Results | Tuesday 03/12 |
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Ray Parlour says Arsenal made 'right decision' selling midfielder in summer
Ray Parlour says it was 'the right decision for both parties' that Arsenal allowed Emile Smith Rowe to complete a £27million transfer move to Fulham.
Smith Rowe rose through Arsenal's academy and established himself as a first-team regular during the 2020/21 campaign, later taking over the iconic No.10 shirt from Mesut Ozil in north London.
But while Smith Rowe quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates, a series of niggling injury problems badly hampered the attacking midfielder's progress and he dropped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
It meant Smith Rowe made just three Premier League starts across the entirety of last season and the England international made it clear he wished to leave his boyhood club in search of regular minutes in the summer.
Crystal Palace were credited with a strong interest but were beaten to Smith Rowe's signature by Fulham and the 24-year-old has hit the ground running at Craven Cottage, notching three goals and two assists in his opening 13 appearances.
'I'm really pleased for Smith Rowe because he needed that opportunity to go away. He wasn't going to play on a regular basis,' former Arsenal and England midfielder told HaytersTV.
'[Martin] Odegaard was out for a while and maybe he would have got his chance again in that No.10 role but you can't think like that when you're a player.
'You've got to think about what's best for yourself and I think it was the right time for him to move away.
'Fulham's a great little club, he's the main man there in that midfield, a lot of things go through him now and he was probably going to sit on the bench for half a season at Arsenal.
'I think it was the right decision for both parties. You don't like to see a player who came through the ranks... he's a good lad and a good player... it was a good time for him to go because he needs to go and prove himself.
'He's 24 years old now and he needs to go out and play football on a regular basis and he's certainly doing really well at Fulham, which I'm really pleased about.'
Parlour – who won three Premier League titles with Arsenal – believes his former club may look to strengthen in both attack and midfield when the January transfer window opens for business.
'They've got to have a good look at it. People say, "striker, striker, striker". Look, it's good to see five different players score twice in a row now,' he added.
'Five different players against West Ham, five different players against Sporting which is great.
'But you still need that goalscorer... Ian Wright, we used to have and Thierry Henry. If you put Thierry in that team now, they'd win the league all day long.
'That's how important a striker is for you. Whether they look at that position...
'It was a little bit worrying Odegaard being out and how the team dipped. They had very similar players in there with [Mikel] Merino, [Declan] Rice and [Thomas] Partey... they were very, very similar sort of players so that was a little bit of a problem.
'So whether they look at that midfield or someone like Odegaard, which is very, very difficult to find and very expensive to buy if you're going to buy one like that, we'll have to wait and see.'
Parlour continued: 'They've had so many injuries, that's the big problem.
'A lot of clubs are going through a similar situation. Whether it's too many games, whether the pitches are much firmer now, I don't know.
'But I didn't see as many injuries when I played, certainly, and people can't say that it was quicker or more physical when I played so I don't understand all the injuries.'
https://metro.co.uk/2024/12/03/ray-parlour-says-arsenal-made-right-decision-selling-midfielder-summer-22110193/?ito=newsnow-feed
Ex-Sunderland and Fulham boss outlines European ambitions after joining Belgian Pro League strugglers
The former Sunderland and Fulham boss has outlined his European ambitions in his new job
Former Sunderland, Fulham and Wales boss Chris Coleman has outlined his ambitions to manage in Europe after taking the Oud-Heverlee Leuven job.
Coleman has taken over at the struggling Belgian top-flight club three days after leaving his last job. The 54-year-old former Carts man recently left his head coach role at Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he had been in post since May this year.
The former Blackburn Rovers defender AEL Limassol by mutual consent but now finds himself in charge of a team third from bottom in the Belgium Pro League with three wins from 15 games this season. Coleman, however, is eying European football with his new side.
"This is a good club, in a good competition. I am happy to take on this challenge," Coleman said after taking the job. "I do not see why we cannot compete for the top six in the long term. At the moment we still have to look at the teams behind us, but in terms of players and people here it is good. It is not our priority now, but I see us having a chance to enter Europe with this club in the long term."
