Silva: It was 'a very good performance'
Marco Silva praised the application of his players and the quality of Fulham's performance after watching the Whites win 3-1 at Championship high fliers Ipswich Town tonight.
The Cottagers cruised into the last eight of the League Cup thanks to goals from Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney. Silva told his post-match press conference at Portman Road that he was delighted with how his side responded to the number of changes before kick off.
Yes very good performance. Credit to the players, congratulations to them.
"It is true we did eight changes in our XI and even we probably needed more because we are going to play an early kick-off on Saturday, but in some positions it was impossible to do. If I had the chance, I would do even more (changes), but the main thing for me is we kept our structure, we kept the same way. All the players know the way we want to play and we were really serious in the way we approach the game."
Silva also challenged Muniz to become a regular after his well-taken goal in the second half
He is always a candidate and he had a very good pre-season, Unfortunately in the moment he was showing his quality, showing how he was growing, even if last season was tough for him, he had a muscle injury and it stop a little bit his development in the pre-season.
"He came back and had a very good game against Tottenham in the first Carabao Cup match we have and he is taking his chances. So, he is always a candidate like the others, like Raul (Jimenez) and Carlos Vinicius.
"They are fighting for the position, we don't have a number one, two or three. It is for me to decide for each game regarding the strategy and what I want from the game. It is up to them to show the quality they have and to show they are able to play.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/silva-it-was-a-very-good-performance/
United's Casemiro out of Saturday's Fulham clash with injury, Ten Hag says
Nov 2 (Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will miss Saturday's trip to Fulham in the Premier League after getting injured during Wednesday's 3-0 League Cup loss to Newcastle United, manager Erik ten Hag said.
The Brazilian international was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat at half-time in the match which saw his team eliminated from the knockout competition.
"Just before half-time, he got an injury. That's why we had to take him off," ten Hag said without specifying the nature of the injury.
"We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday he's out," he told a post-match press conference.
Casemiro, a key player for the club in defensive midfield, last month injured his ankle while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
He was deemed fit to play against Uruguay five days later, but the club chose to leave him out of a trip to Sheffield United to help him recover.
The 31-year-old's latest injury comes ahead of Brazil's mid-November World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and champions Argentina.
Ten Hag said he could not say whether Casemiro would be recovered by then.
Manchester United are eighth in the league after losing Sunday's derby to Manchester City, while Brazil are third in the World Cup qualifiers after October's draw with Venezuela and loss to Uruguay.
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/uniteds-casemiro-out-saturdays-fulham-clash-with-injury-ten-hag-says-2023-11-02/?rpc=401&
Manchester United team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham
Battered and bruised both physically and mentally, an off-colour Manchester United seek to snap a two-game losing run when they tackle Fulham at Craven Cottage in Saturday's early Premier League kickoff.
A few days on from a 3-0 Manchester derby humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, the Red Devils' EFL Cup title defence came to an end in the fourth round with an identical defeat to last year's runners-up Newcastle United.
With the pressure weighing heavier on his shoulders by the week, Erik ten Hag takes Man United to Craven Cottage with his side occupying eighth place in the table, having picked up five wins and as many defeats from their opening 10 games so far this term.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man United's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their meeting with Fulham, who by contrast did book their spot in the EFL Cup quarters by sinking Ipswich Town 3-1 in midweek.
Casemiro
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: November 4 (vs. Fulham)
Casemiro shook off his previous ankle concern to make the first XI in the EFL Cup, but he was then withdrawn at half time after picking up another unspecified issue, which has plunged his participation in Saturday's game into severe doubt.
Raphael Varane
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Illness
Possible return date: November 4 (vs. Fulham)
After losing out to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans for a start in the derby, Raphael Varane was absent from the squad to face Newcastle due to a reported illness, which he should expect to recover from in time for the weekend.
Luke Shaw
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: November 26 (vs. Everton)
In contrast, Luke Shaw will not be available for another few weeks yet, as the left-back is still on the treatment table with the muscular injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur in August.
Tyrell Malacia
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: November 26 (vs. Everton)
Shaw's deputy Tyrell Malacia is believed to have undergone an operation to address a knee problem over the summer, and the Dutchman is not expected back until late November in the best-case scenario.
Lisandro Martinez
Status: Out
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez saw his previous foot injury flare up again in September, and the former Ajax man is set to miss the remainder of 2023 as he recuperates from surgery.
Amad Diallo
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
Amad Diallo is back running on the training pitches following his knee injury, but the Ivorian is still some way away from rejoining team training and making a competitive comeback.
MANCHESTER UNITED SUSPENSION LIST
Man United have no players suspended for this match, but Jadon Sancho is still training away from the first team amid his ongoing spat with Ten Hag and is not being considered for selection.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/man-united-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_527953.html?newsnow
Joao Palhinha and Willian thought 22-year-old Fulham player was on fire against Ipswich Town
Fulham have reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time in nearly 20 years and have Rodrigo Muniz to thank for their win over Ipswich Town.
The young Brazilian took to social media after scoring his first goal of the season at Portman Road last night.
Marco Silva made eight changes to the side that drew with Brighton on Sunday with an early kick-off on Saturday against Manchester United on the horizon.
They might have been slightly fortunate that high-flying Ipswich completely rotated their starting line-up which immediately suggested where their priorities lie right now.
Fulham dominated the match and were unlucky to have only won the match 3-1 in the end.
Harry Wilson capitalised on a poor decision from Christian Walton in the Ipswich goal to slot into the empty net before the ten-minute mark.
Rodrigo Muniz doubled Fulham's lead against Ipswich just after half-time, latching onto a brilliant pass from Andreas Pereira.
Tom Cairney wrapped up the game with his first away goal in three years as Marco Silva's side reached their second cup quarter-final in 2023.
He'll be hoping their trip to Everton next month goes better than the visit to Old Trafford in the FA Cup last season.
Muniz stars for Fulham against Ipswich
Posting on Instagram after the match, Muniz said: "Brazilian style...Vamos Fulham FC."
Plenty of Muniz's Fulham teammates responded, with Alex Iwobi replying with a dancing emoji, referring to his goal celebration.
Both Joao Palhinha and Willian thought he was on fire, while Carlos Vinicius simply said: "Wow!"
(https://cdn1.fulham.news/uploads/29/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-02-at-06.12.06.png)
The question for Marco Silva now is who should start up front against Manchester United on Saturday.
There was some goodwill for Raul Jimenez before last weekend's match against Brighton despite his goalless streak continuing.
However, Muniz looked full of energy and willing to run into the ground at the Amex and his goal against Ipswich might make him Fulham's best option to play as the main centre-forward.
Fulham are in the market for a new striker in January, but Muniz will want to prove he can be the main man this season.
After barely playing for Middlesbrough last season while on loan, he could be about to start against a Man United side who are in turmoil following their defeat to Newcastle last night.
https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/02/joao-palhinha-and-willian-thought-22-year-old-fulham-player-was-on-fire-against-ipswich-town/
How Manchester United could line up against Fulham
Manchester United have been dealt a fresh concern over the fitness of Casemiro ahead of Saturday's Premier League lunchtime kickoff against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to the first XI against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup following an ankle issue, but Erik ten Hag was then forced to take him off at half time in that 3-0 defeat.
The nature and indeed severity of Casemiro's affliction remains unclear, but it would be a shock to see him involved this weekend, while none of Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Tyrell Malacia (knee) or Lisandro Martinez (foot) will be in action either.
Raphael Varane will also need assessing after missing the midweek loss due to illness, but the Frenchman could potentially come back in alongside Harry Maguire in front of Andre Onana, who is still keeping Altay Bayindir waiting for his debut.
After being left out of the Manchester derby XI, Sergio Reguilon ought to hold his place at left-back here, while a fit-again Aaron Wan-Bissaka can challenge Diogo Dalot for his right-back berth.
Casemiro's injury should open the door for Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen to return to the centre of the park, although Sofyan Amrabat is another option to replace the stricken Brazilian and Mason Mount.
All of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are primed to return to the Red Devils' attacking quartet, where Antony may hold his place despite another ineffective display in midweek.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/predicted-lineups/how-man-united-could-line-up-against-fulham_528005.html?newsnow
Man of the Match Result: Ipswich(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/ce229f10-7964-11ee-a9fc-cbe0669e1e92.jpg)
To cap off a brilliant senior competitive debut, Luc De Fougerolles has won Fulham's Man of the Match award against Ipswich.
The 18 year-old showed maturity beyond his years with five recoveries, five duels won as well as completing 57/63 passes successfully.
Speaking to FFCtv after the game, the young defender said: "It was amazing to play in front of so many fans, the away fans were amazing.
"It was a great experience and hopefully there's much more to come."
Marco Silva was also full of praise for the Canadian post-match. "The boy deserves it" our Head Coach said.
"I didn't have doubts to start with him to be honest because he's giving me the confidence that he's ready to have these type of chances."
In a game of many perfect performances Luc won the tight vote with 24%, whilst goalscorers Tom Cairney (19%) and Harry Wilson (12%) were close behind.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/02/man-of-the-match-result-ipswich/
Fulham are two matches away from Wembley after EFL Cup win at Ipswich Town
(https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PA-74413886.jpg)
Fulham are two matches away from a trip to Wembley after their 3-1 win at Ipswich Town on Wednesday put them into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
The Whites will head to Everton in a last-eight clash, the first time they have reached this stage of the competition since 2004.
