Saturday Fulham Stuff (01/09/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fascinating facts about Steve Sidwell's flabbergasting football journey

Steve Sidwell announced his retirement from playing football on 22 August 2018 and thus closed the chapter on a career in which he soared as high as a seagull, but also saw him suffer from countless red cards, injuries and competition for place. Here are some fascinating facts about Sidwell that will make you squawk as loud as a seagull.

He joined Arsenal, the team he supports, at the age of 9 and was a part of the youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 and 2001. In the 'Championship Manager 2001- 2002' computer game, Sidwell was described as "a decent young player". The game also valued him at £1m and said that he is good at set-pieces, tackling, pace, bravery, creativity and determination amongst others.

Whilst on the books of Championship side Reading, FourFourTwo Magazine named Sidwell as the best player outside the Premier League during the 2004-05 season and he was later named in the PFA Team of the Year. Therefore, Arsène Wenger, who was the manager of Arsenal's first team during Sidwell's time at The Gunners was flabbergastingly proved wrong by the midfielder. Reflecting on Sidwell's departure from the club, Wenger said: "I told him you're not good enough yet to play for us" but the German manager had since been impressed by the way Sidwell's performances have proved him wrong.

The 2005–06 season saw Reading finally gain promotion to the Premier League with Sidwell's king-sized performances for The Royals again earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. In the Madejski Stadium's first ever top flight match the following season, he scored the second to inspire his fellow troops to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory against Middlesbrough. Over the course of that season, his performances were so good that Sidwell was as sought after as a limited edition half-and-half football-match scarf. Esteemed clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, were linked with the Wandsworth-born midfielder.

It was Chelsea who were more desperate to claim Sidwell's signature and he promptly became Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's first signing of the summer ahead of the 2007-08 season. Sidwell, who played as a central midfielder, was not known for his goalscoring exploits. However, upon his arrival at The Blues, Sidwell was surprisingly handed the number 9 jersey - which is usually worn by prolific centre-forwards or strikers.

Speaking of numbers, in his first interview as a Chelsea player, Sidwell stated that he had not come to Chelsea to merely 'make up the numbers', and that he believed training and playing alongside first-class players like Ghanaian Michael Essien and Englishman Frank Lampard would only help him improve.

Mourinho admitted that the catalyst for the club's decision to sign Sidwell was due to the fact that both Essien and Nigerian John Obi Mikel would be playing for their respective country in the African Cup of Nations in early 2008.

However, at the end of the season, Sidwell became linked to several Premier League clubs, including Everton, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa. And it was the latter who acquired his services and in the process, Sidwell became manager Martin O'Neill's first summer signing.

Sidwell, who scored an own goal on his competitive debut for Villa, was subsequently sold to Fulham during the 2011 January transfer window. However, he almost did not move to Craven Cottage. Sidwell was close to linking up with his former Chelsea boss Avram Grant at West Ham United in January 2011, but the move was cancelled as it would have breached the Premier League's 25-man squad rule. Furthermore, Sidwell also held talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers before agreeing to join Fulham.

During the 2013-14 season, manager Martin Jol was sacked following Fulham's poor start to the season. Former Manchester United first-team coach René Meulensteen succeeded Jol and Sidwell's own performances improved drastically under Meulensteen, scoring five of his eight goals that season during Meulensteen's tenure.

Stoke-on-Trent was Sidwell's next destination. Upon signing for Stoke City in June 2014, Sidwell stated that there were two factors behind his decision to join The Potters: "The first being the fact that it's a club that is really moving forward. Then there's the manager (Mark Hughes) because he's a man that I have the highest regard for. He signed me for Fulham and I really enjoyed the time I worked with him there".

The Seagulls then came calling for Sidwell. And he answered their call by signing a contract with Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2016 and consequently reunited with Bobby Zamora and David Stockdale - after previously playing alongside them at Fulham.

Like seagulls are one of the unique animals that are able to drink salt water, Sidwell proved to be one of the unique players that are able to work tirelessly with the utmost dedication to their team.



https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/fascinating-facts-about-steve-sidwell-s-flabbergasting-football-journey

[WhiteJC]

 
Opposition View: Fulham

Games against Fulham always tend to throw up entertaining encounters – from a Brighton and Hove Albion perspective, at least.

We've beaten the Cottagers with last minute goals, hit them for five at the Amex and been outplayed on at least three occasions, yet ended up winning every one.

Of course, we didn't want to remind Andrew Beck from Cottagers Confidential of any of that. Instead, we talked about Fulham's return to the top flight, who makes a six-a-side team made up of the numerous players to have represented both clubs in the 20 years and most importantly of all – when is Craven Cottage's Michael Jackson statue coming back?

Plenty of pundits have feted Fulham's work in the summer transfer window. Talk us through your new players and how they're settling in?
It's still a bit of a work in progress. Anytime you replace eight of your 11 players, it's going to take some time to get on the same page. The attack seems to be ahead of the defence right now (probably because three of the attacking four remain). That being said, I love Fulham's business this year. They spent a lot of money, but the players are in age ranges where you shouldn't have to do this again. You can simply add one or two pieces every window from here on out without doing this big overhaul again.

What's the aim for Fulham this season? Survival or do you think you can push for more?
For me, just remaining in the league would be considered successful. There are people out there who thing Fulham could challenge for as high as seventh, but I think the top 12 is a much more realistic goal. Fulham's playing style is such that they are going to struggle against some of the top teams and unless they can develop a secondary style to use against the big clubs, I think pushing for the top 10 is probably too much.

The Albion were heavily linked with Aleksandar Mitrovic throughout last season before he joined Fulham. What have we missed out on by failing to sign him?
He's big, strong, and knows how to get into positions to finish. He's not super fast, but he can occupy centre backs and open up space for attacking players to fill. He's basically the perfect forward for the system Slavisa Jokanivic plays.

We saw Ryan Sessegnon during our last season in the Championship. How good is he now and how good could he be in the future?
He's really good. He's probably one of the best three or four teenagers on the planet. I think the idea of having him at left back is pretty much dead now. He could have been an elite full back, but he's so good at getting on the end of chances in the box, putting him deeper just neuters one of his biggest skills. He doesn't play the game the same way as Gareth Bale, but that's the kind of career trajectory I'd expect him to have.

If you could sign one Brighton player, who would you take?
I'm not sure. It feels like Fulham have tried to sign Lewis Dunk at least five times, so that would probably be my answer.

Plenty of players have played for both Brighton and Fulham over the last 20 years. Who goes in your six-a-side team? Ours would be David Stockdale, Danny Cullip, Simon Morgan, Steve Sidwell, Paul Brooker, Bobby Z.
I can't really argue with any of those players. Just hearing the name David Stockdale makes me angry all over again because I still to this day don't understand why Felix Magath let him go. Of course I don't really understand any of the decisions that man made.

We've enjoyed plenty of good days out at Craven Cottage in recent years. What's been your best memories of games against Brighton?
There aren't a lot of good ones. If my memory is correct, Fulham have only beaten Brighton once since I've been a fan. That was during the 2014-15 season. At that point it looked like Fulham might be turning their season around (they weren't). Even as Fulham had success in the Championship, Brighton was a team they struggled against, always seeming to choke when we were in the lead.

