Wednesday Fulham Stuff (05/12/18)...

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Cottage Talk Match Preview: Three Keys To Victory For Fulham Against Leicester City
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our preview of the upcoming match for Fulham against Leicester City. During the show, co-host Max Cohen shared his three keys to a victory for Fulham. We also talked about the different match-ups between these two clubs.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/4/18125919/cottage-talk-match-preview-three-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-against-leicester-city

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Ranieri should start these two players – Predicted Fulham XI to face Leicester City in the Premier League

Predicted Fulham XI to face Leicester City in the Premier League

Fulham made a good start to life under Claudio Ranieri with a 3-2 win over Southampton but a 2-0 loss against Chelsea in the west London derby derailed their campaign once again.

Claudio Ranieri's men currently sit bottom of the table in the relegation zone with only a couple of wins so far in the Premier League and the Cottagers will be desperate to get at least a point when they play host to Leicester City on Wednesday night.

Leicester climbed up to 8th in the standings with a 2-0 win against Watford on Saturday and Claude Puel's men will be looking to continue their impressive run.

Team News

Kevin McDonald is struggling with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to feature in the mid-week clash while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will be pushing for a return. Andre Schurrle did not play in the last game and is ruled out for this one as well.

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Predicted XI
1. Sergio Rico (GK)

The Spaniard has been in fine form between the sticks in recent weeks and made a couple of good saves against Chelsea.
2. Cyrus Christie (RB)

He has shown some improvement in his defensive game and he will have his work cut out against Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray.
3. Denis Odoi (CB)

He put in a decent shift at the back against Chelsea and should be amongst the starters for this one.
4. Alfie Mawson (CB)

He has been a bit inconsistent in the heart of the defence this season and Fulham would need him to be at the top of his game to keep Leicester at bay.
5. Maxime Le Marchand (LB)

The Frenchman has done reasonably well in the last couple of games and Ranieri should continue to rely on him.
6. Calum Chambers (CDM)

The former Arsenal man looked comfortable in possession and played some really good passes against Chelsea.
7. Jean Michael Seri (CDM)

The Ivorian was a liability in the previous game as he lost the ball way too easily to gift Chelsea a goal. He will need to put in an improved performance if he is to keep his place in the team.
8. Tom Cairney (CAM)

He was once again at the centre of proceedings against Chelsea, linking up the play in the final third and created a few chances.
9. Aboubakar Kamara (RW)

He came on as a substitute in the last game and looked to threaten the opposition with his pace and strength.
10. Ryan Sessegnon (LW)

The 18-year-old has been one of the bright sparks in Fulham's otherwise lacklustre campaign so far and the Cottagers will need him to do something extraordinary to propel them to victory.
11. Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST)

The Serb had a quiet game against Chelsea after scoring a brace against Southampton and he will need to fire on all cylinders if Fulham are to pinch a point on Wednesday.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2018/12/05/ranieri-should-start-these-two-players-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-leicester-city-in-the-premier-league/

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Ranieri can fix Fulham's leaky defence by signing £12.5m Liverpool outcast and it would be a steal

Why Fulham should make a move for Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne

According to the Sun, new Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri is interested in making a move for Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne. The Reds right-back hasn't played a single league game this season, making just one start, in the Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea a couple of weeks ago.

The report suggests that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is happy to see the former Southampton defender go out on loan and reignite his career. The German possesses Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and can also use Joe Gomez as cover if required. (Sun)

Cardiff City and Leicester City have also been linked with the 27-year-old, who joined Merseyside from the South Coast for a fee of around £12.5million in 2015. But Fulham are definitely the ones who are in need of a new right-back in their squad.

The Cottagers have already conceded a record and league-high 35 goals already this season. They let in two against Southampton as well but ultimately went on to pick up the first win under Ranieri.

Fulham currently have a major crisis going on down their right flank in the defence. Both Cyrus Christie and Manchester United loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah have failed to make any sort of impact at the back. Nathaniel Clyne would be an ideal option for the Cottagers.

He is defensively very good and is a hard man to get past when in his jive. Though the 27-year-old is not the most explosive full-back when going forward, he is still capable of occasionally whipping dangerous crosses into the box.

Clyne is also a clean tackler and good player of the ball. The English right-back surely isn't a bad player but was overshadowed by the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold last season.

The Liverpool right-back will help shore things up at the back for the Premier League newcomers who have looked better after the change in the managerial hot seat.

Alfie Mawson and Denis Odoi will definitely be more confident as well with Clyne on the right-hand side, given that Fulham have always looked fragile down that flank.