Fulham boss Marco Silva was able to rest the likes of Joao Palhinha, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson as goals from Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney saw off the Tractor Boys.
The west Londoners face Manchester United in the lunchtime kick off on Saturday.
Silva, who made eight changes to the team which drew 1-1 at Brighton on Sunday, said: "The main thing was we kept the same structure (at Ipswich). We were serious in our approach."
Fulham have struggled to replace the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic but Muniz, 22, staked a claim to start with his first goal for the club since January 2022.
"He is always a candidate and he had a very good pre-season," said Silva.
"Unfortunately in the moment he was showing his quality, – even if last season was tough for him – he had a muscle injury and it stopped his development a little bit in pre-season.
"He came back and had a very good game against Tottenham in the first Carabao Cup match we have and he is taking his chances. So, he is always a candidate like the others, like Raul (Jimenez) and Carlos Vinicius.
"They are fighting for the position. We don't have a number one, two or three. It is for me to decide for each game regarding the strategy and what I want from the game. It is up to them to show the quality they have and to show they are able to play.
"Rodrigo did really well. Let's see what will be my decision for the next match."
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-are-two-matches-away-from-wembley-after-efl-cup-win-at-ipswich-town/
Fulham vs Manchester United LIVE commentary: Struggling Erik ten Hag desperate for win to kickstart season – kick-off time, team news and how to follow
Manchester United head to west London to take on Fulham this weekend looking to salvage their faltering season, and it's live on talkSPORT.
The Red Devils' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City has left them in eighth, eight points off the top four after ten games.
Erik ten Hag was criticised for his team selection and tactics during the Manchester derby, and the pressure has ramped up on him even further following United's hapless Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Fulham have made a quiet start to the campaign.
Marco Silva's men are currently 14th in the table, but they are well clear of the drop zone.
Fulham might be higher if they had a reliable goalscorer, but Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure has left them short of forward options and United will hope to exploit that.
Fulham vs Man United: Head-to-head record and form
United have won five and lost five in the Premier League so far this season.
It would be hard to argue they have played well in any of their fixtures and have scored late goals against Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United to salvage wins.
Meanwhile, the Cottagers have won three of their opening fixtures, losing four and securing three draws.
But they have only won one of their last five and are yet to beat a 'big six' team this year.
This will be the 90th meeting between these clubs and the Cottagers haven't won since December 2009.
Fulham wins: 14
Draws: 20
Man United wins: 55
Since winning back-to-back Premier League games against Man Utd in March/December 2009, Fulham are now winless in their last 15 against them (D3 L12).
Manchester United have won their last six Premier League away games against Fulham – only at West Bromwich Albion (8 between 1984 and 2011) have they won more consecutively at an opponent in their league history.
Fulham have alternated between defeat and victory in their four Premier League home games this season, beating Sheffield United 3-1 last time out. Indeed, both of their wins at Craven Cottage this term have been against promoted sides (also 1-0 v Luton).
Fulham vs Man United: Team news
The Cottagers are hopeful of welcoming Kenny Tete and Adama Traore back.
Both players were close to being involved at the weekend against Brighton, so should be available here.
But Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop have long-term issues and will be on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, United will hope to welcome Casemiro back from an ankle problem.
Raphael Varane might be recalled in place of Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon will look to start as well.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be involved after overcoming a hamstring injury.
But Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez remain out.
(https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/talksport-2022-table-7fdc3a29-8ad4-4bb5-a18b-b589b857e8c7.png?strip=all&w=960&quality=100)
Manchester United are looking to win three consecutive Premier League away games for the first time since a run of 10 between June and December 2020. However, both of their away league defeats this season have been in London (0-2 v Tottenham, 1-3 v Arsenal).
Manchester United have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games in London (D3 L7), though that was at Fulham in November last season. They've lost their last three such games, last losing more consecutively in the capital between April 1973 and January 1974 (5).
Manchester United have lost five of their 10 Premier League games this season, and have a goal difference of -5 (F11 A16). It's their most defeats after 10 games of a top-flight season since 1986-87 (6), while it's their lowest goal difference at this stage since 1972-73 (-5). Indeed, only once have they ever had a lower goal difference at any stage of a campaign in Premier League history (-6 after three games in 2020-21).
Fulham vs Man United: What has been said?
Former Huddersfield and QPR boss Neil Warnock believes Ten Hag's signings have been awful.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "The money that he's spent, people forget.
"Whatever you think about the owners they've spent some massive money.
"Some of the players, they've spent £60-70million. I wouldn't have had them with me at Huddersfield."
Only Burnley (112) have suffered more high turnovers against them than Fulham (111) in the Premier League this season, with only Bournemouth (5) conceding more goals from such situations than the Cottagers (3). Meanwhile, Manchester United have made more high turnovers than any other side this term (112) but are yet to score from such a passage of play (18 shots).
Fulham rank joint sixth for fewest shots faced in the Premier League this season (125), but sixth for most shots on target faced (56). Indeed, their record of 12.5 shots faced per game is their second lowest on record (since 2003-04) in a single Premier League campaign (11.3 in 2020-21), while their 5.6 shots on target faced per game is their fourth highest.
Since scoring in each of his first three Premier League appearances for Manchester United last season, Antony has scored just once in his last 29 in the competition. Indeed, only Enzo Fernández (18) has had more shots without scoring so far this term than the Brazilian (16).
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has had more shots following a ball carry than any other player in the Premier League this season (12). Indeed, his only goal so far this term has come following a carry.
Fulham vs Man United: How to follow
This Premier League clash is set to take place on Saturday, November 4.
Kick-off at Craven Cottage is scheduled for 12:30pm.
talkSPORT's live and exclusive coverage from west London will be presented by Reshmin Chowdhury.
Commentary will then come from Sam Matterface and England icon Stuart Pearce.
talkSPORT.com will also be running a live blog.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
https://talksport.com/football/1625137/
Fulham vs Manchester United: Prediction and PreviewWe look ahead to Saturday's early kick-off at Craven Cottage as Erik ten Hag's hopes to ease the mounting pressure. This is our data-powered Fulham vs Manchester United prediction and preview.Fulham vs Manchester United: The Quick Hits The Opta supercomputer predicts that Man United (41.5%) are favourites to pick up an away victory at Fulham (29.4%).
Man Utd are looking to win three consecutive Premier League away games for the first time since a run of 10 between June and December 2020. However, both of their away league defeats this season have been in London (0-2 v Tottenham, 1-3 v Arsenal).
United have lost half of their games in the Premier League this season (five of 10), their most defeats from the opening 10 games of a league campaign since 1986-87 (six).
Match PreviewManchester United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday in desperate need of a positive result, with morale arguably at a season-low following resounding defeats in the past week.
United were humiliated by rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend as Erling Haaland scored twice before Phil Foden netted late on to condemn Erik ten Hag's men to a comfortable 3-0 defeat, already their fifth loss of the league season.
The Manchester derby thumping reduced Man Utd's goal difference to -5, their lowest at this point of a league campaign since 1972-73 (-5), while only once have they ever had a poorer goal difference at any stage of a Premier League season (-6 after three games in 2020-21).
Defeat to City was then followed by a similarly dismal 3-0 loss at home to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. Although Ten Hag made several changes to his lineup, the performance was no better and they were dumped out of the competition they won last season. As Such, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag.
It's been dreadful start to the Dutchman's second season in charge and it's easy to see the upcoming trip to Fulham spelling more trouble, with United taking maximum points on just one of their last 11 Premier League visits to London, losing on their last three trips. Only between April 1973 and January 1974 (five) have they lost more consecutive games in the capital.
They will be taking on a Fulham side who've recorded three wins and as many draws from their first 10 games, while three of their four defeats have come against Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Marco Silva's men have largely beaten the sides expected to finish below them in the league table, though they did suffer a chastening 3-0 home loss to local rivals Brentford on Matchday 2.
Fulham are tied for sixth for fewest shots faced in the Premier League this season (125), but sixth for most shots on target faced (56). Indeed, their record of 12.5 shots faced per game is their second lowest on record (since 2003-04) in a single Premier League campaign (11.3 in 2020-21), while their 5.6 shots on target faced per game is their fourth highest.
Only Burnley (112) have suffered more high turnovers against them than Fulham (111) in the Premier League this season, and Bournemouth (five) are the one team to have conceded more goals from such situations (Fulham – three). Meanwhile, Manchester United have made more high turnovers than any other side this term (112) but are yet to score from such a passage of play (18 shots). If they can figure out a way to take advantage of those situations, Saturday could prove to be a fruitful outing for the Red Devils.
(https://theanalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/manchester-united-high-turnovers-2048x1982.jpeg)
To do that, though, they will need their attacking players to show up in a way that has not always been the case this season. United's return of 11 Premier League goals this term is at least five fewer than every other side in the top half, while their forwards have contributed to just two of those, both from Marcus Rashford (one goal, one assist).
Midfielder Scott McTominay is United's top scorer with three Premier League goals while Antony, who scored in each of his first Premier League appearances for United, has netted just once in his last 29 matches in the competition. Only Enzo Fernández (18) has had more shots without scoring this term than the Brazilian (16).
Hardly helping Ten Hag's cause are the continued injury problems suffered by Casemiro, who was withdrawn at half-time on Wednesday and is expected to at least miss Saturday's trip. United also remain without Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while Jadon Sancho is still exiled after his public spat with the Man Utd manager. Aaron Wan-Bissaka did return against Newcastle, however.
