Friday Fulham Stuff (31/03/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Sessegnon out, Schurrle to start – Predicted 4-3-3 Fulham line-up to face Brighton

Predicted Fulham line-up to face Brighton in the Premier League

Fulham opened their account in the Premier League on Sunday by beating Burnley 4-2 at the Craven Cottage. Manager Slavisa Jokanovic seems to have found his best XI after struggling to be clinical in the opening two fixtures.

They face a Brighton side full of confidence after beating Manchester United and running Liverpool very close at Anfield. The Cottagers would know that they must be at their best in order to continue this winning run at the stroke of international break.

Team News

Alfie Mawson is back from injury and played some part in Fulham's 2-0 win in the midweek. He might not be risked for the weekend's game but it is a massive boost for the team that they have got options in central defence. Apart from that, Tom Cairney and Tim Ream will be out for this game, both of who are expected to back in training at the end of this week.

Probable Fulham XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Manager – Slavisa Jokanovic
Marcus Bettinelli (GK)

Started the previous league game ahead of Fabri and did well. He should keep his place for this weekend.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (RB)

The Manchester United loanee has been impressive for Fulham so far. He just needs to be more impactful on the attacking side of his game.
Denis Odoi (CB)

Returned to the starting line-up and showed why Fulham were missing him. He is certain to become more commanding with more game time.
Maxime Le Marchand (CB)

Maxime Le Marchand has been superb so far but he has had a few shaky moments too. Expect him to erase those errors.
Joe Bryan (LB)

Started every Premier League game and was given a game off during the midweek. Should be back for this game.
Kevin McDonald (CDM)

McDonald may keep his place ahead of Anguissa for this game, as Jokanovic still figures out who is better in the No.6 role.
Jean Michael Seri (RCM)

The diminutive midfielder has been influential in what Fulham have done on the pitch. He will be a key figure for them in the coming games.
Stefan Johansen (LCM)

Johansen started on Tuesday night and may get another go with Cairney out injured.
Luciano Vietto (LW)

Was given a debut on Sunday and responded with an assist and a live-wire performance. He has taken over Aboubakar Kamara's spot, at least for this game.
Alexander Mitrovic (ST)

Scored a brace in the previous game and showed why he is still a very useful part of the Fulham team.
Andre Schurrle (RW)

The German netted his first goal for the club on Sunday and looked very sharp. Expect him to start ahead of the young Ryan Sessegnon.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/08/30/sessegnon-out-schurrle-to-start-predicted-4-3-3-fulham-line-up-to-face-brighton/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham paid over the odds for Mitrovic, but Danny Murphy can't wait to see what he is capable of

The former Fulham skipper is looking forward to seeing what Mitrovic can do in the Premier League to keep his side up

Danny Murphy reckons Fulham paid over the odds for Aleksandar Mitrovic - but the former skipper is looking forward to seeing what he's capable of in the Premier League.

The former Newcastle United man joined on loan halfway through last season and netted 12 goals to help fire the club to the Premier League, before making his move permanent in a deal worth more than £20million over the summer.

Since then, he's scored a further three goals for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, bagging their first goal of the season against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley before netting a brace in the first win of the season, beating Burnley 4-2.

His goals were vital in getting the club to where they are today, while he fits into the style of play Jokanovic has Fulham playing effortlessly and is so important to his head coach for both his attacking and defensive contributions.

Murphy, however, believes Fulham paid over the odds because the jury is still out on Mitrovic at this level, but is hoping he can continue scoring the goals that keep the side in the top flight this season.

Speaking to Bwin, Murphy said: "Fulham will be looking to Mitrovic's goals to keep them up in the Premier League.

"I think the club has paid over the odds for him because the jury is out at this level, but he deserved the opportunity to come back to the club and prove if he can do it in the Premier League after scoring the goals to get them promoted last season.

"Mitrovic has a manager who clearly believes in him and the club will play to his strengths.

"He plays with a steely determination and he has a fire in his belly so I'm looking forward to finding out what he's capable of this season. Hopefully he can score the goals to keep them up and he's had a lively start."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-paid-over-odds-mitrovic-15089231

[WhiteJC]

 
Tom Cairney injury could sideline Fulham captain for a month


Down | The Fulham skipper was forced off in the weekend victory over Burnley ( Getty Images/Marc Atkins )

Fulham captain Tom Cairney is facing a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The midfielder could be out until October with the problem he suffered in last Sunday's 4-2 win over Burnley.

Slavisa Jokanovic had hoped Cairney would be fit to face Brighton on Saturday but the 27-year-old has had to pull out of the Scotland squad for games against Belgium and Albania next month.

Cairney will miss the trip to Brighton and the setback is a blow for Fulham.

Fulham defender Alfie Mawson, meanwhile, has said Gareth Southgate told him to leave relegated Swansea if he wanted to get back into the England squad.

Mawson received his first England call-up from Southgate in March, though Fulham's £20million summer signing is yet to make an international appearance.

Mawson, fit again after knee surgery at the end of last seaosn, said: "The last time I spoke to [Southgate] I was at Swansea. He said, 'Realistically if you want to get back into [the squad] obviously the Premier League is a must'.

"I have had a taste for it and I would like to get the full thing. First and foremost I want to get into the Fulham side and I am sure if I do well and I play well then Gareth will make a decision.

