Friday Fulham Stuff (21/12/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Lys Mousset important to Bournemouth's future, says Eddie Howe


French forward Lys Mousset is a target for Fulham

Eddie Howe has poured cold water over Fulham's interest in striker Lys Mousset, declaring him "an important part" of Bournemouth's future.

Sky Sports News reported ahead of the Cherries' Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Chelsea that the Whites are keen to sign Mousset in January.

The French forward played in Bournemouth's 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and Howe said he was impressed with his performance.

After also ruling out Chelsea signing Callum Wilson in the upcoming window, Howe joked: "It sounds like we are going to be left with no strikers at this rate."

Of Mousset he said: "I thought he did very, very well tonight. That's probably his best performance for the club.

"His fitness levels were much improved. Technically I thought he produced a really high level game. And he's a big part of our future."

After also ruling out Chelsea signing Callum Wilson in the upcoming window, Howe joked: "It sounds like we are going to be left with no strikers at this rate."

Of Mousset he said: "I thought he did very, very well tonight. That's probably his best performance for the club.

"His fitness levels were much improved. Technically I thought he produced a really high level game. And he's a big part of our future."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11743/11586508/lys-mousset-important-to-bournemouths-future-says-eddie-howe

[WhiteJC]

 
Can Newcastle Make It Two Wins In A Row Against Fulham?

Newcastle have another vitally important game on Saturday at home to Fulham.

But we haven't done well at home this season, and in our nine home games, we have managed to lose seven of them and win the other two against Watford and Bournemouth – two top seven sides at the time.

This game against the Cottagers is vitally important, and we have to go all out to win the game and mustn't lose.

With the defense looking very solid and Salomon Rondon and Perez starting to look impressive up front we must have a decent chance of winning our second game in a row.

Fulham have never won away in the league this season and have lost eight of their nine away games.

Since it's just before Christmas two wins in a row would lift the spirits of Newcastle fans.

We do expect Fulham to improve under new manager Claudio Ranieri but hopefully after we have played them.



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/12/20/can-newcastle-make-it-two-wins-in-a-row-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham target Lys Mousset is nowhere near the finished article

Claudio Ranieri has picked up four points from his first five Premier League games in charge of Fulham and has plenty of work to do to keep them in the top flight.

The West London club are bottom of the table after 17 games and are three points off safety as it stands.

They clearly need to rectify the league's worst defence and that's something Ranieri will be desperate to achieve, while they could do with some extra attacking ammunition in January too.

Aleksandar Mitrovic remains the main option at striker and adding some fresh competition would be most advised at Craven Cottage.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham are interested in signing Bournemouth centre-forward Lys Mousset when the January transfer window opens.

The report details that that they want to add a striker, centre-back and possibly a right back in the New Year.

Mousset is an interesting attacking target for Fulham that is currently struggling for minutes at Premier League club Bournemouth and will hardly get supporters off their seat.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has scored once in his 11 appearances across all competitions, but has been limited to very little action due to in-form Callum Wilson.

Ranieri would surely have to wave his magic wand to get the best out of the Bournemouth attacker and the manager may have spotted something in him.

Mousset is a powerful striker with great pace and strength, but Fulham need somebody that can weigh in with goals.

Ranieri has been appointed to squeeze every bit of quality out of the Fulham squad and target Mousset would need some work on, but he's got the basics there and a run of starts may be the key to unlocking his quality.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-target-lys-mousset-is-nowhere-near-the-finished-article/

[WhiteJC]

 
Why the absence of Ryan Sessegnon could prevent a repeat of Fulham's last visit to Newcastle



Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon missed last week's loss to West Ham United with a groin problem and is reportedly a doubt to play against Newcastle United.

The absence of Sessegnon would severely harm Fulham's chances of victory, possibly preventing a repeat performance from the last time the Whites travelled to St. James' Park.

In March 2017, Newcastle and Fulham met in the Championship, with the Magpies clear league leaders and the Whites chasing a play-off spot.

Fulham won 3-1 in a season-defining victory, playing Newcastle off the park with Slavisa Jokanovic's swaggering brand of football. Sessegnon produced the best performance of his young career to date, bagging a brace and infamously shushing the Newcastle faithful.


