Friday Fulham Stuff (28/12/18)...

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Results

Thursday
Southampton	1 - 2	West Ham

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Fulham linked with Chelsea outcast Moses

Fulham is the latest club to be linked with out-of-favour Chelsea winger Victor Moses, reports Footballlive.ng.

The former Liverpool and Stoke City star has been deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.

It will be recalled that Moses was an integral part of Antonio Conte's team during his stint at Stamford Bridge.

Moses, Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater are the three most high-profile players to have been frozen out by Sarri.

The former Nigeria international will be allowed to leave in the mid-season transfer window.

He has also been linked with Crystal Palace, Southampton and Burnley.



https://footballlive.ng/fulham-linked-with-chelsea-outcast-moses/

[WhiteJC]

 
Games for the Weekend 29/12
Following the draws against Newcastle and Wolves, this Saturday we welcome Huddersfield to the Cottage for yet another "6 pointer".

Well we're off the bottom so at least we're moving in the right direction.
With Burnley playing West Ham another 3 points could see us jump another place however, Huddersfield will leapfrog us if they win.
Ranieri looks to have improved our defence but the lack of a cutting edge is now an issue, Mitro has looked an isolated figure at times.

Huddersfield are having a terrible run at the moment, they've not won since they beat Wolves on November 25th, so they'll be desperate to get some points (sound familiar?) The last game they won before that was, you guessed it, against us, so I'm certain that they believe they will get something out of the game.

Games of Interest...
Saturday 29th
Brighton v Everton
Fulham v Huddersfield
Leicester v Cardiff
Watford v Newcastle

Sunday 30th
Burnley v West Ham
Southampton v Man City


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=557

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AWAY TICKET NEWS: Further Allocation For Fulham Match Now On Sale

Oldham Athletic have received an additional allocation of tickets for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie away at Fulham and they are now on sale.

Frankie Bunn's side travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, January 6, 2019 (2pm kick off).

Latics have so far sold over 3,400 tickets and have recieved a further allocation of 900 tickets.

They are available in person at the Boundary Park ticket office, over the phone or online here.

Ticket prices are:

Adults: £10
Over 65's: £5
18-21 years: £5
17 & Under: £1

Disabled Price
Adults: £5
Over 65's: £2.50
18-21 years: £2.50
17 & Under: £1

Disabled supporters in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (higher or middle rate) or PIP payments are entitled to a complimentary carer ticket, if required.

Supporters will be able to purchase four tickets per person.



https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2018/december/17122018-fulham-tickets2/

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MATCH PREVIEW: FULHAM (A)

Huddersfield Town will make the trip to London this weekend as David Wagner's side face Claudio Ranieri's Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday 29 December; 3pm kick-off.

The Head Coach will be hoping his players can secure three points against Fulham after suffering a 3-1 defeat away to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Fulham currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, just the one point and place ahead of Town.

The hosts come into the game on the back of a 1-1 home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ranieri replaced Slaviša Jokanović as Fulham boss on 14 November 2018 and the Italian oversaw a 3-2 win over Southampton in his first game in charge of the West London side.

The last time Town clinched all three points at Craven Cottage was back in 1993, with the last six fixtures seeing Fulham secure four wins and two draws between the sides.

FULHAM LINE-UP AGAINST WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (5-2-2-1):
GK: Sergio Rico

LWB: Joe Bryan

CB: Tim Ream

CB: Alfie Mawson

CB: Denis Odoi

RWB: Cyrus Christie

CM: Jean Michaël Seri

CM: Calum Chambers

LF: André Schürrle

RF: Aboubakar Kamara

ST: Aleksandar Mitrović

KEY PLAYERS - FPL FORM
Sergio Rico - 3.0

Sergio Rico is currently on loan at Fulham from Sevilla. The Spanish goalkeeper has made 10 appearances in the Premier League for the Cottagers, keeping just the one clean sheet. The 25-year-old's one appearance for his country came on 1 June 2016.

Aboubakar Kamara - 3.0

Aboubakar Kamara began his professional career with AS Monaco before joining Belgian side K.V. Kortrijk in 2015. A move to Amiens SC followed before the Frenchman signed for Fulham on a four-year deal in July 2017. The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals since making the move to England, including two goals in the current Premier League campaign.

Aleksandar Mitrović - 2.3

Aleksandar Mitrović initially joined Fulham on a loan deal before the move was made permanent in July 2018. The Serbian international played a significant role in Fulham's promotion back to the Premier League, grabbing 12 goals in 20 games whilst on loan. Mitrović is a powerful striker and the 24-year-old has found the net seven times in the Premier League this season.