"I am not going to get picked for England if I am not even in the starting XI for the Premier League side. That is the most important thing and whatever I can do on top of that, then fantastic. My main aim is to get into the side and cement my position."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tom-cairney-injury-could-sideline-fulham-captain-for-a-month-a3923401.html

[WhiteJC]

 
PREVIEW: ALBION V FULHAM

Albion welcome Fulham to the Amex Stadium this weekend.

Brighton & Hove Albion play their final Premier League match before the international break, as they welcome Fulham to the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kick-off 3pm.

The Seagulls have an identical record to the Cottagers after three matches, as both clubs sit on three points with a -2 goal difference, following one victory and two defeats.

During Chris Hughton's reign as manager, Albion have beaten the London club on four consecutive occasions, with the most recent victory coming at Craven Cottage in 2017.

Slavisa Jokanovic's team were beaten in their opening two matches of the season, before sealing their first points of the season against Burnley last weekend.

Albion came close to taking a share of the spoils from their visit to Anfield, but Mohamed Salah's goal sealed the points despite an encouraging display from the Seagulls.

TEAM NEWS:

Hughton confirmed that Florin Andone and Jose Izquierdo remain sidelined for Fulham's visit, with the pair likely to be available after the international break.

Bruno has trained throughout the week and the Albion boss will make a late decision on the Spaniard's involvement, while Lewis Dunk could train Friday and hasn't been fully ruled out.

After missing the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Exeter City, Fulham are hopeful that captain Tom Cairney will be fit for this weekend's game at the Amex, after recovering from a minor ankle injury.

Summer signing Alfie Mawson made his first appearance against Exeter, and the defender could come into Jokanovic's plans for their journey south. Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream remain sidelined for the Cottagers.

FORM:

The Seagulls almost backed up their impressive 3-2 victory over Manchester United with more points at Anfield, but Jurgen Klopp's team secured a narrow victory on Merseyside.

Pascal Gross almost levelled the game in the closing stages, but Reds goalkeeper Alisson pulled off a fine save to deny the German, as Salah's curling effort made the difference.

Albion produced an eye-catching display against Manchester United prior to their game at Liverpool, as goals from Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy and Gross helped Hughton's side to a 3-2 win.

An 88th-minute goal from Charlie Austin knocked the Seagulls out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, as Hughton made ten changes to the side and introduced a handful of under-23 players.

The Cottagers opened the 2018/19 campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, before Tottenham Hotspur inflicted another loss on Jokanovic's team, as they won 3-1 at Wembley Stadium.

The London side bounced back with a 4-2 victory over Burnley on home soil, as Aleksandar Mitrovic fired a brace, in-between goals from Jean Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle.

Fulham reached the third round of the Carabao Cup in midweek, as they won 2-0 against League Two opposition at Craven Cottage - Aboubakar Kamara netted both goals.

LAST TIME WE MET:

After coming from behind to beat Fulham at the Amex Stadium in 2016, Hughton's team repeated the feat in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in 2017.

David Stockdale saved a first-half penalty from Stefan Johansen to keep the game level, but Lucas Piazon broke the deadlock after the break, as he found the bottom corner on 55 minutes.

But two goals in as many minutes from Tomer Hemed (pen) and Lewis Dunk completed an explosive turnaround in front of thousands of jubilant Albion fans at Craven Cottage.

LAST TIME OUT: ALBION

ALBION 0

SOUTHAMPTON 1
Austin 88

Albion line-up: Button; Collar, Barclay, Bernardo, Suttner; Jahanbakhsh, Kayal (Connolly 90), Bissouma, Gyokeres; Gross (Propper 63); Locadia.

Subs not used: Steele (GK), Balogun, Montoya, Knockaert, Stephens.

LAST TIME OUT: FULHAM

FULHAM 2
Kamara 4, 48

EXETER CITY 0

Fulham line-up: Rico; Christie, Mawson (S.Sessegnon 75), Chambers, R.Sessegnon; Zambo Anguissa, Cisse, Johansen; Kamara, Rui Fonte, Kebano (De La Torre 74').

Subs not used: Fabri (GK), Odoi, Bryan, McDonald, Mitrovic.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Aleksandar Mitrovic

The striker, who initially signed for Fulham on loan for the second half of last season, scored 12 goals to help the Cottagers seal promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

After making his move permanent this summer, Mitrovic has begun the campaign with three goals in his opening three matches, with his opening strike coming against Spurs at Wembley.

The 23-year-old then bagged a brace against Burnley at Craven Cottage - with all three of his Premier League goals being headers.

Mitrovic has proved a handful for opposition defences, with 15 attempts at goal in his opening three matches, and Albion's defence will need to keep the Serbian under wraps at the Amex.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2018/august/match-preview-for-brighton-and-hove-albion-vs-fulham-on-01-sep-18/

[WhiteJC]

 
Exeter City fan arrested for allegedly injuring fellow supporter with flare at Fulham match

A 20-year-old was arrested at Craven Cottage

An Exeter City fan was arrested for throwing a flare that injured a fellow supporter during the side's defeat to Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old suspect allegedly threw the device towards the pitch from the away end at Craven Cottage.

A woman was treated by the stadium's medical team for smoke inhalation. It's understood that she was hit by the flare.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and has since been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were made aware of a flare being thrown towards the pitch during the Fulham vs Exeter football match at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, August 28.


