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Saturday Fulham Stuff (11/08/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 11, 2018, 06:55:49 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Squad Numbers Confirmed

Fulham's squad numbers for the 2018/19 Premier League season have now been confirmed.


The team members who won promotion for the Club have largely retained their jerseys from last term, although Aleksandar Mitrović has taken his preferred number nine.

Many associate the striker with 45, the number he has worn throughout his career at Partizan Belgrade, Anderlecht and Newcastle United, but he only took those digits because nine was not available.

A typical, bruising number nine, it's apt that Mitrović takes the famous shirt. "Nice number, isn't it?" he said with a smile at his photoshoot upon re-signing.

That has seen Rui Fonte change to 17. It's a nostalgic switch for the Portuguese, who wore it with such distinction during his time at Braga.

The number five shirt hasn't been occupied by a centre-back since Richard Stearman departed the Club, but that's changed now following Calum Chambers' loan switch from Arsenal.


The 23-year-old was beaten through the door by Alfie Mawson, but the former Swansea City man opted to take 26, following previous incumbent – and fellow centre-back – Tomas Kalas' return to his parent club.

André Schürrle has enjoyed success throughout his career wearing number 14, and we'll be hoping that continues during his stay at Craven Cottage. Schürrle was given the digits at first club Mainz when he announced himself on the world stage, and won the Premier League in them at Chelsea.

Summer arrivals Luciano Vietto, Maxime Le Marchand and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have taken 19, 20 and 21 respectively, while left-back Joe Bryan has taken the first available number featuring a three; 23.

We have seen Jean Michaël Seri don the 24 jersey during pre-season and he will continue with that in the competitive campaign, with the same true of Fabri at 31.

Fellow shot-stopper Sergio Rico has been assigned 25, half the figure given to another member of the goalkeeping union Luca Ashby-Hammond.

Finally, our last signing of the summer window has taken his Marseille squad number with him, which sees André-Frank Zambo Anguissa wear 29.

Full squad list:
1. Marcus Bettinelli

3. Ryan Sessegnon

4. Denis Odoi

5. Calum Chambers

6. Kevin McDonald

7. Neeskens Kebano

8. Stefan Johansen

9. Aleksandar Mitrović

10. Tom Cairney

11. Floyd Ayité

13. Tim Ream

14. André Schürrle

17. Rui Fonte

19. Luciano Vietto

20. Maxime Le Marchand

21. Timothy Fosu-Mensah

22. Cyrus Christie

23. Joe Bryan

24. Jean Michaël Seri

25. Sergio Rico

26. Alfie Mawson

29. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa

31. Fabri

36. Luca de la Torre

43. Steven Sessegnon

44. Ibrahima Cisse

47. Aboubakar Kamara

50. Luca Ashby-Hammond



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/squad-numbers-confirmed

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's £120million summer splurge marks dawn of a new era for the Cottagers - but the hard work starts here

The Cottagers landed no fewer than 12 players in this summer's transfer window - five on Deadline Day

It's normally the Premier League's big boys who bring the Deadline Day fireworks.

But it was little old Fulham with the cottage by the river who made all the noise on Thursday, bringing an end to this summer's transfer window with one hell of a bang.

After landing Jean Michael Seri earlier in the window - previously on Barcelona and Manchester United's radar - alongside a number of others, including Arsenal's Calum Chambers, £15million Alfie Mawson, World Cup winner Andre Schurrle and the returning Aleksandr Mitrovic, the Cottagers went for broke.

Europa League-winning goalkeeper Sergio Rico was the first man through the door, joining on loan from Sevilla.

He was quickly followed by left-back Joe Bryan, who snubbed Aston Villa to join permanently, before Luciano Vietto from Atletico Madrid also signed on a temporary basis.


Fulham signed 12 new players in this summer's transfer window (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Next to sign on loan was Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, announced a whole two hours after the window had slammed shut at 5pm.

And then came the piece de resistance.

Shattering the club's transfer record, Fulham signed Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, the highly-rated midfielder from Marseille, for £30million, taking the total spend to £118million.

It's safe to say days like this don't come around too often for Fulham.


Jean Michael Seri joined the south-west London club from Nice (Image: Getty Images Europe)

In the past transfer windows have been hell, and Deadline Days torturous.

Youth prospects - Chris Smalling, Patrick Roberts, Moussa Dembele and Emerson Hyndman - have been snatched before they've had a chance to spread their wings in a Fulham shirt.

Fan favourites - Louis Saha, Steed Malbranque, Sean Davis and Clint Dempsey - have signed for the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

And all the while underwhelming names have joined the ranks.

This summer's transfer window was Fulham's first back in the Premier League since relegation back on that fateful day at Stoke in 2014, under the (supposed) leadership of Felix Magath.

But crucially it was the first that has been overseen by the new chairman, Shahid Khan, led by his son, Tony.