Claudio Ranieri should beat his rivals to the signing of Nathaniel Clyne. The manager can aim for a season-long loan move that will also allow them to make it permanent at the end of the season. Clyne is barely playing any football under Klopp at the moment and a move away would be hard to resist.

Given that he is totally out of favour at Liverpool and isn't an important player at the club anymore, he shouldn't cost too much. Signing Clyne would be an absolute steal for Fulham considering the quality player that he is.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/12/05/ranieri-can-fix-fulhams-leaky-defence-by-signing-12-5m-liverpool-outcast-and-it-would-be-a-steal/

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Ranieri is yet to bring about defensive improvement in fledgling Fulham reign

Slavisa Jokanovic oversaw defensive disorganisation before he was eventually sacked by Fulham. Claudio Ranieri was brought in to rectify that and although he has changed Fulham's approach, the goals have still been going in against them.

Claudio Ranieri did a fine job of improving Leicester's defensive record part way through the 2015/16 season which of course ended with them lifting the Premier League title in stunning fashion.

He took a frighteningly open Foxes side and made them exceptionally hard to beat and he will need to show similar skills as he seeks to guide Fulham away from the Premier League relegation zone.

He has altered the Cottagers' approach in his first two games in charge; redeploying Calum Chambers as a defensive midfield player, switching to 4-2-3-1 and going more direct to Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Three points from those two matches is a reasonable return – especially as the Whites have travelled to face Chelsea – but the defensive issues that Slavisa Jokanovic was unable to rectify still remain.

Fulham have conceded four goals in Ranieri's first two matches and the Italian must tighten his new side up at the back if they are to clamber out of trouble.

He is using a more stable defensive unit – there was only one injury enforced change between his first and second match – which he will hope can bring improvements over time.

But making Fulham's less pleasing on the eye and dangerous while still leaking twice a game is not a formula for success. It's very early days, but Ranieri's new manager bounce has not had an impact on his defence yet.



https://tbrfootball.com/ranieri-is-yet-to-bring-about-defensive-improvement-in-fledgling-fulham-reign/

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Fulham leading the chase to sign English fullback: A smart move by Ranieri

According to The Sun, Fulham are tipped as favourites to sign Nathaniel Clyne in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Liverpool defender, who is also being courted by Cardiff City, has fallen down the pecking order following the breakthrough of Trent-Alexander Arnold last season and could be keen to seek a move away from Anfield after the turn of the year. But, is the ideal target for the Cottagers?

Nathaniel Clyne: Player profile
Clyna moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2015, for a fee of £15 million. He quickly managed to make himself a regular fixture under Brendan Rodgers and later, Jurgen Klopp, making 33 league appearances in his debut campaign.

He was a first-team regular for the next couple of seasons until a terrible back injury in the 2017/18 season halted his progress. The former Southampton defender was sidelined for almost nine months, which, in turn, allowed Trent-Alexander Arnold to make an impression and a very good one at that.

As far as his gameplay is concerned, Clyne is a pacy right-back, who is known for his athleticism and tenacity. He's also quite effective when it comes to loading crosses into the box while his athletic figure allows him to quickly cover up ground.

Clyne is a ferocious tackler as well and his excellent tenacity helps him become a vital cog in his team's pressing unit. However, the 27-year-old isn't exactly tall, which serves as a key reason for his lack of aerial success.

Should Fulham sign Nathaniel Clyne?
Fulham's struggles in the full-back department this season have been well documented and thus, Nathaniel Clyne can emerge as an ideal suitor for a number of reasons.

As discussed earlier, the Liverpool star is known for his athleticism, which is an ideal characteristic for any player working under Claudio Ranieri. Additionally, Clyne's effective pressing and good use of the touchline can not only provide Fulham more width going forward but also enhance their overall dynamics without the ball.

On the flip side, the only downside regarding his potential move to London will be his lack of fitness. Clyne has hardly played regular football in the past 18 months and it's highly probable that the 27-year-old may struggle in integrating back into the highest level of football and could, thus, take time to settle himself before regaining his old self and even that comes with a pinch of uncertainty.

That being said, Clyne already has a vast amount of experience in the English top flight, which will surely prove useful to the Fulham side as they aim to make a swift recovery under the leadership of Ranieri and considering all the potential aspects of this transfer, this is a move Ranieri should push for.



https://madaboutepl.net/2018/12/liverpool-star-nathaniel-clyne-on-fulhams-january-radar/

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Next up Fulham

A trip to Premier League side Fulham in the third round of the FA Cup is the reward for beating Maidstone United on Saturday.

