Friday Fulham Stuff (16/02/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham favourite Sean Davis singles out Southampton's Matt Targett for praise

Fulham signed Matt Targett on loan from Southampton in January.

Fulham favourite Sean Davis has told the club's official website Fulhamfc.com that on loan Southampton defender Matt Targett is proving to be a very good signing for the club following his recent arrival.

Targett arrived from the Saints during the January transfer deal on a loan deal which will see him remain at Craven Cottage until the end of the current Championship campaign.

The young left-back has impressed in West London, and his inclusion has allowed Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon to move into a more advanced position as a left forward.

Writing in his column for Fuhamfc.com, former player Sean Davis has been impressed by Targett and feels the Southampton man has slotted into Fulham's system seamlessly.

"He's slotted seamlessly into the team and has settled really quickly. He's very competent on the ball, defensively he's very good, and his presence there frees up Ryan Sessegnon at the other end of the pitch, and we all know how deadly he can be in front of goal. So all in all, Matty is proving to be a very good signing," Davis wrote.

Targett, a former England U21 international, signed a five-year deal with Southampton only last summer but a lack of appearances at St Mary's prompted him to seek a loan deal in the Championship.

Fulham's brand of football under boss Slavisa Jokanovic made them a popular option for the 22-year-old, and his presence in the first team has without doubt improved the Cottagers.

Targett is given licence to push forward and overlap the talented Sessegnon, and his attacking intuition was rewarded last weekend with his first goal for Fulham in the 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

Fulham face fellow promotion rivals Aston Villa this weekend, and the West London side know they will have to be competent at both ends of the pitch if they harbour hopes of picking up all three points.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/02/14/tt-fulham-favourite-sean-davis-singles-out-southamptons-matt-tar/

[WhiteJC]

 
The Aston Villa star who could be key to this weekend's result v Fulham

Aston Villa take on Fulham this weekend in the Championship in what should be a very entertaining game to watch.

In recent weeks we've seen both sides soar to the top end of the form table and, therefore, they have risen up through the ranks to now be well placed in the top six.

Villa, of course, are in the top two right now but Fulham can cut the gap with a win at Craven Cottage and so it should be a top match to take in.

It could be decided, then, by the narrowest of margins and it would seem as though that Albert Adomah could hold the key to victory for Villa in this one.

Indeed, as he has been for much of this season, Adomah looks an important factor ahead of kick-off – especially with these stats in mind on Villa's Twitter:

One sticking point? Adomah is a fitness doubt this weekend though it appears that this might confirm that he'll be in the squad for the match.

The Verdict

Adomah is having a truly brilliant season from that left hand side.

14 goals so far puts him right in the mix for the Golden Boot, then, and if fit Fulham will need a plan for him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-aston-villa-star-who-could-be-key-to-this-weekends-result-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
The Sean Davis Column

We went to the Macron Stadium looking to make it six wins on the spin, but I don't think a point is the worst result in the world. A lot of the teams around us failed to win, with Derby, Bristol City and Cardiff all drawing, so I don't really look at our game as two points dropped. It keeps the run going which is a good thing. I've always said if you can win your home games and pick up some points away from home then you'll be on to a winner, and that's what we're doing at the moment. Having gone 1-0 up we wanted to come away with the win, but a draw away from home against a team fighting for their lives, I'd consider that a good point.

We missed a few opportunities to win the game, but the good thing is that we are creating the chances. If we weren't doing that and we weren't in the game then that would be a concern, but we are scoring goals and creating loads of openings. So it is disappointing in the sense that we didn't finish the game off but Bolton is a tricky place to go, especially with them hitting form lately. Credit to Matt Targett for scoring his first professional goal as well. He's slotted seamlessly into the team and has settled really quickly. He's very competent on the ball, defensively he's very good, and his presence there frees up Ryan Sessegnon at the other end of the pitch, and we all know how deadly he can be in front of goal. So all in all, Matty is proving to be a very good signing.

We are nine games unbeaten now so the momentum is still ticking along nicely ahead of some big games we've got coming up. Our next four matches are Villa, Bristol City, Wolves and Derby, so we could be in a real strong position if we rack up some decent points from those. I think we need to look at each of our home fixtures as must-win, because if we do that then we're definitely going to be very close to second spot come the end of the season.