The flare was led off in the away end at Craven Cottage (Image: @DCP_Football/Twitter)

"The suspect, a 20-year-old man, was escorted to the rear of the stand by stewards before he was arrested by officers at about 9.40pm on suspicion of having a flare or firework at a designated sports ground during the period of a designated sporting event.

"One female was affected by the smoke and was treated by the onsite medical team.

"The man was taken to a west London police station.

"He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries."

The incident came on a night where the majority of Grecians fans were otherwise praised for their support.

Speaking about the fans, City boss Matt Taylor said: "It was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.

"They are a credit to themselves and a credit to the club, they really are.

"On Saturday, I didn't really get a chance to touch on how respectful they were on what could have been a difficult day and they were exactly the same tonight. They were absolutely fantastic.

"It's just a shame we could not reward them with a goal or a chance of any real note, but I am sure they could see that the lads stuck at it."



https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-city-fan-arrested-injuring-1951320#

[WhiteJC]

 
Team against Brighton 01/09

Over on the forum we've been discussing which team we'd choose to play against Burnley this weekend, here are a few team selections...

whitejc

subs: Fabri, Odoi, Christie, Vietto, Stef Jo, KMac, AK47

We've now got an impressive squad with at least two players fighting for each starting place so I think Slav will rotate the team for most games in the early part of the season, once everyone has fully 'clicked' we may see less 'tinkering' especially at the back where partnerships are invaluable, think of Aaron & Brede, "the Thames Barrier" they were far better together than apart!

Its very difficult to argue that anyone who played against Burnley should be dropped however I think for 'tactical' reasons that Chambers will get the nod over Odoi even though he had a good game last Sunday.
I also think that Anguissa will start as I don't think Brighton are as 'physical' as Burnley.
For me Ryan gets the start ahead of Vietto, who had a really impressive game but I think our 'boy wonder'  will show the premiership why he's so highly regarded.

milo

Bettinelli now has the shirt to lose and despite one or two wayward long balls he did nothing wrong against Burnley. He did not stand a chance with either goal in my opinion.

I think both full backs need upgrading if we are to really make the most of our style. Both Fosu-Mensah and Bryan are capable defenders and can make up the numbers while we are on the attack. However neither can bring what Fredericks brought last year and take it past the last defender and really make chances from nothing when we are struggling.

I felt Odoi was quite comfortable at the weekend. I actually thought he did as well as he could for the first goal and was rather unlucky. He continued to contribute to building the attack. I think Mawson will replace him long term so hopefully Odoi can avoid any massive clangers until then like at times last season.

Up front Kamara replaces Vietto who for me was largely ineffective against Burnley despite popular opinion and had quite a few loose balls and touches. Burnley's tired legs after 70 minutes flattered him. Kamara in the meantime got another brace midweek to add to his promotion-winning form last season and remains my hot tip to breakthrough this season.


join in the discussion over on the forum...

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=67256.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=367

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham player considering quick exit, listening to offers, talks in initial stages

Fulham striker Rui Fonte is keen on leaving the club this summer, according to the Portuguese press.

Newspaper Record brings a story today saying the 28-year-old is one of the options that Sporting have to reinforce their attack in the last days of the transfer window.

The outlet says that Rui Fonte wants to play more, and is not confident that he will have enough minutes after the Cottagers signed Aleksandar Mitrović this summer.

That's why the Portuguese centre-forward is now listening to offers. If a club shows him a good sporting project and guarantees that he will have the playing time he wants, then he's open to a move.

Record claims that the talks with Sporting are still in initial stages, but since the transfer window closes tomororow, things could develop pretty quickly.

Rui Fonte has only played an EFL Cup game this season.

Signed on a €9m deal from Braga last summer, he had a record of three goals and five assists in 29 matches for Fulham in 2017-18.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-considering-quick-exit-listening-offers-talks-initial-stages/

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic gives injury updates on Fulham's Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano

The skipper will miss the trip to the south coast after sustaining a foot injury against Burnley

Tom Cairney will miss Saturday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion as a result of the foot injury he suffered in the win against Burnley on Sunday.

The Fulham skipper limped off after a heavy challenge and has since had to withdraw from the Scotland squad during the international break - and now head coach Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed it will be a few weeks before he is fit again.

There had been hopes that Cairney would be ready for the trip to the AMEX on Saturday to take on Brighton, but after assessing his injury in the week, Fulham will have to make do without their key man.

Fulham's next game after Brighton comes against champions Manchester City and the hope now is that the skipper will be able to take some part in the crucial tie.

Meanwhile, Neeskens Kebano will be out for four weeks as a result of the ankle injury he suffered on Teusday night in the 2-0 victory over Exeter City in the Carabao Cup.

He was stretchered off as a result of the injury and won't feature again until October.

Meanwhile, Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite are both still out of contention as they continue their recovery from pre-season injuries.

Jokanovic said: "Tim Ream is not available like Floyd Ayite.

"Tom Cairney won't be available for the Brighton game.

"Cairney has a foot injury and we still need to assess him but our expectation is he will be available in a few weeks."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovic-gives-injury-updates-15091133

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Hughton wants to cut Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic's supply
Serbia forward has scored three Premier League this season

Brighton boss Chris Hughton plans to stop the supply to in-form Fulham forward Aleksander Mitrovic when the sides meet on Saturday.

Mitrovic has scored three Premier League goals this season, including two in their 4-2 win over Burnley.

