Saturday Fulham Stuff (18/11/17)...

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Former Fulham manager Chris Coleman favourite for vacant Sunderland job
The current Wales manager has been backed heavily for the Black Cats job after they sacked Simon Grayson

Former Fulham boss Chris Coleman is the odds-on favourite to return to the Championship and take the vacant job at Sunderland.

The Black Cats have been looking for a manager since the sacking of Simon Grayson and the current Wales gaffer is now 3/10 on with Sky Bet to take the job at the Stadium of Light.

Coleman began informal talks with the Football Association of Wales last month but is currently awaiting formal talks over extending his spell as the national team boss, and now the bookies are backing him heavily to become the new boss of Sunderland.

Sunderland had reportedly also been interested in Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neil, as well as Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottam, but neither look like they are keen to take the job.

As of yesterday, Oddschecker said that 70% of bets placed in the Sunderland market had gone on the former Fulham manager to become the new boss.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-manager-chris-coleman-13914259

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans' reception for Chris Martin will inspire him to play better, according to Gary Rowett

The striker had a controversial loan spell at Fulham last season and could be in for a tasty reception from the Cottage faithful

Gary Rowett expects Chris Martin to be inspired by any hostile reception he may receive from the Fulham faithful at the Cottage on Saturday evening.

The Derby striker had a controversial loan spell at the club last season where he refused to play against Reading in an attempt to get recalled back to his parent club.

However, Fulham didn't budge and he eventually came back into the side, although fans weren't as forgiving as Slavisa Jokanovic and refused to take to the striker as they had done.

He returns to the Cottage tomorrow for the first time since that loan spell, but his boss has said he believes any hostile reception for him from the crowd will only make him play better.

"Chris is experienced enough to not concern himself with all that," said Rowett.

"I'm sure this is the sort of game he would relish. If there is any negativity, he would use that to spur him on.

"If Fulham fans want to boo him, that's up to them but I'm pretty sure that would inspire him to play better."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-reception-chris-martin-13914393

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County In Focus

Have a read of the key matchday details ahead of Fulham's televised meeting with Derby County on Saturday (5.30pm).
Possible opposition absentees

Johnny Russell - hamstring injury

Tom Lawrence - dead leg
Tickets

Tickets are available to buy on General Sale, priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors when bought before matchday.
Weather

There is a 50 per cent chance of rain in SW6 on Saturday, with temperatures around eight degrees at 5.30pm.
Ticket Office

In light of the late kick-off, the Ticket Office will still be opening at 9.30am, and the phone line will be extended until 2.30pm. The Ticket Office will close at half time (6.15pm) and not be open after the game.
Arrive early

Regular security checks will continue to be in place and in line with National counter terrorism guidelines for all major events, we would like to remind supporters to be vigilant when making their way to and from the ground and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour.
Micky Adams

The popular former Fulham Manager will be in the Stadium Store from 3-4pm signing copies of his new book.
He said...

"Regardless of [Fulham's] form, regardless of the fact they've struggled against teams, we're probably going to have to press them a little bit more. They're still a very good side and they can beat any team on their day." – Gary Rowett, Derby manager.
Live stream

As this match is being televised live on Sky Sports, we are not permitted to stream it on fulhamfctv.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 11/10

Draw: 47/20

Derby: 12/5
Previous five results

Derby 2-4 Reading (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds 1-2 Derby (Sky Bet Championship)

Norwich 1-2 Derby (Sky Bet Championship)

Derby 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday (Sky Bet Championship)

Derby 2-0 Nottingham Forest (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/17/derby-county-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Friday
Burton	1 - 3	Sheff Utd
Preston NE	0 - 0	Bolton

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Coleman leaves Wales role for Sunderland job

Chris Coleman has left his job as Wales manager to take over at Championship club Sunderland.

Coleman will succeed Simon Grayson, who was sacked after 18 games in charge.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed: "Regretfully, Chris Coleman has resigned from his position with immediate effect."

Ex-defender Coleman, 47, succeeded the late Gary Speed in 2012 and guided them to an historic appearance at Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-finals.

Disappointment followed as Wales failed to reach the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Coleman's assistant Kit Symons has also left his role of Wales coach.

Ex-Wales winger Ryan Giggs and West Bromwich Albion's Welsh manager Tony Pulis were among bookmakers' early favourites to succeed Coleman.

FAW 'extremely disappointed' by Coleman departure
FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "We are extremely disappointed to see Chris' tenure as Wales manager come to an end.

"The FAW and Wales as a nation will be eternally grateful for the job he has done over the last six years as national team manager, from travelling the length and breadth of Wales outside of the media spotlight to talk to players and supporters, to guiding us to the semi-finals of the European Championships.

"We wish Chris the very best of luck for the future as he returns to club management, a desire for which he has always been honest and open about."