(Photo by Ian Horrocks/Getty Images)

That two-goal display illustrated the youngster at his best, tearing defences apart with pace and then punishing them with instinctive, deadly finishing.

Yet with the left winger facing an injury setback, Fulham are set to lose one of their most dangerous attacking threats.

Although Sessegnon has taken time to adapt to life in the Premier League, he recorded two assists against Southampton recently and looked to be turning a corner in his top flight development.

With Fulham in desperate need of a win against Newcastle United, Ryan Sessegnon's injury concerns pose yet another headache for Claudio Ranieri's men as they seek to lift themselves off the bottom of the league.



https://tbrfootball.com/why-the-absence-of-ryan-sessegnon-could-prevent-a-repeat-of-fulhams-last-visit-to-newcastle/

[WhiteJC]

 
Games for the Weekend – 21/12
This weekend we have the trip up to Newcastle, I'm sure Mitro is looking forward to it.

Apparently the 1st half against West Ham last week was the best we've played since Claudio took over, we still let in two goals, the least said about the 2nd half the better? only good thing I can think of is that we didn't concede again.

Hopefully Mitrović will want to show Rafa how big a mistake he made by not playing him and then getting rid of him, how poetic would it be for Mitro to get his fist premiership hat-trick against his old club?

Games of Interest...
Friday 21st
Wolves v Liverpool

Saturday 22nd
Arsenal v Burnley
Bournemouth v Brighton
Huddersfield v Southampton
Newcastle v Fulham
Cardiff v Man Utd


come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=538

[WhiteJC]

 
Rondon can make Newcastle fans forget Mitrovic once and for all on Saturday

Salomon Rondon can help a section Newcastle fans get over Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure from the club once and for all by outperforming him on Saturday.

The Magpies host struggling Fulham this weekend, and leading the line for the Cottagers will be Serbian international Mitrovic, who departed St. James' Park in the summer.

The striker spent three years with Newcastle, before leaving for £22 million, which could eventually rise to £27 million with performance-based incentives according to Sky Sports.

Mitrovic joined Fulham initially on loan in January 2018, before making the move permanent in July.

A number of Newcastle supporters were unhappy with the decision to sell the burly hitman, especially after he'd banged 12 goals in 17 Championship games, and then five goals in his first six Premier League games in 2018/19.

Newcastle are largely managing OK without him now, but a big performance from Rondon will go a long way on Saturday.

Rondon can continue to ease concerns

The Venezuela international is slowly proving to be a great signing for Newcastle.

Having shaken off an early season thigh strain, he is now showing his best form for the Magpies.

It's two goals in his last three Premier League outings, which followed the brace he hit against Bournemouth last month.

Rondon is a very similar player to Mitrovic, which does beg the question of why he was allowed to leave the club.

But this is the situation, and if Rondon can continue to be a menace for the team then it's likely Mitrovic will not be missed, despite being a slightly better finisher of chances.

On Saturday, Rondon has the chance to outpeform his predecessor and prove Rafa Benitez right for letting him go.



https://tbrfootball.com/rondon-can-make-newcastle-fans-forget-mitrovic-once-and-for-all-on-saturday/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United must simply add to Fulham's relegation woes this weekend

Newcastle United welcome Fulham to St James' Park, and I want to see the home fans going away happy

Let us forget what has gone before on home turf - a horrendous seven Premier League spankings from only nine matches.

Instead may those who perform in black and white for the most passionate of fans recall back to back victories over Watford and Bournemouth.

Both the vanquished were snugly situated in the top half of the table and bang in form not rock bottom and in need of an urgent blood transfusion like Fulham.

Yes the Cottagers ought to be thumped. That must be remembered and acted upon with gusto.

The way to do it has already been established. The same way as the Cherries were picked off.

United's home record is a terrible wrong that must and can be righted. But for their sterling efforts on the road Newcastle would already be doomed. Consider these startling facts if you will: they have gathered more points away (10 compared to six at home), suffered the most defeats on their own patch of all 20 top flight sides (seven), yet boast the least losses away of any side bar Manchester City.

How's that for an upside down world?

Still, despite all Fulham are seven points worse off and that's a gap as big as the Grand Canyon.