Fulham broke their club transfer record to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Image: EMPICS Sport)

Cottagers' director Tony showed just how passionate and ambitious he and his family are about turning Fulham into a Premier League power house and that they're more than willing to fund the journey.

It's all very positive, and extremely foreign to a Fulham fan, despite getting a taste of what a few quid can do when Mohamed Al Fayed rescued the club from oblivion many moons ago.

But the hard work starts here.

Of course supporters are entitled to get excited and revel in the fact that the club has had the best transfer window in the league - not least for keeping hold of boy wonder Ryan Sessegnon - but it's time now to make it count.

When the season gets underway against Crystal Palace on the weekend there could be a whole new back-four, and a new keeper between the sticks.


The Cottagers managed to keep hold of boy wonder Ryan Sessegnon this month (Image: Getty)

In midfield you might also see two new faces, while up front potentially another.

That's a possible eight of eleven tasked with gelling in a heartbeat and playing Slavisa Jokanovic's slick brand of football - with immediate results required.

It's a tall order for any team in any league - Everton proved this to be true last season - least a club new to the top flight.

Never expecting, always believing is a mantra thrown around by Fulham fans, and it's the reason an unspectacular group reached the Europa League final back in 2010.

It's important that this message is remembered more than ever now, even if top teams are starting to take notice of the Cottagers' business. Fulham mustn't lose sight of its identity.


Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Fulham permanently following last season's loan spell (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

It's too soon for the club to consider itself to be a Premier League mainstay; a ball is yet to be kicked and signings need time to adapt.

Unnecessary pressure placed on teams rarely ends well, even if a £120million spend-up warrants it. We're still little old Fulham, you know? At least for now.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulhams-120million-summer-splurge-marks-13059400

WhiteJC

 
Fulham: Will their new signings help them survive this season?
The Cottagers have made plenty of additions to the squad but the jury is still out on whether they can survive this season.


REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge

Fulham's stay in the Premier League might have been short, but it was sweet. 

From the languid Gallic charm of Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque to the waspish aegis of Roy Hodgson, Craven Cottage was always a pleasant distraction. Nice ground, nice football, no drama, until they suffered a shock relegation in 2014.

At the time, the club had lost their way and identity. Craven Cottage was a fortress for Fulham during their Premier League years but that close atmosphere worked against them during their final year in the top flight.

After four years in the Championship, the Londoners are returning, buffeted by a range of high-profile signings. The question is, will they be enough to guarantee the club's survival in the top flight?

Strengthened in all areas
On paper, the answer is a resounding 'Yes!'  Manager Slavisa Jokanovic has strengthened in all areas with each of the new arrivals expected to slot into the team immediately. 

Fabri, for example, is a solid goalkeeper with Champions League experience. Calum Chambers and Alfie Mawson, acquired from Arsenal and Swansea respectively, offer height and profile to a defence that was lacking in both.


REUTERS/John Sibley

Maxime Le Marchand, meanwhile, offers versatility and technique on the left, whilst his former teammate Jean Michael Seri is expected to sew things together in midfield. 

Aleksandar Mitrovic, unwanted at Newcastle, is ready to kick and push his way towards redemption in the Premier League. Last season he was superb for Fulham in the Championship while on loan and he earned the right to help them survive this season.

He'll be reliant on regular service from World Cup winner and German international Andre Schurrle, who arrives from Dortmund on long-term loan. 

Homegrown and boisterously talented
With the possible exception of Liverpool, Fulham have done the most impressive business of the summer. The new arrivals are augmented, however, by a core that is homegrown and boisterously talented. 

Ryan Sessegnon, for example, scored fifteen goals in the Championship last term, despite only being allowed into nightclubs since March.

Tim Ream, meanwhile, was impressive all year as a diligent no-nonsense centre back, whilst Tom Cairney is a delicious passer who has grafted his way to the club captaincy.


REUTERS/John Sibley

Jokanovic, backed by the plummeting pockets of billionaire owner Shahid Khan, has taken a considerable gamble.  Teams are fragile things, and the sheer number of new arrivals could upset the balance in a squad which embarked on a 23-game-unbeaten streak last term. 

There was, however, a clear lack of Premier League experience that needed to be addressed. Rather than filling their squad with Championship players, as Cardiff have done, Fulham have decided to be brave. 

Schurrle, Chambers and Mitrovic are all acquainted with the demands of life at the highest level, whilst Fabri has won titles in Turkey with Besiktas. 

That Fulham were able to capture Seri and Schurrle in the first place speaks of the duo's relative downturn in form and output, but both are possessed of enough talent to help the club stave off a relegation battle.

Being better than the next guy
Fulham have done everything in their power to guarantee Premier League survival. Ultimately though, none of it will matter as long as there are three worse teams in the league, something that seems increasingly likely as a number of clubs wade through a frustrating transfer window.