The tie will be played at Craven Cottage in the weekend of 4th-7th January.



http://www.footymad.com/oldham-athletic/news/tmnw/next_up_fulham_920846/index.shtml

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5 Leicester City title-winners who could join Claudio Ranieri at Fulham

Claudio Ranieri and Leicester City, two names that will always be associated with achieving the seemingly impossible. The Italian manager led the club to their only top division title to date in 2016, beating odds of 5000-1. That was almost three years ago, and things have inevitably changed since then. Ranieri is now manager of Fulham, having signed a 'multi-year contract' earlier in the month.

The Tinkerman faces his former club for the first time later today, as Leicester travel to Craven Cottage for a 7.45 kick off. Ahead of the game, as expected, Fulham have already been linked to players who Ranieri managed while at the King Power Stadium. So, which of tonight's visiting players or players who have moved to pastures new are the most likely to rejoin their former manager?

A Welsh King

Andy King is currently Leicester City's longest serving player, having joined the club at 16 years of age. The 30-year-old has played his entire career at the King Power Stadium (apart from a brief loan spell at Swansea at the end of last season). He is the only player to win the League 1, Championship and Premier League title with the same club. However, under Claude Puel, King has found his playing time has dwindled, and was not included in the 25 man Premier League squad at the start of the season.

It may be a wrench for both the club and the player, but reports suggest that King is ready to move on from the Midlands. Joining his former manager at Craven Cottage may be a good option. The midfielder is a reliable presence both on and off the pitch and will provide much needed Premier League experience in Fulham's squad.

A reliable right-back

Danny Simpson was an integral part of Ranieri's title-winning team at Leicester. The right-back was drafted into the side by the Italian manager after the team was leaking goals in the early part of the season. It proved to be a masterstroke and the defensive solidity of Simpson was one of the reasons that the clean sheets started to come (and earnt the team their pizza).

Defensively, Simpson is amongst the best right-backs in the league, however, he struggles in more advanced areas. With Leicester now playing a style that works better with advancing full-backs, Simpson has found playing time hard to come by. Before the injury to Daniel Amartey, the Englishman was left completely out in the cold, although he has since made a couple of appearances. That injury could make Leicester unwilling to let the 31-year-old go, but the full-back could help the Cottagers tighten up at the back, and earn that McDonald's meal that Ranieri has promised the players if they can keep a clean sheet.

Midfield creativity

Danny Drinkwater is now at Chelsea after a £35million move in 2017. But, the transfer hasn't worked out for either the club or the player. The 28-year-old has failed to make an appearance for the Blues under Mauricio Sarri so far this season, and it is likely that he will be available for either a loan or permanent move in the next transfer window.

The midfielder played 37 games for Leicester under Claudio Ranieri and proved to be one of the main supply lines to talisman Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. With a striker such as Aleksandar Mitrović, who has proved that he has goals in him, and a manager who knows how to get the best out of him, Drinkwater could be an ideal signing for Fulham.

Experience at the back

Robert Huth is available on a free transfer which will make the German somewhat of a risk-free signing for Ranieri. The 34-year-old would provide invaluable Premier League experience to a back line that can't stop leaking goals. Huth signed for Leicester, initially on loan, in January 2015. It is generally accepted by Foxes fans that the club wouldn't have pulled off the great escape, and therefore the title win, without the influence of the defender.

Although the signing of an experienced Premier League winner should seem like a no-brainer, Huth has been out of action with a long-term injury and it is unclear whether he will ever get back to full fitness. However, the impact that he may have on the dressing room could just make a short-term deal worthwhile.

Energy in attack

Shinji Okazaki was probably the one player in the 2015/16 season who probably didn't get the credit that he deserved. The Japan international played in the number 10 role behind the main striker. While the forward will never be the most prolific in front of goal (his best return for Leicester is six goals during the 2017/18 season), his hard work and constant harassing of the opponents' back line allows more space for other players to do their thing.

Okazaki quickly endeared himself to Leicester fans after signing, proving to be a fans favourite due to his hard-working nature, effort on the pitch, and of course, his beaming smile when the ball hits the back of the net. Although the 32-year-old isn't a regular starter for Puel, he is still getting some playing time at the King Power. Tearing him away from Leicester may depend on the business that the Midlands club does during the next transfer window, however, Ranieri may see the striker as a perfect foil for Mitrovic.



https://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/articles/5-leicester-city-title-winners-who-could-join-claudio-ranieri-at-fulham

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Claudio Ranieri on why fans need to be patient with Jean-Michael Seri after slow start at Fulham

The 27-year-old has struggled at Craven Cottage after a summer move from French side Nice

Claudio Ranieri wants fan to be patient with Jean-Michael Seri after his slow start to life at Fulham following his move from Nice in the summer.