Upon his departure, Limassol said: "We sincerely thank Mr Coleman for his contribution to our team during our partnership. His ethos and character are elements that have won the respect of all who make up our football department. We wish him every success in the next phase of his career, as well as health and happiness on a personal level."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/ex-sunderland-and-fulham-boss-outlines-european-ambitions-after-joining-belgian-pro-league-strugglers-4892936
How Chelsea feel about loaning out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in January amid interest from Brighton and Fulham
Since he arrived from Leicester City to reunite with Enzo Maresca in the summer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has only made four Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
Dewsbury-Hall has played 44 minutes in the league for Chelsea this season, with the bulk of his chances coming in cup competitions.
Maresca was delighted to bring the former Leicester star to Stamford Bridge, but his chances have since been very limited.
That being said, TBR Football understands that a number of Premier League sides are interested in taking Dewsbury-Hall on loan in January.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall wanted by three Premier League clubs
The 26-year-old joined Chelsea for around £30m in the summer, but his opportunities haven't befit the size of the fee.
Maresca remains a huge fan of the midfielder, but with Romeo Lavia now shining alongside Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, his chances of getting regular action are looking unlikely to improve.
Brighton & Hove Albion, who tried to sign Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester in the summer, retain an interest in the midfielder.
In addition, west London rivals Fulham and Brentford are also open to a potential loan deal next month.
However, Chelsea would rather keep Dewsbury-Hall and move on other players instead, with Carney Chukwuemeka free to leave the club either on loan or permanently.
Enzo Maresca admits it's 'difficult' for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea
As mentioned, a lot of Dewsbury-Hall's opportunities have come in the cup this season, in particular in the Europa Conference League.
And Maresca made an interesting admission about his midfielder's situation after the 4-2 win over Gent in the competition back in October.
Maresca admitted that things were 'difficult' for the former Leicester man at Stamford Bridge right now, but he also reiterated that he joined the club for a reason.
Maresca said: "I know Kiernan very well from last year. I completely understand how difficult it is for Kiernan at this moment.
"I know when you are the main player and then move to a big club it's not easy because you're not the main player, and you're on the bench or not in the squad.
"Sometimes you struggle a bit at the beginning, but he has to understand the reason he is here is because we want him, so I was very happy for him."
https://tbrfootball.com/how-chelsea-feel-about-loaning-out-kiernan-dewsbury-hall-in-january-amid-interest-from-brighton-and-fulham/
Pre Match report for the Fulham game - Thursday, 5th December 2024
PREMIER LEAGUE 24/25: Fulham V Brighton - 5/12/24 P14
Fulham manager: Marco Silva (2021) . P140 W = 45.0% @ July 24
MS did ok last term, establishing the south-west London club in mid table.
Fulham 24/25: W5 D4 L4 . F18 A18 GD0 . Pt19 Po10 = 1.46pt/gm . W = 38.4% L = 30.7%
last six: ldw wld
EFL Cup: Preston 16pen15 1-1 (A) R3, Birmingham 0-2 (A) R2
FA Cup: Watford (H) R3
start: Man Utd 1-0 (A), Leicester 2-1 (H), Ipswich 1-1 (A), West Ham 1-1 (H), Ncastle 3-1 (H),
Forest 0-1 (A), Man City 3-2 (A), Villa 1-3 (H), Everton 1-1 (A), Brentford 2-1 (H),
mid-season 1: Palace 0-2 (A), Wolves 1-4 (H), Spurs 1-1 (A), Brighton (H),
Arsenal (H), Liverpool (A), Soton (H), Chelsea (A), Bmouth (H)
Fulham fans expectations: to regain regular Prem participation of yesteryear
odds at start: top half 11-4, rel 11-2 . sack MS 12/1
prospects: anticipated to finish towards the bottom six.
currently: middle of mid-table mix.
INS: R Sessegnon (Spurs), E Smith-Rowe (Arsenal 27m), J Cuenca (Villarreal)
S Berge (Burnley 25m), R Nelson (Arsenal loan), J Andersen (Palace 30m).
