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

[WhiteJC]

 
McDonald: 'We're going to give it a right old blast'

Kevin McDonald says Fulham are ready to 'give it a right old blast' in the Premier League this season after seeing the club supplement their promotion-winning squad with new signings during a busy summer transfer window.

The Scottish international insists that the Whites aren't just looking to survive but are determined to prove they belong in English football's top flight. Fulham spent around £120m on twelve new signings over the summer – including five arrivals during a busy transfer deadline day – and McDonald told the Evening Standard that reflects the ambition at Craven Cottage.

    We are going to give it a right old blast this season. We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to prove to everyone what we can do, prove that this is where the club belongs. The owners have invested money wisely and bought some really good players. That can only benefit the team.

The former Wolves and Burnley midfielder was quick to insist that the squad themselves are remaining grounded ahead of the start of the new campaign, acutely aware of the big step up in quality from the Championship.

    People are seeing all these big names coming in and the money we are spending so it is understandable that from the outside expectation levels have been raised. But we are a level-headed group of players and we know where we stand. We would be naive to start looking above to the top half of the table. First and foremost we have got to establish ourselves as a Premier League team. Of course we want to finish as high as we can but we know it is going to be a long, hard season.

McDonald also reiterated that Slavisa Jokanovic has told his players to keep true to their footballing principles and that the Fulham squad don't feel under any extra pressure on the eve of the new season.

    We are a new team coming to the league so I do not think there is pressure on us. Outsiders always think the three promoted teams are favourites to get relegated. With the signings we have made maybe we are different. The gaffer wants us to play the exact same way. He got us here playing that way. That is not going to change.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/mcdonald-were-going-to-give-it-a-right-old-blast/

[WhiteJC]

 
Wear Your Whites With Pride

Following on from last season's incredible White Wall, Fulham fans are encouraged to get behind the boys and wear their home colours on Saturday.

Get ready for the start of Fulham's Premier League campaign and pick up your 18/19 Home Kit from the Stadium Store before kick-off!

An original strip reborn, the Home Kit takes inspiration from the Club's strips from the late 1990s period, with a black perforated colour bar featured across the front of the shirt.

With junior and adults strips available to purchase online and instore now, why not complete the look and mark the Whites' return to the top flight, with Premier League patches also available to purchase for an additional £8.

Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/2018-19-home-kit

[WhiteJC]

 
Ream to miss Fulham's Premier League return

Tim Ream will miss out on Fulham's first Premier League game for four years tomorrow after picking up an injury in training.

The absence of the American, who was voted the club's player of the season during last year's promotion-winning campaign, will be keenly felt at Craven Cottage with Denis Odoi, his regular central defensive partner in the second half of the season, suspended and new signing Alfie Mawson still recovering from injury. It could see England international Calum Chambers partnering French defender Maxime Le Marchand, a summer arrival from Nice, at the heart of Slavisa Jokanovic's defence.

Jokanovic revealed a number of his first-team squad will be unavailable for the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace during his press conference this afternoon:

    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. Floyd Ayite is injured as well.

The Serbian head coach insisted he is not expecting to have any problems when it comes to selecting his starting line-up given the number of options at his disposal. He has already made clear to his players that hard work at Motspur Park will be crucial in ensuring they force their way into his plans.

    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. I am not Santa Claus, I don't need to make anybody happy. 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.

Jokanovic is certainly not underestimating the challenge that Fulham will face tomorrow from Crystal Palace, led by the former Whites' boss Roy Hodgson.

    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] Milivojevic 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.

The Fulham head coach also refused to be drawn into predicting where his side would finish – telling the press that his focus was on trying to take three points from the first game and doing everything possible to try and keep the club in the top flight.

    Our principal target is to stay up. 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. We are trying to build a Premier League team. We are trying to be competitive at this level.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/ream-to-miss-fulhams-premier-league-return/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic's Fulham conference: Four absentees, quote of the season
Fulham face Crystal Palace in their first game back in the top-flight.

Photo: Getty Images

Fulham are back in the Premier League and Slavisla Jokanovic has spent heavily this summer to prepare the side for their return to the top-flight.

The Cottagers have secured a host of impressive summer signings, which include World Cup winning winger Andre Schurrle, Ivory Coast midfielder Jean-Michel Seri and highly-coveted Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson.

Not everyone is set to make their debut for the club tomorrow though, as we identify three key takeaways from Jokanovic's press conference ahead of the game against Crystal Palace.

No easy ride for new additions

Having spent over £100m to land 12 new players, Jokanovic is set for regular selection headaches throughout the season if everyone is performing at their best – and he fired a warning that he is not going to let anyone slide.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Already making what could be the best quote of the season, Jokanovic encouraged his squad to remain on their toes and to fight for places in the squad ahead of what is set to be a gruelling campaign back in the Premier League.

"I'm not Santa Claus – there are no presents. The players need to fight for their places. We've made a great investment in the transfer market and I'm hoping we'll see an immediate benefit."

Four absentees named
While there is new faces available in the squad, there is also a number of familiar names who are unavailable tomorrow as Jokanovic revealed that Denis Odoi, Tim Ream and Ayite Floyd are all injured and won't feature.

New signing Alfie Mawson also won't be making his debut following his switch from Swansea as he has not started working with the squad yet, meaning he must wait until at least next weekend's trip to Tottenham to make his Fulham debut.

    "I can't use Denis Odoi tomorrow, who's suspended. Alfie Mawson hasn't started working with us yet. Tim Ream and Ayite Floyd are injured."

Here to stay
If the £100m spending spree did not make it clear enough, Fulham are in the Premier League with the intention to stay and their wealth of summer signings suggest they could put the cat amongst the pigeons to cause a number of problems for established sides.

Jokanovic, understandably, is excited about the club's return to the top-flight but is taking it one game at a time as he looks to secure all three points in a London derby against Crystal Palace, who have plenty of players who could cause problems.

    "It's important to show ambition and desire to stay up – that's our first target. We're building a team to be competitive at this level. I'm excited. Our target remain the same – win all three points."



https://tbrfootball.com/jokanovics-fulham-conference/

[WhiteJC]

 
Formerly linked with Real Madrid, have Fulham pulled off a coup with Vietto?

Premier League newcomers Fulham have signed Luciano Vietto on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Fulham have absolutely aced the transfer window. On paper, Andre Schurlle, Alfie Mawson, Sergio Rico, Jean Michel Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are all players who should vastly improve their starting XI, with the latter duo potentially forming a midfield partnership of Champions League quality.

Luciano Vietto, however, could be Fulham's most intriguing signing of the summer.