The capture of the 27-year-old was considered a coup in the summer after the Ivory Coast midfielder was linked with the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea in the past, but so far hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him after his signing.

He's scored just the once for Fulham this season, with that strike coming in August's 4-2 win over Burnley and since then he has struggled in the Premier League.

Slavisa Jokanovic dropped him for his final game in charge of the side against Liverpool, but new manager Ranieri, who saw first hand what he was capable of last season when he was in charge of Nantes, who were beaten home and away by Seri's Nice in Ligue Un, has recalled him for both of his starting XIs so far.

The Italian believes that it's not easy for foreign signings to adapt quickly to the rigours of the top flight and that Seri's quality will eventually shine through.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He said: "Seri is a very good player but the fans must understand it is not easy to change country and to adapt very fast.

"I remember when I arrived in 2000 and Arsene Wenger said the minimum the champions need is six months to adapt.

"He is a good quality player so let him adapt and then we will speak."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieri-fans-need-patient-15505421

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Aleksandar Mitrovic says he expects Fulham to improve in Premier League
Fulham host Leicester in the Premier League on Wednesday night

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has made a fine individual start to the season - and says there is more to come, from both himself and the club.

Fulham are bottom of the Premier League table after a sluggish start which has resulted in Claudio Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic as manager.

But the form of Serbia international Mitrovic has been a highlight for the Londoners - he has seven league goals to his name already. Only six players have scored more thus far in the campaign.

Ahead of Wednesday night's home game against Ranieri's old club Leicester, Mitrovic told Sky Sports: "I feel good at the moment, I feel really good on the pitch.

"I'm very happy that I am playing football in the Premier League and for my country as well.

"I'm enjoying my time here at Fulham, and my time in this team.

"I think there is a lot more to come. I am still 24, so I have much space to improve."

Mitrovic initially joined Fulham on loan from Newcastle at the end of the winter transfer window, and scored 12 times as the Cottagers secured promotion via the play-offs.

He later made the move permanent, switching to Fulham on a five-year deal for a fee of £22m, rising to £27m.

"I try to learn every day and train as hard as I can," he added. "Sometimes, you have tough times when you don't score goals, but the most important thing is to keep working hard.

"I believe in this team and this manager and this club and these fans.

"I feel really happy and I think there is a lot more to come from us.

"As time goes on, we will be better and better."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11572016/aleksandar-mitrovic-says-he-expects-fulham-to-improve-in-premier-league

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Non standing seats

Sunday's game at Stamford Bridge was the first Fulham away game played with an allocated 'non-standing seats' area.  This initiative was proposed by the Fulham Supporters' Trust and agreed with the club at our regular structured dialogue meetings.

The FST is delighted that the club embraced our suggestions and put them into action.   The scheme is designed to help all Fulham fans to follow Fulham away in comfort and to be able to see the Whites in action.

Several rows of seats at the front of the away section for each match are allocated as 'non-standing seats'.  They are reserved for supporters who are unable or unwilling to stand so that nobody will be standing in front of them.

If you would like to buy tickets in the non-standing areas for future away matches please call the Fulham ticket office.  We would also ask that nobody buys tickets in this area if they feel that they may stand at any point during the match.

We do recognise that the issue of standing at away matches is emotive but are keen that all Fulham supporters respect each other and allow everyone to be able to see.

The Trust would like to hear feedback on the 'non-standing seats' from supporters who attended the match on Sunday.  We will discuss any feedback with the Club at our next structured dialogue meeting on 10th December and use it to modify the scheme if necessary.

If you have any other topics you would like us to raise at our meeting please let us know via [email protected].  If you are not yet a member of the FST please do join us to help make our voice louder.



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/12/5/non-standing-seats.html

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Why Claudio Ranieri must drop Fulham flop Jean-Michael Seri against Leicester

Just under five minutes into Fulham's weekend loss against Chelsea, Jean-Michael Seri gave the ball away in a terrible position, gifting the Blues their opening goal.

Unfortunately for the Whites, Seri's mistakes have been a fixture of Fulham's Premier League season, and Claudio Ranieri must drop the big-money summer signing for tonight's match against Leicester City.

Against the Foxes, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will return to full fitness after missing the last two matches through injury.

Ranieri is known to favour a solid, defensive central midfield partnership and a potential duo of Calum Chambers and Anguissa would be an effective option against Leicester.

