Friday Fulham Stuff (14/09/18)...

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Fulham looking to offer a new deal to Ryan Sessegnon

Fulham are looking to agree on a new deal with Ryan Sessegnon.

According to the London Evening Standard, the highly talented full-back has less than two years left on his current deal and the Londoners are looking to tie him down to a long-term contract.

The 17-year-old has been a key player for Fulham over the last 12 months and keeping him at the club would be crucial to their ambitions.

Sessegnon was linked with a move away from the club this summer but Fulham refused to sell him. It will be interesting to see whether they can agree on the contract extension now.

As per reports, Manchester United and Tottenham were keen on signing the player.

Fulham fans will be delighted with the club's decision on Sessegnon's future. With top clubs like Spurs and United in need of a quality left back, securing Sessegnon's future is vital.

The highly talented player can operate as a left winger as well and he is rated very highly in England. Under the right coaching, Sessegnon could develop into a real star.



https://sportslens.com/fulham-looking-to-offer-a-new-deal-to-ryan-sessegnon/245364/

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3 Things Manchester City Need To Do To Stop Fulham Scoring

Four fixtures into the new season Liverpool, Chelsea, and Watford remain the only clubs not to have dropped any points. Therefore, ...it doesn't take a genius to work out that it is essential (as ever) for last season's Centurions to collect all three points against Premier League new boys, Fulham this Saturday.

Saturday 15 September 2018

Manchester City vs. Fulham

Etihad Stadium

Kick off – 3 pm BST

Referee – Stuart Attwell

The list of live streams and global TV coverage can be found here.

List of City and Fulham players injured or classed as doubtful can be found here.

3 Things Manchester City Need To Do To Stop Fulham Scoring

Aleksandar Mitrovic

The 23-year-old Serbia striker is on FIRE- he scored two for his country against Romania a couple of days ago, and on top of that, the former Newcastle United striker has netted Fulham four goals already this season.

If Fulham are to score it is highly likely it will be Mitrovic.

City will need to defend in numbers

Who knows how Pep Guardiola will play this, however, my way of thinking is that City will have Mendy on the left, Kyle Walker on the right with either Vinny and or John Stones in the defensive middle.

Whatever happens, the lads will be kept busy.

Last seasons Championship play-off winners Fulham have nothing to lose and everything to win. They will play 'without fear' and will probably pass the ball with oodles of confidence, especially after their 4-2 win over Burnley just before the international break.

Ederson

In my eyes, Ederson is the best keeper we've had at City in years and so if MCFC is to stop Fulham from scoring he's the leading man for the job.

City's strike force

On Wednesday of this week, Sergio Aguero went on record to say his fitness is "the best in years" after a knee operation in April. He's lost weight, looks 'mean' and 'on-form.'

Kun will probably start while the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, and Riyad Mahrez will more than likely cause the Cottagers plenty of misery.

Score prediction

Manchester City 4-1 Fulham.



https://manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/3-things-manchester-city-need-to-do-to-stop-fulham-scoring/

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Amazing news for Man City's Ederson before Fulham

Manchester City vs Fulham

Reigning Premier League champions Man City are fourth in the division after four matches of the new season.

Man City dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with Wolves on matchday three.

Aside from that stalemate, the Sky Blues have won their other three games in the league.

Fulham have had a mixed bag of results at the beginning of the campaign.

Fulham's best result was a 4-2 win over Burnley at Craven Cottage.

However the Cottagers only have four points from four games, while they sit 13th in the league.

Amazing news for Man City's Ederson

It's been widely reported that Man City goalie Ederson, along with his wife Lais, were awaiting the birth of a baby.

Some had been concerned that Ederson could miss the Fulham match for those personal reasons.

On Wednesday, the Brazilian international confirmed that his son, Henrique, had been born.

Ederson announced the news on social media with the following biblical quote:

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

So will Ederson miss the Fulham match?

While fans will wait for Pep Guardiola's pre-Fulham press conference to hear more on the City goalie, the assumption is that Ederson will play against Fulham.

Leroy Sane is also a new dad

Leroy Sane has also become a father during the international break.

Sane left the German national squad to attend the birth of his first born.

The winger is also expected to be in contention to play against Fulham this Saturday.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/social/amazing-man-city-ederson-fulham/

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Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is the hottest striker in Europe after Serbia brace

The Fulham striker has been in fine form since the start of the season.


Photo: Getty Images

The hottest goalscorer in Europe is not found in Barcelona, nor Madrid, nor Manchester, and not in Munich. Instead, it's undoubtedly Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Serbian striker who plies his trade at Fulham.

After bagging two goals in Belgrade in his country's UEFA Nations League draw against Romania, Mitrovic added to his tremendous goal tally ever since he joined Fulham on 31 January.

Since that date, he's scored more league goals than anyone else in the top four leagues of English football, with a staggering 16 goals in 21 appearances.

And, since June, in his last 10 appearances for club and country, Mitrovic has scored 10 goals.

The amazing form of the Serbian striker has proved his critics wrong in some style. Many had doubted Mitrovic could cut it at the top level of European football. They wrote off his success at Fulham in the Championship as a result of the reduced level of competition in the second division.

But the striker addressed those doubts with a World Cup goal against Switzerland, followed by a stunning start to the 2018/19 Premier League season.

Heading into the international break, Mitrovic sits atop the Premier League scoring charts with four goals in four matches along with Liverpool's Sadio Mane – ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku, Mohamed Salah, Eden Hazard, and Harry Kane.

This feat is all the more impressive considering Mitrovic is playing for a newly-promoted side, rather than an established top-flight outfit in contention for the title race.

