Friends of Fulham

Portsmouth mulling over key Zesh Rehman decision after impressed by former Bradford, Brighton and Fulham man's coaching credentials

Pompey are weighing up whether Zesh Rehman will return to his Academy role.

Rich Hughes and John Mousinho have been hugely impressed by the lead professional development phase coach since stepping up into the first-team last month, initially on a temporary basis.

Such has been the former Bradford and Fulham man's impact, Pompey are evaluating how best to utilise his talents on a permanent basis.

Hughes insists the door is not yet closed on an Academy return in the summer – or, alternatively, remaining part of Mousinho's coaching staff moving forward.

And the situation will be reviewed at the season's end.

Pompey's sporting director told The News: 'We have an important run of games between now and the end of the season and want to put firm focus on that, then we can review things as we move forward or in the summer.

'But we are really happy with the people we've got in the building at the moment.

'Zesh has been great for the football club and the challenge with Zesh is he has held a real benefit to the Academy and held a real benefit for the first-team.

'It's about finding that alignment and that right role for him to continue his development, but also continue the good work he has done with working with our younger players and also helping the first-team achieve results and success.

'We've just got to find the right role that allows him to continue his skill set and give him the personal development he needs as well as helping the football club across the top end of the Academy and the first-team.

'We have been in constant dialogue and what we have to move away from is the thought process about somebody losing him from one department – we are one club and if we're keeping people in the building that's always a positive.

'The more people that can tie and strengthen the links from the Academy to the first-team is only going to be of benefit to us, it's a key part of what we are trying to put together.

'And Zesh has had a great impact with the Academy and first-team.'

In Rehman's Academy absence, his assistant Sam Hudson has overseen a third-placed finish in the Youth Alliance League South-West Division for the under-18s.

They now qualify for the Merit League, competing in League One with the six highest finishers in the south-east section – Luton, AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage, Gillingham, Sutton and Cambridge.

In the meantime, Rehman will stay on Mousinho's staff for the remaining 16 matches of the League One season.

Hughes added: 'First and foremost, Zesh is a wonderful person and brings an energy to most rooms he's in, so that's always a huge positive.

'Coupled with his playing and coaching experiences, that's why he has been successful and why he will continue to do so, I'm sure.'



https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-mulling-over-key-zesh-rehman-decision-after-impressed-by-former-bradford-brighton-and-fulham-mans-coaching-credentials-4037186

Sources: Fulham ready Antonee Robinson offer to fend off Newcastle United

Fulham are preparing to offer Antonee Robinson a new contract as they look to fend off interest from Newcastle United, sources have told Football Insider.

The left-back, who is also wanted by Man City, AC Milan and Inter Milan, is currently only contracted until June 2024.

Robinson, 25, has impressed for Fulham this season and currently earns a reported wage of just £25,000-a-week.

Football Insider revealed on Saturday (18 February) that he is the top target for Newcastle as they plot the signing of a more attack-minded left-back signing this summer.

Magpies scouts have regularly watched the United States international this season and have been impressed with his performances.

It is believed that Robinson would be enticed by the prospect of playing Champions League football – a feat which Newcastle are currently well-placed to achieve this season.

Dan Burn is the current first-choice option for Eddie Howe after he displaced summer-of-2022 signing Matt Targett earlier this season.

Robinson starred for the US at the World Cup in Qatar – playing every minute before their elimination against the Netherlands in the Round of 16.

He has started all but one game for Fulham in the Premier League this season as they chase a European berth of their own.

Left-back is not the only area on the summer shortlist at Newcastle.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (17 February) that a centre-back partner for Sven Botman will also be targetted this summer.

Sources have also told this site (13 February) that "huge" funds will be set aside for a box-office midfielder in the 'number six' mould during the off-season.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-ready-antonee-robinson-offer-to-fend-off-newcastle-united/

Away matchday guide | Fulham vs Wolves
Wolves are making the trip to west London for their Friday night Premier League fixture as Julen Loptegui's men face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

A sold-out allocation of almost 2,300 supporters will be travelling to the capital for the 8pm kick-off as the side in gold and black look to bounce back from Saturday's defeat against Bournemouth.

For those making the journey to Fulham, here is everything you need to know...

Opposition information
Stadium | Craven Cottage

Capacity | 25,700

Address | Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH

Away allocation | 2,299

Matchday information
Craven Cottage is accessible via all major transport links. The nearest Underground station to Craven Cottage is Putney Bridge, which is located on the District Line, about a 10 to 20-minute walk from the stadium.

For more information about public transport in London, including the latest updates to allow supporters to plan their journey in advance, can be found here.

Parking around Craven Cottage is extremely limited and access to surrounding streets on a matchday is restricted by a Traffic Management Order.

Visiting fans will be located in the Putney End, with entrances on Stevenage Road on the side closest to Bishops Park. The turnstile numbers for visiting fans are Blocks 5-7 and entered via turnstiles 1-17, although do always check for signage (or with a steward) when you arrive to be sure that you are using a gate that is configured for your ticket.

Supporters will be greeted by Fulham's 'Here to Help' stewards, who are easily identified by their grey bibs. The Here to Help team are always on hand to point supporters in the right direction or help resolve any queries.

Pubs near the ground which accept away fans are The Crabtree, Rainville Road, Fulham, W6 9HA, or the Eight Bells, Fulham High Street, Fulham, SW6 3JS.

Supporters are advised not to bring a bag to the stadium. Those bringing a bag should note that only those of A4 size (21x30cm) and smaller will be permitted into the stadium. Bags will be searched on entry. There is no bag drop facility at Craven Cottage.

Detailed information for supporters attending Friday's fixture can be found here.
Accessible information
Supporters who require it can use a dedicated accessible entrance to the left of the turnstiles where stewards will be available to assist with entry.

Accessible toilets are also available in the visitors' section. Supporters without their own RADAR key will be able to request one from a steward.

Further information regarding accessibility at Craven Cottage can be found here.

Social stories
Social stories, a new communication exchange technique using meaningful and understandable pictures, are now available for all of Wolves' away trips.

These guides are designed to assist fans through an event using up to date pictures and giving them advanced knowledge of what to expect when visiting new places.

Any supporter who would benefit from a social story for visiting Craven Cottage, or any future away game, should contact the Wolves Fan Services team on [email protected].

Each social story is individual to the away ground Wolves visits.

The support from Wolves fans at away stadiums is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club. Supporters travelling to away fixtures are asked to ensure they continue to represent the club in a positive manner. Unacceptable behaviour, both at Molineux and on our travels, will be dealt with in line with our acceptable behaviour policy which can be viewed here.



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20230223-away-matchday-guide-fulham-vs-wolves/

Fulham Vs Wolves Preview

It is worrying that none of the teams at the bottom are prepared to lay down and die.

Everton, Southampton, Bournemouth and even Wolves have looked like being cut adrift at one stage or another, only to muscle their way back into contention.

Losing last weekend has really left things in the balance for us, but results elsewhere continue to highlight the importance of seeing every game as a chance to collect a result.

There's no reason at all we can't bounce back immediately at Craven Cottage.

Fulham
The Cottagers (does anyone still call them that?) are having that dream first season back in the Premier League that Wolves enjoyed all those years ago.

They've even got a Portuguese manager in the dugout, a Portuguese midfielder at the heart of the action and the same shirt design and sponsor we had in 2018. Copycats.

On a more serious note, well done to them for finding stability after so many yoyo years. They probably haven't got the credit they deserve considering they sit just four points below the Champions League places.

Victory against fellow European hopefuls Brighton last weekend was another big result made all the more impressive by the fact they were without Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Their 11-goal top scorer missed the game with a hamstring injury and is a possible doubt for tomorrow. I sincerely hope he doesn't play.

It's been said before but Wolves made a huge mistake not going all out to get João Palhinha in the summer. He's been one of the stars of the Premier League season.

Wolves
Julen got it wrong against Bournemouth. It was too cautious against a team that came to defend. Fortunately, not many others will deploy that tactic between now and May.


I expect to see Lemina re-instated to the starting XI against another of his former clubs. Costa, who was unlucky not to start against Bournemouth in my opinion, would give us a better focal point to the attack.

It's a coin toss between Cunha and Traore but the latter has shown he can give us something extra from the bench in the later stages of a game.

How long can we go with Cunha, Costa, Sarabia and Raul all remaining on zero Premier League goals? Something has to give, surely? A law of average or something.

Predictions
Nobody thought we'd lose to Bournemouth last time out so it was a total blank.

Rich, therefore, remains 3 clear at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 23.

As always, if you'd like to join in with the Prediction League this season, it's simple – just leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided. Then repeat for every preview article throughout the season, making sure you always use the same email address to make your prediction. Your email is what ties you to your overall score.

You can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.

Up The Wolves!



https://www.wolvesblog.com/17392/fulham-vs-wolves-preview-10

Talking Points | Fulham vs Wolves
Having tasted a first defeat in three last time out, Wolves head to west London tomorrow evening as they look to bounce back against Fulham in the Friday Night Football fixture, and there are plenty of pre-match talking points ahead of the 8pm Premier League kick-off.

#1 Friday Night Lights
Wolves head to the capital for the first time since October for a date under the Craven Cottage lights against Fulham, in what will be the club's first Friday fixture of the 2022/23 season. The last time Wolves played on a Friday night was at Newcastle United last season, where the Magpies earned a narrow 1-0 win. After tomorrow evening's match, Wolves will need just a Thursday game to complete the set of playing on each day of the week this term, but Julen Lopetegui's men will be boosted by their record of playing on a weekday evening so far this campaign.

From their nine non-weekend fixtures since August 2022, Wolves have lost just twice in 90 minutes, while winning four of those matches. The first of those being the 2-1 win at home to Preston North End in the Carabao Cup in early August before their most recent midweek clash ended in more disappointing circumstances – a 1-0 loss at home to Liverpool which saw the Reds progress in the FA Cup. But that loss was the only midweek defeat (inside 90 minutes) that Lopetegui has proceeded over, with Wolves beating Gillingham and Everton as well as earning a point at Villa Park when not playing on a weekend.

#2 Capital challenge
During the previously aforementioned October, Wolves spent more than double their time on the pitch that month in London than they did in Wolverhampton – but it's been a difficult challenge for the side to turn those trips into points so far this season. Between two home games against Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, the old gold travelled to the capital on four occasions, earning just a single point as they closed the month at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium after falling to defeat at the London Stadium, Stamford Bridge and Selhurst Park.

This record is a long way from the stunning run Wolves were on in the capital when they were first promoted back to the top-flight in the summer of 2018. Before Covid-19 interrupted football in March of 2020, the men in gold and black went on a run of nine matches unbeaten in London, including their final away match before the pandemic – a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Wolves' first game back after the Premier League restart was against West Ham at the London Stadium, which saw Nuno Espirito Santo's side pick up a 2-0 win, but the unbeaten capital run came to an end on the final day of the 2019/20 season in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea.

#3 Added options in midfield
Lopetegui saw his midfield boosted further this week with the return of Mario Lemina – who will be hoping to face his former club on Friday night – from suspension, while Boubacar Traore was also back on the Compton Park grass having been absent since suffering a groin injury while working hard in Wolves' mid-season training camp in Marbella, meaning he's yet to feature in a competitive fixture under the Spaniard. Traore was an almost constant present under interim boss Steve Davis, which saw the Mali international find the back of the net for the first time in gold and black to help the team progress past Leeds United in the Carabao Cup but has not had the chance to impress his new gaffer since he took charge. However, question marks remain whether Friday night will be too early for Traore to be back among the 20 players who will make up the squad in London.

Wolves' defeat against the Cherries at Molineux on Saturday came without fellow midfielder Lemina, who was serving a one-match ban following his controversial dismissal at St Mary's Stadium the previous weekend. Although the sending off might not have negatively affected the result against Southampton – with Wolves able to fight back from a goal and a man down to earn victory, it could be argued that his absence was felt greater against Bournemouth. Lemina's return to selection will be warmly welcomed on Friday night as he heads back to his former team, having made 28 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers back in 2020/21.

#4 Fulham looking towards Europe
With Marco Silva at the helm, Fulham have gone from a side who flip-flopped between the Premier League and Championship – and were bookies favourite for relegation at the start of the season – to a team who are looking at qualifying for Europe as one of the best six clubs in the top-flight. Although the Cottagers didn't make the most thrilling starts to this campaign – thanks to four losses from their opening nine matches, they have been one of the form teams since the league restarted following the mid-season break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Silva's side earned four consecutive league wins on their return from the pause – as well as a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup – earning victories over Crystal Palace, Southampton, Leicester City and Chelsea, and although they fell to defeats against Newcastle and Spurs, before a draw to the Blues, Fulham got back on track by picking up three points against two other form sides, Forest and Brighton, in recent weeks. Fulham's greatest ever season saw them finish seventh in the Premier League back in 2008/09, where they accumulated an average of 1.4 points per game. This campaign, they are already on course to beat that record, with their 38 points from 24 matches so far (an average of just shy of 1.6 ppg) seeing them currently standing sixth.

#FULWOL


https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/20230223-talking-points-fulham-vs-wolves/

Four Wolves players set to miss Fulham as Lopetegui faces Pedro Neto call

Latest Wolves news from BirminghamLive includes an injury update ahead of the Friday night meeting with Fulham (8pm kick-off)

Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to be without four players for their crunch Premier League clash with Fulham on Friday night.