Seri has been extremely disappointing at Craven Cottage ever since joining from Nice this summer.

Tipped to be one of the best acquisitions of the transfer window, the Ivorian international has consistently looked off the pace, misplacing passes constantly, delivering awful set-pieces, and failing to control matches in the centre of the park.

While Anguissa has also had his fair share of struggles adapting to English football, the Cameroonian nevertheless offers a higher defensive work rate and is better suited to Ranieri's style of play.

In Fulham's must-win home watch against Leicester tonight, Claudio Ranieri must make a bold, yet necessary decision and select Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa ahead of the underwhelming Jean-Michael Seri.



https://tbrfootball.com/why-claudio-ranieri-must-drop-fulham-flop-jean-michael-seri-against-leicester/

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Leicester boss Claude Puel makes interesting point about Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri returns to the King Power Stadium with Fulham to face the club he spectacularly guided to the title in 2016

Claude Puel admits Leicester's title success has made life tough for Claudio Ranieri's successors.

Ranieri made sporting history with the Foxes when he guided them to the title in 2016 despite 5,000-1 odds.

The Italian is now due to face his old employers for the first time tonight since his sacking in February 2017.

Craig Shakespeare and Puel have since bossed City with the Frenchman in charge since last October.

But Puel, who guided the club to ninth last term, knows achieving anything comparable with Ranieri's heroics is virtually impossible.

Puel said: "It was not normal to win the title like this.

"You need circumstances to align, come together at the same time.

"Afterwards it's difficult for people because they think it's easy to win like that.

"It's very difficult to manage that situation - to give the fans the same feeling.

"No-one is prepared for what follows.

"A lot of people think it's easy to perform and win the title, to play at the top of the table.

"But this title was early in the development of the club.

"After the title it was difficult for all people to manage that."

Puel knows tonight's game will be "special" for new Fulham boss Ranieri against his old club.

He reckons football is like "a drug" to the 67-year-old who returned to the Premier League last month at Fulham.

Ranieri had a close bond with Foxes stars before his reign turned sour in his second season amid complaints at his 'Tinkering'.

He coined famous phrases like 'Dilly-Ding, Dilly-Dong' and even gave his squad bells for Christmas in his memorable first term.

Puel, whose side are enjoying a six-game unbeaten run, admits he may also give his players a Christmas present if they keep delivering.

He added: "I will try to find something! I don't know what.

"When we have a positive spiral in the team with success, success breeds success.

"We want to maintain this feeling and connection."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicester-boss-claude-puel-makes-13688922

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Match Preview – Fulham v Leicester City

Fulham's home form for the remainder of the season will no doubt decide whether the Whites are able to stay up this season. Tonight's match against Leicester will provide a good test for the squad who have shown signs of improvement and competitiveness in both of the matches under new manager Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian has just a single injury concern after second half substitute Floyd Ayite picked up an injury in the SW6 derby on Sunday. Tonight's game will be the first time Ranieri has been able to pick from a virtually fully fit first-team squad since he took over and it will be interesting to see who starts in midfield. The drafting in of Stefan Johansen to midfield after Andre Schurrle pulled out on the eve of the Chelsea game didn't really work and you would expect the German World Cup winner to regain his place in the starting line-up. Who fills one of the deep-lying holding midfield slot is a fascinating question. Kevin McDonald hasn't had much of a look in or late, whilst Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa marked his return to training with a long-range screamer.

The revelation in recent weeks has been the form of Calum Chambers. So abject just a few weeks ago at right back in the devastating defeat to Cardiff, the Arsenal loanee has returned as an all-conquering defensive midfielder. Slavisa Jokanovic played him there at Anfield where Chambers added a bit of much-needed bite to a previously rather feeble Fulham midfield and he has gone on since then. His performance at Stamford Bridge was by far his best in a Fulham shirt – it was just unfortunate that the clearest chances fell his way on a day when the Whites were in the derby for long periods but couldn't find a goal.

Tonight's visitors Leicester have a few injury concerns of their own. England World Cup hero Harry Maguire and Rachid Ghezzal will reportedly not be travelling down to London for the game, whilst star striker Jamie Vardy could be facing a late fitness test. The Foxes will be looking for their second victory in the space of four days at the expense of Ranieri, who guided them to that shock league title win in the 2015-16 season. With Leicester proving hard to beat as of late and us trying to adapt to Ranieri's way of football, I full expect a tough game tonight. I do however expect to see goals and I am hoping Aleksander Mitrovic can be the difference between the two sides.

Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Leicester City



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/12/match-preview-fulham-v-leicester-city/

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Paper round-up: Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace chasing Argentine forward

Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham want Nantes striker Emiliano Sala,  according to the Daily Mirror.

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini are said to be keen to snap up the Argentine, who is apparently rated at £15m.

The Mirror also say recently-appointed Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri, who is keen to sign a forward, is also interested in Sala, 28, ahead of a possible January move.

Sala previously played under Ranieri at Nantes, who have been tipped to sell the player if they receive an offer.

Meanwhile, The Sun say Palace and Arsenal are among clubs keen on Real Betis and Spain Under-21 defender Junior Firpo.

Danny Welbeck is set to leave Arsenal this summer, according to The Times.

Welbeck, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, is currently sidelined by injury.

The Times say there is no contract offer being made to the England international and that he will leave along with Aaron Ramsey.

The Daily Star reports that bookmakers have Arsenal's Mesut Ozil odds-on to join Manchester United amid continued speculation over the German's future at the Emirates Stadium.

And Chelsea want Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez, the Daily Express say.



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/west-ham/football-wls-fulham-west-ham-and-crystal-palace-chasing-argentine-forward/

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Feisty Fulham fall short

Looking at the scoreline, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this SW6 derby proved to be a Sunday lunchtime stroll for Chelsea. It looked like it could have been when Pedro capitalised on a shocking defensive error to give the home side an early lead, but you could tell from the regularity of Maurizio Sarri's second half prowling that their slender advantage was far from comfortable. Claudio Ranieri couldn't claim a point on his return to Stamford Bridge, but the hosts needed the cushion of a late Reuben Loftus-Cheek strike to be certain of all three points.

Fulham began with an early demonstration of their ambition with Cyrus Christie, who had an excellent game in shackling Eden Hazard, galloping into space down the right flank and firing a speculative shot towards the far corner. It lacked power and Kepa Arrizabalaga was able to easily get down and gather it in. The Whites, roared on by a raucous travelling support, soon shot themselves in the foot, however, with Denis Odoi and Jean-Michael Seri getting in a terrible mess in central midfield. Seri failed to release a pass from the Belgian defender swiftly enough, allowing N'Golo Kante to swoop in, sweep up field and play the perfect pass for Pedro, who ghosted inside Alfie Mawson and measured a perfect finish inside the far post.

The visitors could have been overwhelmed by the grievous nature of the goal they had conceded with just four minutes on the clock, but they continued to patiently probe in front of the Chelsea defence. Tom Cairney created an opening for Calum Chambers, who was superb throughout in the holding midfield role again, but the Arsenal loanee's drive from distance was straight at Kepa. At the other end, Sergio Rico had another fine game in the Fulham goal – making two splendid reaction saves from Oliver Giroud as the first half drew to a close to keep his side in the contest.

Ranieri was decisive at half time and withdrew Stefan Johansen and Ryan Sessegnon in favour of Floyd Ayite and Aboubakar Kamara. Although an early opening came the way of Pedro, Fulham's switch of both personnel and system enlivened them as an attacking force. Antonio Rudiger almost sent Christie's cross into his own goal as he tried to keep it away from Aleksandar Mitrovic, before Kepa somehow kept out Chambers' near post header from the ensuing corner. It was clearly not going to be Chambers day, when after a beautiful drag back on the edge of the box, he thumped an effort towards the far corner that was superbly pawed away by the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Rico did brilliantly to keep out an effort from Hazard that had taken a wicked deflection but he had no chance with the clinching goal, scored by substitute Loftus-Cheek, that settled the contest eight minutes from time. It owed much to Hazard ghosting away from a clutch of Fulham defenders after some excellent approach play on the edge of the box. The Belgian picked the perfect time to release Loftus-Cheek, who had escaped the attentions of Maxime Le Marchand, and the England international drove home at the near post.

Fulham continued to push forward in added time, but couldn't find a route back into the contest despite efforts from Mawson, Christie and Kamara going close. Ranieri declared himself pleased with his side's fight as well as their reaction to his half-time changes, but he will know that Fulham's fate is highly unlikely to be settled by these sort of results and more in the fixtures like Wednesday's, at home against another of his former clubs, Leicester City.

CHELSEA (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Alonso (Zappacosta 78), Rüdiger, David Luiz; Kanté, Jorginho, Kovacic (Loftus-Cheek 67); Pedro, Hazard, Giroud (Morata 70). Subs (not used): Caballero, Christensen, Fàbregas, Willian.

BOOKED: Azpilicueta, Morata.

