Wednesday Fulham Stuff (21/02/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic to make 1 huge change – Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham lineup to face Bristol City

Predicted Fulham Lineup To Face Bristol City In EFL Championship

The magnitude of the result against Aston Villa will have little time to sink in before Fulham face Bristol City in midweek. Fulham are about to embark on a series of fixtures that will define their season. Bristol City, Wolves, and Derby lay in the wait for the West Londoners.

If they manage to get through those fixtures in a similar way to how they did against Aston Villa, they could even aim as high as second place. Some would argue that Fulham play the best football in the league but now they will need the results to back it up against the big hitters in the Championship.
Team News

Fulham have no new injury worries ahead of this clash. Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo is still working his way back to fitness and he is a doubt but other than that, they are at full strength.
Probable Fulham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Marcus Bettinelli

The Fulham goalkeeper managed to keep the strong Villa attack at bay and will be confident he can do the same against Bristol City.
LB – Matt Targett

The Southampton loanee has settled well since arriving at Craven Cottage and was excellent in the previous game. He will want a chance to continue his good form here.
CB – Tim Ream

The 30-year-old American is the organiser of this defence and he will want to add to his clean sheet total by the end of the season.
CB – Tom Kalas

The ex-Chelsea player did an excellent job marshalling Scott Hogan in his last game, and he will be hoping that he can get on the front foot and protect his goalkeeper against Bristol City.
RB – Ryan Fredericks

Fredericks provided the assist for the first goal at the weekend, and the young youth academy product loves to get forward. He will be hoping to deliver quality balls into the box for his strikers.
CM – Oliver Norwood

Stefan Johansen couldn't get on the ball as much as he would have liked to against Villa, and he may well lose his place in the team to the ever-reliable Oliver Norwood.
CM – Kevin McDonald

The Scotsman is key to the way Fulham play, as he both screens the defence and starts off the attacks. He is not afraid of a tackle and has picked up 8 yellow cards this season.
CM – Tom Cairney

The former Hull and Blackburn player is one of the most skilful ones in this league. There is no doubt he will be playing in the Premier League soon but he will be hoping it is with Fulham.
RW – Floyd Ayite

The 29-year-old number 11 from Togo came into the side against Aston Villa and looked a constant threat. He scored against the West Midlands side and will look to do the same here.
ST – Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic provides Fulham with a different threat, and a player of his quality would be incredibly useful for Jokanovic.
LW – Ryan Sessegnon

It is unbelievable the way that Sessegnon is playing, given to his age. He is only 17 years old, yet he is driving Fulham to the Premier League. Very impressive.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/02/21/jokanovic-to-make-1-huge-change-strongest-4-3-3-fulham-lineup-to-face-bristol-city/

[WhiteJC]

 
21 Y/O Defensive Ace Pens New Deal At Fulham: Does He Have A Future Under Jokanovic?

Fulham goalkeeper Magnus Norman has put pen to paper on a new deal with the club which will see him stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2019. The club has confirmed on their official website that the Cottagers keeper has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2019 with a club option to extend by a further year. Norman signed for the London club in June 2006, which makes him the longest-serving professional footballer in Fulham's ranks, just ahead of Marcus Bettinelli and Elijah Adebayo.

The 21-year-old has featured for the Whites at every age group in their youth ranks and was recently rewarded with a place on the bench for their Emirates FA Cup encounter with Southampton at Craven Cottage. In an interview with the club's official website, the youngster expressed his delight and was quoted to have said, "I'm really happy,"

"I've been here since I was nine so it's great to extend my contract by another year, and hopefully I can push on and potentially make my debut.

"I love it here. I know everyone throughout the Club, and being with the First Team this year has been a good experience.

"Being part of matchday squads is just the best feeling. The atmosphere at the stadiums, warming up, and the whole experience of travelling is just really good.

"That's all the motivation you need, that's where you want to be, playing in those big stadiums with those crowds

"All the way through I've looked up to Betts – he is who I want to be like, progressing through all the age groups to become Fulham's number one goalkeeper.

"Training with Jose [Sambade Carreira] and the other 'keepers, we all get on really well. The camaraderie's good, and we all push each other in training.

"We're all mates, but at the end of the day we're all competing for the number one shirt as well."

The Cottagers are currently sitting in 5th place in the Championship table, six points behind an automatic promotion spot which is currently occupied by second-placed Cardiff City. They have recently performed well in the league and are on course to secure a playoff spot at the end of the season. It is increasingly important for them to give their youngsters a platform to showcase their skills as Slaviša Jokanović looks to build for a brighter future at the club. Although, Norman has not made a senior appearance for Fulham, yet he has a lot of potential and knows the club well after spending over a decade in their youth ranks.

The English keeper could break into their first-team squad in the coming years so a new deal makes sense for all parties involved. Fulham could benefit from having a local player in their goalkeeping ranks while Norman might use this opportunity to showcase his talents at Craven Cottage in the near future. Only time will tell whether he can turn out to be a success for Slaviša Jokanović's side in the coming seasons.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/02/21-yo-defensive-ace-pens-new-deal-fulham-future-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Baker back and ready to go

Nathan Baker is itching to get back on the pitch after serving his three-game suspension.

