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Thursday Fulham Stuff (29/03/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, March 29, 2018, 07:08:04 AM

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WhiteJC

 
The big run-in breakdown: What Cardiff City need in their remaining games to beat Aston Villa and Fulham to automatic promotion


And so it begins. The final run-in. One that will define the season for Cardiff City and indeed many other clubs up and down the land.

From here, it can all go wrong or from here, the shiny jewel of promotion can cap off a season to remember.

Cardiff City have been here before. It's gone wrong on so many occasions in the past but they've also seen the job through.

Failures to reach the promised land that is the Premier League by far outweigh the one promotion to the modern-day top-tier that the Bluebirds hold to their name.

And so ensues a fear amongst supporters. There's a cautious approach to getting excited in these parts and even now, even with their team in pole position to secure second spot, many are thinking the worst.

For many, it won't be reality until the job is mathematical done and that includes the manager, Neil Warnock, and the players, too.

The Bluebirds are currently seven points clear with a game in hand. Since the modern format of the Championship was introduced in 2004, no team has ever blown it with this many points at this stage – 76.

And that has undoubtedly brought confidence, make no mistake about that. The Bluebirds' faithful are far more confident than they might have been a few years ago when the club adopted a reputation of blowing their season at the last.

But there's still a need to feel the tape of the finish line wrap around their chest before they allow their emotions to run wild.

Neil Warnock and his players hope to give them that licence to celebrate, too, but they know there's still work to do. Some are even increasing their targets, eyeing up top spot as Wolves begin to falter a little.

Nine games packed into a hectic schedule. Get through those with a good return of points and promotion is theirs. Nine games in 41 days and nine games to achieve what many predicted was the unachievable.

Things can change quickly in the Championship and Warnock knows that all too well. Seven straight wins can mean nothing a week after a defeat in the Championship and Cardiff found that out over Christmas.

However, it does seem like the stars are aligning for Warnock in his quest to secure a record-breaking eighth promotion.

Fulham and Aston Villa just keep slipping up and that's what has handed Cardiff pole position ahead of this huge run-in that sees them play leaders Wolves and fourth placed Aston Villa before the season is out.

But what will Cardiff need from those games? Where will their season be won and lost? With the international break out of the way, from here, it's a downhill sprint to the finish line.

Here's a full rundown of Cardiff City's remaining fixtures and here's what they need to reach the finish line ahead of their rivals.

30th March – Burton Albion (Home)
Required result – Win

Key fixtures: Norwich City Vs Fulham, Hull City Vs Aston Villa, Middlesbrough Vs Wolves

This is a huge opportunity for Cardiff City and there's no time for a slow start after the international break like they've suffered from in the past. This is a must win.

All three of the Bluebirds' promotion rivals are away from home and leaders Wolves face a tough trip to Boro.

It's likely that at least one of those three teams are going to slip up again and if they do, Cardiff must be there to pounce.

Home form is the key to Cardiff City reaching the finish line and slipping up at home to relegation-battling Burton Albion would be a bad way to kick-off the run-in.

2nd April – Sheffield United (Away)
Required result: Draw

Key fixtures: Aston Villa Vs Reading, Fulham Vs Leeds United, Wolves Vs Hull City

This is a tricky one. Warnock returns to his 'home ground' in front of the Sky Sports cameras and with the pressure firmly on.

By this point, the Bluebirds should be on the edge of reaching 80 points and everyone will have to consider them front-runners in the race for second whether they like it or not.

That will mean Cardiff – if this hasn't happened already – can forget about using the underdog card. They will have to stand up to the pressure from here on in.

This one will be a huge test given Sheffield United's ability and their play-off hopes. Two games in four days won't be easy, either, and a point would leave everyone satisfied.

6th April – Wolves (Home)
Required result: Draw

Key fixtures: Norwich City Vs Aston Villa,Sheffield Wednesday Vs Fulham

The big one. Everyone already has their eyes on this tasty clash between first and second and who knows what the gap will be by the time this one comes around.

As things stand, Cardiff are only six points behind with a game in-hand and with this one against the leaders to play.

The title race is still open and this one will define whether it remains open. The pressure will be huge and the Bluebirds will be glad to be home.

Win and the focus may change from top two to racing for the title. Cardiff beat Wolves away from home earlier in the season so they'll be full of belief against their lofty opponents, especially at home, but in the context of finishing in the top two, a draw will do.

10th April – Aston Villa (Away)
Required result: None

Key fixtures: Fulham Vs Reading, Wolves Vs Derby County

Another huge game comes right around the corner from that tasty clash with Wolves as the Bluebirds head to Villa Park to take on direct automatic promotion rivals Aston Villa.

The pressure will be enormous, but the facts are, Cardiff don't need to win it. People will look at the psychological implications of losing this one and so on, but it's simply a points race from here and Warnock's men can get there even if they lose this game.

Of course, a draw or even a win would be huge for the season and the latter may even end Aston Villa's promotion hopes.

However, the pressure is on the home side and not Cardiff to get a result. The seven-point buffer – with a game in hand – going into the last nine games means Warnock's men can relax a little more than their opponents here.

14th April – Norwich City (Away)
Required result: Draw

Key fixtures: Aston Villa Vs Leeds United, Fulham Vs Brentford, Wolves Vs Birmingham City

This one won't be easy, either, but Cardiff need to take a point and that could mean three games without a win, but it's all about accumulating points.

The Bluebirds should be able to rely on their home form for wins and with that, they just need to back it up with a few draws away from home.

This one will be a test. It's a long trip and it adds to the heavy schedule of games during April.

However, Cardiff are capable of coming away from Carrow Road with at least a point.

21st April – Nottingham Forest (Home)
Required result: Win

Key Fixtures: Ipswich Town Vs Aston Villa, Millwall Vs Fulham, Bolton Vs Wolves

Another home game and another one the Bluebirds need to win to take the pressure off away from home.

Forest are a different team under Aitor Karanka and this may be a little tricky, but Cardiff need to find a way in front of their home support.

To their credit, they've done that all season and with the automatic promotion lurking on the sunset, they should be motivated enough to find an answer here, too.

24th April – Derby County (Away)
Required result: Draw

Key fixtures: None (Game in hand)

The controversial one. The postponement of the original fixture caused upheaval between the two clubs and you can expect something tasty in the rearranged furniture.

This is a game in hand for Cardiff and that means best case scenario, they could be promoted at Pride Park with just two games remaining after this one.

In fact, mathematically, they could be promoted before. Though,, working on the assumption they won't be, planning for the worst, they need a point here.

There's no real pressure because this one will be a game in hand and you'd like to think Cardiff will still possess a gap of three points or more over third place.

28th April – Hull City (Away)
Required result: Draw

Key fixtures: Aston Villa Vs Derby County, Fulham Vs Sunderland, Wolves Vs Sheffield Wednesday

Another tricky away clash arrives in the form of Hull City who have the players to beat anyone on their day, but their day hasn't arrived very often this season.

Nonetheless, this will be a tricky test against a side who are still likely to be battling for their lives at the bottom. Those are the ones to look out for.

The Bluebirds are home on the final day so assuming they are still holding onto second spot, a point should be enough going into the final day.

6th May – Reading (Home)
Required result: Win

Key fixtures: Millwall Vs Aston Villa, Birmingham City Vs Fulham, Sunderland Vs Wolves

If it goes down to this final day, fingernails will be very short around South Wales. Though, fixtures elsewhere mean Cardiff would be favourites, even if they went into the game outside the top two.

Fulham face a trip to Birmingham, who may still be scrapping for survival and Villa go to Millwall, where very few teams have won this season.

Cardiff face Reading who also may be scrapping down the bottom but the home side should be immensely confident.

If promotion is on the line and that's coupled with Cardiff's home form – on paper – there's only one winner here.