After Wales' qualifying campaign for the 2018 tournament ended in defeat by the Republic of Ireland, Coleman's last two games in charge were a 2-0 loss to France and 1-1 home draw against Panama in November, 2017.

Negotiations between Coleman and the FAW continued after the game against the Central Americans.

Those talks ended with Coleman leaving. He had often spoken about hoping to return to the day-to-day demands of club management amid a career that has included being in charge of Fulham in the Premier League.

'I'm gutted, really disappointed' - Gabbidon
Ex-Wales defender Danny Gabbidon told BBC Sport Wales: "I'm gutted, really disappointed. I know all the fans will be, the players will be as well.

"I know how much they thought of the manager - he was more than just a manager.

"There was a kind of player relationship between the squad and the manager so they'll be gutted hearing that news as well."

Coleman's reign began with Wales 48th in Fifa's world rankings and it ends with them in 14th place.

He will take over at Sunderland, who are bottom of the Championship with one win, seven draws and eight defeats so far this season.

Sunderland are aiming to confirm a deal with Coleman by Sunday.

There is an expectation at the Stadium of Light he will be in charge for their away game against Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

Despite speculation over Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill, Coleman was the club's number one target and no offers were made to other candidates.

Coleman wanted the FAW to employ head of performance Ryland Morgans and psychologist Ian Mitchell on full-time contracts.

The FAW also offered to spend £500,000 on upgrading training facilities.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42033068

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s Host Leicester City

The Young Whites are back in action after the two-week international break and they take on Leicester City at Motspur Park on Saturday.

The Foxes are one place above the Young Whites in the Premier League South, only separated by goal difference.

This match could prove to be a pivotal in the season, with the top two in the table going on to semi-finals facing the top two teams from the Premier League North at the end of the season.

Last time out the Young Whites beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at the North London Training Ground. Fulham were afforded an early lead through a Sonny Hilton chip, and sealed the win in the second half with Nicolas Santos-Clase scoring from the penalty spot.

Leicester City are in similar form to Fulham, having beaten Arsenal 2-0 in their last fixture. Fulham have picked up two points more than the Foxes over the last five matches.

Score updates will be available on the Club's official twitter account, @FulhamFC.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/17/u18s-host-leicester-city

[WhiteJC]

 
Latest Derby County injury news ahead of Fulham trip

Rams boss Gary Rowett provides further fitness update on Keogh, Johnson, Russell and Lawrence

Derby County boss Gary Rowett has provided another injury update ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage (5.30pm).

Rams skipper Richard Keogh sustained a thigh injury during the 4-2 home defeat to Reading, which forced him out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup play-off with Denmark.

Keogh, though, trained with the Derby squad yesterday, as did midfielder Bradley Johnson.

Johnson pulled out of training earlier in the week due to a rib injury.

Johnny Russell did not train on Thursday due to a hamstring strain, though he was expected to join in Friday's session.

Tom Lawrence also sat out training on Thursday after picking up a dead leg playing for Wales against Panama on Tuesday night - but should be available to face Fulham.

"Johnny Russell should hopefully train today (Friday)," said Rowett. "He did a little bit of rehab yesterday (Thursday).

"Bradley Johnson trained yesterday, Richard Keogh trained yesterday. Tom Lawrence, we purposely left him out of yesterday's session. We just felt that with him playing on Tuesday night, there wasn't much point in him training.

"But of course, he watched what everyone else did, so he has that information. He will be available also."

Joe Ledley (hamstring) and Matej Vydra (calf) have both shaken off injuries, leaving Rowett with plenty of options.

"I think Jason Shackell (calf) might effectively be the only injured (senior) player, so we're OK," said the manager.



http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/latest-derby-county-injury-news-790838

[WhiteJC]

 
Brand New Start

While things haven't gone Fulham's way of late, Rui Fonte is looking to play a part in the Whites' revival.

No-one is happy with what we're going through at the moment, but as professionals we need to bounce back - that's the short-term goal," he tells Saturday's matchday programme. "We have to get back to winning ways, that's what we all want and that's what we intend to do, starting against Derby."

To read the full interview with Fonte in which he also discusses older brother and West Ham United defender Jose as well as joining Arsenal as a 16-year-old, get your hands on the programme on Saturday.

Other highlights from the publication include:

- Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns

- Robert Wilson recalls a fateful game at Derby's Baseball Ground

- Aboubakar Kamara takes our nine-dart challenge

- Zesh Rehman talks us through a Fulham-related picture of him

- Viv Busby picks his Fulham Dream Team

- And we speak to Micky Adams, Simon Morgan, Rob Scott, Glenn Cockerill and Nick Cusack ahead of the return to SW6 of several members of the class of 1996/97

Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from Programme Master where you can also purchase past editions.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 12pm on Tuesday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/17/fonte-programme-derby-county

[WhiteJC]

 
Gary Rowett issues cautious message to his Derby team ahead of tough trip to Fulham

Derby County manager has given his verdict on Fulham ahead of his side's trip to West London on Saturday, in an interview with the club.