Fulham had a much more enjoyable outing in the EFL Cup with their 3-1 win at Ipswich Town, a game that doesn't appear to have led to any new major injury concerns ahead of this Premier League match. Silva could even be boosted by the returns of Kenny Tete and Adama Traoré to his lineup on Saturday, though the game will likely come too soon for Tosin Adarabioyo, and Issa Diop is expected to be unavailable until after the international break in late November with a foot injury.
João Palhinha will be key if Fulham are to succeed on Saturday – the Portuguese midfielder has made a league-high 45 tackles this season, while he's also joint top goalscorer in the Premier League this season for the Cottagers alongside Bobby De Cordova-Reid with two goals. In fact, only six Fulham players have scored a league goal this season (also Willian, Tim Ream, Carlos Vinícius and Andreas Pereira), which highlights an issue scoring goals since Aleksandar Mitrović's departure.
Fulham vs Manchester United Head-to-HeadManchester United have won their last six Premier League away games against Fulham – only at West Brom (eight between 1984 and 2011) have they won more consecutively at an opponent in their league history.
In fact, the one-sided nature of this fixture runs even deeper. Since winning back-to-back Premier League games against Man Utd in March/December 2009, Fulham are now winless in 15 against them, drawing three and losing 12. They've also lost two FA Cup meetings with United during that time.
The last clash between the sides came on the final day of last season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag's men ending the campaign with a 2-1 triumph thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes after Tete had put Fulham ahead and Aleksandar Mitrović, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, had missed a penalty to make it 2-0. The win sealed a third-place finish for United.
Recent FormFulham have alternated between defeat and victory in their four Premier League home games this season, beating Sheffield United 3-1 last time out. Indeed, both of their wins at Craven Cottage this term have been against promoted sides (also 1-0 vs Luton Town).
United are yet to draw a game this season in any competition, winning or losing all 15 of their matches. With nine points from a possible 18 at Old Trafford and six from 12 on the road in the Premier League, they've taken just half the points available both at home and away.
(https://theanalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/marcus-rashford-xg-map-2048x1536.jpeg)
Rashford scored 30 times in all competitions last term but is yet to replicate that prolific form this season, netting just once. It's not for the want of trying, with no United player having more shots than him (38) in all competitions, but the ball is just not finding the net with anything like the same regularity that proved so vital to United in Ten Hag's first season.
Opta Power RankingsThe Opta Power Rankings are a global team ranking system that assigns an ability score to over 13,000 domestic football teams on a scale between zero and 100, where zero is the worst-ranked team in the world and 100 is the best team in the world.
Ahead of kick-off, here is the Opta Power Ranking for both sides.
| RANK | TEAM | RATING |
| 22 | Manchester United | 89.3 |
| 44 | Fulham | 85.7 |
Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction(https://theanalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fulham-vs-manchester-united-prediction-opta.png)
The Opta supercomputer has Manchester United as favourites to come away from Craven Cottage with all three points on Saturday, victorious in 41.5% of the 10,000 match simulations ahead of this weekend.
Fulham are given a 29.4% chance of finally ending their winless run against United, while the teams share the spoils in 29.1% of simulations.
United's shaky start means they are now given just a 2.21% chance of finishing in the top four, a huge drop from the 63.2% probability that Opta's supercomputer gave them before the season. Their estimated finish is now eighth, four places below their pre-season prediction of fourth. Fulham, meanwhile, are expected to finish safely in mid-table, relegated in just 1.12% of simulations.
https://theanalyst.com/eu/2023/11/fulham-vs-manchester-united-prediction/
Marco Silva delivers Luc de Fougerolles verdict after making Fulham debut vs Ipswich Town
Fulham manager Marco Silva has praised young defender Luc de Fougerolles for his debut performance against Ipswich Town last night.
Silva was speaking to the club's official website as Fulham reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
It was a delightful performance for a much-changed Whites line-up at Portman Road.
Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney scored the goals that earned Fulham a clash against Everton in the next round.
The young Brazilian has been praised by his teammates after he scored his first goal of the campaign, latching onto a phenomenal pass from Andreas Pereira.
However, when the team sheet was released, there was one name that fans' eyes were drawn to.
Luc de Fougerolles was selected by Silva to make his professional debut against Ipswich and did brilliantly.
Alongside Calvin Bassey, he was solid at the back and looked accomplished when in possession, building on the encouraging displays he put in during pre-season in the United States.
Fulham's academy keeps producing young stars and the Canadian teenager could be the latest to break into the first team.
Silva impressed with De Fougerolles after Ipswich Town performance
Asked about the 18-year-old, Silva said: "About Luc [De Fougerolles], the boy deserves [his chance], that is true.
"I know that he's just 18, all that stuff, we have some problems in that area of the pitch, we cannot hide that situation.
"Busy week for us last Sunday we played against Brighton, it's going to be an early kick-off on Saturday and I didn't have doubts to start with him to be honest because he's showing to me and giving me the confidence that he's become ready to have this type of chance.
"It's a moment for him, congratulations for him, he's a young lad, really humble boy, he's always open-minded to work and at the end of the day he's showing in training sessions that he deserves his chance and he got it."
De Fougerolles wasn't the only youngster handed a debut by Marco Silva against Ipswich last night.
Devan Tanton came off the bench in the closing moments to make his senior bow and is a sign of how strong Fulham's academy is right now.
There are plenty more players knocking on the door or out on loan who could be first-team players in the future.
De Fougerolles looks like a player who could easily feature more often this season at centre-back or right-back.
It feels like it's only a matter of time until he's a regular member of the first-team squad.
https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/02/marco-silva-delivers-luc-de-fougerolles-verdict-after-making-fulham-debut-vs-ipswich-town/
Soccer-Beleaguered Ten Hag needs away-day boost at Fulham
LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - So dire has Manchester United's home form been this season that perhaps the only saving grace as they prepare for the next match of a so-far torrid campaign is that it is away at Fulham.
Erik Ten Hag's stumbling United side were booed at halftime and fulltime on Wednesday as they surrendered the League Cup with a 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.
It was their second successive 3-0 home loss and they have lost five of their 10 home games in all competitions.
They are not exactly pulling up trees away from home either and fans will not have been fooled by narrow back-to-back victories at promoted sides Burnley and Sheffield United.
Fulham, in 14th place, will represent a far tougher assignment in Saturday's early kickoff than those two games even if Marco Silva's side have also struggled for consistency.
Eighth-placed United were savaged by the media, pundits and former players after Wednesday's capitulation with Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville at least showing some sympathy for Ten Hag.
"I don't know where he starts picking a side next, as none of them can really say they deserve to play," former United defender Neville told Sky Sports.
While the malaise at Manchester United is deep-rooted, Ten Hag appeared to have galvanised the squad last season, delivering the League Cup for a first trophy since 2017 and a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
It is now looking like another false dawn for a club that has been in decline since former manager Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago.
Former Ajax coach Ten Hag sounded a defiant note after defeat by Newcastle and the majority of United fans still appear to be behind him, instead directing their ire on the structural failings that have eroded the club's standing.
Inevitably, however, the buck stops with the man hired to pick the team and he is running out of credit.
"If he doesn't get results in the next couple of games, fans' attitudes towards Ten Hag can change very quickly," former United striker Andy Cole told Sky Sports.
While United were being taken apart by Newcastle, Fulham were reaching the League Cup quarter-finals with victory over Championship high-fliers Ipswich Town.
They also earned an impressive point at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend and with Marco Silva penning a contract extension until 2026 there is a sense of stability and direction at Craven Cottage that is in marked contrast to United.
With surprise leaders Tottenham Hotspur hosting Chelsea on Monday, Arsenal and Manchester City could both move above them on Saturday. City will be expected to brush aside Bournemouth but Arsenal have a much tougher looking assignment as they travel to Newcastle for Saturday's late game.
Arsenal suffered a chastening League Cup defeat at West Ham on Wednesday when their squad players failed to shine.
But the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard will return at St James' Park.
"We have to use this defeat, this pain to prepare the best way to go to Newcastle and win," manager Mikel Arteta said.
Fourth-placed Liverpool travel to Luton Town on Sunday when fifth-placed Aston Villa are in action against Nottingham Forest. In the bottom half Everton will aim to maintain their recent upturn in form as they host Brighton.
Bottom club Sheffield United have suffered the worst start to a Premier League season by any club and will seek a morale-boosting win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Saturday.
(This story has been refiled to avoid repetition of the word 'season' in paragraph 1)
Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Toby Davis
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/beleaguered-ten-hag-needs-away-day-boost-fulham-2023-11-02/?rpc=401&
Manchester United star walking suspension tightrope ahead of Premier League clash vs Fulham
Bruno Fernandes is one booking away from a one-match ban ahead of Man United's Premier League trip to Fulham on Saturday
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is one game away from a Premier League ban as the Reds prepare for the weekend trip to Fulham.
The United captain has been booked four times in the top flight so far this season and one more yellow would bring a one-game ban. Should it come against the Cottagers he would miss the game against Luton Town at Old Trafford later this month.
The 29-year-old is almost certain to be banned at some point in the coming weeks as players who are cautioned five times in the first 19 top-flight fixtures will collect a one-game suspension. United have so far played 10 league games this term.
United do not have any more players currently on four yellow cards with goalkeeper Andre Onana the next highest on three. Premier League cards only apply in the top flight and do not transfer to other competitions.