What – if any – impact do you think Shad Khan successfully purchasing Wembley will have on Fulham?
I think the main thing is that it shows that he's committed to football investment in England. There was a worry after the team went back to the Championship that he might want to get out of the whole business. But with this investment, plus the continued plans to expand Craven Cottage, and the money he's spent on acquiring players, it seems that he's in this for the long haul.

Is there any chance of the Michael Jackson statue returning to Craven Cottage?
Things seemed to go sour after it was removed, but I think the odds of it ever coming back are effectively zero.

Finally, how do you see the game at the Amex going?
I'd like to say Fulham are going to win, but any result would make me happy frankly. Given the teams history, I'm saying Fulham jump out to a 2-0 lead with two defensive mistakes allowing you to equalise late.

hanks to Andrew for once again answering our questions. You can check out the Cottagers Confidential online and why not send them a lovely tweet afterwards if his prediction of Fulham blowing a 2-0 lead comes to fruition!



http://www.wearebrighton.com/matchday/opposition-view-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Preview: Brighton v Fulham

Brighton and Hove Albion v Fulham was one of the easiest games to predict in the Championship.

By and large, Fulham would play superbly and the Albion would be absolutely terrible. Yet somehow, we'd always come away from the game with the most undeserved victories. Whether it was two goals in 90 seconds at Craven Cottage or Fulham tearing us apart at the Amex yet still losing 2-1, games with the Cottagers tended to be a guaranteed three points.

Nobody know how that will pan out in the Premier League. The two sides have never before met in the top flight and both have changed considerably in the two years that have passed since those last meetings thanks to some massive spending this summer.

One thing is for certain though – it is unlikely to be boring.

Who are Fulham?
Fulham were formed in 1879 as Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School which would've been quite the mouthful on the classified football results with James Alexander Gordon. They became the second London based team to turn professional, yet despite being one of the oldest clubs to play in the capital city, they've only spent 25 years of their history in the top flight. Fulham have never won a major trophy either with the closest they've come being when they reached the FA Cup Final of 1975 to West Ham United and their unlikely run to the final of the Europa League in 2010 under Woy Hodgson where a team featuring Bobby Zamora lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in extra time. Fulham's nickname is the Cottagers, not because they like to visit public toilets with George Michael but because of the pavilion that was built at their home ground by the great architect Archibald Leitch, which still stands in the corner of the ground 112 years on.

What are they like now?
Fulham had endured several barren years since the disgraceful decision to tear down Craven Cottage's Michael Jackson Statue, but they bounced back in style last season when winning the Championship play off final. Under Slaviša Jokanović, the Cottagers have a reputation for playing attacking football which is excellent on the eye. They're also bankrolled by an ambitious owner in Shahid Khan. Khan actually oversaw their 2014 relegation to the Championship but unlike most foreign owners who then run a mile, he continued to remain involved and reaped the rewards last season. A splurge of cash followed this summer but most pundits seem to think that Fulham have invested as wisely as any other team in the Premier League this summer and there has been talk of a top 10 finish.

Which players should we be worried about?
The Albion were very close to signing Aleksandar Mitrović on a couple of occasions last season from Newcastle United. Seasoned Brighton watchers will now that transfer targets who slipped through our fingers or who we deemed not worth the cash being asked for their services tend to ram that decision down our throats next time we meet. We've already touched upon the excellent business that Fulham have done this summer, but arguably their best move was holding onto Ryan Sessegnon. Sessegnon maybe only 18 years old, but he's one of the hottest teenagers on the planet and was very close to making Gareth Southgate's World Cup Squad by all accounts, despite never having played in the top flight at that point. He'll no doubt be joining one of the big boys very soon.

What's the Albion's record like against Fulham?
It's absolute level pegging, with 20 Brighton wins to 20 Fulham wins and only five draws. Three of those draws remarkably came in back-to-back games as the sides played out a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup Second Round of 1995-96 at Craven Cottage, followed by a 0-0 draw in the replay which was eventually won on penalties by Fulham. Brighton were relegated at the end of that campaign to join the Cottagers in the bottom tier for the 1996-97 and the next meeting was another 0-0 at the Goldstone.

What's the best WeAreBrighton.com memory of Fulham at home?
Life doesn't get much better than a seven hour pub crawl around Brighton before a Friday night game in the April sunshine and a 5-0 win. Take a bow Fulham's visit to the Amex in 2016.

What's the worst WeAreBrighton.com memory of Fulham at home?
That FA Cup Replay defeat was one of the worst games of football imaginable. What's more, it was broadcast live on Sky in the days when Brighton appearing on television was rarer than finding a snowman in Arizona. Needless to say, it was five long years before the people who invented football in 1992 wanted to show the Albion again.

Whose played for both sides?
Who hasn't played for both sides might be an easier question. Micky Adams' arrival at the Albion in 1999 saw him sign virtually every player who'd helped win him promotion with Fulham in 1997. Goalkeeper Mark Walton was already here, but in came Paul Watson, Darren Carr, Danny Cullip, Charlie Oatway, Darren Freeman, Richard Carpenter, Paul Brooker, Ryan Palmer and goodness knows who else. In more recent times, Oliver Norwood spent last season on-loan at Fulham, David Button signed for the Albion from the Cottagers in the summer and Bobby Zamora, Steve Sidwell, Rohan Ince and Darren Bent have all represented both clubs.

Other than football, what's Fulham famous for?
Fulham is considered a prime London area by estate agents and is also technically home to another Premier League side in Chelsea. The sport isn't just restricted to football as there is the Hurlingham Club for polo and Queens Club for tennis.

Where's the betting value for Liverpool v Brighton?
Despite a massive upset win over Man United on Sunday, a match they entered as 4/1 home underdogs, Brighton are being written off at around 15/1 to beat Liverpool at Anfield next weekend by the majority of books on these current sportsbooks reviews, which help you choose the right fit based by users personal experiences. While Brighton have some high-priced additions, in particular Alireza Jahanbakhsh, provide hope that this year's squad will be stronger, the Iranian midfielder has yet to be integrated into the lineup. So far, Chris Hughton is relying on almost the exact same starting 11 as last year, so similar results are rightfully expected.

Prediction
We managed only one goal away from home against the top six last season and that came against a Manchester City side who'd already wrapped the title up. It's hard to see where a Brighton goal is coming from and Liverpool look far too good in attack, so we're plumping for a 3-0 home win.



http://www.wearebrighton.com/matchday/match-preview-brighton-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Millwall out for swift revenge as Carabao Cup draw sees Fulham travel to The Den

Victory would secure the Championship side their first appearance in the fourth round for 20 years.

After overcoming Gillingham and Plymouth Argyle, Millwall will host Premier League side Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

It is the third consecutive home draw in the competition for a side that much prefer to play in front of their own fans.

The Lions, who needed two late goals to secure their passage through the second round, now face a side who they counted as Championship opponents last season.

Neil Harris would have been sitting somewhere smiling when Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham were pulled out of the hat.

He got his wish - a Premier League team at The Den. Exactly the hand he wanted to see dealt by the draw.

It may not be the most glamorous tie. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were added to the mix in the third round.