The Rams are in good form heading into the fixture, having won four of their last five league encounters.

Defeat to Reading in their final fixture before the international break will have come as a disappointment to the former Birmingham City boss, who will be keen to bounce back against the struggling Cottagers.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men have been poor this term, and lie in 17th place having picked up just four wins from their opening sixteen fixtures.

Despite their slow start, Rowett is taking nothing for granted.
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"Regardless of their form, regardless of the fact they've struggled against teams trying to press them, they're a very good side and they're capable of beating any team on their day," Rowett stressed.

The Verdict

Derby are in the midst of a good run of form, but meet a Fulham side desperate for a win following what has been an extremely lacklustre start to the new campaign.

Jokanovic's men set the division on fire last season with their electric play and free scoring nature, but something seems to have changed at Craven Cottage this year.

The club have suffered a lot of injuries to key personnel which has not helped, and Jokanovic knows his side have the quality in their ranks to turn their season around.

It should be an entertaining affair at the Cottage, with both sides keen for a win.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gary-rowett-issues-cautious-message-to-his-derby-team-ahead-of-tough-trip-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Derby County
SAT 18 Nov 2017 Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage


Richard Keogh returned to training this week after injuring his quad against Reading

Fulham will be without suspended midfielder Kevin McDonald, who serves a one-match ban for five bookings.

Captain Tom Cairney could return from knee trouble while forward Sheyi Ojo (shoulder) is back in training.

Derby are hopeful captain Richard Keogh will be fit enough for selection after he injured his quad in the 4-2 home defeat by Reading two weeks ago.

Joe Ledley is expected to be available after missing that game, while Tom Lawrence has recovered from dead leg.

Derby County manager Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Derby:
"We are unbeaten in our last four away games and that's from a position where we were all questioning our away form and whether it would be detrimental to where we want to be.

"To take eight points from the last four away games in fantastic form, but what we don't want to do is focus so much on our away form, that home form starts to suffer.

"Those away games have given us some great confidence."

SAM's prediction
Home win 46%   Draw 27%   Away win 27%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    Fulham are unbeaten in their last seven home league matches against the Rams, although five have been draws (W2).
    Brian Clough was in charge of Derby the last time they won at Craven Cottage in a league match, winning 1-0 in April 1969.
    Aboubakar Kamara has only had 16 shots in the Championship this season - only two shots have been on target, but he's scored with both of those shots.
    Gary Rowett has never lost against Fulham during his managerial career (W3 D3), although one of those draws was in the League Cup when his Burton were eliminated on penalties in August 2013.
    Fulham have had scorers of 10 different nationalities in the Championship this season, more than any other side.
    Six of Derby's last seven league goals have been scored after the 70th minute, including each of the last five.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41951288

[WhiteJC]

 
'It's All About How We React'

Hopeful of being passed fit to face Fulham on Saturday, Richard Keogh says this weekend is all about how Derby County react from their defeat to Reading before the international break.

The Rams travel to the Capital looking for an immediate return to winning ways in the late Sky Bet Championship game at Craven Cottage, kick-off: 5:30pm.

Gary Rowett's men fell to a 4-2 defeat to Reading two weeks ago – a result that ended their four-game winning streak and seven-match unbeaten run in total.

With a schedule jam-packed full of fixtures over the next couple of months, Keogh, the 30-year-old Derby captain, only has eyes on ensuring the Reading result was a merely a blip as they look to embark on another unbeaten streak.

He told RamsTV: "We've gone on a great run and we have earned some big results against some big teams.

"Maybe the two away games, with a lot of travelling involved, maybe, took some of the energy out of us and as a result we didn't start as well as we have been at home.

"We're not making excuses. We weren't good enough. In this division, you are going to have bumps in the road, but it's always about how you react.

"The lads have got come back refreshed, training has gone really well this week and we're all excited to try and go on another run.

"Especially over the Christmas period we have got a lot of games, tough ones too, but it's a great opportunity to get some points on the board and pull ourselves further up the league."

In a big boost for the Rams ahead of the weekend, Keogh is also hopeful of retaining his place in the starting XI against Slaviša Jokanović's Fulham after returning to training on Thursday.

The centre back, nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award for October following a string of impressive performances, was forced to withdraw from the defeat to Reading after just six minutes.

Scans have confirmed that Keogh suffered a slight tear to his quadricep.

"It's been a long 10 or 12 days, but I managed to train on Thursday and felt good," he said.

"I've been lucky really. The rehab has gone quite well, the injury has healed quite nicely, and it has been nice to get back out there training. Hopefully I will be ready for the weekend.

"It was just something I felt in my quadricep during the warm-up. At the time, I was hoping it was just some stiffness.

"I tried to play, but I realised quite quickly that I couldn't do all of the stuff that I needed to do. It was important for me to come off because I could have done a lot more damage.

