Sunday Fulham Stuff (26/08/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Wolves	1 - 1	Man City
Arsenal	3 - 1	West Ham
Bournemouth	2 - 2	Everton
Huddersfield	0 - 0	Cardiff
Southampton	1 - 2	Leicester
Liverpool	1 - 0	Brighton

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Premier League Debut Balls

Joe Bryan, Ryan Sessegnon and Cyrus Christie were presented with commemorative footballs this week in recognition of making their top flight debuts.

The Premier League recognises any home grown player who makes a first appearance in the division, which the Fulham trio did on the opening day against Crystal Palace.

To qualify, a player must have spent at least three years in an English or Welsh academy between the ages of 15 and 21. Bryan and Christie came through the ranks at Bristol City and Coventry City, respectively, while Sessegnon – of course – has spent his entire career with the Whites.

Sessegnon said: "We've all been really excited to get going this season. To have Fulham back in the Premier League is massive for us, the fans, and everyone associated with the Club.

"Even though we didn't get the result we were looking for in that first game, from a personal point of view I was happy to make my Premier League debut.

"I always give 100 per cent every time I play for this Club. This is the Club I know, the Club that I've come through and I get a lot of pride playing for Fulham.

"No games are easy in this league, they're all battles, and I'll be looking to improve throughout the season. You get less time on the ball and the skill levels are really impressive but it's about adapting and that's what I'm hoping to do for the games ahead.

"We've got a few new boys in the team so we won't be too hard on ourselves, we know that we've got good players here and we'll be raring to go for the next game."

Bryan said: "It's been a mad few weeks for me, but I'm feeling settled, I've found somewhere to live and I'm looking forward to getting going.

"It was good to get thrown straight in on the first game of the season – that's often the best way. We had a meeting at around 5pm on the day I signed – which was deadline day – and the Manager told me that I would be in with a good chance of starting that first game against Crystal Palace.

"It was a tough match, and disappointing not to get anything from it, there's obviously a big step up but it's something I've always dreamed of."

Christie said: "It was a pretty special feeling making my Premier League debut against Crystal Palace – obviously we didn't get the result we wanted but we put in a solid performance and we know we can improve.

"I had a feeling I would be in the team, based on the work we had done in training, but you never know for sure until the Manager puts the sheet up and names it on matchday. You want to test yourself against the best players in the world and the Premier League gives us that chance."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/25/premier-league-debut-balls

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Fulham v Burnley: match preview

Burnley are unlikely to arrive at Craven Cottage in perfect condition. A disappointing defeat to Olympiakos in Athens could make legs feel wearier and Fulham will certainly be hoping so as they search for a first win. Sean Dyche is unlikely to admit it but an end in sight to Thursday nights in obscure European locations could give his side a boost. Fulham welcome back Denis Odoi from suspension while Burnley are likely to start Joe Hart in goal. Graham Searles

Sunday 4pm

Venue Craven Cottage

Last season n/a

Referee David Coote

This season n/a

Odds H 11-10 A 4-1 D 12-5

FULHAM
Subs from Bettinelli, Rico, Kebano, Johansen, Fonte, Vietto, Kamara, McDonald, Fosu-Mensah, Cissé

Doubtful None

Injured Mawson (knee, 28 Aug), Ayité (match fitness, 1 Sept), Ream (match fitness, 1 Sept)

Suspended None

Discipline Y1 R0

Form LL

Leading scorer Mitrovic 1

BURNLEY
Subs from Heaton, Taylor, Vokes, Barnes, Gibson, Walters, Bardsley, Long, Vydra, Wells

Doubtful None

Injured Brady (hamstring, 1 Sept), Defour (calf, 16 Sept), Lindegaard (thigh), Pope (shoulder, both unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y2 R0

Form DL

Leading scorer Tarkowski 1



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/25/fulham-burnley-match-preview-premier-league

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Premier League 18/19: Fulham vs Burnley – Lineups, Preview and Prediction
The Clarets look to bounce back from their Greek tragedy with a trip to London to take on another team who've had their high hopes bitten by reality.

16:00 BST, Sunday 26th August, Craven Cottage (London, England)

Having lifted themselves out of the Championship by way of the play-offs, Fulham are yet to hit the heights in the Premier League and are still looking to secure their first point.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have shown flashes of promise but Fulham's heavy summer investment has not brought any noticeable returns so far. A weary-legged Burnley side should be their best opportunity yet to open their account though.

Now facing their eighth competitive match of the season, Burnley are another team looking for their first win of the season. With only four goals coming through regular time during these matches, Burnley may be dogged but they seem to be suffering their long-held problem in front of goal.

A lack of goals didn't prevent a seventh-placed finish last season, however, this season has been packed full of false starts. With Burnley's one and only Premier League visit to Craven Cottage ending in defeat, Sean Dyche will be hoping to break new ground and put fresh optimism back into their campaign.

Last Time Out

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

There were plenty of positives for Jokanovic to take away from Wembley despite seeing his side lose their 1,000th game in England's top tier.

Both Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa and Timothy Fosu-Mensah were handed starts for the visitors and both debutantes impressed against Tottenham's forwards. It took Fulham much of the first half to find their rhythm but Spurs missed a succession of chances before a 43rd minute Lucas Moura strike gave them a narrow lead at half time.

Fulham proved much better after the break and equalised through Aleksandar Mitrovic whose instinctive finish drew the scores level at the second attempt.

