Friday Fulham Stuff (30/03/18)...

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Negativity over Newcastle United star Aleksandar Mitrovic is all wrong, situation is ideal

Newcastle United fans should be relaxed over the Aleksandar Mitrovic situation.



Newcastle United fans have been expressing their frustration as loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic has embarked on an unstoppable run of goalscoring form over the past few weeks.

The Serbian has scored nine goals in his last eight games for club and country, since being loaned to Fulham on deadline day.

Who knew he could be so prolific?

Certainly not Newcastle, and while it is easy to criticise the Magpies for their decision, the situation is actually working out pretty well for them.

Mitrovic was not getting game time at Newcastle - he had just six substitute appearances in the Premier League.

If Newcastle had simply kept him around, Mitrovic would not likely have been given the chances he has been afforded at Fulham.

Rafa Benitez deserves some criticism for failing to utilise the Serbian, but this should be offset by simply giving Mitrovic credit for his performances, which are better than any he has delivered for Newcastle on a consistent basis.

While Newcastle are still battling to fight off relegation, they are currently well placed in 13th. The decision is currently unlikely to be a critical one.

This way, Newcastle are learning more about Mitrovic, who could be a key asset for them in the future.

By sending him out on loan they have unlocked his confidence, and the club should be realising just what he is capable of. Benitez will not want to make the same mistake next season in deciding not to use him properly.

But if Newcastle really did want to cut ties, now is the time, they can sell high and cash in.

Either are ideal scenarios for the Toon, they are getting back a player at the top of his game. Next season they will either have a top attacker in their ranks, or millions in the bank.

Newcastle should be thankful for Mitrovic's form, as if he wasn't delivering, they would really be stuck for ideas with what to do with him next season.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/28/negativity-over-newcastle-united-star-aleksandar-mitrovic-is-all/

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83% pass success, 4 assists: The unheralded Fulham man who could have a big say in promotion push

Fulham extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in the Championship with a 2-2 draw against QPR last time out, but the Cottagers will have been disappointed to drop two valuable points in the automatic promotions race.

It was a disappointing day for Slavisa Jokanovic's men who blew a two goal lead, although one positive was the contribution of Lucas Piazon.

The on-loan Chelsea man was handed a rare start against the R's and scored his fourth goal of the season in just his 16th game, which is a respectabel return for the wide man given many of those appearances were from the bench.

However, as our graphic shows, Piazon brings a lot to the Cottagers team even if he doesn't score goals.

The Brazilian has weighed in with four assists and is very good on the ball.

That technique and composure in possession is vital for Fulham because of the way that Jokanovic demands his side play, controlling the game and probing for openings.

The 24-year old is always a threat to the opposition with key passes, whilst his 83% pass success rate proves that Piazon isn't wasteful when on the ball, even though he will often be getting on the ball in the final third.

With eight games left and potentially the play-offs, Fulham have a lot to play for and they will need all players to step up in order to be successful.

The likes of Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandr Mitrovic will get the attention but Piazon could still have a big impact on Fulham's promotion bid.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/83-pass-success-4-assists-the-unheralded-fulham-man-who-could-have-a-big-say-in-promotion-push/

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FULHAM (H); THE ACN PREVIEW

9 months on from that dramatic opening day meeting at Craven Cottage, City and Fulham renew acquaintances. Andrew Lawn spoke to Russ Goldman to see what's changed since August...

Andy - How do you feel this season has gone? You seemed to start slowly but are flying now?

Russ Goldman - We did start slow, in the first half of the season we had several draws instead of getting all three points, and that first draw came against Norwich.

The reason for the slow start is a combination, as it begins with the injury to Tom Cairney, along with not having a proven goal scorer in the striking department. The third part of it was not finding a replacement for Scott Malone at left back.

The turnaround began at the end of the calendar year, but really kicked into gear in January with the additions of left back Matt Targett, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. These moves coincided with Cairney recovering properly from his knee injury.

These factors along with our passing style of play really being at top form turned the season around to where we are now.

You've given yourself a real platform approaching the season finale, how expectant of finishing the job are the Craven Cottage faithful?

From the supporters I have seen on social media and the messageboards, I would say most see the playoffs as where Fulham will be likely to end up. Most including myself see 2nd as a bridge too far right now.

Should it be the playoffs, would you be confident or is there still a scar from last season?

I am confident this time around because they can now win ugly if they have to. This season they are simply finding ways to win.

However, I will say the match-up is important. If they were to face PNE I fear them more than Aston Villa. PNE will press Fulham and not make it easy on them. It is the clubs that want to play football I fear less.

We definitely want to play football, so it could make for interesting Good Friday fare, although our own season is over already and the remainder is a glorified pre-season. As such, Canary minds are drifting towards the summer and a World Cup you may have an England player at... Just how good is young Ryan Sessegnon?

His finishing is unbelievable right now. He is always at the right place at the right time. He is just starting though and will only get better

Is he the biggest talent you've seen at the club? Fulham have had some good players down the years after all, and should he go to Russia?

He's the biggest young talent absolutely. He should go to Russia, but not as a left back.

