Tuesday Fulham Stuff (24/04/18)...

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Meet Mitrović, Bettinelli & Targett

Head to the Stadium Store this Tuesday, 24th April between 5pm and 6.30pm for the chance to meet Marcus Bettinelli, Matt Targett and Aleksandar Mitrović!

The boys will be around for approximately 90 minutes to meet fans, signing autographs and posing for photographs.

Free to attend, look out for exclusive offers instore, with adult Home Shirts just £30 and junior Home Shirts £25 - with free name and number printing of the players in attendance.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Supporters are also advised that the Ticket Office will be open until 6:30pm.

Player appearances are subject to change



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/23/meet-mitrovic-bettinelli-targett

[WhiteJC]

 
Twitter troll who labelled England U21 star Ryan Sessegnon's girlfriend a 'beached whale' after they appeared at awards bash begs for forgiveness

    Dan Paxton, 17, mocked Sessegnon's girlfriend after they appeared at the PFA
    The Birmingham City fan lives in his family home in Overseal, South Derbyshire
    Sessegnon was nominated for young player of the year at last night's ceremony
    Sick trolls mocked Lacie Southion's weight after they posed up for a picture

One of the cruel trolls who mocked teenage football sensation Ryan Sessegnon's girlfriend after they arrived together at last night's PFA awards ceremony has begged for forgiveness.

Football-mad Dan Paxton, 17, confessed he had posted the spiteful remark about the Under 21 star's partner's weight, saying it was 'nice of Sessegnon to bring that rescued beach whale to the awards ceremony'.

But after a furious backlash on Twitter the mortified teen deleted it. Today he told MailOnline he regrets his actions, admitting: 'I was very stupid.'   


17-year-old Dan Paxton (pictured) labelled Lacie Southion a 'beached whale' on Twitter

Fulham wonderkid Sessegnon, who turns 18 next month, was nominated for the PFA's young player of the year award, the first player from outside of the top flight to be shortlisted.

However the England U21 star's girlfriend Lacie Southion, also 17, was mocked on Twitter after they appeared together at the event in Grosvenor House, in central London.

Speaking tonight from his family home in Overseal, South Derbyshire, and trying to hide behind his partially opened front door, Dan said: 'I was just messing around, it was a bit silly and I deleted it a few hours ago. It was nothing malicious and I'm sorry.'

The avid Birmingham City fan recently landed a new job at world renowned plastics company Plastic Omnium in nearby Swadlincote.

Paxton was not the only troll who attacked the young girl via social media today.

He told how he lashed out online after seeing others taunting pretty Southion.


Cruel trolls mocked Fulham superstar sensation Ryan Sessegnon's girlfriend on Twitter after they arrived at the PFA awards ceremony together last night


Paxton was one of those who mocked Lacie Southion on social media following the ceremony

She had been pictured alongside Sessegnon as they arrived at a top awards bash.

He said: 'It really was a stupid thing to do. I am sorry to anyone who was offended.'

He declined to say if he had a girlfriend but said he would be upset if social media users made offensive comments about her.

After his post, one of his six followers on Twitter wrote: 'Thought you would have learned to keep your head down now you are in the news.'

Dan, believed to be an only child, lives with his parents Glynn, 46, and dog lover Joanne, 47, in a modest two up two down semi in a terraced row.

Dan said he was not a Fulham fan but followed Birmingham City and Glasgow Rangers.

He added: 'I'll be careful about what I tweet in future. I deleted it with one click of a button and it's gone.'

Dan was a pupil at William Allitt state school in Newhall, Swadlincote - which was recently hit by controversy after an assistant head teacher Christopher Mallinson, 57, was sacked after kissing and hugging a female student.

He was also banned from working with kids for at least two years.

In Aug 2014 - when Dan was still a pupil - the teacher admitted the accusations of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the Year 10 girl but denied he had done anything wrong, saying she 'loves me to bits and I love her to bits'.

Two other footballers, Notts County defender Carl Dickinson and ex-Stoke City player Marc Goodfellow, also attended the school.