The treatment room is emptying at Compton Park, but Julen Lopetegui is still waiting on several key players to be declared fit for Premier League duty. Wolves were boosted last week by the return of Daniel Podence after he missed the victory over Southampton due to a groin injury.

Podence was selected for the squad against Bournemouth in place of Pedro Neto, who continues to build up fitness following a four-month injury absence. Lopetegui said:"He is out for four months and improving step by step, but it's not enough to play.

"He played 45 minutes in an under-21 match and is improving. We are waiting for him. Daniel Podence was fit and we decided to choose Daniel and not Pedro."

Neto could return to the squad at Craven Cottage, where he suffered a season-ending knee injury two years ago. Wolves will also have midfielder Mario Lemina available after he served a one-match ban last weekend.

Here is the latest Wolves injury news...
Boubacar Traore

Injury: Groin

Possible return date: March

Boubacar hasn't been able to play under Lopetegui yet due to a groin injury. Lopetegui confirmed Boubacar picked up a fresh problem in the lead up to the Aston Villa game on January 4 and the Malian midfielder underwent surgery in January.

He is continuing his rehabilitation at Compton Park and recently started working out on the training pitches. Traore should return in early March.

Hwang Hee-chan

Injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March

Hwang pulled up towards the end of Wolves' scintillating first half display in the 3-0 win over Liverpool on February 4. The South Korean was having one of his best games in a Wolves shirt before cruelly suffering a hamstring injury.

Speaking after the game, Lopetegui said: "It was a pity to lose Hee-chan with a hamstring injury. For a lot of weeks we are going to lose him. I have talked with him. He felt the injury and we will know more tomorrow. He is going to be out and it's a pity."

Chiquinho

Injury: Knee

Possible return date: May

Chiquinho suffered a devastating injury during a pre-season friendly match with Burnley in July. The winger, who had earlier scored in the game, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and underwent surgery in late July.

He has been named in Wolves' Premier League squad and there is a small chance we could see him before the end of the season if his recovery continues at this rate.

"With the kind of injury he has had I cannot answer you," Lopetegui replied when asked if Chiquinho could return this season. "I hope and wish he is ready as soon as possible."

Sasa Kalajdzic

Injury: Knee

Possible return date: 2023 pre-season

Kalajdzic ruptured his ACL on his debut for Wolves against Southampton after challenging for an aerial ball. Kalajdzic has been omitted from Wolves' Premier League squad, meaning he can't play again until next term at the earliest now.

Lopetegui said: "In the end it was a pity but Sasa is going to be out because medically he is not going to be ready until next season, or maybe in the last moment of this season. Chiquinho is closer and that is why we chose this option."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-injury-news-fulham-neto-25462921#

Brilliant Buchele blasts Fulham past Tooting Bec
An outstanding display of finishing from teenage forward Ede Buchele powered Fulham Women into the second round of the Combined Counties Football League Midweek Women's Cup with a 7-0 demolition of Tooting Bec at Motspur Park last night.

Steve Jaye selected a side that combined blended some of his regular starters who are pushing for promotion from the London and South East Regional Premier League and with promising talent from Fulham's under-18 set up. The Whites dominated from the outset but had to wait to make the breakthrough with Tooting proving dogged in defence and dangerous on the counter attack. Fulham had early chances with the impressive Lola Almendros shooting over from distance before Charmaine True's snapshot also just cleared the crossbar.

The opening goal arrived courtesy of recent arrival Summer Roberts, who continued her fine form since breaking into the Fulham first team who a superb display down the left flank. Roberts, who showed an almost telepathic understanding with Buchele all evening, lashed in the centre forward's clever pass to put the hosts ahead nine minutes before the interval. Buchele troubled the lead two minutes later, prodding home after an excellent corner from Mila Lewis had caused chaos in the Bec box.

True was denied by a smart save before half time but Fulham were now cutting through the visiting defence more regularly. Ten minutes into the second period Roberts rifled in her second of the evening from close range after more intelligent approach play from Roberts and just three minutes later Buchele doubled her tally for the night with another unerring finish after a beautiful turn in the area.

Almendros, who was uot to score as she struck the post with a drive from the edge of the area, then did brilliantly to tee up Buchele for her hat trick as the floodgates began to open. The in-form Buchele almost turned provider for Chloe Connelley, but her shot rolled agonisingly wide of goal. Debutant Libby Stratton then made a superb save to deny the visitors a goal from a one-on-one but the Whites were well in control. As Tooting tired, defensive mistakes began more frequent and Buchele punished one loss of possession ruthlessly, seizing on the loose ball on the halfway line and dribbling into the penalty area before slotting a superb fourth goal into the bottom corner of the net.

By this stage, Fulham looked as if they would score with every attack. A deserved goal for the lively Ilana Harris-Walters rounded off the scoring with five minutes to play as he drove high into the net after a well-worked move down the right. Serene progress into the next round of a new midweek competition was the perfect preparation for the Whites' vital home league clash with Dartford at Motspur Park on Sunday afternoon.

FULHAM WOMEN (3-4-3): Stratton; Allen, Bird, Southgate; Lewis, Alemndros, Hill, True; Heasman, Roberts, Buchele. Subs: Christison-McNee, Foreman, Harris-Walters, Connelley.

GOALS: Roberts (36, 55), Buchele (38, 58, 60, 76), Harris-Walters (85).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/brilliant-buchele-blasts-fulham-past-tooting-bec/

Club must 'beat competition' from Fulham to sign midfielder in summer – Transfer on cards

Fulham are one of the clubs in the mix to sign FC Nordsjælland's Jacob Steen Christensen in the summer.

Operating in the middle of the pitch, he has registered three assists from 20 matches in all competitions this season.

The 21-year-old's performances have caught the attention of Fulham, Atalanta and Spezia.

That's according to Calciomercato, whose report mainly focuses on Atalanta's desire to sign the Denmark international.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side view Jacob Steen Christensen as a potential target to replace Teun Koopmeiners at the club, in the event the Dutchman were to be sold in the summer.

It's further claimed Atalanta have to 'beat the competition' from their Serie A counterpart and Fulham to secure the midfielder's services.

Despite Marco Silva's side and Spezia in the mix, Atalanta find themselves in an advantageous position due to their strong interest in the Dane.

Jacob Steen Christensen's contract expires in June and the report states he has no desire to sign a new deal at FC Nordsjælland. Therefore, he will be made available for free in the next window.

The report doesn't mention whether Atalanta will still try to sign the player if Koopmeiners were to continue at the club.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-must-beat-competition-fulham-sign-midfielder-summer-transfer-cards/

Fulham risk knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing
When Shahid Khan assumed the ownership of London's oldest professional football club in 2013 from Mohamed Al-Fayed, he assured the Fulham fans that he would be a worthy 'custodian' of the club. On the field, a team that had spent thirteen years in the top flight was immediately relegated and spent four seasons yo-yoing between the top two divisions. This term, the Whites have returned to the Premier League with real gusto and, somewhat surreally, stand a chance of qualifying for Europe on account of accomplished and adventurous displays orchestrated by Marco Silva, who has already achieved his aim of repairing his reputation in this country.

A classical smash and grab success at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday underlined Fulham's credentials as genuine continental contenders, but the Whites also have an opportunity at securing a Europa League spot through the FA Cup. On Tuesday, Silva's side face Leeds United, struggling towards the wrong end of the table, in the fifth round of the world's oldest Cup competition live on BBC television. Fulham haven't reached the last eight of the Cup since Roy Hodgson's side were beaten in a replay at Tottenham in 2010 – the same year that side remarkably went all the way to the Europa League final in Hamburg.

Silva has spoken passionately about the need to have spirited support to spur his side on. He emphasised the importance of the Craven Cottage crowd whipping up an atmosphere in the aftermath of a famous night last April when the Whites clinched promotion with a 7-0 win over Luton Town and Aleksandar Mitrovic broke Guy Whittingham's post-war second tier scoring record:

    "I have to congratulate all of them [his players] and all of those behind the scenes. And, last – but first really – the fans. That was the best atmosphere at the Cottage this season. Fantastic. The fans showed they can create an atmosphere that can really help us."

I've already written about how much I love the Cup. It's a special competition that has survived setbacks and its demotion in the modern game to still stir the emotions. It is perhaps why the death of John Motson, announced earlier today, hits so hard. In a one-off match, especially against a side as well supported as Leeds, the crowd can make all the difference. That's why Fulham's fickle decision to charge £40 for adults for a game against a side we have played almost annually during Khan's stewardship is so utterly self-defeating. Ticket sales have been as slow as Mark Fotheringham when he featured in Fulham's midfield, as they would be during a cost-of-living crisis, and season ticket holders don't even have the option of securing their own seat. Why would anyone pay £40 when they have the option of watching the game on television? The loyalty of even the most fanatical Fulham follower only stretches so far.

The pricing follows a dash for cash that has accompanied Fulham's promotion to the Premier League. There was a 'stop the greed' protest at astronomical pricing when the Whites went down with barely a whimper in 2018 and £1,000 season tickets in the new Riverside Stand, as well as steeply priced matchday admission prices, suggest that for all the marketing guff about Fulham being a proud family club, the club's hierarchy are not interested in encouraging the next generation of supporters.

It is a particularly bone-headed position to take. Of course, every club needs to maximise revenue, especially Fulham given their history of sitting right on the Financial Fair Play Limits. Nobody would have any objection to a club situated along the River Thames, with one of the finest walks to a historical relic of a ground, pricing their premium seats accordingly. But pricing out a generation of fans just when the team is playing some sublime stuff seems like the sort of own goal that the team managed by Claudio Ranieri made a habit of scoring.

I'll illustrate this with a very personal example. I met the eccentric editor of this website as a four year-old in the Crabtree beer garden. Fear not, we weren't beginning a descent into alcoholism early, but we bonded whilst participating in a penalty shoot. Dan doesn't like being reminded that I won. Neither of us had immediate family who supported Fulham and we relied on friends for our first introduction to Craven Cottage. The prices were reasonable, the attendance was miniscule, Fulham were remarkably generous to their opposition and we were hooked. By the time we were sixteen, we were taking coaches and trains to away games together and I finally gave in to his badgering to write for Hammyend earlier this season.

Fulham have a fair-minded, erudite and educated fanbase. But from the mid-80s until the surprisingly successful season under Micky Adams, they were heading in the wrong direction – with their long-term home under threat, having lost thousands of fans to the other London clubs and scrimping and saving from week-to-week. Al-Fayed might have bankrolled Fulham's rise through the divisions, but he also tried to grab the Cottage for himself. Shahid Khan hasn't done that – he has secured the club's future at our historic home by putting his own money into the refurbishment of the Riverside Stand. The club can only compete at the highest level on account of his continued investment, but with this short-sighted decision, our American ownership risk appearing as out of touch as many of their Premier League contemporaries.

It is too late for Fulham to change course now. But, having been proud of my club for many years, and travelled miles and miles to support them from the north east where I now live, I'll be watching on television on Tuesday night. I hope the Whites can win and continue their FA Cup journey – not least because we've got a good record at Wembley and the day Tom Cairney lifts the trophy can't be far away, as Ormondroyd sung in his recent smash hit. But I can't endorse these prices that rob so many fans, who are struggling at the moment, of the chance of watching one of the biggest games of the season.

It doesn't need to be this way, but the pursuit of pounds ahead of everything else, reminds me of that famous Oscar Wilde quote, when Lord Darlington quips that "a fool is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing".



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/fulham-risk-knowing-the-price-of-everything-and-the-value-of-nothing/

Tickets: Fulham (A) update
Tickets still remain.

Tickets still remain for next Tuesday's Emirates FA Cup fifth round tie with Fulham at Craven Cottage (7:45pm).

These tickets are now on sale to Leeds United Season Ticket Holders and Members.

Ticket allocation

6,165

Ticket prices

£40 Adults

£20 Seniors aged 65 years and over

£20 Young adults aged 18 to 21 years

£15 Under 18's*

*Juniors are advised to take proof of age on match day as checks may be carried out at the turnstiles.

Accessible Tickets

• 30 Wheelchair spaces

• Ambulant tickets are available

£20 Adults

£10 Seniors aged 65 years and over

£10 Young adults aged 18 to 21 years

£7.50 Under 18's

Disabled supporters in receipt of DLA (Higher or Middle rate) or PIP payments are entitled to a complimentary ticket for a personal assistant if required.

Official coach travel

£45 adults

£37 concessions

Departs from outside the East Stand at 1.15pm.



https://www.leedsunited.com/news/ticketing/31084/tickets-fulham-a-update

Wolverhampton Wanderers looking to end 60-year streak versus Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to end a 60-year streak when they face Fulham in the Premier League on Friday night.

Since the arrival of Julen Lopetegui in November, the West Midlands outfit have been on an upward trajectory, recently moving outside of the relegation zone.

However, despite collecting nine points from a possible 12 ahead of hosting Bournemouth last weekend, Wolves succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Molineux.

The situation at the wrong end of the table has now changed considerably with just eight points separating the bottom nine teams.

From Wolves' perspective, they occupy 15th spot in the standings, sitting three points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United, but Lopetegui and his players are aware that the landscape can change with a win or defeat in their upcoming fixture.

Standing in their way are a team in Fulham who are sixth and have recorded successive victories over Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, keeping clean sheets in the process.

Nevertheless, Wolves head into their encounter with the Cottagers in West London with the opportunity to end a streak which has lasted since December 1962.

Not since that time have Wolves recorded back-to-back wins in away top-flight games with Fulham, when they posted three triumphs in a row.