Any player who collects 10 yellow cards in the first 32 games of the season is handed a two-match ban. Should anyone reach 15 yellow cards in a season then a three-match suspension will follow.
The Reds would be loathe to lose Fernandes given he has been a virtual ever-present under Ten Hag. While he has yet to hit the heights this season, he scored the winner at Burnley in September and his ability to play in an attacking midfield role and off the right side is a valuable asset. United are also dealing with a series of injuries with Casemiro now set for another spell on the sidelines having been forced off in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-news-bruno-fernandes-28029878
Exclusive: Fulham must destroy transfer record to beat Tottenham to 13-goal striker, as Spanish giants join race
Feyenoord are ready to play hardball, with Fulham the latest team to join the race to sign Santiago Gimenez, who is also a target for Tottenham and West Ham.
He's one of the hottest properties in Europe after scoring 13 goals in 10 Eredivisie outings this season, which has sparked the interest of several top European clubs.
Fulham are on the hunt for a new striker in January and are being tipped to sign Gimenez as they seek to finally replace Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The West London club have an interest in players such as Gent's Gift Orban and Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy, but reports from Spain claim Fulham have touched base over a transfer worth £43.5m for Gimenez.
As mentioned, this comes after Tottenham and West Ham have both been linked with the Mexico international.
On top of firepower, Gimenez displays great movement in the front line as well as good hold-up play. Therefore, he would offer Fulham an outlet they have been seriously lacking since Mitrovic departed for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Fulham must pay club-record fee for Gimenez
However, sources are sceptical about Fulham's chances of concluding a deal for Gimenez with two major factors set to stand in their way.
Firstly, there is a belief that £43.5m would not be enough to sign Gimenez. Secondly, the player would be expected to hold out for a move to a bigger club.
His performances have helped Feyenoord keep pace at the top of the division, currently fourth in the table and seven points adrift of PSV, and he also scored twice in their 3-1 win over Lazio in the Champions League to put his side top of Group E.
The rise in status has convinced Feyenoord to believe his value in the transfer market is actually well beyond £50m.
Fulham's current transfer record stands at £25m for Jean Michael Seri in 2018, so they would need to at least double that to have any chance of landing Gimenez.
Feyenoord's stance is understood to be pretty firm right now: they do not have any intention to lose him in January.
That could obviously change if a mega-offer lands on the table, but in line with keeping this side together for a big push this season it would be more likely they cash in at the end of the season if that is going to happen.
And worse news for any English club watching Gimenez is that two Spanish giants are also starting to take interest here, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both on the lookout for another goal source in 2024.
https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-smash-transfer-record-beat-tottenham-striker-spanish-giants-join-race
Fulham's newest American may never actually play for the USMNT
Fulham has another American in its ranks.
Devan Tanton, 19, came on in stoppage time of Fulham's 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich on Tuesday, marking his senior debut for the Cottagers.
The right back has been an ever-present for Fulham's U-21 team this season, and has gradually started to work his way into the mix with the Premier League team's senior side.
Tanton made the bench for last weekend's Premier League game against Brighton, which was followed by his debut just two days later against Ipswich.
Tanton joins a long and storied list of American players who have represented Fulham, including Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, and current duo Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson.
But unlike all of the aforementioned players, it's unclear if Tanton will ever suit up for the U.S. men's national team.
Tanton, of course, has a ways to go until he's ready to be a senior international but if he does reach that level, he could be wearing the colors of Colombia and not the United States.
Born in San Antonio, Texas to an American father and Colombian mother, Tanton moved to Spain when he was nine years old to join the academy at UE Cornellá. At age 16, he moved to Fulham after a scout spotted him playing for the United States U-17 side.
But after representing the U.S. at the U-15 and U-17 level, Tanton opted to switch to Colombia after receiving a call-up to the South American side's U-20s in November 2022.
From there, Tanton made the squad for the U-20 World Cup, where he made three appearances as Colombia reached the quarterfinal this past summer.
"In the United States I played from U-15 to U-17. I did not know that it was possible to represent Colombia, when they offered it to me it was a tremendous pride," Tanton told NoticiasRCN.com in September.
"When I went I felt very comfortable with the group, the country and with the support they give me. Colombia is a soccer country and the United States not so much. Being able to represent my country in a U-20 World Cup was an honor."
The door isn't completely closed to Tanton representing the United States, but he would have to file a one-time switch with FIFA now after representing Colombia at an official competition.
Though he could still make the switch, Tanton is clearly focused on his path with Colombia at this stage.
"In the longer term, I want to play in a senior World Cup with the Colombian national team," Tanton said. "I don't worry about big goals, I just think about the day to day and working well. If you do your daily work well, you will go far."
https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2023/11/02/devan-tanton-fulham-debut-colombia-usmnt/
Premier League Predictions Week 11: Savage backs Fulham to beat Man Utd, Arsenal to lose
Will there be more misery for Manchester United? Will Tottenham and Arsenal maintain their unbeaten starts? We are taking on Robbie Savage in predicting matchday 11 in the Premier League.
Manchester United will look to bounce back from back-to-back 3-0 home defeats when they get the weekend's action underway at Fulham. After the lunchtime clash at Craven Cottage, there are five 3pm matches. Brentford host West Ham, Crystal Palace are at Burnley, Brighton travel to face Everton, Manchester City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad, and Sheffield United take on Wolves in a huge clash at home.
Arguably the game of the weekend, Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways after West Ham knocked them out of the Carabao Cup, but it will be tough away to Newcastle United, who smashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Sunday brings us two matches, starting with Nottingham Forest at home to high-flying Aston Villa. Luton Town then have a huge task against Liverpool.
On Monday, there is a massive London derby between unbeaten Tottenham and Chelsea, who are managed by ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. Tasty.
Planet Sport Bet ambassador Robbie Savage once again takes on Football365, TEAMtalk, Planet Sport, and Tipstrr in predicting the score in all ten Premier League matches.
Last week, only Robbie and Planet Sport got a correct score, with TEAMtalk, F365, and Planet Sport correctly predicting six out of the ten results.
Want to take on Robbie? You can here. If you get the highest score out of everyone, you win £250 to gamble on Planet Sport Bet! Not too shabby, that.
Fulham vs Manchester United
Robbie: Manchester United haven't lost against Fulham in 17 games and if my maths is correct the last time Fulham beat them was back in 2009. I think Fulham could beat them again I really do. I know this is away from Manchester United, but the last two home games were two 3-0 defeats. I don't think that has happened at Old Trafford since 1962 or something like that, which is quite remarkable. It's a huge game for Erik ten Hag and his team, but do you know what? I'm going for a Fulham home win. Fulham 2-1.
F365: More trouble is on the horizon for Erik ten Hag. 2-1 home win.
TEAMtalk: 0-2.
Planet Sport: 1-2.
Tipstrr: 0-2.
https://www.football365.com/news/premier-league-predictions-matchday-11-robbie-savage-fulham-beat-man-utd-arsenal-lose
Erik ten Hag told he has two games to save Manchester United job as 'serious questions' asked of manager
Robbie Savage says Man Utd boss should be given until Christmas if he survives "massive" test
Manchester United may only give Erik ten Hag two more games to turn around a poor run of form, according to Robbie Savage.
The former Premier League midfielder, who started his career at Old Trafford, sees the upcoming trips to Fulham and Copenhagen as "massive" to Ten Hag keeping his job.
The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League table ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Craven Cottage, but have only three points on 14th-placed Fulham after last weekend's derby defeat to Manchester City.
Newcastle then dispatched United by the same 3-0 scoreline in the Carabao Cup to leave many fans demanding change in the dugout.
For Savage, 49, Ten Hag should get until Christmas to turn things around but two more bad results could mean curtains for the Dutch manager.
"The next few games are massive for them," he told Planet Sport Bet. "Fulham away in the Premier League, then I'm going out to Copenhagen to watch them in the Champions League.
"If they lose against Fulham on Saturday, then for me, the midweek match next week against Copenhagen becomes a must-win game.
"I'm sure Erik ten Hag doesn't think everything is fine – he's got to solve problems and work things out, maybe change his style of football, but whatever he's doing now is not working. If Manchester United lose both of their upcoming games, I think there's some serious questions to be asked about whether Ten Hag can continue in his role at the club.
"I've always said to give Erik ten Hag time and give him until Christmas, but inevitably, all managers and coaches are judged on results.
"If they beat Fulham and Copenhagen, then I'll stick with my opinion that he should be given until Christmas, but we all know that it's a results business. I'm not for one to say we should sack managers because I don't know what goes on in that football club, but you can't lose the next two games and think everything will be fine."
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/erik-ten-hag-man-utd-sacked-robbie-savage-b1117783.html
Why Saturday's ticket price protest mattersSammy looks at Saturday's ticket price protest and why the FFC fanbase should come together to support it.
On Saturday, it's the joint ticket price protest arranged by the Fulham Supporters Trust in conjunction with the Fulham Lillies.
The plan is for a meet-up in Bishops Park from 11am, a photocall at approx 11.30am, and then for yellow cards (shown below) to be held up on 18 minutes around Craven Cottage.
(https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FST-PRICE-PROTEST-LEAFLET.jpeg?ezimgfmt=ng:webp/ngcb1)
This article isn't about trying to persuade you that what the club is doing is wrong, the joint statement by the trust released worded that perfectly, and is worth reading.