The central defender, a key figure in the heart of City's defence this season, is available for selection against Fulham tonight.

Speaking ahead of the Sky Bet Championship fixture at Ashton Gate, Baker told BCTV he's ready to come back into the side and help build a promotion push.

He said: "I've been suspended for the last three games and it has felt like forever. If it had happened over the Christmas period it would only have been a week but it's been over a few weeks this time.

"I've still been training, keeping fit and I'm ready to go if selected against Fulham."

The former Aston Villa player watched City lose 1-0 against Bolton, before seeing his teammates let slip 3-0 and 2-0 leads against Sunderland and Leeds United respectively.

"I have experience at the back now and I have developed a nice partnership with Flinty (Aden Flint) so hopefully I can come back into the team and kick on with some more clean sheets," he said.

City ran out 2-0 winners at Craven Cottage back in October and Baker is hopeful the Robins can halt Fulham's current run of form, with the Cottagers unbeaten in the league since December.

He added: "I wasn't involved in the last game but I remember watching and the lads did well. It's hard to beat them, they are in a good run of form so we have to keep that in consideration this time. But we have beaten them before so let's do it again at home."



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/baker-back-and-ready-to-go/

[WhiteJC]

 
We must be patient against Fulham - Holden

Dean Holden says City will need to wait for their opportunities against an in-form Fulham side, who have not lost a league game since mid-December.

Holden also wants City to compete for the full 90 minutes after seeing his team draw in their last couple of appearances.

They let slip 3-0 and 2-0 leads in their last two games, ultimately drawing against Sunderland and Leeds United respectively.

The manner of these results have not gone unnoticed but a win against Fulham on Wednesday evening would show once again City's ability to bounce back.

Speaking to BCTV, the assistant head coach said: "The reality is we have let go of winning positions in the last two games, the only games in the season that has happened. Because it is happened in back-to-back games attention has been brought towards it. There's not one fix. There were different scenarios.

"We were at home to Sunderland, a team struggling for confidence and we allowed them into the game too easily. At the weekend against Leeds United it was a tough place to go and a fantastic atmosphere to play in. They got a goal out of nothing, followed by the equaliser.

"Of course people are asking questions and we are trying to come up with the answers but nothing changes from our point of view. We de-brief after every game, we go through all the points where we can improve, we look at what went well and we have done well in those games.

"We have played some scintillating football going forward and of course we want to be a bit tighter at the back but overall we're sixth in the league and a lot of teams would happily swap positions with us."

'UNDER NO ILLUSIONS IT WILL BE TOUGH'

City ran out 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, thanks to first-half goals from Bobby Reid and Korey Smith. Since then, the Cottagers have lost only four times - three in the league with their last Championship defeat recorded against Sunderland in mid-December.

The Robins are also without a home win against Fulham since April 1990, while their opponents can boast the best possession (57.4%) and passing (82.7%) stats in the Championship this season.

So, can City halt the London club in their tracks?

Holden continued: "I hope so, we all hope so! It was a great night, looking back. It was a sign of things to come, with our attacking prowess, the energy we showed and Fulham are a very good team.

"They have improved dramatically, they have put together a fantastic run of results and are the in-form team in the division. We're under no illusions that it will be a difficult game.

"They have the best possession stats so we know their strengths, we know we have to be patient and where we can hurt them."

'WE NEED A 90-MINUTE PERFORMANCE'

Holden added: "We're not asking the fans to do anything differently to what they have done all season. Some of the nights they have had at Ashton Gate will live long in the memory and there will be some great nights to come and that's up to the players to keep putting in their performances.

"We want a 90-minute performance and the fans will respond like they have done all season."

BAKER RETURNS, PACK SUSPENDED

Defender Nathan Baker is available for selection once more, after serving his three-game suspension.

A loanee previously, Baker made his switch from Aston Villa permanent in the summer and he has gone on to be a regular starter for the first team.

Holden said: "He's been a fantastic presence at the back all season! He's a very quiet, well-mannered person but once he's on the pitch he's a warrior. We were disappointed to lose him for three games but it is what it is. He's back and he's a huge boost to the squad."

Elsewhere, Josh Brownhill has been passed fit but Marlon Pack will serve the first of his two-game ban after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season at Elland Road.

More than 20,000 supporters will be taking their seats at the Gate under the lights tonight, hoping to witness City's first home victory over Fulham, since April 1990.



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/we-must-be-patient-against-fulham-holden/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic wary of Bristol City threats

The Robins host Fulham at Ashton Gate tonight in a match that could be crucial for the Robins play-off chances

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is expecting a stern test as his side make the trip to face Bristol City at Ashton Gate tonight in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Cottagers are on a brilliant run of form which has propelled them into fifth place in the league, two points ahead of City, and they set out their promotion ambitions with an impressive 2-0 home win over Aston Villa at the weekend.

Jokanovic knows what to expect from Lee Johnson's side despite the Robins poor recent run of form which has seen them pick up one win in their last last 11 matches in all competitions.