Points tally required – 90

The last time a team in the second division missed out on promotion to the top flight on 90 points was 20 years ago – Sunderland in 1998.

Given the recent form of Aston Villa and with Fulham even slipping up, it's very unlikely they will reach that figure and the Bluebirds will be safe on 90.

It's been enough to win the league for many a team in the last 20 years, Cardiff even did it on 87 in 2013, but the league title figure will be higher this season due to Wolves' excellent campaign.

The required results above will yield Cardiff the 14 points they need to reach that figure but quite frankly, it makes no difference where they pick up the points, home or away, they just need to do it.

Can they go up with less than 90?

Of course. Aston Villa are only on course to reach 82 and Fulham to reach 87 but you just can't predict football, and certainly not the Championship so to be safe, Warnock and his men had better start counting down the last 14 points to reach that 90-point total.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/cardiff-city-need-promotion/

WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic 'eagerly' awaiting the World Cup after scoring two goals for Serbia

The Newcastle United striker who is currently out on loan at Fulham scored in a friendly for his country

Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his good run of form with two goals for Serbia in a victory over Nigeria.

The 23-year-old, who is currently on loan at Fulham, has now netted nine goals in the last 12 games for club and country.

The two goals against Nigeria take his tally to 11 goals in his last 16 games for Serbia and Mitrovic is now looking forward to the World Cup this summer.

Speaking after the friendly, which took place at Barnet's The Hive stadium, Mitrovic admitted he was happy with his performance.

Speaking to sport.blic.rs he said: "I got two goals, I could have scored one more but it's the team are what's important. It was a good match, good result. We got a good result and achieved the victory, most importantly. We've done all that the selector has asked for from us.

"We were good on the field, we had control, we were the better team and we deserved to win. Let's go back to the clubs now and we are all eagerly waiting to get together again because we know what to expect in Russia."

Mitrovic's first goal was a delightful left-footed volley from the edge of the six-yard box in the 68th minute and he doubled the lead in the 81st minute with another close range finish.

Fulham take on Norwich at 3pm on Good Friday at Carrow Road.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-eagerly-awaiting-world-14465181

WhiteJC

 
Newcastle loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic returns to Fulham in hot form ahead of promotion run-in

The Serbian bagged two goals for his country in front of Slavisa Jokanovic at Barnets Hive Stadium on Tuesday night

Newcastle United loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic is returning to Fulham in red hot form ahead of their promotion run-in having bagged a brace in Serbia's 2-0 win over Nigeria.

Those two goals are his eighth and ninth in seven games for club and country, and Slavisa Jokanovic will be hoping his loan man can continue that form as Fulham take on Norwich City in their Good Friday tie at Carrow Road.

The Whites are 16 games unbeaten heading into the final eight games of the season and lie in third place, seven points off Cardiff City but having played a game more.

Mitrovic is aiming for promotion for his new side, but is also targeting a World Cup place with Serbia, and his two goals in front of club manager Jokanovic will go a long way to getting him into the side.

Speaking to sport.blic.rs he said: "Two goals, I've could have scored one more, but it's an important team. Good match, good result.

"We played the result and achieved the victory, most importantly. We've done all that the selector has asked for from us.

"We were good on the field, they had control, they were better team and we deserved to win. Let's go back to the clubs now and we are all eagerly waiting to get together again because we know what they expect in Russia."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-loanee-aleksandar-mitrovic-returns-14465276


WhiteJC

 
Millwall Tickets

Fulham travel to South East London to take on Millwall on Friday 20th April (kick-off 7:45pm) and tickets are now available for all Season Ticket Holders and Members to purchase.

The Whites will be looking to complete the double over the Lions having secured a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage back in November.

Tickets for the Friday night encounter are priced at £26 for adults, £17 for over 60s, £13 for under 16s and £7 for under 12s.

Follow Fulham Away and secure your seat at The Den today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (Opt 1)or in person at the Fulham Tickets Office.

Tickets will be released on General Sale from 10am on Wednesday 4th April.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/28/millwall-tickets

WhiteJC

 
Revealed: The Fulham player you believe was the most underrated during his time at the Cottage

We took to Facebook to ask fans who they thought was the most underrated player at Fulham ever - here's the results

There's been a lot of players that have played for Fulham that have gone on to make names for themselves and become highly celebrated.

Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and Brede Hangeland all spring to mind when you think of players that took Craven Cottage by storm, and will forever be remembered by the SW6 faithful.

But there's names that some people will forget with time, not through any fault of their own, but because they do the work that doesn't get the limelight and their time goes somewhat under the radar.

We took to Facebook to ask you, the fans, who you thought was the most underrated player to ply their trade at the Cottage over the years, and you lot answered in your droves!

And the overwhelming answer was former defender Aaron Hughes, who made 200 appearances for the Cottagers between 2007 and 2014.

Unbelievably, the 38-year-old is STILL playing professional football and is currently at Hearts in Scotland, having signed for the Scottish side from Melbourne City in January 2017.

Hughes was a key member in that magical Europa League run in 2010, creating a solid partnership with Hangeland in the heart of Roy Hodgson's defence as the side lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in Hamburg after extra time.


LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Hughes of Fulham (R) celebrates with Dickson Etuhu (L) as he scores their first goal with a header during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on December 26, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Despite announcing international retirement in 2011, he returned to the fold with Northern Ireland and played in their Euro 2016 campaign, where they got to the last 16 round before being knocked out by Wales.

Here's who else you voted for as Fulham's most underrated player:

    Bobby Zamora
    Stan Brown
    Steve Sidwell
    Terry Angus
    Jim Hicks
    Eddie Lewis
    Chris Baird
    Papa Bouba Diop
    Dickson Etuhu
    Zoltan Gera
    Jeff Eckhardt
    Simon Davies
    Gary Brazil
    Tim Ream
    George Best



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/revealed-fulham-player-you-believe-14465384

WhiteJC

 
Wednesday International Round-Up

Fulham's international Whites rounded out the March FIFA break with some impressive individual performances all across the globe.

Starting at home, Ryan Sessegnon made his debut for the England U-21 team as he went the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over The Ukraine in a UEFA Youth Qualifier at Bramall Lane. Aidy Boothroyd's side now sit top of their group with five wins and one draw from six games.

One age group down, Tayo Edun also played an entire match as the Young Lions put on a dazzling attacking show to overwhelm the Portugese U-20 team 3-0 at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

Aleksandar Mitrović scored both of Serbia's goals in the 68th and 81st minutes as Serbia outclassed Nigeria 2-0 in a World Cup tune-up for both squads. That brace counted for his 12th and 13th goals for the Orlovi.

Scotland triumphed over Hungary 1-0 at the Groupama Arena in Budapest thanks to a Matt Phillips goal in the 48th minute. Both Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald were unused substitutes after participating in Scotland's previous match against Costa Rica at Hampden Park.


Mattias Käit started on the right wing for Estonia in their 2-0 loss to Georgia yesterday at the Mikheil Meshki Stadium in Tbilisi. It was a hard-fought match with an absolute stunner of a goal for the home side in the 35th minute by Valeri Qazaishvili.

The Congolese national team fell 2-0 to Tanzania last night at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Mbwana Samatta and Yahya Shiza Ramadhani got the goals for the Tanzanians as Neeskens Kebano—despite lots of hard work—was unable to get on the scoresheet for the Leopards.

Marek Rodák stood tall in goal last night for Slovakia's U-21 National Team as they beat Albania 4-1 in a UEFA Youth Qualifier. The Slovakians now sit second in their group, six points behind Spain with one more match played.

Ben Davis remained on the bench last night as Singapore fell to a 1-0 defeat against Chinse Taipei in their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier at the Taipei Municipal Stadium. The loss means the Singaporeans unfortunately end the qualifying cycle bottom of their group.