If you don't think, by now, that having the most expensive match day tickets in the country is obscene or that the club's policy of pricing out regular fans in favour of taking cash from opposition fans and neutrals is unacceptable behaviour from a 'custodian', then ultimately I don't think you'll ever be convinced.
I wanted to write about how this is a watershed moment for fans of this brilliant and beautiful football club. We sometimes get an unfair rep from the outside for being 'posh Tories' and passionless, but I think all of us who go to Fulham regularly know that's untrue.
Despite where we play our football, this is a fanbase full of everyday people who work hard in the week and enjoy spending their well earned time and money following this club across the country.
The Manchester United game protest is a baby step. I've seen criticism that holding up a yellow card won't make a dent in what the Khans think. Personally, I disagree. Reputation is something the Khans and the club care deeply about. Not amongst us fans, we're committed and bought in for life, but amongst the wider public.
Reputation is one of the reasons the Khans bought Fulham. Therefore the idea of a widespread protest, even if it is just a visual one at this stage, hardly helps the positive image they're trying to portray.
Do I think suddenly Fulham will see the error of their ways and slash £30 off the price of a ticket because of Saturday? No, of course not. Do I think having an active supporter base that isn't afraid to speak up when wronged a good thing? Yes I do.
This isn't just as simple as 'reduce the ticket prices'. It's about encouraging Fulham to make decisions that put loyal fans first. There are ways in which the club can have its cake and eat it here. Ways in which they could reward loyal fans whilst also getting some extra dollars out of visitors to London who just want to watch a Premier League football match.
However it will take a change in priorities by those in charge at the club. A state of mind that asks the question, "how do we reward loyalty and grow the overall fanbase?" before asking "how do we get more short-term cash?"
I want to see Fulham grow, I want the Cottage to be louder, I want us to take bigger away days allocations. I want Fulham supporting friends who don't live in London or have kids or whatever to occasionally be able to go to a game without draining their bank account.
Recently, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust, who have been similarly been complaining about ticket prices at their new ground have convinced higher-ups at Spurs to undertake a "long term ticketing review" of the club's ticketing policy, speaking with supporters about their demands and wishes.
I honestly think that if the supporter base on Saturday aligns on this, a similar outcome might be possible at Fulham. The club need to understand who they're hurting and listen to fans about the potential solutions. They need to talk directly to people like Grace, who sent this brilliant email to our podcast the other week.
The only way it will work is if we all support it and it's up to each of us to go a little bit out of our ways to make the collective point known. The FST volunteers have put in the hard yards to organise the logistics, lobby the club and print the leaflets – now it's up to us to deliver the message.
I really hope that on Saturday, we can put the internal squabbling regarding how/what/where/why the protest should be done and unite for something that, if successful, should benefit us all.
The FST are on the hunt for volunteers on Saturday to hand out the yellow card leaflets. If you're available to help, contact them or arrive on the day next to the Tea House at Bishops Park at around 11am, and members of the FST board will be on hand to point you in the right direction.https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-11-02-why-saturdays-ticket-price-protest-matters/
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Fulham - Premier League
Vast changes expected from Erik ten Hag after midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle
Casemiro misses out through new injury but Raphael Varane expected to recover from illness
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund all set to return to starting XI
Manchester United find themselves in the midst of a storm again, so soon after a minor upturn in form suggested the worst of things may be behind Erik ten Hag's side.
The losses against Manchester City and Newcastle - more specifically the manner of them - have caused extreme panic and anger. They head away to Fulham on Saturday in the Premier League in desperate need of a victory as noise about Ten Hag's potential departure grows.
There are still plenty of injuries for the Dutch coach to deal with, with Casemiro added to the list on Wednesday night, but an important defender in the shape of Aaron Wan-Bissaka did manage to return from the sidelines.
Here's the team Ten Hag may pick to secure a key win for Man Utd against Fulham.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana - The Cameroonian is repairing his reputation game-by-game, even if the team as a whole is shipping goals, but it could all fall apart again very quickly.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Man Utd briefly looked dangerous at the start of the second half when Wan-Bissaka made his return from injury, though the pressure ended with Newcastle's third goal.
CB: Raphael Varane - There is a chance Varane won't make his return from illness but if he is healthy, he will start at Craven Cottage.
CB: Harry Maguire - The Englishman didn't exactly play well against Newcastle but it was another game without a major error and that's where the bar is for Man Utd's defence right now.
LB: Sergio Reguilon - Playing without a genuine left-back has been hurting Man Utd so Reguilon being fit again could help to turn things around.
CM: Scott McTominay - With Casemiro out, McTominay is expected to bring the height in the midfield and will be looking to cause issues in the opposition box.
CM: Christian Eriksen - Sofyan Amrabat could take this spot, but Eriksen did not feature against Newcastle so he could be used here against a lesser side to bring more creativity.
RW: Antony - He seems to have reclaimed the starting spot on the right wing but fans are growing very tired of Antony's ineffective performances.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - He will have hated being sat on the bench for much of the Newcastle game but Fernandes will come back into the fray at Craven Cottage.
LW: Marcus Rashford - This is a player who badly needs a goal and should he put in a big performance and find some form, Man Utd will quickly become a much better team.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund - He has done well since joining and is getting in all of the right positions, but that first Premier League goal needs to arrive soon before it becomes a big issue. Some may say it already is.
https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-vs-man-utd-premier-league-tv-channel-team-news-lineups-prediction-4-11-23
Manchester United's trip to Fulham will be the first time a woman referee has been involved in a Premier League game - after Rebecca Welch was appointed as fourth official
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage this Saturday to take on Fulham
Rebecca Welch has been appointed as fourth official for the lunchtime clash
Rebecca Welch is set to be the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier League game this weekend.
Welch, 39, will be the fourth official for Fulham's clash against Man United at Craven Cottage on Saturday lunchtime.
She has had a fast rise up the officiating ladder over the past year, with Welch taking charge of Birmingham City vs Preston North End in January, becoming the first female official to referee a Championship game in the process.
After beginning refereeing in 2010, Welch combined it with her work in the NHS in an admin role until 2019 when she decided to go full-time.
Welch has consistently broken records as she was also the first woman to referee an EFL match when she took charge of Harrogate Town vs Port Vale in League Two in 2021.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/02/16/77328029-12703257-Rebecca_Welch_will_be_the_first_ever_woman_referee_to_be_involve-a-4_1698943263647.jpg)
Rebecca Welch will be the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier Leag Welch - who refereed at the Women's World Cup - is fourth official for Fulham vs Man United
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/02/16/77328051-12703257-Welch_who_refereed_at_the_Women_s_World_Cup_is_fourth_official_f-a-5_1698943263648.jpg)
Welch - who refereed at the Women's World Cup - is fourth official for Fulham vs Man United
She has also officiated games in the WSL and took charge of three games at the Women's World Cup over the summer after being promoted to UEFA's elite category of female referees in 2020.
However, her chances of progressing at the tournament were hindered by England's run to the final, before they ultimately lost to Spain 1-0.
Welch's appearance on the touchline on Saturday will cap a staggering rise given she was refereeing in the National League until two years ago, combining that with her work in the women's game.
She has been seen officiating several games across the EFL so far this season.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/02/16/77328031-12703257-Welch_was_the_first_female_to_officiate_in_the_EFL_when_she_took-a-6_1698943263649.jpg)
Welch was the first female to officiate in the EFL when she took charge of Harrogate vs Port Vale in 2021 in League Two
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/02/16/77328511-12703257-The_promotion_of_Welch_is_also_the_latest_example_of_PGMOL_advan-a-7_1698943263649.jpg)
The promotion of Welch is also the latest example of PGMOL advancing diversity, with Bhupinder Singh Gill the first Sikh-Punjabi to be an assistant referee in the top flight this year
The promotion of Welch is also the latest example of PGMOL advancing diversity among officials.
Back in January, Bhupinder Singh Gill was the first Sikh-Punjabi to be an assistant referee in the top flight when Southampton played Nottingham Forest.
Several other young and promising referees have also quickly risen through the ranks in recent times.
For example, Sam Barrott - who was in charge of Bournemouth's controversial victory over Burnley on Saturday - had only refereed 10 games in the Championship before being promoted to the Premier League at the age of 30.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12703257/Manchester-United-Fulham-Premier-League-Rebecca-Welch.html
Games for the weekend 04/11After 3 successive away games we get to welcome Man Utd to the Cottage for a 12:30 kick off(http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2324-ManUtdH.png)
After a hard fought draw against Brighton, the second half was so much better than the first, and an impressive cup game I'm sure Marco will have his work cut out deciding the team to start against Man Utd.
Muniz added a different dimension when he came on against Brighton and had a really good game against Ipswich, not only getting a goal but generally causing a nuisance to the Ipswich defenders. Having said that I wouldn't start him against Man Utd, at least not as a "lone striker", perhaps part of a "two" with either Raul or Vinicius but I can't see Marco playing a 4 4 2?
I'd start Pereira, I always think a player has a good game against one of his previous teams, also he was another who had a good game against Ipswich.
Man Utd are having a, for them, difficult season, loosing their last two games, Man City & Newcastle (in the Cup), 3-0, I'm sure they'll be targeting this game as a "definite 3 points".
our recent record against Man Utd is dire with only 2 wins, 16 losses and 3 draws
Fulham Supporters Trust in conjunction with the Fulham Lillies have organised a joint ticket price protest, on the 18 minute mark fans are encouraged to hold up a yellow card with the legend "PLEASE DON'T PRICE US OUT".