And his form for his country is sparkling as well, evidenced by a well-taken double against Romania that featured a scrappy first goal and a wonderfully hit volley for his double.

Mitrovic's playing style is unplayable at the moment, as he possesses a deadly combination of brute strength and flawless finishing. His goals can come from anywhere, whether it is dominating headers or marvellous long-range efforts.

His goals are easily justifying the hefty price-tag Fulham paid for him this summer, and as the Whites prepare to travel to Manchester City on the weekend, Mitrovic will face his toughest test yet.

But for Aleksandar Mitrovic, the hottest striker in Europe, there will be no fear. Just excitement at the prospect of shaking up the defence of the champions.



https://tbrfootball.com/aleksandar-mitrovic-hottest-striker/

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Man City vs Fulham: Sergio Aguero provides key injury update in warning to title rivals

MANCHESTER CITY star Sergio Aguero believes he is in peak condition as he looks to shoot down Fulham again this weekend.

Aguero had to undergo knee surgery in April and missed the final weeks of City's Premier League title win last season.

He starred for Argentina at the World Cup and has made a flying start to the new campaign as well.

Pep Guradiola recently hailed the 30-year-old for being in the best shape he's seen since arriving at the Etihad.

And Aguero, who has scored five goals already this term, says he's feeling better than ever.

He said: "Honestly, I feel fantastic. I don't feel any sort of discomfort.

"During the past few years, I felt pains at times and when last season came to an end, we decided it would be best to start treatment. And the results were very positive.

"I'm not sure if this is the best start of a season for me, but it's the best I've felt in years. It shows in my game.



"The challenge now is keeping up this level, and I'll be working nonstop to maintain it."

City, who are fourth in the Premier League table with 10 points from four games, host newly-promoted Fulham this weekend.

Aguero has a fine record against the Cottagers having scored four goals and provided three assists in the four games he's played against them.

He said: "They have a long-standing tradition in England of being a good footballing team and now they've won a place back in the Premier League.



"It's no secret this is one of the most competitive tournaments in the world, played at the highest of levels, so it doesn't matter if they are fresh from promotion or not – they've earned their place here. We'll play this game as any other.

"It's been some time since we played them last. Here's hoping my good run continues against them - but I remember them all being tough matches.

"They impressed me last season and went on a long unbeaten run and have started this season well. We'll keep focused, we'll stay true to our game, and we'll aim for the win as we always do."

City beat Newcastle 2-1 before the international break and welcome Fulham, who have taken four points from their opening fixtures, to the Etihad on Saturday.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/729330/Man-City-vs-Fulham-Sergio-Aguero-Pep-Guardiola-Premier-League?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-football+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29

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Fulham v Manchester City – Head To Head
The Stats Ahead Of The Weekend's Match

City return to Premier League action following the international break when new boys Fulham visit the Etihad Stadium. What do the stats say prior to Saturday's match?

The blues have faced Fulham on 29 occasions at home, winning 17 of those match and losing just six. The last time the two teams met in this fixture was March 2014 when the blues thumped Fulham 5-0 on their way to the winning the Premier League title.

City are unbeaten in five home league matches against The Cottagers, winning three and drawing two. The blues have won their last three corresponding fixtures, 5-0, 2-0 and 3-0, with Fulham's last win on City soil coming in the form of a 3-1 in April 2009.

The two teams first met at City in 1908 in an FA Cup tie which finished 1-1. The first league encounter came two years later in Division two when the blues won 3-1. They went on to win their next three league and cup games before losing at home for the first time against Fulham in October 1938, when the visitors won 5-3.

City's longest unbeaten run at home to Fulham is six matches, achieved on two occasions: between January 1947 and August 1961, and the current run from September 2009 to March 2014. If the bleus avoid defeat on Saturday, it will be the longest unbeaten stretch at home to The Cottagers. The longest losing streak in this fixture is two, when the blues lost 3-2 in April 2008 and April 2009, while the longest winless run is three – March 2004 to April 2006, when City drew two and lost one.

The blues have only failed to score at home to Fulham on two occasions; September 1983 and March 2004, with both games ending 0-0. City have lost 3-2 in this fixture on three occasions – March 1963, September 1984 and April 2009. Three of City's defeats occurred within four seasons, April 2006, April 2008 and April 2009. It is safe to say City do not like playing Fulham in April!

Saturday's match will be the sixth time City have faced Fulham at home in September. City have won three of the previous games played in September, losing one (3-2) and drawing one (0-0). In total, the blues have scored 71 goals in this fixture and conceded just 35.



https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2018/9/13/17852196/fulham-v-manchester-city-head-to-head-statistics

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Fulham predicted XI to take on Manchester City: Ryan Sessegnon recalled for trip to the Etihad

Fulham news includes a look at how the Cottagers could line up for their trip to Manchester City on Saturday

Fulham return to league action on Saturday when they travel to take on Premier League champions, Manchester City.

It represents the biggest test the side will face this season as Slavisa Jokanovic pits himself against Pep Guardiola and is a long way from some of the trips the team made last season in the Championship.

They've had two weeks since their last game - a 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, with the members of the team that remained at Motspur Park during the international break undergoing a mini pre-season training camp in Spain, which included a win over Indian side ATK.

The main reason for that trip was to get all players at the same level of fitness, while Jokanovic also wanted to work with his back four to ensure they get to know one another better and get on board with how he wants them to play.

But how should he line the side up to take on the champions? Our Fulham reporter, Ryan O'Donovan, has picked his XI to take on Guardiola on Saturday.