Villa are first up and they are on a good run of form, but they're not unbeatable. It will be a good game, what the Championship's all about. It's a big six-pointer, if we can win that then it brings us closer to them and closer to that automatic spot. If we can start the game well, get on the front foot and create some chances – and take them – then you'd fancy us. Beating the teams in and around you is so important, and that's the same whether you're in a relegation battle or fighting for promotion. So if we can beat the teams in and around us at the top of the league then we stand a great chance.

Villa are the only side in better form than us, so they're going to be hard to beat and obviously they've got a lot of firepower going forward, even if they haven't scored as many goals as we have. We're at home so I would make us the favourites – we're nine games unbeaten, let's make it 10. You can only take each game as it comes and the next one is a massive one. Villa are flying high, they've gone into the automatic spots and they're not going to want to give that up easily, so we're going to have to out-battle them. Be stronger, win the second balls, and keep a clean sheet.

While victory would be a real statement of intent, it's not the end of the world if we don't win, we'd just dust ourselves off and go again, but Saturday is one that I'm really looking forward to. The fans will be there in their droves and the atmosphere in the stadium is going to be electric. Let's make the Cottage our 12th man.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/13/copy-of-the-sean-davis-column

[WhiteJC]

 
No wonder Tottenham and Manchester United wanted him - Ryan Sessegnon would be top Championship points scorer in fantasy football

Teen sensation would be leading the way if Fantasy Premier League was used in the Championship

Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon has been a sensation yet again in the Championship.

The teenager broke into the first team and stole the limelight for the Whites last season, helping the club to the brink of the Premier League with some glittering displays.

And he has carried on this season where he left off last, scoring 11 goals and not missing a single Championship game this year.

Fulham are currently sixth in the table following a remarkable run of form, in which they have gone nine league games unbeaten.

And 17-year-old Sessegnon has played a big part in that with seven goals in those games.

The Whites have had to fend off interest from the Premier League for their young star, with Tottenham and Manchester United most keenly interested in his services both last summer and last month.

And it's no surprise. Ben Mayhew, the head of data analysis at Press Association has revealed that the Fulham man would be the top points scorer if the popular fantasy football game FantasyPremierLeague was widened to the Championship.

Mayhew has gone through all of the games in the Championship and given out points to every player based on what they would earn in the Premier League game, and Sessegnon would be top with 154 points - outscoring the likes of Diogo Jota, Leo Bonatini and Ivan Cavaleiro at runaway league leaders Wolves.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/no-wonder-tottenham-manchester-united-14293425

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa's major selection dilemma ahead of crunch Fulham clash

Steve Bruce must decide who will start in central midfield at Craven Cottage

Steve Bruce has another selection dilemma ahead of Villa's game with Fulham this weekend.

Does he stick with Mile Jedinak in the middle of the park after his impressive display against Blues or hand Birkir Bjarnason.

Villa fans think the trip to Craven Cottage will be more suited to the Icelandic international.

Here are some of their thoughts:

Barry Mcmullan

"Bjarnason is underrated imo"

Cameron Dunnett

"Got to be Jedi cause the game will be won and lost in midfield"

Nathan Dare

"Thor...the game will be a lot quicker paced and dynamic in midfield. Will suit Thor much better. Jedi was in there for their aerial threat and did a very good job"

Chris Thomas

"Couldn't care less. Both do the job well enough for me! UTV"

Jonathan Reynolds

"Bjarnason, Saturday is all about pace"

Nigel Parsons

"Sunday was a game for a physical player in Jedinak Saturday will be better suited to Thor's more subtle skills."

Why Terry wears No.26

John Terry famously wears the number 26.

You've seen him in it before - for Aston Villa, England, when he put on the kit to lift the Champions League trophy despite not playing.

The towering centre-back has made the number synonymous with his career.

Chelsea fans have it on their JT-dedicated banner at Stamford Bridge, young Villa fans will beg their dads for it on their shirt.

But why does he wear it? After all, he's a centre-back - and has spent the entirety of his career as first choice.