He told Fulham's official website: "It's a really complicated game for us,"

"We are going to find an aggressive team, a team we were not especially successful against when we [last] played them.

"They're very strong and fast in attack, pressing with the ball, pressing after they've lost it. And at set-pieces we must be aware and care about small details in this game.

"We have good momentum, we must trust in ourselves, we must trust we can play good football and fight to try and find our best performance.

"The next game is the most important one, and the next game is the Bristol City one, and we must be ready and push hard to come back with the points from Bristol."

Fulham will be backed by around 1,500 supporters for the match and the boss is hoping they can play a part on a big evening in Bristol.

"They are always very important for us," Jokanovic added. "At the Cottage now it's better, the atmosphere feels different.

"We must be satisfied because tomorrow we are going to have 1,500 of our away supporters.

"They push us many times and I am sure they are going to push us again and fight with us for the new points.

"I know it's going to be a cold night but I expect we can provide some warmth for them to have a happy and safe trip home."



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-wary-1241854

[WhiteJC]

 
Big Match Preview: Fulham (home)

City return to Ashton Gate seeking a league double over Fulham tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

The Robins are unbeaten in their last two outings, following draws against Sunderland and Leeds United respectively, but Fulham head to BS3 in good spirits, having not lost themselves in their last ten Championship fixtures.

The Cottagers also boast the best possession and passing stats in the league this year, and with an undefeated run at the Gate stretching all the way back to 1992, the London club will be confident.

However, an historic win for City at a busy Ashton Gate will see them leapfrog fifth-placed Fulham, and keep themselves well within the play-off places.

FACTFILE
Formed: 1879
Nickname: The Cottagers
Website: www.fulhamfc.com
Twitter: @FulhamFC
Ground: Craven Cottage
Capacity: 25,700

Honours:
First Division: 2000/01
First Division runners-up: 1958/59
Second Division: 1931/32, 1948/49, 1998/99
Second Division runners-up: 1970/71
Third Division runners-up: 1996/97
Third Division: 1987/88
FA Cup runners-up: 1975
Europa League runners-up: 2010
Intertoto Cup: 2002

Last season:
League finish: 6th (lost in the play-off semi-finals)
FA Cup: Fifth round, lost to Tottenham Hotspur
EFL Cup: Third round, lost to Bristol City
Top scorer: Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen, 13 goals
Average attendance: 18,498

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
Promotion-chasing Fulham, the oldest-established London club to have featured in the Premier League, were relegated from the top flight in 2014 after 13 consecutive seasons in England's highest division.

The Cottagers have spent the last four campaigns in the Championship, narrowly missing out on promotion via the play-offs last year.

And they are right back in the mix this term, having lost just seven league matches to date.

While City ran out 2-0 winners at Craven Cottage back in October – one of just two home defeats for Fulham so far this season – the Cottagers arrive at Ashton Gate tonight on the back of a ten-match unbeaten run in the league,

MEET THE GAFFER - Slavisa Jokanovic
After relieving Kit Symons of his duties at the Cottage, Fulham went more than 50 days without a head coach before striking a deal with Jokanovic.

The 49-year-old began his managerial career in 2007, winning two consecutive doubles with Partizan, before leading Watford to the Premier League.

Contract talks then broke down at 55 Vicarage Road so the former Chelsea player took charge of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he guided them to the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.

His return to English football came just six months later after the Cottagers agreed compensation with the football club.

His contract was extended with the West London outfit a year ago, keeping him at the club until 2019.

STAR MAN – RYAN SESSEGNON
One of the most exciting prospects in the Championship right now, it's as though Sessegnon can do no wrong. He's loving life with high-flying Fulham: he's been compared to Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale, starred in Nike's new LDNR advert and picked up the Sky Bet Player of the Month award for January.

The 17-year-old England winger is the club's top scorer this season, leading the way with double figures following the creative freedom to push further up the pitch.

He has dangerous pace too and having established himself at such a young age, he looks to be one to watch for many years.

LAST TIME OUT

Fulham 0-2 Bristol City

Goals: Reid 29, Smith 40.

Milestone goals from Bobby Reid and Korey Smith ensured a Halloween treat for the travelling City fans, as the Robins beat Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

First half strikes from Reid - his tenth of the season - and a first league goal for Smith did the damage against their opponents who ended the game with ten men.

Fulham had scored in every game since the start of September but City knew a win could keep them within a point of third-placed Cardiff City.

And the game started with high intensity; Joe Bryan firing over within the first minute as he tried to replicate that special goal against Crystal Palace, before Stefan Johansen also went close for the hosts.

Callum O'Dowda came within inches from breaking the deadlock just minutes later but for a fine, low save from David Button.

The home side soon began to flex muscles of their own and only the crossbar denied Ryan Sessegnon from opening the scoring. The wing back was in again just seconds later, after latching on to a Hordur Magnusson clearance but he dragged his shot wide.

Reid, who talked of his "natural"  transition into a striker ahead of the fixture, put City ahead with a milestone goal. Korey Smith pinged a cross-field pass to Josh Brownhill, who squared a first-time pass to Reid in the box for a simple tap in. That was Reid's tenth goal of the campaign and marked his second goal at Craven Cottage in as many outings.