With Fulham having spent last season in the Championship, the two teams are squaring off at Craven Cottage for the first time since April 2021.

Wolves recorded a dramatic victory on that occasion, Adama Traore netting a last-gasp winner from an acute angle to see the visitors prevail by a 1-0 scoreline.

In total, Wolves are on a five-match unbeaten streak versus Fulham in the Premier League, helped by goalkeeper Jose Sa making a late penalty save during a goalless draw back in August.

Despite Wolves collecting 13 points from eight games under Lopetegui, Fulham are by far the form team out of the two since the World Cup break.

Marco Silva's team have 19 points from nine matches during that period, conceding only four goals ahead of playing opponents who have registered just nine Premier League strikes under Lopetegui.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/wolves/news/wolves-looking-to-end-60-year-streak-versus-fulham_507392.html

Andreas Pereira hails impact of Jose Mourinho on his game during Manchester United spell

Andreas Pereira has been starring for Fulham this season after never really shining during his long spell with Manchester United, but the Brazil international has thanked Jose Mourinho for the work they did together at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old was a Manchester United player from 2011-22, but rarely held down a first team place and spent time out on loan at Granada, Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo.

Pereira did play reasonably regularly from 2018-20 with the Red Devils, first under Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he has fond memories of both bosses.

He believes the widely-held belief that Mourinho doesn't show faith in youngsters is not necessarily true, as he helped his career at the time.

'Even if it looks from the outside that he doesn't give opportunities to young players, I don't agree with it,' Pereira told The Guardian. 'I got in the national team mainly because of him. He made me play deeper and helped me see the game from another perspective.

'My first thought was: "Whoa, I cannot defend, I have to learn." But he showed me some stuff I had to do better. It's José Mourinho. You want to learn off the best.

It may not have worked out in the end at Old Trafford for the versatile midfielder, but he also enjoyed his time under Solskjaer.

'Ole was great,' he said. 'He played me more in offensive roles. The season after, I played a lot. Then Covid came. Every time I was building something with United something got in the way.'

Pereira signed for Fulham last summer for a fee of around £10m and has been a regular in their impressive Premier League campaign so far, making 24 league appearances and scoring two goals.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/23/andreas-pereira-hails-impact-of-jose-mourinho-on-his-game-during-man-utd-spell-18336104/?ito=newsnow-feed

Pre-Wolves Press Conference

Marco Silva knows Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned a corner since Julen Lopetegui was installed as their head coach.

Having won just two of their 15 Premier League matches prior to the World Cup, Wolves have now won four from eight under the guidance of the former Spain and Real Madrid boss.

"He has had a very good impact, I have to say," Silva said. "You can see that in the results, you can see the confidence in their team as well.

"But the Premier League is really tough and you never know what is going to happen. They had two very good results [against Liverpool and Southampton], and last week against Bournemouth they lost the game.

"The Premier League is tough, you never expect an easy game. We analyse them, we know what they are able to do, but of course our focus is ourselves, what we can do or not.

"Very good players, good manager. Since Lopetegui came in, you can see some improvements and it will be a tough game.

"A team that spent a big amount of money last summer, in January they did more or less the same, and they want always to improve the squad.

"It will be a tough one, but it will be tough for them as well. They come to play against us at the Cottage, we are in a very good moment and, of course, we want to keep going."

That defeat at Molineux by Bournemouth last time out saw Wanderers miss the chance to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three.

It's the first time the club has had to look over their shoulder since promotion in 2018, but Silva still expects Friday night to be a keenly contested battle.

"It will be tight, a tight game, definitely," he stated. "I think it is going to be the details that are going to decide that match tomorrow. This is my feeling right now.

"I know that they are not in a normal position for them in [comparison to the] last few seasons. Normally we can see them, in the seasons before, in the top half of the table every time. It's something new for them this season.

"They are improving, I think, even if they lost their last game, we can see some improvements in their results, getting the three points in some games to put them in a better position right now and much more confident, and it will be a tough game."

Scoring goals has been a problem for Wolves this season, with no side netting fewer than their 17 in the top flight.

None of their current strikers are off the mark in the league this season, but Silva pointed to the quality they have up top when a journalist put it to him that it could be a quiet evening for Fulham's defence.

He replied: "I understand what you're saying, but they have [Raul] Jimenez, Diego [Costa] and Matheus Cunha, who they signed last January, he's a top player.

"And you know, like I know, if Jimenez is in his best level he's a top striker in the Premier League, and they have Diego with his experience that he has at this level, he can always be a threat.

"And when you have, around their strikers, the players they have, they can be always a threat for any team. I understand what you said, because it's a fact, but of course we believe that they can punish you if you switch off in any moment.

"They are really strong on the counter-attack, with skilful players in that moment. They have a player like Ruben [Neves] who can score from many areas of the pitch as well – you have to be aware of everything.

"You have to keep the focus on the strikers because we believe that they can punish you if you are not in your best level."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/23/pre-wolves-press-conference/

A HISTORY OF WOLVES V FULHAM

KARL WHITEHOUSE LOOKS AT THE HISTORY OF WOLVES V FULHAM


first meetings


The first league meeting of the two clubs was on the 9th November 1907 at Molineux in Division 2. The  game finished with a 2-0 win for Wolves.

The first meeting in the FA Cup was on 19th February 1921 at Craven Cottage and the score of the game was 1-0 win for Wolves.

The first meeting in a League Cup Game was 5th October 1966 at Craven Cottage which ended in a defeat with a score of 5-0.

The first meeting in the Premier League was 18th October 2003, this game ended in a nil nil  draw at Loftus Road in front of a crowd of 17,031 The match was played at Loftus Road due to redevelopment work at Craven Cottage. The team that played that day was Oakes, Irwin, Naylor, Butler, Craddock, Rae, Cameron, Camara, Gudjonsson, Blake, Miller and the only sub was used on that day was Kennedy. The manager of that game was Dave Jones.

most recent meeting


Premier League – The most recent game was on the 13th August 2022 and the game finished 0-0 draw.

The latest meeting in the FA Cup was a replay 13th January 2015 at Molineux after the original game at Craven Cottage was a 0-0 draw.  This game went all the way into extra time where it finished 2-2 after 90 minutes,  3-3 after 120 minutes before going to a penalty shootout which Fulham won 5-3 in front of a crowd of 8,148.

The last meeting in the League Cup was 1st November 2000 at Craven Cottage in front of a crowd of 6,763, Fulham won the game 3-2.

biggest win


The Biggest League win Wolves have ever had against Fulham was in League Division one, the score was 9-0 at Molineux on the 16th September 1959 in front of a crowd of 41,692.

The Team that played that day was Finlayson, Stuart, G.W.Harris, R.Flowers, Showell, Clamp, Lill, R.Mason, J.Murray, P.Broadbent, Deeley.

Scorers of the goals: Deeley 6, 36, 68, 87 , R.Flowers 37 , P.Broadbent 58 , R.Mason 59 , J.Murray 62 , Clamp 73.

The biggest win in the Premier League was on the 21st August 2011. Wolves beat Fulham 2-0 at Molineux with goals from Kevin Doyle and Matthew Jarvis. Wolves line-up on the day was Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Henry, Ward, Hunt, Jarvis, O'Hara, Fletcher, Doyle and Subs were Kightly, Elokobi, Foley, Ebanks-Blake, Hammill, Milijas, De Vries and the Wolves manager was Mick McCarthy.

biggest defeat


Spare a though for Wolves fans travelling to Craven Cottage in 1928 who saw the biggest defeat with Wolves losing 7-0 in League Division 2. A crowd of over 12,981 turned up to watch.

The biggest defeat in the Premier League was on the 4th March 2012 at Craven Cottage with Fulham beating Wolves 5-0 where Pavel Pogrebnyak got a hat trick and Clint Dempsey got a brace of goals.

The line up for Wolves was Hennessey, Stearman, Berra, Zubar, Foley, Kightly, Henry, Ward, Jarvis, O'Hara, Doyle and Subs were Hunt, Milijas, Fletcher, Johnson, Bassong, Jonsson, De Vries and it was Caretaker Manager Terry Connor in charge.

Fulham 0 Wolves 1  9th April 2021 At Craven Cottage
The search for a first Wolves goal for William Jose had entered its 12th game but his deft header from Nelson Semedo's first minute free-kick, which drifted just wide, suggested the end of the goal drought was maybe coming to an end.

Then Fulham replicated this opportunity with a chance by Ruben Loftus-Cheek's guided header from an Antonee Robinson which had Rui Patricio scrambling, but caused no damage, as it dropped wide.

Midway through the half Wolves suffered a injury blow when Pedro Neto went down.  The Portuguese had been struggling from the moment Robinson clattered into the back of him on the right-hand side. Neto attempted to shake off the problem and had to be replaced by the returning Joao Moutinho.

With Neto departed, greater emphasis was placed on Traore to create, but the wide man dragged his first effort of the game, with his unfavoured left foot, well wide on 35 minutes. As for the hosts, Aleksandar Mitrovic's header, which again missed the target, was the best they could muster from a good spell at the end of the opening half.

In fact, they would have been punished, had it not been for the latest controversial VAR call to go against Wolves. This time Podence had made a clever run down the right and clipped in a delicious cross which was met by a thumping header from Jose, who thought he'd ended his drought, but only for VAR to decide Podence was in an offside position in the build-up.

Half-time | Fulham 0-0 Wolves
After the break Wolves had an opportunity to regain their composure, the tight nature of the contest continued, as Mitrovic headed straight at Patricio.

That opportunity came from a free-kick and once Wolves one of their own in dangerous territory, Romain Saiss whipped an effort towards the top corner, but couldn't keep his strike on target, with Areola flying through the air.

Neither side were regularly calling the opposition goalkeepers into action, with Bobby Decordova-Reid firing wide for the Cottagers and Leander Dendoncker's header falling on the roof of the net for Nuno's side.

As the game entered the final five minutes, Joao Moutinho's header was comfortably caught by Areola between the Fulham sticks, while the stopper made a similarly simple save to keep out Saiss soon after.

Those headers appeared to be the final action of the game, but Traore had the final say.

Substitute Silva made a difference by threading a clever pass through to the Spaniard, but nothing will be taken away from Traore, who outpaced his man, looked up and smashed a fierce drive high into the net to spark joyous scenes for those in maroon, as Wolves claimed three massive points.

Full-time | Fulham 0-1 Wolves
Fulham | Areola, Tete, Anderson, Kongolo, Aina, Robinson, Reed (Maja 74), Lemina, Loftus-Cheek (Anguissa 63), Decordova-Reid, Mitrovic.Unused subs | Fabri, Hector, Ream, Adarabioyo, Cavaleiro, Bryan, Onomah.

Wolves | Patricio, Semedo, Coady, Saiss, Ait-Nouri, Dendoncker, Neves, Podence (Gibbs-White 74), Neto (Moutinho 33), Traore, Jose (Silva 78). Unused subs | Ruddy, Hoever, Richards, Kilman, Otasowie, Vitinha.

Interesting stats and facts from game
This was the 12th Meeting between Fulham and Wolves, this was Wolves first away victory at Craven Cottage in the Premier League and first top flight victory in this fixture since 18th August 1967 when Wolves beat Fulham 2-1.

Wolves just registered only their second away Premier League win in their past 11 matches (Drawing 4 and Losing 5), The other away win was Southampton on the 14th February 2021 the score that day was 2-1 to Wolves.

Adama Traore netted his first goal of the season in the win with his 28th shot of the season.

Wolves finished the game in 12th Place in the league playing 31 games with 38 points and Fulham stayed in the same place the game started in 18th Place playing 32 games with 26 points.

Fulham had lost 4 consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since losing their first four games of this season.

This was the second 90th Minute goal conceded by Fulham after Tomas Soucek scored for West Ham in November 2020.

The previous meeting at Molineux which was played on the 4th October 2020 was behind closed doors due to COVID 19 restrictions the game finished 1-0 to Wolves with Pedro Neto getting the goal and Wolves became the fourth club to reach 2,000 wins in the Premier League and Football League.


a little bit of history
(https://alwayswolves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/wolves-fulham-clipping-2048x1152.jpeg)


Fulham 1-2 Wolves, 19th august 1967, craven cottage

In this opening game of the season, 'Waggy' (Dave Wagstaffe) had the last laugh, tormenting Fulham and laying on both goals for Wolves. In the first-half his free-kick from the left was headed home by Derek Dougan.  In the second half 'Waggy' lofted in another free-kick from the left and Mike Bailey fired home a magnificent right-footed volley that gave Macedo no chance. Wolves' fans behind the goal celebrated wildly!

Fulham were relegated at the end of that 1967/68 season and the Londoners and Wolves were not together in the top-flight again until the 2003/04 campaign. Between 1967 and that date the teams were in the same division just six times and Wolves won three and drew two of these away encounters.

head to head stats
(https://alwayswolves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PREVIEW-STATS-2160-%C3%97-1080-px-2-2048x1024.jpg)

Premier League Stats
There has been 13 Meetings between the two sides.

Wolves have won 6 games with 5 Home wins and 1 Away Wins.

Fulham have won 2 games with 2 Home wins and 0 Away Wins.

There has been 5 draws between the sides

Wolves have scored 12 Goals

Fulham have scored 11 Goals

Overall Head to Head
There has been 95 games in total.

Wolves have won 45 Games.

Fulham have won 26 Games.

There has been 24 Draws.