TEAM NEWS - Fulham

Fulham are likely to be without midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa who is expected to be out of action with a knock until New Year's Day.

FPL Injury News

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa - Knock - Expected back 1 January

TEAM NEWS – Town

Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner will provide the latest update on his team during Friday's Press Conference at PPG Canalside.

TICKETS

Tickets remain on general sale for the match at Craven Cottage; CLICK HERE for full information.

Please note there's no pay on the day at Fulham, so CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket now!

KIT

Town will be wearing the red and black away kit for Saturday's Premier League game at Craven Cottage. CLICK HERE to buy a shirt!

#HTTV

If you can't make it to the game, why not listen to full commentary provided by BBC Radio Leeds via #HTTV? Click here to find out more.



https://www.htafc.com/news/2018/december/match-preview-for-fulham-vs-huddersfield-town-on-29-dec-18/

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Chambers: Constant Improvement

Calum Chambers was disappointed that a strong display against Wolves wasn't enough to secure all three points, but believes the Whites are improving under Claudio Ranieri.

Ryan Sessegnon's second-half strike looked set to earn his side a deserved 1-0 win, but Romain Saiss hit a late equaliser from close-range.

"Obviously, we're all a bit disappointed," Chambers told fulhamfc.com.

"We went one up and thought we were playing well. We were looking solid and they got a bit of momentum and pushed forward to get the goal back and unfortunately they did, so we've come off that a little bit disappointed, but again, there are positive signs.

"Our performances have been good as of late, we have to just keep pushing and work on the Manager's philosophy in training.

"We've changed formation in the past couple of games and I feel that it's looking good. We've got to keep our heads up and keep pushing.

"We've moved to three at the back and it's different to what we were doing before, so we've been working on that and our positional play off the ball, what to do on the ball, so it's very detailed and it's been good.

"I feel it's been showing in games. We've been putting in positive performances.

"Things will turn. We have got to keep believing and keep pushing ourselves. We've got the quality to get wins under our belts.

"We're all going in gutted after the game. We all thought we were going to get three points. We put in a good shift and a good performance, first half especially where we played really well.

"On another day, we could've been two up in the first half. We've just got to look at it, move on and take the positives quickly.

"At this period, games come around thick and fast so, we've got to learn from it and be ready for the next one."

The busy festive schedule continues for the Whites, with a crucial home match against Huddersfield Town up next on Saturday.

Fulham's midfield general knows each game is 'massive' and believes the faithful will be with them every step of the way to provide that extra push.

"I think every game now is a massive game," said Chambers.

"We've got to go into every game as if it were a cup final. We all know that. We all know what we need to do and fully focused on the job at hand.

"The fans have been brilliant too. They're almost like a twelfth man for us. When they get behind us during the game, we can really feed of that energy.

"They've been great and we need to use that to our advantage and use the momentum they give us."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/december/27/chambers-wolves-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Ryan Sessegnon must improve strength, says Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri has praised Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon but says the England U21 international must improve his strength.

Fulham moved off the bottom of the Premier League table on Boxing Day after a 1-1 draw with Wolves, in which Sessegnon came off the bench to open the scoring after 74 minutes.

The 18-year-old, who can be deployed at left-back or as a left winger, has made 17 Premier League appearances this season - registering two goals and three assists - and has regularly been linked with a move to Manchester United.


Ryan Sessegnon has made 17 Premier League appearances so far this season

However, the summer arrival of marquee-signing Andre Schurrle has threatened Sessegnon's place in Fulham's starting XI, and when asked if he had to pick between the pair, Ranieri said: "Yes. But it is important.

"The coach has a choice to change some players, to give a chance to everybody. It is not a shame.

"It is important for me to choose. They impress me, Schurrle is an experienced player. Sessegnon is young but he is fresh.

"[Sessegnon] needs experience, he needs to play. He is a very good player but of course he must improve his strength.

"When there is a tackle, he is not so strong. He must understand this, be a little more aggressive. But he is young."

Fulham, who are currently four points from safety, return to Premier League action on Saturday when they face bottom-placed Huddersfield.

Ranieri is under no illusions of how important that fixture will be, adding: "It's a tough match. It's crucial for us and Huddersfield.

"We play at home and we need to win. We need three points.

"We are playing well but without three points. We need to be positive and looking forward we can make something good.

"For us, it's important to focus on ourselves. Take it match by match. The crowd are behind us and I hope to give them a very good present. They are our energy.

"I feel good. The club's fans are with everybody. The players are doing their best."

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has registered seven goals this season but has failed to score in his last six matches.

Ranieri, however, is not concerned by his form, pointing out the contributions he made against Wolves on Boxing Day.


Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a host of chances as Fulham were held by Wolves

"He played very, very well yesterday," said the Italian. "He was unlucky, but this is the life of a striker. He is ready to restart scoring goals.

"He makes a very good sacrifice. He closes the space, he is ready to go and counter-attack. That is my way to try and save this team.

"I think we have to continue this way. We create chances, we miss chances. I am sure if we continue to create chances, sooner or later, we will score."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11592665/ryan-sessegnon-must-improve-strength-says-fulham-manager-claudio-ranieri

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Claudio Ranieri wants to swap Fulham captain Tom Cairney for Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey

Cairney has fallen out of favour with the Craven Cottage boss who has instructed club chiefs to sign a deep-lying midfielder schemer instead.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez is an admirer of Cairney and the club have made offers for him in the past.

Fulham hope they can be tempted to part with England midfielder Shelvey when the January transfer window opens.

If that deal does not come to fruition, Fulham could also swap Cairney, 28, for West Ham's Pedro Obiang instead.

Ranieri has changed Fulham's formation to a defensive-minded 5-4-1 and Cairney – who scored the club's play-off final winner against Aston Villa last May – is no longer a first choice.

Shelvey, who has suffered a couple of recent injuries, is not an automatic starter at Newcastle, with Ki Sung-Yeung preferred by Benitez, and the Essex boy could be keen to move south.

Yet Benitez might be reluctant to let the 26-year-old Shelvey go early in January with Ki on Asian Cup duty with South Korea.

Cairney tends to play in a more advanced role and Benitez has earmarked him as a potential No 10 for Newcastle.

West Ham might also be willing to recruit Cairney, having failed in a bid for the Scotland international last January.

Obiang, a Spanish-born Guinea international, is not a regular starter for West Ham and so a Cairney swap deal could suit the Hammers also.

Ranieri wants to sign players with Premier League experience but have already reached their limit of two domestic loan players, making Cairney's January sale even more likely.


https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8070984/newcastle-fulham-cairney-shelvey-swap/amp/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&__twitter_impression=true

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Fulham Just Have To Beat Huddersfield Or Else

On Boxing Day, against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham had to settle for a draw, after a late equaliser, from Saiss, cancelled out the opening goal of the game, from Ryan Sessegnon.

But Fulham should have taken all three points on offer with Mitrovic having a plethora of chances but not quite being able to make the net ripple.

This Saturday, Fulham are, once again, at home when they welcome Huddersfield Town to Craven Cottage, for a Premier League fixture.

Results, on Boxing Day, contrived to lift Fulham off the bottom by one place with Huddersfield replacing the Cottagers at the foot of the table.

In simple terms, this is a game Fulham simply have to win, there can be no excuses for not doing so.

Today, Claudio Ranieri held his pre-match press conference ahead of the game and, as reported by the BBC, he spoke about the importance of the game, remarking:

"It is a crucial game, we need to win, we need to make three points.

"We are playing well but without achieving the three points. We need to be positive and make sure we can achieve something good."

Yes, we do, failure is not an option this Saturday.

Continuing, Ranieri spoke about the possibility of his old club, Leicester City, doing Fulham a favour by beating Cardiff City, who are currently fourth from bottom, with the Italian adding:

    "We have to think of ourselves.

    "It is a very crucial match but I'm positive because the players follow me.

    "And the fans have been behind us and I hope to give them a present on Saturday."

Absolutely correct, we can't rely on others assisting us, we have to make a statement this Saturday and the supporters can do their bit by continuing to get behind their team.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-just-have-to-beat-huddersfield-or-else/

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Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham vs. Wolves
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our post match show of the 1-1 draw for Fulham against Wolves. During the show, co-hosts Yannis Tjanetis, and Alek Coben who was at the match, analyzed the key moments of this match.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/27/18157797/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-vs-wolves

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Fulham On The Up With Ranieri – Sacking Jokanovic Had To Happen

Brian Gower returns with another thought provoking article.

As we reach the halfway point in the Premier League, we should take time to reflect on the facts of Fulham's disappointing start to the season and look forward to what the fans can expect for the remaining 19 matches.

There is no doubt Fulham fans hold Jokanovic very close to their hearts for the amazing second half of last season when against all odds, the team managed to reach the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley. With Tom Cairney's brilliant finish and a very impressive display from the whole side, they ran out worthy winners against a strong Aston Villa team 1-0.

Time moves on quickly, and Fulham soon found themselves close to the new season with a team of very good Championship players, but lacking the quality needed overall to compete in the much tougher EPL.