Southampton, for example, have spent most of their money on Manchester City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, despite not having a regular source of goals or any kind of leadership in midfield and defence.

Huddersfield Town can only defy gravity for so long, especially as other sides warm to the gregarious triumphs of manager David Wagner. Brighton, Bournemouth and Watford, too, are just one bad run away from being hurled into the relegation knife fight.

They have the money, the chairman, the proven talents and the hyped prospects.  All Fulham need to do is start winning. If they do, they might be in the Premier League for another decade and beyond.



https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/fulham-will-their-new-signings-help-them-survive-this-season/


WhiteJC

 
Premier League 2018-19 – Fulham vs Crystal Palace Preview

AT A GLANCE

When does Fulham vs Crystal Palace kick off? Saturday 11th August, 15:00 (UK)

Where is Fulham vs Crystal Palace being played? Craven Cottage

What television channel is Fulham vs Crystal Palace on? Fulham vs Crystal Palace will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream Fulham vs Crystal Palace? N/A

Are tickets still available for Fulham vs Crystal Palace?

Fulham – https://www.eticketing.co.uk/fulhamfc/Events/Index

Crystal Palace – https://tickets.cpfc.co.uk/events.aspx

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last six meetings: Fulham W4, D1, L1
All-time meetings: Fulham W17, D15, L11

THE TEAM NEWS
FULHAM

Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Fabri; Christie, Ream, Le Marchand, Sessegnon; Cairney, McDonald, Seri; Kamara, Mitrovic, Schurrle

Unavailable: Mawson (Injured), Odoi (Suspended)

Doubtful:

CRYSTAL PALACE

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, Van Aanholt; Milivojevic, McArthur; Townsend, Zaha, Schlupp; Benteke

Unavailable: Dann (Injured)

Doubtful:

THE PREDICTION

There is plenty of excitement around Fulham and their return to the Premier League but it may take their relatively new-look team some time to settle. Palace are well-drilled and have been in excellent form in pre-season and may hand a reality check to Jokanovic's side in this opener.



https://www.thestatszone.com/premier-league-2018-19-fulham-vs-crystal-palace-preview

WhiteJC

 
Crystal Palace will have four absentees for opener against Fulham

Crystal Palace will be without four first team players for their Premier League opener against Fulham tomorrow.

Jonny Williams, Connor Wickham, Scott Dann and new signing Max Meyer will miss the trip to the newly promoted West Londoners.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson said: "[Meyer] has had no pre-season at all and his last game [for previous club Schalke] came in April. In that respect his fitness is excellent. We're going to organise a game next week against suitable opponents so the likes of Meyer can play.

"[At Fulham] we'll be without him as well as Scott Dann who's had a long-term injury but is close to full fitness.

"Connor Wickham and Jonny Williams are also unavailable. Those two

picked up strains in the week so we're going to assess those."



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/crystal-palace-will-have-four-absentees-for-opener-against-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
U18s Host Swansea

The Under-18s host Swansea City on Saturday morning in their first fixture of the 2018/19 Premier League South. The Young Whites kick off at 1pm at Motspur Park.

Last year Fulham faced the Swans three times, drawing away from home and losing at Motspur Park in the league, however, beat them convincingly in difficult conditions in the FA Youth Cup last 16 round.

In the final match of the Young Whites' pre-season, they dispatched Nottingham Forest 8-0 after putting out their strongest team possible.

"We were comfortable winners against Nottingham Forest", commented Head of Academy Coaching Steve Wigley. "So they are in a good place mentally and physically.

"Friday and Saturday all three Club teams play at home, it would be nice if the First Team can get off to a winning start, which is the priority."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/u18s-host-swansea


WhiteJC

 
These Fulham fans are excited about the signing of Joe Bryan

Fulham have officially announced the signing of Joe Bryan from Bristol City on a four-year deal, with an option for a one year extension.

Joe Bryan enjoyed a fine campaign with the Robins in the Championship last time out, and caught the eye with a succession of swashbuckling displays at left-back.

Despite having done some excellent business in other areas of the pitch – including the recruitment of Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers, Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic – the squad looked light in the left-back department.

The late, deadline day signing of Bryan though brings quality and depth to the left full-back berth and also allows Ryan Sessegnon to be deployed in a more advanced role.

Many Fulham fans have been desperate for the Cottagers sign a left-back and will have been delighted to see Bryan announced.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/fulham/these-fulham-fans-are-excited-about-the-signing-of-joe-bryan

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Crystal Palace preview: Slavisa Jokanovic plays down expectations

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has tempered expectations at Craven Cottage, insisting his side's primary goal is to survive in the Premier League ahead of their season opener with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Cottagers, who returned to the top flight by beating Aston Villa in last season's Championship play-off final, have spent £100m over the summer in bringing 12 players to the club.