Fulham's honeymoon period upon the appointment of a once-jovial Claudio Ranieri lasted all of one match when they managed to defeat Southampton. Since they have taken a single point from a possible 12.

Keeping this bunch up might prove almost as difficult for Ranieri as winning the title with Leicester City!

It has to become even tougher after five o'clock Saturday tea time.

Certainly Fulham arrive as the most generous of visitors. Their away record shows eight defeats and one draw in nine outings during which they have conceded a whopping 24 goals. Just the sort of opposition dodgy home performers require to improve their record.

Sure, the risk is an old Mag Alexsandar Mitrovic being temporarily back amongst us hell bent on proving that Rafa was wrong to sell.

Mitro's stock was further cranked up this week when he received Serbia's Golden Ball awarded to the country's best player having scored 31 goals for club and country this year.

However Benitez can point to Salomon Rondon in retaliation because the man brought in to replace Mitrovic plays with a passion and a commitment that his predecessor could lack on occasions.

Which one would you prefer to be your champion? Decision please before they go head to head. I'll stick with what we've got.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles knows Mitrovic well and has to lead those around him in snuffing out any threat.

I always remember Glenn Roeder telling me how he handled an old team-mate Billy Whitehurst when they met in direct opposition. Billy was known for his physical confrontation even more than Mitro - he was like a steamroller trundling downhill mowing all in his path _ and Roeder decided to try and distract him from causing mass mayhem.

So he talked to Whitehurst all game about greyhound racing at Brough Park. Billy duly laid off Roeder _ but smashed the nose of his sidekick Peter Jackson in an aerial bombardment!

Now I'm not suggesting Lascelles tries to talk Mitro out of meaningful action but he knows enough of his opponent to keep him relatively quiet _ though full-backs (or wing backs) cutting out the crosses that feed the big man would be an extra help.

Over a long season I still prefer Rondon to Mitrovic especially in the Premier League but centre-forwards are only as good as the service they receive and United must remember that.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-must-simply-add-15575935

[WhiteJC]

 
Oldham Athletic fans set to take over Fulham with largest away following of the season

Oldham Athletic fans set to take over Craven Cottage with largest away following of the season with 3,324 tickets sold so far, according to Oldham Athletic Ticket Office.

Latics was given an initial allocation of 2,500 tickets from Fulham and sold it out. Then they was given a further 1,000 tickets which have nearly sold out.

Oldham Athletic have always been known for their impressive away support and this is set to continue in the FA Cup against Premiership side Fulham on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Oldham Athletic's route to the 3rd round of the FA Cup –
Oldham Athletic avoided an embarrassing FA Cup upset in dramatic fashion, with two very late goals at Hampton & Richmond Borough in the 1st round of the FA Cup.

A frustrating evening for the Latics , got even worse when referee Tom Nield controversially penalised Callum Lang for a challenge on Tyrell Miller-Rodney.

Chris Dickson stepped up and beat Daniel Iversen in the Latics goal, much to the annoyance of the Latics players and staff and supporters.

Very late on in the game, Latics pulled level as Dan Gardner broke down the left from a Hampton & Richmond Borough corner, before pulling it back to Hunt who slotted it into the net past Lovelock.

In the 95th minutes, goalscorer Rob Hunt hit a long ball up to late substitute Chris O'Grady who flicked it onto Callum Lang, before the youngster, playing in the FA Cup for the 1st time, turned his man brilliantly before blasting home and putting Latics in the second round of the FA Cup.

Latics confirmed their place in the 3rd round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013, following a comfortable win against National League side Maidstone United at the Gallagher Stadium in the 2nd round of the FA Cup.

Latics took an early lead as club captain Peter Clarke tapped in a well-worked set piece after George Edmundson flicked Gevaro Nepomuceno's deep free-kick into Clarke's path to put Latics in front.

It was Chris O'Grady who sealed Oldham's place in the third round of the FA Cup as he beat Will De Havilland with a nice piece of skill before scoring from a tight angle to double the Latics lead.



https://the72.co.uk/121058/oldham-athletic-fans-set-take-fulham-largest-away-following-season/

[WhiteJC]

Mitrović the latest striker linked with Blues move
Serbian striker has seven Premier League goals for Fulham this season

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović is the latest forward to be linked with a January move to Everton.