Surely he should wear a number five, or a six?

There are a number of theories on Quora.

"JT came into the side as a 19 yr old," one wrote.

"Back then, the first 11 numbers were all allocated, and as youngsters came in, they took 'higher' squad numbers.

"You'll often see a youth player with 40-something on their back.

"So, first season in, the lowest number was around the 20s.

"And he keeps it for his career as a 'brand'.

"Same as they've now done in F1. Lewis 44. Seb 5.

"It's about personal branding."

"Gianfranco Zola wore number 25 for Chelsea, and was a living legend even in the midst of his career," another wrote.

"At 18, Terry was offered his options of squad numbers, and he realised that picking 26 would give him the locker next to Zola.

"After Zola left, and Terry came to prominence, it just kind of stuck and he remained 26."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-major-selection-dilemma-14293818

[WhiteJC]

 
Away days – Fulham, Craven Cottage

Aston Villa will officially take 4,073 supporters with them down to the capital to take on Fulham this weekend at Craven Cottage. There are also expected to be many who have purchased tickets in the neutral area of the ground.

Craven Cottage has been the home to Fulham since 1896 but was originally a royal hunting lodge and has a history dating back over 300 years.

The 'Cottage' is made up of four stands, named the Johnny Hanes Stand, The Hammersmith End, The Putney End and of course the Riverside Stand that runs alongside the River Thames.

The current capacity is 25,700 and is an all-seater stadium.

THE AWAY SUPPORTERS
Away Supporters who visit Craven Cottage are housed in the Putney Stand. 3,000 tickets are usually allocated, with the stand split in half with neutral football supporters. Rows DD and above will be affected by the supporting pillars as they tend to affect the view to the pitch.

The usual food and drinks are available at the multiple food outlets behind the stand. Although they are undercover they are not enclosed so it can be cold and windy.

Alcohol is available inside the stadium depending on fan behaviour and police restrictions. Expect to pay the usual London prices of around £4.50 for a pint or they do a beer and pie offer for £8.

I NEED A PRE-MATCH PINT
Craven Cottage has plenty of options for drinks beforehand. Right next to the tube station is the 'Eight Bells' which is usually pretty popular with Villa supporters. The pub tends to get full very quickly and early so arrive early or you could be disappointed.

Another option is the Temperance which is a five-minute walk from the Eight Bells. They have a round bar and offer ample seating. Sky Sports is also on offer on various screens and their big projector.

Other options include the Dukes Head and The Putney.

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Leave the M25 at junction 15 and take the M4 which soon changes into the A4, towards Central London. After 2 miles take the left into Hammersmith Broadway just before the flyover.

Go around the ring road around Central Hammersmith, keeping to the right. Then take the A219 Fulham Palace Road and keep straight on this road as you pass Charing Cross Hospital on your left. Around about half a mile take a right-hand turn, following the signs towards Craven Cottage.

A train from New Street Station to London Euston should take a little over two hours.
Get directions to Craven Cottage from your home by entering your own postcode below.

PARKING
Like most grounds in London, parking is difficult in and around Craven Cottage. Street parking is restricted to 1-hour pay and display on match days.

If you go further away from the ground, more street parking becomes available.

EXTRA INFORMATION
If you have Twitter then it is well worth following the official WMP Villa FC account. PC Stuart Bladen usually tweets live updates throughout the day.



http://www.avillafan.com/27765/away-days-fulham-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa Tickets Limited

There are only a few tickets remaining for Saturday's Sky Bet Championship match against Aston Villa this Saturday 17th February, 3pm.

Unbeaten in nine league games, the Whites will be up against an in-form Villa who climbed up to second place in the Sky Bet Championship last weekend.

Tickets start from £15 for juniors and £35 for adults, don't delay in securing your seat to cheer on the boys!

With tickets now only available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Previous Booking History only, secure your seat online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.


COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/15/aston-villa-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
The Boat Race at Craven Cottage

Watch the 164th Cancer Research UK Boat Race on Saturday 24th March from the Riverside Terrace at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham Football Club.

Offering one of the best vantage points of the opening mile of the race and access to our sports bar, enjoy a day of entertainment with a live DJ, pop-up cocktail bar and food stalls alongside the River Thames.