Cottagers pre-season friendlies; QPR 4-0 (H), Watford 6-1 (H),
Benfica 0-1 (A), Sevilla 1-2 (H), Hoffenheim 0-2 (A)
* * * * *
Fulham home: versus Albion - 4-2 0-0 2-1 3-0 . . . W = 3 D = 1 L = 0 . F9 A3
Fulham 24/25 home: W3 D1 L2 . F10 A11 GD-1 = 1.33pt/gm or 52.6% of total points.
next six: Arsenal Soton Bmouth Ipswich Man Utd Forest
reverse sequence: lwl wdw points gained = 55.5% lost = 44.4%
versus result: (h-t) . goals . possession % . targets . corners . fouls . yellows . red . subs . shape
Wolves 1-4: (1-1) 20-31<95 59%-41% on 3-5, off 7-5, c 7-2, f 14-14, y 3-0, s 5-5 4231-3421
Brford 2-1: (0-1) 92,97-24 68%-32% on 12-2, off 14-3, c 11-3, f 3-10, y 2-1, s 5-5 4231-4231
A Villa 1-3: (1-1) 5-9,59,69 52%-48% on 4-5, off 6-9, c 6-11, f 8-11, y 3-4, r 1-1 s 4-5 4231-4231
Ncastle 3-1: (2-0) 5,22,92-46 39%-61% on 11-5, off 11-11, c 6-0, f 16=8, y 6-0, s 5-5 4231-433
W Ham 1-1: (1-0) 24-90 54%-46% on 5-3, off 16-8, c 3-2, f 15-18, y 1-2, s 5-5 4231-4231
Lester 2-1: (1-1) 18,70-38 54%-46% on 6-4, off 12-6, c 7-5, f 14-13, y 0-2, s 4-4 4231-343
* * * * *
Fulham from 11/12: 9 12 19 P, 17 20 6 3 C, 19 P, 4 C, 18 P, 1 C, 10 13, 10 @ 3/12/24
top ten: 12 23 . relegated: 14 19 21
Prem points: 52 43 32 - < - 26 - 28 - 52 47 19
recent managers: Scott Parker (19-21), Claudio Ranieri (18-19), Slavisa Jokanovic (16-18),
Kit Symons (14-15), Felix Magath (2014), Martin Jol (11-14).
http://www.brightonfans.com/NewsNow/reports_page.php?id=290&pre=yes
Marco Silva has a central midfield conundrum ahead of Brighton
With suspensions for Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney, and continuing media speculation about Andreas Pereira, Marco Silva has been left with a lack of options to choose from with regards to who starts in the centre of midfield alongside Sander Berge on Thursday against the Seagulls.
An improbable return
The first potential solution is Pereira returning to the side. This seems to be unlikely however as, although Andreas has denied the comments that he supposedly made and claimed that they have been lost in translation, the Brazilian media outlet that initially conducted the interview has refuted his claim and released the video of the interview, seemingly banging him to rights.
Although Silva has denied reports that he has seen the interview and insists, rather cryptically, that Andreas missed Spurs due to a "technical issue", this one looks set to run for a bit yet. As we've seen before with players like Tosin, Marco only wants players fully committed to the cause.
An exciting debut?
Another answer would be to bring young player Josh King into the side. This seems like something many Fulham fans would want, however unlikely it might be. King has been labelled a great talent and should flourish eventually in the first team, however Marco has been known to be slow and cautious when bleeding young talent. Therefore, with King's lack of first-team minutes, it's probably more likely we see him start against Watford in January than against the Seagulls on Thursday.
Iwobi to the rescue?
The final solution and potentially the most feasible is bringing Alex Iwobi alongside Berge and replacing the Nigerian on the wing with Harry Wilson. Although Iwobi has grown comfortable with and used to the position on the wing for the Whites, Silva will also recognise that he can be utilised in multiple positions and provide good results in each position. Couple this with Harry Wilson's form, and it makes sense. Wilson could cause the Seagulls problems and 90 minutes would serve him well ahead of Sunday's game against Arsenal, when Reiss Nelson will be ineligible to play against his parent club and Lukic should return alongside Berge.