PLAYING FOR BOTH TEAMS

Ivan Cavaleiro
Played for Wolves 2016-2020 made 96 appearances and scored 17 goals made his debut on the 10th September 2016 in a 1-1 draw against Burton Albion and played for Fulham on a season long Loan 2019-2020 and permanent 2020 to present day made 97 appearances and scored 11 goals on the 21st August 2019 when he made his debut for the club played against Milwall where he did a player of the match performance by scoring 2 goals and assisted 1 goal.

Emmanuel Frimpong
Played for Wolves January 2012 in a loan spell for the rest of the season from Arsenal made 5 appearances made his debut against Chelsea in a 2-1 defeat and played for Fulham January 2013 in a season loan spell from Arsenal made 6 appearances.

Jordan Graham
Played for Wolves 2015-2020 made 14 appearances and scored 1 goal and made his debut for the club 21st November 2015 against Ipswich Town and played for Fulham 2017-2018 in a loan spell from Wolves made 3 appearances which started 31st August 2017 to Mid January 2018 restricted to substitute appearances and was subsequently recalled by the club his loan spell.

Marcus Hahnemann
Played for Fulham 1999-2002 made 2 appearances  failed to displace Fulham's number one choice Maik Taylor as number one at the time at the club and played for Wolves 2009-2011 made 40 appearances he was backup goalkeeper to Wayne Hennessy for the opening 4 months and then Hahnemann was made first choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the season.

Mario Lemina
Played for in a loan spell for Fulham from Southampton 2020-2021 made 28 appearances and scored 1 goal where he made his debut for the club in the 2nd Round of the EFL cup against Ipswich Town and currently playing for Wolves 2023 made 4 appearances made his debut for the club against West Ham in the Premier League where Wolves won the game 1-0.

Scott Malone
Started his career at Wolves 2009-2012 never made any first team appearances for the club and came through the Wolves Academy to turn professional in 2009 and played for Fulham 2016-2017 made 36 appearances and scored 6 goals where he made his debut in the opening game of the 2016 season in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

Kevin McDonald
Played for Wolves 2013-2016 made 120 appearances and scored 8 goals where he made his debut for Wolves in a 2-1 win at Bristol City on the 17th August as a substitute and played for Fulham 2016-2021 made 116 appearances and scored 6 goals where he scored his first goal for the club against Cardiff City in 2-2 draw on 20th August 2016.

Jamie O'Hara
Played for Wolves 2011 in a loan spell from Tottenham on the 30th January 2011 and made his first start for the club by playing against Bolton Wanderers as a substitute and a permanent spell 2011-2014 made 55 appearances and scored 5 goals and played for Fulham 2015-2016 made 37 appearances and scored 1 goal and made his debut in the opening game of the 2015 season against Cardiff City.

Sheyi Ojo
Played for Wolves in a loan spell from Liverpool 2015-2016 made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals made his debut as a substitute coming on in the 84th Minute playing against Blackburn Rovers and played for Fulham also from a loan spell from Liverpool 2017-2018 made 24 appearances and scored 4 goals.

Seol Ki Hyeon
Played for Wolves 2004-2006 made 69 appearances and scored 8 goals and played for Fulham 2007-2010 made 18 appearances and scored 1 goal.

Jamie Smith
Played for Wolves 1994-1997 made 87 appearances and scored 1 goal and played for Fulham in a loan spell from Crystal Palace 1999 made 9 appearances and scored 1 goal.

Richard Stearman
Played for Wolves 2008-2015 and loan spell 2016-2017 from Fulham made 229 appearances and scored 5 goals he made his debut for Wolves in a 2-2 at Plymouth Argyle on the 9th August 2008 and played for Fulham 2015-2017 made 29 appearances.

Others Who Played For Both Clubs

Dave Beasant, Gordon Brice, Donald ****, Stan Collymore, George Edmonds, Jack Hamilton, Jackie Henderson, Max Kilman, Tony Lange, Mekhi Leacock McLeod, Andrew Lonergan, Stacey North, Billy Richards, Dick Richards, Harry Robotham, Alf Tootill.
Played, Coached, Managed Both Teams

Stuart Gray – Assistant Manager & Caretaker Manager
Was at Wolves 2004 working with Dave Jones as a assistant manager and also was a caretaker manager of the for a month taking charge of 7 games and also was a caretaker manager at Fulham 2015 for 19 days taking charge of 4 games and is currently the Assistant Manager at Fulham working with Marco Silva at this current time.

Dave Beasant – Goalkeeping Coach
Played for Wolves in a loan spell 1992 from Chelsea made 4 appearances and was a player for Fulham 2003-2004 made no appearances and was also a goalkeeping coach at Fulham working with Lawrie Sanchez and also with Northern Ireland.



https://alwayswolves.co.uk/a-history-of-wolves-v-fulham/

Dawson | 'We know that we're going to have to be at our best'
Craig Dawson believes the team spirit inside the Wolves camp he's experienced since he made the move to Molineux in January is already having a positive effect on the results on the pitch.

It took the defender just 12 minutes to make his mark at Wolves, with Dawson popping up to give his new team a two-goal advantage at home to Liverpool 19 days ago. But having fallen to Bournemouth in their latest Premier League outing, the former West Ham United man insists head coach Julen Lopetegui does not allow the players to let the positive or negative results affect their moods and will be trying all they can to get back to winning ways against Fulham on Friday evening.

On bouncing back at Fulham
"It was a tough game and a difficult one to take against Bournemouth. A 1-0 loss at home after the results we've had recently was tough to take. But in the two previous games we had two great results, so it was a little bit of a setback for us.

"But we know we're going to have those moments, it's about what we do after that which counts. We're going to learn from that game, and we've had a good week on the training pitch, so hopefully we're going to put that right against Fulham.

"Fulham are a great team. If you go through their squad, they've got a brilliant team, so it's going to be a tough game – we know that.

"We know that we're going to have to be at our best, but we've had a good week on the training pitch so we're well prepared and hopefully we can get a good result. We've got some tough games coming up, but they're games we're looking forward to."

On first month at Wolves
"The move was talked about in the summer and it didn't quite happen, but we got there in the end. The January window doesn't give you much time to settle in, but I was delighted that we were able to get it over the line and get started straight away.

"Settling in was quite easy and the first game against Liverpool, 3-0, it makes everything a lot easier. It's been a good start and it's a great group to be part of – one that wants to work hard and has a top, top quality manager as well, bur the lads have all been great

"It's a really good group, a really tight-knit group and they all welcomed me very well and have been really helpful. But that's the spirit we need now for the rest of the season. We need to stick together as a group, no matter what the results, we keep focused and working hard together as a team."

On working under Lopetegui
"He's obviously a top manager. He's been at some great clubs and has some great experience. I played against him in the quarter-final of the Europa League and I remember playing against his team and seeing the passion that he had at the side of the pitch.

"When Wolves came in for me in January, I obviously wanted to work for him and come to the club, so I was really excited to do that.

"I'm really enjoying working with him so far and look forward to learning a lot more from him. He's very passionate, very hard working and he keeps everybody on their toes."

On scoring on his debut
"You always look at that first game and Liverpool at home is not an easy game, but we started the game well, so to get a goal just 12 minutes into it settled me down and gave me a good start.

"But being a defender, you need to keep clean sheets because that's what you're paid to do, but it's always nice to pop up with a goal and luckily in my career, whatever club I've been at I've managed to get a couple of goals, so they're a bonus really.

"It was a good start and one that we'll be looking to build on. We know we've got great challenges this season, but one that we're all looking forward to."

On giving advice to his younger teammates
"You've just got to enjoy every moment. Work hard, but you need to enjoy it and remain grounded. Don't take the highs too high and don't take the lows too low.

"There's always ups and downs in football, that's the way it is. You can be up one week and down the next, but you just have to stay focused throughout, not take them either way and enjoy the moment. We're lucky enough to play in this league – the best league in the world, so it's all about enjoying it, but staying focused."

On his aims for the season
"For me personally, I just take each game as it comes. Obviously, you want to play every game and you want to win every game, but as a group and a team, we just have to focus on every game right to the end, work hard every week and hopefully we can get a positive result.

"I want to enjoy the experience and use my experience to help others in the team and we'll see where it takes us. We've been working hard, so if we take every game as it comes, hopefully we can start a run."



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/20230223-dawson-we-know-that-we-re-going-to-have-to-be-at-our-best/

Marco Silva hopes in-form Fulham can keep the dream alive for their fans

Marco Silva insisted dreaming of feats such as securing a place in a European competition is "for the fans" as Fulham prepare to host Wolves in the Premier League on Friday.

Fulham sit sixth in the table, after a 1-0 victory at Brighton last Saturday, but Silva remains grounded over his side's chances of European football next season.

"I am not the guy that dreams too much, I am ambitious – of course I am – but I think we are showing that on the pitch, our ambition and our desire," the Fulham manager said.

"To dream is for our fans.

"For us it's game by game and you have to go each game to prepare our players as best we can with full ambition to win the football match."

Fulham top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has not featured for the club since February 11 with a hamstring injury.

The forward has had a number of injuries this season, with an ankle injury overshadowing his preparations ahead of leading Serbia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Silva will make a late call on Mitrovic, who has scored 11 goals this season for the west London club.

"Nothing different (in terms of injuries) from the last game apart from Mitro," he said.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but we have some more time until tomorrow.

"Today he was on the pitch already outside and let's see what the news will be for tomorrow.

"It will be difficult but the session this morning – it was good to see him outside the last few days, doing some specific work, so let's see the reaction from today and tomorrow we are going to make a decision."

"Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Fulham have exceeded all expectations this season after winning the Championship the previous campaign, and have won their last three matches – including an FA Cup replay at Sunderland.

Since the World Cup break the Cottagers have only lost two matches – at Newcastle and home to Tottenham – and conceded just four goals in the league.

"The mood (in the squad) is really good," Silva said

"We have a group of players that are really focused, as all the teams we need a good result to be confident, even more than the previous one.

"With good results and a good performance you can achieve it, but we always believe in ourselves, we know the competition we are facing but we know our quality as well.

"I think it is no surprise that the mood is good."



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/footballsoccer/2023/02/23/news/marco_silva_hopes_in-form_fulham_can_keep_the_dream_alive_for_their_fans-3085103/

Team News: Mitro Update


Marco Silva is not ruling out an appearance for Aleksandar Mitrović against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but admitted the odds are against him.

Our top scorer missed the win in Brighton with a hamstring strain but has been training this week, and Silva will make a late call on his involvement.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready, but we have some more time until tomorrow," Silva explained. "Today he was on the pitch already, he was outside, and let's see what will be the news for tomorrow.

"It will be difficult, I have to say, but it was good to see him outside in the session this morning, and the last few days he was already outside doing some specific work.

"Let's see the reaction from today, and tomorrow we are going to take a decision.

"Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/23/team-news-mitro-update/

Fulham boss Marco Silva welcomes regulator to 'protect football culture'

Fulham manager Marco Silva has welcomed the latest step towards an independent regulator in English football.

A government white paper published on Thursday morning sets out monumental upcoming changes in the administration and power structures within the game. The white paper detailed, among other things, that clubs will be banned from joining future breakaway divisions such as the infamous and so-far failed European Super League.

The white paper came as a response to the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance which detailed ten recommendations and was chaired by the former sports minister Tracey Crouch MP in 2021.

"It is always important to protect everything within the culture of football," Silva said. "But at the same time, it's important to have the right people taking the right decisions. People who know football taking the decisions in football. That's important."

Meanwhile, Fulham — who host Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night — struggled for clean sheets before the World Cup but since returning to action have been defensively astute. They haven't conceded in any of their last three league games.

"I think it's been one of the biggest improvements from ourselves after the World Cup break," the manager added. "We analysed that we had to improve. We were sloppy in some moments."

Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic remains an injury doubt having missed the 1-0 win over Brighton last weekend due to a hamstring injury. He may feature tomorrow, but Silva admitted there is a high chance the visit of Wolves will come too early for the Serb.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but he will have some more [training] time tomorrow," said Silva. "He was on the pitch today. Let's see the reaction from today. Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Fulham are flying high in sixth place in the table and Silva is riding the crest of the wave.

"As you would expect the mood is really good," he said. "We have a group of players that care and are really focused.

"I am not the guy who dreams too much," Silva said, when asked about Fulham's chance of finishing the season in a European place. "To be ambitious, of course I am. We are in a very good position in the table. To dream is for our fans."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-silva-regulator-b1062664.html

'He's a step up': Sherwood and Allardyce disagree over Fulham ace going to Man United

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Tim Sherwood and Sam Allardyce have been discussing the idea of Aleksandar Mitrovic signing for either Manchester United or Chelsea.

It's no secret that both Chelsea and United need a new striker through the door in the summer, and it's fair to say that the market isn't over-saturated with quality centre-forwards right now.

One player who has caught the eye this season is Mitrovic, and both pundits were asked whether he's good enough to play for one of these top clubs.

Allardyce doesn't think the Serbian has what it takes, but Sherwood disagreed, stating that he's an upgrade on Wout Weghorst.

Mitrovic conundrum
The two pundits were asked about the Fulham star getting a big move.

"No, he's not quite there for me. He's done a fantastic job, the manager has done a job on him. He looks fitter and more mobile than I've seen for a long time. He looks as motivated and as fit as he's ever been. Fulham are having a fantastic season and he's scoring the goals to go with it. He's brilliant on crosses with his head particularly," Allardyce said.

Tim Sherwood had another point of view.