Despite Fulham's improved offerings, Spurs experience eventually told and two quick-fire goals saw the Cottagers head back across London empty-handed and downbeat.

Olympiakos 3-1 Burnley (Europa League Qualification)

Burnley brought back an away goal from the trip to Greece but there was little else to cheer after they fell to defeat with ten men.

Having largely been on the back foot during the first half, Chris Wood won a penalty to send the teams into the break on parity. That was to be the only shot the Clarets managed to put on target during the game although Ashley Barnes was arguably the best player on the pitch.

For all the effort Burnley made during the first half, the Greek side took the lead only three minutes after the break. The header from Andreas Bouchalakis was the only goal which came from open play with Olympiakos scoring firstly through a free-kick and finally from a penalty awarded when Ben Gibson was given a second yellow for hand ball.

Dyche came away from the game aggrieved his side were unfairly treat by the Slovenian referee, however, they aren't yet out of the competition even if they do face a challenge in the return leg later this week.

Fulham Lineup

Tim Ream (knock) and Alfie Mawson (fitness) are the only key absentees for the Cottagers this weekend which should see an unchanged defence from the side fielded at Wembley last Saturday, although Denis Odoi is available to make his club debut after serving his suspension.

Andre Zambo Anguissa should retain his place in the base of midfield after a solid debut while Andre Schurrle is expected to be drafted back into the right wing position at the expense of Aboubakar Kamara.

Burnley Lineup

Tom Heaton replaced Joe Hart in midweek but the former Manchester City keeper is likely to be restored to the Clarets starting lineup on Sunday.

Outfield, Steven Defour (calf) and Robbie Brady (hamstring) both remain sidelined but Ben Mee, Matt Lowton and Ashley Westwood are all fully rested despite travelling to Greece and could start alongside Matej Vydra who has yet to make his competitive debut for Burnley.

Key Battle: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham) vs James Tarkowski (Burnley)

As the most expensive striker signed by a Premier League club this summer, Mitrovic will be the man responsible for leading the Cottagers forward line.

His 12 goals from 17 appearances in the Championship last season earned him a permanent move to the London club but there are still question marks regarding his suitability in England's top flight.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

What Mitrovic lacks in finesse he more than makes up for in physicality but against Burnley he will have a fierce battle on his hands. Dyche has his players primed to but their bodies on the line and Tarkowski is no shrinking violet.

While Mitrovic has a reputation for straying to the wrong side of the fair play line, Burnley's defenders are as disciplined as they are competitive. Gibson's two yellow cards on Thursday night was the first Burnley dismissal in 18 months and if Mitrovic is to come out on top in this duel, he too may have to control his frustrations on the pitch.

Talking Points

On the clock

Patience is a virtue not widely extended in today's Premier League but it is something that is necessary at Craven Cottage. With wholesale changes made to their squad this summer, many of their first team are currently adapting to a new challenge in their respective careers.

REUTERS/John Sibley

Only four of Fulham's starting lineup against Spurs began their previous match at Wembley just a few short months ago. It's, therefore, perhaps no surprise that the Cottagers began last weekend's match looking uneasy amongst themselves as they settle into a new system.

Football remains a results-based business though and pressure will surely mount quickly if their potential remains untapped.

Underestimating the Dyche

If there's one thing last season taught us, it's not to expect Burnley to roll over for anyone. They may not have the deepest resources or the most pleasing brand of football but they do have an effective style and a huge amount of motivation.

Without a win in their final five league fixtures of last season and off to a poor start in this, it is easy to write off Burnley's chances and suggest they are now set for a difficult season.  The Europa League has proven a poisoned chalice to Newcastle, Swansea and Hull in recent years but if any manager can find a way to beat the odds, it may just be the gravel-voiced special one-Mourinho.

Prediction: Fulham 0-1 Burnley

Burnley's tiredness from their midweek exertions will be balanced by their determination to bounce back and prove their critics wrong which should make this a highly competitive game. For all of Fulham's promise, they have yet to find an edge to their attacks and Burnley's well-drilled squad could blunt them further still. 0-1



https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/premier-league-18-19-fulham-vs-burnley-lineups-preview-and-prediction/

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Fly the Flag

The Club is pleased to introduce a number of large flags to the Hammersmith End, helping fans continue to create a sea of black and white at Craven Cottage this season!

The sight of similar flags at our Play-Off Semi-Final and in the Fulham end at Wembley Stadium in May will live long in the memory, and following feedback and consultation with supporters ahead of the 18/19 campaign, we hope the continued use of them at the Cottage will help add to the fantastic matchday atmosphere, as well as produce a magnificent black and white aesthetic.
Set to be a regular fixture at all home league matches this season, to begin, flags will be placed evenly across the Hammy End ahead of kick-off. Fans sat in this area of the ground are encouraged to fly their flag and show their support for the Whites!

All flags will be re-used at future matches and as such they are available to borrow with one small request; please return your flag at the end of the game.

Supporters will be able to drop off their flags to Club staff situated by a number of honesty bins provided behind the Hammersmith End and subsequent exits.

We thank supporters for their fantastic and continued support – Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/25/fly-the-flag

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U18 Report: Fulham 2-2 Saints

Southampton Under-18s picked up their first point of the new season in an eventful 2-2 draw at Fulham.

Paul Hardyman's side suffered a nightmare start in west London, falling behind to Terry Ablade's early opener, but struck back through Christian Norton.

Ablade fired Fulham back in front before the interval, but the hosts were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Connor McAvoy kicked out at Will Ferry.