With much haste, over £100m was spent on almost a whole team of new players including loan deals. On paper, many supporters and the majority of football journalists were shocked at the money invested but were quick to predict a top half finish for Fulham in their first year back in the top flight for 4 years.

A very tough start was soon upon Fulham with a home local derby against a well organised Crystal Palace side, managed by the home team's fans hero at the Cottage, Roy Hodgson, a tactical genius with great skills in organising strong defensive systems. Palace ran out winners 2-0, deservedly so.

Next up another extremely difficult game, away to Spurs at Wembley. Fulham managed to get their first goal of the new campaign, but it was all too easy for Tottenham with a 3-1 victory.

2 games gone and 2 defeats. 1 goal scored and 5 conceded.

Next up was a home game against Sean Dyche's Burnley. They had built up a reputation of being hard to beat, but Fulham, at last started to show some of their previous season's form with a 4-2 win.

Things were now looking up with a short trip to the south coast against Brighton. The seagulls have established their place in the EPL duly down to their fine form at home. Fulham looked lively and full of confidence from the start and deserved their 2-0 lead. What was to happen next seemed to be the start of the end of Jokanovic's position with the club, as they squandered the lead and allowed Brighton to pull back the two goals and came away with just a point.

It was now 4 games in, one win, 1 draw and 2 defeats. The goal difference not too bad at minus 2, but the alarming fact being the shipping of 9 goals.

Unfortunately for Fulham, this trend of giving goals away just got far worse. Over the next 8 matches, they scored only 4 times but managed to let a further 22 goals in.

Fulham stood bottom of the table with a tally of just 5 points on the board from Jokanovic's first 12 games, with a total of 31 goals conceded, with only 11 scored.

It was time for the board to make a change. No Fulham fan should forget the brilliant time Jokanovic brought to the Cottagers and will always remember him very highly. It can be argued that he had little say in the choosing of any players brought in with that large spend, but this is the case many managers have to live with in today's footballing life.

He swapped and changed the personnel from game to game, never reaching a decision on the best defensive line-up, or goalkeeper for quite a while. His style of football would have been great to continue with, but Fulham did not have the players necessary to play such a possession-based game.

In came one of the best managers that Fulham could have hoped for. A man that took little Leicester City to winners of the Premier League, and lots of experience at many top overseas clubs. The defence was first on the agenda. Choose your best goalkeeper, and he soon went for Rico. Then look at what the team has in the defensive department.

He must have realised quickly that this was an area needing drastic improvement. Tinkering around, with the players at his disposal, he had to stop the barrage of defensive errors. This took the step of using a 5-man defensive system.

To date, after the Wolves game on Boxing Day, Ranieri had managed to accumulate 6 points from 7 games. That was more than Fulham reached under all 12 games with Jokanovic. The defence now looks more cohesive, but the team are far from where they need to be to stave off relegation. More attacking and goalscoring is needed.

Mitrovic needs more help up front, a good attacking midfielder, more players that can run without the ball, and another central defender or two.

Fulham did it last season, although it was the Championship, but Ranieri, given the chance to strengthen, is the right man at the helm to steer the team above three other struggling sides and become another hero at Craven Cottage.

COYW ........



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-on-the-up-with-ranieri-sacking-jokanovic-had-to-happen/

[WhiteJC]

 
World Cup winner could pull strings for Fulham against Huddersfield Town

Claudio Ranieri reveals choice against David Wagner's men


Andre Schurrle of Fulham in action against Aaron Mooy at the John Smith's

Claudio Ranieri has revealed Ryan Sessegnon is locked in a head-to-head battle with World Cup winner Andre Schurrle to pull the strings for Fulham against Huddersfield Town.

The Premier League's bottom two clash at Craven Cottage on Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Wolves on Boxing Day lifted Ranieri's men off the foot of the table.

Sessegnon was on target as a second-half replacement for Schurrle in that match and now Ranieri must decide whether the gifted 18-year-old winger should oust the Germany forward from the starting line-up.

"It's important that the coach has the choice to change some players and give a chance to everybody," Ranieri said.

"It's not a shame, but it's important for me to choose. Maybe we can choose at the beginning Sessegnon and then Schurrle and the rest of the team is the same.

"Both players impress me as Schurrle is experienced and Sessegnon is fresh."

Sessegnon's speed and ingenuity down the left was a constant threat to Wolves for the 25 minutes he was on the pitch and while Ranieri predicts he has a bright future, he insists he must become more aggressive if he is to realise his potential.

"He needs more experience and to play more. We need to look at what happens when he's on the bench because he's a very good player," Ranieri said.