Lastly, at Craven Cottage, Colombia and Australia drew 0-0 in front of a spirited and passionate crowd that was mostly in support of Los Cafeteros.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/28/wednesday-international-round-up


WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic tipped for 'big' move away from Newcastle


Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic will quit Newcastle United in the summer, according to Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic....

Mitrovic scored both goals as his country beat Nigeria 2-0 at Barnet's The Hive Stadium last night.

The striker joined Fulham on loan in January after a half-season on the fringes at Newcastle. Mitrovic has scored seven goals for the promotion-chasing club, which is managed by his Serb countryman Slavisa Jokanovic.

Krstajic spoke about Mitrovic's club future after the Nigeria game. "Mitrovic was very lucky to be coached by Jokanovic, a coach from Serbia who knows him very well," said Krstajic. "Mitrovic did a very good thing in choosing to come to Fulham. "I'm sure that after the loan he will move to an even bigger, better club, where he can do much better. "Personally, it's a great pleasure to have a player such as Mitrovic in our squad. He's a killer up front, which he proved (against Nigeria)."



Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/aleksandar-mitrovic-tipped-for-big-move-away-from-newcastle-1-9086614

WhiteJC

 
Championship promotion odds - Aston Villa backed to finish behind Fulham and lose in the play-offs

The latest odds from the Championship as the promotion race hots up

Following a highly successful first half of the season, Bristol City became the team everyone was talking about.

With a solid start in the Championship, a giant killing against Manchester United and a valiant showing against European giants Manchester City in the League Cup, everything seemed to be working out for Lee Johnson's side.

Sadly, for City fans, results have worsened of late seeing them drop from second to seventh.

In their last 14 matches, they have managed to pick up just 14 points from a possible 42 and it seems the Robins could now end up having to chase the promotion spots, rather than protect their place within them.

Saturday's 1-0 victory over Ipswich on Saturday managed to push their play-off chase back in the right direction, closing the gap between themselves and the sixth-placed Middlesbrough to just one point.

With the Championship teams still having eight matches to play (Derby and Cardiff have one extra after their game on Sunday was postponed), and the pressure for a place in the top six increasing, there is still plenty of time for some shifts near the top of the table.

So, what are the odds for promotion at this stage?

Thanks to Oddschecker, we can look at an average based on multiple major betting sites.

Bristol City's best odds currently stand at 12/1 with SkyBet, William Hill, The Sun Bets, Betfred, Betway, Sportingbet, 188Bet and Sports Winner.

Preston, who have been in great form lately under Alex Neil, losing just two of their last twelve games including a 2-1 win against Bristol City earlier this month, sit just one point behind City in eighth place and their best odds are with Unibet, 188Bet, 888sport and SportPesa at 18/1.

Championship leaders Wolves, who have led the pack comfortably all season, had been showing signs of buckling under the pressure but with the quality they have and with three wins in their last four, it's clear to see why their odds only go as high as 1/100 with Ladbrokes, William Hill, The Sun Bets, Unibet, Coral, 888sport and SportPesa.

Elsewhere, second place Cardiff are now 1/7 with Betfred to gain promotion with Fulham being third favourites at 13/10 with Betfair and SportPesa.

Aston Villa were defeated twice last week, by QPR on Tuesday and Bolton on Saturday, to fall further behind Cardiff and they are now 5/2 with SkyBet.

Other promotion hopefuls Derby, fifth and Middlesbrough, sixth, have odds of 6/1 (SportPesa) and 5/1 (William Hill, Betfair, Unibet and 888sport) respectively.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-promotion-odds-aston-villa-1362740

WhiteJC

 
Who will hit the Premier League jackpot? Championship promotion contenders rated as race hots up

Here, we speak to a reporter from each club to get an overview of their seasons so far, and assess their chances of promotion

We're into the last knockings of the 2017-18 football season and the Championship promotion race is as exciting as ever.

As many as 10 teams are still in the shake-up for a spot in the big-money promised land of the Premier League with eight games remaining in the campaign.

Wolves lead the way and are almost certain to regain their top-flight status, but there is a bun fight below them to land the second automatic promotion spot.

It's Cardiff who currently hold second spot and look good to join Wolves in ordering an open-top bus, with Fulham, Aston Villa, Derby and Middlesbrough occupying the playoff positions.

Below them, Bristol City, Preston, Sheffield United and Millwall all still harbour hopes of forcing their way into the top six.

Here, we speak to a reporter from each club to get an overview of their seasons so far, and assess their chances of promotion.

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Alex Richards (Mirror Football)
Current league position: 1

Points: 82

Key player: Ruben Neves

Run-in: Middlesbrough (A), Hull (H), Cardiff (A), Derby (H), Birmingham (H), Bolton (A), Sheffield Wednesday (H), Sunderland (A)

Promotion odds: 1/100

What mark out of 10 would you give Wolves' season so far and why?

9/10.

Have quite simply been the best side in the Championship so far this season, playing consistently excellent football.

After the disappointment of last season - when some of the football was, quite simply, dismal - the style as much as anything has been a breath of fresh air and has reinvigorated a fan base that badly needed it.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

With the big signings that arrived last summer, fans expected to be in and around the mix, but the way that Nuno's side took charge of the division raised expectations.

Those expectations have been matched and supporters are now looking towards the future with anticipation and excitement more than perhaps they ever have before.

How do you see Wolves' run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

The run in isn't easy, with tough trips to the likes of Middlesbrough and Cardiff to come, plus Derby and a Bolton side fighting for their lives.

But sitting six points clear, and with a side confident in their ability to go anywhere and match anyone (despite recent blips at Villa and Fulham) they will expect now to win the title.

Likewise, I would expect them to do just that.

Cardiff City - Dominic Booth (Wales Online)
Current league position: 2

Points: 76 (with a game in hand)

Key player: Joe Ralls

Run-in: Burton (H), Sheffield United (A), Wolves (H), Aston Villa (A), Norwich (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Derby (A), Hull (A), Reading (H)

Promotion odds: 1/7

What mark out of 10 would you give Cardiff's season so far and why?

9/10.

It's hard to give a mark at this tense stage of the season, given Cardiff are potentially a few games from sealing automatic promotion - but could still slip into the play-offs if they suffer a blip.

What's clear, however, is the Bluebirds have confounded everyone's predictions to sit second, their physical style of play and hard running paying dividends for manager Neil Warnock.

At times, they've scrapped for ugly wins but they've also beaten good teams (Aston Villa, Wolves, Leeds twice) with swashbuckling attacking displays.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

For the first time in years, Cardiff's fan-base is completely united and in support of almost every aspect of the club.

Even divisive owner Vincent Tan is popular again, largely thanks to results on the pitch and the charismatic Warnock bringing those warring factions together.

Cardiff's last Premier League ride was tainted by those red shirts, the Malky Mackay controversy and some horrendous recruitment. If they can reach the promised land again, it will be a much happier story.

How do you see Cardiff's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

They have some tough games, notably away to Villa, Derby and Sheffield United and at home to leaders Wolves.

But they also have a cushion of seven points to third-placed Villa plus a game in hand. They can afford to slip up and still get promoted. Warnock will ensure they grind out the required results.

Second.

Fulham - Jake Polden (Mirror Football)
Current league position: 3

Points: 69

Key player: Ryan Sessegnon

Run-in: Norwich (A), Leeds (H), Sheffield Wednesday (A), Reading (H), Brentford (H), Millwall (A), Sunderland (H), Birmingham (A)

Promotion odds: 6/5

What mark out of 10 would you give Fulham's season so far and why?

9/10.

Fulham kick-started the campaign in a typically 'Fulhamish' way with three draws and a defeat in the league following a brilliant season in which we just missed out on a trip to Wembley.

Things really started to pick up during the Christmas period, and after Slavisa Jokanovic made two inspired January signings to fix our left-back and centre-forward problems, things really started to improve.