The 23-year-old scored 12 goals last season for Fulham and Hughton is aware of the chances he creates and believes the supply to him needs to be cut off.

He said: "It is the same with any payer that is in form - it is not about stopping one individual. It's about making sure you have a good enough hold in the game that enables him not to have the service he would get if they are in good form.


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored against Tottenham at Wembley

"He has started the season very well. I think he has had that continuity from last season. He obviously feels very much at home there.

"We have to make sure we stop the supply to him because we certainly know how dangerous he is."

Hughton has been impressed with the London club's recruitment over the summer but is hoping for another high-level performance from his side before the international break.

"There is pressure on all games," the former Norwich City boss added.

"Going into the international break, you know you won't be playing for a couple of weeks, and for us a little longer as we play Southampton on the Monday night, there is always a better feel going into that international break knowing you have had a good result.

"We have had two games away from home, we got a wonderful result in our last game at home [3-2 win over Manchester United] so any extra pressure going into games it's one you welcome.

"It's a game that we will do everything we can to try and win - we are at home and we will try and work on the best elements we can. Any pressure that comes with it you have to welcome."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11741/11485645/chris-hughton-wants-to-cut-fulhams-aleksandar-mitrovics-supply

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham captain Tom Cairney to miss 'a few weeks' with foot injury

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed captain Tom Cairney is expected to be out for "a few weeks" with a foot injury.

The midfielder picked up the injury during Fulham's win over Burnley on Sunday and was taken off after 78 minutes.

Cairney was forced to pull out of the Scotland squad earlier this week for their upcoming games against Belgium and Albania and Jokanovic admitted the injury is a setback for the Cottagers.

"Tom Cairney is going to be unavailable for the Brighton game," Jokanovic said.

"He has a foot injury and we still need to assess him but it is our expectation that he will be unavailable for a few weeks.

"We must assess him, he is going to be out for a few weeks.

"Yes, this is a big loss for us."

The Cottagers have other injury concerns for the trip to Brighton on Saturday as Neeskens Kebano injured his ankle in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Exeter.

The winger is set for at least a month in the treatment room.

"Kebano has an ankle problem and he is probably going to be out for four weeks," Jokanovic added.

"I am not a doctor, but it has a similarity to Cairney but it is not the same thing."

Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream are also missing with unspecified injuries.

After opening the season with back-to-back defeats, Fulham claimed their first points of the season against Burnley.

But Jokanovic knows they will face a stiff test when they travel to the south coast on Saturday against a Brighton side who have already upset Manchester United this season and looked impressive for spells in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

"We know it's going to be a tough away game for us," he said.

"Brighton played against Manchester United and Liverpool very well, for our side we will look at their strengths and weaknesses and see how we can cause them damage and fight for the points."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11485731/fulham-captain-tom-cairney-to-miss-a-few-weeks-with-foot-injury

[WhiteJC]

 
Pre Match report for the Fulham game - Saturday, 1st September 2018

PREMIER LEAGUE; Brighton v Fulham

Fulham Manager; Slavisa Jokanovic (2015)
The Cottagers have had two & a half seasons under Jokanovic to regain Premiership grade and did so last term via the Championship p-o final.
SJ record to Aug 18; Championship - P130 W61 D34 L35. Wins = 46.9%
18/19; P3 W1 D0 L2 F5 A7 GD-2 Pt3 Po11 = 1.00pt/gm. Wins = 33%, Loss = 67%

Fulham fans expectations; to re-establish in the Prem as a half decent middle order outfit at least.
Forecast @ start; title 1000/1, top four 200/1, top half 11-2, top London 250/1, top promoted 11-4. Bottom half 1-9, stay up 2-5, relegated 7-4, bottom 6/1. Sack SJ 50/1, 1st for sack 22/1.
Prospects; with wealthy owner Shahid Khan sploshing the spondulicks this promoted club is anticipated to enjoy elite status with a view to consolidation.

INS; Andre Anguissa (Marseille 22m), Max le Marchand (Nice), Jean Michel Seri (Nice 25m), Alfie Mawson (Swansea 20m), Aleks Mitrovic (Newcastle 22m), Fabri (Besiktas 5m), Joe Bryan (Bristol City 6m), Andre Schurrle (Dortmund loan), Tim Fosu-Mensah (loan), Calum Chambers (Arsenal loan), Luciano Vietto (A Madrid loan), Sergio Rica (Sevilla loan).
Slavisa Jokanovic said,+I am not Santa Claus - there are no presents. I do not need to make anybody happy. I am not a sentimental man. It is about being professional. I try to make it hard and create great competition between my players. This is the most competitive league in the world. Presents do not exist. They must fight on the training ground and afterwards. If I consider its enough I will give them a chance to compete in the Premier League+

PREM record from 11/12; 9, 12, 19, (17, 20, 6, 3 @ Championship). Top ten 11/12, relegated 13/14.
Recent managers; Kit Symonds (2014-15), Felix Magarth (2014), Martin Jol (2011-14).

FULHAM AWAY;
P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A3 GD-2 (Po11) = 0.00 pt/gm or 0% of total points. Wins = 0%

Spurs 3-1, Slavisa Jokanovic said, +it is a shame - our team made a great effort. We pushed hard, competed well and showed positive things. But we need time+

EFL Cup; 2nd rnd - Exeter 2-0 (H). (ht 1-0), goals 4,48.