"He has to improve his strength because when there's a tackle, he's not so strong. He must understand this and be a little more aggressive. He's young, but is very good."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/world-cup-winner-could-pull-15602124

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Fulham eyeing a move for Croatian international: Missing piece of the jigsaw

According to Fotomac, Fulham have rekindled their interest in Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida.

The Croatian international has been linked with a move away from Turkey following an excellent World Cup campaign in the summer, and with the January transfer window just around the corner, a transfer to England could be on the horizon.

Fulham are keen to shore up their defensive options, but is Vida the ideal target for the Cottagers?

Domagoj Vida: Player profile
Vida is regarded as one of Croatia's most experienced defenders, having made over 250 top-flight appearances during his time in Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey. He moved to Besiktas earlier this year and has since become a regular fixture in their starting line-up, making 40 appearances in all competitions.

The 29-year-old is a robust defender can dominate the attackers with his physical prowess. Although he may not be the tallest defenders, Vida's imposing presence at the back often makes it difficult for the attackers to assert their influence on the game.

The former Dynamo Kiev defender is an excellent reader of the game as well, having averaged over two interceptions per game this season while his tally of 4.2 clearances per game is only bettered by Pepe.

Vida also averages 5 aerial duels per game, winning three of them – thus maintaining a success rate of 60%, which is rather impressive for a player of his stature.

And to top it all off, the Croatian international has greatly improved his passing in recent years and has attained an impressive pass accuracy of 84% this season.

Why Fulham need Vida
Following a woeful start to the campaign that led to the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic, new coach Claudio Ranieri has already shown his intent to improve the defence and the acquisition of Vida will definitely help in that regard.

The 29-year-old is a dogged defender, who can not only stick to his marker, but is an excellent reader of the game as well, which makes him an ideal fit for Ranieri's pragmatic style of play. Furthermore, Vida excels in distributing possession from the back, which is more than a bonus for a team like Fulham who mostly play on the counter.

And considering Vida's vast experience in not just club but also international football, a transfer could prove to be a good move for a Fulham.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored



https://madaboutepl.net/2018/12/fulham-eyeing-a-move-for-croatian-international-domagoj-vida/

[WhiteJC]

 
Raineri wants to swap Cairney with Shelvey

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri is keen to swap Tom Cairney with Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in January, according to The Sun.

The national newspaper claim that Fulham are willing to part company with their club captain as he has fallen out of favour with Raineri.

The Sun report that Rafa Benitez is an admirer of Cairney with the Magpies having made offers for him in the past and Fulham are hoping that they will be able to tempt Newcastle into parting with Shelvey in January as a result.

Good move for Newcastle?

It's hard to say.

Cairney plays in a more advanced role than Shelvey in midfield and could easily become the No.10 the Magpies have been screaming out for.

The current Fulham midfielder has a creative flair about him and is able to play sublime passes in order to create chances for his side.

However that said Cairney hasn't exactly set the world alight this season and injury problems have continued to follow him.

So they may be better off sticking with Shelvey as even though the 26-year-old hasn't fired on all cylinders this season, he's arguably among the best passers in the Premier League.

This is Futbol rating 5/10

Likely to happen?

No. It's hard to imagine this happen even if Raineri really likes Shelvey and Benitez really rates Cairney.

The Sun may claim that Shelvey could be tempted with a move to London due to originally being from Essex but he seems settled and happy at St James Park.

Also it's hard to imagine Mike Ashley sanctioning the exit of one of the Magpies' key players without Fulham being willing to line his pockets as there's no mention of them wanting to pay cash plus Cairney to get Shelvey's services.

There's also the fact that The Sun described Fulham as having a back-up plan already in case they can't get Shelvey as it says they will pursue West Ham's Pedro Obiang if unsuccessful.

This is Futbol rating 2/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/12/blogs/premier-league/raineri-wants-to-swap-cairney-with-shelvey/

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League predictions: Lawro v Wolf Alice bassist Theo Ellis

With three defeats in their past four Premier League games, December has been a bleak month so far for Manchester City - but can the champions end 2018 on a high?

Pep Guardiola's side travel to Southampton on Sunday and BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson says: "This is actually a good game for City because in a strange way they will be glad if Saints go for it against them.

"That is the way that Saints have been playing under new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, and I think an open game is exactly what City need at the moment."

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

This week's guest is Theo Ellis, bassist in 2018 Mercury Prize-winning indie band Wolf Alice and a Arsenal fan.

"I've been an Arsenal fan since I was born," Ellis told BBC Sport. "I was a season ticket holder with my dad when I was younger - including the season when we were The Invincibles.

"So I probably had the best introduction to football, watching the best team at that time. It was pretty amazing to me when I was a kid.