"We scanned it and realised that I had a slight tear. If I had carried on it would have got a lot worse."



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2017/11/its-all-about-how-we-react

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'I'm Sure Chris Will Relish This Game'

Gary Rowett believes returning to his old club this weekend won't phase Chris Martin.

The Derby striker, who turned 29 earlier this month, is pushing for a place in Rowett's starting line-up in tomorrow's Sky Bet Championship game at Fulham (5:30pm kick-off).

Martin came off the bench to score his first goal of the season prior to the recent international break and has impressed with some positive performances.

The Scotland international frontman spent last season on loan at Fulham, scoring 11 times in 34 appearances, before returning to Derby in the summer after penning a new contract back in January.

Players returning to old clubs, particularly for the first time, traditionally come in for some jeers – but Rowett feels Martin is the type of player to use that sort of situation to his advantage.

He told the media on Friday morning: "Chris is an experienced player and won't have to concern himself too much with going back to Fulham.

"I am sure it is the sort of game that he will relish and look forward to. I know he still has some friends in the Fulham camp.

"I think any player of that experience would use that negativity, if there is any from their fans booing him, to spur them on and inspire them to do better."

Rowett admits he has some 'big decisions' to make when it comes to naming his starting line-up.

Derby were beaten 4-2 by Reading two weeks ago, their first defeat since mid-September, and the Rams' boss is mulling over who will start at Craven Cottage.

Martin is, however, one of the players who is very much in his thinking.

He said: "There's been a lot of talk about Chris being at Fulham last year and the like but that doesn't mean he will automatically start the game.

"He is, of course, in contention to start after being in good form and coming off the bench to score against Reading last time out.

"He adds to the melting pot for some big selection decisions I have to make."



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2017/11/im-sure-chris-will-relish-this-game

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky pundit issues his prediction on Fulham's home clash with Derby County

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton's weekly prediction column has returned following the international break, with the former Leeds United midfielder giving his expert opinion ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Turning his attentions to Fulham's home clash with Derby County, Prutton has struggled to pick out a winner, and feels a 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome of the match.

Derby are in a good run of form, and despite having a four game winning streak snapped at the hands of Reading prior to the international break, Gary Rowett's men are the form side of the division.

Wins at Leeds United and Norwich City in October will give the Rams belief heading into the away tie, but Fulham will be no walk in the park for the East Midlands side.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have been poor this season, rocked by injuries to key personnel, and lie in the bottom half of the table at this early stage of the season.

Looking a far cry from the side that lit up the division last season, the Serb needs a win, and knows victory over the visitors could mark a turning point in his side's disappointing season.

The Verdict
This is set to be an evenly matched tie.

Both Fulham and Derby will enter the game desperate for three points, with both sides aiming to climb up the table in search of a top-six spot.

I can see there being goals at Craven Cottage, in the game which is set to be televised by Sky, but it is hard to distinguish a winner from the tie.

I'm going Fulham 2-2 Derby County.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sky-pundit-issues-his-prediction-on-fulhams-home-clash-with-derby-county/

[WhiteJC]

 
Everything You Need To Know About The Rams' Trip To Fulham

It's full steam ahead for Derby County following the conclusion of the third international break of the season as they prepare to gear up for a return to action against Fulham in Saturday's late kick-off, kick-off: 5:30pm.

The Rams take on last season's beaten play-off semi-finalists looking for an immediate return to winning ways and ahead of the game, dcfc.co.uk has pulled together all the key information you are going to need to know...

WHAT'S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS?
Gary Rowett provided a fitness update on a handful of Derby County players ahead of their return to action at the weekend.

Joe Ledley and Richard Keogh both returned to training and are likely to return to action.

Tom Lawrence, who scored for Wales in the 1-1 draw with Panama in midweek, picked up a dead leg, but will be monitored and is expected to be passed fit for the weekend.

Bradley Johnson had a rib complaint earlier this week but like Lawrence, he is expected to be fine for this weekend's fixture.

Johnny Russell, on the other hand, is struggling with a hamstring problem and is a doubt for the Rams' clash with the Cottagers.

WHAT DID THE BOSS HAVE TO SAY?
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage, Gary Rowett said: "We've worked incredibly hard to ourselves into a position where the game in hand doesn't feel so significant, we're in a reasonably healthy position, of course we want to be higher, but we know that the game in hand just adds a little bit to the run that we've been on.

"We're in a good position, I think there are a lot of teams that would like to be sat in the position that we are now.

"We're one point off the play-offs with a game in hand, but what we need to do is continue to be competitive and win games of football."

"We don't want to throw away some of the good work that we've already done, and we know that in this division, it's very easy to do that.

"The Reading game was probably ideal preparation, because they're very similar to Fulham. They move the ball around very well, they retain possession, especially from the goalkeeper.

"Regardless of their form and the fact that they've struggled against teams that try to press a little more, and that's something we'll look at.