Matt Targett's arrival enabled Ryan Sessegnon to move forward into left wing and make the position his own, while the acquisition of Aleksandar Mitrovic gave our attack a focal point - a rowdy player up front ready to bring our fast wide men into the game, and test goalkeepers whenever possible.

Whether Tom Cairney had his head turned by the interest in him in January is neither here nor there as his recent form after returning to the first team - he's suffered with injuries throughout the campaign, and has featured far less than he did last season - feels like we've made another sensational January signing.

A mixture of momentum and confidence has carried us through the past 16 games, in which we haven't been beaten once - a new club record.

But again, like last season, our entire campaign will be determined by what happens from now until the final ball is kicked in the play-off final at Wembley.

I feel that automatic promotion is probably just beyond us, but we should be in a good position - motivated by last season's disappointment - when the Championship's mini knockout stage kick-starts in May.

A look at what has happened to both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading this season - the two sides who missed out on promotion with us last year - shows just how great a job Jokanovic has done. Of course, there is every chance the Serbian could make it a 10 out of 10 on May 26.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

As frustrating - and ridiculous - as it is there were some doubts over whether Jokanovic was still the right man to take us forward earlier in the season.

The Serbian insists we play out from the back, but despite the likes of ball-playing centre-back Tim Ream and sweeper keeper David Button - who was then our number one - being set up for this, we do create problems for ourselves.

At times we invite unnecessary pressure, give possession away in dangerous areas, and have been punished for playing a relatively high line - as Denis Odoi was in our recent 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers.

But after a run of 16 games unbeaten, Jokanovic is nothing short of a god at Craven Cottage, and overall fans are delighted with how this season has panned out - and there is every chance it could get even better.

The 2-0 win over Wolves was a particular highlight, given the brilliance of Nuno Espirito Santo's side this season.

We were clinical in attack, calm and collected in defence, and best of all showed Wolves no respect.

Of course, we upped our game against the best team in the division, but we didn't let our intensity drop for a second and closed them down in all areas of the park for the full 90 minutes.

We showed Reading far too much respect in the play-offs last season, and our nervousness cost us. Hopefully the performance against Wolves is proof we've progressed mentally this season.

How do you see Fulham's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

Fulham's remaining fixtures are, for the most part, against teams you would expect us to beat: bottom of the league Sunderland, Birmingham City in 22nd, and Reading in 20th.

But the club has a tendency to do things the hard way, and none of these games - especially against teams fighting for their lives - will be a formality.

With eight matches left to play there are 24 points up for grabs, and I think - analysing things cautiously - that we can pick up at least another 12.

That would see us finish on 81 points, and almost certainly qualify for the play-offs, which I am confident we will do with a fourth-place finish. Automatic promotion is probably just beyond our reach now.

Whether we can do what we didn't quite manage last season remains to be seen.

I'd like to apply some logic to situation: we're a better team than we were this time last season, we're a strong team in this division who can confidently secure a play-off spot this campaign - we're not going to sneak in last minute, like we did last year - and last season's disappointment is still fresh in the minds of the players, who will be desperate not to see a repeat performance.

But the play-offs is such a lottery. One poor decision, a penalty, a red card, a moment of madness, a mistake, or a sudden stroke of genius can shatter any illusion of 'logic' and make the unthinkable happen - football fans around the world have seen this happen countless times.

Will we get promoted? Well, we certainly have the quality even if I am being pessimistic and doing my best not to jinx anything. It's time to make it count.

Aston Villa - Gregg Evans (Birmingham Mail)
Current league position: 4

Points: 38

Key player: John Terry

Run-in: Hull (A), Reading (H), Norwich (A), Cardiff (H), Leeds (H), Ipswich (A), Derby (H), Millwall (A)

Promotion odds: 5/2

What mark out of 10 would you give Villa's season so far and why?

7/10.

It's not over yet, but the automatic promotion hopes now appear to be fading away. Villa got themselves into a fantastic position by beating league leaders Wolves early in the month but back-to-back defeats against QPR and Bolton have left them some way off the pace.

This was the season of no excuses as promotion was expected.

Money has been tight and boss Steve Bruce has only spent £2.5million in transfer fees this season, but he's assembled a strong squad thanks to the arrivals of experienced performers like John Terry, Robert Snodgrass and Glen Whelan.

Villa started the season badly after winning just one of their first seven games.

But since the back end of September they've hit good form and are one of the best-performing sides in the division.

The troubles on the road are now a thing of the past, they're scoring goals for fun and also entertaining the supporters.

But the lottery of the play-offs could throw up any result as we've seen in the past.

It's why there's still so much at stake in these closing eight games.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

The supporters have enjoyed the majority of this season, particularly 2018.

But it feels like the club is always just a couple of defeats away from a crisis.

When it isn't going right, the fans certainly let their feelings be known.

Many have given up on automatic promotion after the five-day horror-show against QPR and Bolton last week.

Others, however, are confident that they can emerge victorious through the play-offs.

It's been a rollercoaster ride of a season already and there are plenty of twist and turns left yet.

How do you see Villa's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

Bruce's troops have a favourable run-in and still have to tackle Cardiff at home.

They'll be pleased about that because they're a match for any team on their own patch as Wolves found out recently.

It's going to take an almost-faultless finish to get into the top-two now, but Villa will fancy their chances.

They've shown already this season that they're capable of going on a run like that.

I think it's just a bit too much to ask now, though, unless Cardiff have a serious wobble.

Predicted finish: Third.

Derby County - Steve Nicholson (Derby Telegraph)
Current league position: 5

Points: 62 (with a game in hand)

Key player: Matej Vydra

Run-in: Sunderland (H), Preston (A), Bolton (H), Wolves (A), Burton (A), Middlesbrough (H), Cardiff (H), Aston Villa (A), Barnsley (H)

Promotion odds: 11/2

What mark out of 10 would you give Derby's season so far and why?

7/10.

Expectations at the start of the season were as low as they had been for some years but Derby recovered from a poor start - they were 14th after 10 games - to climb to second.

A seven-match winless run has seen them drop to fifth, disappointingly, but they are still in the promotion hunt with nine games left to play.

They failed to handle being second but a top-six finish would be viewed as a good season, and progress after finishing ninth last season.

They have lost only seven of their 37 league games but they have drawn too many of late (eight of their last 12) and that has seriously dented hopes of automatic promotion.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

It is rarely possible to please all of the fans all of the time, but progress has been made in manager Gary Rowett's first full season in charge.

Many fans did not see Derby as a top-six side this season, but the team has been in there since November and remains on course for a play-off place.

Some fans have complained about the style of football under Rowett but he has moulded Derby into a team better suited to the demands of the Championship, which was needed.

How do you see Derby's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

Run-ins are tough, by nature, and it is not all about who a team faces but often about whether or not a team can keep its nerve. A glance at Derby's run-in tells us it is no more difficult or no more easy than that of their promotion rivals.

Derby faces promotion-chasers Preston, Wolves, Middlesbrough, Cardiff and Aston Villa, but also teams scrapping for survival points in Sunderland, Burton, Bolton and Barnsley.

The Championship has no respect for position in the table, as we see with results most weeks. I tipped Derby for a top-six finish this season and I'll go for fifth.

Middlesbrough - Dominic Shaw (Evening Gazette)
Current league position: 6

Points: 62

Key player: Adama Traore

Run-in: Wolves (H), Burton (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Sheffield United (A), Bristol City (H), Derby (A), Millwall (H), Ipswich (A)

Promotion odds: 9/2

What mark out of 10 would you give Middlesbrough's season so far and why?

7/10.

The aim and the expectation this season was automatic promotion. Chairman Steve Gibson set out his intent to "smash the league" and backed that up with a summer of spending, assembling a squad that unsurprisingly saw Boro installed as pre-season favourites to win the league.