Southgate seems to favour a back 3 so left wing back seems up for grabs. Back to Friday, is it must win for you to keep pressure on Cardiff or would you take a draw?

It has to be a win.

Talking of Cardiff, you've both perked up (you over the last 2 seasons and Cardiff this), after difficult readjustment periods following relegation from the Premier League, as we're experiencing now, and with contrasting playing styles.

What's been the secret of your renaissance?

For me the key has been finding the right head coach and tailoring the players to fit in his style so the credit goes to Slavisa Jokanovic instilling his style, but it goes hand in hand with Tony Khan's recruitment.

The hope here is that we have done the same thing; found the right Head Coach and are now in the process of remodelling the squad to fit his style.

So final question, give us a prediction for Friday?

2-1 to Fulham.

​For me the difference will be Mitrovic. Unless you can control his influence on the match, I like Fulham's chances.

If ever a centre-half was constructed to deal with burly, niggly forwards it was Grant Hanley, so with Mitrovic nullified, I'll go 3-2 City in a high scoring break from our defensively tight season thus far



https://www.alongcomenorwich.com/articles/fulham-h-the-acn-preview

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Warnock puts success down to 'leaders' in his squad and claims the pressure is all on Aston Villa and Fulham for the final run-in

Neil Warnock claims he and his players still have their feet firmly on the ground despite heading into the final nine games firmly inside the top two.

The Bluebirds appear unstoppable as they surge towards the finish line in the race for automatic promotion.

However, with nine games remaining Neil Warnock and his squad are taking nothing for granted, despite holding a seven-point lead over third-placed Fulham with a game in-hand.

Just one team in the last 20 years – Sunderland in 1998 – has missed out on the top two after accumulating as many points as Cardiff City have in the 37 games played so far.

But feet are still firmly on the ground and Warnock puts that down to the leaders in his squad. He said: "If I tell you Bruno Manga, Sol Bamba, Morrison, Peltier, Gunnarsson, Madine...you don't need to keep anyone's feet on the ground. I'd love to have players like that in my dressing room.

"If anyone's feet left the ground, it wouldn't get as far as me, I wouldn't know about it. Those lads would sort that out and that's what you need. You need leaders, men about the place, people to stand up and be counted and I'm sure I've not mentioned some like Connolly.

"You don't need anything else. I've had seven promotions and I look back at them ad they all have characters, leaders, people who take responsibility.

"This group may be the best I've ever had and I don't know how far they can go because we've only just started on the journey. I don't know if we can get where we want to be but it won't be for the lack of trying and we're enjoying the moment.

The Bluebirds have a healthy seven-point gap on the two below them and those teams, Aston Villa and Fulham were many people's favourites to finish in the top two.

And Cardiff are using that to their advantage with Warnock continuing to take the pressure off his players, reminding them of the pressure to get promoted over at Villa Park and Craven Cottage.

"When you look at the teams we are competing against, we shouldn't be where we are. We're enjoying it and there's always pressure to win games but I just don't feel that pressure.

"When you look at the fixtures, they're quite formidable so you don't get carried away. You just have to work on your own team. We have to see if we can come up with something different at this time of they year, try to give our opponents different problems.

"I believe we are getting better and I hope we can show that in the last nine games."

Warnock returned to football from his latest retirement shortly before arriving at South Wales, keeping Rotherham in the Championship before putting pen-to-paper in CF11.

Having previously achieved seven promotions, the 69-year-old stands on the brink of history with a record-breaking eighth within sight.

And perhaps surprisingly, despite winning the league with Queens Park Rangers in 2011, he claims getting Cardiff into the Premier League would, in fact, be his best achievement yet.

It may be his best season statistically, too. The Bluebirds have a better points tally at this stage than that title-winning Rangers side and they are still in with a chance of catching leaders Wolves.

However, it's about much more than points and statistic for Warnock. He added: "Let's be fair, it would be the biggest achievement in my career and it's been a long one.

"I've spanned three decades now, or is it four? It's an incredible time. I often think about my Mum and Dad.

"It's quite an emotional time, at times, I am getting old in the tooth but I don't feel like that. I feel really young in my mind at the minute and I'm really excited. I'm enjoying it and I do owe that to Sharon because before I went to Rotherham, I didn't have that feeling, I lost it a little bit.

"And coming here, not just turning the club around, but getting the fans behind me and I can't tell you what it's like as a manager to know that 99.9% of the fans are behind you.

"It's an amazing feeling for a manager like that. All the fans will have different ideas of who they would play and what have you but I just think that's helped this season.

"Four losses and I didn't hear any abuse at Christmas, at New Year. I never heard any chants or anything stupid. That don't half help, not just me but the players. I love to pay back people who have looked after me and the fans have looked after me and my intention is to pay them back.

"That's why these nine games, I will do my best to give them what they want. We don't know if we can get what we want, but it won't be for lack of trying."



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/warnock-feet-ground/

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Craven Cottage plans backed by WSP get the green light for development

Supporters of Fulham FC, the club's chairman and firms involved in the project planning process have rejoiced after Hammersmith and Fulham Council approved plans for a new two tier-stand which will increase capacity to just under 29,000.