However, the Serb urged caution ahead of Saturday's home clash with Palace.

"We arrived last in the Premier League, so our principal target has to be to stay up," he said.

"I prefer walking step by step. It's better for us to think in this way and we will see at the end of the season what our level is."

Opposite number Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, says he is happy with his club's business in the summer transfer window.

"I think we have enough players now including a couple that have come back off loans, Jonny Williams and Sullay Kaikai, which further expands the squad and Scott Dann is making tremendous progress," said the Palace boss, who signed a new two-year deal on Friday.

"So we should have a more than big enough squad of players and most importantly of all, we have kept those players who did so well for us last season after such a bad start and helped us to such a decent finish in the league."

Team news


Fulham will be without both Tim Ream and new signing Alfie Mawson, with the centre-back sidelined until September after having a knee operation, while Dennis Odoi is suspended.

However, the Cottagers are likely to hand a number of summer signings their Premier League debuts, including club-record buy Jean Michael Seri and Germany winger Andre Schurrle.

Meanwhile, Palace are also set to field new boys Cheikhou Kouyate, Vicente Guaita and Jordan Ayew at the Cottage.

But Hodgson confirmed Max Meyer will not feature after having not played competitively since April, with the German "needing a bit more work" before he's ready. The midfielder is hoping to make his debut later this month, while defender Scott Dann is still a few weeks away from full fitness.

And both Jonny Williams and Connor Wickham miss out through injury.

Match stats


    This will be the fifth Premier League meeting between Fulham and Palace, with the Cottagers losing just the first of those games, 0-2 away in October 2004 (W2 D1)
    Overall in league meetings, Fulham have suffered just one defeat in their last eight games against the Eagles, winning five and drawing two
    Each of the last three meetings between Fulham and Palace at Craven Cottage has seen exactly four goals scored, with Fulham winning 3-1 in October 2000 and January 2005, before a 2-2 draw in May 2014
    Fulham have the lowest win rate in Premier League London derby matches, winning 25 of their 118 so far (21 per cent). Palace have the second lowest win rate in these games (19/86 - 22%)
    Fulham are unbeaten on the last 12 occasions they've started a league season at home (W8 D4), since a 1-2 loss against Tranmere in the third tier in 1989-90

Merson's prediction


It all depends on how Wilfried Zaha performs as he makes all the difference. I don't think they won a football game without him last year, so Palace will have done well to keep hold of him.

This is a real benchmark for Fulham early on, playing a team that struggled last season but are better than what they were.

I'm going to go for a draw, but if I had to pick a winner it would be Palace.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-c-palace/preview/390759

WhiteJC

 
Jokanovic manages expectations at Fulham

The promoted side have spent £100million over the summer and brought 12 players to the club.

Slavisa Jokanovic has tempered expectation at Fulham, insisting his side's primary goal is to survive in the Premier League.

The Cottagers, who returned to the top flight by beating Aston Villa in last season's Championship play-off final, have spent £100million over the summer and brought 12 players to the club.

However, the Serbian sounded a cautious tone ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

"We arrived last in the Premier League, our principle objective and target must be to stay up," he said.

"We still haven't started the competition and I prefer walking step-by-step. We will have more information after the first game, it is better to think this way and we will see our level at the end of the season.

"Our first target must be to stay up. We are starting to build a team to try and be competitive at this level.

"We came third in the Championship, we arrived here last and at it's important and neccesary to show ambition and desire to be competitive and spend money to bring players who can help us."

Jokanovic brought in a dozen players over the summer – five during Thursday's deadline – as Jean Michael Seri, Maxime le Marchand, Fabri, Andre Schurrle, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers, Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The boss was happy to splash the cash and would have carried on going if he could.

"It's important to have investment, I always want more, more and more," he said.

"For my position it's normal to need players. The club needed we have made great investment and I expect it to benefit the club.

"It is normal, we arrived last in the Premier League and we need to adapt the team and make investments.

"We have made great investment and I expect this will help us to be more competitive in this division."

One potential problem of bringing so many players in is that Jokanovic must manage them all and keep them happy, not that he is worried about that.

"I am not Santa Claus, I don't need to make anyone happy," he said.

"I try to make hard and great competition between the players, this is the most competitive (league) in the world and they need to fight for their position in the training ground.

"My job is to pick a starting XI, this is my job."

He does have decisions to make in defence as Denis Odoi is suspended, Tim Ream is injured, as is new signing Mawson.



http://sport.bt.com/football/jokanovic-manages-expectations-at-fulham-S11364288570056


WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs. Crystal Palace clash dependent on an African star - Paul Merson

Saturday's league opener at the Craven Cottage could see nine African stars in action including the new summer signings

Former England international Paul Merson believes the Premier League encounter between Fulham and Crystal Palace will be dependant on Wilfried Zaha's performance.