Fatmanslims

brightonfans REFS; via Stats page - History & Travel, plus Archive including ***Prem Stats*** and CLUBS records.



http://www.brightonfans.com/NewsNow/reports_page.php?id=5&pre=yes

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Palace Hospitality

Experience the beautiful surroundings of Fulham Football Club with Matchday Hospitality at Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London since 704.

With all on-site Hospitality sold out for the Arsenal game on Sunday 7th October, the only way to enjoy the match in style is with our brand new Fulham Palace Hospitality package.

Steeped in history, the Palace is located a short distance from Craven Cottage, in the heart of Bishops Park.

Enjoy pre-match dining before heading through the park on one of the most picturesque walks to a football ground in the country, before enjoying the atmosphere in the Putney End for the match.

Your Fulham Palace package includes;

    Prosecco on arrival
    Two course buffet meal
    Inclusive beers, wine and soft drinks pre-match at Fulham Palace
    Half time complimentary drinks voucher
    Seating in the Putney End
    Matchday programme and team sheet

For more information or to book your Matchday Hospitality package today, call our Hospitality team on 020 8336 7555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or email [email protected]



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/30/fulham-palace-hospitality

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic full transcript: Fulham boss on Brighton, Cairney injury & more

The Fulham head coach spoke to the press ahead of the trip to Brighton - here's everything he had to say

Injury news

"Tim Ream is not available like Floyd Ayite.

"Tom Cairney won't be available for the Brighton game."

Duration on length?

"Cairney has a foot injury and we still need to assess him but our expectation is he will be available in a few weeks."

Alfie Mawson made his debut, think of his performance?

"He play well, after a long period without playing games.

"He played with new team mates and a new team, he showed great levels of personality and quality and we believe he will be important player for us."

Able to make 11 changes against Exeter - how many could push for a start this weekend?

"It's not only question about the game.

"I try push my people to impress me all the days in training and I try find some logical decision to use the people who didn't have enough opportunity at the beginning of the season.

"Team and players made a good job, we definitely need to continue our improvement process and working hard to build the team.

"These players from Tuesday night, many will be part of the team when we need to compete in the Premier League.

"The season is long, there will be many opportunities and they need to keep going and work on the training ground and be ready for the opportunity."

Trip to Brighton

"We know they will be a tough away game for us, Brighton play against Man Utd and Liverpool very well and had very good games.

"For our side we will try make analysis about all the opponent teams and try find strengths and weaknesses and be available for damaging them and get the points."


(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Brighton newly promoted last year, see any tips?

"No, I don't need to make any comparisons.

"We know Brighton, we play in the Championship against them and they don't change so much, it's the same fantastic coaches in front of this team.

"They are now a Premier League team, they know better than us what is competition, they know they are adapted themselves to the level they are at right now.

"They showed great levels against two top Premier League teams too and we must follow our style and we know what we need to do to look for our best level and we must continue and recover the team and building the team and continue our improvement process.

"This is our target and we don't need to look around us and try find some similarities with different teams."

Influence of Mitrovic

"I am talking enough about him.

"He is a good player, he knows his job but for another side he's 23 year old man and is huge improvement gap for him.

"He showed the great attitude in all the training sessions and he wants to be successful, he's important part of the team but Fulham is not only Mitrovic.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

"This squad has other good and important players, he made his jo and I hope he will continue playing this level or higher because I believe it's possible.

"I must be working with another part of the team and in this squad exists important players and we need to try and find our highest level - not only Mitrovic but all the team."

Need contributions from the entire team?

"This is not tennis, we are a football team and I can't start only with Mitrovic.

"If you analyse our last game, Mitrovic scored two goals and played very well, but we can talk about contribution from Andre Schurrle and Vietto or if you want, from Seri, McDonald and Cairney and many players show important level in our last game and now this is part of the history and we must look forward and try to look for highest level.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

"Mitrovic is news and people always ask me about him, all of us know he's important for us but there are 20 odd players who are working and contributing and I must take care with him and other players."

Clint Dempsey retired - message for him?

"He is one of the most important Fulham Premier League players. At the end he is the top scorer in the Premier League for Fulham too.

"He bring in Craven Cottage many important afternoons and I remember his goal, the chip, against Juventus.

"It was a great memory for all the Fulham supporters, I wish him all the best in life and after the football career starts the longest part of life and I wish him all the best and I expect he will be successful in life like in his football career."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovic-full-transcript-fulham-15091896

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham captain Tom Cairney to be out 'for a few weeks' due to ankle injury, reveals manager Slavisa Jokanovic

    Fulham are expecting captain Tom Cairney to be out for several weeks
    The midfielder picked up an ankle injury in last week's win against Burnley
    The 27-year-old has also pulled out of international duty with Scotland

Fulham expect captain Tom Cairney to be out for several weeks.

The midfielder, who has pulled out of international duty with Scotland, picked up the ankle injury in last week's Premier League win against Burnley and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic said: 'Tom Cairney is going to be unavailable for the Brighton game.


Fulham expect captain Tom Cairney to be out for several weeks with an ankle injury

'He has a foot injury and we still need to assess him but it is our expectation that he will be unavailable for a few weeks.

'We must assess him, he is going to be out for a few weeks. Yes, this is a big loss for us.'

The Cottagers have other injury concerns for the trip to Brighton on Saturday as Neeskens Kebano injured his ankle in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Exeter.

The winger is set for at least a month in the treatment room.