According to Serbian publication Blic, the Toffees see the Cottagers' top scorer as a 'realistic' option to lead the line at Goodison Park. Though given Fulham's struggles to stave off relegation, it is highly unlikely that they would be willing to sell their top scorer mid-season.

The Mirror also reported on Sunday (December 16) that Mitrović feels he has outgrown Fulham, who are bottom of the Premier League, three points adrift of safety. His compatriot, Slaviša Jokanović, was sacked as Whites boss is November, having previously been cited by Mitrović as one of the main reasons the player decided to sign for the club.

The Serb originally arrived at Craven Cottage on loan from Newcastle United in January, and scored 12 goals in 17 Championship appearances to help Fulham win promotion from the Championship.

He moved permanently for a fee potentially rising to £27 million in July, and has seven league goals so far this season. But after an excellent start to the campaign, he has only scored for in just one league game - a brace against Southampton in November - since September 22.

Everton will surely be on the lookout for reinforcements up front after their senior strikers have toiled in front of goal this term, with 24 goals in 17 league games reflecting a sense of profligacy in the Blues' game of late.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the club's top-scoring striker with five goals, while Cenk Tosun has only two and Oumar Niasse, who looks set for a January departure having failed to make a league matchday squad since September, is yet to get off the mark.

Everton have been linked with several strikers in recent weeks, including Nantes forward Emiliano Sala and RB Leipzig's Jean-Kévin Augustin.



https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/12/20/18144581/everton-transfer-rumours-aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-latest-striker-january-transfer-news-latest

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri delivers blunt assessment of Aleksandar Mitrovic's Newcastle career

Claudio Ranieri's spoken ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic's return to St James's Park.
Mitrovic will lead the line for Fulham against his former club Newcastle United on Saturday.

The 24-year-old was sold by Rafa Benitez in the summer after failing out of favour on Tyneside.

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri was asked about Mitrovic's return in his pre-match press conference.

"I hope when a player goes back to a previous club he wants to show something more," said Ranieri.

"At Newcastle he didn't do a good job – it's not easy to adapt to English football – but I hope he has an outstanding match."

Asked if he expected Mitrovic to get a good reception from Newcastle fans, Ranieri said: "I don't know – I hope Aleksandar will do a good match."

Mitrovic – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage – has scored seven Premier League goals so far this season.

Fulham are bottom of the league with nine points from 17 games.

Meanwhile, Ranieri was full of praise for United manager Benitez.

"I saw him a long time ago in Valencia," said Ranier. "He's a great manager, and has won a lot.

"He's very intelligent, tactically attentive and has created a good group. The team is intense, strong, tight.

"Rafa is more Italian than me. He's very attentive to the tactical movement of players."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/claudio-ranieri-delivers-blunt-assessment-of-aleksandar-mitrovic-s-newcastle-career-1-9502937

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star ruled out of Saturday's game at St James' Park – Great news for NUFC

Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that star winger Ryan Sessegnon will miss Saturday's game – a boost for Rafa Benitez given how he tormented us the last time Fulham came to St James' Park.

He's had a mixed season so far with 1 goal and 3 assists, but the 18-year-old is one of the top young talents in the Premier League – and many may remember how he tormented DeAndre Yedlin last time we met.

Sessegnon scored twice in their 1-3 win at St James' Park during our season in the Championship, however Fulham will have to do without him today, with Ranieri confirming that a groin injury will keep him out of this one.

Sessegnon was their top scorer last season with 16 goals and 8 assists, being a pacey left winger with an eye for goal and the ability to assist – with a certain Aleksandar Mitrovic likely to miss him come Saturday.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/12/20/fulham-star-ruled-out-of-saturdays-game-at-st-james-park-great-news-for-nufc/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham without Ryan Sessegnon for trip to face Newcastle United at St James' Park

The Whites will also be without Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who has picked up another injury

Fulham will be without Ryan Sessegnon for their trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.

The winger missed the 2-0 loss to West Ham with a groin injury he picked up in training last week and Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that he will miss the journey to the north east as a result of the injury.