Fulham offer Millwall a better chance of claiming a topflight scalp and the opportunity to take revenge for their 3-0 loss to the Cottagers in April.

That victory was a significant one. It was the last time Millwall were beaten at The Den in all competitions. Fulham remain the last and so far only side to leave Bermondsey with three points in 2018 – a damaging defeat that virtually ended The Lions' hopes of reaching the play-offs.

It was a frustrating evening that pretty much summed up the gulf in class between the sides. Millwall should have been ahead at the break after a dominant first 45 minutes only to miss a host of chances.


Neil Harris and Slavisa Jokanovic during the match at The Den back in April (Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

They were made to pay by a Fulham side in ruthless form as they struck three times in the second-half.

Harris had been forced to watch on as his side were also beaten in harsh circumstances earlier in the season.

Jokanovic's team won the fixture at Craven Cottage 1-0 in the latter half of 2017, a game that had a similar pattern to their second meeting of the season, prior to their meeting in south London.

It was resolved by a controversial Oliver Norwood penalty. The Lions also squandered far too many chances.

A side that love to dominate possession as Fulham do can seem like the ideal opponents for Millwall.

Victory would secure the Championship side their first appearance in the fourth round for 20 years.

They have already shown how difficult they can find it against sides that prefer to set up to defend and frustrate them.

Plymouth forced Millwall to struggle as set-up to sit back. They are much better suited (and more comfortable) when playing on the counter-attack, forcing their opponents to seize the initiative in possession.

A side with the ball makes mistakes and can dwell on the ball, which is what the Lions count on as they push forward to force errors and win the ball high up the pitch.

Both the Pilgrims and Rotherham, the side that beat Millwall in their last Championship match, refused to fall into this trap, and instead put the onus on Harris and his players.

They didn't enjoy the responsibility of playing with the ball against a team with 11 men behind the ball, as was the case as Derk Adam brought his team to the Den.

Jokanovic would not entertain such a thought. He has gone for it in the Premier League by going on attack against Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur and suffering two defeats for his troubles.

Not that these losses have cowed the Fulham manager's enthusiasm to play on the front foot, with a high defensive line and determination to dominate possession.

Against Millwall, Fulham enjoyed 67% of the ball at The Den on the day of their win. Their 4-2 victory over Burnley showed that their approach will work in the Premier League too.

The Cottagers have already conceded seven goals this season and only West Ham and Huddersfield - with nine each - have let in more.

Harris will need to hope that his team can put the pressure on to exploit this stat rather than find themselves on the wrong end of another clash with Fulham.



https://www.football.london/millwall-fc/carabao-cup-draw-millwall-fulham-15093579

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic reiterates Ryan Sessegnon importance following Burnley snub


Getty Images

Slavisa Jokanovic has reiterated the importance of youngster Ryan Sessegnon to Fulham this season, after he was dropped to the bench for their first Premier League win of the campaign against Burnley.

The 18-year-old, who started all but one of Fulham's games in the Championship last season, was named in the starting XI for the two opening League defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but was restricted to just a minute off the bench against the Clarets.

There was speculation the full-back turned winger would be handed a chance in Gareth Southgate's England side to face Spain and Switzerland over the international break, but he was not handed a call-up.

While Sessegnon has not had the barnstorming start to Premier League life that many anticipated, his manager is certain of his importance.

"Ryan Sessegnon is 18-years-old with around 100 games in professional football," Jokanovic said.

"I made a decision, he does not need to play all of the games, nobody needs to play all of them.

"He is in the same process as the [rest of the] team, his potential is huge - 100 per cent he will be an important player for us this season.

"If doesn't play a game or doesn't start a game it is not tragic news.

"He is working hard, he pushes forward and he will be an important part of our Premier League team."

The Whites face a trip to Brighton this weekend, but will be without captain Tom Cairney, who could be out for up to a month.

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

"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."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-manager-slavisa-jokanovic-reiterates-ryan-sessegnon-importance-following-burnley-snub-a3924286.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton boss Chris Hughton reveals how he's planning to stop Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic is at the top of the scoring charts in the Premier League having bagged three goals in two games

Chris Hughton believes the way to stop Aleksandar Mitrovic is to suffocate the supply from Fulham's midfielders ahead of their Premier League tie at the AMEX.

The 23-year-old has scored three goals in two games for the Cottagers, netting against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley before bagging a brace in Fulham's first win of the season, beating Burnley 4-2.

Mitrovic is the focal point of an attack that has had the fourth most shots at goal in the entire Premier League - 32 more than their opponents from the south coast.

The Serbian also sits top of the goalscoring charts the at moment, continuing his stunning form from last season that saw him saw 12 goals having joined from Newcastle United on loan in January.

Stopping him means not only getting involved in a physical battle with Mitrovic, but it also requires Brighton to stop his service, which comes from a variety of players, such as Jean-Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

And Hughton believes stopping that supply will give Brighton a good chance of silencing Mitrovic.

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.


Chris Hughton (Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

"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."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/brighton-boss-chris-hughton-reveals-15093731

[WhiteJC]

 
Seri's Nomination

Jean Michaël Seri has been nominated for the Premier League's official Goal of the Month award for August.

The Ivory Coast midfielder opened his account for Fulham in style, smashing home a stunning long range strike to set us on our way to victory over Burnley on Sunday.

Seri is up against Roberto Pereyra (Watford), Lucas Moura (Tottenham Hotspur), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth), Andre Gray (Watford), David Silva (Manchester City), and Ryan Bertrand (Southampton).

Use the button below to vote for Seri, with the winner announced next week.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/31/jean-michael-seri-nomination-goal-of-the-month

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Hughton wary of big-spending Fulham

The Cottagers brought in 12 players in the summer window.

Chris Hughton believes keeping Brighton in the Premier League will be more difficult than last season because of the heavy spending of the promoted clubs.

Top-flight newcomers Fulham and Wolves have splashed a combined total of around £170million during the summer.

Albion, who have invested more than £60million improving their own squad, avoided relegation with two games to spare last term.

They welcome Fulham to the Amex Stadium on Saturday and boss Hughton feels competition in the top flight has increased.

"I think you're always very wary and always very conscious because what I have seen is three teams that have come up – two in particular have spent big money (Wolves and Fulham)," said Hughton.

"And I think this will be, if anything, perhaps even a more challenging season than last season.

"I think also what's happened is every team is conscious of a Stoke going down last season, a West Brom going down, and a Swansea going down.

"Arguably three teams that people didn't expect to go down so I think everybody's more conscious and wary of how difficult this league is."

Fulham's £100million-plus spending spree included the arrivals of defender Alfie Mawson, midfielders Jean Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Cottagers have also completed the high-profile loan signings of Germany forward Andre Schurrle, Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, and Argentinian striker Luciano Vietto.

Hughton has been impressed with Slavisa Jokanovic's transfer business.

"I think they've recruited really well," he added.

"I would have to say most, if not all, of the players we knew and our recruitment department would be well aware of them.

"They've brought in very good players."

Striker Mitrovic returned to Craven Cottage on a permanent deal following a successful loan switch from Newcastle last season.

The Serbia international hit 12 Championship goals to help the London club to promotion and has continued his form in the top flight with three strikes in three games.