And the Robins doubled their advantage through Smith's first league goal for the club. O'Dowda - making his third assist in two games - burst down the right-hand side, pulled a pass back across goal, where Smith pounced with a first-time shot that was tucked into the bottom left corner.

Fulham: Button, Odoi, Ream, Kalas (Norwood 45), Ryan Sessegnon, McDonald, Johansen (Soares 67), Cairney, Fredericks, Floyd Ayité (Fonte 45), Kamara. Subs not used: Djalo, Kebano, Bettinelli, De La Torre.

City: Fielding, Bryan, Pisano (Magnusson 9), Flint, Wright, Pack (Djuric 77), Paterson (Leko 69), Smith, Brownhill, O'Dowda, Reid. Subs not used: Steele, Taylor, Vyner, Eliasson.

AND FINALLY...
Officials
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Adam Matthews and Nigel Lugg
Fourth Official: Robert Lewis

Betting (via SkyBet)
City 13/8
Draw 13/5
Fulham 6/4



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/big-match-preview-fulham-home/

[WhiteJC]

'Fulham can do something special,' says Cairney
by Dan on February 21, 2018

Fulham captain Tom Cairney feels Fulham 'can do something special' as they bid to keep up their promotion push heading into crucial fixtures against Bristol City, Wolves and Derby County over the next fortnight.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side head to Ashton Gate for a crunch clash with Lee Johnson's Robins tonight just days after ending Aston Villa's seven-match winning streak at Craven Cottage. Saturday's win over Steve Bruce's side was Cairney's first start for Fulham since January 2 – and the Scottish midfielder knows that he has returned to action at a vital point in the club's campaign.

Cairney told Sky Sports that maintaining the Whites' current ten-match unbeaten run could go a long way to sustaining Fulham's outside chance of automatic promotion from the Championship:

    It's huge. I think it defines your season. As you say, all those teams are around us or above us – it's a massive and I think it is going to define what we do this season. I think it is important that we haven't got many in the physio room at the minute. We've got a strong squad and we're going to need it over the next couple of weeks.

The former Hull City and Blackburn playmaker believes Fulham's unbeaten start to 2018 has now eclipsed their excellent run at the end of last season that helped propel the Whites into the play-off places.

    It's a special run and we've really climbed the table. We're in form at a great time – it's just maintaining it until the end of the season and we shouldn't be far off. The second half of last season was very, very good form but I think this is even better at the minute, so we know what we're capable off. Everything in the dressing room is not getting too carried away. We know what we're capable off and I think we can do something special.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/fulham-can-do-something-special-says-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Bristol City (a)
by Dan on February 21, 2018

After the euphoria of Saturday's win over Aston Villa, Fulham's crucial bunch of fixtures continues with a trip to Ashton Gate tonight to take on another of their promotion rivals in Bristol City. Don't be fooled by the Robins' last two results – where they contrived to let a three goal lead slip against struggling Sunderland and lost a two-goal advantage at Leeds on Sunday – because Lee Johnson's side have already proven their credentials as a top side in this division. The Bristol City coach, who used to follow Fulham as a boy, has already guided his side to an impressive win at Craven Cottage this season and will be desperate for a reaction from his players this evening.

Johnson's achievements this year – especially when you consider that the BBC Radio Bristol phone-in following Fulham's 2-0 win at City this time last year was full of callers demanding his departure – shouldn't be understated. Having kept the Robins up against the odds last term, expectations of consolidation in the Championship would have been realistic in B53 over the summer but Johnson has taken his side to new heights by assembling an honest, hard-working squad that has gone on to surprise most in the division and across the country. Their run in the EFL Cup – where City could consider themselves unfortunate to be eliminated by Manchester City at the semi-final stage over two legs last month – was staggering, particularly when it sat alongside their outstanding league form that – even with the recent disappointments – leaves them in prime position to be involved at the play-offs come May at the very least.

Johnson's tactical approach hasn't been revolutionary, but it has beaten plenty of more established names in the second tier already this term. Barring a late rethink due to injuries and suspensions, City should line-up in their usual 4-4-2 with their wide midfielders venturing infield and the system's width provided by their flying full-backs, in a similar way to how Ryan Fredericks and Matt Targett have got forward to support Fulham's attacks over the past month. The Robins' attacks have been spearheaded this season by homegrown talent Bobby Reid, who has spent sixteen years with the club, and scored an impressive 15 goals, the latest of which came at Leeds last wekeend in 37 appearances, so far. Fulham should know all about the intelligent 25 year-old, particularly given his penchant for scoring at Craven Cottage.

An industrious midfield may miss the energy of the suspended Marlon Pack this evening, but Johnson has plenty of options to replace the former Portsmouth and Cheltenham Town midfielder. Josh Brownhill will have to shake off a calf strain to feature against Fulham but his energy could be utilised effectively, whilst Liam Walsh may come into contention to fill Pack's position in the centre of the park. Attacking midfielder Jamie Paterson may receive a recall after missing the trip to Elland Road, whilst the return of Nathan Baker from a two-match ban might see Johnson reorganise his back four with the ex-Aston Villa defender slotting back in at centre back.