"Looking at how Jokanovic set up his back four in Spain, I don't think it would be a surprise to see Joe Bryan, Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand all keep their places from the friendly win over ATK.

"I don't see why Jokanovic would use that friendly to play them and then not select them in the Premier League.

"Denis Odoi filled in at right back because Cyrus Christie and Timothy Fosu-Mensah were away on international duty, but I think Fosu-Mensah will come back into the team to slot in next to the previously mentioned three, with Marcus Bettinelli keeping his place in goal.

"Moving into midfield now, and Tom Cairney will miss this trip to City as he continues his recovery from injury, so I would continue with the trio of Jean-Michael Seri, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kevin McDonald in the middle of the park.

"Up top, I think I'd recall Ryan Sessegnon to the XI for this game.


Ryan O'Donovan's Fulham team to play Manchester City

"He's better defensively than Luciano Vietto, and with Fulham most likely looking to hit City on the break, Sessegnon would be far better suited than the Atletico Madrid loanee.

"I'd stick with Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic - the German is in good form while Mitrovic is scoring goals for fun, and his physical presence will give City's defence something to think about."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-predicted-xi-take-manchester-15145695

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Tempobet: UK Betting Partner

Fulham Football Club has today announced that Tempobet will become its UK betting partner for the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.

The partnership will see Tempobet's brand appear on the official Fulham website and LED perimeter advertising at Craven Cottage this season, providing greater awareness for the brand.

Fulham Football Club returned to the top flight of English football this season and have attracted the attention of increased audiences throughout the UK.

Announcing the new partnership Fulham FC Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig said: "We're delighted to welcome Tempobet on board for what is set to be an exciting 2018/19 Premier League season. As London's oldest professional football Club, we are pleased to welcome an established brand such as Tempobet to our portfolio of partners."

Tempobet's Managing Director Michael Corrado added: "We are delighted to have signed on the dotted line with Fulham, whose attractive brand of football in the world's most popular football league is a great fit for us.

"We're looking forward to providing betting and gaming opportunities to their fans and the many millions of football supporters who tune in to watch the Premier League each week."

Tempobet.com was founded in 2007 and now offers a comprehensive antepost and live sports betting service, as well as casino, virtual games, binary options, and lottery.

The brand is now a fixture among sports fans having undergone rapid international growth in recent years, a position which has been cemented by a series of high profile sponsorship deals.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/12/tempobet

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Sporting director wanted club to block Fulham signing player in summer window

Today's edition of French newspaper L'Equipe has a story about Marseille sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and they look at the Spaniard's situation at the club, including his relationship with Rudi Garcia.

Before the Ligue 1 club decides on a transfer, it has to be cleared with the former Barcelona director of football and the process is not well appreciated by their manager, who wants to have full control over incoming and outgoing players.

Kevin Strootman left AS Roma and joined Les Phocéens in the summer transfer window for almost €30m, while the Spaniard was not keen on signing the Dutchman as he wanted to bring in a young midfielder and a striker.

The 28-year-old was signed at the end of August after Marseille allowed André-Frank Zambo Anguissa to join Fulham at the start of the same month and Garcia's side cashed in around €30m from the sale of the Cameroonian midfielder.

It's claimed that Zubizarreta was against the sale of the 22-year-old to Fulham because he was confident that Zambo Anguissa would earn Marseille more money from a transfer in the 2019 summer window.

Unfortunately for the sporting director, his employer decided against taking his advice and allowed the African midfielder to join the Premier League club.

Good news for Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/sporting-director-wanted-club-block-fulham-signing-player-summer-window/

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The incredible Jean-Michael Seri stats that tell the story of one of the most complete midfielders

His arrival from Nice in the summer caused excitement around Fulham fans - and he hasn't disappointed with his performances so far

Jean-Michael Seri arrived at Fulham to a lot of excitement and fanfare that the Cottagers were able to pull off such a coup of a signing - and he hasn't disappointed so far.

The 27-year-old, who has been called the Ivorian Xavi in the past, has wasted no time demonstrating to the Craven Cottage faithful just why he was close to signing for Barcelona and why neighbours Chelsea were after his signature in the summer.

It's only been four games, but Seri is well on his way to becoming a fan favourite, with many saying that if he continues this level of performance, he could well be the best player they've ever seen to pull on a white shirt - a position that is held by Mousa Dembele for many at the moment.

The early talk of the season has gone to the likes of Naby Keita of Liverpool and Jorginho of Chelsea, who are impressing after their big summer moves to both sides, while Seri's performances have gone somewhat under the radar on a national scale, with his August Goal of the Month award the only notice that he's really gotten so far.

But if you delve a bit deeper, Seri's stats tell the story of one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League.

Before heading into this weekend's round of games, the 27-year-old sits above World Cup winners and established world players in the passing and touches charts, with the likes of Paul Pogba and John Stones trailing in his wake.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Fulham are well known for being a passing side, and we're well used to seeing Tom Cairney top the passing charts in the Championship, but it's Seri's name at the moment that is in amongst some of the best midfielders in the league.

He ranks 7th on 307 passes for the season so far, 110 behind Jorginho who holds top spot, but the Chelsea man is solely responsible for getting the side going from deep in midfield, whereas Seri shares that role with Cairney, who has 202 passes to his name himself, while his pass success rate for the season is 90.8%.

Seri is also 8th on the list of most touches with 376, again lagging behind Jorginho in top spot but above the likes of Pogba and Fernandinho in the charts.


Jean Michael Seri celebrates his wonder goal against Burnley (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

But when it comes to the defensive side of the game, Seri doesn't drop off like those that prop up the attacking stats like Jorginho and still features prominently.

