ball to Johansen and the midfielder hit the bar – and he was unlucky not to add to his tally when he rattled the near post in the second half. A magnificent evening's work. 9

SUBSTITUTES

Oliver Norwood: The Northern Irish international added more balance to a Fulham midfield that had looked a little vulnerable in the first period. He distributed the ball swiftly, threading two fine passes into forward areas that lead to chances, but was disciplined enough to make a couple of crucial tackles in his defensive third in an energetic performance that helped extinguish any Forest victory hopes. 6

Neeskens Kebano: This was quite a cameo from the Congolese winger, who provided all the incisiveness and quality that Ojo lacked. In a striking contrast to his off-colour display at Burton, Kebano was always looking to get involved from the right, committing opponents and cutting inside to good effect. The substitute fully deserved his goal in the final minute of normal time, finishing clinically after excellent work from Sessegnon and Yohan Mollo. 7

Yohann Mollo: The French winger looks like some signing on a free transfer following his release by Zenit St. Petersburg. He was a real livewire when he came on for Fonte in the final quarter of the game and linked up wonderfully with Sessegnon down the left. A genuine wide man who frightened the Forest defence, Mollo's acceleration into the box and excellent cross for Kebano's clincher would have had Slavisa Jokanovic purring in appreciation. 7



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/player-ratings-nottingham-forest-1-3-fulham/

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Spain star Saul Niguez reveals he was 'ready to make the jump' from Atletico Madrid to Fulham


Spanish star: Saul is the latest bright young thing to emerge from Iberia Getty Images

Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez has revealed he nearly signed for Fulham as a 16-year-old.

Saul, now 22, is one of the brightest young stars in Atletico's squad and has already found himself starring in the Champions League, scoring the winning goal in the 2016 semi-final against Bayern Munich.

A senior international with Spain, Saul put pen to paper on a new-year contract with Atleti earlier this summer, a deal which reportedly includes a £131.7million release clause to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

It could, however, very easily have been the Cottagers looking to fend off interest in Saul had they been able to get a deal across the line in 2011.

"Fulham wanted me when I was 16," Saul told the Daily Mail. "They were in the Premier League at the time with Mark Hughes and I was close to going.

"They had a plan for me to train with them for three months and then to start playing directly. I could go from the Atletico B team to the Premier League.

"I felt ready to make that jump. Thank God I never went."

Fulham would remain top flight fixtures for several more years after missing out on the highly-rated Spanish youngster but fell out of the top flight during the 2013-14 season, by which time Saul was already starring on loan at Rayo Vallecano.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/spain-star-saul-niguez-reveals-he-was-ready-to-make-the-jump-from-atletico-madrid-to-fulham-a3644621.html

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Fulham showed they have character in Nottingham Forest win

So said keeper Button following last night's game at the City Ground

David Button praised the character of his Fulham team mates as the Whites came away with all three points after beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Tuesday night.

A second goal in two games for Aboubakar Kamara gave Slavisa Jokanovic's side the lead before Daryl Murphy's header dragged Forest back into the tie.

Fulham withstood a lot of pressure in the second half but a sublime freekick from Stefan Johansen and a Neeskens Kebano goal ensured the three points would be going back to west London, and Button was pleased with the character he and his team mates showed at the City Ground.


Thumbs up: David Button (Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

He said: "It was very important, Saturday was a disappointment but regardless of that result it was important that we came here and won,

"It was a great result and hopefully we can get some moment going forward.

"I think the character was a lot better, as was our work rate, I think we have probably played better and not won but it shows good character in ourselves that we haven't been our best but were still able to get the three points.

I'm really enjoying it at the moment, I'd like to be a little bit further up the league but I'm happy and hopefully the people watching will be happy with my confidence too."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-showed-character-nottingham-forest-13680188

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Button delighted by 'very important' win
by Dan on September 27, 2017

David Button praised Fulham's character after they secured what the goalkeeper described as a 'very important win' at Nottingham Forest last night.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side moved up to eleventh in the table after a 3-1 win at the City Ground and showed serious resolve to put the setback of conceding a sloppy equaliser to Daryl Murphy just before half-time behind them. The visitors sealed the three points with two late goals from Stefan Johansen and Neeskens Kebano, going back in front just after soaking up a serious spell of Forest pressure.

Button, who made a couple of crucial saves, was delighted with Fulham's return to winning ways.

    It was very important, Saturday was a disappointment but regardless of that result it was important that we came here and won, It was a great result and hopefully we can get some moment going forward.