"They need a striker certainly if they're going to persevere with Havertz, he's not a nine. I'm not sure how he contributes to the game too much. Look, if Weghorst can play for Man United then so can Mitrovic. He's a step up from him. The manager wants a nine and I think they go for a big one in the summer a standout number nine in Europe whoeve rthat may be," Sherwood said.

Good enough
Mitrovic is good enough to play for either of these two clubs, make no mistake about it.

Regardless of what anyone may think of him or this Fulham team, one thing is for sure, Mitrovic knows where the back of the net is.

He scored 43 times last season, he scored twice at the World Cup, he's in double figures in the Premier League this term, and he's also very good at linking up play these days.

Mitrovic may be too unfashionable for either of these clubs to actually make this move, but he's certainly talented enough to make his mark at either Chelsea or United if he was given the chance.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/23/hes-a-step-up-sherwood-and-allardyce-disagree-over-fulham-ace-going-to-man-united/

Fulham readying new deal for Robinson
Fulham are set to open contract talks with full back Antonee Robinson to ward off interest from other Premier League and European suitors, according to reports this morning.

The American international has been one of the Whites' most consistent performers as Marco Silva's pre-season relegation favourites have stunned the punditocracy by storming to sixth place in the top flight. Tabloid reports have linked the former Wigan left back with moves to Manchester City and Newcastle United as well as Serie A giants Internazionale and AC Milan throughout the course of the season, but Football Insider claims that the Cottagers are ready to offer the 25 year-old a long-term deal.

Robinson is believed to be happy at Craven Cottage after Fulham gave him a shot at the top flight following the Latics' relegation from the Championship and enjoying working under Silva, who made the attack-minded defender his first choice left back after taking over from Scott Parker. Robinson has just a year to run on his current deal and the Whites are not willing to entertain offers for the flying full-back, who played every minute of the United States' World Cup campaign alongside Fulham team-mate Tim Ream earlier this winter.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/fulham-readying-new-deal-for-robinson/

Wolves Matchday Preview

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers | Friday 24th February 2023 | 8pm | Craven Cottage | #FULWOL

The opposition

    A disappointing start to the season had Wolves sitting bottom of the Premier League, having won just twice in their 15 matches, prior to the World Cup.
    Things have turned around following the hire of former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, who has won half of his eight Premier League matches to date. They do head to the Cottage on the back of a frustrating home defeat by Bournemouth, though.
    It's up top where Wolves' main struggles lie, with their 17 goals scored matched only by Everton, but a 3-0 routing of Liverpool earlier this month suggested there is firepower within the group.

Fulham team news

Aleksandar Mitrović is up against it in his quest to be fit for Friday night, but Marco Silva will give him every chance. Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano are both out.

Wolves team news

Former Fulham loanee Mario Lemina returns from suspension, but the game comes too soon for fellow midfielder Boubacar Traore despite a return to training. Hwang Hee-Chan is out with a hamstring injury, while Chiquinho and Sasa Kalajdzic are long-term absentees.

Tickets

This match has sold out – thank you for your terrific support!

Weather

Despite a potentially rainy day, it should be dry by the time of kick-off, with temperatures around five degrees.

Player insight

Issa Diop said that the Fulham camp is a happy place to be, following three consecutive victories.

Our imposing centre-back is a key reason for that, helping shut out the opposition in our previous three Premier League fixtures.

"We know that if we want to have a good season we need a lot of clean sheets, and at the moment we're doing it a lot so I hope we will keep doing this," he told the official website.

"We're still improving and that's a good thing. The mood is good. Everyone is happy, everyone is working hard."

Coverage

This match will be broadcast on Sky Sports, while FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim, Sean Davis and Jamie Reid.

Forever Fulham

On the 30 year anniversary of his passing, Bobby Moore's Forever Fulham award will be presented to his widow Stephanie and daughter Roberta. His former teammates Rodney Marsh and Les Strong will take to the mic at half-time to recall their memories of playing with Bobby.

Seating

Fans are reminded to only sit in their allocated seat, as congregating groups could risk ejection from the ground.

Early bird

Fans can take advantage of discounted food and drink inside the ground up until 7.30pm.

Fulham Flutter

Win prizes while supporting the Foundation by playing the Fulham Flutter!

Form

Fulham: DDWWW

Wolves: LLWWL

Top scorers

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrović (11)

Wolves: Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence (5)


https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/23/wolves-matchday-preview/

Pereira 'feels free' at Fulham
Andreas Pereira has told the Guardian this afternoon that he 'feels free' at Fulham and is grateful to the Whites for giving him the opportunity to thrive in the Premier League.

The Brazilian attacking midfielder has three goals and six assists to his name so far this season and has starred as Marco Silva's playmaker since leaving Manchester United in the summer. Pereira is enjoying his football at Craven Cottage after rediscovering his verve on loan at Flamengo last year having not been trusted with a regular starting place during his time at Old Trafford.

    "I knew the team did very well in the Championship. It was perfect. The way he [Silva] plays is the exact same way I think about football. Pressing, scoring a lot of goals, taking risks. Defensively you have to be disciplined too. But I feel free. It's the mentality the manager gives us. It's in the group. That's the main thing in the Premier League – nobody likes to play a team that never surrenders."

Pereira cites the smash and grab win on the south coast at Brighton last Saturday as an example of the belief that Silva has imbued in the newly-promoted side.

    "One chance pops up and Solomon finished it. We can play better. But we were fighting for every yard; fighting for the player next to you."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/pereira-feels-free-at-fulham/

Silva keen to keep Fulham faithful dreaming
Marco Silva wants Fulham to continue their fine recent run of form in order to keep their fans dreaming.

The Portuguese coach has guided his side to eight wins in eleven matches since the winter break and the six league victories have lifted the Whites, amongst the favourites to go straight back down in the summer, to sixth in the Premier League table. Silva told his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage:

    "I am not the guy that dreams too much, I am ambitious – of course I am – but I think we are showing that on the pitch, our ambition and our desire. To dream is for our fans. For us it's game by game and you have to go each game to prepare our players as best we can with full ambition to win the football match.

    The mood is really good. We have a group of players that are really focused, as all the teams we need a good result to be confident, even more than the previous one. With good results and a good performance you can achieve it, but we always believe in ourselves, we know the competition we are facing but we know our quality as well."

Fulham might well have to do without top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic again against Wolves – although Silva was pleased to see the Serbian striker, who has scored eleven goals this season, taking a full part in training at Motspur Park this morning.

    It will be difficult for him to be ready but we have some more time until tomorrow. Today he was on the pitch already outside and let's see what the news will be for tomorrow. It will be difficult but the session this morning – it was good to see him outside the last few days, doing some specific work, so let's see the reaction from today and tomorrow we are going to make a decision."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/silva-keen-to-keep-fulham-faithful-dreaming/

Marco Silva: Fulham are showing 'ambition and desire' but aren't 'dreaming' of European football

Marco Silva insists dreaming qualifying for a European competition is "for the fans" as Fulham prepare to host Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night.

Fulham sit sixth in the table, after a 1-0 victory at Brighton last Saturday, but Silva remains grounded over his side's chances of European football next season.

"I am not the guy that dreams too much, I am ambitious – of course I am – but I think we are showing that on the pitch, our ambition and our desire," the Fulham manager said.

"To dream is for our fans.

"For us it's game by game and you have to go each game to prepare our players as best we can with full ambition to win the football match."

Fulham top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has not featured for the club since February 11 with a hamstring injury.

The forward has had a number of injuries this season, with an ankle injury overshadowing his preparations ahead of leading Serbia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Silva will make a late call on Mitrovic, who has scored 11 goals this season for the west London club.

"Nothing different (in terms of injuries) from the last game apart from Mitro," he said.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but we have some more time until tomorrow.

"Today he was on the pitch already outside and let's see what the news will be for tomorrow.

"It will be difficult but the session this morning – it was good to see him outside the last few days, doing some specific work, so let's see the reaction from today and tomorrow we are going to make a decision."

"Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Fulham have exceeded all expectations this season after winning the Championship the previous campaign, and have won their last three matches – including an FA Cup replay at Sunderland.

Since the World Cup break the Cottagers have only lost two matches – at Newcastle and home to Tottenham – and conceded just four goals in the league.

"The mood (in the squad) is really good," Silva said

"We have a group of players that are really focused, as all the teams we need a good result to be confident, even more than the previous one.

"With good results and a good performance you can achieve it, but we always believe in ourselves, we know the competition we are facing but we know our quality as well.

"I think it is no surprise that the mood is good."



https://www.football365.com/news/marco-silva-fulham-are-showing-ambition-and-desire-but-arent-dreaming-of-european-football

Mitrovic looks unlikely to return for Fulham against Wolves

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is a major doubt for Friday's game against Wolves at Craven Cottage.

The Serbia international, 27, missed last week's 1-0 win over Brighton after suffering a minor hamstring injury during the win over Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.

He has been struggling with ankle and foot problems this season and not scored since netting the winner against Leicester on January 3.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready," said Whites boss Marco Silva.

"But he will have more time tomorrow so let's see what the news is then.

"Mitro had a session today, so let's see a reaction today."

There are no other injury worries for Fulham, who will move level on points with fifth-placed Newcastle if they beat a Wolves side which lost at home to Bournemouth last week.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-looks-unlikely-to-return-for-fulham-against-wolves

MATCHDAY: Fulham hosts Wolverhampton, Betis goes to Elche

A look at what's happening in European soccer on Friday:

ENGLAND

Fulham has been one of the big surprises in the Premier League this season and can move to within a point of the Champions League qualification places with a home win over Wolverhampton. Fulham is in sixth place in its first season after promotion, having started out as one of the favorites for relegation. It is coming off back-to-back wins, against Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Another win would see Fulham join fifth-place Newcastle on 41 points. Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is an injury doubt for Fulham after missing the Brighton game. Wolverhampton is in 15th place in the 20-team league, three points above the relegation zone.

SPAIN

Real Betis visits last-place Elche aiming to collect an easy three points that will keep it in the hunt for a top-four finish and a resulting Champions League berth. Elche looks destined for the second division after managing to win just once in 22 rounds played so far this season. Manuel Pellegrini's Betis is in fifth place and just four points behind Atletico Madrid, which faces a tough game at Real Madrid on Saturday.

GERMANY

Coming off a morale-boosting win over Bayern Munich last week, Borussia Mönchengladbach visits mid-table rival Mainz. Gladbach beat Bayern 3-2 with help from an early red card for Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano. Gladbach is eighth and Mainz is ninth after recent inconsistencies, and the gap to the European places has widened.



https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-bayern-munich-fulham-fc-spain-840a705d552f2f3179dc77ee1fe8b4a0

Fulham XI vs Wolves: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest

Team news update as Fulham sweat on Aleksandar Mitrovic

Marco Silva has admitted it "will be difficult" for Aleksandar Mitrovic to declare himself fit to face Wolves on Friday, saying the Serb remains an injury doubt.

Sixth-place Fulham host Wolves at Craven Cottage tomorrow night and a win would put them level on points with fifth-placed Newcastle.

Just like in the 1-0 win over Brighton last weekend, Silva's side may have to make do without top scorer Mitrovic who is still recovering from a hamstring problem.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but he will have some more [training] time tomorrow," Silva said on Thursday. "He was on the pitch today. Let's see the reaction from today. Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Cairney is out with an ankle injury until at least next week while Kebano is a long-term absentee having ruptured his Achilles in early November.

Silva opted to move Bobby Decordova-Reid to centre-forward in place of the absent Mitrovic in the win over Brighton but despite the result it didn't work.

He says he may not ditch the plan forever but the manager is expected to pick out-and-out striker Carlos Vinicius for the visit of Wolves.

Predicted Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Solomon, Pereira, Willian; Vinicius.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-xi-vs-wolves-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-premier-league-2023-b1062714.html

Attila Szalai was 'joining Chelsea' but now Fulham can sign him for £13m

Premier League high-flyers Fulham will need to improve their offer for Attila Szalai if they are serious about bringing the £13 million-rated Fenerbahce centre-back to Craven Cottage, according to Sporx.

This is not the first time we have seen a newly-promoted team take the top-flight by storm. See Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, for instance. Chris Wilder's Sheffield United the year before. Steve Coppell's Reading, even.

Only a select few sides have ever qualified for Europe during their first season back in the big time, however. Carry on like this and Fulham, sixth place with 11 wins from 24 matches, may soon be following in the footsteps of Nuno's Wolves or the great Ipswich Town outfit of 2001.

An excellent first season, however, gives way to a disappointing second more often than not. But Fulham can go some way to easing fears of that dreaded 'second season syndrome' with a couple of intelligent additions in a couple of key areas.

Fulham already drawing up summer transfer plans
Tosin Adarabioyo's future looks uncertain. And Tim Ream, while one of the Premier League's most in-form, reliable centre-backs, will turn 36 in October. So Szalai, a Hungary international ten years Ream's junior, could be a potentially inspired addition at just £13 million.

Fulham, Sporx say, recently had a bid of £9 million rejected, presumably during the January window. Fenerbahce are unwilling to sell for less than £13 million. Although, if Marco Silva and co are serious about Szalai, that £4 million gap will probably be bridged. 

A physical, 6ft 4ins man-mountain of a defender; Szalai is likened to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk due to his size and often-underrated passing range. A defender in Silva's system needs to be able to play out from the back Szalai – left-footed like US veteran Ream – is certainly more than capable in that department.

This is not the first time Szalai has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Just one year ago, Hungary coach Marco Rossi told Calciomercato that he expected to see the former Rapid Vienna youngster end up at Fulham's West London neighbours.