It didn't go to plan. Garry Monk struggled to get the best out of a talented but unbalanced group and for much of the season it's been one step forward followed by one back.

Until recently. Boro finally have the momentum they've been craving and there's a clarity under Tony Pulis that was missing in the first half of the season.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

The first half of the season was spent waiting for Boro to 'click'. Slowly but surely it became apparent that it was a case of 'if' rather than 'when'.

For fans it was frustrating that such an expensively assembled and gifted squad were struggling to establish themselves in the top six, never mind threaten the automatic promotion places.

What was worrying was the fact Boro had no redeeming features under Monk. They were leaking soft goals at the back and while inundated with strikers were lacking the creativity to tee them up.

After defeats at Norwich and Cardiff in February the play-offs looked a distant hope but a run of six games without defeat has finally sparked some hope.

Tony Pulis has worked wonders with Adama Traore, Patrick Bamford is scoring again, Mo Besic has been excellent since arriving on deadline day and the defence look solid again.

Things are looking up.

How do you see Middlesbrough's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

The run-in is tough.

For all Boro appear to be finding form at exactly the right time, there's still one major question that needs answering: can they beat teams in and around them?

Boro have only picked up six points from a possible 33 against teams currently in the top eight.

Games against Wolves, Sheffield United, Bristol City, Derby and Millwall will determine whether they finish in the top six.

They're a much more solid unit now, though, and have match-winners so should have enough to grab a play-off spot.

Bristol City - Gregor MacGregor (Bristol Post)
Current league position: 7

Points: 61

Key player: Aden Flint

Run-in: Barnsley (A), Brentford (H), Millwall (A), Birmingham (H), Middlesbrough (A), Hull (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Sheffield United (H)

Promotion odds: 12/1

What mark out of 10 would you give Bristol City's season so far and why?

8/10.

Has been a great season for the Robins despite a recent dip in form seeing the side from Ashton Gate drop several places in the Championship table.

A rise from 17 last season to seventh this – at the time of writing – is solid progress. While the club also equalled their record in the League Cup, memorably ousting Manchester United and giving Manchester City a close game over two legs.

With the team investing primarily in young players, there's no reason why City can't keep developing and improving.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

Most fans would see the season as above, although some expectations were raised after such a good start to the campaign that saw City in second by Boxing Day.

Some feel that an opportunity has been missed, with the club not spending much money in January, to consolidate and push on.

However, most recognise that it's been a good season.

How do you see Bristol City's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

City have a fairly good run-in with several winnable games that should keep them in the mix for the final play-off places.

Crucially, they seem to be getting all of their players back from injury currently. It could be exciting. Prediction to finish sixth or seventh depending on other results.

Preston - Dave Seddon (Lancashire Evening Post)
Current league position: 8

Points: 60

Key player: Sean Maguire

Run-in: Sheffield Wednesday (A), Derby (H), Reading (A), Leeds (H), QPR (A), Norwich (H), Sheffield United (A), Burton (H)

Promotion odds: 16/1

What mark out of 10 would you give Preston's season so far and why?

8/10.

Preston's season has probably gone a little beyond expectation. While the ambition was always to improve on successive 11th place finishes, to be within two points of the top six at this stage is quite an achievement.

The change of manager in the summer had the potential to disrupt, however that wasn't the case - far from it. Alex Neil has given North End an extra drive.

He's had a lot of injuries to key players to contend with throughout the season - Sean Maguire, Ben Pearson, Tom Clarke, Greg Cunningham to name but a few - and had it not been for those, they could even have been higher.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

The fans are excited at what they are seeing, this a genuine push for the play-offs.

They like Alex Neil's mantra and there is an acknowledgement that the club is progressing despite operating on one of the Championship's lower budgets.

On social media they revel in other team's fans referring to them as 'teams like Preston' in the sense of 'we shouldn't be losing to teams like Preston'.

How do you see Preston's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

Preston's run-in is okay but not to be taken lightly. Easter will be key with Sheffield Wednesday away and then Derby at home - Derby the only side currently above them who they have to play.

Sheffield United away on the penultimate weekend of the season could be important. Others fixtures see them play Reading, Leeds, QPR, Norwich and Burton

The optimist in me says a sixth-place finish.

Sheffield United - James Shield (Sheffield Star)
Current league position: 9

Points: 60

Key player: John Fleck

Run-in: Brentford (A), Cardiff (H), Barnsley (A), Middlesbrough (H), Millwall (H), Birmingham (A), Preston (H), Bristol City (A)

Promotion odds: 20/1

What mark out of 10 would you give Sheffield United's season so far and why?

8/10.

After cruising to the League One title, Chris Wilder's side were actually on top of the Championship table after beating Burton Albion in November.

A number of factors, including the loss of influential midfielder Paul Coutts during that game, meant they were unable to maintain that momentum.

But after coming through a difficult period over Christmas, to still be in promotion contention at this stage of the season speaks volumes about the talent within a squad which, compared to most of the teams they are competing with, has been constructed on a shoestring budget.

Although they are now ranked ninth, United are preparing for Good Friday's visit to Brentford only two points behind sixth-placed Middlesbrough with matches against Tony Pulis' team, Cardiff City, Millwall, Preston North End and Bristol City all to come.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

They're pleased and rightly so. At the beginning of the season, most people were targeting survival or a mid-table finish at best.

So, although there are still some key games left to play, United have exceeded all expectations so far.

That relationship between the club and its supporters has, without wishing to sound schmaltzy, been one of the key factors behind their resurgence under Wilder.

It had become badly fractured before his appointment in May 2016.

Beating Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, especially given the gulf in financial resources made available to the managers, captured the imagination and so did doing the 'double' over Leeds.

How do you see Sheffield United's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

It's going to be fascinating because they have still to face most of the other teams around them in the table. And all but one of those games, against Bristol City on the final day of the season, are at Bramall Lane.

They've also just seen two key players - leading goalscorer Leon Clarke and the prodigiously talented David Brooks - return from injury and illness respectively.

With two of the four play-off places still possibly up for grabs and, looking at their schedule, I think United have got an excellent chance of finishing inside the top six.

Millwall - Richard Cawley (South London Press)
Current league position: 10

Points: 58

Key player: Lee Gregory

Run-in: Nottingham Forest (H), Ipswich (A), Bristol City (H), Bolton (A), Sheffield United (A), Fulham (H), Middlesbrough (A), Aston Villa (H)

Promotion odds: 40/1

What mark out of 10 would you give Millwall's season so far and why?

9/10.

That will become 10/10 if they make the top six!

Budget-wise Neil Harris' side have no right to be in the play-off mix but shrewd transfer activity in the last couple of windows has ensured that Millwall have taken on the challenge of football at a higher level.

Their form at The Den has been impressive for the whole campaign but six straight away league wins, equalling a club record, has brought them storming into the promotion shake-up.

How have fans seen the season so far? Are they happy with how things are going at the club?

If they aren't happy now then it is hard to know what would please them. Harris has made the Lions an uncompromising and formidable opponent - especially with their pressing game.

Possess a couple of dominant centre-backs in Jake Cooper and Shaun Hutchinson. The way the team defends as a unit is a real strength.

How do you see Millwall's run-in and what's your prediction for where they will finish?

Their remaining games give them a chance to cut the points gap on the likes of Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, their penultimate match of the season could be really tasty if they keep this form going.

Win both games over Easter and the top-six is on, anything less and they could just fall short. Still a terrific campaign - they had no expectation of this at the start of the season.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/who-hit-premier-league-jackpot-12219374


WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic's Serbia boss launches brutal attack on Newcastle United

Serbia manager Mladen Krstajic has launched a surprise attack on Newcastle United, claiming Aleksandar Mitrovic will move to a 'bigger and better club' after his loan move with Fulham ends this summer.