    I think the character was a lot better, as was our work rate, I think we have probably played better and not won but it shows good character in ourselves that we haven't been our best but were still able to get the three points.

The goalkeeper revealed that he is feeling much more confident between the sticks – something which showed in the way he dealt decisively with a couple of high balls in the first half.

    I'm really enjoying it at the moment, I'd like to be a little bit further up the league but I'm happy and hopefully the people watching will be happy with my confidence too.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/button-delighted-by-very-important-win/

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Nottingham Forest boss on why his side were beaten by Fulham

One-time Whites target Warburton came up second best against them last night

Mark Warburton believes his side weren't streetwise enough as they went down 3-1 to Fulham on Tuesday night.

The Nottingham Forest manager bemoaned his side's naivety in a game where fine margins proved to be the difference, with Fulham finally getting out of sight in the 86th minute thanks to a third goal from Neeskens Kebano after Stefan Johansen had curled his freekick into the top corner.

Ryan Fredericks was the man who charged through the Forest midfield like a hot knife through butter to win the freekick that led to Fulham's second, and Warburton criticised his side's lack of streetwise knowledge, believing the should've brought Fredericks down earlier than they did.

He said: "We have to be less naive and more streetwise. Bring him down on the halfway line," he said.

"And we gave a goal away in the first 15 minutes for the third game in a row and we need to look at that as well.

But then we had a great response. Fulham are a good team and we had to press them hard and high – but we did that.

"We missed a couple of chances, then we got a good equaliser and finished the half strongly – we needed to come out and be dominant and on the front foot.

"We were stepping in and winning balls, getting nice and high and creating chances. Daryl has had chances, Jason (Cummings) has had chances and Kieran (Dowell) has had chances – it is about the team, not individuals. But we had numerous chances as a team."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-boss-side-were-13680600

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QPR vs Fulham: Derby delight on cards for progressive Cottagers

Odds: QPR 11/5, Draw 12/5, Fulham 23/20

Kick Off: 1945, 29/09/2017

Stadium: Loftus Road

TV: Sky Sports

Fulham have steadied the ship following a tricky start to the Championship season and can continue on an upward curve in Friday night's west London derby at QPR.

The hosts are unbeaten in five matches at Loftus Road this term but appear to have had their limitations exposed in a recent run of four games without a win.

We're on the Cottagers at 23/20 to keep climbing up the table in our QPR vs Fulham betting predictions.

A Look At Queens Park Rangers' Betting Odds
QPR did well to beat Reading, Hull and Ipswich at this venue, but more recent draws here against Millwall and Burton were less noteworthy efforts.

Luke Freeman managed to salvage another point for Rangers in Tuesday's 1-1 stalemate at Barnsley, but most onlookers will agree that felt like a pretty moderate affair.

"I thought we kept going and tried to change things to get back in it," commented Ian Holloway. "Luckily, we managed to get this out-of-this world strike from Luke."

Holloway will always get the best out of his players, but this is a squad short on top quality in our book.

We're adding 14/5 for an away win and both teams to score to our QPR vs Fulham betting tips.

A Look At Fulham's Betting Odds
Fulham went into last term's play-offs as favourites to go up after playing some great football in a strong finish to the regular season.

It has taken a while for the Cottagers to recover from missing out on promotion and an injury to Tom Cairney hasn't helped matters, but there have been plenty of positive signs of late.

Tuesday's 3-1 triumph at Nottingham Forest was a third victory in six games and there have also been fine draws with Cardiff and Middlesbrough during that period.

As well as successful strikes from Aboubakar Kamarta, Stefan Johansen and Neeskens Kebano, Fulham hit the post twice at the City Ground in midweek and are clearly growing in confidence.

Looking at the QPR vs Fulham odds, Evens for the Cottagers to net more than once at Loftus Road stands out to us.

Additional stats

Last result:

Barnsley 1-1 QPR – Luke Freeman

Nottingham Forest 1-3 FULHAM – Aboubakar Kamara, Stefan Johansen, Neeskens Kebano

Head-to-head: QPR 1-1 Fulham, Fulham 1-2 QPR, QPR 1-3 Fulham, Fulham 4-0 QPR



https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football-betting/qpr-vs-fulham-betting-predictions,134015.html

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Why Aboubakar Kamara could prove to be a shrewd signing by Fulham

Whites recruitment team used Moneyball-style method to decide on unorthodox striker

Aboubakar Kamara has started to prove to everyone why Fulham's recruitment team signed the striker – although he may never please the purists.

He rewarded Slavisa Jokanovic's belief in him after he scored against Middlesbrough on Saturday, with his second goal in as many games giving Fulham the lead at the City Ground and setting them on their way to an important three points.