His absence against the Hammers was the first time since May 2017 that the 18-year-old had missed a game for Fulham - a run of 62 games in a row for hos boyhood club.

However, Ranieri is hopeful that Sessegnon will be back for the home games against Wolves and Huddersfield Town after Christmas, both of which are key games in their quest for survival.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is also out of the game with a knock and the Italian manager expects him to be out for ten days as he recovers from the second injury he's endured under Ranieri.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Newcastle, the Fulham boss said: "Anguissa is out for 10 days. Sessegnon I hope is available for next match against Wolves or after.



"In this moment he is not available for Newcastle. He is very important but all my players are important and I'm confident in all my players."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-without-ryan-sessegnon-trip-15578236

[WhiteJC]

 
Team against Newcastle 22/12
over on the forum we've been discussing who we would pick to play against West Ham, here are some suggestions....

WHITEJC
After last Saturday's effort I'll be clutching at any straw to get a result against Newcastle, here's my 'best of a bad bunch'...

Seri still needs some time on the bench, he's a better player than we've seen so far, its just not working at the moment. Christie is the best(?) option we have for right back and I'm also hoping that young Ryan will be fit.

Subs: Betts, Ream, MLM, Cisse, Seri, Shurrle


come over to the forum join in the discussion...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=68945.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=546

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham eye up Everton midfielder McCarthy

Fulham are in the hunt to sign Everton midfielder James McCarthy, according to Bleacher Report journalist Dean Jones.

The reliable reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon that the Premier League's 20th-placed club have been checking out the 28-year-old ahead of the transfer window re-opening on January 1.

McCarthy has not played a single game for Everton this season due to a broken leg he sustained in the 1-1 draw with West Brom back in January.

Good move for Everton?

It would definitely be a good idea for Everton to cash in on McCarthy next month.

Although the Republic of Ireland midfielder is a decent player, he is injured way too often and according to statistics website Spotrac, he is earning £50,000-a-week, which is way too much when he is nowhere near as good as Marco Silva's starting midfielders now.

Fulham would be a good move for McCarthy and as long as he stays fit he should be a solid addition to Claudio Ranieri's side.

It should be in the best interests of everyone to get this move to happen.

This is Futbol rating 7/10

Likely to happen?

At the moment it just seems like Fulham are keeping tabs on McCarthy, so their interest in him isn't that advanced.

If the London club's form fails to improve over the festive period then Ranieri is bound to have a better look into signing the former Wigan midfielder, because he would make a good addition to their side.

It is too soon to tell if anything will happen yet.

This is Futbol rating 3/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/12/blogs/fulham-eye-up-everton-midfielder-mccarthy/

[WhiteJC]

 
Could Newcastle have advantage over Fulham in reported Michal Travnik battle?

Newcastle United and Fulham are both reportedly interested in Jablonec midfielder Michal Travnik.

With Rafa Benitez hoping to finally bring a creative number ten to Newcastle United in the New Year, it seems the Magpies have identified a more affordable alternative to the Atlanta United talisman Miguel Almiron.

According to the Mail, Newcastle are keeping tabs on the little-known Michal Travnik, who plies his trade for Jablonec in the Czech Republic. Valued at £4 million, it is understood that Fulham are also keen on the stylish assist-king having averaged less than a goal a game since promotion.

While Travnik does not quite have the allure or the reputation of Almiron, his record cannot be overlooked.

In all competitions this season, the midfielder has produced a quite remarkable ten goals and ten assists in just 25 games. In stats alone, Travnik is even more productive than his Paraguayan counterpart.

If it comes down to a straight fight between Newcastle and Fulham, Benitez might have an advantage over Claudio Ranieri even if the Cottagers have the funds to blow Mike Ashley out of the water.

Because, according to the Chronicle, Travnik shares an agent with Newcastle ace Martin Dubravka, the Slovakian shot-stopper who moved to Tyneside from Sparta Prague 11 months ago and has shone between the sticks ever since.

This would suggest that Newcastle have a good relationship with Travnik's representatives. And, with Dubravka going from strength to strength at St James' Park, Travnik might be encouraged to follow in his footsteps.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/12/20/do-newcastle-might-have-advantage-over-fulham-in-reported-michal/

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League predictions: Lawro v boxer Dillian Whyte

Manchester United begin life under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a trip to Cardiff on Saturday - but how will they fare?