The Argentine striker joins on loan from Atletico Madrid after scoring nine league goals in his last 59 appearances for Diego Simoene's side, including loan spells at Sevilla and Valencia. So Fulham fans would be wise to reserve judgement.

But, while Vietto flopped quite badly at Atletico after his £18 million move in 2015, it must be remembered that he was an absolute revelation at Villarreal.

In his debut season in Spanish football, Vietto scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Yellow Submarine and was labelled the new Sergio Aguero as a result.

Back in February 2014, in the midst of that prolific campaign in bright yellow, the Express reported that Liverpool were planning a move and it seemed they were not the only European giant interested.

"We know that many top clubs are following Vietto," said his agent, Jorge Cysterpiller. "There is a lot of competition to sign him. Liverpool we know like him and so do Real Madrid."

Aguero has scored 143 goals in 206 Premier League games for Manchester City and is surely now a genuine legend of the competition. So, regardless of Vietto's three seasons of struggle, comparisons with one of the greatest goal-scorers around should have Fulham fans hopeful that they have pulled off another coup.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/10/do-formerly-linked-with-real-madrid-have-fulham-pulled-off-a-cou/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's likely XI vs Crystal Palace: Seri, Bryan & Schurrle debuts

There are plenty of new faces at Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic is going to face a number of selection dilemmas over the course of the coming season after some excellent summer recruitment by Fulham.

His owners have provided him with a squad that should compete in the Premier League and relegation now looks very unlikely, even before a ball has been kicked.

That is quite some achievement by a promoted club that has come through the play-offs and Tony Khan deserves praise for the business he has conducted.

Fulham have been ambitious and shown just how attractive they can be with Premier League status. The supporters are rightly excited ahead of the first game against Crystal Palace.

Here is how the Cottagers could line-up...

Goalkeeper – Fabri

The Spaniard was signed from Besiktas during the summer and he is likely to start the season in goal for Fulham. It could be that he is only keeping the shirt warm for Sergio Rico, but his compatriot only joined on deadline day and this weekend is likely to come too soon.

If Fabri wants to be the number one this season, it is important that he delivers on Saturday as he may not get too many more chances.

Defence – Christie, Chambers, Le Marchand, Bryan

There were a number of defensive signings made by Fulham over the summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League and three could be set for their debuts on Saturday.

Cyrus Christie is likely to start the season at right-back and he will be hoping to step his game up to replace Ryan Fredericks. The opposite full-back position could go to Joe Bryan. The deadline day signing played for Bristol City last weekend and he will be ready to go.

Calum Chambers will provide Premier League experience, while Maxime Le Marchand has had a pre-season with Fulham and could be given the start. Alfie Mawson will be missing for the opening fixture, but he is likely to take one of the spots on his return.

Midfield – McDonald, Seri, Cairney

Although there has been a lot of eye-catching signings made by Fulham over the summer, it is important that Jokanovic maintains a core from the promotion-winning team. Kevin McDonald has been crucial in their development in recent years and he will be given the chance to start the season.

He sits in front of the back four and allows the more talented players to thrive in the team. Tom Cairney has considered a Premier League player for a long time and he now has the opportunity to prove that. Last season, he contributed six goals and five assists. He will want a similar return in the Premier League.

The headline signing of Fulham's summer was Jean Michael Seri and he will be the player everyone is watching at Craven Cottage on Saturday. He will provide dynamism and technical ability to the midfield. The Ivorian will want to make an instant impact against Crystal Palace.

Attack – Schurrle, Mitrovic, Sessegnon

The Cottagers are a promoted club, but their forward line looks to be one of the best outside of the top six. Andre Schurrle will be given his debut on the first weekend of the season and he will have a point to prove in England after an underwhelming spell with Chelsea.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was excellent for Fulham last season and his permanent signing was a priority during the summer. They managed to get him back and he will be full of confidence as he attempts to prove himself in the top-flight. The system will get the best from him.

They will be joined in the attack by Ryan Sessegnon. The teenager will be hoping to have a good first season in the Premier League and his partnership with Bryan has huge potential. The academy graduate will be deployed in an advanced role, where he can do most damage.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-line-crystal-palace/

[WhiteJC]

Just how good are Fulham's Five New Additions?
Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Luciano Vivetti, Timothy Fosu-Mensah & Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have joined the club on the 11th hour of the latest Transfer Deadline.

You know how much of a Fulham fan by how much you were refreshing the club's social media account today. Because my word was today nothing short of ridiculous! Just when you thought bringing in over £70 million worth of talent was enough, Tony Kahn and the Fulham board decided to splash the cash just a bit more to satisfy Slavisa Jokanovic's needs. By the end of the day, five newcomers have joined the club to round off probably the most incredible transfer window in club history.

In short, the club previous transfer fee record was broken three times, a starting XI could be made on transfer signings alone, and Fulham ranked within the top five in the premier league in transfer money spent this summer. To even imagine that the club would pull off such a feat and have such pulling power in European football after being in the wilderness for four years is nothing short of mind-bending! But before we can even catch our breaths and be able to find out if this summer was genuinely a success for Fulham's long term future, let's take a look at the five latest signings the club have brought aboard.

Sergio Rico
Of all the additions to the club, the loan agreement to bring in Sevilla Number 1 Sergio Rico will surely be the most head scratching. There's no denying Rico brings a ton of pedigree over to Fulham. Before turning 25 in September, he has already made 169 appearances for the La Liga side and was in goal during the club's two Europa League Titles in 2015 and 2016.

But with regards to form and current standing, Rico is in a very dark place. He saw his starting job lost to David Soria last April and that was followed by Sevilla bringing in Czech Republic Number 1 Tomas Vaclik. While he wasn't entirely at fault for his old club shipping in a bottom half total of goals against (58, with 54.2 being expected according to Understat) in 2017/18, his 57.6% save percentage will be scrutinized. That said, Rico has always saved over 70% in his previous three campaigns and his long ball passing has always surpassed 36.2% accuracy during his senior career.

This will be discussed further, but Rico's addition brings assurance to Slavisa Jokanovic that a top flight European goalkeeper is playing at Craven Cottage on Saturdays. The real question will come down to whether or not this upsets the dressing room now that Fabri and last season's Number 1 Marcus Bettinelli aren't guaranteed game time.

Joe Bryan

Next to sign for Fulham was a permanent transfer for one of the more familiar names in the Championship. At 24, Joe Bryan has gone on to establish himself as an elite level left back and one of the more important faces for his boyhood club Bristol City. But with an offer from a Premier League club too good to refuse, Bryan took his chance and is now with Fulham until as late as 2022 with a one-year club option. Yours truly even predicted such an outcome would happen, but to have the club near the River Thames officially bring him to England's top flight was certainly unexpected.