"I think he is joining Chelsea," said Rossi, who also talked up a move to Leeds United.

"He has been followed by big clubs in Spain but would also be a great player for Italian football."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/23/attila-szalai-was-joining-chelsea-but-now-fulham-can-sign-him-for-13m/

Fulham vs Wolves Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Fulham host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Friday night and they will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form with the home win.

The London club are currently 6th in the league table and they are coming into this game on the back of three consecutive victories across all competitions.

Marco Silva's men are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions and they will fancy their chances of picking up all three points at home against an inconsistent Wolves side.

Meanwhile, the visitors are currently 15th in the league table and they are just three points clear of the drop zone. Wolves will have to continue picking up points if they want to preserve their status as a Premier League club next season. A poor result here could see them drop back into the bottom three once again.

Wolves have picked up just two wins from their last five league matches and they will have to improve immensely in order to grind out an away win here.

Team News and Tactics
Fulham
The London club will be without the services of Neeskens Kebano and Tom Cairney because of injuries.

Meanwhile, star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic missed the game against Brighton with an injury and he could return here.

Silva is likely to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bernd Leno in goal.

Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson will line up as the full-backs here and they will look to add creativity and width to the attack. In the heart of the defence, Issa Diop will partner with Tim Ream.

Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha will start in the midfield pivot and the two players will look to provide defensive cover to the central defenders and break up the opposition play.

Harry Wilson and Willian are expected to line up as the wingers here and they will hope to add creativity and goals from the wide areas.

Andreas Pereira will be the attacking midfielder behind Mitrovic, who is set to lead the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Wilson, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic


Wolverhampton Wanderers
The visitors will be without the services of Chiquinho, Boubacar Traore, Sasa Kalajdzic, and Hwang Hee-Chan because of injuries.

Mario Lemina is set to return to the side after serving his suspension against Bournemouth. Julen Lopetegui is set to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Jose Sa in goal.

Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will start as the full-backs and Craig Dawson will partner Max Kilman at the heart of the defence.

Ruben Neves will look to add defensive cover to the side in the midfield pivot, while Lemina adds creativity and drive in the middle of the park.

Pablo Sarabia and Daniel Podence are likely to be deployed as the wide midfielders here and they will look to add creativity from the flanks.

Joao Moutinho will start as the central attacking midfielder here and the Portuguese will be expected to drop deep and help control the tempo of the game.

Matheus Cunha will lead the line for the visitors.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, Neves; Sarabia, Moutinho, Podence; Cunha


Key Stats

    Wolves have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Fulham have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches (Premier League).
    Wolves are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Wolves have scored a joint-league-low 17 goals so far, and their top scorers are Daniel Podence and Rúben Neves with five each.
    After the World Cup break, only Manchester United (seven) have won more games than Fulham (six).

Player to watch
Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Serbian striker has been in exceptional form this season and he has scored 11 goals in the league so far.

The 28-year-old missed the game against Brighton owing to an injury and he will be hoping to make an explosive return to action. Wolves have been quite vulnerable at the back this season and Mitrovic has the quality to punish them.

Prediction
Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fulham are undoubtedly the better team here and they will be full of confidence and momentum heading into this game. They are unbeaten in their last five outings across all competitions and they should be able to grind out an important win here.

Marco Silva's side will be boosted by the return of talisman striker Mitrovic and the Londoners have the quality to come out on top in the end.

Wolves will look to put up a fight here but their porous defence could be their undoing once again.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2023/02/24/fulham-vs-wolves-preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-team-news-key-stats/

How Leno is proving his worth at Fulham

Adrian Clarke says goalkeeper is enjoying the best season of his Premier League career

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 25.

Bernd Leno (FUL)
You would be hard pushed to find a better value-for-money signing than Leno across the last 12 months, as he prepares to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Brought in for just £3million from Arsenal last summer, the German has been outstanding for Fulham throughout 2022/23.

Leno has been the second busiest Premier League goalkeeper and risen to the challenge.

Making 92 saves, the 30-year-old's form has played a significant part in Fulham's unexpected push for a top-six finish.

Leno kept busy
Under Marco Silva, you would not describe Fulham as a cautious or defensive side.

Partly down to personnel limitations at the back, and also courtesy of a desire to outscore the opposition, they are a team that concede plenty of chances.

In open play, they have an Expected Goals Against (xGA) tally of 30.07, currently the highest in the division.

One of the primary reasons they have only let in 21 goals from open play, though, is thanks to the quality of Leno.

Goals prevented/conceded 2022/23

Player	Goals prevented	xGOT Conceded*	Conceded
Alisson	8.8	32.8	24
Leno	7.8	32.8	25
Arrizabalaga	7.2	16.2	9
Neto	4.7	13.7	9
Raya	3.3	30.3	27

*Expected Goals on Target (xGOT) Conceded

Statistically, Leno has prevented an additional 7.8 goals this season, according to Opta.

This ranks him second behind Alisson, who has also enjoyed an inspired campaign for Liverpool.

When you consider that 16 Premier League 'keepers have a Goals Prevented total that is in minus figures, it shows just how superb he has been.

Saves in box 2022/23

Player	Saves in box	Player	Saves in box (%)
Leno	68	Arrizabalaga	75.00
Pickford	58	Leno	72.34
Guaita	57	Pope	71.43
Raya	54	Neto	70.45
Meslier	52	Raya	70.13

Leno has always been a terrific shot-stopper, but this season his reflexes have been at their sharpest.

No other top-flight 'keeper has made as many saves from inside the penalty area and his success rate from close range has been exceptional.

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1610595017466290176

Chelsea goakeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is the only player to top his 72.34 per cent save ratio.

Leno's speed is one of his strongest suits.

He is very fast at sprinting out to attackers to close down angles, or smother the ball, while he reacts quickly to point-blank shots.

In those situations, he is one of the best around.

Leno is particularly strong at making saves low by his feet, especially when springing right.

Proving he has a full repertoire, meanwhile, many of his more difficult saves tend to be off the ground when diving to his left.

Revelling in his role as first-choice at Craven Cottage, there is no doubt Leno is enjoying a fresh lease of life.

Bouncing back
It will have hurt Leno to lose his place at Arsenal to Aaron Ramsdale, but his reaction to that setback has been excellent.

Proving he is one of the best goalkeepers in the division, Leno has delivered the best save percentages of his career in English football this season.

Leno save % by season

Season	Save (%)	Saves in box (%)
2018/19	71.23	62.04
2019/20	74.17	65.00
2020/21	69.42	61.18
2021/22	52.63	50.00
2022/23	76.47	72.34

His success under Silva is also providing Leno with the confidence to be more assertive inside his box.

Making 21 catches, he is now one of the most dominant number ones.

Until this point, it has been a wonderful campaign for Fulham, who sit in sixth place, just four points outside the top four.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals have been a factor in their surprise success, but at the other end of the pitch, Leno is just as important.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3079563

Fulham aiming to end 11-year winless run in Wolverhampton Wanderers clash

Fulham will attempt to end an 11-year wait for a Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers when the two sides go head-to-head at Craven Cottage on Friday evening.

Fulham have not looked back since winning promotion from the Championship last season, going on to pick up 38 points from their 24 Premier League games.

As a result of their impressive campaign, Fulham occupy sixth position in the Premier League table, leaving them four points adrift of the Champions League places.

While Marco Silva's side will be keen to extend their unbeaten run to six competitive games on Friday, they will also be looking to claim their first top flight victory over Wolves since securing a commanding 5-0 win in March 2012.

Fulham had to wait six years until they next faced Wolves in the Premier League, playing out a 1-1 draw in December 2018.

The three meetings that followed all ended in 1-0 defeats, before the two sides were involved in a goalless draw at Molineux when they met earlier this season.

Fulham have proven to be a resolute side in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three league games, drawing against Chelsea before they beat Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.

They now have the chance to record four consecutive shutouts in the top flight for the first time since December 2001.

On that occasion, Fulham were involved in three goalless draws, while they also claimed a 2-0 victory over Everton.

A win on Friday would move Fulham level on points with fifth-place Newcastle United, who have a superior goal difference and have played a game less.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-aiming-to-end-11-year-winless-run-in-wolves-clash_507446.html

Why Bernd Leno's been 'brilliant' for Fulham
Ahead of tonight's televised game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Adrian Clarke has authored a great piece over at the Premier League's official site acclaiming Bernd Leno as one of the best value signings of the past twelve months.

Fulham were in negotiations with Arsenal for almost the whole summer about bringing the German international to Craven Cottage and the goalkeeper's outstanding displays since making the move show exactly why. As Clarke outlines, Leno has been the second busiest keeper in the division – making 92 saves – with Silva's insistence on attacking football leading to the Whites having the highest number of Expected Goals Against in the league (30.07).

Opta's calculations claim that Leno has prevented a further 7.8 goals already this season – second only to Alisson in the division. Leno has made 68 saves inside the penalty area – the most in the top flight – and an incredible eleven inside the six yard box. Little wonder that Silva praised his goalkeeper's peerless performances during his pre-match press conference yesterday.

    "Bernd has been brilliant for us. I have to mention my goalkeeper coach, Hugo [Oliveira]. He showed me he was the right guy for us, to go for him. We waited and waited to get him. We knew he would be key. Now working with him, every match I'm more impressed. For me, he's one of the best three goalkeepers in the competition. Okay, you can say he's my player and that's why I'm saying that. But he is proving it. He has the quality, maturity and experience of the national team, top clubs in European competition. He's a top professional."

Clarke's deep dive into the data also recognises that Leno's overall save percentage this season (76.47%) is his highest in all of his five campaigns in English football. Statistics are just one measure of a player's effectiveness – but after applying the eye test, there's no doubt that Leno has made a massive difference to what had previously been a vulnerable Fulham rearguard at the highest level. To pay only an initial £3m for his services, arguably makes the German one of the best bargains in the club's history.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/why-bernd-lenos-been-brilliant-for-fulham/

Manor Remembers


Fulham versus Wolverhampton Wanderers falls on the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.

As a Shakhtar Donetsk player, Manor Solomon was living in Ukraine at the time, and he can still vividly recall that infamous moment.

"It was a terrible day," he told the official matchday programme. "I woke up in the middle of the night when I heard explosions, so I turned on the TV and I opened my phone and I saw that some other players were texting asking what's going on.

"Then on the Israeli news and the Ukrainian news they said something started in Kyiv and there were some explosions.

"Nobody knew what was going on exactly, but we understood that something bad was happening. I got a driver to take me to the border. I took all the luggage that I could.

"It was a terrible day, really. It took us maybe 18 hours to get to the border. And if it wasn't a fast driver and if he didn't take the back roads, it would have taken maybe two or three days, because everybody was going to the same place.

"And, also, at the border it was a big nightmare, seeing all the children, with their mothers suffering, not knowing what was going to happen to them.

"I passed the border, I had a family to come back to, I had a country to come back to, I had a home in Israel, but they didn't know what was going to happen to them, so it was a really horrible day."

Solomon still has friends living in Ukraine, and is desperate for the day when their lives – and those of the entire nation – can return to normal.

"It's still bad," he said. "I don't know exactly what's going on there in some parts. I know that my friends there are now more in the west, and there it's more easy.

"But I know that in Kyiv it's not normal. Sometimes there are alarms and I think they cannot leave their homes after 11pm, so it's not a normal life and I just hope it will be finished as soon as possible, because it's terrible."

The full interview with Manor can be read in the Wolves matchday programme.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/24/manor-remembers/

Club decide price for Fulham and West Ham target – Told market about intentions

Fulham and West Ham United are again being linked to São Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia.

The information comes from the Brazilian media, where journalist Alexsander says the Tricolor made a decision regarding the player.

It's claimed that São Paulo should negotiate Maia in the summer window, and already 'told' the market that they're only selling him for at least €10m.

Both Fulham and West Ham are considered to be contenders for that signing, since they are some of the clubs who made recent approaches for the player.

And since it's said this bid 'should arrive', we better wait and see if any of those clubs are putting that amount on the table.

Besides Fulham and West Ham, other Premier League sides such as Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest are said to be interested in Maia as well.

The midfielder had already been linked to English clubs in January, but São Paulo did their best to hold him then. Now it seems there's bigger interest in engaging in negotiations, partly because the summer window should attract more interested clubs.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-decide-price-fulham-west-ham-target-told-market-intentions/

Manchester United urged to sign Fulham star who is a "step up" from current player

Manchester United have been urged to sign Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who is a "step up" from Wout Weghorst.

Weghorst signed for Manchester United on loan from Burnley during the summer transfer window and has been fairly underwhelming just looking at his contribution on paper. However, what Weghorst lacks in goalscoring ability he makes up for in other departments.

Weghorst has been dropped into a number-ten role at times this season and his immense pressing ability makes it difficult for opposition sides.

Manchester United may not look to sign Weghorst on a permament deal as despite his contribution to the side, they may be looking for more of a complete forward to help them push for a Premier League title.

Now, former Premier League manager Timm Sherwood has urged Manchester United to sign Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is a step-up from Weghorst.

"He's a step up from him. If Weghorst can play for Man United, then so can Mitrovic," said Sherwood, on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.

Mitrovic has been impressive this season for Fulham in the Premier League, but as previously mentioned, you'd imagine Manchester United will be in the market for an elite-level forward if they want to push their rivals Man City and Arsenal at the top of the table.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/02/24/manchester-united-urged-to-sign-fulham-star-who-is-a-step-up-from-current-player/

Wolves: Lopetegui taking huge risk dropping £38m star at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager would be risking alerting other clubs to Matheus Nunes' services if he were to drop the midfielder.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui should be "careful" about dropping Matheus Nunes from the starting XI for their trip to Fulham this evening, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.