This is the point in the season when the Whites need to show some grit, with tough fixtures on the horizon and absentees not only in central midfield but at centre-half as well. With good performances from Issa Diop, Bergem and Lukic against Spurs, Marco will hope this continues with whoever gives the nod to against Brighton.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-03-marco-silva-has-a-central-midfield-conundrum-ahead-of-brighton/
Leno: Mentality of the team is really goodBernd Leno believes that Fulham's attitude at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bodes well for the rest of the season.
The Whites dominated proceedings in North London until Tom Cairney's red card, and our goalkeeper thinks that state of mind can only be a positive thing.
"I think the way we play shows that we are very ambitious," Leno explained. "I think we showed that on Sunday, away from home at Spurs – we dominated them, we could have won, unfortunately we got the red card, but it shows what mindset we have.
"The feeling after the game was that more was possible. I had a couple of friends over and they said, 'you should have won that game!' And that's a good feeling. It felt a little bit like we lost two points.
"At the end, one point is a good result, but you can see the quality and the mindset of the team, the mentality of the team is really good, and hopefully we can continue like this."
The boys are back at the Cottage twice this week, starting with a chance to extend our unbeaten run against Brighton & Hove Albion to a ninth game on Thursday.
The Seagulls have been excellent this season, though, currently sitting just two points off second place.
"Brighton are a very good team, very well organised team, with a German manager!" Leno said. "It will be a very tough game.
"We'll try to play our game, we'll try to win that game, but Brighton are in a good moment – they won against [Manchester] City, but hopefully we can keep the points at the Cottage."
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/960x960/2ba96ba0-b0b4-11ef-a966-e90a9781f4db.jpg)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/03/leno-mentality-of-the-team-is-really-good/
What Fabian Hurzeler has said about Kaoru Mitoma injury ahead of Fulham vs Brighton
Kaouru Mitoma was struggling with an injury after Brighton's draw with Southampton on Friday night, leaving him a doubt for their clash with Fulham on Thursday.
The Japan international scored in the 1-1 draw with the Saints but was clearly in pain late on after a clash with Southampton's Tyler Dibling.
It is an immensely busy time of the year in the Premier League and the Seagulls are back in action at Craven Cottage on Thursday.
Fabian Hurzeler hopes to have the 27-year-old available, but it is unclear as to whether Mitoma will be or not.
Speaking after the draw with Southampton the Brighton boss said: 'We have to wait. I don't think it is a big issue and we try to get them available for the next game.'
Hurzeler was also referring to Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari who was another Brighton star to pick up a knock in the clash with the Saints, but is not expected to be sidelined for long.
Joel Veltman, Ferdi Kadioglu and Jack Hinshelwood are all doubts for the game against the Cottagers as well.
It has been an excellent start to life in the Premier League for Hurzeler, with his Brighton side fourth in the table after 13 matches played.
The home draw with Southampton was a disappointing result and performance from his side, though.
'Not the best game from us, regarding intensity, how we pressed out of possession and how we used our chances. We only deserved a draw,' the German admitted.
'When a team presses you man-to-man, it's not too easy to control the game. We tried to find the way. We managed it in the first-half but not in the second-half.
'We should be disappointed because we wanted to win at home, to present the fans another win, and we weren't able to. It's part of the process, we have to keep going and winning these games.'
https://metro.co.uk/2024/12/03/fabian-hurzeler-said-kaoru-mitoma-injury-fulham-vs-brighton-22113971/?ito=newsnow-feed
Antonee Robinson outperforming Liverpool options as $50m defender makes Anfield admission
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson has been tipped to return to Merseyside and join Liverpool. He is currently outscoring the Reds' current left-back options this season.
Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson has admitted Anfield is the best atmosphere he has experienced as speculation continues over a possible move to Liverpool.
Robinson came through the ranks at Merseyside rivals Everton but failed to make the grade before leaving the club in 2019. But he has now established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, alongside being a USA international.
His performances for Fulham have seen the 27-year-old be touted as a successor to Andy Robertson with Liverpool, with the Scot struggling with injuries in the last year.