Among all Championship fullbacks last season, only Millwall's James Meredith and Preston's Darnell Fisher had more than Bryan's 99 successful tackles and only Brentford's Yoann Barbet and Reading's Chris Gunter had more accurate long ball passes than Bryan's 102. Thus, there's no denying he's a well-rounded footballer that can fit with Jokanovic's system. The real question now will be whether his production in the Championship can translate well into the Premier League.

Luciano Vietto

Up front, Fulham then went ahead and signed a 24-year old Argentinian who has really struggled with his production in La Liga over the past three seasons. It seems like forever ago that Vietto was moved from his homeland to Villareal and turned up 12 league goals in after turning 21. But now he's a small fish in a big pond after moving to Atletico Madrid.

Now Vietto is on his third loan spells in as many seasons and I'm not certain how his arrival will be a complete success. Sure, he could go on and be very productive as Aleksander Mitrovic's back-up and be able to move on with his footballing career, but what about Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara? And if we are just looking at a bench role for Vietto, is it that certain he will garner that many minutes while everyone else in the club would be wanting them? If it all works out, that is fantastic and I am more than happy to eat on my words! I'm just hard pressed to see how Vietto will truly be able to show his worth.

Timothy Fonsu-Mensah

Next up to sign on the dotted line is a utility defender that is one of the more intriguing prospects in Europe. At 20 years old, and with three Dutch National Team appearances while under Manchester United's watch, Timothy Fosu-Mensah has the world at his feet. This past season, he was on loan at Crystal Palace and went on to become a solid contributor under Roy Hodgson and helped stave the club from relegation. Now, he is in Fulham's care and the youngster will be hoping to receive more playing time at Craven Cottage.

Throughout his league career, Fosu-Mensah could be seen playing at center back, right back and in central midfield. But it is out wide where the prospect could be seen at his best. With most of his league minutes coming from his 2017/18 campaign, there is evidence that Fosu-Mensah was required to play a defense first role at Selhurst Park. Now that he will be moved over to Craven Cottage, the question will now be if his skillset can either adapt or be a good fit under Jokanovic's system. Because as of now, both Ryan Fredericks and Cyrus Christie have proven to be two completely different right backs in comparison to Fosu-Mensah.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, Fulham closed the summer transfer window with probably the most intriguing of all the additions. Even if Kevin McDonald wasn't struggling against top-tier competition in preseason, an apprentice was required. McDonald will be turning 30 this November and has played WAY too many minutes over the past two seasons on a midfield full of players that played WAY too many minutes over the past two seasons. For the exception of Oliver Norwood, Fulham have never had another midfielder that could come in and take playing time away from the stars in need of a breather or injury recovery for the grueling season. Ibrahima Cisse, bluntly, has not shown that he could be capable for that role at this time.

Enter Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who at 22, has gradually developed into a shoe-in starter in central midfield at Marseille. This past season, he went on to play over 2,000 league minutes while being part of a double pivot with Luis Gustavo in Rudi Garcia's 4-2-3-1 formation and played a pivotal part in the club's Europa League journey towards the Cup Final. However, Anguissa's playing time was only 12th among Marseille players and his radar indicates how raw of a talent he still is. Add in the £27 million price tag, and you wonder if Fulham might have wasted their bank account on him.

That said, his market value on transfermarket is as high as former Tottenham man Nabil Bentaleb and is higher than former Newcastle man Mikel Merino, so the potential and pedigree are there. The question will now be whether Anguissa usurps McDonald and develops into the holding midfielder the club expect him to become this season or if this will be a learning curve as Anguissa gets accustomed to Premier League competition. These are one of the questions that make 2018/19 among the most anticipated in the club's history.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/10/17671338/just-how-good-are-fulhams-five-new-additions

[WhiteJC]

What Does Fulham's Senior Squad Look Like?
Yeah, these boys aren't in the Championship anymore!

Hello everyone. How's you're morning after that abnormal transfer deadline day? Are you even caught up with how the squad list even looks like? Have no fear because that is the sole purpose of presenting this piece over to you.

Previously, Slavisa Jokanovic was complaining as recently as preseason that the senior team needed cover at every position after his starting XI. While that sounded like an insult to Tony Kahn and the Fulham board, he wasn't wrong in stating that the club were in desperate need of senior players to fill in the Premier League's mandated 25-man squad list. Within the span of 24 hours, Fulham signed five new players that completed that total and more.

Surely though, this will make anyone wonder how the senior team shapes up after so much turnover. Fear not as this post is your lovely guide to just that.

Goakeeper
Fabri, Sergio Rico, Marcus Bettinelli

Welp, if you thought having Fabri and Marcus Bettinelli makes for a crowded goalkeeper room, get a load of what happens when Sergio Rico joins the fold. There's a real sense that Slavisa Jokanovic has differing opinions with Fabri due to his mediocre preseason performances, hence why he thought it was necessary to get another goalkeeper on loan. However, that leads to having a possible discord in the dressing room due to the well-acclaimed production with Marcus Bettinelli from the previous two campaigns. Regardless of the task at hand, you would have thought Bettinelli would join Ryan Sessegnon to go from academy products to Premier League veterans.

Instead, it feels likes he is being thrown at the curve for nothing that was of his control. I personally would have loved to seen him go on loan if this is genuinely how Jokanovic or the Fulham board feels about where things stand in goal. However, that hasn't materialized just yet and now we're stuck in a holding pattern as to who will be Fulham's first choice for all 38 league games.

Defenders
Cyrus Christie, Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers, Tim Ream, Joe Bryan, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marcelo Djalo, Denis Odoi, Maxime Le Marchand

Just when Jokanovic was ready to throw his toys in the pram following a 2-2 preseason draw with Celta Vigo, Tony Kahn went on to bring in two additional defenders to a backline that already looks dramatically different. In the end, only Tim Ream and Denis Odoi have been with the club since 2016 while Marcelo Djalo is the only other Fulham defender to come in the summer of 2017. Yeah, that's a lot of turnover right there.

As great as it is to see so many new faces to improve a supposed weakness, being accustomed to one another's playing style is the true key towards a successful back four and that is something that can only come with time. In the end, I won't be surprised to still see chinks the armor on this side of the pitch until the real improvement begins.

Midfielders
Jean-Michael Seri, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald, Ibrahima Cisse

If you thought the Tom Cairney-Stefan Johansen-Kevin McDonald axis was never going to be broken, this midfield might have a new feel to it. As great as it was to see that unit perform so well for so long, change is necessary as Fulham prepare for the Premier League. In come Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who bring in so much experience in the upper echelons of Ligue 1. If anything, Fulham have much needed depth in this area of the pitch for the first time while Jokanovic has been in charge.