The newly promoted club and Roy Hodgson's side will battle each other in Saturday's league match at the Craven Cottage.

Pape Souare, Cheikhou Kouyate, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jordan Ayew and Zaha could feature for the South London side while Jean Michael Seri, Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano, Andre-Zambo Anguissa could make their Premier League debuts for the Whites.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/fulham-vs-crystal-palace-clash-dependent-on-an-african-star-paul-/wvt9o8bdsw191c3tiqe87xyhr

WhiteJC

 
Key clashes: Fulham v Palace

Ahead of the new season, Hunter Young returns to break down the key player match-ups for Crystal Palace's upcoming game against Fulham.

It's the start of another exciting Premier League campaign and for the second year in a row Crystal Palace will be kicking things off against a newly-promoted side.

The Eagles will travel to Craven Cottage this weekend to face off against Fulham and will hope to start the season better than they did the last one (a 3-0 home defeat to Huddersfield).

The Cottagers were promoted after defeating Aston Villa in the Championship play-off last term and return to the top flight for the first time since 2014.

James Tomkins v Aleksandar Mitrovic
James Tomkins cemented his place among the top centre-backs outside of the top six by finally ditching the injury bug that plagued him during his first season at Palace. The Englishman will look to build upon last year's form but will not face an easy first week of action with the powerful striker Aleksandar Mitrovic looking to challenge Tomkins and fellow defender Mamadou Sakho.

A teammate of Luka Milivojevic at the international level, Mitrovic played a key role in getting Fulham back to the top division. The Serbian joined the Whites on loan from Newcastle in January, scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances before making the permanent switch this summer. Mitrovic is the prototypical target forward who uses his large frame to hold defenders and is known for being an aggressive player, bordering on dirty.

Luka Milivojevic v Jean Michael Seri
Luka Milivojevic was Palace's sole representative at the World Cup this summer, and while it may have ended in a somewhat disappointing group stage exit, Milivojevic performed well when called on by his country. The leading scorer for the Eagles last season, Milivojevic will be looking to continue his excellent form and add to his goal tally as well as limit the influence of midfield counterpart Jean Michael Seri.

Fulham pulled what many consider to be a transfer coup by landing the signature of talented young Frenchman Jean Michael Seri. Seri was a target of the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and shocked many by choosing to take his talents to Craven Cottage. The club record signing is a defensive midfielder but also has well developed playmaking skills with his passing range making him dangerous from anywhere on the pitch.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka v Ryan Sessegnon
After bursting onto the first-team stage due to injuries last season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has established himself as the clear first-choice right-back over the summer. The Academy product will be determined to show that last year's run was not a fluke but instead was just the beginning of a successful career in a Palace shirt. His first test will not be an easy one though as English wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon is coming off a Championship Player of the Year Award.

Sessegnon is a versatile player playing up and down the left side of the field capable of lining up as a left-back or a winger. Despite playing in the defence in recent friendlies manager Slavisa Jokanovic has acknowledged he is at his best further forward. Regardless of where he starts Sessegnon is sure to encounter Wan-Bissaka throughout the game and has the pace and trickery to put a scare into even the best outside backs.



https://www.holmesdale.net/page.php?id=82&story=7281

WhiteJC

 
Fulham defenders unavailable for Palace game

Fulham have defensive concerns ahead of their Premier League return against Crystal Palace.

Denis Odoi is suspended for the game at Craven Cottage after his red card in the Championship play-off final, while Tim Ream and new arrival Alfie Mawson are not fit.

Slavisa Jokanovic believes it will be around a month before £15m signing Mawson is available.

There will be plenty of debuts for Fulham, who brought in 12 players during the summer. It leaves Whites boss Jokanovic with key decisions to make.

"I am not Santa Claus. I don't need to make anyone happy. My job is to pick a starting XI," Jokanovic said on the eve of the London derby.

"I try to make hard and great competition between the players. This is the most competitive league in the world and they need to fight for their position in the training ground."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/defensive-concerns-for-fulham-ahead-of-crystal-palace-clash


WhiteJC

 
Head Coach press conference

As was his mantra in the Championship, Slaviša Jokanović is refusing to look further ahead than the next match.

In his first press conference of the season, the Fulham Head Coach was asked how high he thinks his side can finish.

"Our principal target is to stay up," he answered. "This is a famous question from the press, where are we going to finish, and we haven't even started yet.

"I prefer working step by step, all of us will have more information after the first game and it is better for us to think this way.


"At the end of the season we will see our level and where we can improve for the future.

"It is very exciting, a great experience for us, my first experience of coaching at this level. It's probably a dream for all coaches to have this opportunity, and I'm going to push to be successful."

A fine summer transfer window saw the Club add 12 players to the ranks, something Jokanović felt was necessary going into the impending campaign.