"He has started the season very, very well and I think he's had the continuity from last season," Hughton said.

"He obviously feels very much at home there but we will have to make sure that we stop the supply to him because we know how dangerous he is."



http://sport.bt.com/football/chris-hughton-wary-of-big-spending-fulham-S11364292386334

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Fulham: Premier League team news, kick-off time, likely line-ups, odds and stats

    Brighton captain Bruno could be in contention to feature against Fulham
    Centre-back Lewis Dunk remains a major doubt with an ankle problem
    Fulham will be without Tom Cairney for the Premier League trip to Brighton

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Brighton's home clash with Fulham at the London Stadium.

Brighton team news

Brighton captain Bruno could be in contention to feature. The Spanish right-back has returned to training following an ankle injury sustained in the opening-day defeat at Watford.

Centre-back Lewis Dunk remains a major doubt with an ankle problem, while Colombia winger Jose Izquierdo (fitness) and Romania forward Florin Andone (groin) are definitely out.

Provisional squad: Ryan, Button, Steele, Bernardo, Montoya, Bruno, Bong, Dunk, Duffy, Balogun, Schelotto, Suttner, Bissouma, Stephens, Propper, Kayal, Knockaert, March, Gross, Jahanbakhsh, Gyokeres, Locadia, Murray. 


Brighton captain Bruno could be in contention to feature in Saturday's meeting with Fulham

Fulham team news 

Fulham will be without Tom Cairney. The skipper injured his foot in last week's win over Burnley and will now spend a number of weeks on the sidelines, where he will be joined by Neeskens Kebano (ankle).

Tim Ream (knock) and Floyd Ayite also miss out as Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to revert to his strongest line-up after the midweek game in the Carabao Cup.

Provisional squad: Bettinelli, Fabri, Chambers, Mawson, Le Marchand, Christie, Bryan, R Sessegnon, S Sessegnon, Odoi, McDonald, Schurrle, Seri, Mitrovic, Rico, Fosu-Mensah, Johansen, Cisse, Vietto, Kamara, Zambo Anguissa.


Fulham will be without Tom Cairney for the Premier League trip to Brighton



Brighton and Fulham - Key match stats

*Stats supplied by Opta

This will be the first ever top-flight meeting between Brighton and Fulham.

Brighton have won each of their last five league games against Fulham, all in the Championship between December 2014 and January 2017.

Fulham's only victory at the Amex Stadium came in their first ever game there – 2-1 in November 2014 (L2 since).

Brighton have won just two of their last 12 Premier League matches (D3 L7), both home wins over Manchester United.

Brighton have won six of their last seven home league matches in September (L1), winning both Premier League games last season against West Brom and Newcastle.

Fulham's Premier League matches this season have seen the most shots (99) and shots on target (44), with the Cottagers the only team to have both taken and faced at least 20 shots on target (21 attempted, 23 faced).

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has won all three of his matches against Slavisa Jokanovic while the Serbian has been manager of Fulham, doing so in three Championship meetings between April 2016 and January 2017.

Fulham have lost their last three away matches in all competitions – their worst run under Slavisa Jokanovic.

Fulham's André Schürrle had 11 shots against Burnley, the most by a player in a Premier League game this season – the German finally found the net with his 11th attempt in the match.

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his debut for the Cottagers in February – no player has scored more in the top four tiers of English football since then (Mo Salah also 15).

BRIGHTON VS FULHAM

Kick-off

Saturday, 3pm

Venue

Falmer Stadium

Referee

Lee Probert

Odds (subject to change)

Brighton 25/19

Draw 27/11

Fulahm 5/2 

Head-to-head league record

Fulham wins 0

Draws 0

Brighton wins 0 

How to watch

N/A



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6117977/Brighton-vs-Fulham-Premier-League-team-news-kick-time-likely-line-ups-odds-stats.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Sensational Season Starters

It's been a slow start, statistically, for Fulham back in the Premier League, but performances have done much to allay the fears of the fanbase. Cameron Ramsey looks back at the some of the finest games with which Fulham have started league campaigns in the past.

So, we're three weeks into the 2018-19 Premier League season and Fulham, albeit after two defeats, claimed their first three points of the campaign with a scintillating 4-2 scalping of Burnley at Craven Cottage, an open encounter where we saw exactly what our offensive outlets are made of, whilst wincing amid some rather questionable defending faux-pas, of course.

But that's genuinely not a defining problem, however, because Slav's dogged men dug deep and buried the Clarets with a barrage of devastating blows, particularly Jean-Micheal Seri's thunderous pile-driver, which is undoubtedly a Goal of the Season contender, and I'm not even being bias, it simply blew Joe Hart, the net, and the awe-gripped spectators into a state of unbridled pandemonium.

Okay, we can't stop watching it over and over for the life of us either, but what we have for you today is another one of those glossy, harping episodes where we delve back into the history books to salvage a few marvellous examples of where we've previously impressed in the early stages of a domestic schedule, just because it gives us all another excuse to revel in those glorious occasions with a pair of Elton John-inspired rose tinted shades at the ready, and I'm talking about the tasteless, oversized novelty bins, too.

Fulham 5-0 Norwich City – 18/8/2012
The smell of freshly cut grass and ice cold lager usually signifies the start of a football season, but a 5-0 whitewash at the Cottage in the sunshine? That's something that doesn't crop up too often, although Fulham's first game of the 2012-13 schedule threw up an absolute riot down by the river.

Damian Duff sparked the rout after latching onto a sweeping missile dispatched by John Arne Riise, and with John Ruddy scrambling to make himself a problem, the nimble Irishman poked the ball into the bottom left corner. In the 41st minute, debut boy Mladen Petric nodded the Whites 2-0 up, and though Jonathan Howson appeared to have cleared by a whisker, the ball had actually crossed the line by a matter of millimetres.

After the break the dependable Croat notched his second and Fulham's third with an expertly weighted 30-yard arrow and number four of the tie was registered by Alexander Kacaniklic, who sprung the Canaries' deep sitting defence to roll home in font of a jubilant Hammersmith End. The 'apology letter' was issued by Steve Sidwell from the spot in the 87th minute and the onlooking faithful had just witnessed a ruthless drubbing, a divine date that will live long – unless you're a wounded Norwich fan, obviously.

Fulham 4-1 Bolton Wanderers – 17/8/2002
Fulham's second season in the top-flight would see the Whites ground share with Queens Park Rangers for two season, and the first meeting of the 2002-03 campaign saw Bolton Wanderers venture to Shepherd's Bush, where they would be led astray by Jean Tigana's rampant set-up and mauled like perilled lambs to the slaughter.

The Trotters did draw first blood, though, through Michael Ricketts from the penalty spot in the 4th minute, although just moments later Fulham's enigmatic French hit-man Louis Saha would also steer ferociously past  Jussi Jaaskelainen from 12 yards, restoring parity in the tie. Two more goals would come for the Whites before the break through Sylvain Legwinski and Steve Marlet, who tallied his first of the campaign with yet another penalty after spurning a catalogue of golden opportunities.

The second 45 was more of a sparring session with both folds trying to lure one another into a vulnerable state, but Fulham's rout was sealed in the 78th minute by Legwinski with a fizzing hammer blow, having capitalised on Paul Warhurst's butchered attempted clearance to notch himself a deserved brace.