But Ferry had the last laugh, converting a simple equaliser after more great work from Kayne Ramsay, who was instrumental in both goals.

The young Saints found themselves trailing inside three minutes, as Sylvester Jasper slipped the ball in behind the defence for Ablade, who kept his cool to round Jack Bycroft and fire into the roof of the net.

The hosts had their tails up. Harvey Elliott went down in the box claiming a penalty, before Bycroft dived at the feet of Ablade to prevent the striker doubling his tally.

But Saints gradually played their way into the contest, and Norton duly equalised after 19 minutes.

The goal owed much to the build-up play from Ramsay, who picked up possession inside his own half and embarked on a tremendous solo run that carried him all the way into the Fulham penalty area.

When his fierce shot was parried into the air by goalkeeper George Wickens, Norton stayed composed as he watched the ball drop and dispatched a crisp volley beyond the covering defender on the line.

Norton was chasing a second when Ferry reached the byeline and picked him out, but the striker's shot was blocked by the legs of Wickens.

But there was no stopping Ablade. Receiving the ball from Elliott 12 yards out, he took a touch and found the net with a precise finish inside the far post on his left foot.

Bycroft was forced into a fine save early in the second period to keep Saints in contention, repelling a heavily deflected shot from Sylvester Jasper, before the game took a sudden turn when McAvoy was dismissed just shy of the hour for kicking out at Ferry.

Saints soon began to boss possession, but Bycroft was the busier keeper, making further saves from Fabio Carvalho and Elliott, who was left in disbelief when his curling effort was tipped aside.

But ten-man Fulham were opened up by the unstoppable Ramsay 20 minutes from time, as he powered his way down the right flank and picked out Ferry for a simple tap-in.

The goalscorer felt he should have had a penalty as the clock ticked down, bravely getting his head to the ball and taking a high foot in the face for his troubles, but the infringement was deemed to take place outside the area.

There were half-chances at either end as both sides chased a winner, but the spoils were shared at the end of an engaging contest.



https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-08-25/report-fulham-vs-saints-under-18-premier-league-1819

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Ryan Sessegnon being considered for England call-up

Fulham haven't really settled down so far this season as they're still yet to find their feet in the Premier League.

The Cottagers enjoyed a lot of success last season and prepared for the current campaign by splashing the cash over the course of the summer transfer window. But, it looks as if one of the club's youngsters is receiving international recognition, as according to the Telegraph, Gareth Southgate will consider Ryan Sessegnon call-up.

England manager Gareth Southgate is considering calling up Ryan Sessegnon to the England squad.

Southgate will name his squad next Thursday for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Spain and the friendly against Switzerland.

The Fulham youngster will be called for England sooner or later and was under discussion for the World Cup squad before it was deemed the 18-year-old had played a lot of first-team football at Craven Cottage last season.

THE VERDICT:
The Cottagers will be delighted that one of their star players is finally receiving international recognition after an impressive campaign last time out, and a good start to life in the Premier League.

Indeed, the young Englishman was sensational during Fulham's push for promotion last season and will no doubt play a huge part in keeping them up in the current campaign.

Therefore, the left-back definitely deserves a call-up to the England squad and will play a part in all of the major competitions that are to come.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/ryan-sessegnon-being-considered-for-england-call-up/

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PREVIEW: Fulham v Burnley

The Clarets head to Craven Cottage seeking first Premier League win

The Clarets hit the road again on Sunday when they head to the capital to meet Fulham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 4pm).

Burnley's third Premier League game of the season continues a hectic schedule which will see Sean Dyche's side play an eighth game since starting their competitive campaign exactly a month ago at Aberdeen.

Since then, the Clarets have come through two tricky rounds of the Europa League and trail 3-1 in their play-off tie against Olympiakos following the away leg in Greece on Thursday night.

The return comes next Thursday night, with the Clarets believing they can still turn the tie around at Turf Moor following a major test of character in the Greek capital.

But first, the attention is on trying to secure a first Premier League win of the campaign against the newly-promoted Cottagers.

Fulham have spent around £100m on new faces since coming up through the play-offs, with former Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri becoming their £25m record buy and former Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic making his loan move permanent for around £18m.

But the Londoners are yet to pick up a point and head coach Slaviša Jokanović knows the Clarets won't make it easy, despite their heavy workload and a long trip back from Athens overnight on Thursday.

Jokanović (above) said: "We are going to try to find some kind of benefit from the game they played on Thursday night, but in the end we know what Burnley are about.

"They are never tired, they are running and fighting like a really crazy gang.

"I have respect for them, respect for how they play football, and respect for all the successful steps they have made these few seasons."

Team news

The Clarets are likely to make a number of changes following Thursday night's Europa League tie at Olympiakos, although Robbie Brady and Steven Defour are not yet ready to return.

August signing Matej Vydra is edging nearer a first taste of action after being named among the substitutes in Greece on Thursday night.

Summer signing Alfie Mawson is not yet fit for a Fulham debut following a knee operation in May.

Defender Tim Ream and midfielder Floyd Ayite are also out through injury, but Belgium defender Denis Odoi returns following a ban.

Former Burnley midfielder Kevin McDonald was an unused substitute for the Cottagers in their defeat at Tottenham last weekend.

Form guide

The Clarets are looking for their first Premier League win of the season but picked up a point from their opening away game at Southampton.