The midfielder has caught the eye of multiple Premier League sides ahead of a potential move away from Molineux this summer.

Wolves transfer news – Matheus Nunes
With the squad desperate for another midfielder, Wolves dropped a then club-record fee of £38m to bring Nunes to the West Midlands from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

The 24-year-old had been the subject of interest of both Liverpool and Manchester City, but it was the Wanderers who managed to prize him away from Portugal to the Premier League.

However, as per a report in The Telegraph in January, Chelsea are now preparing to battle it out with Liverpool with both clubs looking to strengthen in the middle of the park next summer.

Last month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that the Reds have a good relationship with Nunes' agent in Jorge Mendes, potentially giving them the edge in any potential deal in the coming months.

And Jones has hinted that despite Nunes' below-par performance in Wolves' 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, Lopetegui should avoid dropping him in order to wade off interest in his services.

What has Jones said about Wolves and Nunes?
When asked about potentially dropping Nunes for Mario Lemina for this evening's trip to Fulham, Jones told GiveMeSport: "Nunes wasn't at his best but I would still be careful about leaving him out of the team. A lot of other clubs will be watching his situation if they start doing that."

How has Nunes performed for Wolves this season?
Nunes – who has previously been described as a "special" talent by former coach Ruben Franco – has substantially improved his level of performance since the arrival of Lopetegui at Molineux in November.

The 11-cap Portugal international has played in 78% of available Premier League minutes this term but has only been able to provide one assist across 20 appearances to show for his efforts, whilst he is yet to hit the back of the net for the Wanderers.

However, the 6 foot star does compare favourably to his positional peers in some aspects of his game, ranking in the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues as well as the Champions League and Europa League for progressive passes received (4.90) and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90 minutes (2.57) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.

Therefore, Lopetegui will be looking towards his star man in the centre of the park to provide the performances to keep Wolves in the top flight come the end of the season and will hope to wade off transfer interest in the summer, if they can retain their Premier League status.



https://www.givemesport.com/wolves-wolverhampton-wanderers-julen-lopetegui-matheus-nunes-premier-league-molineux/

Chris Sutton makes 'amazing' prediction ahead of Fulham vs Wolves

Latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as BBC pundit looks ahead to Friday's 8pm clash with Fulham

Chris Sutton believes Wolves will not bounce back against Fulham tonight (8pm) following their shock home defeat to Bournemouth last time out.

Julen Lopetegui's side were riding a run of three wins in their last four when they hosted Bournemouth on Saturday. The Cherries had gone seven games without a win prior to their trip to Molineux, but a Marcus Tavernier goal proved to be enough for Gary O'Neil's side to take the points and climb out of the bottom three.

Wolves' run prior to that had seen them move away from the danger zone, but the surprise setback means they still only have three points more than West Ham in 18th. And while Lopetegui will be looking for a response from his players at Craven Cottage, they will be taking on one of this season's surprise packages.

Marco Silva's side currently sit 6th in the table, four points short of the Champions League spots and three points above Brighton, Brentford and Liverpool. It is a remarkable achievement for the newly-promoted side and BBC pundit Sutton has backed them to continue their European push against Wolves, with or without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"I thought Wolves had turned a corner under Julen Lopetegui, so I certainly didn't see them losing to Bournemouth last weekend," Sutton told BBC Sport , predicting a 1-0 defeat for Wolves.

"In contrast, Fulham got a great result with their win at Brighton, and Marco Silva's side are flying at the moment. For them to be sixth and chasing a European spot is just amazing. They could be without their top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has a hamstring problem, but they are at home and even without him I think they will find a way to win."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-fulham-chris-sutton-prediction-26319446

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers

TEAM NEWS

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has said "it will be difficult" for top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to overcome a hamstring issue in time to face Wolves.

Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano definitely remain unavailable.

Midfielder Mario Lemina returns from suspension for Wolves.

Boubacar Traore is not quite ready to play after a groin injury, while Hwang Hee-chan is at least a week away from being fit.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
I thought Wolves had turned a corner under Julen Lopetegui, so I certainly didn't see them losing to Bournemouth last weekend.

In contrast, Fulham got a great result with their win at Brighton and Marco Silva's side are flying at the moment. For them to be sixth and chasing a European spot is just amazing.

They could be without their top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has a hamstring problem, on Friday but they are at home and, even without him, I think they will find a way to win.

Prediction: 1-0

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham's only victory in 13 league matches against Wolves was 2-0 at Craven Cottage in the Championship five years to the day before this latest fixture (D3, L9).
    The Cottagers have gone four Premier League games without a goal versus Wolves since Ryan Sessegnon scored in a 1-1 home draw on Boxing Day 2018.
    A Wolves triumph would equal their club record of seven Premier League wins against a particular opponent. They've beaten both Southampton and West Ham seven times.

Fulham

    A win would give Fulham 41 points, the highest tally by a promoted team after 25 fixtures of a 38-match Premier League season.
    Only the two Manchester clubs have earned more points than Fulham's 19 since the Premier League resumed after the World Cup.
    Sixth-placed Fulham's solitary defeat in 17 league games this season against teams currently below them in the table came at West Ham in October (W11, D5).
    They can equal the club top-flight record of four consecutive clean sheets, set in March 1963 and matched in December 2001.
    Manor Solomon can become only the second Israeli player to score in three successive Premier League appearances, emulating Ronnie Rosenthal for Liverpool in November 1992.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Wolves can win consecutive away league matches for the first time since a run of four from December 2021 to February 2022.
    Their only point from five Premier League visits to London this season came in a 1-1 draw at Brentford in October.
    Wolves are unbeaten in their past seven top-flight away games against promoted opposition since a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United in July 2020.
    Craig Dawson is one short of 250 Premier League appearances.
    Mario Lemina scored one goal in 28 Premier League matches for Fulham during a loan spell from Southampton in 2020-21.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64671841

My best memory of a match against Wolves goes back to1950, they were our opponents at the Cottage for our first ever match in the top fight and they beat us 2-1.
Our team that day was :-
                                                                Flack
                                    Freeman                                     Baccuzi

                                 Quested                   Taylor                  Beasley

                                                   Thomas              Jezzard
                                    Stevens               Rowley                  McDonald
It was the team that had won the 2nd division title, no new players added.

Paul Merson gives 'one step further' verdict ahead of Fulham vs Wolves

Latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as Paul Merson looks ahead to Wolves' trip to Fulham

Paul Merson believes Wolves will suffer another defeat tonight as Fulham continue their quest for a European place.

Julen Lopetegui masterminded wins over West Ham, Liverpool and Southampton heading into last weekend's shock defeat to Bournemouth.

There had been a real sense of momentum at Molineux as Wolves' new signings helped propel the team away from the bottom three. But then came that 1-0 home defeat to the Cherries, leaving Wolves just three points above West Ham in 18th place.

Head coach Lopetegui will be demanding his players set the record straight at Fulham (8pm kick-off) but they face a tricky test against Marco Silva's form team.

A win on the road could potentially put Wolves level on points with Crystal Palace in 12th. But Fulham have their eyes on a more glamorous prize, sitting in sixth and just four points adrift of the Champions League qualification places.

Pundit Paul Merson has backed Fulham to add to Wolves' woes and continue their unlikely push for Europe.

"Fulham had a big result last Saturday, beating Brighton 1-0 at the AMEX. Fulham got dominated but stuck in there and got the result," Merson told Sportskeeda in predicting a 1-0 defeat for Wolves. "Meanwhile, Wolves had a shocking result, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

"I'm going to go with Fulham. I expect them to win this game. Wolves have now been put back in the relegation fight with just three points separating them from the drop zone.

"Brighton and Fulham look well-placed to seal a berth in Europe next season. This game will take the Cottagers one step further towards that goal."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-paul-merson-prediction-fulham-26320346

Fulham predicted XI vs Wolves as Marco Silva has some selection decisions to make

A look at how Fulham could line up this evening as they return to the action

Fulham take on Wolves on Friday evening as they look to keep their run of form going. Marco Silva's side picked up an impressive 1-0 away win at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out.

Manor Solomon scored the winner at the AMEX Stadium. Here is a look at how the Cottagers could line up against Julen Lopetegui's men...

GK: Bernd Leno: He has been Fulham's number one since his switch from Arsenal last summer.

RB: Kenny Tete: The right-back has competition for his place from winter addition Cedric Soares now.

CB: Issa Diop: He is in decent form under Silva and has adapted well to life at Craven Cottage since joining from West Ham.

CB: Tim Ream: The evergreen centre-back has formed a great partnership at the back with Diop.

LB: Antonee Robinson: He has been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Inter Milan over recent times.

CM: Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese midfielder has been a key player for the Whites in the middle of the park this term.

CM: Harrison Reed: He has had an impressive season for Fulham so far.

RW: Manor Solomon: The winger scored the winner against Brighton and will be eager to hit some form now.

CAM: Andreas Pereira: He joined from Manchester United after Fulham's promotion from the Championship.

LW: Willian: The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal man has injected quality and experience into the Cottagers' side.

ST: Carlos Vinicius: He could be given the green light to lead the line up top.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-predicted-xi-vs-wolves-as-marco-silva-has-some-selection-decisions-to-make-4040031

West Ham (H) Tickets

Fulham take on West Ham United in the Premier League for another London derby in April, with tickets going on sale from 10am on Tuesday 28th February.

Fulham will be looking to avenge their defeat at the London Stadium in October when the Hammers visit SW6 on Saturday 8th April, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets for this fixture will go on sale to Members* (max. 1 per person) at 10am on Tuesday 28th February, to Season Ticket Holders (max. 4 per person) at 10am on Thursday 2nd March and to Supporters with a Previous Booking History at 10am on Monday 6th March (max. 4 per person).

Prices for this fixture start from £20 for Juniors and £30 for Adults. Family Area Tickets must be purchased over the phone on 0203 871 0810.

Further information on this fixture can be found here.
HOW TO BUY

Fans can now secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE FROM TUESDAY

*Membership must have been purchased by 10am on Friday 24th February - New Members after this point would not be eligible to buy during the membership priority window.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/24/west-ham-h-tickets/

How to watch Fulham vs Wolves – live

Wolves head to the capital and take on Fulham under the Craven Cottage light on Friday at 8pm. Find out how you can follow the game live online below.

Where to watch Fulham vs Wolves online
Supporters can watch all the build up to Fulham vs Wolves for free on Matchday Live Extra online via Wolves TV, the Wolves App, Wolves' YouTube channel and the official club Twitter account – @Wolves.

The 45-minute pre-match show will be available to view live ahead of kick-off, with host Mikey Burrows joined by former Wolves full-back Andy Thompson.

Matchday Live Extra will provide expert analysis, as well as bringing the latest team news and build-up ahead of the Premier League match.

Kick-off time and stream start time
Fulham vs Wolves kicks off at 8pm with the Matchday Live Extra stream beginning around 45 minutes ahead of kick-off at 7.15pm.

Live broadcast coverage
Live broadcast coverage of Fulham vs Wolves will be provided by Sky Sports in the UK on their Friday Night Football show.

Across the world, supporters can watch the match live via their local Premier League broadcast partner.

Live audio commentary
Live audio commentary of Fulham vs Wolves will be provided by Wolves TV and the Wolves App, as will every Premier League match throughout the 2022/23 season.

Commentator Mikey Burrows and former Wolves men Andy Thompson will be in position at Craven Cottage during Friday where they will provide supporters with full kick-by-kick commentary of all the action from the 8pm kick-off.

Live matchday blog
Live text coverage of Fulham vs Wolves is also being provided on Friday night as wolves.co.uk returns with the Matchday Blog, beginning two hours ahead of kick-off.

While @Wolves on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will produce on the pulse updates throughout the day.



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/20230223-how-to-watch-fulham-vs-wolves-live/

Five clubs who defied the odds to reach the Champions League as Fulham dare to dream

With Fulham four points behind Champions League qualification 24 games into the season, Daily Star Sport takes a look at five clubs who defied the odds to wear the famous badge

Fulham sit four points away from fourth-placed Tottenham following a blistering start to the season under Marco Silva - in sight of Champions League qualification.

Should the west London outfit do the unthinkable and reach the promised land having been in the Championship last season, it might just be the most unexpected arrival yet.

Having said that, there have been a handful of sides to defy the odds and contest with Europe's elite - who were like Fulham tipped by many for relegation.

Daily Star Sport have taken a look at five sides who reached the Champions League with little evidence they had what it takes before hand.

Newcastle 2001/02
Newcastle hadn't finished inside the top-half of the Premier League table for four seasons before their 4th place spot earned Champions League qualification in 2001/02.

Sir Bobby Robson and his stars rolled back the years to the 1996/97 campaign, where they had finished runners-up, finishing with 71 points and 21 wins.

Having to begin in the third qualifying round, Newcastle went all the way to the second group stage with wins over the likes of Juventus, and Feyenoord before losing out to Inter and Barcelona.

Everton 2004/05
Although Everton would go on to become a fixture in the top-half of the Premier League table - they finished 17th before shooting up to fourth in 2004/05.

Having claimed only 39 points the previous season under David Moyes, they climbed to fourth with 18 wins and entered the third round qualifying of the Champions League.