With luck, providing most supporters in the ground, participate the resulting publicity will give the club food for thought.
My team, assuming both Diop and Vinicius are available...
(http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/23ManUtd.png)
Games of Interest...
Saturday 4thFulham v Man Utd
Brentford v West Ham
Burnley v Palace
Newcastle v Arsenal
Sunday 5thForest v Villa
Monday 6thSpurs v Chelsea
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2960
Fulham submit offer to bring £43m "machine" to Craven Cottage
Marco Silva could do with bolstering his attacking ranks in the capital.
Fulham have submitted an offer to bring an in-demand striker to Craven Cottage, according to a fresh report that has recently emerged.
Fulham's current attacking options
The Premier League outfit have Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz as their options at centre-forward as it stands, but it's fair to say that they haven't been performing at the level required since the start of the new top-flight season. Marco Silva's side have scored just nine goals during their opening ten games which is the joint third-lowest in the division level with newly-promoted Luton Town, so it's clear for everyone to see that the boss could do with entering the market to find a reinforcement who would be an upgrade on what he currently has in the building.
Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez could well be the perfect candidate to sign on the dotted line having firmly established himself as Arne Slot's best-performing offensive player so far this campaign (WhoScored - Feyenoord statistics), and he's already received plenty of attention from four clubs in England.
The 22-year-old has been attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle United, and whilst that quartet have started the new term a lot stronger, that hasn't stopped chiefs from wanting to enter the race, compete and try and beat their fellow competitors to their target's signature.
Fulham table bid for Santiago Gimenez
According to W Deportes (via Sport Witness), Fulham have made a bid for Gimenez. Feyenoord's centre-forward has "received an offer" from Silva's side worth approximately €50m (£43m), but it's unknown whether this includes bonuses. The Cottagers have "emerged as a candidate" to sign their target despite the huge interest from elsewhere, but with the club "not entirely big" in Europe, the chances of him accepting the proposal currently appear to be very slim.
Santiago Gimenez's record
In the Eredivisie this season, Gimenez has been in red-hot form having clocked up 16 involvements, 13 goals and three assists, in just ten outings (Transfermarkt - Gimenez statistics), with his insanely prolific form in the final third having seen him dubbed a "Mexican Machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Slot's left-footed talisman also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured six trophies at a senior level for both his club and country since the start of his career, so he would be able to pass on a much-needed winning mentality to the current squad who are already in the building.
Sponsored by Adidas, the striker has even recorded 38 shots over the course of the campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef - Feyenoord statistics), highlighting his constant desire to hit the back of the net which he's proving with every game that passes, so this is definitely a no-brainer of a deal to complete.
https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-news-santiago-gimenez-feyenoord-premier-leeague-latest-transfer-rumours-updates/
Preview: The players need to stand up and fight for the club – few of them seem to care! This needs to end against Fulham!
Fulham -v- Manchester United
Premier League
Craven Cottage, London
Saturday 4 November 2023, KO 12:30 GMT
Manchester United travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday still seeking a victory following the return from international football last weekend. United have been beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend, which was not a great start.
The on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup, the holders were stunned by Newcastle United, last seasons finalists in another 3-0 defeat at the Theatre of Dreams. United's players seem to have either downed tools or forgot how to play football. They have brought this on themselves.
United are in a similar position under Erik ten Hag as they were under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. But it cannot be the sole responsibility if the manager as the only constant is the Glazers and the executives at the club.
United – Form, Goals Scored & Assists
Newcastle 3-0 L, City 3-0 L, Copenhagen 1-0 W, Sheffield 2-1 W, Brentford 2-1 W, Galatasaray 3-2 L
Goals: 4 – Casemiro, 3 – Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay, 2 – Bruno Fernandes, 1 – Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Hannibal Mejbri, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane
Assists: 3 – Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, 2 – Christian Eriksen, 1 – Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martínez, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Fulham – Form, Goals Scored & Assists
Ipswich 3-1 W, Brighton 1-1 D, Spurs 2-0 L, Sheffield 3-1 W, Chelsea 2-0 L, Norwich 2-1 W
Goals: 2 – Bobby De Cordova-Reid, João Palhinha, Carlos Vinícius, 1 – Tom Cairney, Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz, Andreas Pereira, Tim Ream, Willian, Harry Wilson
Assists: 2 – Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Harry Wilson, 1 – Andreas Pereira, Harrison Reed
Previous Meetings & Connections
United and Fulham have met 32 times in the Premier League. United have won 23 times, drawn six times with Fulham winning three times. United have scored 72 goals, winning two penalties and scoring one. Fulham have scored 33 goals, winning three penalties, scoring two.
United have kept 11 clean sheets in this fixture with Fulham keeping two. United players have been shown 44 yellow cards and two red cards with Fulham players being shown 43 yellow cards and one red card. This is a match that United really needs to step up in and win.
Andreas Pereira, Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole, Louis Saha, Edwin van de Sar, Paul Parker, Kieran Richardson, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Chris Smalling, Tim Fosu-Mensah, George Best and Charlie Mitten have all played for both Manchester United and Fulham.
Team News
Lisandro Martinez (ankle/foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee) Luke Shaw (other), Amad Diallo (knee) and Casemiro (ankle/foot) have all been ruled out due to injury. Jadon Sancho is out of action at this time due to personal problems at the club.
Raphael Varane (illness) has a 50% chances of being fit to face Fulham on Saturday. United will have to make do with the players they have at this time – who don't seem to be capable of looking interested in matches, let alone seeking to win them. A bad time for United.
Issa Diop (ankle/foot) is the only player that has been ruled out for Fulham in the run up to the clash with United. Oluwatosin Adarabioyo (groin/hip/pelvic), Adama Traore (thigh) and Kenny Tete (other) all have 25% chances of being available for this United clash.
Predicted United Starting XI – 4-3-3
Onana;
Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon;
Fernandes, Amrabat, Eriksen;
Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho
Predicted Fulham Starting XI – 4-2-3-1
Leno;
Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson;
Reed, Palhinha;
De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian;
Jimenez
Match Prediction
United have got to turn a corner with the season quickly ending any hopes of silverware with relegation an option with the form of the club at this time. United's players look disinterested in putting performances together which add fuel to major rifts at the club.
The same things seem to come back under different managers with different players at the club now but it is the same problem. Ten Hag has been backed financially but his authority at the club has not been awarded by the owners and the executives. It's never going to work.
The Glazers have turned United into a circus with supporters all over the world always blaming the manager with the players and the ownership always getting a chance to continue the decline. These players need to play for the shirt not their bank accounts. It's shocking that they don't care!
Fulham 2-0 Manchester United
https://mufclatest.com/preview-the-players-need-to-stand-up-and-fight-for-the-club-few-of-them-seem-to-care-this-needs-to-end-against-fulham/
Sky Sports pundit seriously impressed with 'perfect' Fulham player's passing vs Ipswich
Bobby De Cordova-Reid put in a very impressive performance for Fulham last night as they defeated Ipswich Town.
Covering the match for Sky Sports (1/11 9:23pm), pundit Matt Murray was delighted with what he saw from the Jamaican international.
Fulham manager Marco Silva made a flurry of changes to his starting line-up ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Manchester United.
Only Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey and Bobby De Cordova-Reid retained their places in the Fulham side to face Ipswich Town.
One of the players who has been on the cusp of Silva's strongest XI is Harry Wilson and he found the back of the net within the first ten minutes.
Rodrigo Muniz doubled Fulham's lead before Tom Cairney sealed the win for the Whites.
De Cordova-Reid's performance was highlighted and he's given himself a great chance to start at the weekend.
His versatility has made him one of the club's most important players and he seems to be going from strength to strength under Marco Silva.
De Cordova-Reid stars for Fulham against Ipswich Town
Describing the third goal on Sky Sports, Murray said: "It's a really, really good finish from Tom Cairney and Fulham have been excellent.
"I said about subs coming on, and they've given them even more impetus, [Bobby] De Cordova-Reid gets his second assist of the night.
"Down the right-hand side, such composure to pick his head up, pull the back ball, perfect weight of pass and there's Tom Cairney.
"First-time finish, through Walton a little bit and Fulham are definitely through to the next round."
The £10m forward set up two goals and only misplaced seven passes during his 90-minute performance.
He played three key passes but may be slightly disappointed to have only won one of his six duels during the game.
De Cordova-Reid put in a strong performance against Ipswich but it's hard to see Willian not coming back into the team at the weekend.
Whether it's the Jamaican international or Wilson who drops out is yet to be seen.
He could even play through the middle as he has in the past although Alex Iwobi's start to life at Craven Cottage means he might be one of the first names on the team sheet on Saturday.
https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/02/sky-sports-pundit-seriously-impressed-with-perfect-fulham-players-passing-vs-ipswich/
Fulham beat in-form Ipswich to reach Carabao quarters
Fulham 3-1 Ipswich
Fulham eased through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2004 with a comfortable victory win at Ipswich.
Marco Silva's team were up against a Town outfit that had only lost once since their promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in April, but the Premier League side showed their class in Suffolk.
Harry Wilson provided the breakthrough for Fulham in the ninth minute with a cool finish and Muniz grabbed his first goal for the club in 19 months early into the second period to put the London outfit in control.
Tom Cairney confirmed Fulham's win with a third in the 77th minute and, while Elkan Baggott reduced the deficit late on, Kieran McKenna's Championship promotion hopefuls suffered a rare defeat in front of a packed Portman Road crowd.