Slavisa Jokanovic has already talked about the dangers of underestimating Bristol City and he will need no reminding of his opposite number's tactical acumen. Johnson has beaten Jokanovic four times in previous fixtures – which is the Serbian's worst record against any coach currently operating in the English game. It would be a terrible time for that record to be extended, with Fulham looking to follow up their fine success over Villa with another win in Bristol this evening. Jokanovic and Tom Cairney have highlighted Fulham's new-found strength in depth, which could be crucial over the course of the Championship run-in, and it remains to be seen whether the Whites will be unchanged from the weekend.

The only injury concern will surround Cairney's knee, which has been a worry all season. The Scottish midfielder, who enlivens Fulham's precise passing when he plays, said he felt 'much stronger' after the win over Aston Villa – which was his first start for the club since the beginning of January – but it may be that two games in four days is just too much of a risk given how important he will prove in the run in. In that case, Jokanovic may ask Ollie Norwood to reprise some of his excellent displays since his summer arrival on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Jokanovic could ring the changes have brought in Floyd Ayite and Aleksandar Mitrovic to successfully see off Steve Bruce's side on Saturday. Mitrovic would be the ideal choice to give Aden Flint a physical test after dominating John Terry at the weekend, but away from home Fulham's lightning breaks have often been built around speed, which would lend itself to picking Aboubakar Kamara. Lucas Piazon, a scorer at Ashton Gate last year who dropped down to the bench on Saturday, could come back into contention as well.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Ayite, R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs: Button, Christie, Odoi, Norwood, Piazon, Kebano, Kamara.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/up-next-bristol-city-a/

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs beat Liverpool, Man United and Man City to 'agree deal' for Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon - EFL pundit on summer transfer

The youngster is set to star against Bristol City at Ashton Gate tonight

Spurs have already agreed a deal to sign Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon in the summer.

That's the verdict of Bristol Post columnist Leroy Rosenior who has been speaking on the latest episode of the Totally Football Show.

Sessegnon, 17, has been in outstanding form for Fulham this season with 12 goals to his name and he is seen as one of the best young talents in European football.

He will be in Bristol tonight as his Fulham side take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate but it seems that his time in the Championship could be coming to an end.

The likes of Liverpool, Man City and Man United are all keen on securing the English U19 international but it appears that Spurs could be his next destination with a deal in place for a summer switch, according to Rosenior.

He said: "I think that a deal has been done for Ryan as teams have been in for him.

"It's a Premier League side with strong rumours of Tottenham. I wouldn't be surprised if other sides have been in for him as well.

"He's stays at Fulham before moving in the summer. His future is already mapped out."

Rosenior, whose son Liam plays for Brighton & Hove Albion as a full-back believes that Sessegnon is going to be a star for club and country.

He added: "Ryan has great potential. He is one of those players who you think he's not a left-back and not a left-winger.

"He could be an amazing player."



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/spurs-news-ryan-sessegnon-liverpool-1242074

[WhiteJC]

Gate Guide: Fulham

City play host Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.

Here's a guide of what to expect if you're heading to Ashton Gate.
ORDER OF EVENTS

09.00 - Coffee Shop & Store opens
09.00 - Supporter Services open (phones/online until 5pm)
12.00 - Sports Bar & Pizzeria opens
17.00 - Matchday ticket office opens
18.15 - Turnstiles open
18.15 - The Retreats on stage in Fan Village
18.45 - Team announcements
19.05 - Team out to warm up
19.45 - Kick-off - City v Fulham
20.30 - Half-time interval
20.45 - Second half begins
21.30 - Full time
STADIUM

The South Stand, Dolman Stand and Lansdown Stand will be open for home supporters, including the Family Area and part of the upper tier.

The Atyeo Stand will play host to the travelling Fulham supporters.
TICKETS

A crowd of 20,500, including around 1,300 away supporters, is already guaranteed.

The match will be pay on the day for home supporters only. To purchase a ticket, call Supporter Services. Alternatively, the Matchday Ticket Office - adjacent to the Atyeo statue - will be open from 5pm until kick-off.

The match is all-ticket for visiting supporters.

PROGRAMMES

As well as the usual selling points, programmes will be available for purchase in S2, S3 and D1 concessions. WellRed costs £3.
LIVE MUSIC

The band on stage in the Fan Village will be The Retreats from 6.15pm. Find out more about them here.
PARKING & TRAVEL

AG1, AG2 and AG4 First Bus routes will be operating as normal.