The Serbian striker netted two goals during their 2-0 friendly win over Nigeria (his 11th goal for his country in his last 16), reminding us once again that he does know where the back of the net is.

With 7 goals in his last 6 games for Fulham, Serbia boss Mladen Krstajic has admitted that he did a 'very good thing' by getting out at NUFC and playing regularly under fellow Serb Slavisa Jokanovic.

Not only that, he feels Mitrovic is above Newcastle United and will go onto 'bigger and better' things this summer (suggesting he won't stay with Fulham and will excel at a bigger side than NUFC):

"Mitrovic was very lucky to be coached by Jokanovic, a coach from Serbia who knows him very well. Mitrovic did a very good thing in choosing to come to Fulham.
"I'm sure that after the loan he will move to an even bigger, better club (than Newcastle), where he can do much better. Personally, it's a great pleasure to have a player such as Mitrovic in our squad.
"He's a killer up front, which he proved against Nigeria."


Sounds like another who clearly feels the 23-year-old striker is not appreciated at St James' Park, suggesting he will almost certainly move on this summer.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/03/28/aleksandar-mitrovics-serbia-boss-launches-brutal-attack-on-newcastle-united/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham have scored more second-half injury time goals than any other Championship side

Those seven goals after the 90th minute have been vital to firing the side to third place in the Championship

Fulham have scored more second-half injury-time goals than any other Championship side this season.

The Cottagers have found the net seven times after the 90th minute in 2017/18 and hose goals have only been worth a vital eight points to Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

The first such goal was scored by Denis Odoi in the 96th minute against Preston which secured a point for Fulham, while Tom Cairney scored in the 94th minute to rescue a point against Bolton.

Stefan Johansen's 97th minute goal against Cardiff didn't change the outcome of the match though.

Oliver Norwood struck a 95th minute winner against Middlesbrough - a goal worth an additional two points.

Kevin McDonald's 92nd minute winner against Barnsley also secured two points which meant Ryan Sessegnon's goal three minutes later didn't affect the outcome.

The most recent late winner was Aleksandar Mitrovic's 91st minute goal against Preston.

Team: Points lost from injury-time goals

Fulham: 8

Wolves: 4

Sheffield Wednesday: 3

QPR: 3

Norwich: 3

Bristol: 3

Sunderland: 2

Millwall: 2

Cardiff: 2

Hull: 1

Derby: 1

Bolton: 1

Barnsley: 1

Team: Points won from injury time goals

Sheffield Wednesday: 6

Reading: 4

Leeds: 4

Ipswich: 4

Brentford: 4

Preston: 3

Middlesbrough: 3

Hull: 3

Bristol: 3

Wolves: 2

Bolton: 2

Barnsley: 2



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-scored-more-second-half-14468161

WhiteJC

 
Does Oliver Norwood Have A Brighton Future?

Brighton and Hove Albion's first season in the Premier League has gone better than expected so far.

The Seagulls sit in 12th with eight games to play. While relegation is still a possibility, it's much less likely than it was at the start of the season and there are at least three worse teams in the division than Brighton.

Chris Hughton has done a fantastic job and when staying up is confirmed, which may not be too far away, his attention will turn to how to strengthen the squad over the summer.

The South Coast club won't want to sit still and will be keen on injecting the squad with a few new faces to freshen things up at the Amex Stadium as they look to improve on their first year back in the top flight in England.

One decision he will have to make is what to do with Oliver Norwood. The midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at Fulham, which has no option for the Championship club to make it permanent.

Brighton will have to decide whether they want to keep the Northern Ireland international, or whether it is the end of the road for him at the Amex.

Fulham clearly have been impressed by him and tried to buy him outright in January. Their undisclosed bid was turned down, with The Argus claiming it fell below what Brighton wanted for the midfielder.

They obviously value him or else they would have let him leave, but has his form for the Whites done enough to convince Hughton to give him a chance in the Premier League?

When he arrived at Craven Cottage, Norwood said: "Having played Fulham the last two seasons, the football they have played, it suits my style, it suits the way I like to play football."



Since putting on the white shirt, he definitely has fit into the way of playing instilled by Slaviša Jokanović at Fulham, with the Championship promotion contenders liking to dominate the ball and out pass the opposition.

Per 90 minutes for the Whites, only Tom Cairney has completed more passes (87.6) than Norwood (84).

That is significantly higher than any Brighton player. For the Seagulls, Dale Stephens leads the way, on 50.7, followed by Bruno on 44.9.

The Northern Irishman's passing accuracy of 85.2 per cent sees him place 15th in the Championship, which is pretty decent.

However, once again he's behind that man Cairney. The Scotland international's passing accuracy rate is at 91.7 per cent so far this season, higher than anyone else in the second tier of English football.

Fulham's No.10 is one of the stars of the Championship, but for the first half of the season he wasn't really firing, due to a recurring knee injury.

That gave Norwood a run in the team and he was key for Fulham in the early stages of the campaign, but since Cairney's been back, he's fallen out of favour.


The last time the 26-year-old played 90 minutes in the league was on February 3, against Nottingham Forest, when he notched an assist in a 2-0 win. Since then, Fulham have played eight matches, but Cairney has been preferred to Norwood to play in Jokanović's midfield trio alongside Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald.

To make things worse, when the Fulham captain was taken off against Queens Park Rangers in their last league match, it was Rui Fonte, rather than Norwood, who has chosen to replace him.

While the Whites may have wanted him in January, given that he's now not a starting player, they may not be as keen on him in the summer.

But, if they don't go up, The Mirror report Cairney is likely to leave, and in Norwood they have a ready-made replacement.

Indeed, speaking in January, Hughton admitted that a permanent move to Fulham may be best for him.

"He's gone there and played games. They are on a good run at the moment. If it's right for all three parties then yes, possibly something will be done," he said.

"At this moment he is still our player and we are delighted he is playing regular games and playing in a team that is playing well."

That doesn't sound like he's too keen on him. The truth is, Brighton don't need a player like him. He doesn't suit the style that they are currently employing.

The fact that he's made 33 passes more per 90 minutes than any Seagulls player this season suggests a difference in how they play the game to how Norwood does when he's thriving. And Brighton have been successful this season. There's no need for a midfield overhaul; Stephens is doing a great job as their midfield anchor, so why adapt for someone they do not seem to need?

And if Hughton decides he wants a player in that mould, why not go for Cairney if Fulham don't go up? He seems to be the upgraded version of Norwood.

In the summer, Norwood will only have 12 months left on his contract. His stock will be high after a relatively impressive season with Fulham, even if not been part of the starting XI in recent weeks. The time will be right to cash in on him. Should a bid be right it will be better to sell rather than have him as a player in the squad who Hughton does not seem to want in the Premier League.



https://www.footballwhispers.com/blog/oliver-norwood-brighton-future?utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=news-now


WhiteJC

 
Most Fulham fans feeling confident ahead of this potentially class summer deal

Fulham will be looking to get themselves into the top two come the end of the season though it looks as though a play-off places is more likely than anything.

The Lilywhites have been superb since the turn of the year but their early season form has meant that they are still somewhat short of the automatic spots.

Even so, the way they are going they are surely going to be back in the play-off shootout and you'd certainly back them to go up from that.

With that in mind, then, they'll surely back themselves to take on Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent deal from Newcastle with the way that he is playing under Slavisa Jovanovic.

It seems, then, that the Craven Cottage faithful are confident in the main of seeing the powerful striker stay at the club if they go up and, if that happens, that would surely prove a very good start to the 2018/19 season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/most-fulham-fans-feeling-confident-ahead-of-this-potentially-class-summer-deal/

WhiteJC

 
Can Floyd Ayite replicate his international success on return to Fulham?

The Togolese winger has a point to prove after a fine performance for his country.