"We are trying to build a Premier League team," he explained. "We will try to be competitive at this level.

"We came third in the Championship, we were the last team to get promoted, and on our side it is important to show ambition and desire, to be competitive and spend the money to bring players who can help us.

"It is normal, the Club detected we needed to adapt the team, make investment. The Khan family made a great investment in this team, and I expect these additions to make us more competitive at this level."

The new arrivals have given Jokanović a welcome selection headache, and he assured fans that nobody will simply waltz into his starting XI.

"I am not Santa Claus, I don't need to make anybody happy," he stated. "I try to make it hard, with great competition between my players.

"This is one of the most competitive leagues in the world and presents don't exist, they need to fight in training.


"I will give them the chance to compete to play in the Premier League. My job stops at 11 [players] and the bench, this is my job, people pay me to make these decisions.

"Tomorrow first of all I cannot use Denis Odoi, he is suspended. Alfie Mawson still hasn't started working with us, and probably Tim Ream is injured too, so I can't use him either."

Our first Premier League match in over four years sees Crystal Palace journey across South London to the Cottage, and Jokanović is expecting a difficult test against Roy Hodgson's well organised team.

"I am excited," he said. "It is a chance to fight for three points, and at the end of the game our target is always the same – to try to win the games and we will see with the result whether I will be satisfied.

"Crystal Palace is a Premier League ready team, definitely with more experience than us at this level.

"They know they are dangerous in this offensive side, between [Christian] Benteke, [Wilfried] Zaha and [Andros] Townsend.

"On the other side, we must care about [Luka] Milivojević too, who is a good player. Many things depend on this guy, we did analysis of this team and I hope that we are ready.

"We must be clever and modify a few things, we are going to play against different qualities, different pace, different power.

"We don't need to change too much, but enough to know what we are going to find in this competition. It is always important that we grow, and we need to grow up from last season."

Final Tickets Remain: Secure your seat at Craven Cottage for Saturday's match as Fulham open their 18/19 Premier League campaign. Limited tickets are available online at fulhamfc.com/tickets. Buy yours now before the £5 matchday price increase!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/head-coach-press conference

WhiteJC

 
'Appalling': Crystal Palace fans have a warning for Fulham about Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Fulham have signed Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United after his 2017/18 Premier League spell at Crystal Palace.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah is heading back to London, about 10 miles south east of where he was plying his trade last season.

After a season-long loan at Crystal Palace, the Dutch defender has joined newly promoted Fulham, with Manchester United obviously feeling that he would benefit from another temporary move away from Old Trafford.

And Fulham fans seem to be very impressed with Fosu-Mensah's addition to a squad that looks capable of making a real splash in the top flight.

Although they should perhaps take a glance at the views of Crystal Palace supporters before getting carried away with the 20-year-old's arrival at Craven Cottage.

Fosu-Mensah certainly had his moments at Palace, particularly in that impressive goalless draw with Manchester City on New Year's Eve. But the three-time Dutch international ended the season as Roy Hodgon's third choice right-back, being overtaken by Joel Ward and the academy prospect Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The fact that Fosu-Mensah featured in just one Premier League match during the final three months of the season speaks volumes. So the United prospect will be hoping that he can leave a more positive impression on his new supporters in the white of Fulham.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/10/do-appalling-crystal-palace-fans-have-a-warning-for-fulham-about/

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Fulham v Crystal Palace: match preview


Fulham v Crystal Palace: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

Fulham welcome Crystal Palace for a derby match after a four-year absence from the Premier League. Slavisa Jokanovic will have to get to grips with management again, having seemingly done nothing other than splurge on new talent recently. Fulham's total signings stand at 12 after a hectic deadline day. Roy Hodgson has been sleeping in comparison. Promising signing Max Meyer is not be fit enough to play. Both teams will be looking for more than just survival this season. Mark Parry

Saturday 3pm

Venue Craven Cottage

Last season n/a

Referee Mike Dean

This season n/a cards/game

Odds H 6-4 A 11-5 D 5-2

FULHAM
Subs from Bettinelli, Rico, Kebano, Johansen, Ayité, Fonte, Vietto, Kamara, Le Marchand, Fosu-Mensah, Anguissa, Cissé

Doubtful None

Injured Mawson (knee, Sep)

Suspended Odoi (first of two)

Discipline n/a

Leading scorer n/a

CRYSTAL PALACE
Subs from Guaita, Speroni, Ward, Kelly, Souaré, Riedewald, Puncheon, Schlupp, Meyer, Sørloth, Kaikai, Ayew, Kouyaté,

Doubtful Ayew (match fitness)

Injured Wickham (thigh, 26 Aug), Williams (thigh, 26 Aug), Dann (knee, Oct)

Suspended None

Discipline n/a

Leading scorer n/a



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/10/fulham-crystal-palace-match-preview


WhiteJC

 
Fulham have an injury crisis ahead of Crystal Palace clash before a ball has even been kicked

There are defensive concerns for boss Slavisa Jovanovic

Fulham have injury concerns in defence ahead of their season opener with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Slavisa Jokanovic will be without both Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson in defence, with the American missing the tie through injury, while Mawson won't be fit until September.