Fulham have lost both their first two games, both London derbies, following promotion from the Championship – a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace and a 3-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

What they're saying

Burnley boss Sean Dyche: "The players won't need picking up," said the gaffer. "We made a lot of changes the other night and the one good side about this, going into the season, is that we have a lot of competitively fit players now."

Fulham record buy Jean Michael Seri (above): "It's time for us now to start to win games. After the first two games we took some positive lessons. We'll work on the aspects that we needed to improve on from these last two matches.

"In particular, I think the second game against Tottenham we were aware that there is a lot of quality in our squad and we are going to lean on these positive aspects and try to get something from the game against Burnley."

Match stats

This will be the first meeting between the clubs since the Clarets completed a Championship double on the way to promotion in 2015-16.

Fulham have won just two of their last 10 games against the Clarets, losing six and drawing two.

Jack Cork is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance, having made his Premier League debut in Burnley's 3-0 loss at Fulham in 2010.

Referee

David Coote



https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2018/august/preview-fulham-v-burnley/

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Seri: We are getting better with each match

Fulham midfielder confident as promoted team seek first points at home to Burnley

Jean Michael Seri believes that Fulham are improving the more they play together as the London team seek their first Premier League points of the season at home to Burnley.

The midfielder was one of a number of signings made by Slavisa Jokanovic in the summer. Seri says the players are good enough to gel and deliver at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

"We were disappointed that we didn't pick up any points from the opening two games, but we are seeing that the team is starting to familiarise themselves with each other," Seri told Fulham's official website.

"We are going to get better, we are going to get stronger, because it's clear to see the quality in this group of players."



https://www.premierleague.com/news/833493

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Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho wants to make point with January deal for Ryan Sessegnon
MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a January move for Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon to prove that they can still be a force in the transfer market.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was criticised when he failed to land a central defender in the summer transfer window.

It has led to suggestions of a fractured relationship with manager Jose Mourinho, who wanted either Harry Maguire or Toby Alderweireld.

The United boss tried those rumours during his pre-match press conference, which he turned up to 30 minutes early and answered questions for four minutes and 19 seconds.

"I don't know 10 per cent of what is written," said Mourinho, before assuring there is "no problem" between himself and Woodward.

That's despite Mourinho saying back in July that he expected two more players to sign, with none eventually arriving.

"I would like to have two more players," the Manchester United manager said.

"I think I am not going to get two. I think that it's possible I will have one.

"I gave a list to my club of five names a few months ago and I wait to see if it's possible to have one of these players."


Man Utd transfer news: Ryan Sessegnon (right) is one of Fulham's top stars (Image: GETTY)


Man Utd transfer news: Ryan Sessegnon notched 15 Championship goals last season (Image: Getty)

The Portuguese has been keeping tabs on Sessegnon, who is rated as one of the hottest properties in English football and plays at left-back or left-wing.

The 18-year-old has been scouted by Tottenham and Liverpool.

But United are set to snatch him from under their noses to make a point.

In the Championship last season, Sessegnon scored 15 goals and is in contention for Gareth Southgate's next England squad.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1008513/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Jose-Mourinho-Ryan-Sessegnon

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic praises the job Sean Dyche has done at Burnley

Jokanovic's side host the Clarets on Sunday.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes Burnley counterpart Sean Dyche has shown he is among the finest managers in the Premier League.

Jokanovic's side host the Clarets on Sunday, when they hope to secure their first points following a difficult start to the season.

Successive defeats by Crystal Palace and Tottenham, despite significant optimism surrounding their chances and investment in their squad in excess of £100million, have again demonstrated how difficult a division the Premier League is to succeed in, and also reiterated what a superb job Dyche has done.

Despite having one of the smallest budgets in the top flight and the sales of the influential Michael Keane and Andre Gray in recent times, Dyche has established Burnley in the Premier League and taken them to the Europa League qualifiers.

If Fulham can achieve something similar, Jokanovic will surely also be widely admired, and he said of Dyche: "We are talking about one of the more important coaches in the Premier League.

"The target for all coaches is to be successful and in the end after a long time he has done a great job with this team.

"To have a successful season like they had last season is not easy with a low budget and not to spend so much money is credit to him.

"In general different ways exist to play football but the target for all coaches is the same – to win the game. He found a way that is successful, he took a decision to follow this way and that's it.

"I don't want to compare (Manchester City's free-spending Pep) Guardiola with Sean Dyche.  Both coaches are successful coaches in different situations.

"If you want, without making any comparisons, I've been successful too in my situation. We all try to be successful in this business. It depends on many things."

Fulham on Sunday will have Denis Odoi available for the first time this season following his return from suspension. Fellow defender Alfie Mawson is also nearing fitness but is not scheduled to return before they host Exeter in the Carabao Cup next week.



http://sport.bt.com/football/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-praises-the-job-sean-dyche-has-done-at-burnley-S11364291418467

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'She'll say I can do better!' Maxime Le Marchand believes his wife holds the key to kickstarting Fulham's season

    Maxime Le Marchand knows Fulham need to claim their first points of the season
    He revealed his wife is his biggest critic and helps him improve his game
    The Craven Cottage club host Burnley on Sunday after losing first two matches

Fulham's new signing Maxime Le Marchand, who arrived at Craven Cottage in a £25m deal alongside midfielder Jean Michael Seri from Nice, will turn to his biggest critic to end his team's slow start to the season: his wife Marine.

Defender Le Marchand has settled in quickly in west London but the newly-promoted side face Burnley today still searching for their first points in the Premier League after consecutive defeats by Crystal Palace and Tottenham.