There have been reports that the 50-cap USA international could be available for $50m (£40m) and he did little to dispel the speculation with his admission.
When asked what the best stadium atmosphere he has experienced, Robinson told WhoScored about his side's dramatic defeat last season, as the Reds scored two late goals to claim all three points.
"Unfortunately because we lost, Anfield that 4-3, they (the fans) were just willing the ball into the goal in that game it felt like," he said.
WhoScored, who provides users with a platform to analyze over 200+ raw data stats for individual players and football teams, currently has Robinson as the highest-rated full back in the Premier League this season with a rating of 7.10.
He ranks marginally ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.06) but is clear ahead of Robertson (6.71) and Kostas Tsimikas (6.68), who are Arne Slot's current options in the position. Interestingly, it was in that 4-3 defeat to Liverpool that Robinson recorded his highest-ever Premier League WhoScored match rating, scoring an impressive 8.62.
Going forward, he continues to excel and since the start of the 2023/24 season, Robinson has more assists (9) in the Premier League than Robertson and Tsimikas combined (5).
Another stat line where Robinson dominates his Liverpool counterparts is interceptions made, where he has picked up 103 compared to Robertson and Tsimkas' total of 27 over the same period.
The 27-year-old is currently putting up his highest rated season so far and when asked why he thinks that is, he puts that down to surgery he received over the summer break.
"I've been more front footed and aggressive in defense this season. Last season, I was struggling with my body, and I've had surgery since last season to put that right and now I'm feeling decent in myself.
https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/transfer-news/antonee-robinson-outperforming-liverpool-options-30507272
Fulham considering January loan swoop for "sensational" £80,000-a-week star
Fulham are interested in a loan swoop for a "sensational" £80,000 star, according to a new report. The Cottagers will be looking to get back to winning ways on Thursday, as they host Brighton at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva's side have been brushed aside by Wolves and drawn with Tottenham Hotspur in their last two league games.
Fulham transfer news
It has been an impressive campaign for Silva's side so far, and January represents an opportunity for them to further strengthen their side as they try to fight for a place in the top half at the very minimum.
January is fast approaching, and Fulham are already being linked with potential new additions. One player the Cottagers are interested in signing is Evan Ferguson from Brighton, as the striker looks set to be available on a loan in the New Year. The Irish international has struggled for regular football so far, and several Premier League teams are keen on signing him on a temporary basis.
As well as Ferguson, Fulham are also interested in signing Wataru Endo from Liverpool. He is another player who has struggled to get regular minutes this season, and he seems unwanted under Arne Slot. Liverpool would be looking to get around £12-14 million for the player, as other Premier League teams also keep an eye on his situation.
But Endo is not the only midfielder on Fulham's radar, as they have an interest in a player who could be available for a loan.
Fulham considering January swoop for Chelsea outcast
According to TBR Football, Fulham are interested in signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on loan from Chelsea in January. The 26-year-old joined the Blues in the summer transfer window, following Enzo Maresca in making the move to Stamford Bridge from the King Power Stadium.
The midfielder, who was dubbed "sensational" by Brendan Rodgers, was excellent for the Foxes last season, scoring 12 goals and recording 14 assists in 44 Championship games, as he helped Leicester City seal promotion to the Premier League. But in this 2024/25 campaign, it hasn't been as successful for the midfielder, as he's played just 12 games in all competitions, four of which have come in the league.
Now this report states that Fulham are among the teams interested in signing Dewsbury-Hall on loan in January. Maresca remains a big fan of the player, but his limited game time means a temporary move away could be on the cards.
Brighton and Brentford, as well as Fulham, are interested in taking Dewsbury-Hall, who earns £80,000 a week at Chelsea, on loan. However, the deal may not be straightforward to do, as Chelsea would rather keep hold of the midfielder and let other players leave the club in the New Year.