"Regardless of the scenario, they're still a very good side that are capable of beating any team on their day, so we'll make sure that we give that message to the players."

WHO IS THE PLAYER TO WATCH?
Local lad Ryan Sessegnon made quite an impression in his breakthrough season in senior football last season... as a 16-year-old!

The left back joined Fulham, alongside twin brother Steven, in the summer of 2008, joining up with the Under-9s.

A left-sided defender with attacking instincts, he's risen through the ranks quickly, and was a regular for Steve Wigley's Under-18 side in 2015/16, despite being just 15 years of age.

His good form in the Academy did not go unnoticed by Slaviša Jokanović, who called Sessegnon up for First Team duties ahead of the new season, and he promptly scored his maiden senior goal in a 3-0 friendly win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

A debut was not far away as he started against Leyton Orient in an EFL Cup victory, and he made his first league appearance in the 1-1 draw at Leeds United shortly after.

Sessegnon ended the 2016/17 campaign with an impressive seven goals in 30 appearances, and the summer saw him sign his first professional contract, which keeps him at Fulham until at least June 2020 – despite a lot of interest from the Premier League.

HOW YOU CAN SECURE YOUR SEAT?
Derby County have been given a further 637 tickets for this weekend's Sky Bet Championship visit to Fulham.

Derby's original allocation was increased to 2,767 earlier this month, but this has now gone up to 3,404 by popular demand.

Tickets cost:

Adults - Standard: £30 | Disabled Supporters: £15
Seniors (65+) - Standard: £25 | Disabled Supporters: £12.50
Ages 18-21 - Standard: £25 | Disabled Supporters: £12.50
Under-18s - Standard: £15 | Disabled Supporters: £7.50

Supporters can buy their tickets from the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1)* or online right here on dcfc.co.uk.

To become an Away Membership Holder for the 2017/18 campaign and ensure you're in line to purchase away tickets first, visit: dcfc.co.uk/toptix/memberships.

* Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.

IMPORTANT PRE-MATCH INFORMATION
Saturday 18th November marks the 30th anniversary of the Kings Cross fire and a planned a remembrance service will take place outside the station.

It's the club's understanding that many Derby supporters will be coming through Kings Cross and we urge you to do so in good time to avoid any delays.

LAST TIME OUT AT CRAVEN COTTAGE

FULHAM 2-2 DERBY COUNTY
Saturday 17th December 2016

Alex Pearce's towering header 15 minutes from time saw Derby County fight back to earn a 2-2 draw from an enthralling clash with Fulham in the Capital when these two sides last met at Craven Cottage.

The defender leapt to meet Tom Ince's delivery and power it into the back of the net at the near post in front of the 3,000+ contingent of Rams fans that made the journey down to SW6.

It saw Steve McClaren's side battle back from a goal down to earn a result for the first time since the Derby manager's return in October, after the Cottagers themselves had fought back from Ince's opener to lead 2-1 at the hour mark thanks to strikes from Floyd Ayité and Stefan Johansen.

Whilst the Rams' seven-game winning streak came to an end, Pearce's header does mean that the club are eight games unbeaten and on the fringes of the play-off positions going into Christmas.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Malone, McDonald, Cairney (C), Ayité, Johansen, Sigurdsson (Parker, 45), Piazon, Aluko (Humphrys, 87), Kalas (Madl, 31)

Substitutes not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Kebano, Smith,

Derby County: Carson, Baird, Keogh (C), Pearce, Olsson; Johnson, Butterfield, Bryson Ince (Weimann, 90), Vydra (Bent, 65), Russell (Camara, 65)

Substitutes not used: Mitchell, Shackell, Hughes, Hanson

Attendance: 18,748

WHO ARE THE MATCH OFFICIALS?
Darren Bond will take charge of Derby County's 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship fixture away to Fulham on Saturday.

Bond has overseen 15 games so far this season, producing a total of 54 yellow cards and one red.

His last Derby game was the impressive 5-0 home victory against Hull City back in September.

Bond will be assisted by Jonathan Hunt and Darren Fox on the lines, whilst Charles Breakspear has been appointed as the fourth official.

HOW I CAN FOLLOW THE ACTION
Due to the day's late kick-off game being screened live on Sky Sports, RamsTV are NOT be able to stream this match against the Cottagers live, but supporters, both in the UK and abroad, will still able to listen to every moment of the action.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2017/11/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-rams-trip-to-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Here's what Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic had to say in his pre-Derby press conference

Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to the press today ahead of the Derby game, here's everything he said during the broadcast section of the press conference

Here's everything Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said in the broadcast section of his pre-Derby press conference at Motspur this afternoon.
Tough period over the past few weeks, how have you used international break?

"Behind us is not the good month, we weren't so successful in October and if I'm being honest, we didn't have enough players left here in this international break and in the end we try make our job and improve fitness and try fix our mistakes with the group we had working with us

Last two days my team were complete and we prepared together for the game in front of us.
No wins in last five, why haven't you been as effective?