Maxime Le Marchand believes his new club can turn around their poor start to the season

The 28-year-old is confident that Fulham will come good but has an extra ally back at home to help analyse his performance if he really needs it.

'My wife Marine loves football,' he said. 'She knows me very well and will be able to feed back on my performances, both positively but also in areas I can improve. She won't tell me off but she'll say I can do better!

'She didn't watch the first game but the game against Tottenham she was fairly positive about my performance.

'She was disappointed with the result and that the team didn't win but had the sense that I could perform well in the Premier League.

'It's good, I encourage her to talk to me about football. We sit down after games and have a chat.'

Having brought in 12 players in pre-season and spending almost £100m, it was always going to be a big ask for Fulham to start the campaign cohesively with so many new faces to integrate, and that's something which Le Marchand appreciates.

'There's an element of truth in this as there are so many new signings,' he admitted. 'Of course it does take time for players to adapt.

'But in France there's a saying 'La mayonaisse prend', which roughly translates to 'Making good mayonnaise takes time'. So we have to be patient.'

Fulham's 'dip in form' while the mayonaisse is prepared is to be expected. But with no points on the board today's match against Burnley at the Cottage is an important one for a team which won promotion by winning a play-off final against Aston Villa at Wembley.

For Le Marchand, its' a challenge he is ready for. He has already found a house for his family in Esher in Surrey - and Marine and daughter Rozenn arrive permanently in two weeks' time to begin what he hopes will be a long stay in London.

In fact it was former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, now coach at Nice, who encouraged him to take the plunge and choose Fulham as a destination.


Nice boss Patrick Vieira played a key role in helping the defender to move to Craven Cottage

The defender said: 'He knew my situation when he arrived and that there was a good chance I could leave. He was told by the directors at Nice about it.

'He encouraged me. When he knew the interest was from Fulham, he said 'It's a very good club with a good philosophy of playing and play the game very well'.

'He said he enjoyed his time in London and England and he spoke highly of his experiences. He gave me guidance on the move.

'But for me, it's a question of football above everything else. I've always dreamt of playing in England. It's something that's always attracted me and that's the reason I'm here.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6098533/Maxime-Le-Marchand-believes-wife-holds-key-kickstarting-Fulhams-season.html

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'He has done a great job with this team': Slavisa Jokanovic believes Sean Dyche's Burnley offer template for promoted clubs in the Premier League

    Slavisa Jokanovic hopes his newly-promoted Fulham can emulate Burnley
    Fulham spent more than £100million in the summer but have not won yet
    The Craven Cottage club take on Burnley on Sunday hoping for first points

Asked if he sees any similarities between his club and today's opponents, Burnley, Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic understandably struggles.

A London club that has spent more than £100 million this summer adding to a squad that won promotion with a sophisticated passing game has little in common with the low-budget outfit from a small Lancashire town that defied the odds to finish seventh last season.

But get him on the subject of Burnley manager Sean Dyche and his enthusiasm is obvious.


Slavisa Jokanovic had praise for his opposite number Sean Dyche ahead of Sunday's clash

'The target for all coaches is to be successful and he has done a great job with this team,' Jokanovic said.

'And now we are talking about one of the more important coaches in the Premier League. To have a successful season like they had last season without spending so much money is credit to him.'

The Serb's appreciation of Dyche, you sense, is despite rather than because of Burnley's more direct style, which will provide a fascinating clash at Craven Cottage today. 'In general different ways exist to play football but the target for all coaches is the same - to win the game,' Jokanovic says.

'He found a way that is successful, he took a decision to follow this way and that's it. We don't need to, and I don't want to, compare Guardiola with Sean Dyche. Both coaches are successful coaches in different situations.

'If you want, without making any comparisons, I've been successful too in my situation. We are professionals and we are realistic and we all try to be successful in this business.'

Like many, he is surprised that Dyche has not been offered any of the so-called 'bigger' jobs. 'I understand he's happy and satisfied at Burnley and I can't go into how some clubs choose the right person,' Jokanovic said.

'But what I can say is that this guy knows what he is doing and has had success with a low budget.'

His aim today, though, is to put a temporary dent in the Dyche and Burnley success story.

'Last year was fantastic for Burnley, and I'm sure they won't relax. But we are going to try to do them some kind of damage. The challenge never stops for us, for them too, and for any club in the world.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6098705/Slavisa-Jokanovic-believes-Burnley-offer-template-promoted-clubs-Premier-League.html

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Riley Warland eyes English Premier League entry with Fulham

He was on the verge of becoming the youngest A-League debutant at Perth Glory last season, but now he is plotting to crack the English Premier League.

Talented teenager Riley Warland last week made his debut for Fulham's Under 18s after his switch to the promoted club was ratified.

Warland, who turned 16 in July, signed a three-year-deal and aims to impress senior manager Slavisa Jokanovic, following in the footsteps of former Socceroo Mark Schwarzer and fellow WA players Ryan Williams and Adam Taggart who both joined Fulham as youngsters.

A Fulham spokesperson confirmed Warland will continue playing with the Under 18s – he played 90 minutes on debut in a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa – and Under 23s (reserves) as part of his development.

The Quinns FC and ECU Joondalup junior was younger than the A-League's youngest debutant (Adelaide's Teeboy Kamara — 15 years, 212 days), in his first appearances on the Glory bench last season but in the end was an unused substitute three times.