Dewsbury-Hall has yet to start a game in the league, which will be rather difficult to swallow for a player who was so vital at Leicester, but a move to Fulham could be easier to complete, as Dewsbury-Hall's agents, Wasserman, also represent Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, potentially paving a path for smooth negotiations.
https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-considering-january-loan-swoop-for-chelsea-kiernan-dewsbury-hall/
Woking 2-3 Fulham U21
Fulham Under-21s came out on a top in an eventful National League Cup tie, beating Woking 3-2 at the Laithwaie Community Stadium.
The first-half certainly wasn't short on drama, with both sides seeing penalties saved. It was 1-1 at the break after Matt Ward cancelled out Aaron Loupalo-Bi's brilliant opener.
Dion Kelly-Evans gave Woking the lead for the first time on the hour mark, but their advantage was cancelled out just minutes later as Callum Osmand applied the finishing touch on an eye-catching team move. The striker then won the game late on with an incredible solo goal as our youngsters made it five wins in a row.
Despite a bright start from the lads with Loupalo-Bi seeing a shot deflected into the arms of Will Jaaskelainen and Terrell Works going on a mazy run into the box, Woking were presented with a golden chance to take the lead as Eddy Nsasi fouled Ward in the box.
Jack Stretton stepped up to take the penalty but Alex Borto guessed right, diving to his right to save the spot kick.
Straight up the other end, Loupalo-Bi gave us the lead, cutting inside onto his left foot and finding the bottom corner with a driven left-footed from just inside the box.
Borto was kept busy for much of the evening as he palmed away Stretton's rasping strike from a tight angle.
Midway through the first-half, it was Kelly-Evans' turn to test our American shot-stopper, but he gratefully pounced on the Woking man's weak shot.
Chris Donnell was tripped the box by Cian Harries a couple of minutes later, with referee Ross Martin giving another penalty. But it was the goalkeeper who won the battle from 12 yards as Jaaskelainen saved Callum Osmand's tame penalty.
The hosts then had a couple of shots from distance. Firstly, Alan Judge's driven shot whistled past Borto's post, but there was nothing our goalkeeper could do about Ward's equaliser; a 25-yard screamer that flew into the top corner.
Michael Doyle's side were on top by this point as Stretton fired another effort past the post, before an onrushing Dennon Lewis skied a shot after meeting a cross from the right.
Immediately after the restart, Borto was down low to keep out Lewis' side-footed strike, but he was helpless on the hour mark when Kelly-Evans headed home from range to give Woking the lead.
The Fulham equaliser was a simply beautiful team goal. Lemar Gordon slotted in Donnell, who had the opportunity to shoot in the box, but instead squared it to Osmand to finish into an empty net.
Our youngsters were looking a real threat on the counter as Osmand led another charge, with Loupalo-Bi slicing a shot wide as the ball fell to him on the edge of the area.
Osmand won the game in scintillating fashion in the 88th minute. The striker was all alone with several Woking bodies in front of him as he burst into the opponent's half, but he continued to drive forwards and arrowed a shot past Jaaskelainan into the bottom corner.
Hayden Mullins' side are next in action on Tuesday 10th December with a Premier League International Cup tie against Hertha Berlin, 7pm kick-off at Motspur Park.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/03/woking-2-3-fulham-u21/
Nicolo Fagioli offered to Aston Villa, Fulham, Manchester City, Tottenham
Nicolo Fagioli is being offered to several Premier League sides ahead of January after losing his place in the Juventus team.
According to TBR, Nicolo Fagioli has been offered to at least four Premier League sides ahead of January. The Italian midfielder has lost his regular spot in the Juventus side, which could see the Bianconeri consider him expendable. Manchester City, Aston Villa, Fulham, and Tottenham are linked with the £29 million-rated Serie A midfielder.
Nicolo Fagioli was at the centre of the betting scandal that rocked Serie A, as he and Sandro Tonali served long-term bans. Despite his prolonged absence, the Juventus star was included in Italy's squad for the Euros and has started the club season as a regular.
However, as the season has progressed, Thiago Motta has come to prefer Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli as his preferred midfield pairing, leaving Fagioli and even summer signing Douglas Luiz on the sidelines for most parts.