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson says: "Straightaway we will see a very different United performance because the players who had fallen out with Jose Mourinho will know the spotlight is on them, and they have got to perform.

"One or two of them need to look in the mirror and start to play because, whatever you think of Mourinho, they have not performed to their best level this season.

"Hopefully Solskjaer will just say 'go for it' to his team and this is a great opportunity for him.

"He does not have to worry about contracts because they are nothing to do with him - the only people knocking on his door will be the players who want to play.

"United's performances this season have been as dull as dishwater so he won't have to do much to get the fans enjoying themselves again, and I am expecting him to start with a win."

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

This week's guest is boxer Dillian Whyte, who fights Dereck Chisora in London on Saturday.

The 6ft 4in heavyweight used his size and strength when he played football as a boy, telling BBC Sport: "I played a little bit when I was growing up - I was a good goalkeeper and a very good defender."

Plenty of football players have watched Whyte in action, including Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa - aka 'The Beast'.

"The Beast is all right!" Whyte said. "He has come to a few of my fights and [Stoke and Wales defender] Ashley Williams has as well. I met him through a friend of mine.

"There are a few other players who come along as well but on fight night I am so focused I don't really see anyone - I am in the zone."

Could there be a career in boxing for 'The Beast' after football? Whyte is not sure...

"I don't know - kicking the ball and taking punches in the face are two different things. But if Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff can do it, then why not?"

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
Newcastle v Fulham

Fulham had their chances in their defeat by West Ham last week, but could not take any of them.

Cottagers boss Claudio Ranieri has been in charge for just over a month now, and I am sure he will have been sizing up his squad and deciding who he wants to bring in when the January transfer window opens.

I know Fulham spent a bit of money in the summer, but they need to spend again because they are not going to stay up with what they have got.

Newcastle still have their own relegation worries and their home form is a problem, but I am backing them to win this one.

Results-wise the Magpies are still a little bit up and down, but overall their form has been a lot better than it was at the start of the season.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Dillian's prediction: At school I had a teacher who was a massive Newcastle fan - I hope he sees this, because I am backing them to win. He used to rave on about Newcastle all the time and I used to think, 'Mate, I don't care - I am just here to hear the final bell so I can get out of school quickly!'. 3-0



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46584824

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham must make the sensible decision to offload Marcus Bettinelli to Southampton

Recent reports from the Daily Mail have linked Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli with a January move to Southampton.

Although the Englishman has a strong bond with Fulham, the Whites must choose the sensible option and offload their second-choice goalkeeper.

Currently, Sergio Rico has established himself as the undisputed number one goalkeeper in SW6 and has largely justified his inclusion.

Fulham have had a whirlwind goalkeeping dilemma to date, with summer signing Fabri starting the campaign as number one.

The Spaniard lost his spot shortly after to Bettinelli, who produced sensational form early on in a victory against Burnley and a penalty save in a draw at Brighton.


(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

But after a disappointing display in Fulham's 4-2 disastrous loss at Cardiff, Slavisa Jokanovic installed Rico between the sticks.

The Sevilla loanee has still failed to keep a clean sheet, yet has made crucial saves and appears to command the penalty area with greater composure than Bettinelli.

Despite his role in Fulham's promotion last season, Bettinelli has rarely started a season as first choice at Fulham, and appears to have little chance at reclaiming a starting spot at Craven Cottage.

If Southampton are to produce a multi-million pound bid for the English goalkeeper, Fulham must accept the offer and use the profits to invest in defensive reinforcements.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-must-make-the-sensible-decision-to-offload-marcus-bettinelli-to-southampton/

[WhiteJC]

 
Southampton's Targett could be the attacking left back Benitez wants in January

Newcastle reportedly want an attack-minded player to bolster their options on the left of defence and Matt Targett of Southampton would fit the bill.

Rafa Benitez wants a creative midfielder and an attacking left back in the January transfer window, according to the Chronicle.

Miguel Almiron is reportedly the leading target to take up that playmaker role but there are apparently no outstanding candidates to come in and beef up the defensive line.