The pretty youngster has worked as a model, featuring in various campaigns on Instagram


The majority rushed to defend Sessegnon's girlfriend and rounded on the trolls

One of his neighbours in his road, Coronation Street, said: 'His parents must be ashamed of that terribly insensitive tweet. I mean he's no Brad Pitt in either looks or physique!' 

Vile trolls had joked about Lacie's weight after they posed for a picture together at the 45th PFA awards ceremony.

One wrote: 'I'd be very embarrassed if that was my girlfriend to be honest...'

Another said: 'Someone's had too many of the pre-ceremony snacks.'

Another cruel commentator said: 'Tell the missus she has to go gym if she wants to be seen at awards shows together.'


Ryan Sessegnon celebrates after scoring against Premier League-bound Wolves in February


The Fulham teenage sensation with his partner Lacie Southion at the EFL Awards on April 15

However the majority rushed to defend Sessegnon's girlfriend and rounded on the trolls.

Her cousin Mina Knowles, who works at Cirque le Soir, said: 'She's simply perfect.' 

One said: 'People are low lives. Don't you have anything else to do other than make fun out of someone's girlfriend?'

Another wrote: 'Fantastic footballer, gorgeous girlfriend, talented man, big future ahead.'

Maxine Thurston wrote: 'As a Fulham fan, I'm ashamed to read a lot of these responses. She's a beautiful, normal, almost certainly grounded and kind person if she's with @RyanSessegnon and you are all going to ruin her shine. Go away and talk about something shallow to people like you. We aren't.'

Another said: 'Wow didn't realise you have to be a stick insect to be a footballer's girlfriend now days! People need to grow up, she's stunning.'

Sessegnon, who is being touted as a potential England World Cup wildcard call-up, has enjoyed a stunning season at promotion chasing Fulham.

Last week the 17-year-old was named the Championship player of the season, young player of the season and apprentice of the season, as well as earning his place in the team of the season and the club-developed XI.

He was the first player outside the top flight to be shortlisted for the PFA's young player of the year award, which was won by Manchester City's Leroy Sane.

Sessegnon has been with Fulham since he was eight years old, with twin brother Steven also on the books at Craven Cottage. 

The £50million rated teenager is likely to attract a bidding war this summer, particularly if Fulham fail to win promotion to the Premier League.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5646375/Sick-Twitter-trolls-attack-Ryan-Sessegnons-girlfriend.html#ixzz5DZMYv68r
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool open talks with Championship star's representatives ahead of potential summer move

According to an exclusive report by Anfield Edition, Liverpool have commenced negotiations with Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon's representatives as they look to thrash out a deal for the in-demand youngster.

Sessegnon is wanted by a number of clubs in England and across Europe but Liverpool appear to have moved quickly to try to steal a march on their rivals and win the race for his signature.

The 17-year-old has had an incredible season at Craven Cottage and his tally of 15 league goals has helped spearhead Fulham's promotion bid.

The Cottagers currently sit third in the Championship table and the race for second place (with Cardiff City) looks set to go down to the wire.

Sessegnon has been transformed from a left back into a left winger this season and this transition has paid off.

The England under-21 international was named as the EFL Championship Player of the Year as he picked up five accolades at the EFL awards night.

And the talented teenager has even been mentioned as a possible wildcard choice for Gareth Southgate's England squad at the World Cup.

With a number of top clubs, such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, Monaco, Barcelona and Real Madrid all in the hunt for Sessegnon, Liverpool are hoping to wrap this one up quickly.

The Verdict

If Sessegnon can guide Fulham to promotion – either automatically or via the play-offs – then I think he should stay at Craven Cottage and get valuable game time. There is no doubt that this kid is a future star in the making but next summer is a big one. If he moves to a big club too early, he could waste away on the bench next year and his progress would then be stunted.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/liverpool-open-talks-with-championship-stars-representatives-ahead-of-potential-summer-move/

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Youngsters Felix and Richardson join QPR on trial

Fulham youngster Joe Felix has joined QPR on trial along with Manchester United goalkeeper Theo Richardson.

Right-back Felix, 18, has been a regular for Fulham at Under-18 level and has also played for their Under-23 side.