It means work can go ahead on the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage with the existing stand demolished and replaced. Work is expected to begin on the stand in the summer of 2019.

The new stand will increase the overall capacity of Craven Cottage by 4,000 with proposals to also open up a previously closed riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith. The new stand will include shops, cafes and nine short-stay apartments with a full timeline of scheduled works expected to be announced in due course.

WSP has been involved in the planning process from the start and has provided engineering advice to the club for almost 20 years. The company also provided multi-discipline engineering services for the previous riverside scheme that was granted planning permission in 2013.

The engineering consulting firm started work on the latest design alongside Populous Architects in 2017 and is providing all engineering design services, including structural and geotechnical, building services, façade and fire engineering, environmental, security, transport planning and acoustics.

Commenting on the work, Peter Chipchase, director and head of stadium design at WSP, said: "It's fantastic for WSP to be working again with Fulham Football Club. It continues our strengthening relationship with them and one of the world's leading stadia architects and gives us the opportunity to showcase the depth of our capabilities across all engineering disciplines to help the club achieve their aspirations.  Stadia are wonderful pieces of architectural engineering which succeed when the full team work together in an open, creative and collaborative way. They enable us to stretch our imaginations and use cutting edge technologies to create the very best experience for the fans." 

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan responded to the approval by saying, "Our goal for a brighter future for Fulham Football Club, the neighbourhood, our borough and all of London is now at our doorstep. "It wouldn't be possible if not for supporters and local residents who believed in our vision, so I hope they will join us in celebrating what will be a new and important chapter in the history of Fulham and Craven Cottage."

The latest approval adds to the catalogue of stadia WSP has worked on around the world which include the Arthur Ashe and CitiField Stadia in New York, Levi's stadium in California, BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and is currently working on Chelsea FC's new Stamford Bridge proposals.



https://www.acenet.co.uk/craven-cottage-plans-backed-by-wsp-get-the-green-light-for-development/4856/2/1/610/3

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Sky Sports pundit predicts Leeds clash against Fulham, makes Heckingbottom claim

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes that Leeds United will lose to Fulham when the two sides meet at Craven Cottage next Tuesday.

Leeds play Bolton at Elland Road on Friday but Prutton has jumped ahead and predicted that Paul Heckingbottom's men will lose 3-1 to the in-form Londoners.

The former Whites midfielder claims that Heckingbottom will now be looking towards the summer transfer window to try and strengthen his squad.

"It looks as though it's going to be the play-offs again for Fulham and they'll hope to be better prepared for it now than they were last season, when they were favourites going in but slipped up against Reading.

"Leeds, meanwhile, just need the season to end with as little damage as possible to allow Paul Heckingbottom the chance to build his team in the summer. This is a home win for me," Prutton said on the Sky Sports website.

Football Insider verdict

It is very hard to see Leeds getting anything against Fulham next week. The Whites' form has been horrific with just one win since Boxing Day while Fulham are staging a late charge for the automatic promotion spots. Aleksandar Mitrovic has been on fire for the Cottagers since joining them on loan from Newcastle and he continued his form in front of goal by scoring on international duty for Serbia. Given how poorly the United defence has played lately, there's very little chance that they will be able to stop him. Leeds can improve their chances of a win by beating Bolton on Friday, but it will still be a mammoth task for them to win both of their Easter fixtures.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sky-sports-pundit-predicts-leeds-clash-against-fulham-makes-heckingbottom-claim/

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Norwich City In Focus

Have a read of our matchday preview as Fulham's Sky Bet Championship campaign recommences at Norwich City's Carrow Road on Good Friday (3pm).
Possible opposition absentees

Moritz Leitner - hamstring injury

Marco Stiepermann - hernia injury

Tom Trybull - knee/ankle injuries

Louis Thompson - Achilles injury

Matt Jarvis - ankle injury

Onel Hernandez - hamstring injury

Marley Watkins - jetlag
Tickets

Away tickets for this match are sold out, with Fulham taking the full 2,000+ allocation available
Weather

It should remain dry in Norwich for the game, with temperatures around eight degrees.
Getting there

Because of rail disruption, fans getting the train should head to King's Cross rather than the usual Liverpool Street. Trains are not direct and so a change is required at either Cambridge or Ely, which leads to a journey time of two-and-a-quarter or two-and-a-half hours. Carrow Road is then a 10 minute walk away.
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 2.45pm (BST) to view.
He said

"We know we aren't the favourites and that Fulham are on fire. They are 16 games unbeaten. At the moment, they are the best team in the league. All their important players are in a really good shape." - Daniel Farke, Norwich manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Norwich City: 12/5

Draw: 5/2

Fulham: 21/20
Previous five results

Norwich City 3-2 Reading (Championship)

Barnsley 1-1 Norwich City (Championship)

Hull City 4-3 Norwich City (Championship)

Norwich City 0-0 Nottingham Forest (Championship)

Norwich City 0-0 Bolton Wanderers (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/29/norwich-city-in-focus

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Norwich City V Fulham
FRI 30 Mar 2018   Championship
Venue: Carrow Road

Grant Hanley missed Scotland's win in Hungary on Tuesday

Norwich have Grant Hanley available despite the defender pulling out of the Scotland squad on Monday with injury.