His goal was good – he turned inside his marker after he found himself with some space just inside the box before smashing off a low strike to the keeper's left, despite the majority of the 20,000-odd strong crowd calling for the linesman to raise his flag.

He continued to be a threat throughout the game, with his ruggedness and determination to continuously attack the Forest defence attracting some rough attention as the game rumbled on.

Despite the two good performances, however, he may never please the purists of the game. Kamara caused problems for sure, but he looks awkward on the ball and at times it doesn't look as though he knows what he's about to do next.


Lots to learn: Aboubakar Kamara (Image: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

Traditional scouts may have laughed him off if they were watching him – they go on how a player looks on the pitch as well as how they play and Fulham's striker wouldn't tick the boxes when it comes down to the eye.

It reminds me of Chad Bradford, the pitcher the Oakland A's signed under Billy Beane's stats model who had been overlooked by other sides because he pitched differently, but proved to be a good acquisition.

The same can be said for Ryan Woods of Brentford, who some had passed on because he ran funny, but he is now one of the best midfielders in the Championship.

Kamara wasn't the striker the fans wanted, I'll admit even I was sceptical about how good of a signing he would be, but at the moment he is starting to prove he has something about him.

He's raw, no doubting that, and has an awful lot to learn, but he's got that first goal and got a goal when his manager started him up top to reward his faith.

The touch needs a lot of work too, it's probably his weakest point by far, but if he could sort that out he could be a very dangerous striker – add a decent first touch to the abundance of pace Kamara possesses and you've got a lethal weapon.

He's not the type of striker the purist like – he doesn't glide across the pitch and caress the ball into the back of the net like Thierry Henry, nor does he possess the fear factor that players like Sergio Aguero or Harry Kane have, but that's okay.

If Fulham were to try and sign players like that, they'd spend money they don't have and probably lose out to bigger clubs.

They've got to be smart in the market and look for value where others don't see it – that's the beauty of using stats, it takes away the pre-conceived thoughts we have in our heads about how a striker 'should look'.

Sure, Kamara looks like Bambi on ice at times, but he's got two goals under his belt now and the only way is up for the striker.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aboubakar-kamara-could-prove-shrewd-13681690

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3 ways you should back Fulham for derby day victory over QPR

Cottagers looking to secure successive away wins

After a disappointing start to the season, Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham are now back up-and-running. They've taken 11 points from the last six games, recording away wins at Ipswich and Nottingham Forest along the way.

They head to Loftus Road on Friday night for a West London derby against Queen's Park Rangers.

For their part, The R's are without a win in four. That's included underwhelming home draws against 10-man Millwall and Burton Albion.

Having won seven of their past ten meetings against this opposition, Fulham look good for victory at 23/20. But the best value on the Cottagers could lie in the bets below...

Visitors to edge entertaining clash
Five of the last six clashes between the West London rivals have seen both sides find the net, including Fulham's 3-1 victory at Loftus Road in 2016.

As for the visitors, they outscored every other Championship side on the road last season, recording 40 goals in 23 away games. Only champions Newcastle United managed more points, with the Cottagers winning more than half of their games on the road.

However, while we're backing Jokanovic's men for another away day triumph, chances are they'll concede along the way. They've made it nervy for fans by shipping at least one goal in four of their past five league wins on the road. As for QPR, they've only drawn a blank twice this season.

Best Bet: Fulham to Win and Both Teams to Score @ 11/4

Norwegian ace could be key to victory
It's no coincidence that Fulham's recent good form has dovetailed with some superb displays from Stefan Johansen. The former Celtic man netted vital goals in the recent wins over Hull City and Forest, as well as setting up Oliver Norwood's strike at Burton Albion.

But any idea the Norway international's recent goals are a flash in the pan is disproved by last season's stats. The midfielder netted in 10 of the Cottager's 27 league games from December onwards, with more than half of those coming away from home.

With Ian Holloway's men managing a solitary clean sheet in their past 10 matches, bagging a goal at Loftus Road should be one of his easier assignments this term.

Best Bet: Stefan Johansen to Score Anytime @ 12/5

Cottagers could take it by a couple of goals
When Fulham were on form last season, they simply ran riot. Of the Cottagers' 22 Championship victories, 14 came by two or more goals. That included away wins at high-fliers like Newcastle (3-1), Huddersfield Town (4-1) and Norwich City (3-1).

Having also breezed past Forest on their last away assignment, those electric displays are showing no sign of letting up.