He's made nine tackles this season, joint 35 most in the league and 35rd best out of all the midfielders, while his interceptions tally at seven, joint 23rd best but only five behind top spot, which is occupied by West Ham's Fabian Balbuena.

Seri also has the 10th best blocks stats out of all the Premier League midfielders with two, seven behind Huddersfield Town's defender Christopher Schindler.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

While the defensive stats sitting alone don't look particularly impressive, when you combine them to the attacking stats and have an all-round look at Seri in the Premier League so far, we see the story of one of the most complete midfielders in the entire division.

He has the ability to do everything, from passing the ball and set Fulham on the attack to breaking up the opposition's breaks.

At this rate - Seri could well win the accolade of signing of the season come May.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/incredible-jean-michael-seri-stats-15146175

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On The Ball

The Club is pleased to announce that it will be providing female fans with free sanitary products at every home game this season.

Fulham has joined the 'On The Ball' campaign to ensure that women and girls in attendance at Craven Cottage are provided with the essential products that the Club believes they shouldn't have to pay for.

The movement was started by friends Orlaith Duffy, Erin Slaven and Mikaela McKinley at their own team Celtic, with a number of other clubs following suit. Fulham becomes the third Premier League outfit to get involved, after Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town.

Sanitary products will be available in every female toilet at the Cottage, beginning with next week's fixture against Watford.

Aimee McKenzie, Head of Operations & Facilities at Fulham, said: "As soon as we heard about the On The Ball campaign we thought it was a great initiative that Orlaith, Erin and Mikaela were pushing out to clubs.

"We believe it's important that we are in tune with our fanbase, so it's great that we can be a part of it and hopefully it will lead others to follow suit."

Erin from On The Ball added: "We are thrilled that Fulham FC have joined the other 27 teams who are #OnTheBall. FFC are setting such a good example for other football clubs by providing free period products and increasing the visibility of their female fans. Welcome aboard to the Whites!"

Fulham Supporters' Trust board member Sue Couch said: "It's great that the Club responded so quickly to this supporter-led initiative.

"Fulham has so many female fans of all ages, and it means a lot to receive this kind of courtesy and consideration.

"Supporting this campaign is an important step towards improving comfort and ensuring every fan feels welcome.

"Kudos to the On The Ball campaign and I hope many other clubs join in."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/13/on-the-ball

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Mitrovic vs Stones and other key battles that could decide Man City vs Fulham clash

Three Key Battles of the game between Manchester City & Fulham

Champions Manchester City will look to keep close distance on early pace-setters when they face newly-promoted Fulham at the Etihad stadium. It will be an interesting game as the Cottagers are not the ones who will just sit deep and play for a point. Instead, Slavisa Jokanovic's men are a front-foot team who will look to play their own game against the Cityzens.

Having spent a fortune on several new players this summer, Fulham do look a bit rusty partly because the manager is still unsure of his best line-up. He would be required to get his tactics spot on and defy whatever the champions throw at them.

For City, it will be all about finding the rhythm and continue winning, with the Liverpool game around the corner early next month. Guardiola is a fantastic manager and he will make sure there isn't any complacency.

Here are the three key battles for the game on Saturday:

Manchester City's attack vs Fulham's defence

Manchester City's attack is probably the best in the world at the moment, and Fulham will have to contend with that if they are to have any chance of getting something from the game. Solidity and communication at the back will be key for the Cottagers, along with making sure they do not get too deep and allow the opposition some easy possession around the box.

A good balance needs to be found out otherwise City can have an easy afternoon.

Midfield battle

On paper, Fulham do possess some quality names in midfield to challenge the formidable line-up of Manchester City. The likes of Jean Michael Seri and Tom Cairney are high-class talents on the ball who can make things happen from tight spots. The only thing they need to do is to be disciplined off the ball and make sure City do not dominate the central areas of the pitch.

For the Champions, it will be a matter of passing it around with precision and remaining solid against a team who will, at times, press hard to win back possession.

Mitrovic vs Stones and Laporte/Kompany

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in phenomenal form in front of goal this season, netting four in four appearances. The Serbian is expected to have a tough afternoon against a City team who will dominate possession and territory.

Hence, the striker needs to reach all the balls played towards him and wait for midfield runners to join before laying it off. Set-piece situations will also be very important for the away side.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/09/13/mitrovic-vs-stones-and-other-key-battles-that-could-decide-man-city-vs-fulham-clash/

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In Focus Preview: Wolves U23s

Fulham Under-23s welcome high-flying Wolverhampton Wanderers to Motspur Park on Friday night. The Young Whites will be looking to put the Checkatrade Trophy disappointment behind them as they entertain the league leaders who will provide a stern test.

Wolves recently brushed aside Norwich City last time out, when a Benny Ashley-Seal hattrick sunk the Canaries on the way to a 3-1 away win.

We took a look at the tricky upcoming test from all angles.

View from the Gaffer:

Head Coach Mark Pembridge acknowledged the quality Wolves have, but has more of an eye on converting his team's chances.

"Over the past couple of weeks, we played Aston Villa when they were top, then Southampton when they were top, now Wolves and they're top," he told fulhamfc.com. "We've had a look at Wolves to see how they setup and they're a good side.

"We have been very unlucky, we have played some excellent football, we keep plugging away with this young team and the wins will come.

"We haven't really kept an eye on Ashley-Seal. We try to look at our individual progression to stop him having these sorts of chances. With what we have it could be enough to get us over the line with a result.