Denis Odoi is also suspended for two games after his sending off in the play-off final victory over Aston Villa last season, meaning Fulham are short of options at the back.

New signing Joe Bryan has only had a day's training with his new club, as has Timothy Fosu-Mensah at right back, meaning it looks likely that Maxime Le Marchand and Calum Chambers will start in the centre back positions against Palace.

That leaves problems at left back, with it looking unlikely that Bryan will start the game having only signed on deadline day from Bristol City, while Le Marchand, who can also fill in at left back, looks like he'll start in the heart of defence.

That could mean that Ryan Sessegnon is used at left back once again, something Jokanovic did against Celta Vigo in their final pre-season friendly.

However, the head coach wants to use the 18-year-old further forward, but injuries may force his hand in the opening game of the season.

Meanwhile, Fulham will also be without Floyd Ayite, who has missed the entirety of pre-season through injury, while it looks unlikely that that new signings Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Luciano Vietto will make the game.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-injury-crisis-ahead-crystal-15015084

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Matchday Preview

Fulham v Crystal Palace - Craven Cottage - Saturday 11th August 2018 - 3pm

Fulham doubts

Tim Ream, Alfie Mawson, Floyd Ayité
Fulham suspensions

Denis Odoi
Crystal Palace doubts

Scott Dann, Jonny Williams, Connor Wickham, Max Meyer
Tickets

A very limited number of tickets remain available to buy. Book now to avoid disappointment! Prices increase by £5 on matchday.
Weather

It will be cloudy but should remain dry in SW6 for the game, with temperatures around 19 degrees.
Dafabet match odds

Fulham: 6/4

Draw: 12/5

Crystal Palace: 15/8

Follow this link to take advantage of Dafabet's special offer!

Live commentary

Tune into the App or the Match Centre for full live commentary of the game from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.
He said...

"There were so many. The Juventus game, the Atletico Madrid final and the win at Portsmouth to keep the club up are all up there." – Roy Hodgson when asked for his favourite Fulham memory
Five who played for both

Andrew Johnson, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Gabor Kiraly, Brede Hangeland, Rui Fonte



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/matchday-preview

WhiteJC

 
PREVIEW: Fulham vs Crystal Palace – 11/08/2018

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Date: 11/08/2018

K/O: 15.00pm

Venue: Craven Cottage

Referee: Mike Dean

Ambitious, newly promoted Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage on the first day of the new Premier League season, with both clubs hoping to get off to a good start and avoid early fears of relegation.

After winning the Championship play-off final against Aston Villa back in May, Fulham have done anything but rest on their laurels in preparation for the new season back in the top English league.

In almost every position on the Fulham team-sheet the evidence of widespread buying is there to see – they have a new goalkeeper between the posts in Fabri, potentially have a brand new central defensive partnership in Alfie Mawson and Calum Chambers, and their front three is significantly bolstered by the return of Alexsander Mitrovic and the relative coup of André Schürrle from Borussia Dortmund.

However, the most eye-catching signing of all is undoubtedly the midfield addition of Jean Michaël Seri, a player who for years has been linked with the top clubs in Europe, including a transfer to Barcelona last summer that fell through in the last moments of negotiations. He, like Fulham as a whole, are one to keep a firm eye on as the season progresses.

Although Crystal Palace have had a comparatively frustrating transfer window, their eye for a major coup is also evident in their excellent acquisition of former Schalke wonder-kid Maximilian Meyer was well known as one of Schalke's most highly rated and exciting prospects, an exciting and unpredictable attacking midfielder whose career has been tarnished somewhat by his falling out with the German club's hierarchy.

This marquee signing stands out for Palace in what has been an otherwise disappointing window so far, with Cheikhou Kouyaté and Jordan Ayew from West Ham and Swansea respectively the only other arrivals at Selhurst Park.

Of course, Palace may regard the likely coup of keeping Wilfried Zaha for another season as the most important 'business' of the summer, but there is an uncertainty about the club's potential this term, with the club needing to immediately carry the momentum of the excellent form of last season's closing weeks in order to banish fears of relegation early this time around.

This will be a fascinating test for not only this exciting, new-look Fulham side but also for Crystal Palace, whose settled defence has remained the same from last season and have made perhaps more subtle, but maybe equally exciting signings to their midfield and attack as well. All eyes will be on Maximilian Meyer and Jean Michaël Seri but don't be surprised if it is the old favourites, such as the exhilarating Wilfried Zaha, who steal the headlines once again.