'Kebano has an ankle problem and he is probably going to be out for four weeks,' Jokanovic added.


The midfielder picked up a foot injury in last week's Premier League win against Burnley

'I am not a doctor, but it has a similarity to Cairney but it is not the same thing.'

Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream are also missing with unspecified injuries.

Fulham travel to the south coast on Saturday on the back of their first Premier League win of the season against Burnley last Sunday.

They followed that up 48 hours later with that win over Exeter in the League Cup, where Jokanovic made 11 changes.

He felt it was a worthwhile exercise as he got minutes into the legs of players he is going to need this season.

He added: 'We are continuing our improvement process, we are working hard to build a team.


The 27-year-old midfielder has also been forced to pull out of international duty with Scotland

'Many of these players from Tuesday night are going to be part of the side when we compete in the Premier League because it is a long season and there are going to be many opportunities.

'They need to keep going and working in the training ground and be ready.'

Fulham lost their first away game at Tottenham two weeks ago and Jokanovic is expecting another tough assignment at the Amex Stadium.

'We know it's going to be a tough away game for us,' he said.

'Brighton played against Manchester United and Liverpool very well, for our side we will look at their strengths and weaknesses and see how we can cause them damage and fight for the points.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6115175/Fulham-captain-Tom-Cairney-weeks.html

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Ryan Sessegnon getting dropped for Fulham's win over Burnley explained by boss Slavisa Jokanovic

Teen who shone in last season's promotion season and is expected to play for England was on the bench at the weekend

Slavisa Jokanovic reckons wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon doesn't need to start every Fulham game.

Teenager Sessegnon was an eye-catching omission from the starting XI against Burnley last weekend, as the promoted Londoners chased their first top-flight win of the season.

Boss Jokanovic shuffled his pack after starting their return to the Premier League with back-to-back defeats — it was only the second time Sessegnon hadn't started a league game for the Cottagers since the beginning of last season.

Sessegnon missed out on England's Under-17s World Cup triumph last year because he was gaining experience as a regular starter for Fulham in the Championship.


Sessegnon did get on in the win over Burnley, but only as an 89th minute substitute (Image: Reuters)

He has been tipped for a bright international future, but was not included in the senior squad named on Thursday to face Spain and Switzerland next month.

Jokanovic said: "He is 18, with around 100 games in professional football. He doesn't need to play all the games. Nobody does. In the end, he has played in all four competitive games this season.

"His potential is huge and 100 per cent he will be an important part of Fulham's Premier League team. If he doesn't start one game, it is not any tragic news."

Sessegnon was the odd man out as Jokanovic opted for the on-loan duo Luciano Vietto and Andre Schurrle out wide against Burnley in a show of increased options this season after making 12 summer signings.

He added: "This is good news for me, for Fulham and for Fulham players, too. I try to make some competition in my team. I believe this situation is healthy for my team and for the players.

"It is important who starts but games you must win after 90 plus minutes. People must be available, happy and ready to participate in these important moments in different games."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ryan-sessegnon-getting-dropped-fulhams-13165559

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Ryan Sessegnon 'doesn't need to play every game' as Jokanovic looks for competition for places

The head coach believes competition for places is crucial and wants his players to be ready for any moment of matches

Ryan Sessegnon doesn't need to play every game but will be an important part of Fulham's Premier League side, according to Slavisa Jokanovic.

The 18-year-old featured in every game the side played last season as they were promoted from the Championship, with Sessegnon finishing as top scorer with 16 goals, but he was benched for the win over Burnley on Sunday.

He had previously started the first two games of the season for the Cottagers, but came on in the 4-2 win with ten minutes left to play, while he played the entire 90 in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Exeter City in midweek.

Sessegnon's rotation to the bench surprised many, especially after the wonderkid's displays last season, but Jokanovic has insisted there is no need for him to play in every match and that he will still be an important player for the side this season.

He said: "I must make my job - Ryan Sessegnon is 18 with around 100 games in professional football.

"I take a decision, he doesn't need to play all the games, nobody needs to, but at the end, he played all the games.

"He played all four competition games last season and he is in the same process as the team, his potential is huge and 100% he will be an important player for us this season.


(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

"If he don't play or start one game, because he played important minutes at the end of the game when we played Burnley, it's not any tragic news.

"He is working hard and pushing forward and he will be important part of Fulham's Premier League team."

Competition for places in Jokanovic's side is something the head coach has always advocated, and the 50-year-old finally has the numbers for it after 12 new faces arrived in SW6 during the summer.

Each player, including Sessegnon, is now fighting for their place in his starting XI each week - and that's good news for Jokanovic.

He added: "It's good news for me, good news for Fulham and the players too.


(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

"They need to push hard and I try make some kind of competition in my team and they need to compete between them to have opportunity to compete against opposite team.

"I believe this situation is healthy for the team and for the players.

"My job is working with them, observing the situation and at the end, making less mistakes and choosing what is best for the game ahead of us.


Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka (left) and Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire.

"I will do my job and choose what I believe is best option for starting the game against Brighton, but I must take care about finishing the game too because sometimes people are talking about starting XI, but we score against Exeter after four minutes and after this goal, we find huge work behind us.

"It's important who starts, but in games you must win after 90 minutes and it's important people are ready and happy to participate in this important moment of different games."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/ryan-sessegnon-doesnt-need-play-15092165

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Report: Fulham striker Rui Fonte open to Sporting Lisbon return

Premier League newcomers Fulham could bid farewell to their £8 million centre-forward with a return to the Primeira Liga beckoning.