However, things didn't go will with 2-1 defeats both home and away against Villarreal to dump them out before the group stages - dropping down to 11th domestically.

Hearts 2005/06
Having finished fifth in the then-Scottish Premier League the previous season, Hearts climbed up to second in 2005/06 to book qualification for the Champions League second qualifying round.

Having finished above Rangers by a single point, they saw off the challenge of Siroki Brijeg before being toppled by AEK Athens 5-1 on aggregate.

Hearts have since been able to tackle the Europa League play-off round without success on three occasions, missing out at the second qualifying round in 2016/17.

Motherwell 2011/12
Motherwell's third place finish in the 2011/12 season turned out to be enough for a Champions League third qualifying round - thanks to Rangers.

Having finished second in the table with 73 points, the Ibrox side were liquidated and admitted to the Third Division to the advantage of Stuart McCall's men.

Having been drawn against Panathinaikos, a 2-0 defeat at home and 3-0 defeat away ended their campaign, losing to Levante in the Europa League playoff.

Leicester 2015/16
Having gone on to win the Premier League title during their astonishing campaign under Claudio Ranieri, Leicester went on to have a fine Champions League run.

Their European campaign became a welcome distraction from their miserable league form with four wins from six group matches, with Ranieri sacked after the defeat to Sevilla in the round of 16 first-leg.

With Craig Shakespeare guiding the Foxes to a aggregate victory, they went down fighting against Atletico Madrid who lose to eventual winners Real Madrid.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-champions-league-surprise-clubs-29302935

Fulham identify summer transfer target but face competition from two clubs

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham emerges

Fulham are reportedly interested in FC Nordsjælland midfielder Jacob Steen Christensen. The Denmark youth international is being linked with a switch to Craven Cottage in the summer.

According to Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, the Cottagers have been mentioned as a potential suitor for the youngster at the end of this season. However, there is competition for his signature with Serie A pair Atalanta and Spezia also in the frame.

Fulham could see the 21-year-old as a long-term option in the middle of the park. His contract is up in late June and he could be available for next to nothing.

Christensen, who is from Copenhagen, started out at local side Akademisk Boldklub before joining his current club at the age of 21. He has since risen up through the youth ranks over recent years and has now made 141 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with a single goal and nine assists.

Fulham have got their recruitment spot on since sealing their return to the Premier League and will be keeping a tentative eye on the summer now, with European football a possibility next term. They are back in action this evening at home to Wolves as they look to extend their run of form.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-identify-summer-transfer-target-but-face-competition-from-two-clubs-4040477

Marco Silva passion play is driving high-flying Fulham to new levels as risks pay off

Intense approach is working wonders as Cottagers battle for European qualification

While Chelsea fans gauge whether their manager is animated enough to inspire his players, Fulham have no such concerns about Marco Silva.

Newly-promoted Fulham are sixth in the Premier League. If they beat Wolves on Friday, they would go level on points with fifth-placed Newcastle.

It has been a meteoric rise, their 45-year-old manager leading them through it all. They won the Championship in his first season and now occupy a European spot in the world's most unrelenting League less than a year on.

Silva went straight into management after retiring as a player, helping Estoril to the Portuguese title in his first season, securing European qualification. Fulham supporters will read that with interest.

In 2014, a 36-year-old Silva led Estoril to a first home league defeat for Porto since 2008. The ever-exuberant Silva was sent off for two touchline bookings midway through the historic win.

Fulham will recognise their head coach in that story: intense, often disagreeable, but able to guide his teams to places they have seldom been.

After stints at Hull, Watford and Everton, Silva arrived at Fulham. They romped to Championship glory, with Aleksandar Mitrovic breaking the League's goals record for a single season, hitting a staggering 43 in 44 games. Fulham scored 106 and the Premier League awaited.

Of every club's summer acquisitions, Fulham's were surely the shrewdest. In came Bernd Leno from Arsenal; Carlos Vinicius, Andreas Pereira, Issa Diop and Manor Solomon followed; then Joao Palhinha, the defensive midfield revelation from Sporting. Manchester United wanted Palhinha last summer, but Silva used his Portuguese charm to guide him to Fulham. He has been their player of the season.

Fulham have lost just eight of their 24 League games, two being stoppage-time defeats by the Manchester clubs before the World Cup. They push everyone close, something that could not be said about them under any of their managers since Roy Hodgson.

The club is also into the FA Cup fifth round, where they host Leeds on Tuesday. Silva was suspended from Fulham's 3-2 fourth-round replay win at Sunderland after clocking up four yellow cards for remonstrating with referees.

"Passionate," he said, when asked how he would describe his managerial style. "I like to be there every session with my players, to coach them in every moment. [We have] to try to control our emotions, and I'm trying to do that, but I'm trying to be as passionate as I can."

Why have he and Fulham excelled together? "There are no secrets," he said. "It's the way we work, and it's not the first time I've worked in this way."

When Mitrovic missed last weekend's win at Brighton, Silva did not play striker Vinicius, instead moving Bobby Decordova-Reid there. It did not work, and Vinicius will likely start on Friday.

Yet Silva said he would consider trying it again. His success has afforded him the chance to experiment — and most of his risks pay off.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-marco-silva-premier-league-b1062899.html

Wolves: Lopetegui should unleash Podence vs Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Premier League action on Friday night as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage and Julen Lopetegui should unleash Daniel Podence in his starting lineup.

After back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Southampton, the Old Gold looked to be favourites when they took on relegation rivals Bournemouth at Molineux last week.

However, a narrow 1-0 defeat, in which Wolves' problems in the final third were once again exposed, has dragged Lopetegui's side right back into the battle at the bottom of the league.

Therefore, the Midlands club will be desperate to pick up points against an in-form Fulham side this evening, but face a tough ask, given that Marco Silva's side have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League fixtures and look a real contender for a European spot this season.

Wolves are still the lowest scorers in the top flight and looked toothless in attack against the Cherries last time out, so Lopetegui must consider reinstalling Podence into his starting 11.

The Portuguese winger is the joint-top scorer with central midfielder Ruben Neves on five goals this term, while he also ranks among the top five players in Wolves' squad for shots and key passes per game, which emphasises the attacking quality that he can provide in the final third.

The Old Gold cannot afford to play things safe at this point in the season and will need a creative spark to unlock a resolute Fulham defence, so he must be preferred on the wing after Adama Traore and Pablo Sarabia failed to deliver against Bournemouth.

Ex-Wolves man Dave Edwards summed up what Podence can bring to Wolves in a column for the Express and Star, suggesting that he "never plays safe" and is "always looking to affect the game."

Meanwhile, his former boss Bruno Lage also praised the Portuguese threat last season, saying:

"He is very clever. With him, we can play better between the lines and can have different strategies.

"He understands his role and the game inside and outside. The main point is that I try to play where he starts and then create the moments he knows and the dynamic he has."

Given that Podence ranks far higher than someone like Traore for shots and key passes per game, Lopetegui should consider sacrificing the counter-attacking threat and instead add quality in the final third, in the hope that the former Olympiacos winger can do the business in another important fixture this evening.



https://www.footballfancast.com/wolves-news/wolves-julen-lopetegui-daniel-podence-fulham-chalkboard-molineux-wwfc-old-gold

Fulham target admits big career dream after claims Marco Silva's side scouted him in January

Fulham target Milan van Ewijk has admitted he wants to win the Ballon D'or in future, despite that being "impossible" for a defender.

Van Ewiijk is currently starring for Heerenveen in the Eredivisie after joining them in a €600,000 deal from Ado den Haag in July 2021.

His performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe and reports in the January transfer window made it clear that Fulham were considering a move.

Those reports made it clear that they had sent scouts to watch the defender to get a closer look at him, with Van Ewijk later commenting on the apparent interest and then admitting he would be interested in the switch to Craven Cottage in the summer.

That would certainly go someway to helping Van Ewijk achieve a career dream, winning the Ballon D'Or.

"The Brazilian Cafú is my great example," FEAN Online report him saying.

"I have watched many of his matches. But also Cancelo from Manchester City, Alexander Arnold from Liverpool and Chelsea player (Reece) James.

"One day I want to win the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Ball for the best footballer of the year. As a defender, that is almost impossible and therefore an extra nice reward. Or be in the Eleven of the Year with the greatest players in the world . That would be great!"

Whether Fulham return to offer him his chance of Premier League football in the summer remains to be seen.

They were presumably keen on him in January as an alternative to Kenny Tete, with Kevin Mbabu having struggled since his arrival in the summer and eventually returning to Switzerland on loan.

Cedric Soares eventually arrived from Arsenal to fill that spot, with Fulham manager Marco Silva sharing his delight at getting that deal over the line this week.

That would suggest they won't be looking at Van Ewijk in the summer and he may need to look elsewhere to start his path to Ballon D'Or glory.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-target-admits-big-career-dream-claims-marco-silvas-side-scouted-january/

Crunching the numbers: Why fantastic Fulham are soaring under Silva

Many thought Marco Silva's time in the top flight of English football had come to an end when he was sacked by Everton at the beginning of December 2019.

The Portuguese had taken charge of the Toffees in the summer of 2018 and enjoyed a respectable first season in charge, leading them to an eighth-placed finish.

But the 2019-20 campaign started poorly and when Everton took a 5-2 beating at the hands of their city rivals Liverpool, it became clear that Silva's position had become untenable.

He lost his job – the third time in English football that he had ended his time with his employer acrimoniously after previous stints in charge of Hull City and Watford.

Eighteen months later, however, the opportunity to replace Bournemouth-bound Scott Parker at Craven Cottage arose and Silva chose to take it.

Since then, he has led Fulham on a magnificent ride, restoring them to the Premier League and repairing his reputation in the process.

Bouncing back
Both Fulham and Silva bounced back in a big way in 2021-22. The former were keen to restore their Premier League status at the first time of asking following a humbling relegation and they did just that.

The Cottagers took 13 points of their first 15 and became the first English club to score 19 goals over three matches in the month of January, becoming the first side since Chester City did so in 1933.

They won the Championship by beating Luton Town 7-0, rounding off a high-scoring campaign that saw them clock up 106 goals – a feat only bettered by Manchester City back in 2001-02.

Silva's Fulham looked lean and mean, dancing in the bright lights of west London and determined to right previous wrongs. The man himself looked like someone who had learned from his mistakes.

All of that would have meant nothing, of course, had his team floundered upon their return to the Premier League and gone straight back down. Thankfully for them, however, that certainly has not happened.

(https://media.twenty3.sport/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/24143027/player_-xg-shot-map-dark-5-2048x2048.png)

Flying high
Fulham are sixth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend's action having taken 38 points from their opening 24 fixtures and look certain to avoid the drop.

But that is not what they are focused on. The Cottagers stand a real chance of securing European football for 2023-24 and look capable of capitalising on what has been a poor year for Chelsea and Liverpool.

The battle for a Europa League place looks like it will be fought between themselves, Brighton and Brentford, as well as the usual suspects.

Their position in the table is fully deserved. Silva's Fulham are a serious prospect – capable in the final third, tenacious in midfield and more than capable of running a tight ship at the back.

In terms of their underlying metrics, they rank highly Premier League-wide in several key categories – third for defensive duels won (991), third for loose balls won (385) and fourth for clean sheets (eight).

(https://media.twenty3.sport/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/24143012/player_-full-pitch-viz-dark-20-2048x2048.png)

Collective and individual quality
Fulham are superbly coached, it is clear to see. Silva has been working on himself and refining his techniques during his time out of the game and it is evidently beginning to pay off.

But they also have a great deal of individual quality to go along with this collective coherence. Bernd Leno has kept seven clean sheets between the posts, serving as an important building block for their defence.

João Palhinha has made a team-high 272 successful defensive actions as well as winning 115 interceptions and 134 defensive duels. The Portuguese is the glue that holds their midfield together.

Andreas Pereira has contributed two goals and a team-high six assists from his position in attacking midfield. The Brazilian, returning to English football after a spell back home in Rio de Janeiro with Flamengo, has also completed 24 dribbles, made 29 progressive runs and taken 41 touches in the box.

(https://media.twenty3.sport/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/24143033/player_-shot-and-shot-assist-map-dark-7-2048x2048.png)

And then, of course, there is Aleksandar Mitrović. The Serbian has always been considered too good for the Championship and not good enough for the Premier League but he has dispelled that myth in 2022-23 – contributing a team-high 11 goals and two assists for Fulham.

And that makes for a potent combination. Fulham have a point to prove and they are led by a man and a group of players in a very similar boat. They are most certainly proving it this year.



https://www.twenty3.sport/crunching-the-numbers-why-fantastic-fulham-are-soaring-under-silva/

Fulham midfielder to leave the club as new club swoops in

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham emerges

Fulham midfielder Adrion Pajaziti is reportedly close to joining FK Haugesund. The youngster is being given the green light to head out the exit door to get some more game time under his belt.

According to reporter Fabrizio Romano on Twitter (see tweet below), the 20-year-old will link up with the Norweigen side on loan. The deal will also include an option to buy.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1629133820963311617

Fulham have a whole host of options in midfield such as Joao Palhinha, Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney and new signing Sasa Lukic which has blocked the Albanian youth international's pathway into the first-team. He has been on the books of the London club since the age of 12.

He has since risen up through the academy ranks at Craven Cottage and has been a regular at various youth levels over recent years. The Cottagers handed him his first professional contract back in October 2020 and he made his only senior appearance to date a year later in a fixture away at Birmingham City.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-midfielder-to-leave-the-club-as-new-club-swoops-in-4040909