Fagioli and Luiz are linked with Manchester City, as the report states Pep Guardiola's side are one of the four teams the Italian midfielder has been offered to ahead of January. Aston Villa, Fulham and Tottenham are the others mentioned in the story, as Juventus might consider a sale of the midfielder.
Having come through the Juventus academy, any sale will ensure the club make total profit off the midfielder. The Italian side reportedly wants £29 million to sell the 23-year-old, and that may not be an issue for most of the English sides ahead of January. Even then, a loan move with a buy option could be enough to convince the Bianconeri over a transfer.
Will Fagioli leave for the Premier League?
For instance, if Aston Villa and Tottenham show interest in taking Fagioli, they are solid contenders. Both are looking for a new midfielder, while Manchester City is eager to find a solution to their Rodri-sized midfield problem.
Fulham, on the other hand, are looking to improve their squad with another midfield addition to make sure they progress well this season. Hence, should the £29 million-rated Serie A midfielder give his nod to a Premier League move, he will have plenty of options provided any interested side can work out a deal with Juventus.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/12/04/nicolo-fagioli-offered-to-aston-villa-fulham-manchester-city-tottenham/
Preview: Fulham vs. Brighton & Hove Albion - prediction, team news, lineups
Two top-half teams in the Premier League go head-to-head at Craven Cottage on Thursday night as Fulham play host to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Cottagers and the Seagulls meet for the first time since the beginning of March when the former beat the latter 3-0 on home soil.
Match preview
Just over a week after suffering a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in North London last weekend that ended in eventful fashion for captain Tom Cairney.
The midfielder cancelled out Brennan Johnson's opener when he lashed home a brilliant leveller, before being sent off for a late challenge with seven minutes remaining. However, Spurs had no answer to the Cottagers' rearguard resolve with 10 men and were forced to share the spoils.
Marco Silva was left frustrated after the match as he insisted that his Fulham side "deserved to win" against Spurs. A draw means that they have slipped to 10th in the Premier League table, level on points with three other teams around them, while they are just four points behind Thursday's opponents Brighton in fourth.
Fulham have enjoyed facing Brighton in the Premier League, as they have won four and drawn four of their last eight meetings in the top flight, winning their last two on home soil by an aggregate score of 5-1; only against Norwich City (also eight) have they faced an opponent as many times without losing in the division.
However, success in midweek fixtures has been hard to come by, as they have only won one of their last six league games (D1 L4) played on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, having previously won their first four such matches following their return to the top flight in 2022.
After securing maximum points in back-to-back 2-1 victories over Manchester City and Bournemouth, Brighton were fancied by many to win a third successive Premier League game at home to basement club Southampton last Friday.
However, Kaoru Mitoma's first-half opener was cancelled out by Flynn Downes just before the hour mark, and the points were eventually shared in a 1-1 draw, as a goal from Cameron Archer was ruled out after Adam Armstrong was deemed to have been interfering with play by VAR.
Fabian Hurzeler admitted after the match that his Brighton side "only deserved a draw" - their fourth of the season at the Amex - as they lacked intensity and a clinical edge in the final third, with only five of their 22 shots registered on target.
Nevertheless, Brighton ended the day inside the top two of the Premier League for the first time in their history, and have since moved back down to fourth spot, level on points with Man City in fifth and just two points behind Arsenal in second place.
Before concluding 2024 with fixtures against Leicester City, West Ham United and Aston Villa, Brighton travel to Craven Cottage where they have failed to win any of their last four visits (D1 L3), while they have also failed to come out on top in any of their last nine away league matches in London, last having a longer winless streak in the capital between 1961 and 1967 (10).
Fulham Premier League form:
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Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form:
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Brighton & Hove Albion form (all competitions):
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Team News
Fulham duo Cairney and Sasa Lukic are both suspended, the latter has picked up five yellow cards, while Harrison Reed (knee) and Joachim Andersen (calf) remain sidelined with injuries. Thursday's game may also come too soon for Jorge Cuenca (knock).
Andreas Pereira missed the draw with Spurs in the wake of a recent interview in relation to a failed transfer to Marseille last summer. Silva insisted that the Brazilian's omission was a "tactical decision" and the midfielder "is going to be back stronger to help the team", which suggests that he may feature in some capacity on Thursday.