"First of all, we created some expectation and we are below that. We didn't be solid enough, competitive and didn't play enough good football to win more points this last month.

At the end it's important to build our confidence, be a unit and improve us and start to play better and be confident and be more competitive.

At the end, after 16 games, there is a huge number of the games in front of us and we must take this serious possibility and be available to improve ourselves.

We aren't good enough at the moment and must be improve.
How important is it to make a statement against Derby this weekend?

"Its very important for us, they are in good form and are six points ahead and it's a great chance to cut this distance between us tomorrow afternoon.

For another side, we know we haven't shown enough good performances and it's a fantastic chance for us to do everything to beat Derby.
Who are the key men?

This is a team sport and we have few problems in this beginning of the season, we expect we will find our better version with Cairney, who is going to be our best player and one of the more important players in the past where he is in great level, he makes the people around him be better.

It's not only about one player, we need improve in both boxes and in many games we dominate and create the chances but we must find confidence with some good results and this solution is in our hands and opportunities are there tomorrow afternoon.

What's the team news?

Still, Sheyi Ojo and Lucas Piazon are outside of the squad, Kevin McDonald is suspended and Kebano has some question marks - he has a hip problem and we must assess him.
Is Ojo back in training and could he be involved?

He will be involved soon and is working with us but without physical contact.
Home form, it's not been strong, how frustrating and how do you turn it around?

It's true, in the last season we probably play better away too than what we play at home.

I try push my team to mark their territory and be comfortable at home but we didn't show enough confidence and what I say in bad moment we must be a unit, push altogether and I am sure our supporters will push hard to help us in the game but altogether we must find solution.

Is your ambition still getting promoted?

It's not question about our ambition, we are where we are and we must be realistic. We know we are below expectations that we created and step by step we must be available to improve and start to win the games and be more comfortable on the pitch and be more competitive.

At the moment, I am not thinking of May, I am thinking of the next steps and the next step is in front of us and we must be better.
Will this game be used as a turning point for your season?

I hope it will be turning point for us, it's a great chance in front of our supporters and Sky and it's the best moment for us to change our situation.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heres-what-fulham-manager-slavisa-13917628

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Slavisa Jokanovic gives update on Fulham's Tom Cairney injury progress

The boss also gave updates on Stefan Johansen, Sheyi Ojo, Lucas Piazon and Kevin McDonald's suspension

Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed that Tom Cairney is now fully fit after his knee injury and expects him to find his best level of performance going forward.

The Fulham captain has suffered with a knee injury since pre-season, something that has seen him in and out of the side over the course of the season and hasn't allowed him to get into his stride as he was last season.

However, Jokanovic now believes the problem is behind his captain and that he will be playing a key role in their games from now on.

He said: "Yes, he is better and we expect this problem is now behind him and we expect he will be focused on trying to find his best performance.

"I expect this is part of the past and I expect he will be more lucky with this situation what is ahead of us."

Stefan Johansen had been struggling with a groin injury before the international break, but the Norwegian has undergone therapy on the problem over the break and will be fully fit also.

He added "We gave him some rest and make it some therapy for him and we expect he will in highest level in games what is in front of us."



Meanwhile, Sheyi Ojo is back in training and while tomorrow comes too soon for him, he may make the squad for the trip to Sheffield United, while Lucas Piazon is still a month away from fitness.

"It's good, he's recovered is faster than what expected and soon we expect we can use him, probably in the next game against Sheffield United he can be available.

"With Piazon, there is still probably around one month in front of him to be available."

Fulham will also be without Kevin McDonald for the Derby test, which is a big miss, but Jokanovic has revealed Oliver Norwood will play the 'McDonald role' and backs him to do a good job.

"It's important miss, he's one of the players in probably the best form in the team," he said.

"We must be ready, Ollie Norwood will start in this position and I am sure he will make the same job as McDonald makes for us."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-gives-update-fulhams-13918066

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic gives his view on the return of former loanee Chris Martin

The two meet once again tomorrow at Craven Cottage, and the Fulham boss still believes Martin is one of the most important players in the division

Slavisa Jokanovic still believes Derby striker Chris Martin is one of the most important players in the Championship, and is disappointed that his time at Fulham wasn't as enjoyable as it should have been.

Martin was signed on loan from tomorrow's opponents but had an up and down spell at Craven Cottage, refusing to play against Reading in an attempt to force a move back to his parent club.

However, Jokanovic continued to back him once he returned to the fold but he struggled to get onto the scoresheet and eventually finished on 11, something which the Fulham boss doesn't believe is his best level.

The two cross paths again tomorrow and Jokanovic wishes his former striker all the best, except for the 90 minutes that Fulham and Derby lock horns for tomorrow.

He said: "Chris Martin is a good footballer, he helped us last season and had some up and downs during the season for different reasons.