"We have been a bit naïve at times trying to play the perfect game and punished harshly for it. There have been chances created, and it's about putting it in the back of the net. If we are conceding goals and not creating anything, I'd be worried, but we have our chances.

"It was a sloppy goal from our point of view against Southampton – we got back into it via a set-play and after that there was only one winner, we were excellent. They gave us a few problems early on but once we tweaked the team around we dealt with them well."

View from the player:

Jayden Harris will be hoping to extend his good form on Friday night, and the midfielder is upbeat about Fulham's chances.

"The mood is okay, obviously it could be better as we haven't won a game but we are working hard to try and change that.

"I think personally I've been doing well, I've had two goals which could have been three or four. But I am happy with the two goals I have this season and I'm sure I will improve on that throughout the season. There is more to come without a doubt.

"We prepare for Wolves the same as every game – we need to cut out the mistakes that have been happening and our football will shine.

"If we don't give the other team the chances then it gives us the potential to create that many more – it's about taking them from there.

"Against Villa, they only had one chance in each half and they scored both – whereas we had about four chances in each half and took one. We will get this right and hopefully the first win will be against Wolves.".

View from the press:

Birmingham Live reporter Alex Dicken gave us an insight into our opponents.

What has been so impressive about Wolves' start to the season?

"Wolves' recruitment has been very impressive. A couple of new players arrived in the summer and Wolves' U23s seem a much stronger outfit for it. They've also adopted the same system as the first team, which is very important. Every player at the club is well-versed in Nuno Espirito Santo's 3-4-3 formation and it's reaping rewards across the age groups."

Who has been the form man to watch this year?

"There are a few contenders but the way Benny Ashley-Seal has stepped up in the last couple of months has been telling. He spent the summer with the first team and made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday recently. He's got bags of pace and has discovered a knack for finding the net."

Can this group of players repeat the feat of the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White in the first team?

"Wolves' U23s were a little hit and miss last season but their start to this campaign, and the strength of their squad, suggests they are the team to beat in Premier League 2 Division 2. Four players were recently called up to the first team squad to rub shoulders with the likes of Adama Traore and Helder Costa and more will follow. It's a very talented group that is now befitting of a Premier League club's second string."

Why have Wolves U23s suddenly found their stride?

"There's been a slight restructure over the summer with popular youth supremo Scott Sellars stepping back and Rob Edwards returning to coach the team. Wolves are also signing better quality youngsters, with Paulo Alves and Sadou Diallo joining Edwards' group."

Norwich were swept aside by Wolves last time, what was the biggest factor?

"A superb first-half hat-trick from Ashley-Seal shocked Norwich and allowed Wolves to coast to another three points. They seem to have a group of players capable of making it at Wolves, which is key."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/13/wolves-u23s-preview

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Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham are paying for mistakes

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic believes collective mistakes are costing the side in their first season back in the Premier League.

The Cottagers are 13th in the table with one win and a draw from their opening four games and play Champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Jokanovic took the players he had at his disposal during the international break to a training camp in Spain and he is hoping they have ironed out some of the problems.

"It's not a question about individual mistakes, we need to set up better," he said.

"I really care about our positional play, if we are not in good positions mistakes arrive.

"I don't need to explain to my players when they miss passes or if they don't cross well. They need to improve these things, but I must give them a clear plan on how to play their football.

"I am not focused on individual mistakes and I am not surprised that at the beginning of the Premier League we have made mistakes but this team is new.

"I used our mini pre-season in Spain to explain to the players how we play and what we expect from our side and what is the mechanism we want to use.

"Some of these players need to know each other and have some kind of understanding of the family way of working with the team.

"Individual mistakes exist and I don't believe we will completely avoid them. In football mistakes exist but I really care about our quantity of mistakes.

Sky Sports News has been told that Fulham are to open talks over a new contract with keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The 26-year old was called up by England for the Nations League opener against Spain and the friendly against Switzerland and Jokanovic reiterated how important he is to the team.

"This case is in hands of the club and Bettinelli will have many years with us and at the end I believe this is natural step for the player and the club too", he added".



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11496720/slavisa-jokanovic-says-fulham-are-paying-for-mistakes

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Slavisa Jokanovic press conference: Every word on Tom Cairney, Manchester City & more

Here's everything the Fulham head coach had to say ahead of the side's trip to take on Manchester City

Any injury news?

"We cannot use Neeskens Kebano, Tim Ream and Tom Cairney. All other players are available for the game.

Any of those any closer?

"We are still assessing these players and at the end I cannot give you clear information but we expect they will be available soon."

Mitrovic scored again - how important is he?

"It's important for him and his confidence. It's important for us too to have this kind of the people playing great level.

"For another side, the team depend on the squad, we are not only thinking about him.

"we expect he will make a great job for us like he has in the first few games this season, we want to give information to the team and squad about what is our plan for the next game and what we need to do to get something positive from the game immediately ahead of us."

Marcus Bettinelli's call-up and new contract?

"This case is in the hands of the club.

"Marcus Bettinelli has been with the club many years and at the end I believe this is natural step for the player and for the club."

Manchester City - how difficult is this?

"It's difficult, nobody will be surprised if I said this is one of the most difficult games for a team that has been promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

"We know how they play football and know it isn't easy to play at the Etihad.

"We interpret this chance as an exciting game and we won't give up before the kick off or something like this, we interpret this as a great chance for us and we are fighting for this kind of chance and we must be ready to fight, ready for everything and ready to work off the ball and show the ability and solidarity and try be in our highest level to have opportunity to hurt them."

People called you Manchester City of the Championship, chance to measure how far you've come?

"Listen, all the people know how Manchester City play football and all the people know the style of this team.