"From my generation of Arsenal fans, I think everyone's hero was Thierry Henry. He was so unbelievably cool and unbelievably good. That solo goal he scored against Tottenham in 2002 was one of the greatest moments in Arsenal's history."

It has been a while since the Gunners have been as successful as they were when Henry was in his pomp, but Ellis thinks more good times could be just around the corner.

"I am just really excited being an Arsenal fan at the moment," Ellis added. "I really like Unai Emery as a manager.

"I want to finish in the top four this season. I pray that we do, I believe that we can - and I hope that Tottenham don't make it.

"I also hope to get on Arsenal Fan TV somehow - I love what they do and I love any channel that has been started by the fans. Troopz is my favourite pundit ever.

"A trophy would be nice, of course, but for me this season is definitely about getting in that top four.

"I fancy our chances in the Europa League but I would just like to see us playing consistent football week in and week out, and getting good results because it has been hard work being an Arsenal fan for the past few years."

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
Fulham v Huddersfield

The bottom two teams exchanged places after Wednesday's results, with Fulham's point against Wolves enough to see them climb above Huddersfield, who lost at Manchester United.

Aleksandar Mitrovic had enough chances to win the game for the Cottagers but I just felt while I was watching it that Wolves were always going to score, because Fulham were sitting so deep.

I wanted to say to them to get 20 or 30 yards up the pitch because then, if you make a mistake, someone might be able to recover for you.

Instead, Wolves got in down their left to put in a great cross, Fulham left-back Joe Bryan fell asleep a little bit - and that was all it took for them to drop two points.

If they had held a higher line in the first place, then they would still have had a chance to rectify the problem rather than be left trying to clear the ball from underneath their own crossbar.

I can understand what Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri was trying to do by sitting so deep and not giving Wolves any space in and around their area but once somebody gets behind you like that, with time to put in a measured cross like that one, then you are in trouble.

At least Fulham are scrapping for Ranieri, though, even if they have not won since his first match in charge - which was seven games ago - and the fans are still behind his side.

Huddersfield are still fighting for David Wagner as well and they had enough chances in their defeat by Manchester United to make that game a lot closer.

The Terriers very rarely get taken apart by anyone, but they do not score enough goals to get anything out of games.

It will be interesting to see if Wagner is a little bit more adventurous in this game, because Fulham are the nearest team to them, or does he continue to try to keep things tight?

This will be another close one, but I am expecting Fulham to come out on top.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Theo's prediction: Arsenal had a really hard game against Huddersfield earlier in December. I think they will win this one. 1-2



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46693656

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri on changing Fulham's style, facing Huddersfield and 'very good friend' Scott Parker
"I feel at home here. My house is in Fulham. Fulham is my club."


Claudio Ranieri says he 'feels at home' at Fulham because he lives in west London

Claudio Ranieri's Premier League title triumph with Leicester in 2016 was undoubtedly the greatest moment of his managerial career.

It was a time when the unthinkable became thinkable - the impossible became a reality - and sealed with a slick, counter-attacking style of football that put an emphasis on defence, before ruthlessly hitting teams on the break with speed and acceleration.

That exact style is what Ranieri is implementing at Fulham. It is a far cry from the theory of the previous boss, Slavisa Jokanovic, who played a more expansive, attacking brand which was far more open, creative and based on possession.

Jokanovic's philosophy gained national acclaim as Fulham were promoted from the Sky Bet Championship last season via the play-offs, but it did not work in the Premier League.

That's because it left them too defensively vulnerable against a higher calibre of attacking opposition - and ultimately led to his dismissal in November. That's where Ranieri stepped in and started to changed things.

Fulham have won just once since the Italian's arrival, his first game against Southampton, failing to win their six games after that.

However, a draw against Wolves on Boxing Day moved them off the bottom of the table - and Ranieri believes the fans are well and truly on his side as the London club make steady progress in their attempt to fight relegation.

"I think they love this kind of football," he told Sky Sports. "To stay together, to stay tight and try to make our [attacks] when we get the ball.

"I am always happy and satisfied. I think this system [five at the back] is much better for my players.

"Yes, I think [I am settled on it]. But, of course, we can change during the match. It's important the players understand the shape, the system and what we have to do.

"I think we have to improve our fitness. Because now we are used to pressing, which means you need a high level of fitness.

"I have my style of training. My assistant Scott Parker follows me. In Scott, I've met a very good friend, a very good assistant."

Fulham face bottom-placed Huddersfield on Saturday, which many fans are viewing as a must-win game.

However, Raneiri is taking that with a pinch of salt, knowing that a draw would not be the worst result in the world.

He is urging his players, and the Fulham fans, to remain calm.