Winger Onel Hernandez (hamstring) is absent, but striker Nelson Oliveira and midfielder Alex Tettey are both fit.

Fulham will assess Tomas Kalas after the defender featured for the Czech Republic in the in China Cup after a month out with a hip injury.

Slavisa Jokanovic has no other injury worries as he looks to extend their 16-match unbeaten run in the Championship.

SAM's prediction
Home win 29%   Draw 28%   Away win 43%

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

Match facts

    Norwich have won just one of their last 21 matches against Fulham in all competitions (D6 L14), a 4-2 win at Carrow Road in May 2015.
    Fulham have won five of their last eight away league visits to Carrow Road (D2 L1), winning 3-1 last season.
    James Maddison has scored the winning goal in six Championship games this season, a joint-high along with Derby's Matej Vydra.
    Fulham have completed 8,718 passes in the opposition half this season, at least 1,000 more than any other Championship side.
    These two sides have also attempted the fewest long passes in the Championship this season - Fulham (2,244) and Norwich (2,464).
    The four players to complete the most successful short passes in this season's Championship are all Fulham players (Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney, Tim Ream and Stefan Johansen).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43510070

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Norwich City Team News: Fulham (H)

Onel Hernandez will be an injury worry for Norwich, with the Cuban winger set to miss the game with Fulham on Good Friday.

Hernandez's injury was announced in Daniel Farke's pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Lilywhites. The January signing is also set to miss out against QPR, after sustaining a hamstring injury in the win against Reading.

Farke said, per Canaries.co.uk:

    Onel had some hamstring problems after the last game, He stretched the muscle a bit too far and we tried to get him fit for tomorrow but there is no chance. It seems like we will have to do without him against QPR as well which is sad because he was in good shape.

Marley Watkins is set to miss the game on Good Friday after only just getting back from international duty in China.

Nelson Oliveria and Alex Tettey are both back for the Canaries, however, with Tettey returning from injury and Oliveira finding a way back into Daniel Farke's plans.

    Alex Tettey trained with the team on Saturday and has had several days with us. He's back for tomorrow. Nelson has trained with us since Friday and took part in all of the sessions since. He's available.

Mortiz Leitner is expected to be back for the game against Aston Villa next weekend, whilst Tom Trybull is expected to return to training this week.



http://readnorwich.com/2018/03/29/norwich-city-team-news-fulham-h/

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'Wolves, Fulham and Aston Villa have to go up' - Neil Warnock fires another shot at Cardiff City's promotion rivals

The Cardiff City boss also addressed fans as the club seek bumper home crowds for the promotion run-in

Pressure, what pressure?

Neil Warnock has always been quick to insist Cardiff City are outsiders for promotion and even though the Bluebirds could move 10 points clear of third place depending on results this weekend - and get within touching distance of the Premier League - he remains adamant the pressure is on other teams.

Aston Villa and Fulham remain in the hunt for the Championship top two but Cardiff's streak of seven successive wins has cooled talk of automatic promotion in the west midlands and west London.

Cardiff are big favourites to take second spot in the eyes of bookmakers and most pundits.

But not for Warnock, who claimed it wouldn't be "the end of the world" were the Bluebirds to miss out on a Premier League return.

He said Villa, Fulham and leaders Wolves - Cardiff's main promotion rivals - "should" go up because of the money they've spent.

"On our wage bill, when you look at the teams we're competing against, we really shouldn't be where we are," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"There's always pressure to win games, but I don't feel there's pressure on us as much as the other teams.

"Some of the other teams should go up. They have to go up, really.

"We'd be disappointed not to go up - of course we will - but it's not the end of the world. We've had a fantastic season and, whatever happens, our fans will give the players the backing they deserve at the last game of the season."

Cardiff welcome Burton Albion on Good Friday with away trips to Villa and Derby around the corner, plus a mouth-watering home clash with Wolves.

If they can stretch their record-breaking winning run, the best the club has enjoyed in 25 years, City will seal promotion, the eighth in Warnock's career.

And the veteran boss actually believes Cardiff can improve between now and the end of the season, despite confounding all predictions to sit in second spot.

"Looking at the fixtures, they are quite formidable on paper so you don't get carried away," he added.

"You just work on your own team, looking at different options to give opponents different problems. I believe we can get better than what we are and I hope in the last nine games we can show that.

"It'd be the biggest achievement of my career and when you look at my career it's been a long one. I've spanned three or four decades and it's an incredible time.

"Coming here, not just turning the club round, but getting the fans behind me, I can't tell you how good that feels as a manager to have 99.9 per cent of the fans behind you.

"Yes I'm going to make mistakes and pick the wrong player but even after losing four games on the trot over Christmas I never heard any abuse, any chants or anything stupid."