Richardson, 19, was on Leeds United's books prior to signing for United last summer.

Both players are expected to feature for QPR's development side in a match against Crewe at Loftus Road this afternoon.

Arsenal's Chiori Johnson, also a right-back, is no longer training with the R's following his trial last week.

Neither is former West Ham youngster Henry Ochieng, who also recently had a trial at the club.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-looking-fulham-defender-young-man-utd-keeper

[WhiteJC]

 
Everything Neil Warnock said about Cardiff City and Fulham's promotion battle

The Bluebirds will clinch second place in the Championship with two wins from their final three league games

Neil Warnock admits it will be business as usual for his Cardiff City stars during their Championship promotion run-in.

The Bluebirds' destiny remains firmly in their own hands ahead of their clash with Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday night , and Warnock's men will clinch automatic promotion into the Premier League with two wins from their final three league outings against the Rams, Hull City and Reading.

And Warnock admits that Fulham - who extended their unbeaten run in the league to 22 games with a 3-0 win over Millwall at The Den last time out - would have romped to a top two place in any other season had his Bluebirds side not been around.

"It's tough isn't it, but I do love it," said Warnock.

"You start the season, you know all the rules and we tried to focus on getting into the playoffs. By Christmas we realised we could have loftier ambitions. Instead of fading away after a horrific December, I think we just got stronger.

"Even after the disappointments of Wolves and Aston Villa, you're bound to be down, but we have picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves off and gone again.

"In a normal season, Fulham would have walked it by now. 22 games unbeaten with the players they've got. We must be like something they want to swat away, like a rash or something.

"But we keep going and it's making it an interesting end to the season for TV and the media because otherwise it would just be a two-horse race and it would have been finished by now.

"I think the lads are all looking forward to it. We can go into it (against Derby) in good spirits knowing if things don't go right, we've still got two more games to have a go at. We'll be going there to try and win the game like Derby will, because both clubs have to do that.

"Three games in a week is tough, especially the way we play. Everyone seems in good spirits and they all want to have a go. Even the lads who haven't been involved. Jazz Richards is back with us today.

"I think Derby County away and Hull City away are two of the toughest games anyway. Reading at home to finish with, they are fighting too. There aren't any easy games.

"Sunderland being relegated, you expect Fulham to overpower them. We've got to try and be in a position where we can win promotion in these three games."

The Bluebirds are currently one point ahead of Slavisa Jokanovic's side who end their campaign with games against relegated Sunderland and strugglers Birmingham City.

Fulham would reach 91 points if they won both of their final two matches, a tally Cardiff would eclipse if they secure victories in two of their last three games.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fulham-neil-warnock-14564693

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves to battle Everton, Celtic, Leicester and Fulham for 'Iranian Messi' - reports

WWFC latest transfer news includes a link with the man they call the 'Iranian Lionel Messi'

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly one of five clubs in the UK to have been credited with an interest in Sardar Azmoun this summer - who has been dubbed the 'Iranian Messi'.

Azmoun, who plays for Rubin Kazan in Russia, has scored four goals at domestic level this season.

The 23-year-old has a much more impressive strike rate at international level, though - form that led to his aforementioned nickname.

Azmoun has 23 goals from his 31 caps for Iran, making him the nation's fifth highest scorer at all time, and it's helped Iran reach the World Cup this summer in the country where he plays.

He can play as a centre forward, or behind the striker.

Wolves aren't alone in their supposed interest, though; the Sunday People claim that Everton, Celtic, Leicester and Fulham are all interested in Azmoun too.

Wanderers are expected to be active in the market this summer; a number of loanees need their futures resolving and the squad will require additions ahead of an assault on the Premier League, after promotion was confirmed.



Player ratings
Player ratings

Ruddy - 7 - Had his first shot to save on 28 minutes and did so with ease. Pretty much redundant all afternoon, other than a couple of routine catches.

Boly - 8 - Totally dominated Le Fondre throughout the match. One driving run and so close to putting Doherty clean through with a dissecting ball. Made easy work of any Bolton attacks. A class act and a player Wolves must sign.