"I am a little bit disappointed because he could enjoy a little bit more with us than he was enjoying in the last season with Fulham for different reasons.

"He was little bit unfocused to offer his best version of this player, but at the end he is one of the important players in this competition and one who can guarantee you many goals.

"With us he scored only 11, what is not the best mark for him, and at the end I remember he was a good boy, a good footballer and we had some situation and now I don't need to make so many comments about a Derby player.

"I wish him all the best, but less for being successful in tomorrow's game."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-gives-13917929

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At last! Betting suspended on next Sunderland manager market as Coleman set to be unveiled

The Daily Mail were the first to break the news Chris Coleman has resigned from the Wales job to take charge at Sunderland.

Bookies suspended taking bets on who will be the next permanent Sunderland boss at around 7.45pm this evening as the Daily Mail revealed Chris Coleman will ditch Wales to take over at the Stadium of Light.

Odds on the 47-year-old had continued to tumble throughout the day as media outlets began to suggest Coleman was a near-certainty to succeed Simon Grayson at the Stadium of Light. Moments before the betting was suspended, the bookies had rated him as a 1/3 shot.

The news is a huge boost to fans on Wearside who have watched the 17-day hunt for a new boss with a growing sense of unease at what appeared to be a search making little headway.

Such has been the growing apathy in Sunderland as the city's football club have been stuck fast at the bottom of the Championship, just a handful of local journalists bothered to turn up for caretaker boss Robbie Stockdale's pre-match press conference this afternoon.

The Black Cats stand-in refused to be drawn on whether he would end up staying on until the end of the season presumably all too aware that Coleman was in talks with the Sunderland hierarchy.

47-year-old Coleman has been in charge of the Welsh national side since 2012 and has seen his stock rise after leading Wales to Euro 2016 and almost making qualification for the World Cup in Russia next year.

Coleman's club career prior to his international stint encompassed four-and-a-half years at Fulham, eighteen months at Real Sociedad and a couple of seasons at Coventry before an ill-advised short spell at Greek side AEL.

A defender in his playing days, the Swansea-born coach turned out for his hometown club as well as Crystal Palace and Fulham and made nearly 500 appearances all told before being forced to retire after a car crash in 2001.


Chris Coleman as Fulham boss at the Stadium of Light in 2006 - the game was abandoned due to snow Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Reports this evening claim Coleman resigned from his position as Wales boss after failing to strike a deal to stay on and attempt qualification for Euro 2020.

The Welshman takes on a huge challenge at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland's sixth manager in four years with the club sunk to the foot of the Championship suffering what has been looking like a terminal relegation hangover following last season's painful drop from the Premier League.

Coleman arrives with a reputation for motivating players and fostering a close-knit atmosphere in the set-ups he's managed in before. Seemingly commanding respect in the dressing room, the new Sunderland boss is set to take charge for Tuesday's trip to Aston Villa.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/11/17/16671260/at-last-betting-suspended-on-next-sunderland-manager-market-as-coleman-set-to-be-unveiled

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Three Players to Watch: Matchday 17 vs. Derby County
Find out who will Fulham have to outperform in order to beat Derby County and reclaim their season.

Throughout the past two weeks, we witnessed the misery of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland failing to build their Euro2016 qualification success towards the World Cup. That being said, nothing came close to how Italy, among the most successful footballing nations, are in such a catatonic state after watching themselves not qualify for next summer's tournament for the first time in 60 years. On the brighter side, we witnessed Peru make it back to the dance for the first time since 1982 and generate an earthquake through their celebrations in the process. Beyond those important matters, international football was very boring these past two weeks. I mean, you did not witness one goal if you were simply watching England during that timespan.

You know what isn't boring? All the turmoil that is going on at Fulham, that's what! Ah yes, I needed to refresh your memory banks towards those joyful news stories that were coming out of the club since the end of October. Whichever way you looked at the Craig Kline fiasco, this Saturday is a good time to put them to bed and support the club towards their quest to regain their place in the upper echelons of the Championship.

For that to happen, they will have to face the daunting task of claiming three points against a Derby County side that Fulham always seems to have trouble with. Since their return to the Championship in 2014, Fulham have only beaten Derby once in their six fixtures with them. That one victory occurred in February 2015 in the thick of Kit Symons' managerial reign. You know it has felt like a long time when Nikolai Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow were the goal scorers that day. In short, Derby have been a pain to Fulham's side for some time now and Slavisa Jokanovic has to find a way to get more than just a draw considering how far behind they are in the table.

That being said, Derby don't seem to be the same Derby we're used to seeing. Under manager Gary Rowett, they're style of play suggests that they still have the same hard-edged elements that previous iterations have had. However, their underlying numbers indicate that Derby have a hint of vulnerability they are hiding.