Warnock then issued a rallying cry to the Bluebirds' fans with many hoping for bumper crowds between now and the season's conclusion.

"The fans have looked after me and my intention is to pay them back, give them what they want," he added.

"We don't know if it'll happen but it won't be for the lack of trying.

"While I was disappointed with the last home crowd, it didn't bother me noise-wise. You always get people who will stay away but you've got to get them back. I hope we can get a 25,000 average gate, it'd be lovely for me to do that.

"I did it at Sheffield (United) but it took me seven years. I just want fans coming to Cardiff City to remember it for the rest of their lives, because we're in it to entertain and make people go home and talk about the game.

There's too much negativity in football and sport, but it must be a good time to be a fan and to report on Cardiff City at the moment."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-fulham-aston-villa-go-14471722

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A look at why Mitrovic has flourished at Fulham but floundered at Newcastle

Aleksandar Mitrovic has swapped Newcastle's battle to stay in the Premier League for Fulham's bid  to win promotion – but has Rafa Benitez blundered in allowing the bustling Serbian to leave?

"He shouldn't be playing in this division," said Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, shaking his head. "He is an outstanding player who is going to the World Cup. He has made the decision to drop down a division but he should be playing in the Premier League."

Wilder was talking about Aleksandar Mitrovic. Sheffield United had just been beaten 3-0 by play-off rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, but the match as a contest was over by half-time thanks to two goals from the Serbian centre forward.

Mitrovic had bagged five goals in four matches since arriving at Fulham from Newcastle, where he was deemed surplus to requirements by Rafa Benitez following the January arrival of Islam Slimani from Leicester.

Four days after the Sheffield United victory, Mitrovic scored another brace in a 2-1 win at Preston, taking his overall tally to seven goals in nine league games for Fulham. Islam Slimani meanwhile – the man supposedly brought in to replace him – is still waiting to make his Newcastle debut.

Mitrovic has scored nine times in all competitions this year after netting twice for Newcastle in August, while Newcastle's first choice striker Dwight Gayle and his deputy Joselu have managed just nine goals between them.

A closer look at the stats won't make comfortable reading for Benitez. His Serbian outcast has found the net every 96 minutes on average for Fulham and every 97 minutes for Newcastle, whereas Gayle takes 289 minutes to get on the scoresheet. Mitrovic has scored as many goals this season as Gayle and Joselu combined, but he's managed it in 2,195 minutes fewer on the pitch.

So why has Benitez exiled a player with exactly the kind of goal scoring habit the Newcastle frontline looks so devoid of? And why has Mitrovic flourished at Fulham but floundered at St James' Park?

Wilder was talking about Aleksandar Mitrovic. Sheffield United had just been beaten 3-0 by play-off rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, but the match as a contest was over by half-time thanks to two goals from the Serbian centre forward.

Mitrovic had bagged five goals in four matches since arriving at Fulham from Newcastle, where he was deemed surplus to requirements by Rafa Benitez following the January arrival of Islam Slimani from Leicester.

Four days after the Sheffield United victory, Mitrovic scored another brace in a 2-1 win at Preston, taking his overall tally to seven goals in nine league games for Fulham. Islam Slimani meanwhile – the man supposedly brought in to replace him – is still waiting to make his Newcastle debut.

Mitrovic has scored nine times in all competitions this year after netting twice for Newcastle in August, while Newcastle's first choice striker Dwight Gayle and his deputy Joselu have managed just nine goals between them.

A closer look at the stats won't make comfortable reading for Benitez. His Serbian outcast has found the net every 96 minutes on average for Fulham and every 97 minutes for Newcastle, whereas Gayle takes 289 minutes to get on the scoresheet. Mitrovic has scored as many goals this season as Gayle and Joselu combined, but he's managed it in 2,195 minutes fewer on the pitch.

So why has Benitez exiled a player with exactly the kind of goal scoring habit the Newcastle frontline looks so devoid of? And why has Mitrovic flourished at Fulham but floundered at St James' Park?

Newcastle under Benitez know their limitations. They aren't going to take the game to superior opponents, as proven against Manchester City in December when Jonjo Shelvey smashed the ball out of play immediately from kick off.

Come and break us down was the message, and a certain type of striker is required to play this way.  Dwight Gayle may have only netted five times this season, but his running is relentless. He will shut down every avenue with unsettling hustle and bustle until Newcastle have grinded out another point. That is why Benitez trusts him.

Mitrovic is different though as he needs the ball to be effective. He's reliant on plenty of service from creative players as he lacks the mobility to carve out chances for himself.

If he's isolated and ignored he gets extremely frustrated. And any manager who has seen a frustrated Mitrovic charging around a football pitch with lips curled and elbows flailing should start preparing to see out the rest of the game with ten men.

His pedigree though is undoubted. The striker was voted player of the competition at the U19 European Championships in 2013 and was named in the team of the tournament alongside the likes of Bernardo Silva, Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot and Hector Bellerin. The striker has also scored important Champions League goals against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

He bagged another two goals for Serbia against Nigeria last night and as Wilder rightly says, he will lead the line for his country at the World Cup in the summer, playing against Brazil in Group E.