Fulham 1-0 Newcastle United – 5/8/2016
Newcastle United's sores after being relegated from the Premier League in the previous campaign were still smarting, and their opening Championship encounter was against Fulham at Craven Cottage under the lights, a televised confrontation that pundits had marked down as an accomplished triumph for the Magpies before kick-off.

Rallied by a raucous home following, the Whites matched Newcastle in every department on the turf and showcased their efficiency on the ball effortlessly, reducing the Toon to aimless long balls once possession had finally been retrieved. Moments before half-time, Matt 'Smudger' Smith sprang highest and glanced Fulham into the lead following Tom Cairney's arcing corner, a justified reward for the Cottagers' proficient patience and composure.

The remainder of the tie was evenly poised and both squads had their fair share of chances to punish. Penalty shouts and close shaves occurred, but what's most memorable about the second 45 was Denis Odoi's ingenious pirouette on the parameter of the park, a resourceful flick from his back which had his marker, Daryl Janmaat, hailing a cab whilst ordering a hot-dog in dazzled bewilderment.

Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Fulham – 30/8/2003
Having lost 3-1 at Goodison Park against Everton in their second fixture, Fulham's third of the 2003-04 season would also be away from home at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham Hotspur would be eagerly waiting to presumably whip the Whites mercilessly, although the Cottagers had a healthy dose of redemption to dish out in north-London on that faithful day.

In front of a full house, Spurs were on course for a second victory of the season after downing Leeds United on the opening day and drawing against Liverpool the following week, and though Glen Hoddle's men probed, it was Fulham's Barry Hayles that found the net first with a left-footed drive after evading virtually every onrushing Tottenham defender in his path.

A goal to the good the interval, Chris Coleman would have braced himself for a spirited reply from the hosts, but Fulham caught their opponents with a swift combination of devastating strikes within the space of 4 minutes, with Hayles nabbing his second in the 67th minute and Luis Boa Morte diverting an incisive Steed Malbranque cross in the 71st, an assailable 3-0 cushion which was all too much for the Lilywhites to overturn in the sparse time that remained.

Fulham 1-0 Arsenal – 23/8/2008
It may not have been a turbulent goal fest by any means, but Fulham's inaugural home encounter of the 2008-09 welcomed Arsenal to the Cottage after a discouraging 2-1 defeat at the hands of newly promoted side Hull City at the KCOM Stadium, and if the Whites were to answer their critics, they'd have to floor and resist Arsene Wenger's calculative Gunners.

The first half was played at an exceedingly frantic pace and the north-Londoners simply couldn't penetrate Fulham's resolute defensive quarters, and whilst the Cottagers also initially failed to breach Arsenal's rearguard, Brede Hangeland battered a towering header, as per a sumptuous Jimmy Bullard corner, goal bound in the 21st minute, the Norwegian's first for the club and thankfully the game's only goal.

Arsenal struggled to suppress Fulham's desire to press throughout proceedings and Wenger's contingent were muzzled further thanks to the Whites' studied spells in possession, measured phases that ultimately subdued the north-Londoners' hunger to hound and hustle, and though 'Le Prof's' feverish side markedly pestered Roy Hodgson's in the latter stages, the riversiders heroically clung on to the 3 points in what was one of the more intense victories of the club's first spell in the Premier League.



https://fulhamish.co.uk/post/2018-08-31-sensational-season-starters/

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton v Fulham preview: Bruno set for return, Tom Cairney out
Watch highlights on the Sky Sports app from 5.15pm

Brighton welcome newly-promoted Fulham to the Amex on Saturday and Chris Hughton is plotting how to stop Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbia international, who hit 12 Championship goals to help the west London club to promotion last season, returned to Craven Cottage on a permanent deal in the summer and has continued his form in the top flight with three strikes in three games.

"He has started the season very, very well and I think he's had the continuity from last season," Hughton said.

"He obviously feels very much at home there. We will have to make sure that we stop the supply to him because we know how dangerous he is."

Fulham travel to the south coast on the back of their first Premier League win of the season against Burnley last Sunday, but boss Slavisa Jokanovic is expecting a tough assignment against the side who shocked Manchester United and only narrowly lost to Liverpool last time out.

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

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

Team news

Brighton captain Bruno could be in contention to feature against the Cottagers.

The Spanish right-back has returned to training following an ankle injury sustained in the opening-day defeat at Watford.

But centre-back Lewis Dunk remains a major doubt with an ankle problem, while Colombia winger Jose Izquierdo (fitness) and Romania forward Florin Andone (groin) are definitely out.

Fulham will be without captain Tom Cairney.

The skipper injured his foot in last week's win over Burnley and will now spend a number of weeks on the sidelines, where he will be joined by Neeskens Kebano (ankle).

Tim Ream (knock) and Floyd Ayite also miss out as Jokanovic is likely to revert to his strongest line-up after the midweek Carabao Cup win over Exeter.

Opta stats

    This will be the first ever top-flight meeting between Brighton and Fulham.
    Brighton have won each of their last five league games against Fulham, all in the Championship between December 2014 and January 2017.
    Fulham's only victory at the Amex Stadium came in their first ever game there - 2-1 in November 2014 (L2 since).
    Brighton have won just two of their last 12 Premier League matches (D3 L7), both home wins over Manchester United.
    Brighton have won six of their last seven home league matches in September (L1), winning both Premier League games last season against West Brom and Newcastle.
    Fulham's Premier League matches this season have seen the most shots (99) and shots on target (44), with the Cottagers the only team to have both taken and faced at least 20 shots on target (21 attempted, 23 faced).
    Brighton boss Chris Hughton has won all three of his matches against Slavisa Jokanovic while the Serbian has been manager of Fulham, doing so in three Championship meetings between April 2016 and January 2017.
    Fulham have lost their last three away matches in all competitions - their worst run under Slavisa Jokanovic.
    Fulham's André Schürrle had 11 shots against Burnley, the most by a player in a Premier League game this season - the German finally found the net with his 11th attempt in the match.
    Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his debut for the Cottagers in February - no player has scored more in the top four tiers of English football since then (Mo Salah also 15).

Merson's prediction

It's a good game, this. Fulham had a massive result on Sunday, they had to win that one against Burnley. They are a bit suspect at the back, though. Brighton, after beating Manchester United, at home will be full of it. They could beat anyone at home, and Chris Hughton is a good manager so he will make sure they're up for this. If you beat United then lose to Fulham, you haven't really gained anything, so they need to get a result and win the game.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/brighton-vs-fulham/preview/390787

[WhiteJC]

 
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in, Cairney out - Fulham starting XI to face Brighton

Fulham team news looks at how Fulham could line up against Brighton on Saturday at the AMEX

Fulham are without their talisman, Tom Cairney, when they travel to the south coast to take on Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

He faces 'a few weeks' out after an ankle injury that he sustained against Burnley last week in the 4-2 victory and has pulled out of the Scotland squad as a result of the injury.

Neeskens Kebano is also out for the next four weeks after his ankle injury that he got in the midweek victory over Exeter City, while Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite are both still not available for selection.

That Cairney injury means more changes for Slavisa Jokanovic as he continues to find out his best XI, with Brighton next on the list of Premier League opponents.