Warland, a defender and defensive midfielder, said his Glory debut was almost instant.

"It was my first game (on the bench), about two minutes in a full back went up for a header (and got hurt). I got told to warm up. I was like, 'what'? But he was all right," Warland said.

"My dad used to take me to Glory games and it was only a few years ago I remember watching saying that's going to be me one day. I had mates my age coming to games seeing me on the bench, which was pretty unreal.

"I started playing when I was about five or six with Quinns Football Club for a bit of fun.

"I was there for about six years, then at ECU for two years before I joined Perth Glory's Under 14s and then the Under 18s.

"It's a bit harder challenge training. Then I trained with the NPL first team, which was a massive jump in a short space of time.

"Then I got asked to train with the A-League squad and I've been proving myself ever since. I was training regularly with the senior team and playing with the youth team."

Warland, whose UK passport enabled him to make the move, impressed during trials with Liverpool and Middlesbrough last season, but felt a move was premature.

He completed Year 9 at Woodvale Secondary College before starting SIDE (School of Isolated and Distance Education) online this year which enabled him to train with Glory's first team.

"It went really well (last year's trial), I just couldn't see myself living over there just yet. It was a great experience but I thought I'll stay home for a bit longer,'' he said.



https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-glory/riley-warland-eyes-english-premier-league-entry-with-fulham-ng-b88940483z

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How Loyal Should Fulham be towards Marcus Bettinelli?
What can all the previous promoted clubs can tell what Fulham should do in goal?


Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

The last couple of days were quite a fascinating day for Fulham Football Club. First, goalkeeper coach Jose Sambada Carreira resigned to be closer to his family. Next, Marcus Bettinelli posted a photo of himself on instagram which usually indicates that he is starting for the upcoming fixture. Maybe these two stories are not intertwined, but when you add that fact that Sambada was Fabri's goalkeeper coach back when the two were at Deportivo La Coruna and that another Spanish goalkeeper in Sergio Rico was brought into the club on loan, it's hard to avoid connecting the dots.

And while Fabri isn't having one of the worst showings in Premier League history, he also hasn't convinced Fulham supporters enough that he is the number one goalkeeper in the long haul. Which brings us back to Bettinelli. After two straight succesful seasons of guiding the club towards consecutive pushes towards the Championship playoffs, with the latter leading to Fulham's promotion to the top flight, many thought he deserved his shot playing. However, not all goalkeepers get the luxury to start in the Premier League after guiding clubs towards promotion.

Since the Premier League became a 20-club division after the 1995/96 season, there have been 69 clubs that have promoted during that span. Of those 69 clubs, 38 of them went on to give their number one goalkeeper a chance to keep his place while competing in the Premier League the following season. However, only 18 of those 38 went on to help his club towards safety the following season.

To go along with that, only Tom Heaton and Neil Etheridge have been the only goalkeepers since 2015/16 that have regularly started for the same club during its promotion campaign and in its first season in the Premier League. What makes this fact even more unique is that only two clubs over the past three Premier League seasons went from being promoted to being dropped automatically, and those were Middlesbrough and Hull City back in 2016/17.

These are unique times in English football. The amount of talent from promoted clubs that turn successful on the first try seem to have increased gradually over the years. Some of that has to do with the increase in television revenue that allows clubs to spend more on their first team. Some of that has to do with the potential increase in talent in the Championship as a result of an increase in foreign ownership with bigger paychecks. According to transfermarket, England's second tier is now considered the sixth most expensive league in the world: ahead of the likes of Portugal's Liga NOS and Russia's Premier League. Either way, promoted clubs are now much more able to afford to spend money on an upgrade between the sticks to make sure they can stay in the Premier League for the long haul.

As for the idea that Marcus Bettinelli is this young goalkeeping star, some of that might be true based off of the data he produced last season. However, Bettinelli isn't some wonderkid just coming off of being the number one in a European or World Youth tournament representing England like Jordan Pickford or Jack Butland did. Sure, Bettinelli was a part of England's Under-21 European Championship campaign in 2015, but don't forget that his fellow backup goalkeeper in that squad, Jonathan Bond, has struggled mightily for game time since that tournament. Now at 26, Bettinelli has had to fight his way once again to retain his place as Fulham's number one.

You have to go back to John Ruddy as the last goalkeeper as young or younger than Bettinelli to guide his club towards promotion and then safety while at Norwich City. The remaining four goalkeepers as young or younger than Bettinelli to pull the same feat since 1995/96 are the following: Russell Hoult, Richard Wright, Boaz Myhill and Scott Carson. On the whole, that is quite a mixed bag of future talent guaranteed for long-term Premier League success.

Plenty of this information is a tad too anecdotal despite a big sample size, but if for anything else, this exercise shows how little evidence there is to show that it is a good idea to have someone like a Marcus Bettinelli to keep his job for a club like the 2018/19 iteration Fulham Football Club.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/26/17782248/how-loyal-should-fulham-be-towards-marcus-bettinelli

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Wood: Clarets aren't feeling down ahead of Cottagers test

Chris Wood clarified that the Clarets won't be travelling to Craven Cottage in a disappointed mood after the way things panned out in Athens.

Despite the 3-1 defeat to Olympiakos at the Karaiskakis Stadium, with various contentious decisions clouding the occasion, the striker was happy with the level of performance.

The 26-year-old, who netted Burnley's away goal from the spot, said: "We're not too disappointed because I thought we played well and the away goal is a big positive. We've just got to build on that.