Before he arrived at Craven Cottage, Mitrovic was set for a permanent move away from Newcastle amid interest from Bordeaux, Anderlecht, Partizan Belgrade and Crystal Palace.

He has the potential to play at a much higher level than that though, and a strong performance on the World Cup stage could earn him a second chance with another big money move to a top European club. Let's just hope they keep the ball.



http://www.teamtalk.com/news/a-tactical-look-at-why-aleksandar-mitrovic-has-flourished-at-fulham-but-floundered-at-newcastle

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Onel Hernandez set to miss Norwich Easter fixtures

Norwich winger Onel Hernandez has a hamstring problem and will not feature in the Easter schedule, which starts with the Sky Bet Championship visit of Fulham.
Defender Grant Hanley will be available despite returning early from Scotland duty because of shin splints, but Wales forward Marley Watkins will be assessed after travelling back from China.
Midfielder Alex Tettey, though, is back in contention following a foot injury, while forward Nelson Oliveira is fit from his calf problem.
Winger Matt Jarvis continues his recovery from a long-term ankle injury, while midfielders Moritz Leitner (hamstring) and Marco Stiepermann (groin) are also still receiving treatment along with Tom Trybull (ankle/knee) and Louis Thompson (Achilles).
Fulham will continue to monitor defender Tomas Kalas.
Kalas, who had been out with a hip problem, travelled with the Czech Republic for the China Cup, so will be assessed.
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic reported has no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.
The Cottagers will be out to extend an unbeaten run which stretches to 16 matches which has seen them climb to third in the table.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=483236

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Norwich v Fulham preview

Norwich winger Onel Hernandez has a hamstring problem and will not feature in the Easter schedule, which starts with the Sky Bet Championship visit of Fulham.

Defender Grant Hanley will be available despite returning early from Scotland duty because of shin splints, but Wales forward Marley Watkins will be assessed after travelling back from China. Midfielder Alex Tettey, though, is back in contention following a foot injury, while forward Nelson Oliveira is fit from his calf problem.

Winger Matt Jarvis continues his recovery from a long-term ankle injury, while midfielders Moritz Leitner (hamstring) and Marco Stiepermann (groin) are also still receiving treatment along with Tom Trybull (ankle/knee) and Louis Thompson (Achilles).

Fulham will continue to monitor defender Tomas Kalas. Kalas, who had been out with a hip problem, travelled with the Czech Republic for the China Cup, so will be assessed.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic reported has no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Carrow Road. The Cottagers will be out to extend an unbeaten run which stretches to 16 matches which has seen them climb to third in the table.

Opta stats

Norwich have won just one of their last 21 matches against Fulham in all competitions (D6 L14), a 4-2 win at Carrow Road in May 2015.

Fulham have won five of their last eight away league visits to Carrow Road (D2 L1), winning 3-1 last season.

James Maddison has scored the winning goal in six Championship games this season, a joint-high along with Derby's Matej Vydra.

Fulham have completed 8,718 passes in the opposition half this season, at least 1,000 more than any other Championship side.

These two sides have also attempted the fewest long passes in the Championship this season - Fulham (2,244) and Norwich (2,464).

The four players to complete the most successful short passes in this season's Championship are all Fulham players (McDonald, Cairney, Ream and Johansen).



http://www.skysports.com/football/norwich-vs-fulham/preview/375084

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Football is Back
by Lydia on March 29, 2018

Is everyone OK? Have we survived the International break without nearly dying of boredom? There has been a lot going on in the sporting world with the Formula One season kicking off last weekend and the 'Ball Tampering' scandal within Australian cricket all amongst the stories dominating our headlines, but there just isn't anything like the end of season run in when you are in with a chance of promotion, am I right? I have sorely missed it, and can't wait to get the season back tomorrow afternoon. On Saturday past there was a Liverpool legends game at Anfield featuring the likes of Stephen Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and even Ian Rush joining in, and what struck me was that Anfield was packed. Not a spare seat in the house, which just shows you how much football fans struggle without their football fix.

I wrote last week about how the Fulham squad really needed the International Break to regroup after the QPR draw, and I still absolutely stand by those words, but as a fan, one weekend without football feels like a lot longer than that. But it is all-systems go tomorrow as Fulham make the trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City, in another must win game to tighten our hold on one of the top play-of spots as well as keeping the door open for a possible steal of the 2nd automatic promotion spot.

Norwich City currently sit 10 points outside the play-offs and most fans have probably given up hope of sneaking into 6th spot by now, but that doesn't mean that they won't be up for this. They are a well drilled side, and have plenty of players who can hurt any opposition. James Maddison has won raving reviews this season and the youngster has scored fourteen goals in all competitions for the Canaries so far, not bad for a midfield player. Norwich also boast the attacking talent of Nelson Oliveira, although the striker was recently dropped because of his work rate so we may not see him in action. In general, Norwich have struggled for goals this season with just 41 in 38 outings. Only 5 teams have a worse strike rate than that. Having said that, they have been involved in 4-3 and 3-2 thrillers recently, and in both games they came out as winners, so the goal problem they have had throughout the season may be coming to an end.