So who should start in that game? Fulham reporter, Ryan, O'Donovan, has his say on who he thinks Jokanovic should pick in the game at the AMEX.

"With Cairney's injury, Jokanovic seemed to experiment with using Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in a more advanced role during the 2-0 victory over Exeter City.

"I think we'll see Anguissa start on the south coast, fitting into a midfield three of Jean-Michael Seri and Kevin McDonald, with the Scottish international playing the anchor role, while Anguissa plays that box-to-box role, with Seri taking the place of Cairney.


(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

"I think Marcus Bettinelli will keep his place in goal - Sunday's performance was a solid 6/10 and he didn't have too much to do, so the game with Brighton will be another chance for him to stake his claim as the number one once more.

"Joe Bryan and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will start at left and right back, but it's in the heart of defence where it gets interesting.

"Denis Odoi did reasonably well alongside Maxime Le Marchand, but I don't believe Odoi will be the long term option at centre back and I could see Jokanovic slipping Alfie Mawson into defence if he feels he is ready after Tuesday night's 75 minute spell.



"If not, once the international break is over I can certainly see Mawson becoming first choice, with the other spot up for grabs between Le Marchand, Odoi, Calum, Chambers and Tim Ream.

"I would keep the same three up top in Aleksandar Mitrovic, Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto.

"Mitrovic is an obvious choice, but I think the fluidity of Schurrle and Vietto caused Burnley problems, mainly because they didn't know where the two were going to pop up, and using that away from home on a big pitch like the AMEX will certainly cause Brighton some uncertainty.

"Fulham: Bettinelli; Bryan, Le Marchand, Chambers, Fosu-Mensah; Seri, McDonald, Anguissa; Schurrle, Vietto, Mitrovic"



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-in-15093820

[WhiteJC]

 
Sidwell Q&A: Part Two

In Part Two of our chat, Steve Sidwell recalls his delight at watching the Play-Off Final three months ago, and discusses where his loyalties lie this Saturday.

You were very vocal in your support for Fulham last season – just how happy were you to see us go up?
Oh I was buzzing, absolutely buzzing. It's no secret that I didn't want to leave when we got relegated, so I've kept a close eye on things and came down to the Cottage a lot when they were in the Championship. Fulham were easily the best team in the division for the last two years. You might say it's been a blessing that it's taken this long to get back because sometimes you need to get that experience with the lads gelling together, but now they're back in the big time it's brilliant. It was nice to be asked to do the message for the lads ahead of the Play-Off Final. I've followed them, and now they're back I'll be following them even more, and hoping to get down there to watch some games.

Where did you watch the Play-Off Final?
I was actually asked to do the Play-Off Final for Sky, but I couldn't as I was on holiday in Dubai. There was a few Fulham fans out there actually in the sports bar in our hotel, so it was good. Obviously it was a little bit hard for me because ideally I would've loved both teams to have gone up seeing as I had connections with both but, for me, obviously I wanted Fulham to do it, and they did. Just watching the celebrations was great. I stayed behind to watch all the presentations and the interviews on the pitch because I love that. I've got such a connection with the football club, and some of the players still, so it was nice to see so many happy faces, not just on them but on the staff as well. It was brilliant.

Have you seen much of us this season?
I've seen all of the games; I saw Palace at the beginning of the season and Burnley on Sunday, and I did the Spurs one for TV. I've kept tabs on it all, and it's exciting. It was obviously important that the lads got the win last week, because going into a new campaign you want to get those first three points under your belt as soon as possible. That was brilliant, and hopefully there's many more to come – after the weekend!

I was going to say, where do your loyalties lie on Saturday?
I knew you were going to ask that question! I have to sit on the fence, surely?! Listen, I've got massive respect for both football clubs, and the main thing for me is that both of them stay up. I'm actually doing the game this weekend for BT Sport, so I'll be watching it closely. Hopefully there will be plenty of goals, and it finishes in a draw!

What sort of game are you expecting?
I think it's going to be very similar to how it was when we played each other in the Championship that year. To be honest with you, those two games you absolutely battered us twice. How we won those games... The lads still talk about it even now. It was ridiculous. Especially the game at the Amex, first half Brighton could have been 5-0 down. So I see goals on Saturday, obviously with the way Fulham play. We'll obviously try and be strong at home and try and come out on the front foot, so all the ingredients are there for plenty of goals, and hopefully it will be an entertaining match.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/31/steve-sidwell-q-and-a-part-two

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham youngster set to seal loan move to Danish side Vendsyssel

The Icelandic youngster will spend the season away from Fulham on a loan deal

Fulham youngster Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson is set to complete a loan move to Danish Superliga side Vendsyssel.

The 19-year-old Icelandic midfielder featured regularly for Fulham's Premier League 2 side last season and became known for his stunning goals after cutting in from the wings.

He has trained with the first team at Motspur Park in the past, but will be sent out on loan to continue his development and get first team action in Denmark with Vendsyssel.

They currently sit in 11th in the Danish Superliga with seven points, and he Thorsteinsson could go straight into the team for their game with AGF on Sunday.

Thorsteinsson joins a long list of players who have left the club on loan this summer, with Magnus Norman, Marek Rodak, Marcelo Djalo, Tayo Edun, Elijah Adebayo and Stephen Humphrys all also heading out to get game time and continue their development elsewhere this season.


Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson scores for Fulham U21s (Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Thorsteinsson is another highly rated member of Fulham's academy and has started every game so far for the U23s this season, who currently sit in 10th place, losing twice and drawing once, with that win coming against Manchester United U23s on the first day of the season.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-youngster-set-seal-loan-15094360

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League predictions: Lawro v Greg James, BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show host

Liverpool will look to continue their perfect start to the season this weekend but face a tricky test against in-form Leicester.

Jurgen Klopp's side have won all three of their Premier League games so far and are yet to concede a goal but the Foxes have recovered well since an opening day loss to Manchester United with back-to-back wins.

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.

This week's guest is BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James.

Greg has just completed his second week as Radio 1's Breakfast Show host and he said: "The early starts are fine once you get here. Getting here is the real pain, but it is a great fun job to do and I love it."

Greg is an Arsenal fan but admits he doesn't quite have the same passion for football as he did as a kid.

"When Blackburn won the Premier League that was when I was obsessed with it," he added. "I was a proper Arsenal fan. I got all the sticker books I had all the kits but then I just sort of drifted.

"I don't play any more because I am terrible."

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS

Brighton v Fulham

Lawro's prediction: 2-1

I did really worry where Fulham's goals would come from, but Aleksandar Mitrovic has started the season well. However, Brighton have a knack of getting a defeat and then winning at home next time and they just have that bit more quality than they did last season.

Greg's prediction: 2-2



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45358063

[WhiteJC]

 
Button up for the challenge of Premier League debut with Albion

David Button is ready to grab his chance of finally playing in the Premier League.

Albion are the 17th club for the 29-year-old goalkeeper, but he has never played in the top flight.

That will change in January when No.1 Mathew Ryan goes off to the United Arab Emirates to represent Australia in the Asian Cup.

Button is ahead of fellow summer newcomer Jason Steele (below) in the back-up order.