For full information about Parking and Travel, click here.
SCOTT MURRAY'S GUIDE TO ASHTON GATE

Free to watch
ScottMurrayGuideToAshtonGate thumbnail
SPORTS BAR & PIZZERIA

The new Fan Village will be in operation, with a raft of food and drink outlets, while the Sports Bar & Pizzeria will also be open from midday.
STORE

The Store at Ashton Gate will open from 9am. All sizes of home shirts are now available.
SUPPORTERS CLUB & TRUST BAR

Access to the Supporters Club and Trust Bar is via the Sports Bar & Pizzeria. Go through the main bar and up the stairs at the far end. The bar is on your left at the top of the stairs. There is a lift that takes you straight there as well.
RUCKSACKS

Ashton Gate Stadium asks supporters not to bring large rucksacks on matchdays, following advice from the National Counter Terrorism Office and Avon and Somerset Police.

Fans will still be able to bring smaller handbags into the stadium, although these will be subject to the usual search process.

An Ashton Gate spokesman said: "The searching process will always be subject to change and whilst there is no specific threat to any Sports Ground, we must ensure that we remain vigilant and the message to spectators is to 'Be Alert not Alarmed'."

If larger bags are brought to the stadium, they will be subject to a thorough search, with a bag and tag procedure in place.



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/gate-guide-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City boss Lee Johnson hails Fulham as 'one of the best sides in the Championship'

The two side meet with Fulham hoping to put a further three points between themselves and Bristol, who sit in sixth

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has hailed Fulham as 'one of the best footballing sides in the Championship' ahead of their game at Ashton Gate tonight.

The Whites are on a 10-game unbeaten run that has seen them surge into fifth in the table, two points ahead of tonight's opponents and just six points off second place.

In the reverse leg, it was a Halloween horror show for Slavisa Jokanovic and his team as Bristol beat them 2-0 at the Cottage on the day news broke that Craig Kline had been sacked by Fulham.

Fulham will be hoping for a different result tonight, and Johnson believes his side will need the fans this evening in order to do the double over Fulham.

He told Bristol's official website : "It's obviously really important that we make it a real Ashton Gate atmosphere, against probably one of the best footballing sides in the division.

"We had a great result, a great performance away from home (at Fulham) but we do need the fans.

"It's important they don't get frustrated or get on the players' backs – which I know they won't – because I think they're enjoying the way that the players are playing."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-boss-lee-johnson-14317567

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City In Focus

Have a read of our Bristol City preview as Fulham look to stretch our Sky Bet Championship unbeaten run to an 11th match.
Possible opposition absentees

Marlon Pack - suspended

Matty Taylor - hernia injury

Eros Pisano - hamstring injury

Callum O'Dowda - ankle injury

Jens Hegeler - knee injury

Milan Djuric - groin injury

Gary O'Neil - match fitness

Cauley Woodrow - ineligible
Tickets

Tickets are only available to purchase until 3pm on Wednesday afternoon, with none available on the gate. Call 0203 871 0810 (option 3) to book.
Weather

It will be a dry and cloudy day in Bristol on Wednesday, with temperatures as low as five degrees by kick-off.
Getting there

London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads is under two hours each way, with the last train home at 10.35pm. Ashton Gate is a 10 minute taxi ride away from the station.
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 7.15pm (GMT) to view.
He said

"[Fulham] have improved dramatically, they have put together a fantastic run of results and are the in-form team in the division." - Dean Holden, Bristol City assistant head coach
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Bristol City: 13/8

Draw: 47/20

Fulham: 8/5
Previous five results

Leeds United 2-2 Bristol City (Championship)

Bristol City 3-3 Sunderland (Championship)

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Bristol City (Championship)

Bristol City 2-0 Queens Park Rangers (Championship)

Bristol City 2-3 Manchester City (EFL Cup)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/21/bristol-city-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic thinking of making changes as Fulham travel to Bristol City

Fulham face the second of three games in a week against Bristol and the head coach is looking at making changes to his side

Slavisa Jokanovic is considering making changes to his Fulham side as they face the prospect of three games in a week, with the second of that spell tonight against Bristol City.

The head coach made three changes for his side's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, handing Aleksandar Mitrovic his first start in a white shirt, while Floyd Ayite and Tom Cairney came back into the side.

Fulham travel to Bristol tonight to face sixth placed Bristol City, who are just two points behind the Cottagers, and ahead of the game Jokanovic praised the mentality of his squad as he considers making changes for the tough trip.

He said: "I am really satisfied with the mentality of my squad, not only the 11 players who started the game.

"My experience in this competition in the past, when I got promoted one time with Watford, was that I used many players from my squad.

"I cannot survive three games in one week with 11 players. Now we have more options, I have important players in different lines of the team.

"Our expectations are high and we expect we can repeat our good performances, we can play good games with different players.

"I trust that we can all together do a great job and I expect the individual quality of all these people will serve the team."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-thinking-making-changes-14317758

[WhiteJC]

Fredericks urges Fulham to 'play our stuff'
by Dan on February 21, 2018

Fulham full back Ryan Fredericks is expecting a tough game against Bristol City on his return to Ashton Gate tonight.

The right back spent just 26 days with tonight's opponents before moving to Fulham for personal reasons at the end of August 2015 and he knows that Lee Johnson's side pose a serious threat to the Whites' ten-game unbeaten run. Fredericks told the club's official website:

    Everyone knows it is going to be a tough game. They've got a lot of young, energetic players who will probably press us high up the pitch. We know we are in for a tough game. We also know as long as we play our stuff then we'll be fine – and hopefully, we'll get the three points.