However, Fulham should really be winning this game. Norwich sit 13th in the table and have only one once in the last five games. We need to ensure that the QPR draw was just a minor bump on the road rather than something much worse by getting all three points tomorrow. It looks as though we have a full-strength squad tomorrow with everyone making it back from international duty unscathed, so I would imagine that this will be what we see line up tomorrow.

Last season 3-1 win at Carrow Road was one of the highlights of the season for many, with Gentleman Jim essentially crying with excitement when Floyd Ayite rounded the keeper the seal to win late in the day. Something similar tomorrow and the pressure will be on Villa and Cardiff to keep it up. Hold on to your hats, the run in is finally here.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/football-is-back/

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Slavisa Jokanovic hits out at Serbia for treatment of Newcastle loan man Aleksandar Mitrovic

The 23-year-old played 90 minutes in both of Serbia's friendlies, despite Jokanovic receiving assurances Mitrovic would be rested

Slavisa Jokanovic has hit out at the Serbia national side for their treatment of Aleksandar Mitrovic during the international break.

The striker, who is on loan from Newcastle, played 90 minutes in both of Serbia's friendlies against Morocco and Nigeria, bagging a brace in the 2-0 win over the Super Eagles at Barnet on Tuesday night.

However, Jokanovic had been given assurances by the national set-up that Mitrovic would be rested while away on international duty, like Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Ryan Sessegnon, to name but a few, were with Scotland and England U21s, but those assurances were broken when the 23-year-old played both games.

The Fulham head coach watched as Mitrovic bagged two goals on Tuesday night, but has been left angry by the way Serbia used the striker, who has netted nine goals in seven games for club and country, and with the broken promises he was given by the Serbian set-up.

Jokanovic told Get West London: "I am happy with him (Mitrovic), he played a very good game.

"I am happy with the respect from Alex McLeish, for bringing my players and using them and giving them a rest.

"I am really happy with coach of the U21s, Aidy Boothroyd, who used Ryan Sessegnon and understood that this guy had been charged with many games by us.

"For another side, I don't have any comment about the respect that the Serbia national team showed to myself and my players.

"I am very happy for him (Mitrovic) that he scored the goals and I am very happy for the national team who won the games.

"It's very important to have words, and my word has value and when you promise me something and you are a liar, I am sometimes really unsatisfied.

"I am unhappy because Mitrovic played two games and I expect he will be really good player for the national team and expect he will score in all the games in front of him for Serbia but in this moment, the only player that played 90 minutes in the two games was him.

"I am not satisfied, this is my personal feeling.

"I am not coach there, but I ask something, they answer me something, but the words are not important with these people."

The club sent a number of players away on international duty, including Tomas Kalas, who travelled to China to take part in the China Cup with the Czech Republic, and Jokanovic has only had one day with his full squad to prepare for the trip to Norwich City.

Although most of the Championship managers will be facing the same problem, Jokanovic believes there is no 'sense or logic' in the scheduling of an international break before the Easter Fixtures - meaning players are thrust into two games in the space of four days having travelled around the globe.

He added: "Fulham unfortunately are a team that send many players to the national team, and they didn't have enough of a break and enough rest.

"Today is the first day where I am working with complete team, okay, it's not easy for me and other Championship teams, especially those that send many people to the national team.

"It's not a question about improvisation, but I have only one day to work with complete team.

"If I now start complaining why we don't play Saturday, it isn't necessary because it's not in my hand but the schedule is not necessary from my point of view, to make this schedule.

"We don't have any break for Christmas, we play 46 games which is great top but hopefully we can play some games more in the Play-offs, and if you get to the final.

"If I have only one day, I cannot be satisfied, but I must accept like other coaches, it's not easy for me, it's not easy for other coaches too but sense and logic, I cannot find so much."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-hits-out-serbia-14473270#comments-section

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Matchday Live: Norwich City

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Good Friday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

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/march/29/matchday-live-norwich-city

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This'll make the commute easier! Superyacht owned by Fulham chairman Shahid Khan is moored in the Thames and you can rent it for just £1million a week

    Kismet, a 308ft luxury craft said to be the toy of Fulham FC owner and billionaire Shahid Khan, is in London
    The stunning vessel, which can be hired for £1million-a-week, was pictured sailing past the City of London
    Kismet accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, with the master stateroom boasting its own private deck

A superyacht belonging to one of the world's richest men has been pictured sailing up the Thames.

Kismet, a 308ft luxury craft, is said to be the toy of Fulham FC owner and billionaire Shahid Khan and was spotted in London today. 

The stunning vessel was seen sailing past the City of London.

Kismet is a sister-vessel to a 223ft yacht formerly owned by Mr Khan, also called Kismet and rechristened Global, after it was sold for a rumoured £69million in 2013.