Rui Fonte is still a Fulham player but don't expect that to be the case when the transfer window shuts on September 1st.

The Cottagers paid Portuguese outfit Braga around £8 million to sign the striker in the summer of 2016 and reports on the continent are suggesting that a return to the Primeira Liga is on the cards.

According to Record, Sporting Lisbon are hoping to bring a new striker to the Estadio Jose Alvalade before Friday's transfer deadline and Fonte is one of the names on their wishlist, alongside Genoa's Gianluca Lapadula and Sevilla's Luis Muriel, who is understood to be the number one target.

Record add that Fonte is open to a return to Sporting, who he joined from Arsenal in 2009 but failed to make an appearance for. The 28-year-old's last spell in the Portuguese top flight was impressive, netting 10 times in 22 games for Braga in 2015/16.

And it is understood that Sporting are in talks over signing the forward, though these negotiations are at an early stage as things stand.

Fonte scored just three times in all competitions in his debut season at Craven Cottage. And with Aleksander Mitrovic starting the current campaign in fine style, netting three times in his last two matches, it is unlikely that Fonte will get much of a look in.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/30/do-report-fulham-striker-rui-fonte-wants-sporting-lisbon-return/

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TT Battle: Calum Chambers vs Ben Gibson

If there's one position England have lacked in the last few years, it's at centre-back but two good ones were on the move this summer.

This summer Fulham were one of the most active teams in the transfer market as the club brought in a raft of players to help stay the Premier League. At the back, Fulham heavily invested as they brought in Maxime Le Marchand, Alfie Mawson, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Calum Chambers. Chambers joined on loan from Arsenal for the season and has played in all three games for Fulham so far.

Following the defensive theme, Burnley also brought in a defender as they signed former Middlesbrough man, Ben Gibson for £15.21 million. At similar stages in their respective careers, it will be interesting to see how both players get on the season.

Calum Chambers
Although the 23-year-old signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, he was sent on loan to Fulham in order to help his progression as Emery decided to go with the more experienced pair of Mustafi and Sokratis.

Under Wenger, Chambers had struggled to get any consistent game time for Arsenal and only made 12 appearances for the club in the league, indeed the highest amount of game he's played was during his loan spell with Middlesbrough – coincidentally partnering Ben Gibson.

The signing of Chambers is a good one but from a player's perspective, it remains to be seen how much game time he will receive as the season goes on as Alfie Mawson returns from injury, with Le Marchand also in contention for a place.

He looked great in the pre-season but he still has plenty of work to do defensively but he is still a solid Premier League player. A loan deal is a low-risk move for Fulham and he could well be a solid addition to the team. He may not get as much game time as he might hope but it seems Fulham have got some good defensive cover.

TT Grade: B-

Ben Gibson
Coming through the Middlesbrough academy, Ben Gibson's arrival at Burnley could be one that over time could prove to be a good one.

Having cut his teeth in the Championship for much of his career, Gibson has tonnes of experience and is much more prepared to step straight into the first XI in the near future. With only Ben Mee and James Tarkowski as Dyche's two main choices to start in defence, he needed to add another defender to the ranks as Burnley look to replicate their superb 2017/18 season.

During his time with Middlesbrough, the defender was one of the club's best players and a leader on the pitch. Such were his performances that he had been linked with a move away following Middlesbrough's time in the Premier League but ultimately signed a new long-term contract.

Considering the relatively low fee for a solid defender who is entering the prime of his career, Burnley have got a good player. A player that's going to vastly improve under Dyche.

TT Grade: B

The Verdict
Both the deals are quite hard to split as they seem to be pretty solid pieces of business. Calum Chambers is going to go to a Fulham side that is looking to stay up in the league and could be a valuable addition to the squad. He still needs some work defensively but he certainly shows promise, albeit he may not fulfil that at Fulham.

In terms of Gibson, he's a solid defender and has a good amount of experience to be able to be an instant contributor for Burnley. Due to that, Burnley have won this as they bought a good defender for under £20 million and who fills a need for the club.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/tt-battle-calum-chambers-vs-ben-gibson/

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Brighton (A) – Match Officials Revealed

After two consecutive home games, albeit in different competitions, have yielded two consecutive wins in the last week, Fulham are on the road again this Saturday.

The Cottagers are making the short trip across the Sussex Downs to take on Brighton and Hove Albion, in a Premier League fixture.

It is, and this is no slight on Brighton, the type of game that Slavisa Jokanovic would be looking to get a result in, the three points would certainly come in handy and see us climb the table.

After making eleven changes to his starting line-up in midweek, it'll be interesting to see who the boss selects for this fixture, did anyone do enough in midweek, against Exeter City, to earn a place in the starting eleven on Saturday?

Ahead of the fixture, we're now able to bring you the names of those officiating in this fixture:

• Referee – Lee Probert
• Assistant Referee – Simon Beck
• Assistant Referee – Andy Garratt
• Fourth Official – Tony Harrington



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/brighton-a-match-officials-revealed/

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Just the Stats: Fulham 4, Burnley 2
It's time to take a look at how Fulham got it done for the first time


Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Just when everyone thought this season would be a struggle, Fulham were finally able to collect some points in the Premier League table. Along with that, they did so against an opponent that finished seventh last season and still has Europa League aspirations. When you not only claim victory against such opposition, but do so while tallying four goals on them, plenty of things have to go your way. With the dust settling on this fixture, let's take a look at the three things that we can conclude upon from all the events that took place.