Over the international break, Fulham winger Floyd Ayite marked his 36th international appearance for the Togolese national team with a superbly taken double against African rivals Ivory Coast.

Ayite's brace marked perhaps the standout appearance of the international break for the Cottagers, a feat the 29-year-old will hope can translate to his league form.

At the moment, Fulham are in the midst of a record 16-match unbeaten run, and competition for attacking places is especially fierce.

In the Cottagers' preferred 4-3-3 formation, Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic have the left-wing and centre forward positions sewn up, resulting in a brutal fight for the right-wing spot.

And there are is no shortage of attacking options for Slavisa Jokanovic to choose from:

Sheyi Ojo, Aboubakar Kamara, Lucas Piazon, Neeskens Kebano, and Ayite can all realistically lay claim to that coveted starting spot, yet the unfortunate reality is only one can start.

Jokanovic has shuffled the pack frequently in recent matches.

Against QPR, Piazon was handed the start and rewarded the manager with a goal. Against Preston, Ayite started and nearly scored a long-range thunderbolt. Against Sheffield United, it was Ojo who made the first XI.

It is clear that Jokanovic has not settled on a clear favorite to complete Fulham's three-pronged attack, and Ayite will hope his strong international match will impress the Serbian manager.

The Togolese international has struggled with injury frequently during his Fulham career, but nonetheless has contributed some vital goals during the club's recent unbeaten spell.

Ayite bagged the crucial opener against Barnsley in the opening match of the undefeated reign, scored in the massive 4-2 away win over second-placed Cardiff on Boxing Day, and netted an audacious half-field lobbed effort in the 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa.

However, despite his contributions in front of goal, often Ayite has looked out of place and ineffective in the Fulham side.

He has a tendency to drift out of matches – a feature of his play that must be addressed if he wants a steady run in the starting lineup.

If Ayite's his Togo exploits can lead to increased form at Craven Cottage, then the winger might finally lay claim to the contested right-wing spot in Fulham's dangerous frontline.



https://tbrfootball.com/can-this-togolese-winger-replicate-his-international-success-at-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Two Tickets For £5 Each

As Fulham continue their push for promotion, we're offering Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to bring up to two mates for just £5 each* at our home game against Reading this April!

An exclusive offer just for Season Ticket Holders, get behind Slaviša Jokanović and the Whites as we face the Royals under the Cottage lights on Tuesday 10th April, kick-off 7:45pm.

Supporters can take advantage of this offer online now, or by calling the Fulham Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 2). When purchasing online, fans will be required to log in to their ticketing account in order to view this special price.

See you at the Cottage - Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/28/season-ticket-holder-offer


WhiteJC

 
England pals Maddison, Gunn and Sessegnon – three of a kind on show at Carrow Road

There's an interesting international sub-plot to Norwich City's game against Fulham on Friday, as CHRIS LAKEY reports


Angus Gunn was in goal for England Under-21s against Ukraine on Tuesday. Picture: PA

Three of English football's brightest young talents are expected to be on display at Carrow Road on Friday – but will they ever be together again on a Championship team sheet?

Angus Gunn and James Maddison will be up against Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon – it's an agent's retirement plan, a surefire winner on Football Manager.

All three have just returned to their clubs from international duty with England Under-21s. And all three are sending rumour mills into over-drive.

Maddison has, according to some, got a £25m price tag. It's easier to list the Premier League clubs who haven't been linked with him than list his admirers.


The England Under-21s squad for the Euro qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday. Back, from left - Angus Gunn, Joe Worrall, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dael Fry, Joshua Onomah and Demarai Gray. Front - Jonjoe Kenny, James Maddison, Ben Chilwell, Tom Davies and Ryan Sessegnon. Picture: PA

And Sessegnon – just 17 years of age – is rated perhaps even more highly than Maddison. He is a level-headed young man – Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd said: "He's a very humble, impressive young man." Traits that are often lacking in someone in his line of work.

It may be that Sessegnon's pacey, attacking style of play in a team that has turned out to be one of the Championship's most exciting to watch, has thrust him further forward into the spotlight.

Maybe Maddison's skills aren't seen quite so brightly, given the rather different tactics employed by Daniel Farke, but he remains an undoubted talent.

Gunn? Norwich fans know a thing or two about good goalkeepers, and in Gunn they have found a new hero.


Ryan Sessegnon, left, up against Ukraine U21s Viktor Kovalenko. Picture: PA

Trouble is, he's probably only going to be around for eight more games. Ditto Maddison. Ditto Sessegnon.

It's a fact of footballing life: good players are always up for sale if the price is right; loan players, if they're any good, will always be landed with alternative plans by their employers.

While Maddison, Gunn and Sessegnon seem certain to tread the boards on a Premier League stage, the senior international arena clearly beckons.

This summer's World Cup has come too soon, although some have suggested Sessegnon could be the surprise selection. Those who have watched Gareth Southgate over the years would suggest he doesn't do surprises, so best wait for the Euros in two years time for their first major championship appearance.

By that time they will have proven, or otherwise, that they are capable of mixing it with the best this country has to offer, which is the rite of passage for Three Lions cap owners.

Are they capable? Well if England need creativity in midfield (they do) then Maddison is surely a candidate. You only have to look at his range of passing, the way he strikes a ball - dead or moving – to see shades of one D Beckham. It's one of those "I'll eat my hat if Maddison doesn't win 50 caps" challenges.

With Gunn it shouldn't be forgotten that this remains his first season in competitive football: he has 43 league and cup appearances on his CV, but he has already had a taste of the England senior set-up after being called into the squad last November after Jack Butland broke his finger in training.

Butland, Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope are, arguably the ones Gunn has to get past. They're good keepers.

But they're not great keepers. It's eminently do-able for Gunn.

Sessegnon's path is perhaps blocked by the very-much-in-favour Raheem Sterling, but such is his versatility that no matter how you configure it, he could play a left-sided role behind the Manchester City man.

Whatever the future holds for all three young men, their futures look bright. Perhaps best look and enjoy on Friday and then, in a couple of years time you can say... "I was at Carrow Road just before the World Cup when..."



http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich-city-pair-link-up-with-fulham-england-pal-1-5454768

WhiteJC

 
How Fulham can still topple Cardiff for automatic promotion

Hopes of automatic promotion remain alive for the Cottagers.

It speaks volumes about Fulham's tremendous revival that the conversation around Craven Cottage has shifted entirely from a top-six finish to the automatic promotion places.

At this stage last season, the Whites were a point outside of the top-six, while they entered 2018's international break in third position, a massive eight points clear of sixth spot.

The change comes on the back of a tremendous unbeaten run that began all the way in late December and shows no signs of stopping.

Last weekend's draw against Queens Park Rangers marked Fulham's 16th unbeaten match in a row, breaking the previous club record of 15 matches without a loss.

Although the Fulham players should justly be delighted with the accolades, the records will mean little to the club unless promotion is secured.

It seems certain that the Whites will at minimum make the play-offs, but is it too fanciful to dream of automatic promotion in SW6?

For Fulham's part, they simply must keep their unbeaten run alive to stand any chance of grabbing second spot.

Their impressive spell has been admirably equalled by Cardiff City, who have engineered an 11-match unbeaten run while winning their last seven.

As a result, despite Fulham's scorching-hot form, the gap to second has been relatively constant at around seven points.

The Whites' run-in is comparatively favourable to that of the Bluebirds, and may offer a glimmer of hope for their second-place ambitions.

Fulham play Norwich City, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading, Brentford, Millwall, Sunderland, and Birmingham City in their last eight. Out of these eight clubs, three are in the bottom five, and none are occupy the top nine.

Cardiff, on the other hand, face a far tougher run of things in their last nine matches (Cardiff crucially has a game in hand over Fulham).

Winnable matches against Burton, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Reading, and Hull are offset by grueling games versus the likes of Wolves, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Derby.