This is the superyacht pictured sailing past the City of London today. Kismet, a 308ft luxury craft, is said to be the toy of Fulham FC owner and billionaire Shahid Khan


The yacht has been especially designed to have both social and private spaces to suit guests throwing a glamorous party or by simply relaxing over a few drinks


The vessel is equipped with 'all of the amenities necessary for satisfying the modern charterer'


The stunning vessel accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, with the master stateroom boasting its own private deck with Jacuzzi and a helipad

According to the website, YachtCharterFleet.com, the Kismet is 'unquestionably the realisation of both luxury and uncompromised perfection'.

Kismet accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, with the master stateroom boasting its own private deck with Jacuzzi and a helipad.

There are lounging and eating areas on three different decks including a sundeck with a swimming pool with integrated Jacuzzi and fully equipped barbecue.

The Kismet is available for charter for a cool £1,050,768-a-week (€1,200,000).

Mr Khan, a Pakistani-American billionaire businessman, is the 158th wealthiest person in the world, and the world's richest person of Pakistani origin.

As well as Fulham FC he also owns the NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The vessel was delivered by Germany-based Lurssen in 2014 to Mr Khan as a replacement for his previous 68-meter Kismet, hellomonaco.com reported.

The yacht boasts a jaguar on the bow of the yacht, symbolic of the owner's NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, which he bought in November 2011 for £540 million according to the New York Times.

'Built with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, Kismet stretches over five decks suitable for parties of up to 270 guests,' hellomonaco said.

'Among innovative features on Kismet are her video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5559355/Superyacht-owned-Fulham-chairman-Shahid-Khan-moored-Thames.html#ixzz5BDTHa4R8
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Fulham boss Jokanovic highlights Maddison danger

Slavisa Jokanovic will warn his Fulham players not to be fooled by Norwich City's mid-table position when the teams clash at Carrow Road on Good Friday.

"They still have the option of fighting for the play-offs and we cannot relax," said the Fulham boss.

"Norwich is one of the top teams who aren't at the top of the table right now."

Jokanovic almost inevitably name-checked Canaries midfielder James Maddison as a player Fulham need to keep tabs on.

"They've got a great squad, a great coach who tries to play good football with one of the more important talents in the Championship in Maddison," he told the club's official website.

"In the future he's probably going to be an important Premier League player and we must be careful about him, and careful about other parts of the team as there is quality in this side. We must respect them, and first of all we must respect ourselves and support each other. We must push hard to do everything we can to win the game.

"I always believe we can win the game and I am sure my players are going to push hard to win three points."

Jokanovic – whose team are flying high in third place in the Championship – believes the game will see a clash of similar styles.

"Norwich is a team who want to have possession, like us," he said. "We're probably going to have this kind of challenge, the challenge of taking on the pressure from their side and try and dominate them with the ball.

"They are not comfortable off the ball, we are more comfortable with the ball too.

Jokanovic has no new injury concerns, but, like all managers, will cast a careful eye over those involved in international matches.

Fulham were held to a 2-2 draw by QPR last time out, and Jokanovic wants an improvement.

"We expect we're going to find a better performance than we found last time we competed," he said. "We're playing against Norwich, a good team with acceptably good momentum – they lost only two games out of their last 15. We need to be ready to make many good things if we want to come back with the points from Norwich."



http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich-city-v-fulham-1-5457066

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

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/promotion-championship-odds-aston-villa-1362740

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Ivo Pinto ready for the challenge of facing Fulham hot shot Ryan Sessegnon

Ivo Pinto is unfazed about trying to shackle one of English football's hottest prospects in Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon.

The 17-year-old was a team mate of James Maddison and Angus Gunn in midweek for England Under-21s, to illustrate his staggering career progression.

Sessegnon has scored 14 goals in the Cottagers' Championship promotion push, and Pinto is set to be in the line of sight at Carrow Road.

"I don't mind that challenge," he said.

"I often say it is a team game. You can speak about him but you can also speak about (Aleksandar) Mitrovic and (Tom) Cairney. I think (Ryan) Fredericks is a very good full back. But the whole team have to work together.

"We won't worry about one player.

"Fulham, in the second part of the season, have had an amazing run.

"The football they play, the speed they play at, you can tell they are in a good shape and at this moment you would have to say they are the best team. That is why it will be a tough game."

Norwich could have a major say in the promotion stakes over the run in, with Aston Villa and Cardiff City also set to visit Norfolk.

"I would rather be in their position to be honest," he said.

"We just want to compete, to win and give the fans at our stadium some joyful times.

"When you play the biggest teams, like Chelsea and Arsenal in the cup, it is a different feeling but we showed when we get everything together we can be a fantastic team.

"Fulham is a team in our league so we have to show them that we can be better.

"It is about us and our game. They like to have the ball, we love to have the ball and it is about getting the defensive and attacking parts right."

Pinto's return from a freak knee injury suffered climbing out of his car was interrupted by the international pause, but the City skipper can also see the upsides.

"Obviously to come back and then have the international break you want to play but we had some other lads who needed time to come back and now we are in a better position," he said.

"This is the Championship now, with two games in a short period of time over Easter."



http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/canaries-pinto-on-facing-fulham-starlet-ryan-sessegnon-1-5457289