"It's crucial for us and it's crucial for them," Ranieri added. "But, as I say, if you can't win, it is important not to lose.

"Taking one point is good. But, of course, playing at home, we want to satisfy our fans.

"They were happy at the end of the match [against Wolves]. Of course, they are happiest with a good victory. But we need to see what we can do. We need to stay calm.

"Huddersfield are a good team. They press well all over the pitch."

When asked how achieving Premier League survival at Craven Cottage would compare to winning the title at Leicester, Ranieri replied: "I am very, very concentrated to survive with Fulham.

"You [the media] can decide if it is better or not! Of course, it would be a very good achievement.

"I feel at home here. My house is in Fulham. Fulham is my club."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11592736/claudio-ranieri-on-changing-fulhams-style-facing-huddersfield-and-very-good-friend-scott-parker

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Huddersfield Town must buck trend to cross the bridge to Premier League survival

THERE can be few more pleasant strolls to a football ground than the one through Bishops Park to Craven Cottage.

Even on a cold winter's afternoon when the wind is whipping off the Thames, the congenial setting feels entirely in keeping with a historic venue that, even allowing for it now being all-seater, provides a welcome throwback to a time before off-the-peg stadia started to dominate the game's landscape.

Fulham's home is not the happiest hunting ground for Huddersfield Town, whose last 10 visits stretching back the best part of three decades have yielded just one victory and four goals.

But that will not prevent the 2,500 Terriers fans heading to the capital tomorrow from enjoying a vista that includes not only the nearby park but also the Cottage and adjoining Stevenage Road Stand, one of the few still surviving designed by the same architect who laid out Town's old Leeds Road home, Archibald Leitch.

Once inside Craven Cottage, however, minds will be focused solely on the tussle between the Premier League's bottom two clubs as the Terriers embark on a three-game run that is likely to make or break their season.

With Burnley's visit to the John Smith's Stadium on January 2 being followed 10 days later by the long trip to Cardiff City, David Wagner's men will face the other three clubs in deepest trouble at the halfway stage of the campaign.

A minimum seven and probably nine points are required by Yorkshire's sole top-flight representative, not least because the month that follows the visit to south Wales features meetings with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"We have not one but two very important games coming up this week," admitted goalkeeper Jonas Lossl in the wake of Huddersfield suffering a sixth straight defeat when losing 3-1 at Manchester United on Boxing Day.

"Of course, we can only focus on the one at the moment. Fulham is going to be a big game. We have to be brave and play for the chances to come along. That is what the manager said before our last game."

A glance back at the past 20 years in the Premier League underlines how serious Huddersfield's plight has become even with a half of the season still to play.

For a start, only one team has reached this stage of a campaign with the same number of points as the 10 collected by Town and survived. Likewise, with 19 games remaining, only one club has bridged the five-point gap that currently separates Wagner's men from fourth-bottom Cardiff in the table.

Hence why this run of fixtures simply has to yield points to go with the plaudits that have come Huddersfield's way for much of the past few months.

"We knew we had to bring a positive performance (at Old Trafford)," added Lossl. "Of course they had more chances, more possession than we had, but I think we did all right. I think we played a good game.

"We did our best. What we didn't do is score with a couple of small chances that we had and they did."

Terence Kongolo missed Town's best chance at Old Trafford early on when the score was goalless. Philip Billing also squandered a good opening late in the first half, and Laurent Depoitre was only denied a first goal of the season by a fine save from David De Gea.

Had one of these three openings been taken then Boxing Day could have panned out very differently. But, as has been the case for much of the season, Huddersfield's profligacy in front of goal proved costly.

This simply cannot continue if the Terriers are to buck the general trend of these past 20 years by surviving from such an unpromising position.

Seven teams have had 10 points or less at the corresponding stage and only one, West Bromwich Albion 14 years ago, has stayed up.

The lowest tally belonged to Sunderland in 2005-06, their six points from the opening 19 games being one less than how many Derby County had garnered a year later. Both clubs' fate had been sealed way before the end of those respective seasons.

Sheffield Wednesday (nine points in 1999-2000) and Aston Villa (eight in 2015-16) are the two other clubs whose points tally was in single figures at this stage of a campaign and, again, both went on to be relegated.

Reading and Queens Park Rangers complete the list of clubs to go down after both collected 10 points apiece from the opening 19 games of the 2012-13 season, leaving the Baggies as the one glimmer of hope from the past two decades for Huddersfield to cling to owing to the Midlands side recovering from an identical position to the one facing Wagner's men, to finish fourth bottom.

"We have to (have spirit), right?" said Lossl when asked about Town's prospects in the second half of the season. "We have to keep the spirit, we are representing the club. That is our job and it is one of our strong sides."