Meanwhile, Ibrahima Cisse has started to look better in preseason, according to multiple sources. And don't write off academy products Luca De La Torre, Matt O'Riley and even Jon Dugar Thorsteinsson or Mattias Kait making an appearance in the matchday XVIII this season.

Forwards
Andre Schürrle, Aleksander Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon, Floyd Ayite, Luciano Vietto, Neeskens Kebano, Rui Fonte, Aboubakar Kamara

In the first few months of the season, Fulham had everything in place, except who would be able to score consistently up front. But once Sessegnon became a permanent fixture in the attacking three and Aleksander Mitrovic was brought in on the January transfer window, the starting XI became whole and the rest was history. Now that another two new faces were added in, there's at least a front line that has the looks of a solid Premier League outfit.

Even if injuries were to occur, there are veterans from the previous two campaigns that can come in and do the job. Even Aboubakar Kamara is seen as a player that has improved massively this summer and can be seen as one that can produce in 2018/19.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/10/17672816/what-does-fulhams-senior-squad-look-like

[WhiteJC]

 
U23s: Fulham 2 United 2

Premier League 2 | Motspur Park | Scorers: Davies, Atkinson | Gomes, Chong

Manchester United's Under-23s kicked off the Premier League 2 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Fulham at Motspur Park, with Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong on the scoresheet.

Both youngsters have moved up permanently from the Under-18s and were on the senior tour of the United States. The hosts twice forced equalisers, through defenders Aron Davies and Robert Atkinson, to secure a point.

United scored first on 28 minutes as George Tanner delivered a good cross and Gomes bulleted a header beyond Magnus Norman in the home goal. The lead lasted until four minutes before the interval, when George O'Riley's free-kick was powered past Kieran O'Hara by Davies.

Ricky Sbragia's men regained the lead when a neat move involving DJ Buffonge and Gomes ended with Chong providing a superb finish. O'Hara twice denied Cauley Woodrow, who looked dangerous in attack, with excellent saves, only for O'Riley to claim another assist when Atkinson nodded in an 80th minute equaliser.



https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/u23s-premier-league-2-fulham-v-man-utd-match-report

[WhiteJC]

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 1 vs. Crystal Palace
What a fixture to be introduced back into the Premier League!

After being in English football's doldrums that is the Championship, Fulham will return to the Premier League with a brand new squad. By summer's end, the club have gone on to spend the extreme majority of their £170 million prize money from their promotion. Whether or not this makes Fulham a contender for European places is harder said than done, but there is no denying that this part of Southwest London has been buzzing at a level that hasn't been seen in a generation.

With that, they are rewarded with a visit by London rivals Crystal Palace. The opposition just so happened to be the last foes Fulham were up against the last time in the Premier League. On that fateful day, both sides went on to score twice with Cauley Woodrow and Chris David scoring their first ever goals in front of the home crowd. Yeah, I don't want to talk about it anymore. The point is, the past is the past and a new dawn is upon Fulham fans. With that brings so much optimism that anything short of three points tomorrow may not be taken so lightly.

But here's the thing about this Crystal Palace side that many Fulham supporters don't know: they actually were quite good last season! Despite the horrifying start to 2017/18 under Frank De Boer, ex-Fulham and England boss Roy Hodgson steared the ship back into mid-table by season's end. When it was all said and done, Palace sat ninth in goals scored and were the best Premier League club outside of "the Big Six" in expected goals. The defense was a bit more mediocre to Hodgson's liking just a 14th best total in expected goals, however plenty of that was due to the De Boer reign more than anything else. By season's end, this was a club outshooting their opponents 476-467. That's pretty good for a supposed bottom half team.

Oh, and Palace were able to do this while only having the ball 46.9% of the time. If that is not a true definition of counter-attacking football, I don't know what is. So it is very clear that Fulham will need to be patient with the ball at their feet and find a way to get past the midfield and defense in order to break them down with consistency. There is potential to do that, but with so many new faces in and around the matchday squad, don't be surprised if there are a few hiccups or ten.

While they may not have picked up as many signings as Fulham did, Crystal Palace can bank on another season under Hodgson, more experience in the Premier League, and better continuity throughout the squad. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if Fulham have a bit of a stumble in one of the more anticipated Saturday's in Craven Cottage history. But if for anything else, there will be another 18 more fixtures to get excited about. With that in mind, let's peak into the three main players for Fulham supporters to watch out for.

Wilfried Zaha

First one up is easily Crystal Palace's most irreplaceable player. While his radar will tell you that anyone would be out of their mind to spend over £70 million on Zaha as Crystal Palace's board was advertising him for, there's no denying that last season was a breakthrough season for him. By season's end, he posted career highs in goals (nine), shots (2.26 per 90 minutes), shooting accuracy (40.6% on target) and key passes (1.87 per 90 minutes).

However, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is gone and Jordan Ayew may not be the like-for-like replacement for him. Therefore, it will be up to Zaha to free up his teammates like Ayew, Andros Townsend and the human shrug emoji that was Christian Benteke's inexplicable 2017/18 campaign. If he can somehow maintain a high caliber of performances in while hitting 26 years-old by season's end, there is no denying where Zaha stands among the Premier League's best and most consistent attacking players.

Max Meyer

Next up, we go from an established footballer to one that is a massive head scratcher. But at 22-years old, and coming from Schalke on a free transfer, Max Meyer does have the ingredients to revive his career. It was just two seasons ago that the central midfielder was playering over 2,000 Bundesliga minutes and racking up five goals and six assists in the process. He was rewarded with three caps for Germany and seemed like a future member of the most recent World Cup squad. Instead, he is among the many of a long line of German youngsters that are struggling to fulfill their complete potential this past World Cup cycle. With that, Meyer really struggled under Domenico Tedesco's 3-4-3 formation where he was playing a more defensive role.

Fortunately at Palace, Luka Milivojevic is there to play that type of position instead so Meyer can express himself more in the number ten role. And if Meyer's not able to get the job done or if Hodgson preferes a more conservative midfield, than former West Ham man Cheikhou Kouyate is there for cover.

James Tomkins

All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, we round out this preview by looking into the career of James Tompkins. With well over 22,000 league minutes under his belt before turning 29, the center back is a true definition of a Premier League veteran. But before he moves on to the latter stages of his career, Tomkins had a career season in 2017/18 where he had his best passing season (81.8% accuracy) while also reaching marks in possession adjusted clearances (6.79 per 90 minutes) and headers won (4.37 per 90 minutes) that were the highest since 2014/15. He may not be strong everywhere else, but we're at the point where we know what to get out of him. If Fulham are to have any troubles scoring on Saturday, you will know who is most responsible for those troubles.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/10/17674370/three-players-to-watch-matchday-1-vs-crystal-palace

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Fulham promotion heroes and 12 new boys warned NOBODY is guaranteed a place by hardline Slavisa Jokanovic

"I am not Santa Claus" says boss who won't let sentiment or price-tags sway him on Cottagers' Premier League return

Slavisa Jokanovic is ready to annoy Fulham's £120million posse of new signings just as much as their surviving promotion winners to make sure the club stay in the Premier League.