The 25 year-old believes Fulham's memories of securing a play-off spot with an excellent run of form at the end of the last season will stand the squad in good stead as they approach a critical run of fixtures that could define their campaign this time around.

    We've got experience from last season to know that we can go on long unbeaten runs and keep winning. We've started earlier this season so we're more than confident we can keep the run going to the end of the season. We've had important games against some of the teams around the top this season when we've needed to win – and we've won them – so that gives us even more confidence going into the next set of games, where we've got some of the other teams at the top of the table.

He also believes Slavisa Jokanovic's side can take real confidence from the way in which they eventually ground down promotion chasing Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

    It was a good game. The first half wasn't the best for us, it was a bit of a tight nervous 45 minutes to be fair, but as soon as we got that goal early in the second half, it opened up for us. They had to come out of their shape a bit and try and impose themselves on the game. It opened up for us and we could have scored three or four.

    A lot of the play had gone down the left side before and it was a bit unbalanced. We tried to get the ball out to the other side a bit more, get Floyd on the ball more and it freed up their left back. It freed up space for me to exploit and, luckily, that's how we got the first goal.

Fredericks was keen to downplay the importance of his own performance against Villa at the weekend – eschewing talking too much about his richly deserved man of the match award and focus on the team's display.

    It's always nice to get a bit of recognition from the fans, but obviously the main thing for everyone at the moment is just the team performance and picking up three points. Obviously, personal accolades are nice as well but we're desperate three points in every game we play in, so that's the main thing at the moment.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/fredericks-urges-fulham-to-play-our-stuff/

[WhiteJC]

 
Ex-Fulham man Leroy Rosenior believes Tottenham have already agreed a deal for Ryan Sessegnon

The former Fulham man believes that the 17-year-old's future has been mapped out already

Former Fulham man Leroy Rosenior believes Tottenham Hotspur have already agreed a deal to sign Ryan Sessegnon in the summer.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Totally Football Show , the 53-year-old believes a deal has already been done by Spurs to snatch him away from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in the summer.

A whole host of Premier League and foreign clubs were after Fulham's top scorer in the summer, but Director of Football Operations at the club, Tony Khan, issued a statement declaring he was not for sale and would be staying at the club.

Sessegnon has been at Fulham since he was eight, joining the U9s in 2008 and has continued his development at the club at a rapid rate this season - scoring 12 goals to make him the top scorer at the club this season.

And if Rosenior is to be believed, Spurs already have their man.

He said: "I think that a deal has been done for Ryan as teams have been in for him.

"It's a Premier League side with strong rumours of Tottenham. I wouldn't be surprised if other sides have been in for him as well.

"He's stays at Fulham before moving in the summer. His future is already mapped out.

"Ryan has great potential. He is one of those players who you think he's not a left-back and not a left-winger.

"He could be an amazing player."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ex-fulham-man-leroy-rosenior-14317945

[WhiteJC]

 
Matchday Live: Bristol City

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Wednesday evening's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

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

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

The stream will kick in around 30 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game. We recommend watching via Google Chrome.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly subscription. 

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

Fans who have experienced issues accessing the stream in the past are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from supporters, while our FAQs are available here.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/21/matchday-live-bristol-city

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Bristol City man gives verdict on the Robins ahead of Fulham clash

The ex-Robin has been one of the stars of the Championship this season

Former Bristol City defender Ryan Fredericks is predicting a difficult game against the Robins as he heads back to Ashton Gate tonight.

Fredericks signed for City back in 2015 from Tottenham Hotspur after loan spells at several Championship clubs.

However, his Robins' adventure was short-lived and he played four times for the club before moving to Fulham just 26 days later, due to personal reasons.

Regarding tonight's game against Bristol City, Fredericks told Fulham's official website:


Ryan Fredericks

"Everyone knows it is going to be a tough game. They've got a lot of young, energetic players who will probably press us high up the pitch.

"We know we are in for a tough game. We also know as long as we play our stuff then we'll be fine – and hopefully, we'll get the three points."

The 25 year-old believes Fulham's fantastic run of form towards the end of last season which confirmed their place in the play-offs can help their play-off push this term.

He added: "We've got experience from last season to know that we can go on long unbeaten runs and keep winning.

"We've started earlier this season so we're more than confident we can keep the run going to the end of the season.

"We've had important games against some of the teams around the top this season when we've needed to win – and we've won them – so that gives us even more confidence going into the next set of games, where we've got some of the other teams at the top of the table."

While the defender thinks it is important for his side to take confidence from his own performance and their 2-0 victory against promotion chasing Aston Villa last weekend, he insists that they look to win every game in the league regardless of who they are playing.

"It's always nice to get a bit of recognition from the fans, but obviously the main thing for everyone at the moment is just the team performance and picking up three points.

"Obviously, personal accolades are nice as well but we're desperate three points in every game we play in, so that's the main thing at the moment."