GOALS: Pedro (4), Loftus-Cheek (82).

FULHAM (4-1-2-1-2): Rico; Christie, Le Marchand, Odoi, Mawson; Seri; Chambers, Johansen (Ayite 45); Cairney (Kebano 76); Mitrovic, R. Sessegnon (Kamara 45). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Ream, Bryan, Cisse.

BOOKED: Odoi.

REFEREE: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 40,551



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/12/feisty-fulham-fall-short/

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Fulham vs Leicester City predicted XI: Andre Schurrle to return after missing Chelsea loss

Fulham news includes a look at how the side could line up at Craven Cottage this evening

Fulham host Leicester City on Wednesday night at Craven Cottage in what is sure to be an emotional reunion for new boss Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian won the Premier League with the Foxes in 2015/16 in what was one of the biggest shocks of world football but was sacked the following season at the King Power stadium.

He hasn't faced his old side since but that will change this evening when Claude Puel's side visit west London to take on Fulham in what is yet another massive game for the Cottagers.

So far under Ranieri, Fulham have won once and lost once but remain bottom of the Premier League table, but victory tonight could see them climb out of the bottom three.

We saw only once change on Sunday at Stamford Bridge - here reporter Ryan O'Donovan has had his saw on what he thinks the starting XI could be this evening.

"Despite being called the Tinkerman, Ranieri hasn't changed too much at Fulham since coming in but has put an emphasis on defensive tactics and discipline.

"Against Southampton we saw a 4-2-3-1 formation and I think that's something we'll see again at Leicester - he changed it for Chelsea but that lack of width meant a double substitution at half time at Stamford Bridge.


(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

"Sergio Rico had another good showing against Chelsea and he'll start in goal once more, while I believe the back four will be the same again with Cyrus Christie, Denis Odoi, Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand all starting once more.

"There was never a set back four under Slavisa Jokanovic and Ranieri has said how important that continuity is in getting a clean sheet, so I don't see him changing it for tonight.

"In midfield, Calum Chambers has been brilliant under the new boss in a central midfield role and I think he will continue alongside Jean-Michael Seri in the defensive midfield two tonight.


Ryan O'Donovan's Fulham starting XI vs Leicester City

"Across the three in front of that, I think that Ryan Sessegnon will play out on the left after his appearance as a striker on Sunday which didn't really work out for the youngster, while I reckon Andre Schurrle will be recalled after an injury ruled him out of a return to Stamford Bridge.

"Tom Cairney should play in the number 10 role behind the striker once more in what seems to be Ranieri's preferred position for him, while Aleksandar Mitrovic is sure to start up top.

"Fulham: Sergio Rico; Christie, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand; Chambers, Seri; Sessegnon, Cairney, Schurrle; Mitrovic"

What do you make of our starting XI? Use the team selector below to have your say on what you think Ranieri should go for this evening against Leicester.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-vs-leicester-city-predicted-15507745

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Phonelines Down

Due to improvements being made to the Club's phonelines, the Ticket Office is currently unable to receive incoming calls.

Fans will still be able to purchase tickets in person by visiting the Ticket Office at Craven Cottage, or you can request a call-back from a member of Ticket Office staff by filling in the below form.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/december/05/phonelines-down

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Preview: Fulham Vs Leicester City

Before Leicester City beat Watford by a comfortable 2-0 on Saturday, they had won just once in five games – or that's how Twitter would have put it for you.

But now, Leicester are unbeaten in five – or that's how their official Twitter account has put it this morning. Regardless of how the numbers are presented and what they represent, the fact remains that the Foxes have won two of their last seven Premier League games. They've lost two and drawn the remaining three.

The current state  – putting things into perspective – isn't too bad by Leicester's standards, because their overall season would still suggest that where they are is where they should be. They are ninth in the league with 21 points and in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. About a decade ago, the supporters would have sliced a few heads to be there.

However, with what Leicester have at their disposal these days conflated with what the fans now deem acceptable, 21 is just unacceptable. Apparently.

So Claude Puel's job is to at least have his side add three to that total later tonight against Fulham. They win here and they could possibly go sixth in the table if AFC Bournemouth (face Liverpool), Everton (face Newcastle United) and Manchester United's (face Arsenal) result go in their favours.  That would be acceptable.

Claudio Ranieri, though, stands in the way of his own darlings.

Main Man
With Jamie Vardy very likely to miss the game, there's only one man you can look up to to inspire Leicester: James Maddison. The 22-year old scored a possible goal of the season contender against Watford last weekend to put the sending off a week before behind him. Now full of confidence again, you'd trust that he can bring home the bacon in what could be an end-to-end affair.