The Cottagers came up via the play-offs to end four years in the Championship, then began a massive process of squad strengthening by adding a dozen players — five of them on deadline day alone.

They obviously can't all be in the first XI every week, and every one boss Jokanovic does select could result in a player who got Fulham up in the first place getting the hump.

But before they begin life back in the top-flight with Saturday's home London derby against Crystal Palace, he said: "I am not Santa Claus – there are no presents.


So we're all clear — this is NOT Santa Claus (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

"I do not need to make anybody happy. This is not a sentimental man. It's about being professional. I have to make it a great competition for my players to play.

"I try to make it hard and great competition between my players. This is the most competitive league in the world. Presents don't exist. They must fight on the training ground and afterwards if I consider this is enough I will give them a chance to compete in the Premier League. But I will put some players on the bench.

"It will be hard for all the players to have an opportunity to be a Premier League player. I need them to compete daily and be ready for a still harder competition at the end of the week.

"It's not a question of who is a new player. In football, memory does not exist. We must always look forward.


Jokanovic says nobody can rest on last season's success — it's now survival that matters (Image: Getty)

"After the game, people will tell us whether we played well or not against Palace. They will not be thinking about the Championship play-off final we won against Aston Villa. I am not sentimental. If I start to be sentimental we will have more space for making mistakes."

Despite making such a big splash in the transfer market, Fulham have problems at the back for their opener with Dennis Odoi suspended and both Tim Ream and summer buy Alfie Mawson injured. New arrivals Calum Chambers and Maxime Le Marchand look set to start at centre-back in what could be a completely new-look back four.

The line-up could actually include just four of the players who started that Wembley win over Aston Villa in May. But Jokanovic, who cut a very different figure from the man who spent months complaining about the west London club's transfer policy earlier in his career, insists he is NOT surprised by the sky high levels of spending.


Jean-Michael Seri was linked with Champions League clubs but chose promoted Fulham (Image: Getty)

He said: "For us. it's normal. We arrived last in the Premier League. We needed to adapt the team and make investment. In the end we made a great investment.

"I expect this is going to make us more competitive. It's not a question of whether I am surprised or not surprised. I always want more and more and more. This is my position. It's normal.

"All coaches need players. I need more players to have more options for the club. The club identified this question and tried to adapt the team to Premier League level. I hope we are going to see the benefit of spending this amount of money.

"I am excited. I am satisfied. But our first target has to be to stay up."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-promotion-heroes-12-new-13063968

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Fulham goalkeeper Fabri set to win the race to start season first choice as Slavisa Jokanovic selects his No 1

    Fabri is set to win the race to start the season as Slavisa Jokanovic's No 1 choice
    Jokanovic faces a huge dilemma in keeping his three senior goalkeepers happy
    Fulham made Fabri a summer signing from Turkish giants Besiktas
    Sergio Rico was expected to be No 1, but has trained just once with his new team

Fulham goalkeeper Fabri is set to win the race to start the season as Slavisa Jokanovic's No 1.

Cottagers boss Jokanovic is facing a huge dilemma in keeping his three senior goalkeepers happy over the coming weeks, but is ready to give Fabri — a summer signing from Besiktas — the nod for their return to the Premier League when they face Crystal Palace today.

Sergio Rico, who arrived from Sevilla on loan on deadline day, was expected to be the club's first-choice keeper, but the 24-year-old, who has been a regular in La Liga, will have to settle for a place on the sidelines having trained just once with his new team.


Fulham goalkeeper Fabri is set to win the race to start the season as Slavisa Jokanovic's No 1

Sportsmail has learned Rico speaks little English which poses a major problem for Jokanovic with regard to communication.

The future of Marcus Bettinelli, who was expecting to be first choice this season after playing a key role in last season's promotion, is now in doubt.

Bettinelli is on England manager Gareth Southgate's radar, but a call-up depends on him playing regularly.


Fabri arrived from Besiktas as one of many of Fulham's new faces this summer

On his side's return to the Premier League, Jokanovic said: 'Our principal objective and target must be to stay up.

'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.'


Sergio Rico, who arrived from Sevilla on loan on deadline day, has been yet to properly train



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6048797/Fulham-goalkeeper-Fabri-set-win-race-start-season-choice.html

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Views From The SW6: Crystal Palace (H)

Fulham's return to the Premier League starts fittingly against the team they last played when they left it, Crystal Palace. Nick MacNee assesses the Palace camp ahead of a dawn of a new season.

The Manager
Does he need an introduction? No, not really. Ever since Sir Roy returned to Croydon, he has entered the hearts of Crystal Palace fans as he did with us and West Brom, steering them away from relegation after the Frank De Boer project was cancelled after four games. It's frankly appalling that Roy is thrown in with the same group as the likes of Redknapp, Allardyce, Pardew, all nasty creatures who bite and snap at anyone but themselves or whoever's paying them.

Yet, he rises above the relentless media criticism and works quietly and tirelessly, paying no attention to naysayers and delivers results. His extension to 2020 is well deserved and it may sadly be his last, although I have no doubt it will be a successful end to a monumental career.

The Players – Who to look out for?
Roy Hodgson has worked with a number of players throughout his career who were vastly talented that included the likes of Javier Zanetti, Paul Ince, Roberto Carlos and even the original Ronaldo for a small period of time. Wilfried Zaha certainly has the talent to reach the level of the aforementioned players and had his best season ever as a player (nine goals, five assists) in the Premier League under Roy, prompting rumours of a move to Tottenham or Chelsea.

He has stayed at Palace thankfully and we shall see whether or not he is able to replicate his form of last season. The "tidbit" (I refuse to call it a stat) that Palace failed to win a game last season when Zaha was out of the side shows just how vital he is to his side's success this year.

Christian Benteke, usually as reliable as reliable goalscorers come in the Premier League, endured a torrid time last season, scoring only two non-penalty goals and dramatically undershooting his expected goals tally (8.78, per Statsbomb).

His expected "improvement to the mean" is largely why a lot of people regard Palace as having a chance to go one better this year and push for a top half spot, despite limited investment in the summer. If Zaha keeps up last year's performances and Benteke returns to who he was, then Palace are certainly a prospect to be wary of.