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/former-bristol-city-man-gives-1244760

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham key man issues confident statement ahead of Bristol City clash

Fulham travel to face play-off rivals Bristol City tonight on the back of a ten-game unbeaten run that continued with a hugely impressive 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring before a long-range peach from Floyd Ayite ruthlessly punished a Sam Johnstone error but the man of the match was Ryan Fredericks.

His bursts from right back were the key to unlocking the Villa back line in a second half where Fulham grew increasingly dominant and tonight's game sees the flying full back return to one of his former clubs.

Things didn't work out for Fredericks at Ashton Gate but he knows his side are in for a tough game against Lee Johnson's side.

However, he is also confident in his own side's ability to play through the pressing game that has got the Robins into play-off contention.

He told the club's official website: "Everyone knows it is going to be a tough game. They've got a lot of young, energetic players who will probably press us high up the pitch.

"We know we are in for a tough game. We also know as long as we play our stuff then we'll be fine and hopefully, we'll get the three points.

"We've got experience from last season to know that we can go on long unbeaten runs and keep winning. We've started earlier this season so we're more than confident we can keep the run going to the end of the season.

"We've had important games against some of the teams around the top this season when we've needed to win and we've won them.

"So that gives us even more confidence going into the next set of games, where we've got some of the other teams at the top of the table."

The Verdict

Fulham go to Ashton Gate full of confidence that the passing game that has now become their trademark will be enough to get through the intense pressing preferred by Johnson.

Bearing in mind that Bristol City's pressing game also unsettled Manchester City, it's a big ask but the way they are playing at the moment, Fredericks is right to believe that Fulham can beat anybody in this league.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-key-man-issues-confident-statement-ahead-of-bristol-city-clash/

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City boss lavishes praise on opponents Fulham

Bristol City host Fulham in the Championship on Wednesday evening.

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has described Fulham as one of the best footballing sides in the Championship as the two prepare to meet at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening, Bristol City's official website report.

The Cottagers began the season in poor fashion, slipping down to 17th in the league before a turn of form has seen them steadily climb the table as they now sit just a matter of points off the automatic promotion places.

Fulham head into their clash with the Robins as the in-form team in the Championship, winning six of their last seven games including a 2-0 home victory over fellow promotion rivals Aston Villa.

Aboubakar Kamara of Fulham is shown the red card by referee Scott Duncreferee Roger Eastduring the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Bristol City at Craven Cottage on October...

Speaking to the club's official website before the clash, City boss Johnson had nothing but praise for the West London side and admitted they were one of the best footballing sides in the division.

"It's obviously really important that we make it a real Ashton Gate atmosphere, against probably one of the best footballing sides in the division," Johnson told bcfc.co.uk.

"We had a great result, a great performance away from home (at Fulham) but we do need the fans."

Slavisa Jokanovic guided Fulham to the playoff semi-finals last term, eventually losing out to Reading.

He will want to go one better this time around, and automatic promotion is certainly within grasp as rivals Derby County, Cardiff City and Villa are likely to drop points over the coming weeks as the pressure mounts.

Fulham have scored a whopping 25 goals in their last nine league games, becoming the second highest scorers in the Championship behind runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If they manage to keep up their incredible goal scoring form, it would take a brave man from betting against them earning promotion at the end of the campaign though there are surely plenty of twists and turns to come.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/02/21/tt-bristol-city-boss-lavishes-praise-on-opponents-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
EFL pundit gives grim prediction for Bristol City vs Fulham

The Robins host Fulham on Wednesday night - the Sky Sports man gives his prediction

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes that Fulham are the 'best team' in the Championship and they increase Bristol City's recent woes when the two sides meet on Wednesday night at Ashton Gate.

The Robins remain in sixth place despite throwing away a two-lead at Elland Road on Sunday as Leeds United fought back to earn a point. It means Lee Johnson's side have won one of their last 11 matches in all competitions as their play-off charge weakens.

Fulham, however, are the form team in the Championship with fives win in their last six matches including an impressive 2-0 home success over promotion-chasing Aston Villa on Saturday.

And Prutton believes that they will be too strong for the Robins and will emerge with a 2-1 away victory.

He writes for Sky Sports: "Bristol City will be really disappointed with the way they've thrown away two comfortable leads in two games.

"If they had won both they'd be right back up in the mix for automatic promotion, but instead they're now looking over their shoulder at the pack chasing a play-off place.

"Fulham are the best team in the league right now and their confidence will be sky high after beating Aston Villa on Saturday.

"I think their run will continue on Wednesday night at Ashton Gate."

What time is kick-off?

The game kicks off at 7:45pm.

Is the game on TV?

It's not this time. Fans can keep up with team news and all the action from our live blog, including the build-up and post-game quotes.

What happened the last time these sides met?

City will take great confidence going into the game after winning the reverse fixture 2-0 at Craven Cottage back in October.

Bobby Reid and Korey Smith's goals in the first half were enough to see the away side come away with a victory before Fulham forward Aboubakar Kamara was shown a straight red card after a clash with City captain Bailey Wright.

The Australian had just had a goal chalked off for offside moments earlier.




https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-fulham-prediction-1236655