"It's always nice to score but it would have been better if the result had been closer or if we'd have drawn. It was a bit of a weird one.

"I don't think it was handball (for their third goal) because Ben's arms were down by his side but it is what it is, he gave it and now we need to move on and we'll go again."

The New Zealand international believes the competitiveness of the Premier League grows year on year and he's certain that this season will be no different.

Newly promoted Fulham have splashed close to £100m in the summer window, Wolves have spent around £75m while the likes of Huddersfield Town, Brighton, Southampton and West Ham, who finished in the bottom half of the table last term, have also spent big.

"We take each game as it comes and now the focus switches to Fulham," said Wood. "The Premier League is always tight, it went down to the wire last season, and it'll keep going. It's going to be an interesting one."



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/clarets/wood-clarets-aren-t-feeling-down-ahead-of-cottagers-test-1-9320227

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Three Players to Watch: Matchday 3 vs. Burnley
Can Fulham gain there first three points against Burnley

It's been a bit of a strange week for Fulham. Sure, this team is coming off the back of an admirable defeat to Tottenham, but they have seen a few coaches leave the club since. First, Peter Grant has left as senior professional development and PL2 coach. Next, it was Jose Sambade Carreira who resigned as senior goalkeeping coach that may or may not have anything to do with the already controversial scenario of having too many starting goalkeepers battling for the number one position. And this comes off the back of having an up and coming, yet inexperienced Scott Parker replace Stuart Gray as first team coach just before this campaign began. Plenty of this may be much ado about nothing, but this is quite a lot of turnover within a coaching staff that was beginning to build some continuity and is not expecting to see manager Slavisa Jokanovic lose his job anytime soon.

If anything, it has the potential to be a distraction towards today's fixture that is already being seen as a "six pointer". If Fulham don't win at Craven Cottage, this will be seen as the beginning of quite a rough patch and many will wonder how they will be able to get themselves out of it. Burnley may not possess the attacking talent nor is their depth as strong as others to withstand both a Premier League and Europa League season, but this is still an outfit that is in its third consecutive campaign in the top flight. They know who they are as a football club and have maintained the exact same style of play ever since Sean Dyche has managed them.

They are a team that couldn't care less if they can't be entertaining. They are here to come into other clubs' buildings, play that old fashioned 4-4-1-1, and snatch points away from you with frustrating defense and a strong enough counter-attack. That doesn't mean Fulham aren't capable of breaking them down. The players will definitely have plenty of possession of the ball. However, the pressure will be on them if they are not clinical in taking their chances. I seriously would like to see Fulham's wide players constantly attack Burnley's back line and spell relief for Aleksander Mitrovic, who will be guaranteed to have his hands full all afternoon. If they can do that and if we can see Jean-Michael Seri and Tom Cairney strike a balance in midfield we haven't completely seen these past two games, Fulham definitely have a strong chance.

However, they will have to get past three of these players in order to collect all three points today.

Chris Wood

Last season, Burnley were in need of depth up front to spell relief of Sam Vokes. Instead of finding a more cultured player elsewhere in Europe, the club chose Chris Wood from Championship side Leeds United. It's not like Wood didn't deserve a chance in the Premier League. After all, he was coming off the back of a 30-goal season in 2016/17 off of just 2.63 shots per 90 minutes while still being 25 years-old. And while his 11 goals combined for Leeds and Burnley seemed like a massive dropoff, consider that Wood was doing this while only shooting 2.17 shots per 90 minutes but with an astronomically high 23.9% goal conversion rate as a result. Even if that latter statistic looks unsustainable, Wood's shots-on-target accuracy has dramatically increased over the past three seasons as it ended up climbing to 58.7% in 2017/18.

This campaign, he's already put two of his first three shots on target. While he hasn't come close to opening his scoring account just yet, all it takes is one moment of magic for the New Zealand vice-captain to put the ball in the back of the net.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson

If you are ever looking for any form of creativity in this Burnley side, look no further than the Icelandic International. This past season, Gudmundsson led all Burnley players with eight assists and was easily the club leader in key passes with 67. In fact, the closest to Gudmundsson in this category is a tie between Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady with 26. Add in the fact that Gudmundsson also led the club in successful dribbles with 36 and you can see how much he is counted upon to create attacking options for his teammates. Oh, and it makes perfect sense that he's among their first choice players to take corners. It's these numbers alone that prove how valuable he is to Burnley. Thus, it is more than critical that Joe Bryan and Ryan Sessegnon is able to prevent Gudmundsson from creating good chances when he is in possession of the ball.

James Tarkowski

All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, we couldn't ever leave a Burnley preview post without profiling a center back, can't we? Jack Cork also provides solid defensive cover as well as strong box-to-box play and Ben Mee is no slouch either. But at the end of the day, we had to finish this preview by taking a look at someone who received an England cap not too long ago. Along with that, Fulham are definitely not unfamiliar with what Tarkowski brings to the table as there were rumors of the club signing him from rivals Brentford in the summer of 2015. Instead, the now 25 year-old moved to Burnley in the January transfer window in 2016 for £3.6 million. More than two years have passed and that still looks Burnley robbed Brentford's bank as Transfermarket lists him as a £13.5 million player.