James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho form a very Roy Hodgson centre back pairing, with the former personally recommended to Palace by Brede Hangeland as his successor. Tomkins in particular thrived under Roy, despite Sakho's injury absences. Aleksandar Mitrovic will be familiar with fellow compatriot, Luka Milivojevic, who has been named the new official captain of Palace after Damien Delaney's departure.

The Window
Palace and Roy were largely limited in the Summer Market of 2018, to the tune that they only "bought" one player from another club – Cheikhou Kouyate for approximately £9.8million from West Ham United. They were much more active in the Free Agent market however, bringing in Vicente Guaita to finally replace Wayne Hennessey in goal and Max Meyer, a prodigal German talent but who hasn't quite found his feet in top level football.

Formerly labelled as someone who would thrive in the number 10 role, Meyer flattered to deceive but began to progress much more after being move to the "Kevin McDonald Number 6" role by Schalke manager Domenico Tedesco. However, he fell out with Tedesco and Schalke hierarchy after a contract dispute and left the club on a Bosman after failing to play the final six games of the Bundesliga system.

Finally, Palace also brought in Fulham linkee Jordan Ayew from Swansea on a loan with an option to buy. Interestingly, Ayew lead the league in defensive actions (tackles + interceptions) for eligible strikers, something that may have attracted Roy to acquiring his signature and may present food for thought for Fulham.

In terms of departures, the only major players to have left Selhurst Park are Yohan Cabaye (who has departed to the Middle East), Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timothy Fosu-Mensah. Other notable players who have left Palace that may be familiar to Fulham fans include Chung-Yong Lee, Bakary Sako and Damien Delaney, although they all sporadically featured under Roy.

The Lineup



Even with players jumping ship constantly from club to club repeatedly, Roy's system never changes. A simple 4-4-2 is still in place, although he did change the starting players slightly towards the end of last season.

Due to Christian Benteke's striking woes, Hodgson took him out and stuck Zaha and Townsend up front, playing Milivojevic, Cabaye, Loftus-Cheek and James McArthur, all central midfielders, in the midfield four. It is largely down to this rotational change that Palace went unbeaten in their final six game and rocketed up the table to finish 11th.

It's difficult to say whether this system will be replicated. On one hand, does Roy change a system that worked extremely well, albeit with a few different players now and largely against relegated teams or ones already on holiday? Or does he reintroduce his £35million pound striker in Benteke that surely can't be as bad in front of goal as he was last year?

I would imagine with news being reported that the likes of Meyer and Kouyate aren't yet fit enough to start, Roy will return to playing Benteke up top but with Zaha alongside him, given these fitness issues to their new central midfielders. That leaves me to imagine then that Jeffrey Schlupp of Leicester title winning fame will play in Zaha's normal left wing position.

Right back has also been a position of interest at Palace. The emergence of youth talent Aaron Wan-Bissaka under Roy has put Joel Ward's position in the starting XI under threat and it's thought likely that Bissaka will be starting over Ward in the XI on Saturday. He'll present much more of an attacking threat down Palace's right side than Ward and is certainly someone to look out for.

Fulham's View



Despite Fulham's influx of deadline day signings, it's likely that we will only see one start: Joe Bryan straight into the fold at left back. With Slavisa's admission that Tim Ream is out and Alfie Mawson hasn't begun training yet, Maxime Le Marchand and Calum Chambers look to be the foreseeable defensive partnership for the foreseeable future... who have had about five days to get comfortable as a partnership and are coming up against Benteke and Zaha.

That's not exactly the most desirable of situations but one would hope that with Kevin McDonald's vocal leadership and organisation as vice-captain, he'll provide some much needed guidance for the pair throughout the game and assist with communication between Chambers and Le Marchand.

We know that Palace won't exactly demand possession (they averaged 46.8% possession last season) but their attacks will be direct and fast, as we've seen from Roy's teams over the years. With such a new back line, is it possible then that attack is Fulham's best form of defence in terms of keeping possession and retaining the ball away from the likes of Zaha and Townsend? Well, funnily enough, that has been Fulham's speciality under Slavisa for the past two years. It's now time to see whether Slavisa and the new signings have adapted to each other.

My Prediction: 2-2

Scorers: Mitrovic x2; Zaha, Benteke.



https://fulhamish.co.uk/post/2018-08-10-views-from-the-sw6-crystal-palace-h/

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Hodgson hopes to follow in Fulham's footsteps by leading Palace into Europe

The current Crystal Palace manager was at the Fulham helm when the Cottagers made it to the Europa League final in 2010.

Roy Hodgson wants Crystal Palace to emulate Fulham by pursuing the same seventh-placed finish that took his former club into Europe.

The Palace manager memorably led Fulham to the 2010 Europa League final, having similarly been appointed to rescue them from a battle against relegation that they had once seemed destined to lose.

His team on Saturday begin their Premier League season at Craven Cottage, where Hodgson is still fondly remembered, and he recognises how similar the circumstances are to those he was working in 10 years ago.

Having successfully secured survival in 2008, Fulham proved themselves the finest outside of a powerful top-six group the following season and Hodgson believes Palace can do likewise this term.

In Wilfried Zaha he even believes he has a similar figure to his then-Fulham captain Danny Murphy, and he said: "There are definite parallels.

"Having done it once it would be foolish to say we can't do that because I saw Fulham do it and I'd love to see Crystal Palace do it.

"Our aim has to be a modest one, to make certain that of the classic 14 teams that everyone talks about, who are going to be fighting to get as high up the table as they can, I don't see any reason why we can't be at the top end of that 14.

"Wilf is our main figure, there's no doubt about that and hopefully that will continue for many, many years to come. Danny was an experienced figure, and it was easy to identify him as the leader on the field.

"Both groups of players (Fulham then and Palace today) share an important quality. They are good, serious professionals who take their preparations for games very seriously and engender a good atmosphere. The mood among themselves is positive."

New signings Vicente Guaita, Jordan Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate are in contention to start for Palace, but Max Meyer is struggling for match fitness and Scott Dann remains absent with a long-term knee injury.

Hodgson's ambition — he turned 71 on Thursday — comes almost a year after his appointment at Palace was widely described as his "final job", but having agreed a contract extension until 2020, he said: "Thinking that would be depressing.

"I don't like to think that I won't be working. That's more than enough focus for me, the next two years.

"I don't need more than that. It will depend very much on how I and the club feel. But the next two years are exciting times for me, that's the most important thing."



http://sport.bt.com/football/hodgson-hopes-to-follow-in-fulhams-footsteps-by-leading-palace-into-europe-S11364288647353

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Mitrovic and Schurrle to start – Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace

Predicted Fulham line-up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League

Fulham are back in the Premier League and face a rejuvenated Crystal Palace side on their opening day of the new season. Fulham signed 2 of the big names in Seri and Schurrle but have won just 2 of their pre-season friendlies and have struggled to get goals.