"We are the promoted team, we want to use similar weapons and attack with position of the ball and I must be proud, because many people know what Fulham's style is too, and that can be our case too to be successful in the seasons behind us.


(Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

"Now, comparison is not easy for us with City, they have another records and other targets than us but we want to follow our way to play the football like different teams want to play their choice to compete and play the football."

Warm weather training - get what you wanted from it?

"We were working hard and made some progress.

"We try follow this way of improving ourselves and I believe the team are, step by step, improving the level and we made what we expected we can make in this stage in the few days we had in Spain.

"This process is never done and after a few training sessions I always believe we can do better and we are improved, but there is a huge gap ahead of us to recover and a huge job is ahead of us to catch our best level."


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Worked hard to cut out individual mistakes and errors?

"No, it's not question about individual mistakes.

"We need to set up a little better and I really care about our positional play, if we aren't in good position after these mistakes, individual mistakes arrive too.

"I don't need to explain my players when they miss a pass or don't cross well enough, because they need to improve this kind of thing, but I must give them clear plan of how we play football, what is the position of any player in different positions and in different games when we need to compete away at different teams.

"I am not focused on individual mistakes, between other things I am not surprised at the beginning of the Premier League that we made mistakes but for another side the team is new.

"I use this mini pre-season stage in Spain to explain to the players how we play and what we expect, especially new players for our side, and what is mechanism we want to use when we compete.

"At the end, some of these players need to know each other and have some family way to start working with the team.

"Individual mistakes exist and I don't believe we will completely avoid, in football mistakes exist, if nobody made them the games would finish 0-0 or something like this.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

"I really care of our quality of mistakes, with individual mistakes we make quality mistakes too and we have to avoid these mistakes, these are more important challenges for us."

Look at Man City, biggest test ever as a manager?

"I am young manager and will have many, I am not thinking in this way.

"It's one important football team, this team is built for a few years, they need to spend less money than us this summer but because they spent huge amounts before, and I expect we will be successful and can spend less next season.

"They are adapted for the level and target they are fighting for and we need to adapt ourselves for the Premier League.

"It's great history behind this team, and they are definitely making steps to be competitive in Champions League and to try lift this important trophy.

"It's important for us, like them, the Premier League, they are always competitive and always want to lift another domestic trophy.

"They are now available for this fight after many years of making build-up and changing the history of this club."

Pep Guardiola - use his style to achieve success?

"No, I don't use his style of football, I try use my style or use my players.


(Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

"We cannot compare, he is one of the most expensive and successful managers too, he show in different places similar style and show it is possible to play that way that his team use in competition.

"All the credit for him, he made really important step for this game and for Fulham too, but copying people is usually a bad copy and it's not easy for us to catch this level what they show us is possible to catch.

"We try find our way and adapt ourselves and interpret what we have in our hands and try choose what we think and believe is best way for us to have opportunity to win the game."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovic-press-conference-every-15148369

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Inside The Etihad

Creator of the Blue Moon Podcast David Mooney gives us the inside knowledge on Manchester City ahead of Saturday's trip to the Etihad.

Just how good was last season to watch from a fans' perspective?

It was extraordinary, to be honest, especially during the autumn run where City put distance between themselves and the rest of the league. That spell of 18 consecutive wins - one game short of half a season! - was phenomenal. Even though they were playing the level of football that they were and ripping teams to pieces, fans would be looking at fixtures thinking, "this could be a tricky one and could be the one to end the run," simply because of the volume of games with the League Cup and Champions League as well. But that just didn't come for weeks on end.

By the end of the season, it was just a case of going to games excited at the level of football City would play. They took good teams apart by passing and moving and it was a joy to watch.

The records that were broken were incredible, too. To actually witness a team make 100 points for the first time - that's dropping just 14 points and means a minimum of 31 wins in the season - and score the most goals in a single campaign, too was great fun for those going to the Etihad each week. It's unlikely even a team with City's spending power and status will see the like of that again.
What are the expectations this time around?

It has to be to retain the Premier League title, first and foremost. City have never defended a title - they actually have one of the worst title defences, being the only side to be relegated as reigning champions in 1938 - so that has to be the priority. On top of that, fans would probably want to see more from the club in the Champions League - beyond a Semi-Final appearance in 2016, City haven't really made a mark on the competition. They'd probably do better in Europe if they don't draw Liverpool, who have been their kryptonite for about 40 years.
If you could only win one trophy, what would it be?

As with the last question, it would be the Premier League. It's the real test of a good side in England because of the sheer quality that is throughout the league and the number of games that it takes to do it. Outsiders will probably expect the Champions League to be the one that fans want, but ultimately it's a cup competition and can come down to a lucky bounce or deflection. Last season, City were awful against Liverpool - but they had a goal wrongly ruled out at Anfield and another wrongly ruled out at the Etihad, plus Liverpool's opener was offside. The fine margins are so much finer and when your luck's out, that can put paid to the season if all your eggs are in the European basket.
Who's stood out in the City side so far this term?

The normal headline-grabbers are there to be seen: Sergio Aguero's returned back to his best, Raheem Sterling has been imperious so far, and David Silva is showing no signs of easing up as he enters the twilight of his career. However, the real shining light so far has been the Spaniard's namesake Bernardo Silva.

He's been quietly growing into the team since about Christmas and, especially when he plays in the centre, he's been instrumental in creating space and opportunities for his teammates. He's not shy of getting on the scoresheet either, as the opening game at Arsenal showed.
Have you seen much of Fulham?