The last meeting between these teams was three years ago in same competition and Aleksandar Mitrovic decided the tie that night, but goals had been hard to come by for the visitors since his summer exit to Saudi Arabia.
It was a different story for Ipswich, who put another three past Plymouth last weekend, but the high-flying hosts were 1-0 down after only nine minutes.
McKenna would have been disappointed after Ipswich's back four was pulled over to the right and Bobby Decordova-Reid spotted the unmarked Wilson, who impressively side-stepped the onrushing Christian Walton before the Welsh winger slotted into the empty net.
Goalkeeper Walton was one of 11 changes made by the home side and he almost conceded again six minutes later, but breathed a sigh of relief when Fode Ballo-Toure's deflected cross bounced off the crossbar and to safety.
Fulham also shuffled their pack with only three players retained from the draw at Brighton and Marek Rodak atoned for his poor pass when he tipped Kayden Jackson's low effort wide soon after the opener.
The quality of the Premier League side was clear though as Andreas Pereira arrowed a 22-yard shot wide before the visitors hit the woodwork again, with Ipswich's second-string struggling for fluency.
Calvin Bassey started the move with a fine run out from the back and nearly provided the perfect finish, but Walton unconvincingly parried his poked effort onto the post after Axel Tuanzebe, on his first start for Ipswich, cleared Ballo-Toure's cross straight to the Fulham centre-back in the 44th minute.
Town failed to heed that warning sign and, after no substitutions were made at the break, Silva's men doubled their lead five minutes into the second period.
A slick counter-attack did the trick with Wilson able to find Pereira and his cross took a slight touch off Ipswich defender Cameron Burgess to fall into the path of Muniz, who fired home from six yards to open his account for the season.
Wilson took a whack to the face straight from the restart, but picked himself up to waltz into the Town penalty area before Burgess' slide tackled denied him and Janoi Donacien blocked Bobby Decordova-Reid's follow-up shot.
McKenna made changes to try and set up a grandstand finish, but Cairney made the result safe when his low effort went through Walton after another assist by the excellent Decordova-Reid.
It looked like Ipswich would fire a blank for the first time this season, but substitute Baggott headed home a Jack Taylor corner with 11 minutes left to give the 28,221 crowd a consolation goal.
https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/football-league-championship/401893/fulham-beat-in-form-ipswich-to-reach-carabao-quarters/
Beleaguered Ten Hag needs away-day boost at Fulham
London — So dire has Manchester United's home form been this season that perhaps the only saving grace as they prepare for the next match of a so-far torrid season is that it is away at Fulham.
Erik Ten Hag's stumbling United side were booed at halftime and fulltime on Wednesday as they surrendered the League Cup with a 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.
It was their second successive 3-0 home loss and they have lost five of their 10 home games in all competitions.
They are not exactly pulling up trees away from home either and fans will not have been fooled by narrow back-to-back victories at promoted sides Burnley and Sheffield United.
Fulham, in 14th place, will represent a far tougher assignment in Saturday's early kickoff than those two games even if Marco Silva's side have also struggled for consistency.
Eighth-placed United were savaged by the media, pundits and former players after Wednesday's capitulation with Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville at least showing some sympathy for Ten Hag.
"I don't know where he starts picking a side next, as none of them can really say they deserve to play," former United defender Neville told Sky Sports.
While the malaise at Manchester United is deep-rooted, Ten Hag appeared to have galvanised the squad last season, delivering the League Cup for a first trophy since 2017 and a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
It is now looking like another false dawn for a club that has been in decline since former manager Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago.
Former Ajax coach Ten Hag sounded a defiant note after defeat by Newcastle and the majority of United fans still appear to be behind him, instead directing their ire on the structural failings that have eroded the club's standing. Inevitably, however, the buck stops with the man hired to pick the team and he is running out of credit.
"If he doesn't get results in the next couple of games, fans' attitudes towards Ten Hag can change very quickly," former United striker Andy Cole told Sky Sports.
While United were being taken apart by Newcastle, Fulham were reaching the League Cup quarterfinals with victory over Championship high-fliers Ipswich Town.
They also earned an impressive point at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend and with Marco Silva penning a contract extension until 2026 there is a sense of stability and direction at Craven Cottage that is in marked contrast to United.
With surprise leaders Tottenham Hotspur hosting Chelsea on Monday, Arsenal and Manchester City could both move above them on Saturday. City will be expected to brush aside Bournemouth but Arsenal have a much tougher looking assignment as they travel to Newcastle for Saturday's late game.
Arsenal suffered a chastening League Cup defeat at West Ham on Wednesday when their squad players failed to shine.
But the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard will return at St James' Park.
"We have to use this defeat, this pain to prepare the best way to go to Newcastle and win," manager Mikel Arteta said.
Fourth-placed Liverpool travel to Luton Town on Sunday when fifth-placed Aston Villa are in action against Nottingham Forest. In the bottom half Everton will aim to maintain their recent upturn in form as they host Brighton.
Bottom club Sheffield United have suffered the worst start to a Premier League season by any club and will seek a morale-boosting win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Saturday.
Reuters
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/soccer/2023-11-02-beleaguered-ten-hag-needs-away-day-boost-at-fulham/
Report: Fulham eye struggling Super Eagles invitee
Fulham during the 2023 Summer transfer window secure the signature of two Nigerian players, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey
English Premier League side Fulham FC is reportedly keeping a close eye on KAA Gent forward Emmanuel Gift Orban, despite his slow start to the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian star, who made the move from Norway to Gent during the winter transfer window, has not replicated his impressive form from the previous season in the 2023-24 campaign.
Last season, Orban delighted Belgian football fans with 15 domestic league goals in just 16 appearances and an additional five goals in the Europa Conference League.
However, this season has seen him struggle to match those performances, with a recent goal drought of nine games ending in Gent's 5-0 victory over Breidablik.
Despite his current form, reports from Belgian media outlets suggest that Fulham is eager to help him realize his Premier League dreams in the upcoming transfer window.
The Super Eagles invitee is under contract with Gent until 2027, and there has been previous interest from prominent European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, who have considered him as a potential replacement for Harry Kane.
With Orban potentially available for transfer, Fulham may face competition from other European clubs vying for his signature.
https://soccernet.ng/2023/11/report-fulham-eye-struggling-super-eagles-invitee.html
Premier League set to have first female referee as role in Man Utd clash confirmed
Rebecca Welch, 39, will make history on Saturday after being appointed as fourth official for Fulham vs Manchester United in the Premier League at Craven Cottage
Rebecca Welch will make history as the first female referee to be involved in a Premier League game when she works on Manchester United 's game against Fulham on Saturday.
Fulham host United in the 12.30pm kick-off, and while most eyes will be on Erik ten Hag on the touchline following a run of dreadful results, Welch will also be present as fourth official. The 39-year-old has risen up the ranks at the PGMOL and, after becoming the first female to take charge of a Championship game in January, she will now become the Premier League's first full-time female fourth official.
Wendy Toms, Natalie Aspinall and Sian Massey-Ellis have all worked in the top flight as assistant referees previously – and Massey-Ellis will also be working with Welch on Saturday as the assistant VAR from Stockley Park. Welch opted not to follow the assistant pathway and has instead worked her way up as a referee.
She has worked in both the men's and women's game and is now progressing rapidly by being given bigger fixtures. Welch took charge of Birmingham vs Preston in the Championship in January and then oversaw three games at the Women's World Cup in the summer in Australia and New Zealand.
She will work alongside referee John Brooks and assistants Lee Betts and Matthew Wilkes on Saturday. Welch will be tasked with keeping Ten Hag and Fulham boss Marco Silva in order, but would step up and become the referee if Brooks suffered an injury. And, if all goes well, a first Premier League refereeing role could be around the corner.
As ESPN reports, refereeing body the PGMOL are keen to increase the diversity in officiating at the highest level. In January, Bhupinder Singh Gill became the first Sikh-Punjabi to work as an assistant referee in the Premier League.
Welch, from Washington in the north-east of England, started refereeing in 2010. She has been a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to be appointed to take charge of an EFL match when League Two side Port Vale played Harrogate in April 2021. She has also overseen two women's FA Cup finals.
She will become the first woman to be appointed as a fourth official in a Premier League game, but she won't be the first female fourth official in the division. Back in April 2017, Massey-Ellis acted as a fourth official for the second half of West Ham vs Everton after getting injured running the line in the first half.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-manutd-referee-rebecca-welch-31347986
Hojlund, Fernandes And Rashford To Start | 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham ahead of their important Premier League clash at Craven Cottage this weekend.
Manchester United will face off against Fulham at Craven Cottage this Saturday afternoon as they try to secure a win on the road in the Premier League. The Red Devils suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss against Newcastle United which knocked them out of the EFL Cup earlier this week. Hence, they would be desperate to bounce back with a positive result versus the Cottagers.
Erik ten Hag will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation once again and could make a whole host of changes to his first XI for this game. Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will play from the start of this contest in the English capital.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face FulhamDefence
Andre Onana will feature in between the sticks for Man United after conceding three goals in his last outing. Raphael Varane will function alongside Harry Maguire at the centre of Man United's backline as they try to keep things solid at the back during the game.
Diogo Dalot could get another chance to impress as the right-back while Sergio Reguilon hopes to put in a decent display as the left-back. Ten Hag would ask both of them to be a good defensive shape inside their half so that they can limit the chances the home team creates from the wide areas.