Alexander Mitrovic's arrival has given them some much-needed firepower as the Serb scored within a minute into his first game, against Celta Vigo and even assisted the second goal of the game as the Cottagers drew 2-2.

Palace, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form in their set of friendlies. The likes of Zaha, Patrick Van Anholt, Tomkins, Townsend have looked really sharp and dangerous.

Probable Fulham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Fabri Agosto (GK)

The Spaniard joined Fulham this summer from Besiktas and started in the pre-season games. He should be the first choice for the Cottagers for this campaign.
Cyrus Christie (RB)

The Republic of Ireland international was one of the constants for Fulham in the Championship last season, after joining the club in January. He would love to raid down the right flank and provide service to the likes of Mitrovic and Kamara.
Tim Ream (CB)

Ream was a rock at the back for the Cottagers as he started all but two games in the Championship last season. But the Premier League will be a different test altogether for the American.
Maxime Le Marchand (CB)

The Frenchman joined Fulham from Nice and has instantly nailed down the centre-back spot in Jokanovic's starting XI.
Ryan Sessegnon (LB)

The young English prodigy had a fairytale of a 2017/18 season where he scored a whopping 15 goals. He can play both as a left-winger and as a left-back but due to injury concerns in the side, he should start at left-back. The young PFA player of the year nominee loves to bomb forward at every opportunity, so the fans shouldn't really be surprised to see him amongst the goals and assists this season.
Tom Cairney (CM)

The former Blackburn man played 30 games for the Lilywhites last campaign and scored 6 times, most importantly in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the playoff final. He will look to retain possession for his side and allow the attacking players ahead of him to do their creative stuff.
Kevin McDonald (CM)

The Scotsman was at the heart of Fulham's midfield last season when he played 42 times, scoring thrice and assisting once. He has an eye for a killer pass and with the likes of Schurrle and Mitrovic around him, he will become even more dangerous.
Jean Michael Seri (CM)

Seri joined Fulham from Nice and this deal turned a lot of heads. The Ivory Coast international has slotted right into the left-hand side of the central midfield trio for Fulham.
Aboubakar Kamara (LW)

Kamara was used as a squad player by Jokanovic but after impressing in the pre-season, he should get a chance. He showed in pre-season that his positioning and off the ball movement are quite good and with the right service, he can find the back of the net.
Andre Schurrle (RW)

The former Chelsea man has joined Fulham on loan from Borussia Dortmund. He had struggled badly for the entire year at the Westfalenstadion, starting only 12 games where he scored once. Coming back to London gives him a fresh start and a chance to revive his career at the Craven Cottage.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST)

The 23-year-old Serb found the back of the net 12 times in 17 starts for Fulham in the Championship last season. The Fulham board have got their talisman back from Newcastle, this time on a permanent transfer. If Fulham are to survive the relegation this season, a lot depends on Mitrovic.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/08/11/mitrovic-and-schurrle-to-start-strongest-4-3-3-fulham-xi-to-face-crystal-palace/

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New Sleeve Sponsor: ICM

After signing five new players on transfer deadline day, Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce ICM.com as the new sleeve sponsor for the First Team this season.

To announce the new sponsorship, which coincides with Fulham's first season back in the Premier League, ICM and Fulham are asking their fans to #FollowFulham in the Premier League in a new video taking fans through a journey of London and culminating at Craven Cottage, which will be posted on Instagram on Saturday morning prior to the first game of the season.

The video is both a celebration of Fulham's fans and of London, revelling that Fulham is the oldest established professional football team in London participating, once again, in the Premier League, the most competitive football league in the world.

ICM.com, a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated FX, Commodity and CFD trading firm, is an existing partner of Fulham FC since 2017 but this enhanced partnership will ensure that ICM.com now benefit from brand presence on the playing shirts which will be visible for the first time when Fulham kick-off their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

The Premier League is broadcast in over 180 countries, providing an opportunity for worldwide exposure for the ICM.com brand.

The Club has made some significant investment to the playing squad during the summer transfer window, bringing in a total of 12 players, including the five deadline day signings of André-Frank Anguissa, Joe Bryan, Sergio Rico, Luciano Vietto and Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Commenting on the partnership, Fulham FC captain, Tom Cairney, said:

"It's always encouraging to see the club bring in new sponsors and partnerships as it shows we're on an upward trend and all improving together as a club as we embark on our Premier League campaign."

Commenting on this partnership, Shoaib Abedi, Founder of ICM.com added:

"We recently announced our global rebrand to ICM.com and are excited to be renewing our sponsorship with Fulham FC to present our new brand identity and new logo on the team's shirts, resulting in global visibility. As a UK headquartered investment firm we place a lot of value on building long-lasting relationships and feel a strong connection towards British football. Both ICM.com and Fulham FC have seen remarkable success and growth in the past 12 months and we see this set to continue alongside each other."

Fulham FC Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, added:

"We have developed a good working with relationship with ICM since they joined in November and I'm delighted that they have chosen to expand their partnership with us as we commence an exciting Premier League campaign. This announcement is accompanied by some innovative creative content which I'm sure everyone associated with the Club, as well as our fans, will enjoy."

To watch the clip announcing the sleeve sponsorship, please visit Fulham FC's Instagram story @FulhamFC ahead of the match.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/11/icm-sleeve-sponsor

[WhiteJC]

 
Big Match Build-Up

Get yourself in the mood for Saturday's London derby by taking a look at all the build-up from fulhamfc.com this week.

The Brede Hangeland Column
Fulham hero Brede Hangeland will have a regular column on the website this season, and if his first submission is anything to go by, the Whites faithful are going to love it: "In yet another strange twist of fate, my old mentor Roy Hodgson and the wonderful Ray Lewington are now in charge of Palace when they make the short trip to the Cottage on Saturday. Needless to say, this will be an emotional afternoon at the greatest football ground in the world, and when the Premier League fixture list came out, I made it my mission to make sure I would be there for the game. My boss at TV2 Norway needed little convincing, and so I will be doing commentary at Craven Cottage when Fulham take on Crystal Palace. Life does indeed work in mysterious ways. Perhaps Gentleman Jim will be able to make any sense of it when we have tea at half time!"



One & Only

Premier League Productions caught up with Chris David, one of just four players to score on their only Premier League appearance, about his stunning strike against Saturday's opponents Crystal Palace four years ago.