I've not seen a lot of Fulham, but the second half of last season was pretty impressive and had the campaign gone on for a few more weeks they'd have probably nipped in ahead of Cardiff to make the automatic promotion spot. I did think that the final day defeat to Birmingham could have dented confidence, but they were well worth the victory at Wembley.

So far this season, I can't really decide what to expect - however they seem to be keen on both scoring and conceding goals, so perhaps they'll be the big entertainers and they could certainly take some points off the big boys.
Who in the Fulham team do you think could cause City problems on Saturday?

He's been scoring loads already this season and City's defenders will be in for a tough match against Aleksandar Mitrović. He caused City problems for Newcastle and has been a good pick for the Fantasy Football players so far - he could be a trouble causer, especially as he's pretty good at holding the ball up and easing the pressure.
What are your memories of the sides going head-to-head when we both got promoted in 1998/99?

This season is my speciality! I've actually interviewed all of City's team from their Play-Off Final that year as part of Blue Moon Podcast and for a book I wrote for the anniversary. City weren't really at the races for the first half of the season, so when they went to Craven Cottage in the second game it was no surprise Fulham took them apart quite comfortably. I think it was City's heaviest defeat of that season.

The reverse game was more controversial. I remember Kevin Keegan was furious that Shaun Goater wasn't flagged offside (as he was jogging back from chasing down the goalkeeper) and the ball ran past him for Gareth Taylor to score. Fulham were well ahead of City that year and were worthy title-winners!
Your podcast has been going for almost a decade now – how much do you enjoy doing that?

It's a labour of love sometimes! Me and my colleague, Sam Roscoe, can put in 10-12 hours of preparation time before going into the studio to record it, from doing interviews or historical features, and it's all pretty much unpaid beyond a little bit of crowdfunded expenses. If we didn't enjoy doing it, then it wouldn't get done!

We have a lot of great regular panellists and guests too, with fans and journalists being kind enough to agree to travel to the studio to record it. I like to think it's all level-headed discussion and interesting debate, too.

It's been a remarkable time to cover City, too. We started in the 2009/10 season, a year after the takeover and when Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini were in charge of City - they just missed out on the Champions League. So we've seen them grow from a mid-table outfit the year before we started to the record-breakers we got last season.
How do you see Saturday going?

If City are going to retain the title then they should be beating the sides that have been promoted at home - it's as simple as that. That's not to say it's a foregone conclusion, we've seen already this season how tough the matches were against Wolves and Newcastle, where Pep Guardiola's side had to really work to get the points - at Molineux they had to fight back to earn a draw.

If Fulham are open and try to match City, they could find themselves in trouble. If they sit deep and cut out the space then they could spring a surprise - but City have enough to get past teams that do that as well. If Fulham do come away from the Etihad with something, then they will definitely deserve it — nobody takes points off City without deserving it these days.
What score prediction are you going for?

Despite my previous answer, I think Fulham can make it pretty tough for City and it could take some work to get the points. I'm going for a 2-1 home win, and it may take some patience to get that decisive strike.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/13/inside-the-etihad

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Rodak's International Heroics

Marek Rodak scored a dramatic stoppage time winner for Slovakia Under-21s in their 3-2 Euro 2019 qualification win over Iceland Under-21s.

Slovakia led for the large part of the game until Iceland levelled late on. Rodak performed a once in a lifetime feat for any goalkeeper and headed home a stoppage time winner from a corner.

The win puts Slovakia in second place, behind Spain, in Group B of qualification. The process means that only four of the nine second placed teams from each group qualify for a play-off due to a superior points tally.

The goal was something the on-loan Rotherham 'keeper was delighted with.

"It was a little bit of a different feeling – but obviously it was fantastic for me and all the team to score," he told fulhamfc.com. "Saving a penalty is nice but it is a little bit of a different feeling when you score.

"It was a special moment and it could be up there with my favourite moment in a Slovakia shirt. You never know what might happen, I could score again later in my career!

"You want to qualify for the Euros, we need the points to finish second and qualify for the play-offs. So, the coach said go for it, see what you can do, I placed the header well."

Even if Slovakia narrowly miss out on qualification, having International experience is crucial for the young stopper.

"I went with the National team last year but I didn't play, so to go to these Euros and play would be fantastic. We need to win the first game before we worry about the Northern Ireland game, but that could be a crucial one, they are a massive two games.

"It is a bit different on International duty as you have a different programme to the clubs. It's a good experience to go away to different places and play different players and represent your country.

"I was called up to the first team in the summer, but if I keep performing well in the U21s I could be there again."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/13/rodak-interview

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'We fought for this chance... we must meet the challenge head-on': Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic relishing Manchester City clash

    Fulham face the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday
    Jokanovic insists newly-promoted side will head north with a positive mindset
    Neeskens Kebano, Tim Ream and Tom Cairney have been ruled out by injury

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists his side will be ready to tackle Premier League champions Manchester City head-on at the Etihad Stadium.

The Cottagers resume domestic action on Saturday with arguably the most testing fixture of the top-flight campaign.

Jokanovic, though, sees no reason why the newly-promoted side, unbeaten in their last three competitive matches before the international break, should not head north with a positive mindset.


Slavisa Jokanovic insists newly-promoted side Fulham will have a positive mindset on Saturday

'It wouldn't be a surprise if I said it's one of the most difficult games for a team who's recently been promoted from the Championship to the Premier League,' Jokanovic said at a press conference.

'We know how they play the football, we know it's not easy to play at the Etihad.

'From another side, we interpret it as an exciting game. We're not giving up before kick-off or anything like that.


Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli was rewarded for his impressive form by England call-up

'We were fighting for this kind of chance, and we must be ready for the fight, we must be ready for everything we're going to find there.