Coady - 9 - Dispatched his penalty with ease and after the season he's had, he more than deserved his goal. Tidied up any loose balls that went past Batth or Boly and as usual made it all look very easy. Got the pitching wedge our for Afobe's goal as he chipped a perfectly weighted ball in the strikers path. One assist and one goal, a fantastic afternoon Conor. *Star man*

Batth (c) - 8 - Fascinating tussles with Sammy Ameobi and you'd have to say the Wolves skipper came out on top and comfortably. First to many balls, won all his headers and solid distribution.

Doherty - 7.5 - Hardly troubled defensively and very tidy with the ball, a quiet but efficient afternoon for the Irish international.

Douglas - 8.5 - For his goal, he anticipated and followed up Afobe's shot superbly. The consistency of this guys delivery from set plays is something else. Classy.

Neves - 8 - Another afternoon of relentless crisp distribution from Portuguese international. Despite the scoreline, it wasn't the afternoon for spectacular diagonal balls but more a game for keeping it short and sharp, so that's what he did.

Saiss - 8 - With his Portuguese partner in crime, he absolutely dominated the middle of the park. After a mixed first season, what a second he's having. Another afternoon where he was strong and very tidy with the ball throughout.

Jota - 8.5 - Another goal for Wolves top scorer and what a beautiful finish it was. Unusually found himself in a heading scoring position and was desperately not to score from another delightful Barry Douglas delivery. A real pest, if you were a Bolton player.

Afobe - 8 - Playing like a man who is desperate to stay at Wolves. Added yet another goal to his tally and what a lovely goal it was, particularly his first touch which took him past the keeper with ease. Also forced Alnwick into save which lead to Douglas's goal.

Costa - 8.5 - Turned on the afterburners many times as he stretched the Bolton defence all afternoon. Unlucky not to have an assist when he fed the ball to Afobe moments before Wolves were awarded the penalty. Not quite on the money with his final ball or shooting today but still a very good game.

Substitutes

Gibbs-White - 8 - Some lovely turns and attempted double drag backs, despite his limited minutes he looks sharp and reliable every time he makes an appearance.

Bonatini - N/A - Little time to make an impact

NDiaye - N/A - Little time to make an impact



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wolves-everton-celtic-leicester-messi-14561596

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Aleksandar Mitrovic's alleged summer price-tag revealed – but it doesn't make any sense..

It was claimed by 'the People' on Sunday that Newcastle have set a £20m price tag for Aleksandar Mitrovic – however there's several reasons why we just can't see this being the case.

Firstly, it would be idiotic of NUFC to name their price prior to the World Cup. He's set to spearhead Serbia's attack in Russia, so an impressive summer on the back of his outstanding spell with Fulham would see his value rocket even further.

Not only that, I just don't see how he could be valued at £20m based on the massively inflated market we're currently working in.

Fulham will be desperate to sign him, so the ball is in our court to begin with, but let's not forget that the Cottagers were rebuffing . £25m bids for Cairney less than a year ago.

Not only has the going rate gone up considerably since then, Cairney was a player with no real Premier League experience or international pedigree and is several years his senior.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/04/23/aleksandar-mitrovics-alleged-summer-price-tag-revealed-but-it-doesnt-make-any-sense/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon should snub Spurs and Manchester United and listen to his family

Former Fulham man believes Ryan Sessegnon needs to be at a club where he feels comfortable and has encouraged him not to leave too soon

eroy Rosenior has said that he understands Ryan Sessegnon's family want the wonderkid to stay at Fulham and continue to progress at Craven Cottage.

The former Fulham man has also encouraged the 17-year-old not to leave his boyhood club too early as links with him and some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool, refuse to go away.

Sessegnon scored his 15th goal of the season in Friday's 3-0 victory over Millwall which saw Fulham make it 22 games unbeaten and continue to put pressure on Cardiff City.

Having been named EFL Player of the Year and become the only player outside the top flight to be shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, Rosenior believes Sessegnon needs to be in an environment where he feels comfortable to continue his development.


(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Speaking to Bristol Live, he said: "I hear rumours about Tottenham interest.