Ryan O'Donovan, who we talked to as part of our Opponent Watch, made special mention of the sizzling no.10 as well. He said:

    "James Maddison has the ability to trouble Fulham's midfield and run the game, while the side are still getting on board with Ranieri's tactics."

Quotes

    "We cannot forget what he brought to the club. We will play a tough game, not just because he is the manager but Fulham played very well against Chelsea and Southampton," Claude Puel said of Claudio Ranieri.

    "We need to be aware and be careful of this team because they play very well. It will be a good feeling for Claudio and the quality of his team at this moment."

Possible XI

Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Albrighton, Mendy, Ndidi, Gray, Maddison; Iheanacho.



https://foxesofleicester.com/2018/12/05/preview-fulham-vs-leicester-city/

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Why West Ham beating Fulham to sign this Serie A veteran would be of major help to their Premier League season

Why West Ham must beat Fulham to sign Antonio Candreva in January

According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Fulham are interested in signing Inter Milan star Antonio Candreva in January.

Antonio Candreva, 31, moved to the San Siro from Lazio in the summer of 2016. However, he hasn't been a regular for Inter this season as manager Luciano Spalletti has preferred Matteo Politano ahead of him on the right.

The report claims that Fulham will able to land the Italy international on a six-month loan with a view to a permanent deal next summer. Keeping Candreva's situation at Inter in mind, West Ham must rival Fulham for the player's signature in January.

West Ham have endured a stop-start season under Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers have successfully managed to recover from a disappointing start to the 2018/19 campaign but given the quality of players around at the club, Pellegrini must at least aim for a top-10 finish.

The Londoners have key attacking players out injured, with Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini set to miss the festive period where games come thick and fast in the Premier League. The return of Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere from injuries would surely be a boost for Pellegrini but the Chilean should aim to replace the injured Yarmolenko in January.

Yarmolenko arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer amidst a lot of fanfare, raising the expectations of the supporters. But the Hammers have lost the Ukrainian to a long-term injury, meaning Pellegrini is light on options when it comes to the wide areas.

And that's where the signing of Antonio Candreva would make sense. Candreva would be a perfect player for West Ham if Pellegrini needs a short-term solution in the attack.

A right-footed player, the Italian's versatility would make him a useful player for the Hammers. He can operate on either wing, as a no.10, in central midfield or as a false 9. Candreva's ability to play centrally means that he could add creativity to the midfield trio in Pellegrini's 4-3-3 system.

Yarmolenko arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer amidst a lot of fanfare, raising the expectations of the supporters. But the Hammers have lost the Ukrainian to a long-term injury, meaning Pellegrini is light on options when it comes to the wide areas.

And that's where the signing of Antonio Candreva would make sense. Candreva would be a perfect player for West Ham if Pellegrini needs a short-term solution in the attack.

A right-footed player, the Italian's versatility would make him a useful player for the Hammers. He can operate on either wing, as a no.10, in central midfield or as a false 9. Candreva's ability to play centrally means that he could add creativity to the midfield trio in Pellegrini's 4-3-3 system.

Hence, West Ham must do everything in their powers to beat Fulham to the signature of Candreva.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/12/05/why-west-ham-beating-fulham-to-sign-this-serie-a-veteran-would-be-of-major-help-to-their-premier-league-season/

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Leicester City's Rachid Ghezzal to miss Fulham clash

The Algeria international has been ruled of Wednesday's Premier League game against Claudio Ranieri's men

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has confirmed that Rachid Ghezzal will miss their league outing against Fulham.

The 26-year-old who last featured in a league game on November 10 [vs. Burnley] has missed his side's last three games owing to a leg injury he suffered during a training session.

Ahead of their trip to the Craven Cottage, Puel disclosed that the summer signing has resumed training but won't be rushed back to action against Fulham.

Meanwhile, the Algeria international will be monitored for a chance to return to action against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

"It was his first training session with the group this morning," Puel was quoted as saying by Leicester Mercury.

"It was a good feeling and good freshness. It will be too early for Wednesday and we will see for Saturday.

"If he can train regularly between now and Saturday, we will see. Rachid is the same. He won't be ready for Wednesday but maybe for Saturday."

Ghezzal moved to England from Monaco in August and has scored a goal in nine Premier League appearances for the Foxes who are ninth in the table.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/leicester-citys-rachid-ghezzal-a-doubt-for-fulham-clash/1dpdroevdn16k1fky5mwbb4uxn