He has pledged to seize the opportunity after his debut in the late midweek defeat by Southampton at the Amex in the Carabao Cup.

Button said: "I came here with my eyes open. I knew how well Maty had done last season, but I've come here to push him and help him as much as I can.

"When I get those opportunities I'm looking forward and I'll be ready to take them."

Button started his career at home town club Stevenage. In nine years at Spurs he made only one brief first team appearance in the League Cup and was loaned out to 11 different clubs.

He also had spells at Charlton and Brentford before joining Albion from tomorrow's visitors Fulham.

His two years at Craven Cottage coincided with Fulham reaching the Championship play-offs, followed by promotion via the play-offs, although Button lost his place to Marcus Bettinelli midway through last season.

"That's football," Button said. "Ultimately I played 60 games over the last two years and one was the play-offs and one was promotion, so I feel like it was fairly successful.

"The opportunity came here to move on. It was something I was desperate to do and I'm really happy that it came off."

Fulham have caused a stir by spending more than £100 million on a host of new signings.

Slavisa Jokanovic's revamped side had their first win at home to Europa League-weary Burnley at the weekend after losing to Crystal Palace and Spurs, but Button (below) says Albion have nothing to be afraid of.

He told The Argus: "With the amount of loan players last year they needed to go out and spend and strengthen. I'm probably a little bit surprised by the extent to which they have done it, but it's a competitive league now and the squad probably needed it.

"They've got some technically very good players. I don't think they've got anyone that we should be scared of and, particularly playing at home, I am sure the lads are confident of getting a good result."

Albion have lost only one of their last eight Premier League matches at the Amex. They beat Manchester United last time out at home, in-between a poor performance at Watford and a far more encouraging away display in the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Fulham's hopes of challenging their formidable Amex record have been hit by the absence of influential captain and Scottish international midfielder Tom Cairney, who was forced off late-on against Burnley by an ankle injury.

Button said: "He is very important to the way they play. He likes to get the ball down and is very comfortable in possession. When they've got the ball he is very talented at keeping it for them.

"I'm sure we'll come up with a game plan and put in a good performance. Everyone was a little bit disappointed after the first game, but the reaction since then has been brilliant.

"We are going into the game with a lot of confidence and looking to add more points to the tally."

Button had an eventful debut against Southampton. He made several good saves before a miskick almost gifted Saints a late lead.

The reprieve proved shortlived when Charlie Austin nodded in a cross from fellow sub Nathan Redmond two minutes from time to dump Albion out and deny Button a clean sheet on his debut.

He said: "It was a good header. On another day I feel like I might have saved it, but it wasn't to be. You just take it on the chin and move on.

"Goalkeeping wise, I was quite pleased with how I dealt with their shots and stuff like that."

After his nationwide loan tour at Spurs, which included the likes of Grays, Rochdale, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Plymouth and Doncaster, a more settled period beckons now for Button for the next three years under the guidance of former Albion No.1's Ben Roberts (above) - who he worked with at Charlton - and Casper Ankergren.

"There is really good group going now with the goalkeepers, the three of us, with Ben and Casper as well," Button said.

"I've settled in well and the family have been enjoying it down here, which is great. We've been on the pier a few times with the kids.

"It's a great place to live and more importantly it's a great football club as well. I can't emphasise enough how much I have enjoyed my start here."



http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/16608481.button-up-for-the-challenge-of-premier-league-debut-with-albion/

[WhiteJC]

 
Show me the love Jean Michael Seri was linked with Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool but chose Fulham because they wanted him more

The midfielder has made a blistering start to life in the Premier League following his £25m move from French club Nice

Jean Michael Seri said the way Fulham pursued him helped make the decision to join the Premier League club a lot easier.

It took £25million for Nice to sell the midfielder, who was close to joining Barcelona in 2017 and prior to his Craven Cottage move, was linked with Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the Manchester clubs.

But the big boys didn't make him feel wanted the way Fulham did and it was a real coup for Slavisa Jokanovic's side to sign a player known as the 'African Xavi'.

The 27-year-old Ivory Coast international has made a seamless transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League and has already scored his first goal for the club, a spectacular effort in the 4-2 win against Burnley.

"When I played for Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal, Nice came for me and they really came. Fulham wanted me the same way," Seri said in an interview with The Times. "They said, 'We want you, come to Fulham.'

"Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, they saw me but they didn't say, 'We want you.' Because Fulham gave me this respect, although other clubs wanted me, I wanted to sign for Fulham.

"Fulham said to my president: 'We want Mica Seri, talk to him if he's interested because we know Chelsea, Manchester want him and he almost signed for Barcelona but we are back in the Premier League.' My president calls me, he says: 'Fulham want you, do you want to go?' I say, 'If they want me, they respect me. The big clubs want me but Fulham show they want me.'"



https://talksport.com/football/417317/jean-michael-seri-was-linked-with-tottenham-chelsea-and-liverpool-but-chose-fulham-because-they-wanted-him-more/

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham: match preview

Brighton v Fulham: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

The head-to-head between Brighton and Fulham in the Championship makes for excellent reading for the home support. Since Chris Hughton took over his side have won four out of four meetings. Slavisa Jokanovic will hope his side continue their form from the 4-2 win against Burnley to address the imbalance. Hughton's defence have to neutralise the brute force of Aleksandr Mitrovic. The Serb's record speaks for itself – 15 league goals since January. Graham Searles

Saturday 3pm

Venue Amex Stadium

Last season n/a

Referee Lee Probert

This season G1 Y3 R2 5 cards/game

Odds H 13-10 A 5-2 D 5-2

BRIGHTON

Subs from Steele, Button, White, Kayal, Pröpper, Locadia, Jahanbakhsh, Suttner, Dreyer, Bruno, Dunk

Doubtful Bruno (hamstring), Dunk (ankle)

Injured Andone (groin, 17 Sep), Izquierdo (knee, 17 Sep)

Suspended None

Discipline Y4 R0

Form LWL

Leading scorers Duffy, Gross, Murray 1

FULHAM

Subs from Fabri, Rico, Johansen, Fonte, Sessegnon, Kamara, McDonald, Chambers, Cissé, Mawson

Doubtful None

Injured Ayité (knock, 15 Sep), Cairney (foot, 15 Sep), Ream (thigh, 15 Sep), Kebano (ankle, 29 Sep)

Suspended None

Discipline Y3 R0

Form LLW

Leading scorer Mitrovic 3



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/31/brighton-fulham-match-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
PRE-MATCH BRIEF: ALBION V FULHAM

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Fulham to the Amex in the Premier League on Saturday 1st September, kick-off 3pm, in what is the first-ever Premier League meeting between the two sides.

Fulham's last visit to the Amex came in November 2016, when Albion picked up three points with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Glenn Murray and Sam Baldock.

Prohibited Items

The club has taken the step to add flasks, cartons and larger bottles – in whatever material they are made from – to the prohibited list from this season, from the Fulham match onward, following a review of the matchday safety policies. The full list is of prohibited items can be found here.

Travel

All supporters are asked to head to the stadium as early as possible regardless of how they are travelling.

Trains: Southern Rail have informed the club that they will be operating a full matchday service between Brighton and Lewes.