But looking across the Premier League, the solution could be found with another relegation battler – Southampton – and their second choice left back Matt Targett.

Targett spent last season on loan at Fulham and slotted straight into their attacking philosophy and has good top flight experience to boot.

Targett is currently deputising for the injured Ryan Bertrand at Southampton, but the former Chelsea man is not far away from a return, and he will expect to instantly be reinstated to the side when that happens.

But having pushed into the first team picture, Targett will be keen to get more of that and that's why a switch to Newcastle may appeal.

The Magpies don't have a huge budget, so perhaps a loan swoop for Targett could be the answer Benitez is looking for; the main stumbling block is whether the Saints would be happy to help out a relegation rival.



https://tbrfootball.com/southamptons-targett-could-be-the-attacking-left-back-benitez-wants-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

 
Whites boss hails Newcastle manager Benitez

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has hailed Rafa Benitez's work at Newcastle branding the Spaniard "more Italian than me" in his managerial style.

Ranieri has challenged Premier League basement club Fulham to take a leaf out of Newcastle's book, having watched the Magpies move away from the relegation picture.

Fulham will head to Newcastle on Saturday bidding for just a second win in 12 league matches, with Ranieri insisting his men enjoy the ever-lively St James' Park atmosphere.

"I saw him a long time ago in Valencia, he's a great manager who has won a lot, he is very intelligent, tactically is very attentive, and he's created a very good group there," said Ranieri.

"The team is strong, very intensive, tight – I think Rafa is more Italian than me!

"That's because he's very, very attentive on the tactical movement of the players.

"They were down two months ago and in this moment they are safe. So for us they could be good inspiration.

"The Newcastle fans are very, very warm but the players love to play against teams that have very good fans. It's a bad thing when there is nobody at the stadium."

Aleksandar Mitrovic will return to Newcastle looking to prove a point against his former club, with Ranieri hoping the Serbia striker can make a big impact back on familiar ground.

Ranieri insisted, however, that the only reason Mitrovic's Newcastle spell did not quite work out was purely down to the time it takes to acclimatise to English football.

"When you play in another country you can touch the ball two, three times," said Ranieri. "When you play in England one touch is too much, you have to play half-touch.

"That's it. And the player who came in had to think about it. You try to transmit this but only the experience, you need six months, maybe one year to understand this.

"I hope when a player goes back to his previous club he wants to show something more. I hope everything for Aleksandar, believe me, I pray.

"Aleksandar in Newcastle didn't do a very good job because when a player comes from another country it's not easy to adapt immediately to English football.

"But in Fulham he's adapted very, very well. And I hope he can do a very outstanding match.

"I don't know if they will give a warm welcome to Aleksandar but I hope Aleksandar will make a very good match."



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/whites-boss-hails-newcastle-manager-benitez/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's striker search only serves to fuel concerns that Mitrovic is unsettled

Claudio Ranieri is in the hunt for a striker in January and that will do nothing to quell rumours that talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic is unsettled.

Claudio Ranieri's appointment at Fulham has not had the desired impact at Craven Cottage so far and next month's transfer window will essentially make or break their season.

Their heavy summer of investment has actually done more harm than good; the stylish football built on the familiarity of last season has been replaced by muddled thinking and a lack of cohesion.

But Ranieri reportedly wants to add another striker to his Cottagers ranks, with Bournemouth frontman Lys Mousset and Nantes' Emiliano Sala both linked in recent weeks.

That intense chase raises questions about the future of talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic and recent reports have claimed he is unsettled at the club following the departure of the man who brought him to the club, Serbian compatriot Slavisa Jovanovic.

Everton are reportedly sniffing around – they need a reliable goalscorer to round off their improving frontline – and Ranieri's hunt for a striker are only going to add fuel to the fire of concerns that Mitrovic is unsettled.

There's a reason Fulham were able to procure a goalscorer like Mitrovic from Newcastle – who are desperate for goals – in the summer and it does not revolve around football.

His short temper is well-documented and Ranieri's search for goals is not a positive sign for Mitrovic's Fulham future.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulhams-striker-search-only-serves-to-fuel-concerns-that-mitrovic-is-unsettled/