For starts, they only hold on to the ball 48.4% of the time this season; which is only good for 15th best in the Championship. Now you only need to find another Fulham supporter to find out if possession has any form of validity throughout the footballing world. But even with said possession, Derby only generate just an 18th best rate of 11.4 shots per 90 minutes. Still, they have scored 23 goals this season despite having their expected goal total hit just 19.1 this campaign according to Ben Mayhew at Experimental 361.

In defense, Derby are not doing much better. They have given up the same 19 goal total as Fulham have but are doing so by giving up 13.1 shots per 90 minutes in the process. Such a negative shot differential and a goal scoring output that is above expectations indicate a side that is not only due for some regression despite them chasing a promotion spot themselves. This is a club that has been in the top ten of the Championship in each of the past five seasons. Making it back to that spot isn't good enough for the supporters and all involved anymore and they demand much better finishes to the season. A chance to correct any problem spots against a weak-in-confidence Fulham side would be a great start for them. Here are three players that will hope to carry out that task.

Curtis Davies

At 32, Davies is still as lively as ever been after amassing 472 appearances in English club football. With 62 interceptions and tackles, he is the most active defender on the team and is the catalyst of Derby's pressing game that springboards their attack. Along with that, there is no other Derby player that has contested and won more aerial duels (68 in 112). Even at such an age, Davies is always there to do all the dirty work, just like Tomas Kalas is for Fulham. After going back and forth between the Championship and the Premier League during the early parts of his career, it wasn't until his days with Hull City where Davies became a mainstay in England's top flight. He hopes to return to the big stage again under one of England's sleepiest giants.

Tom Huddlestone

Another player that would love to prove his value again in the Premier League is the 30-year old Huddlestone. With four England caps to his name, the former Tottenham man was among the brighter stars in the Premier League. However, injuries and fallouts with the manager regarding his fitness prevented him from adding to his international pedigree and he has never set foot on a club as big as Spurs since.

Still, Huddlestone is among the best long ball merchants of his era and his rate of 6.13 such passes completed per 90 minutes is among the highest you'll see in England's second tier this campaign. Consider that during his Tottenham days, that his long ball pass rate was as high as 9.31 per 90 minutes in 5,106 league minutes since 2009-10. That number has dwindled a bit, but that doesn't prevent the fact that he is an impact player for the Rams in 2017/18 and Fulham can't take their eyes off of him.

Matej Vydra

All data from whoscored.com

Up front, Derby certainly don't possess an elite talent but they have spread the goals around this campaign. While the 25-year old Vydra has put up a team leading six goals, fellow strikers David Nugent and Sam Winnall along with central midfielder Bradley Johnson are not that far behind with four goals each. Still, at 655 minutes, Vydra's production has been impressive to start the season and a 2.89 shots per 90 minutes rate that is the highest he's recorded in his last five league campaigns definitely helps.

Still, how is it that a player of Vydra's talent has only played 655 out of a possible 1,350 league minutes for Derby County? He did pick up a thigh injury in August, but only missed one game due to that unfortunate circumstance. There were three other occasions where he was in the 18-man squad, but never left the bench: including Derby's last two league fixtures. Along with that, Vydra has never stayed with one club for more than a season since his days with Udinese. The last time he was seen there was in 2012! This was a Czech International who was hoping to add to his 19 caps and five international goals but hasn't been called up to the National team since October 2016.

Whether he's an instant impact or not could decide tomorrow's fixture. Then again, I'm sure Chris Martin will score the late winner tomorrow because that's how supporting Fulham works.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/11/17/16671324/three-players-to-watch-matchday-17-vs-derby-county

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Fulham boo-boys will only inspire Chris Martin, says Derby County boss Gary Rowett

Striker had a controversial loan spell with the Rams' Championship rivals last season

Chris Martin will not be put off by the Fulham "boo-boys", according to Derby County manager Gary Rowett .

Derby face Fulham in the Championship on Saturday evening (5.30pm) and Martin could receive a rough reception when he makes a first return to Craven Cottage, where he spent last season on loan.

Martin hit 11 goals before he returned to Derby in the summer but some Fulham fans might remember what was an up-and-down loan spell for the Scottish international striker.

Whether Martin starts for the Rams remains to be seen but he is expected to be in the 18 on duty.

When asked what kind of welcome Martin might receive, Rowett said: "Chris is experienced enough to not concern himself with that.

"I think he still has some friends down there in the Fulham camp and I am sure it is the sort of game he would relish, the sort of game he would look forward to.

"I think any player of his experience would probably utilise that negativity - if there is any negativity from the fans - to actually spur them on.

"Listen, if the Fulham fans want to boo Chris at any point of the game, that will be up to them. I am pretty sure that would inspire him to play better.

"Just by being at Fulham last season doesn't necessarily mean that Chris will automatically start the game.

"Of course he is contention, he is in good form, he scored in the last game, and so he adds to a melting pot of what is some big decisions I have to make."



http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boo-boys-only-inspire-794259