Gates open from 2pm with Early Bird Tickets priced at £8. All tickets include a welcome drink and what's more, for every ticket purchased, one junior (aged 10 and under) can join for free*.

Secure you place today online, by telephone on 0203 841 9050 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or email [email protected].

Alternatively, why not push the boat out and treat yourself to hospitality at London's original football club.
Find out more here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/visit/experiences-and-events/the-boat-race

[WhiteJC]

 
£4m-rated Fulham international v 8-goal Villa maestro: Who would you rather have in your team?

Fulham are preparing to host Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon in a clash that sees the number one and two sides in the Championship form table go head to head.

Steve Bruce's Villans have been absolutely flying in recent weeks and Sunday's Second City derby win over bitter local rivals Birmingham City made it seven straight wins and saw them overtake Derby County and jump into the automatic promotion spots.

Fulham were denied a sixth straight league win by a stunning Adam Le Fondre strike last Saturday as they left Bolton with a 1-1 draw but are still unbeaten in their last nine Championship outings.

After a patchy start to the season, the Cottagers' recent spurt has seen them climb into the top six but Saturday's match will be a real test of their mettle.

Both sides have midfielders driving their promotion bids forward from the engine room in Stefan Johansen and Conor Hourihane, who netted the stunning second goal against Birmingham on Sunday – and we've run the numbers to see who is having the better season.

Hourihane is more all-action, with more goals and tackles to his name, while the pair are tied in terms of assists – both on a disappointing two – and average number of long balls per game.

Johansen reflects Fulham's passing style – the Whites keep and move the ball better than anyone in the league – with a better pass success rate and average number of passes per game, as well as edging the stakes in terms of key passes per game.

1.9 to Hourihane's 1.7 means that both players are performing strongly in that area and maybe that means more assists are just around the corner.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/4m-rated-fulham-international-v-8-goal-villa-maestro-who-would-you-rather-have-in-your-team/

[WhiteJC]

 
4-1-4-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham: Birkir Bjarnason To Be Handed First Start?

Aston Villa will travel to London to take on Fulham in the Skybet Championship at the back of a derby win against Birmingham City in the Second City derby. The West Midlands outfit are in sensational form and have won their last six league matches which have seen them climb up to 2nd place in the league table. Steve Bruce's men are in line to secure an automatic promotion to the Premier League if they can continue their good form going into the final stretch of the season. However, both Derby County and Cardiff City are hot on their heels so there will be no room for complacency when the Villans face-off versus the Cottagers on Saturday.

The recent history of the fixture does not favour either team with both clubs winning two matches each in their last four league meetings. Steve Bruce is expected to opt for his favoured 4-1-4-1 formation versus the Londoners and could hand another start to Birkir Bjarnason at the centre of the park.

4-1-4-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence

Sam Johnstone will start in goal for Villa and might be protected by a back four of James Chester and John Terry in central defence while Ahmed Elmohamady plays at right-back and Alan Hutton operates on the left side of the backline.

The Villans defence has kept five clean sheets in their last seven league matches and Villa boss Steve Bruce will be hoping that his backline can keep the Fulham attack at bay on Saturday.

Midfield

Birkir Bjarnason is expected to be deployed as a deep-lying holding midfielder while Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane operate in front of the Icelandic midfielder at the centre of the park. Hourihane got his name on the scoresheet against Birmingham City in their last league outing and will hope to repeat the feat during the clash at Craven Cottage as well.

The club's top scorer Albert Adomah will start on the left flank and hope to add to his goal tally of 14 goals in this campaign. Robert Snodgrass will look to cut in on his stronger left foot and create some chances while operating on the right side of the midfield. Snodgrass scored the winner versus Sheffield United a few weeks ago to make the difference on the night so he will be a threat to the Cottagers defence.

Attack

Scott Hogan is expected to the lead the lines for the Villans up top. He has scored three goals in his last four league appearances and will be looking to better his record when he laces up to take on the Fulham backline this weekend.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/02/4-1-4-1-aston-villa-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham-birkir-bjarnason-handed-first-start/