Town, who are set to loan Rajiv Van la Parra to Middlesbrough after he underwent a medical yesterday, will need that bravery tomorrow or the return walk through Bishops Park, a location for scenes in The Omen film, will mean the club's season is in danger of descending into a horror show.



Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/huddersfield-town-must-buck-trend-to-cross-the-bridge-to-premier-league-survival-1-9511126

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Domagoj Vida: Making Fulham tougher

Fulham remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table on Christmas Day following a goalless draw against Newcastle.

The Cottagers registered their first clean sheet of the season against the Magpies but didn't look threatening enough to steal all three points. Claudio Ranieri will be pleased that his Fulham defence were rarely troubled throughout and there were occasions that the counter-attack seemed dangerous. Despite their dismal form, Fulham are still only four points away from safety.

The January transfer window will give the former Chelsea manager the opportunity to tailor the squad to his liking. Adding defensive reinforcements will be a priority for the Italian given their woeful record in the league so far. Signing a new centre-back should be a must in the New Year.

One man who should be on Ranieri's wishlist is Besiktas defender – Domagoj Vida. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the 29-year-old was an instant hit in Turkey after joining from Dynamo Kyiv on a free transfer back at the start of 2018. After an impressive domestic campaign, Vida earned plenty of praise for his performances at the World Cup in Russia, forming an excellent partnership with Dejan Lovren during Croatia's road to the final.

Vida's has continued his form into the new campaign, adding steel to the Besiktas back four – the no-nonsense defender is exactly what Fulham need to stop leaking goals. The former Bayer Leverkusen man reads the game expertly, averaging 2.1 interceptions per game this season. Vida is also immensely strong and a huge aerial threat meaning he should have no issues adapting to the physicality of the Premier League (WhoScored).

The Croatian is the man Ranieri needs to sign to keep his side in England's top division.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/domagoj-vida-making-fulham-tougher/

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri's treatment of Fulham hero Tom Cairney is baffling

Reports in the Sun have linked Fulham captain Tom Cairney with a January move to Newcastle United, in exchange for midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

Amid rumours of Cairney's departure, Claudio Ranieri's baffling treatment of Fulham's promotion hero must be examined.

The Scottish international flourished for the Whites in the Championship, operating in a midfield three in Slavisa Jokanovic's 4-3-3 formation. Immensely calm with the ball at his feet and able to dictate a match at will, Cairney was the ideal fulcrum for Jokanovic's philosophy.

But under Ranieri, the midfielder has been shunted from his favoured central midfield position and often utilised on the right side of midfield — an altogether unfamiliar position for Cairney.

Accordingly, the Fulham captain has struggled out wide, encapsulated by his listless substitute display against Wolves on Boxing Day.

Drifting in and out of action, failing to get stuck into challenges, and offering little going forward, Cairney appeared completely out of his depths on Wednesday.

It was a puzzling sight for the Fulham support, who have grown accustomed to their captain bossing the play in the middle of the park. Ranieri has his reasons for shifting Cairney out wide, as the midfielder clearly does not fit the Italian's ideal mold of a hard-tackling, aggressive player.

Yet the Fulham manager's treatment of Cairney is nevertheless puzzling.

Although the club captain has been far from dominating in the Premier League, moving Cairney out wide is clearly not the solution to improving his form, leaving many scratching their heads at Ranieri's decisions.



https://tbrfootball.com/claudio-ranieris-treatment-of-fulham-hero-tom-cairney-is-baffling/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham reportedly looking at Newcastle's Shelvey and West Ham's Obiang

Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey and West Ham United's Pedro Obiang are reportedly on the radar of Fulham.

Fulham are interested in signing Jonjo Shelvey from Newcastle United in the January transfer window, according to The Sun.

It has been reported by the British tabloid that Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri wants to swap Tom Cairney for 26-year-old midfielder Shelvey.

The report has also claimed that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is an admirer of Fulham midfielder Cairney.

According to The Sun, if Fulham are unable to convince Newcastle to part company with Shelvey, then they could look at West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang in a swap deal involving Cairney.

West Ham might reportedly be willing to recruit Cairney in the January transfer window.

Exit likely?

Cairney has fallen down the pecking order at Fulham and is struggling for playing time at the London club at the moment.

The 27-year-old Scotland international has made 10 starts and four substitutes appearances in the Premier League for the Cottagers so far this season, according to WhoScored.

It would make sense for Cairney to find a new club in the January transfer window if he is unable to feature regularly at Fulham under manager Ranieri.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/12/28/fulham-reportedly-looking-at-newcastles-shelvey-and-west-hams-ob/