Victor Lindelof will offer cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay will anchor the midfield for Man United as they try to dictate the tempo of the game at the centre of the park.
The talented trio of Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will operate just ahead of them as part of Man United's attack. All three of them need to be at their best if Man United are to come away with all three points from Craven Cottage this weekend.
Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund will lead the charge for the Red Devils on the offensive end of the field. He was rested on the bench in midweek and could be eager to impress against Fulham this Saturday afternoon.
Anthony Martial will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages of the game if Man United are in need of a goal by then.
(https://the4thofficial.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ab08HICagC.png)
https://the4thofficial.net/2023/11/4-2-3-1-manchester-united-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/
Fulham will need to break transfer record for Santiago Gimenez
Fulham will have to pay double their current transfer record to stand any chance of signing 15-goal in-demand striker Santiago Gimenez.
According to Team Talk, Fulham must break their current transfer record and pay almost double their present feat if they stand a chance of signing Santiago Gimenez. The need for a new prolific frontman led to Marco Silva looking at the 15-goal Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tottenham target.
Fulham's struggles on the pitch have been related to the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer and their inability to replace him adequately. Raul Jimenez hasn't done a job, while Carlos Vinicius continued to prove inconsistent with his displays.
Marco Silva could return to the market for another striker during January, as he might consider signing one his top priority. They have already expressed an interest in Santiago Gimenez, but there are many complications in pursuing the prolific 15-goal star from Feyenoord.
For starters, Feyenoord may not stop him from leaving in January, but with each good performance, his price tag could become massive when the next window opens. There have been suggestions that Real Madrid and Tottenham would have to break the Eredivisie record to sign the Mexican.
Realistically, many reports have suggested a €50 million price point, but Feyenoord will undoubtedly hope to collect well above that figure. Hence, if Fulham want to sign the Mexican, they must break their current transfer record and nearly double what they paid for Jean-Michel Seri years ago.
However, the massive interest from big clubs like Real Madrid and Tottenham might put Fulham in a low bracket if Gimenez was about to choose his preferred destination. Barcelona have also entered the chase for the Feyenoord star, but there are doubts whether they have the financial capacity to compete with rivals.
Yet, the Catalans have always managed to spring up surprises and make splashes in the market for the players they need. Gimenez's profile makes him a top marksman, and hence, the likes of Tottenham are also keen.
Both Tottenham and Real Madrid intend to explore a move for Gimenez around the January window. The 15-goal striker will indeed have more suitors around January, but there's a feeling he would prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
While the idea of Fulham being in the race sounds ambitious, the Cottagers do not have a chance of signing the striker unless they are exceptional enough to beat the competition. While Giminez appears destined to move out of Feyenoord, it may be for a top-notch club like Tottenham, Real Madrid, or even Barcelona.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/11/03/fulham-will-need-to-break-transfer-record-for-santiago-gimenez/
Everton vs Fulham Carabao Cup quarter-final date 'confirmed' after announcement
Everton have been drawn against Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and a hint for when the tie will take place has been dropped.
Everton have a Carabao Cup quarter-final to look forward to after their comprehensive 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Goals from James Tarkowski, Amadou Onana and Ashley Young ensured the Toffees' comfortable passage into the last eight of the competition. While avoiding a Premier League relegation battle is Sean Dyche's priority this season, fans aplenty are already getting excited that Everton are three matches away from a Wembley appearance.
And Blues supporters would have been highly satisfied that a home tie against Fulham was drawn out of the hat. The Cottagers earned a 3-1 win against Ipswich Town to reach the quarters. And while Everton lost to the London outfit on the opening day of the Premier League season, marked improvements have been made since.
Quarter-final ties will take place the week commencing Monday 18 December. And it looks almost certain that Everton's clash against Fulham will take place on Tuesday 19 December at Goodison Park.
That is because Merseyside rivals Liverpool's last-eight game against West Ham United at Anfield has been selected to be broadcast live on Wednesday 19 December. Games at both Goodison and Anfield are unable to take place on the same day because of policing matters and the strain it would put on infrastructure.
The last time the two Merseyside clubs played on the same day at Goodison and Anfield respectively was on 3 January 1981 in the third round of the FA Cup. Everton earned a 2-0 triumph over Arsenal while Liverpool eased to a 4-1 success against non-league Altrincham.
https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/everton-vs-fulham-carabao-cup-quarter-final-date-confirmed-after-announcement-4396032
The favourites to win the 2023/24 Carabao Cup - ranked
Eight teams progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-final after victories midweek
Newcastle blitzed Man Utd, West Ham beat Arsenal and Liverpool made it past Bournemouth
Port Vale and Middlesbrough are the only sides outside of the Premier League remaining
We now find ourselves at the point where the Carabao Cup gets a little interesting. Having reached the quarter-final stage, the prospect of winning silverware really kicks in for the eight remaining sides.
We lost several big clubs from the competition midweek, including holders Manchester United and Arsenal, but we have been left with an encouraging mix of top sides and underdogs.
Port Vale and Middlesbrough act as representatives outside of the top flight, while there are still some big dogs in the form of Liverpool, Chelsea and last year's finalists Newcastle United.
With that in mind, here are the favourites to win the 2023/24 Carabao Cup - ranked.
8. Port Vale
While Port Vale have not faced the sternest opposition en route to the quarter-final, you need a little luck as a lower league side in the Carabao Cup.
The League One outfit have beaten Fleetwood Town, Crewe Alexandra, Sutton United and Mansfield on their way to the last eight, with their upcoming tie against Middlesbrough the highest-ranked opponent they will have faced.
While they will be underdogs for the clash with Michael Carrick's side, a home affair gives them a greater shot at making an impressive semi-final appearance where they would be guaranteed to face Premier League opposition.
Bradford City were the last side to make the final of the competition outside of the top flight, could Port Vale do the same?
7. Middlesbrough
Similarly to Port Vale, it's not been a brutal journey to the quarter-final for Middlesbrough.
The Championship side have beaten Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Bradford and most recently Exeter City to make it this far, but a clash with Vale in the next round gives them a great chance to make the final four.
After a shocking start to the season, Carrick has got Boro back on track with eight wins from their last nine matches in all competitions. Now they have a chance to make the semi-final, with an outside shot of making the final of the competition for the first time since 2004 when they beat Bolton in their only League Cup triumph.
6. Fulham
Having beaten in-form Championship side Ipswich Town 3-1 midweek, Fulham have set up a quarter-final clash with Everton in December.
The Cottagers knocked out Tottenham on penalties in the second round, then beating Ipswich's rivals Norwich City before dumping out the Tractor Boys on Wednesday.
Fulham have never made it past the quarter-final in the competition's history, most recently reaching this stage in the 2004/05 season.
Marco Silva could write himself into club folklore if he was the first manager to bring a domestic cup to Craven Cottage.
5. West Ham United
Having scraped past Lincoln City in the third round, West Ham showed their quality to beat Arsenal 3-1 at the London Stadium to make the quarter-final.
David Moyes was rewarded with a challenging trip to Liverpool, a fixture West Ham have already lost 3-1 this season, but they will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset against the 2022 winners.
The Hammers last made the Carabao Cup semi-final in 2013/14, going on to lose 9-0 on aggregate over two legs against Manchester City. They will be hoping to do better should they make it beyond the Reds in December.
4. Everton
Having eased past his former club Burnley midweek, with the help of former Clarets Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski, Sean Dyche has helped Everton find some form at just the right time.
A slow start to the season has picked up in recent weeks, with the Toffees now having reached a first Carabao Cup quarter-final since the 2020/21 season.
A home tie with Fulham gives the Merseyside club a strong chance of making it to the last four, potentially setting up an encounter with city rivals Liverpool.
Everton have never won the League Cup before and haven't won a major domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 1995.
3. Chelsea
With no European football to focus on and an uphill battle to compete in the upper echelons of the Premier League this season, the Carabao Cup could prove a welcome distraction for Mauricio Pochettino in his debut season with Chelsea.
Having squeezed past AFC Wimbledon and Brighton in their first two games, Chelsea enjoyed a more comfortable evening against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday with a 2-0 win.
The Blues have struggled for consistency this season, but could channel their frustrations into the Carabao Cup. However, a tough home tie with Newcastle is on the horizon.
2. Newcastle United
In a repeat of last year's final, Newcastle were the ones who had the last laugh on Wednesday evening. The Magpies sauntered past a dismal Man Utd, winning 3-0 despite making a number of changes to their starting lineup.
Having now knocked both Manchester clubs out of the competition, things are not going to get a lot easier when they travel to Chelsea in the quarter-final.
The Magpies, having already shown their pedigree in the competition, will fancy their chances travelling to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea far from convincing this season.
If Newcastle go on to win the trophy, they will have done it the hard way.
1. Liverpool
Having endured some torrid times last campaign, the feel-good factor has returned to Liverpool. Darwin Nunez's stunner saw the Reds past Bournemouth in the last round, having eased past Leicester City previously.
The 2022 Carabao Cup winners will be aiming for a second crown in three years and a home quarter-final tie with West Ham will give them hope of making the latter stages of the competition.
Jurgen Klopp has plenty of knockout experience, as well as having participated in many finals since arriving at Anfield, giving the Reds a great chance of going all the way this year.
In the current form they're in, few would bet against them.
https://www.90min.com/posts/favourites-to-win-2023-24-carabao-cup-ranked