However, Tarkowski needed Michael Keane to leave for Everton before having his chance to show what he can do in the Premier League. But once he got his starting place alongside Mee, Tarkowski has more than proven to be one of the best defensive center backs in England. After scoring his first goal for Burnley the previous weekend, he has already gotten off to a great start to his 2018/19 season. And with Gary Cahill possibly retiring from International duty, there still could be plenty of chances for Tarkowski to add to his lone England cap he received back in March.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/26/17782216/three-players-to-watch-matchday-3-vs-burnley

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Slavisa Jokanovic set to axe goalkeeper Fabri for Burnley clash with Marcus Bettinelli in line to start

    Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is set to axe shot-stopper Fabri on Sunday
    Marcus Bettinelli is in line to replace Spaniard in goal for clash against Burnley
    It comes after Spanish goalkeeper coach Jose Sambade Carreira's abrupt exit

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is set to axe goalkeeper Fabri on Sunday - just three days after coach Jose Sambade Carreira's abrupt exit.

Marcus Bettinelli is in line to replace the Spaniard in goal for the clash against Burnley on Sunday afternoon even though Sergio Rico - who arrived from Sevilla in the summer with a big reputation - is available.

Former England Under 21 international Bettinelli played a starring role for Fulham last season as they gained promotion into the Premier League.


Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is set to axe goalkeeper Fabri against Burnley on Sunday

Sportsmail revealed on Friday how Spanish goalkeeper coach Carreira - who arrived at the club last season - left just two games into the new season.

Carreira had a close relationship with Fabri; the pair worked together at Besiktas - though club sources are adamant the departed coach had no say in the keeper's arrival from Turkey during the close season.

But Jokanovic's decision to drop Fabri for the clash against Burnley - just a few days after Carreira's shock exit - may suggest the two developments are connected.


Marcus Bettinelli is in line to replace the Spaniard in goal for the clash at Craven Cottage

On Friday, Sportsmail highlighted concerns from members of Fulham's senior backroom over Fabri's ability to become the club's full-time No 1.

Given his pedigree, it appeared Rico would take Fabri's place in goal, but the 24-year-old - who was on Chelsea's radar this summer - will have to wait for his chance.

Instead, Jokanovic is minded to call on Bettinelli for the home game against Burnley. Rico - and Fabri's - lack of English have provided major hurdles for the two Spanish keepers - particularly in communicating with team-mates - as they try to adjust to the Premier League.

Sources claim Rico, in particular, has found difficulty with the language since arriving. And with Jokanovic set to name an English speaking defence on Sunday - Bettinelli is set to get the nod.


It comes just three days after Spanish goalkeeper coach Jose Sambade Carreira's abrupt exit



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6099311/Slavisa-Jokanovic-set-axe-goalkeeper-Fabri-Burnley-clash.html

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Fulham team news: Jokanovic states if Mawson will play vs Burnley, duo unavailable

Fulham are looking for their points of the new Premier League campaign and will hope to get them in Sunday's clash against Burnley.

The Cottagers are back in the top flight after winning the Championship play-offs last season but have found the going tough so far this term.

Fulham have been beaten by both Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur in their opening games, but the Crave Cottage outfit have looked promising for periods in both games.

With Burnley having travelled to Greece for a Europa League clash against Olympiakos in midweek, the hosts will hope to be fresher on Sunday.

Fulham will be able to call upon Denis Odoi, who is available after serving a two-match suspension for his red card in the Championship play-off final.

However, Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed that Tim Ream, Floyd Ayite and Alfie Mawson are all out of the game against Burnley.

"We improved a little bit, but still Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream are out of the squad," the Fulham manager told the club's official website.

"The rest of the team is available for the game.

"Alfie Mawson started working with us after a long period without being active on the field," he explained. "Now he's been with us for the last two training sessions. He is going to need time to build his fitness.

"We have some kind of a plan for next week to try and give him some minutes in the Carabao Cup. We still didn't decide if we are going to try 45 or 60 minutes.

"We are going to observe the situation, but definitely we believe he can start competing with us."

Much of Fulham's starting XI in the first two games has been new players, who will need to find their feet quickly if the club are to get off the mark and start making an impact in the Premier League.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-team-news-jokanovic-states-if-mawson-will-play-vs-burnley-duo-unavailable/

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Fulham v Burnley
SUN 26 Aug 2018  Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is yet to sign a contract extension with Fulham

TEAM NEWS

Summer signing Alfie Mawson remains unavailable for Fulham as he continues to improve his fitness following knee surgery in May.

Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream are also out but Denis Odoi returns after a ban.

Burnley are expected to make several changes to the side which lost in the Europa League in Greece on Thursday.

Aaron Lennon, Ashley Westwood, Matt Lowton, James Tarkowski and Joe Hart could all return after being rested for that match.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@johnrodercomm: This is a match of vital importance to both teams as they look for their first league win of the new season. It's two defeats out of two for Fulham's expensively-assembled squad, while this Sunday is Burnley's eighth competitive fixture.

The debate over whether competing in the Europa League is good or bad for Burnley has continued, but surely there's no point whatsoever in striving for seventh place last season only to throw away the chance of a place in the group stage.

If Burnley need inspiration for Thursday's second leg, just ask any Fulham fan how much they treasure memories of reaching the Europa League final in 2010.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic on negotiations to extend his contract: "This job is in the hands of my agent and the club. I am really not talking all the days with the club about money or this kind of situation.

"I am focused only about the Premier League and I am fully motivated to do everything to be successful with my team and club."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham are an open, engaging team but, having scored just once in their opening two games, I am not sure they have that cutting edge up front.

Prediction: 1-1



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45237327