As for the R's, they've already been on the end of a few comprehensive losses this term, including a 4-1 pasting on their own patch by another West London outfit – Brentford.

That all suggests that if Fulham win here, they could well rack up the goals in the process.

Best Bet: Fulham -1 @ 3/1

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing




http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/championship/3-ways-you-should-back-fulham-for-derby-day-victory-over-qpr.html

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Fulham FC Invites Local People to View Plans for New Stand

Club promises it will include new pubs, restaurants, green spaces and riverside walk

Fulham Football Club is inviting residents to view itsplans for a new riverside stand - currently being finalised by architects Populous.



As well as better seating and facilities for fans, the club announced last week that they aim for the new stand to include 'riverside pubs and restaurants, event facilities and green spaces', as well as improving the riverside walk.

Public exhibitions are planned at the stadium for fans and residents to examine. Visitors are welcome to view displays in the Cottage Cafe on Thursday 12 October (2-8pm) and Saturday 14 October (9am-1pm), ahead of the Fulham v Preston North End match.

Fulham fans had their first inkling of the type of changes they can expect in the matchday programme at Wednesday's 2-1 win over Hull – the Whites' first home victory of the season.

Club chairman Shahid Khan used gardening analogies to explain his vision. "We are a club with ambition to grow, but to grow you must protect and never damage your roots," he said.

He pledged that a new stand would be 'iconic and beautiful', blending history and modernity and added: "It won't be long before we'll be sharing some of the architectural elements and designs."



http://www.fulhamsw6.com/default.asp?section=info&page=fulhamfc01709a.htm

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AK47 starts firing
by Dan on September 27, 2017

Knee-jerk reactions are all the rage in modern football. It took some just half an hour of watching Aboubakar Kamara in a Fulham shirt to write him off. Others, after viewing the admittedly lamentable League Cup defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers, reckoned he was the worst striker the club had ever had. Plenty of internet correspondents suggested that Tony Khan's analytical approach had recruited a dud at a time that Slavisa Jokanovic needed a serious striker – especially after Rui Fonte got injured at Ipswich.

Kamara isn't anybody's idea of the dream lone forward to lead the line. He shares few of the attributes of the last French forward brought in to fire Fulham into the Premier League, barring Louis Saha's nationality. In fact, Kamara is much closer to cult hero Barry Hayles, barrel-chested, physical and quick – preferring to take the shortest possible route to goal. It was clear he was raw earlier in the season but, as I wrote then, to write him off after the briefest of cameos seemed harsh. I felt Kamara put a real shift during a creditable goalless draw at Leeds – and some of the stick he took from supporters was out of order.

What is also clear is that Kamara has warmed to the task of working with Slavisa Jokanovic. He was brave enough to move out of his comfort zone, away from the side he had just lifted into Ligue 1, and to London, where he hardly speaks the language. The team he joined hardly played to his strengths but Kamara has knuckled down and is now getting the rewards. It was evident during his twenty minutes on the field against Middlesbrough that he had worked hard both on holding up the ball and linking the play – the chance he spurned eight minutes from time was created by a lovely give-and-go at pace with Rui Fonte.

If you thought that miss was going to wreck Kamara's confidence, you underestimated the man. His header that gave Fulham the most fleeting of sights of a big win on Saturday hasn't been remarked upon enough. It was a colossal leap at the back stick to reach a floated cross from Ryan Sessegnon and, to hang in the air long enough to generate the power necessary to beat Darren Rudolph, was a stupendous effort. Even if Fulham ultimately squandered the advantage Kamara had given them, the joy in his frenzied celebration in front of the Johnny Haynes stand was rather heartwarming.

The ex-Amiens forward was something of a surprise starter at Nottingham Forest last night. Rui Fonte's predatory instincts were rather sacrificed for the good of the team and, with confidence now flowing through his veins, the Frenchman gave Matt Mills, once a Fulham target, and Michael Mancienne, whose footballing pedigree includes coming through the Chelsea academy at Cobham and starring in the Bundesliga, quite a thorough working over. These centre backs are not novices and yet they didn't have an answer to Kamara's pace and power.

Allied to his selfless running, Kamara now knows he can finish in this league. His movement to drift across the Forest back three and give Ryan Sessegnon the option of early slide-rule pass down the side of the defence was first class and the finish, after a touch to gather his composure, gave Jordan Smith little chance. The goal was just the first act in a high-octane performance that saw him harry defenders without the ball and use it intelligently to bring team-mates into play. He rattled the near post with a venomous drive that surprised Smith in the second half and showed great vision to tee up Stefan Johansen for an effort that clipped the bar.