Team News:

Although straight after a transfer window it is difficult to predict which signings will play where, or if indeed they will play at all, Alfie Mawson can probably be ruled out for the first week at least as he continues to recover from a surgery he undertook when involved at Swansea.

Apart from that and perhaps also Calum Chambers, who may need easing into the squad having arrived only recently, Fulham got their business done early and should have additions such as Seri, Schürrle and Mitrovic begin their careers for the club immediately on Saturday.

Crystal Palace may show a more immediately familiar look to their starting line-up with the only instant addition possibly being Meyer playing on the left instead of Jeffrey Schlupp in what appears to be Roy Hodgson's favoured 4-4-2 formation.

It will be interesting to see if they adapt this for Meyer's arrival however; his expertise and experience in playing behind the striker could lead to a change to a formation that accommodates that, as well as accommodating any potential new signings that come in as well.

Predicted Starting XI's:

Fulham (4-3-3) – Fabri, Christie, Ream, Le Marchand, Sessegnon, Seri, McDonald, Cairney, Kamara, Schürrle, Mitrovic.

Crystal Palace (4-4-2) –  Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Sakho, Tomkins, Van Aanholt, Meyer, Milivojevic, McArthur, Townsend, Zaha, Benteke.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2 – Crystal Palace 0

Fulham's terrific signings across the entirety of their team (with more to come rumoured at the time of writing) and with the home support turning up for their triumphant return to the Premier League, they should have just too much for a Crystal Palace side who, however solid they have been for the entirety of Hodgson's reign, have not matched their opponents in regards to transfers made.

Neither team should worry too much about the prospect of relegation but there will be indications in this game as to whether safety is the simple goal for both of these teams or whether one of them is aiming for a more impressive and more impressive league finish.



https://90maat.com/2018/08/10/preview-fulham-vs-crystal-palace-11-08-2018/


WhiteJC

 
Inside Knowledge

Football can work in funny ways.

After being given a taste of the top flight with Manchester United, Timothy Fosu-Mensah's first prolonged run of football came on loan at Crystal Palace last year.

Now taking in a similar season-long loan spell at Fulham, the Netherlands international defender could make his debut against his former side in the campaign opener at Craven Cottage this weekend.


"I was there for one year so I know most of the players," Fosu-Mensah told fulhamfctv. "I still have a lot of friends there, I made a lot of friends, but I hope Saturday is going to be good for us.

"[Palace] was good for me. I think it helped me in my development. It was Premier League football so it was always going to be good.

"Roy Hodgson is a good manager. I think he wants his team to be aggressive, he wants the team to dominate the play."

Fosu-Mensah played a key role for the Eagles last term, playing 24 times as they recovered from a poor start to finish 11th in the Premier League.

And now having swapped South-East for South-West London, the Netherlands international is feeling optimistic ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

"I believe we can do very well," he said. "We have bought some good players and I have a very good feeling this season that we can finish high."

Final Tickets Remain: Secure your seat at Craven Cottage for Saturday's match as Fulham open their 18/19 Premier League campaign. Limited tickets are available online at fulhamfc.com/tickets. Buy yours now before the £5 matchday price increase!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/timothy-fosu-mensah-inside-knowledge

WhiteJC

 
Report: Celta Vigo reward Hugo Mallo with improved deal after snubbing £9m Fulham move

Fulham missed out on a deal for Hugo Mallo.

According to a report in AS, Celta Vigo have rewarded right-back Hugo Mallo with a new contract after the player opted against joining Premier League newcomers Fulham late in the transfer window.

With the Cottagers spending most of their summer focusing on bringing in a new left-back, it seemed they forgot about replacing Ryan Fredericks at right-back right up until the transfer deadline day.

Celta Vigo's talented full-back Mallo emerged as a reported target for the west London club, with Marca claiming on Wednesday that Fulham had launched a £9 million bid for the player.

But The Sun later reported how the 27-year-old opted against a move to Craven Cottage, with AS now confirming his loyalty to Celta has been rewarded to the tune of a new five-year contract on improved wages.

The former U21 international has spent his entire career at Celta and his new deal is a real bonus for the La Liga club as they seek to hold on to their better players ahead of the deadline day for the rest of Europe.

As for Fulham, they did manage to sign Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United and it appears the youngster may become the club's number one right-back with Calum Chambers also an option.

It leaves question marks over the future of Cyrus Christie, with the Republic of Ireland international barely featuring last term following his January switch from Middlesbrough.

Slavisa Jokanovic will have wanted to sign the experienced Mallo ahead of the deadline but missing out on the Spaniard shouldn't detract from what has been an excellent summer for the newly-promoted club.

Fulham have spent over £70 million and have made some excellent additions, with Jean Seri, Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic arguably the most impressive and the most likely to help the club in their fight for Premier League survival.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/10/tt-report-celta-reward-hugo-mallo-with-improved-deal-after-snubb/