If Fulham can pull off the improbable and finish the season without another loss, then it would not only mark a stunning 2018 turn-around, but could provide ammunition for automatic promotion.

Seven points is a large gap to make up with only eight matches remaining, but Cardiff's substantially harder schedule could allow Fulham to tighten the gap.

Second-place could be a long-shot for the Whites, but Fulham are right to dream of automatic promotion; last season's play-off heartbreak is still fresh in the memory.

A late, frantic push for the top-two will provide the closing months of the season with fresh drama – nothing less than Premier League status is at stake.



https://tbrfootball.com/race-automatic-promotion-still-alive-fulham-heres/

WhiteJC

 
Why Fulham Should Look To Sign This In-Form Newcastle United Loanee Permanently In The Summer!

Under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, Aleksandar Mitrovic was severely overlooked at Newcastle United and there is no denying that. Mitrovic was almost frozen out while he was in the ranks of the Magpies in the first half of the season as he was handed merely 6 substitute appearances in the Premier League. However, he is getting back to his best after the breeze of change in his career in the January transfer window.

The striker was linked to a number of sides, including Bordeaux, Anderlecht and Middlesbrough but his exit from St. James' Park was blocked due to one reason or the other. However, in the dying hours of the transfer window, the 23-year-old was lured to the Craven Cottage by Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham managed to make him sign on the dotted line of a loan deal.

After his move to the Championship outfit, Mitrovic has been on fire as he has already smashed 7 goals in 9 appearances for the Cottagers. He has shown immense predatory instincts inside the box, his movements on and off the ball have been shrewd and he has been quite mobile and clinical up front to please Fulham's fans and manager considerably.

Jokanovic's side are definitely in contention of earning a promotion to the Premier League as they are placed at the 3rd spot in the league standings with 69 points to their name after 38 games. Although it would take herculean efforts from them, alongside a bit of miracle, to secure an automatic promotion spot, they are seemingly likely to at least make it to the playoffs.

If Mitrovic manages to keep his form intact in the business end of the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jokanovic aiming to sign him permanently in the summer. The Serbian international might be a player who has been criticized at times for his indiscipline, but there is no denying that he has the potential and calibre to make his presence felt in the final third.

He holds the ball well up front, tests opposition's goalkeepers from close quarters as well as from long range and links up well with his teammates. Besides, he is quite aggressive, is good in the air and there is no doubt that he has the ingredients to be a useful striker for a decent club. Considering his recent form, it would be intriguing to see whether Benitez lets him leave the ranks of the Geordies permanently in the summer or not.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/03/fulham-look-sign-form-newcastle-united-loanee-permanently-summer/


WhiteJC

 
FULHAM PREVIEW: Storm chasing, that Michael Jackson statue, McNally and low-profile owners

In my continuing series of football fans I have met unusual circumstances, let me introduce Fulham fan, Graham Clowes. I first ran into him storm chasing in the Great Plains in 2013. Since then we have spent many hours putting the football world to rights on long road trips across the US midwest whilst getting in just the right position to witness severe weather and tornados. Graham and his wife Tracey live in Worcester but are lifelong Fulham fans.

KB: You came pretty close last season but fell at the final hurdle. It looks as if you're nailed on for the playoffs again but are you looking forward to it this time, or are you approaching it with trepidation?

Graham: Last year was disappointing as we went out in the play-off semis. What made it worse was that we thrashed Huddersfield both home and away. My heart says we haven't yet given up on the automatic place, but I think dropping 2 points to QPR in the last game – when we looked a bit leggy – meant that the best we can hope for was a playoff place, and we should comfortably achieve that even if we stutter over the line.

We can always hope for a Cardiff slip up – but there would need to be a few, so realistically its playoffs for us I think. If we are in the playoffs this year I fear we will lose out again, but it will be our own fault as we had such a bad start to the season.

Cardiff look strong, but Wolves have wobbled a bit during the past few weeks. It would be met with a few smirks in these parts if they bottled it. Might have to get the 'You've let us down again' banners out again!

You've had six managers in the last ten years. Is Jokanovic the man?

Yes, he most definitely is. He has been a bit hamstrung by the Chairman's use of statistical analysis when signing players... but that is over now, and Slav has control of signings. The first few he has made, albeit loans, are already proving successful.

As an outsider I know very little about the club's owner Shahid Khan, in fact I had to google it to find out his name! Unlike his predecessor, he seems to keep a low profile. What's he like? Is the club his plaything or is he a genuine fan?

He is a Pakistani-American and he made his money from a car parts company. He is supposedly one of the top 200 richest people in America. I suspect he is more interested personally in his other sporting interest, the Jacksonville Jaguars (American football). However, his son, Tony, is much more active with Fulham and is personally involved with all things football at the Cottage and the training ground. Whilst Shaheed is often seen at home games, it is Tony who is really integrated with the daily routine of the club. He is an impressive figure and plays a large role in making us the club we are.

It would be hard to top Mohammed Al-Fayad. He brought us up from the lower leagues and transformed a sleepy club into European finalists is a very short space of time. As such he is a legendary figure for Fulham fans – and if the price for all the success he brought us was putting up with ridicule for the Michael Jackson statue – then we can live with that! The Khans are much less flamboyant – but very popular amongst the club's fans.

Tell me about David McNally. When he came to Norwich from Fulham he was apparently on 'full gardening leave'. What was that all about? We never really heard much this end. Any gossip from the Fulham faithful?

I have no great insight into this one – but can speculate. Mohammed Al-Fayad demanded that those at Fulham were 100% committed – and quite right too. Whilst McNally had done a great job, particularly with our finances as we rose up the leagues, there was speculation linking McNally to Arsenal – so there may have been something in that. Mohammed would not have been happy that this was in the air so probably demanded some sort of commitment from McNally – and if that was not coming, Mohammed would have made a change.

The 'full garden leave' was probably a case of "if you aren't in this 100% don't bother at all" so he wasn't required to work his notice – but Mohammed probably did not want to waive the notice period to let him leave to go elsewhere – hence the garden leave. That is my theory... it's in keeping with how Mohammed operates – and seems fair enough to me. It's akin to letting a want-away player see out his contract before allowing him to move – even if that means he is not contributing anything.

Interesting and certainly makes sense. He doesn't seem to stay anywhere for any length of time.

I'd like to ask you about playing against Norwich now. Every season when the new fixture list comes out (and if we're in the same league of course), Norwich fans scan down the games and say, 'Let's see when we're going to lose against Fulham this time round'. How do you see the fixture? Do Fulham fans think 'well that's six points in the bag already' or isn't it a thing for you?

I think its three points when we play at home. Playing away is another matter. Historically we are generally poor away from home – although this season we seem to be bucking that trend.

It's never easy playing at Norwich – generally, you have a strong team and not a side to be taken lightly. Clearly, this year must be disappointing to the Norwich fans. I thought you would be up there challenging for the automatic spots – but that hasn't happened. Like us, you have struggled a bit since coming down. The worst thing is that both teams would probably survive in the Premier League – it's just so hard to get back in once you have dropped down – but at least neither of us did a Wigan.

Moving onto the game, I'm guessing you're going to be more nervous about it than we are. Who are you most worried about in our team? James Maddison I expect but any other bogey players for Fulham playing in yellow and green?

To be honest I don't know much about any of your players. I have heard that Maddison is a prospect who is interesting a lot of Premier League clubs – but we have many like that in our team (Fredericks, Cairney, Sessegnon).

And who should we be worried about?

Definitely the three above but I am a bit concerned that our two best players – Cairney and MacDonald will probably have played two international games and may be a bit tired.

And finally, a score prediction?

I think a draw will be a good result for us. I am expecting a tight game. I'll go for 1-1.



http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/2018/03/29/fulham-preview-storm-chasing-that-michael-jackson-statue-mcnally-and-low-profile-owners/