Mitro might have been on fire, but Vietto and Schürrle really came to play
Slavisa Jokanovic may be blessed to have plenty of options in attacking wide forwards on his senior team squad, but it was a struggle to figure out who would best complement Aleksander Mitrovic for the entirety of 2018/19.

The previous two fixtures just didn't come close to answering that question and it comes as no surprise that Jokanovic has already tried his third different front three combination. He tried Ryan Sessegnon and Andre Schürrle playing as conventional wide forwards with little success against Crystal Palace. Then, he pushed Sessegnon to the right as an inverted winger (a position Jokanovic tried this summer) with Aboubakar Kamara on the conventional left against Spurs. In both occasions, it felt like Aleksander Mitrovic was stuck on an island and there was no interplay between him and the rest of Fulham's attack.

Last weekend, however, was the first time we saw Schürrle on his natural position playing as an inverted wing on the left with Luciano Vietto as a conventional wide forward on the right. There were some fears of Vietto maybe not used to playing this way, but what came of it was constant interchanging between him and Schurrle occupying both sides of the pitch. As a result, Burnley's defense struggled to know which players were going where and the movement created closer distance between midfield and attack, as well as within the entire front line. After the full 90 minutes, Schurrle and Vietto combined for 8 key passes and 14 shots. Clearly, the former will not be as consistent as his 11 shot output he had over the weekend, but if he can maintain an above average workrate, he will surely have a strong 2018/19 and prove doubters wrong. But as it's been since the 2014 World Cup, Schurrle's issues have always been related to staying healthy and productive. If he can prove that he can do those two things every matchday, he will be just fine at Craven Cottage.

Yeah, Burnley might be in trouble...
Over the past three seasons, let alone last campaign, Burnley have been famous for somehow overacheiving their expected totals. They have always been a counter-attacking side that was so good at sitting back, soaking up pressure, and a pinch of literally world-class goalkeeping, that it would justify their system enough to achieve their wildest dreams. This season, that's not happening at all.

Already after three games, Burnley have given up seven goals. Only Huddersfield and West Ham United have given up more (nine each) in this very young Premier League season while three other clubs have as many as Burnley's league-worst tally of six goals conceded from open play. But as proof of how small this sample size is, their expected goals conceded total has been only 4.42. According to understat, that is good enough for 11th in the league. In comparison, Burnley frustrated opponents in 2017/18 with the sixth best defense in the league based off of actual goals conceded (39) while being tenth best in expected goals conceded (52.18).

Now plenty of this has to do with the fact that there could be strange coincidences with the goals they are giving up. After all, three of Fulham's goals were considered out of the ordinary. Jean-Michel Seri's long range effort is something only the best in the world can pull off and we're still awaiting a first goal from Mitrovic off of his any one of his feet (hey, we got to find flaws in his game somehow). Either way, headers and long range efforts are considered "flukes" in the world of expected goals, so it shouldn't be the worst outcome in the world for Burnley to right the ship quite quickly if those are the only goals they'll be giving up all campaign long.

Still, it will be quite fascinating to see how Burnley end up in this season's Premier League table. Thanks to more fixtures for the Europa League and almost no additions towards a squad that was already considered thin as it is, Sean Dyche's side may not be able to implement their system with as great of execution as they would like to have. Either that, or they SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERIOUSLY need to stop playing Joe Hart. With all due respect, the former England number one just went all whacky-waving inflatable tubeman on Mitrovic's first goal and was constantly intimidated by Fulham's press whenever the ball was at his feet.

Whichever the reason for Burnley's struggles, those things will need to get squared away quickly, or this could be a long season for the club.

Maxime Le Marchand has been pretty great
If you were to tell me that Maxime Le Marchand would be among the bigger impact signings of the 12 that came in from the club's historic transfer window, I would have laughed you right into the River Thames. Fast forward three games later and that is not looking like a farfetched statement. The 28 year-old is currently tops among Fulham players with eight successful tackles, three blocked shots and 26 clearances while also being joint-second in interceptions with five. Along with that, his 87% passing success rate has complemented Jokanovic's style of play very well in spite of him not being totally involved in Fulham's attacking portion of their system (his 0.22 xG Chain per 90 minutes is only better than Kevin McDonald and Denis Odoi among Fulham regulars).

However, Le Marchand only has had Joe Bryan as a fellow defender that has gone on to play all 270 minutes in the league so far. The lack of a consistent back four has been among Fulham's reasons why their output of seven actual goals and 5.33 expected goals conceded is among the worst in the Premier League. Calum Chambers has just not been good enough during his outings while it's asking a lot for Joe Bryan to be the exact same attacking fulcrum from the back that Ryan Fredericks was from seasons past. But with Alfie Mawson putting in a fantastic shift in last Wednesday's Carabou Cup win, Fulham could be seeing in upgrade in this department soon.

With the club traveling to Brighton this weekend, this could be the last chance to see Jokanovic make any last adjustments for awhile. That is because Manchester City, a surprisingly good Watford, a Marco Silva-managed Everton, and a more-acquainted Arsenal are next on Fulham's Premier League plate and that is just not fun for any newly promoted side.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/30/17794880/just-the-stats-fulham-4-burnley-2