Raul Jimenez is at risk of being replaced by Rodrigo Muniz up front having failed to score in each of his last five starts, while Harry Wilson will continue to push Alex Iwobi and Reiss Nelson for a start on either flank.
As for Brighton, James Milner (hamstring) and Solly March (knee) both remain sidelined with injuries, while Adam Webster (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) and Jack Hinshelwood (knee) will all be assessed having recently spent time in the treatment room.
A "small issue" kept Joel Veltman out of the matchday squad against Southampton, while Brajan Gruda was also absent through illness, and they will need a once-over, as will Mitoma and Yasin Ayari who both sustained knocks last time out.
Captain Lewis Dunk should be fit to return to the starting lineup after the centre-back recovered from a calf problem to feature as a substitute against Southampton, while midfielder Carlos Baleba is available after serving a one-match suspension.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Nelson; Jimenez
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Rutter, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
We say: Fulham 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Both teams have scored in all six of Fulham's home matches so far this season, while Brighton have found the net in all six of their away games and have kept just two clean sheets, so goals at both ends could be on the cards at Craven Cottage.
Although Fulham have a strong record against Brighton, we are backing the Seagulls to claim at least a share of the spoils from a fixture that has ended as a draw in three of the last six meetings between the two clubs.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-brighton-prediction-team-news-lineups_559704.html
Brighton lineup vs. Fulham: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
Brighton & Hove Albion could be without as many as nine players for Thursday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
James Milner (hamstring) and Solly March (knee) both remain sidelined with injuries, while Fabian Hurzeler is currently contending with several doubts ahead of the trip to the capital.
Kaoru Mitoma and Yasin Ayari both sustained knocks in last Friday's 1-1 draw with Southampton and they will be assessed ahead of kickoff, with Hurzeler hopeful that neither issue is a serious one.
A "small issue" kept Joel Veltman out of the matchday squad against Southampton, while Brajan Gruda was also absent through illness, and they will need a once-over before kickoff along with Adam Webster (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) and Jack Hinshelwood (knee).
On a positive note, captain Lewis Dunk should be fit to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a calf problem to feature for the final 18 minutes plus stoppage time as a substitute against Southampton. The 33-year-old will likely replace Igor Julio at centre-back.
Carlos Baleba is available after serving a one-match suspension last time out and he is in contention to start in centre-midfield alongside Matt O'Riley, while the rest of Hurzeler's lineup could remain the same, with Joao Pedro partnering Danny Welbeck in attack.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Rutter, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/predicted-lineups/dunk-baleba-set-to-return-predicted-brighton-lineup-vs-fulham_559706.html?newsnow
Fulham lineup vs. Brighton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
Fulham could be without as many as six players for Thursday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage.
Tom Cairney scored an equaliser and was later sent off in the Cottagers' 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, and he will now serve a one-match suspension, as will Sasa Lukic due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Harrison Reed (knee) is another midfielder unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a knee injury, while defender Joachim Andersen (calf) is also sidelined. Thursday's game may also come too soon for Jorge Cuenca (knock).
Andreas Pereira missed the draw with Spurs in the wake of a recent interview in relation to a failed transfer to Marseille last summer. Marco Silva insisted that the Brazilian's omission was a "tactical decision" and the midfielder "is going to be back stronger to help the team", suggesting that he may feature in some capacity on Thursday.
Pereira could be ready to make an immediate return to the first XI and may take the place of Lukic, partnering Sander Berge in centre-midfield, while Emile Smith Rowe continues in the number 10 role.
Raul Jimenez is at risk of being replaced by Rodrigo Muniz up front having failed to score in each of his last five starts, while Harry Wilson will continue to push Alex Iwobi and Reiss Nelson for a start on either flank.
A back four of Kenny Tete, Issa Diop, Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson is set to remain intact, protecting goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Fulham possible starting lineup: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Nelson; Jimenez
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/marcos-midfield-conundrum-predicted-fulham-lineup-vs-brighton_559705.html?newsnow