"He's been strongly linked with Spurs with Danny Rose having his problems there. But I do hear that he has a very stable family who desperately want him to stay with Fulham to progress his career.

"That would give him the opportunity to develop very nicely at a fantastic football club.

"Sometimes it's best to stay at a Championship club and play 30 to 40 games in a season rather than sitting on the bench in the Premier League or in the U23s.

"He needs to be playing and to be in an environment where he feels comfortable makes sense. My message to him is not to go too early."



https://www.football.london/championship/fulham-sensation-ryan-sessegnon-should-14564934

[WhiteJC]

 
The way to win

Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham FC, 2015-Present

"I am not so much an aesthetic man. I want to be competitive and I want to win all the points. In which way is less important."

In an exclusive interview with The Coaches' Voice, Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic discusses his difficult first six months at the club and how he tried to implement a style of football that would work best for the players at his disposal. He also explains why he sees style as being secondary to results.

"We build the style. The style before us didn't exist. This is clear.

When we came to this place we observe what we have in our hands. At the beginning, this first six months was complicated months for us. We didn't find a clear way of how we were going to play in this period where we are fighting through a difficult period for the team.

At the end in the second season, where we start pre-season with a new team – with new players – step by step we try and find it clear way, and try to find a way for build some kind of style. At the end, it's recognised we play good football, we have great style and we believe in this direction it's easier way for this group of players for win the game.

For me it's important my players is satisfied and believe this is the right way. At the end, my players believe this is best for them. That the team play in this way, what we try play actually right now or last season.

I understand in the football it's only important results. At the end of the game people is looking who win, who lost or who drew the game. What we believe in this way what we chose, this group of players can find the benefit and can win the game in an easier way than if we decide to play in a different way.

Only what I want is to win the game. I am not so many aesthetic man. In general, I want to be competitive and I want to win all the points, but I want to do what I can to do it. In which way, it's less important."

Slavisa Jokanovic

https://www.coachesvoice.com/the-way-to-win/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Guess the Score as Olivia, three, asks: 'Will people laugh at my Sunderland top?'

    Today, we hand over the penultimate prize Guess the Score* to a three-year-old girl who has embarked, at even such  tender age, on a lifetime of what supporting Sunderland brings.

    As Derek Scott points out, we have already heard eloquently from his daughter Natasha (re-read her heartwarming contributions from a few years ago, sadly shipped of the photos by the syste, here), keeping faith from faraway Cornwall. Now he introduces us to his granddaughter (who naturally had no idea this would be turned into the competition otherwise meaningless, to us save for pride, game at Craven Cottage. Monsieur Salut will even enter a scoreline on her behalf – 1-1, which she or grandad are welcome to change ...

Sometimes, and admittedly it's only on the rarest of occasions these days, something happens that makes you realise why you support Sunderland.

It's certainly not for the glory, the trophies or the glamour, but it's about why you went to football for the first time, it's about why you love the game, it's about traditions, it's about family, love, shared experiences; it's part of growing up – an acceptance that sometimes, maybe even frequently, things don't go as well as expected. Its part of our culture. It's like life.

Like a large proportion of the Salut! Sunderland community, I no longer live in the North East.

Where we live you can see football shirts on the streets every day, not the shirts of local clubs but those of the Manchesters, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal (not so much recently), even Barcelona and Real Madrid – the wearers are the Children of the Champions League.

One of the joys of returning to the North East is not seeing that.

In the North East kids wear Sunderland kit, Newcastle kit and even Boro kit, it must never change.

All of us have had our dark days, our desperate days, yet we still cling to our colours proudly, competing, jumpers for goalposts style, with all the passion, commitment and attitude we expect of (and, all too often don't witness) our heroes.

There haven't been many bright Stadium of Light related moments since Roy Hodgson thought it was a good idea to have Harry Kane take corners at Euro 2016, a handful of victories, the odd equaliser..... and now I'm running out of highlights so I've got to share my best moment of this awful season with you.

Previously, my daughter Natasha has lit up your pages with tales of her early days at the Stadium of Light, now, my granddaughter, Olivia, three, provides the glimmers within the gloom.