Simon Davies Returns

Brede isn't the only legend returning to the Cottage on Saturday - Simon Davies will also be in there in his new role as a matchday host in our hospitality lounges: "I'm looking forward to it. I always enjoyed a good relationship with the Fulham fans so it's going to be nice to catch up and share some stories with them. I kind of left a bit under the radar and never came back really which was sad for me personally, but that was just the way it worked out. I was injured for the majority of the last season I was there, then retired and just sort of walked away from it. But the memories I have from my time at Fulham are really special to me and it's nice to be back involved now, it really is."





http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/11/big-match-build-up

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Fulham will need to be clever but won't change their attractive style in the Premier League

Slavisa Jokanovic thinks the side don't need to change much on the style front ahead of their season opener

Fulham will have to be clever in the Premier League but won't be adapting their style, according to Slavisa Jokanovic.

The Cottagers have gained plaudits over the past two seasons for their stylish brand of football - a brand that has seen them promoted to the top flight of English football for the first time in four years.

There are questions over the viability of Fulham's style when they will be facing the likes of Manchester City, United and Liverpool over the course of next season, with some suggesting that they'll have to change the way they play in order to survive.

But that's not something Jokanovic agrees with.

He is fully aware of the need to adapt their style and knows that, at times, his side won't see as much of the ball as they did last season, but he doesn't believe they need to change much - they just need to grow.

Jokanovic said: "We now must be clever and modify some things and play against different quality, different pace and power and we don't need to change so much.

"We must be intelligent enough and know what we are going to find in this competition.

"It's always important for the team to grow up and we need to grow up and be more competitive than last season."

With 14 arrivals coming in over the summer, including names like Jean-Michael Seri and Andre Scurrle, there is a certain feeling that expectations have been raised for Fulham for the coming season.

Questions were even asked at Jokanovic's first press conference of the season whether Fulham could 'do a Burnley' and finish in the European spots this season.

That may be taking what the Cottagers can do this season a bit too far, and Jokanovic himself is certainly not getting carried away, insisting the first target is staying in the Premier League.

He added: "Our first target must be to stay up, at the end we are talking about money and money is sometimes important and sometimes not.

"We can compare the situation with Spurs, they didn't make any investment but have done Premier League team.

"We start now to build one to be a Premier League and be competitive in level where we are right now.

"I will repeat, we came third from the Championship and we arrive here last and at the end for our side it's important and necessary to show ambition and desire to be competitive and spend the money and bring the players who can help us."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-need-clever-wont-change-15015807

[WhiteJC]

 
12 new additions can see Fulham push for top 10 this season

12 new additions can see Fulham push for top 10 this season

Fulham make their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2014 on Saturday, and have wasted no time in overhauling their squad. Head Coach Slavisa Jokanovic has signed no fewer than 12 players - with five of those joining on deadline day.

Andre Zambo Anguissa was the last player through the door, and fans of the west Londoners will be expecting big things from him. The defensive midfielder arrived from Marseille for £22.4 million.

Fuham have been tipped for a strong first season back amongst England's elite, and it's hard to argue that Jokanovic's side won't make a positive impression.

Admittidely, a sudden influx of new players can sometimes temporarily hinder a club's progress, but the Fulham jugganaught appears finely oiled and primed for the season ahead.

Prediction:

Jokanovic has added a lot of quality to his already impressive Fulham squad. The likes of Schurrle, Chambers and Mitrovic all have Premier League experience and that'll be vital to Fulham's successes.

Coupled with the exciting crop of talent they've signed across Europe, Fulham would be a safe bet to finish at least 10th this season and cement their place back in England's top flight.

Crystal Palace are the visitors on Saturday and will know how tough the game could potentially be.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/11/fulham-transfer-roundup-12-new-additions-including-five/

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Fulham U23s draw opener with Manchester United

ulham's Under 23s began their Premier League 2 season with an encouraging display and an entertaining draw against Manchester United at Motspur Park last night.

Peter Grant's side commendable resilience to come from behind twice to claim a point against the Red Devils after conceding goals to  Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong. The young Whites were indebted to their centre back partnership with set piece equalisers arriving courtesy of Arron Davies and Rob Atkinson. The draw was the least the home side deserved for an enterprising display full of ambition and creativity, sparked by the energy and drive of Tyrese Francois in central midfield.

Cameron Thompson, deployed on the left wing in a fluid 4-3-3 that mirrored Slavisa Jokanovic's preferred system, had Fulham's first sight of goal but couldn't connect with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson's dangerous cross before Cauley Woodrow, who endured a frustrating evening in front of goal, wasted a good opportunity after a fine through ball from Matt O'Riley. United had dominated possession and gradually began to create chances of their own with Magnus Norman saving stubbornly from George Tanner at his near post.

Thompson did saw a shot well blocked by united's Ro-Shaun Williams before the visitors broke swiftly, but James Wilson's low cross didn't find a team-mate. Estonian international midfielder Mathias Kait then drilled a shot fractionally wide of far post midway through the first period, but it was United who broke the deadlock. A neat passing move found Tanner out in space on the right flank and the full-back was afforded far too much time to cross. Angel Gomes drifted between Atkinson and Davies to direct a firm header past the helpless Norman.

The visitors, who despite their ample resources were surprisingly relegated last season, then had chances to double their lead before half-time. Former Fulham forward DJ Buffonge saw his effort bravely blocked by Atkinson and Davies then bravely threw himself in front of a Gomes effort to thwart further danger. United were to pay for those misses four minutes before the break when O'Riley's deep free kick was turned home at the far post by Davies.

The equaliser gave Fulham a boost at the start of the second half. United keeper Kieran O'Hara pulled off a brilliant save from Woodrow's improvised flick at his near post and Thornsteinsson then saw a strong penalty shout waved away by the referee. Instead, it was the Red Devils who went ahead again – hitting Fulham on the break. A lovely move involving Buffonge and Gomes finished with Belgian winger Chong drilling an excellent finish past Norman.

Defeat would have been harsh on the hosts and, to their credit, Fulham never gave up. They grabbed a deserved second equaliser from another O'Riley set play with Atkinson able to punish a poor clearance from Williams with a fine header. The Whites pushed hard for a third in the closing stages of an intriguing contest, but both sides ultimately had to be content with a point.

FULHAM U23s (4-3-3): Norman; Jenz, Mundle-Smith, Atkinson, Davies; Kait, Francois, O'Riley; Thornsteinsson, Thompson (Harris 73), Woodrow. Subs (not used): Stahl, Opoku, Drameh, Carvalho.

GOALS: Davies (41), Atkinson (80).

MANCHESTER UNITED U23s (4-2-3-1): O'Hara; Tanner, O'Connor, Williams, Garner; Poole, Hamilton; Chong, Gomes (Dearnley 88), Buffonge (Whelan 88); Wilson (Bohul 45). Subs (not used): Warren, Forstieck.

GOALS: Gomes (28), Chong (61).



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