'We must be ready to work off the ball, we must show humility and solidarity, and try and be at our highest level to have the opportunity to hurt them.'

If Fulham are to get anything out of the encounter, however, Jokanovic has warned the whole squad needs to remain switched on, having thrown away a 2-0 lead to draw at Brighton in their last outing.

'It's not a question about individual mistakes, we need to set up better. I really care about our positional play, if we are not in good positions mistakes arrive,' he said.

'I don't need to explain to my players when they miss passes or if they don't cross well. They need to improve these things, but I must give them a clear plan on how to play their football.


Fulham thew away a two-goal lead in their last league game against Brighton

'I am not focused on individual mistakes and I am not surprised that at the beginning of the Premier League we have made mistakes, but this team is new.

'Some of these players need to know each other and have some kind of understanding of the family way of working with the team.

'Individual mistakes exist and I don't believe we will completely avoid them. In football mistakes exist, but I really care about our quantity of mistakes.'

Jokanovic confirmed midfielder Neeskens Kebano, defender Tim Ream and captain Tom Cairney would all remain unavailable to face City.

Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli earned a call-up to the senior England squad for the Nations League match against Spain and friendly with Switzerland.

The 26-year-old could, according to reports, be set for a new deal with Fulham.

'Marcus Bettinelli has been with the club many years and at the end I believe this is natural step for the player and for the club,' Jokanovic said.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6165181/Fulham-boss-Slavisa-Jokanovic-relishing-Manchester-City-clash.html

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Fulham 'ready for the fight' at City – Jokanovic

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists his side will be ready to tackle Premier League champions Manchester City head-on at the Etihad Stadium.

The Whites resume domestic action on Saturday with arguably the most testing fixture of the top-flight campaign.

Jokanovic, though, sees no reason why the newly-promoted side, unbeaten in their last three competitive matches before the international break, should not head north with a positive mindset.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I said it's one of the most difficult games for a team who's recently been promoted from the Championship to the Premier League," Jokanovic said at a press conference.

"We know how they play the football, we know it's not easy to play at the Etihad.

"From another side, we interpret it as an exciting game. We're not giving up before kick-off or anything like that.

"We were fighting for this kind of chance, and we must be ready for the fight, we must be ready for everything we're going to find there.

"We must be ready to work off the ball, we must show humility and solidarity, and try and be at our highest level to have the opportunity to hurt them."

If Fulham are to get anything out of the encounter, however, Jokanovic has warned the whole squad needs to remain switched on, having thrown away a 2-0 lead to draw at Brighton in their last outing.

"It's not a question about individual mistakes, we need to set up better. I really care about our positional play, if we are not in good positions mistakes arrive," he said.

"I don't need to explain to my players when they miss passes or if they don't cross well. They need to improve these things, but I must give them a clear plan on how to play their football.

"I am not focused on individual mistakes and I am not surprised that at the beginning of the Premier League we have made mistakes, but this team is new.

"Some of these players need to know each other and have some kind of understanding of the family way of working with the team.

"Individual mistakes exist and I don't believe we will completely avoid them. In football mistakes exist, but I really care about our quantity of mistakes."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-ready-for-the-fight-at-man-city-jokanovic

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Comparing 23-goal Championship star to this £20million Premier League sensation – Two different strikers going down similar paths?

Aleksandr Mitrovic vs Dwight Gayle – Two different strikers travelling similar paths

Aleksandar Mitrovic signed a permanent deal worth £20million with Fulham this summer, after joining the Cottagers on loan from Newcastle United in January (Sky Sports).

His presence helped them win promotion to the Premier League but this season, the Serb has exceeded all expectations, scoring four goals in four games so far. He is currently the top scorer in the Premier League and has been the key man for the club up front.

On the other hand, Dwight Gayle joined Newcastle United from Crystal Palace in 2016 and helped the Magpies earn promotion to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old starred for Newcastle in the Championship with 23 goals from 32 games, but his performance in the Premier League last season was nowhere close to that. The forward only managed to score six goals in 35 appearances.

As a result, manager Rafa Benitez loaned him out to Championship club West Brom, in a deal which involved Salomon Rondon going the other way. (Independent)

Now, both Mitrovic and Gayle have managed to hit the ground running for their respective clubs this season. While the former succeeded in taking his game to a new level in the Premier League, the latter has already scored three goals from his first five games for West Brom.

Truth be told, Mitrovic has been deadly up front for Fulham, having scored three out of his four goals with headers. His positioning inside the box has been good along with his probing runs in and behind the defensive line.

Stats Comparison
The Serb has a pass success rate of 83.3% and averages up to 4.5 shots per game, out of which 2.5 of them have come from inside the penalty area. The majority of these shots are actually headed attempts on goal.

The 23-year-old has provided 19 accurate short passes per game, which goes on to show that Fulham have used him effectively as their target man to link the play in the final third.

Gayle is more of a pacey and hardworking striker, who can also play as a left-winger. The 28-year-old averages 2.2 shots per game, out of which 1.6 have come from inside and 0.4 have come from outside the box.

One commonality between these players is their attempts to link the play with their teammates with short passes in the final third. While Mitrovic has averaged 19 accurate short passes, Gayle has recorded an average of 11.2. Meanwhile, the latter has an overall pass success percentage of 78.4%, slightly lower than the former.

Stats courtesy:- Whoscored.com



http://www.mediareferee.com/2018/09/14/comparing-23-goal-championship-star-to-this-20million-premier-league-sensation-two-different-strikers-going-down-similar-paths/