Olivia, a resident of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, is the proud owner of three Sunderland kits (all obtained at minimal expense due to our current predicament); the green away kit – think of Borini at Norwich, the blue sash away kit – think 4-0 at Palace, and this years light blue away kit – .... think of errrr..... well use your imagination!

Anyway, Olivia sports her Sunderland kit, with pride. When the blue away kit was delivered recently she was reluctant to get dressed, however as soon as it was suggested she wore the blue away kit to go to a family meal in town she leapt at the chance.

I must add she said to my partner "Will people laugh at me?" before venturing on to Bridgnorth's streets. My reply was to the point "You'll just have to get used to that sweetheart."

Clearly she has the steadfastness to rise above that traumatic experience, this week she started at nursery and shunned all her father's attempts to get PE kit, insisting, you've guessed it, on wearing her blue away kit for all physical activities!

Which demonstrates what its all about really; following your team through thick and thin, it doesn't matter what division we're in or where we play we are Sunderland.

Keep the faith.



http://salutsunderland.com/2018/04/fulham-guess-the-score-as-olivia-three-asks-will-people-laugh-at-my-sunderland-top/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff City: Boss Warnock plays down bad blood with Derby

Derby County posted a picture of their stadium on social media before the match against Cardiff was postponed

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock has insisted there will be an "edge" but no bad blood when his team visit Derby County.

There had been controversy between the sides when Warnock labelled the decision to postpone last month's original fixture as "disgraceful".

Cardiff captain Sean Morrison was then filmed taunting Derby players using obscene language in a video.

But Warnock played down the row as his side seek a win that would move them within three points of promotion.

Cardiff could open a four-point advantage over third-placed Fulham with two games remaining if they can win this re-arranged fixture that was postponed in March because of snow.

The Rams said heavy snow meant the area surrounding their Pride Park stadium was in an "unsafe condition."

Warnock said the decision was a "disgrace" and suggested the home side wanted the game called off because of an injury crisis.

However, after an investigation, Derby's decision to postpone the match on safety grounds was deemed correct by the English Football League.

"When you're fighting for what we are both fighting for there's going to be an edge, and the same with the fans," said Warnock. "The players get on well with each other if I'm honest.

"It was light-hearted and there'll be shaking hands at the end of the game, I'm sure."

Asked if he expected bad blood following the Morrison video the veteran manager said: "No - life's too short".

Derby manager Gary Rowett also criticised Warnock who had questioned the decision to call off last month's game at Pride Park at a time when the hosts had several injury worries.

But Warnock says he has no issue with Rowett, admitting: "I think he's a very good manager.

"I like Gary. I speak to him....well I have done in the past anyhow! I always thought he's done a very good job. I think he's very much like myself, I hope he doesn't mind me saying that.

"He's sincere and puts everything into his job and he likes his players to give him everything."

Cardiff require six points from their final three fixtures at Derby, Hull and at home to Reading to seal automatic promotion, with victory at Pride Park enough if Fulham lose to relegated Sunderland on Friday.

Derby have their own promotion aims as they bid for a play-off berth and victory over Cardiff would move them ahead of Millwall into sixth.

"My tips for promotion at the start of the season were Middlesbrough and Derby, I thought they'd be the top two, so all credit to Wolves and Fulham," said Warnock.

"I just think it shows where we are, to be in amongst it I fantastic and makes me even prouder.

"There's so many good teams but expectations are so high, at teams like Villa, Derby, Middlesbrough, for the fans and the owners and it's difficult for managers to keep up with them.

"On any given day Derby can beat anybody in the league. We have to just get on. We know what we have to do in the three games then it's up to us. If we don't, it's our own fault, we've had an opportunity."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43864386

[WhiteJC]

 
What tonight's Derby County v Cardiff City result will mean for Fulham, Aston Villa and the promotion race
Here are the promotion scenarios that could unfold when Cardiff City play Derby County tonight

Cardiff City's trip to Derby County provides us with yet another pivotal night in the race for the Premier League, and this time a victory really could put the Bluebirds on the brink of promotion.

Win tonight and Neil Warnock's men could technically be promoted without kicking another ball if Fulham lose at home to Sunderland on Friday night.