Nobody is suggesting that Kamara is the finished article or that he'll blow Championship defences away single-handedly. But he's far from the disaster some were predicting – and is the best advert  going for all the painstaking work that goes on over at Motspur Park. Ryan Fredericks, whose barnstorming run from right back changed the course of the contest last night, was effusive in his praise when discussing Kamara with BBC Radio London after the final whistle:

    He is a credit to himself, he has had to adapt, but we need to adapt to his strengths, he has improved so much.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/ak47-starts-firing/

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Johansen targets winning run
by Dan on September 27, 2017

Stefan Johansen has urged his Fulham team-mates to go on a winning run after the Whites registered an important away win at Nottingham Forest.

The Norwegian midfielder, who curled in a sublime free kick from just outside the box to restore Fulham's lead at the City Ground, felt that winning when his side weren't at their best was an important message to send to the rest of the Championship. Johansen now wants to carry that confidence into Friday's west London derby with QPR.

The former Celtic midfielder, who has been a little below par by his own admission this term, told FulhamFCTV that he had a good feeling about the destination of the free-kick almost as soon as Ryan Fredericks was sent tumbling just outside the box after a sensational run from inside his own half.

    I had a good feeling when Freddo was brought down. I thought, 'It's time to get a free-kick and a goal as well!' It was an important goal at an important time. Let's be honest, it wasn't our best game. First half we struggled a bit and we said to ourselves in the dressing room, 'it's there for us, so we just need to be better than we were in the first half'. I got a chance from the free-kick and scored and also Yohann [Mollo] came in and had a nice assist. Neeskens obviously came in and helped us with a goal.

Johansen felt Fulham were far better in the second period when Ollie Norwood ensured that the visitors played with their usual compliment of three central midfielders, although he acknowledges the need for Slavisa Jokanovic to try different systems throughout the course of the season.

    I think obviously we played better in the second half. Everybody can see that. We are most used to playing three in midfield than two and a one, with Rui [Fonte] as a number ten. We can play different kind of things, but this game it suited us better to play three, maybe.

    At the end of the day, if we want to go up, you need to win on your bad days as well. Hopefully, we can get a run going now and there is an important game for us just on Friday, so it would be nice to get a win there before the international break. We want to go to their QPR, get out there and win the game to get the three points and climb the table.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/johansen-targets-winning-run/

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QPR v Fulham: Kamara the key

Ian Holloway described his side's first half performance against Burton Albion last week as the worst he'd ever seen. The half-time arrivals of Matt Smith and Bright Osayi-Samuel inspired an improved second half, which saw Jamie Mackie and Luke Freeman both come close on more than one occasion, but they couldn't find a way through.

It was a performance that highlighted QPR's need for a convincing front-man. Since the 2-0 win over Reading on the opening day, the partnership of Mackie and Conor Washington hasn't yet clicked. Both players work hard enough, but neither quite benefit from the Rs making 26 crosses per game, more than any other side. To truly maximize Washington's potential he needs a bigger striker alongside him, perhaps Smith, capable of getting the initial knock-downs.

Fulham play 15 crosses per game, fewer than any other side, but they too need to find a natural line-leading striker within their ranks. So far this season they have played the likes of Floyd Ayite and Rui Fonte down the middle and both are creative, but neither quite provided the physicality or ruthlessness one would want from a number nine. Aboubakar Kamara's substitute appearance against Middlesbrough on Saturday though – and his goal at Nottingham Forest – suggested he might be the missing piece of the jigsaw.

His touch is not yet all it could be, which means he is not a replacement for Chris Martin, but on the flip side he is quicker and able to run in behind. Kamara, who is 8/5 to score anytime with NetBet Sport, could provide a stern test of QPR's defence. That rear-guard faced criticism early in the season but, has conceded just once in two games, helped by the midfield tenacity of Josh Scowen.

Ian Holloway has brought some passion back to the club and while he's in charge, we can expect to see 11 players fighting for the shirt. They have taken more points (five) than any other team from matches in which they are behind at half-time. Their performance at Barnsley on Tuesday was not the best, but Freeman came up with an impressive 87th-minute strike to earn a point.

That spirit is something Fulham must be wary of. They play at such a high intensity that, in the last few minutes, they sometimes lose some energy and have paid for that on several occasions. In Kamara though, they might just have a striker capable of killing games off before fatigue becomes an issue.

The Football Lab's Verdict: 1-2



http://www.thefootballab.co.uk/2017/qpr-v-fulham-kamara-the-key/