Please note that due to engineering works on the line between Littlehampton and Brighton, there will be a bus replacement service in operation, but fans are advised to check Southern's website before travelling.

Park & Rides: Due to building work, the park and ride at University of Brighton on Lewes Road will be closed until January 2019; however, the club has increased the number of buses at Brighton Racecourse, where additional parking spaces will also be available.

There will also be more buses operating at the Mill Road site to cope with the increased demand.

Both locations at Brighton Racecourse & Mill Road will be open from 12pm.

Car Parks: The Bridge (Car Park B) and Sussex University (Car Park C) have now completely sold out, and there will be no cash sales on the day. Supporters are therefore advised to use public transport wherever possible.

All vehicles accredited to park at Sussex University must enter via Stanmer Park, as there will be no entry at Falmer or Knights Gate.

Village Way will be extremely busy and congested, and supporters are advised to avoid this area both pre-and post-match, unless they have pre-booked parking.

Parking: There is no local street parking available to football supporters, and all areas have a residents parking scheme in operation, and enforcement officers will be on patrol.

Seagull Travel: Seagull Travel will be running their usual matchday services from various locations, and spaces are available to pre-book via their website.

Drop-offs & Pick-ups: There will be no pick-ups or drop-offs along Village Way, or at the Woollard Way (entrance to the Bridge car park).

Car Park 5 at the University of Sussex, which is located by the Sports Hall, is being utilised to enable fans to be dropped off and picked up before and after the match, this drop-off/pick-up point is a short walk through the underpass to the Amex Stadium. There is also a free shuttle bus in operation.

All supporters are asked to head to the stadium as early as possible, regardless of how they are travelling.

Opening and Closing Times

The club superstore will be open from 9am will close at 6pm after the game. The shop is also closed during the match.

The ticket office will open from 9am until half-time. The ticket office will be closed during the second half.

Dick's Bar is open from 12pm until kick-off and then after the match until 7.30pm. Please note this bar is only open to over-18s.

All concourses will open at 1pm. Post-match, East, South and West concourses will close at 6.30pm. North will close at 7.30pm.

1901 Club Lounges, HB's Restaurant and The Goldstone Restaurant will all open at 12.30pm. HB's and The Goldstone will both close at 7pm.

All lounges will close at 6.30pm with the exception of iTalk and Mayo Wynne Baxter Lounges, which will close at 7.30m. The Amex Lounge which will close at 7pm.

Fanzone

Fans will be greeted by 'Men at Risk' who will be playing on the bandstand from 1.30pm. The outside bar and food outlets will be open from 1pm. The outside bar will close at 2.15pm.

In the 1901 Club lounges, Dick's Bar and concourses, Leicester City v Liverpool will be available to watch pre-match on the screens and Manchester City v Newcastle United will be available post-match.

Ticket Office

Please note this game has now sold out. However, there are limited lounge access hospitality spaces available. Please visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com/tickets for more information.

Club Superstore

The two external retail outlets will be open for this fixture. They are situated at the south-east approach T-junction, and north-west corner, stocking a range of souvenirs.

The store is currently offering two T-shirts for £30.

Supporters wishing to get shirts printed are advised this is best done post-match to avoid long waiting times.

1901 Club Lounge Dress Code

We would like to take this opportunity to remind members that the dress code for the 1901 Club is smart business attire for all guests, male and female.

Acceptable attire includes smart jeans, smart boots, clean trainers and canvas shoes. Please note that ripped jeans, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted. Hospitality guests dining in either restaurant will still be required to wear shoes; trainers will not be permitted in dining areas.

Men must wear a collared shirt or polo shirt. Football shirts, polo-neck and turtleneck sweaters are not acceptable.

Only guests aged under 14 may wear Brighton & Hove Albion replica shirts. Away team colours or shirts are not permitted under any circumstances. Please ensure your guests are aware of and adhere to the dress code as entry will not be permitted if they are not dressed accordingly.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to reseat 1901 Club members or their guests in general admission areas of the stadium if refused admission to the 1901 Club.

Matchday Magazine

In Saturday's matchday magazine, cover star Dale Stephens takes a look back at the past year, while Liam Rosenior and Steve Sidwell reflect on their new roles at the club after hanging up their boots.

Head of recruitment Paul Winstanley talks about the recent summer transfer window, while Martin Montoya talks about his Amex debut against Manchester United.

Also included is a pull-out giant poster, which will feature another Albion player.

Don't forget to pick up your copy, priced at £3.50 and available in and around the stadium.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2018/august/pre-match-brief-albion-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham
SAT 01 Sept 2018   Premier League
Venue: Amex Stadium

Summer purchase Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored three league goals already this season for Fulham.

TEAM NEWS

Brighton captain Bruno is available after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered against Watford.

Lewis Dunk faces a fitness test, while Florin Andone and Jose Izquierdo are definitely out.

Fulham are without Tom Cairney because of a foot injury he sustained in last week's win over Burnley.

Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and Tim Ream are also absent, but Alfie Mawson could make his first league appearance for the Cottagers.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@Mark_Scott_: Brighton are a tough nut to crack at the Amex, as Manchester United have discovered on a couple of occasions recently, and the enthusiasm generated from their latest victory over Mourinho's men won't have been dampened by their narrow defeat at Anfield.

Having seriously shuffled his pack last time out, Slavisa Jokanovic came up with a winning formula as Fulham impressed against Burnley.

I was at that game and while Aleksandar Mitrovic understandably grabbed the headlines, there were a number of strong performances, with Andre Schurrle and Jean Michael Seri in particular catching the eye.

But while Brighton will be wary of Fulham's fine free-flowing football going forwards, they'll also be encouraged by the Cottagers continual defensive frailties as well.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton: "I think this will be, if anything, perhaps an even more challenging season than last season.

"I think you're always very wary and always very conscious because two [of the promoted teams] in particular have spent big money.

"I think everybody's more conscious and wary of how difficult this league is."

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic on his squad: "They need to push themselves harder. I have tried to make it some kind of a competition in my team, they need to compete first of all with each other for the opportunity to compete with the opposition team.

"I believe this is healthy for the team and players. It is my job to make the choice which is best for the game ahead of us. I will choose what I believe is the best option."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

I did really worry where Fulham's goals would come from, but Aleksandar Mitrovic has started the season well.

However, Brighton have a knack of getting a defeat and then winning at home next time and they just have that bit more quality than they did last season.

Prediction: 2-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    This is the first top-flight meeting between these sides.
    Brighton have won their last five matches against Fulham, all of which were in the Championship.
    There have been only three draws in the 40 league fixtures between them.

Brighton and Hove Albion

    Brighton's only two victories in their last 12 Premier League games have been at home against Manchester United.
    The only teams to win at the Amex Stadium in the league last season were Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester City.
    The Seagulls have won the most tackles (67) and made the most interceptions (52) of any top-flight team so far.

Fulham

    They could set a top-flight club record of 20 consecutive away matches without a clean sheet on Saturday.
    Only Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have had a higher average possession in the Premier League than Fulham's 58% after three games.
    Their Premier League matches this season have produced the most shots (99) and shots on target (44).
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his debut for the Cottagers in February, the joint most of any player in the top four tiers of English football in that time, along with Liverpool's Mo Salah.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45305232