Here are the potentially complicated scenarios that could unfold made relatively simple.

A CARDIFF CITY WIN

If Cardiff City beat Derby tonight they will be four points ahead of Fulham with both sides having two games left. This would mean....

A Fulham loss against Sunderland on Friday will see the Bluebirds promoted
A Fulham draw means Cardiff City will only need one more point to do it. Their first opportunity would be 24 hours later against Hull on Saturday
A Fulham win means Cardiff will need three points (one win from their final two matches) for promotion. Again, that could come against Hull on Saturday
A Bluebirds win tonight would also officially end Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes.

A CARDIFF CITY DRAW

If Cardiff City draw tonight it would put them two points ahead of Fulham on 87 points with that game in hand now gone.

In that situation....

A Fulham loss on Friday would still leave Cardiff needing two more points from their final two matches.
A Fulham draw would leave Cardiff needing three more points
A Fulham win would see them go above Cardiff on Friday and mean Cardiff would need to win their final two matches to be certain of promotion as the Cottagers could still reach 91 points

A CARDIFF CITY LOSS

If Cardiff City lose tonight they would be just one point ahead of Fulham having now played the same amount of games. So...

A Fulham loss on Friday still means Cardiff can get promoted on Saturday, but only if they beat Hull City
A Fulham draw would take things down to the final day as Cardiff could be no more than three points ahead of them heading into the last day, even if they beat Hull on Saturday
A Fulham win puts them two points ahead of Cardiff in this scenario meaning anything less than victory for the Bluebirds over Hull on Saturday would leave matters out of their hands heading into the final day

As a side note, anything less than a Cardiff City win tonight means the Championship title will officially go to Wolves although, in reality, that ship sailed quite some time ago.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-tonights-derby-county-v-14568322

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County vs Cardiff City - what the result will mean for Aston Villa, Fulham and the promotion race
The results AVFC need to stay in the automatic promotion race

Aston Villa's faint hopes of automatic promotion will be extinguished if Cardiff City see off Derby County tonight.

A win for the Bluebirds will put them in pole position to finish in the top-two and also pull themselves away from Steve Bruce's troops for good.


Any other outcome means that Villa still have a slight chance of out-gunning the Welsh outfit, and third-placed Fulham, with just two games to go.

Here are scenarios that could unfold after tonight's game.

CARDIFF WIN

Put simply, Cardiff need two wins out of their remaining three games to secure promotion.

But they only need one more win to knock Villa out of the top-two race.

If they beat Derby tonight they will be seven points ahead of Villa and four ahead of Fulham with all sides having two games left.

This would mean that automatic promotion is out of Villa's graspe.

The runners-up spot would then be decided in the final two games with Cardiff holding the advantage.

Cardiff will have it all in their own hands at that stage and require just one win to get it done.

CARDIFF DRAW

If Cardiff draw tonight it means that it goes into another weekend.

But even then, the odds are stacked highly against Villa.

Bruce's men would have to beat Derby County and Millwall and rely on Cardiff losing both of their remaining two games.

That would put Villa on the same amount of points as Neil Warnock's side and with goal-difference decided who finishes in the highest position.

Fulham are involved, too, and are currently three points ahead of Villa. If they pick up four points or more, Villa cannot catch them.

But with just three points between the two sides, Villa know they can take it into the final day of the season if they match the Cottagers' results AND Cardiff slip-up.

The 4-0 win at Ipswich last weekend also improved Villa's goal-difference which will aid their chances if the others let them back in.

CARDIFF LOSE

If Cardiff lose tonight the situation is similar.

Villa would still have to win both of their remaining games and hope that Cardiff fail to win both of their remaining two.

The Bluebirds could, however, draw another one of their two games (against Hull and Reading) and still be pipped by Villa on goal-difference.

The situation for Fulham remains the same.

So to re-iterate:

If Cardiff win tonight, or another game for that matter, Villa CANNOT make the top two.

If Cardiff draw or lose tonight, it goes into the weekend and we will then update you with the latest permutations later in the week!



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-vs-cardiff-city-14570207