Friends of Fulham

 
EFL play-off: David Prutton predicts Fulham vs Reading

David Prutton says Reading will make it a cagey affair against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Fulham will take on Reading in the first leg of Sky Bet EFL play-off at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Sky Sports pundit David Prutton says the fixture will be a "tough test" for Reading.

Prutton says that Fulham looked an "obvious gatecrasher" to the play-off spot for a long time, and Slavisa Jokanovic's men fully deserve this spot.

Fulham finished sixth, five points behind Reading, in the Championship. However, the Cottagers are on a roll, and momentum is on their side.

They are unbeaten in their last six games, winning five of them, and are heading into this crucial tie brimming with confidence.

"Fulham aren't your typical side that finish sixth as they've looked an obvious gatecrasher to the play-off scene for a long time. Slavisa Jokanovic's men have maintained their momentum and fully deserve their spot," he said to Sky Sports.

Reading are also on a two-match winning run going into this tie. Since March, The Royals have won seven out of their nine Championship games.

Prutton notes that the fixture will represent a clash of styles. Reading are more comfortable keeping possession while Fulham are more used to playing dynamic brand of football.

The Sky Sports pundit tips Fulham to narrowly edge their rivals on Saturday. Fulham have scored in each of their last 17 league games, and Prutton expects them to win by a 2-1 margin.

"This game will be a clash of styles. Reading like to keep the ball while Fulham play a dynamic game where their full-backs provide a key tactic in what they do," he added.

"I've got a feeling Fulham will be strong at Craven Cottage. Reading will want to make it a cagey affair, which could just suit Fulham, who have scored in each of their last 17 league matches."



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/12/efl-play-off-david-prutton-predicts-fulham-vs-reading/ (http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/12/efl-play-off-david-prutton-predicts-fulham-vs-reading/)

 
How Slavisa Jokanovic changed Fulham from relegation fodder to promotion candidates


Slavisa Jokanovic has reprogrammed Fulham from Championship relegation fodder into Premier League promotion candidates inside 18 months.

The club are preparing for a Championship play-off semi-final against Reading - the first leg live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday - in the Serbian's first full season in charge.

A string of managers tried and failed to reverse the club's slide after Premier League relegation in 2014 but Jokanovic, who promoted Watford to the top flight in 2015, has put Fulham three games away from a surprising return. But how has he done it?

Getting the right players
Jokanovic made no secret last summer that he was at odds with the Fulham hierarchy over transfers but they managed to pull together and make some inspired signings, none more so than Stefan Johansen from Celtic.

The Norweigian has been a crucial cog in midfield and is one of three Fulham players in the Championship's top-six best passers, alongside his midfield partners Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney, with eight assists and 13 goals. Johansen has provided a link between the defensive shield of McDonald - another new signing from Wolves that has given the team more steel - and the attacking freedom of Cairney, who has thrived at No 10.

Scott Malone has been another excellent buy out of left-field, reliably operating the left-back position to let youngster Ryan Sessegnon - a target for Liverpool - to maraud the left wing.


Mastering his style
Fulham already had some of the best technical players in the league before Jokanovic arrived, but he and his staff harnessed that ability to develop one of the most formidable attacking teams in the division.

Despite finishing sixth, they are the Championship's leading scorers with 85 goals, have produced the most shots per game (15.4), have the highest average possession (59%), the best passing accuracy (83.6%) and most goals from open play (60).

Jokanovic's playing style is a fusion between his home nation of Serbia and adopted country of Spain - high energy, intricate passing and ball-playing defenders - and a natural fit with Fulham's attacking players. The crux of the work was done in pre-season. Since, it has been about improving the details and ironing out mistakes.

Assistants Javier Pereira and Alberto Escobar, who worked with him at previous clubs, have been crucial to Jokanovic's success. The trio use the most modern analysis methods to root out problems and hone fine details. And Stuart Gray - caretaker before Jokanovic arrived - has given his thorough knowledge of the league.

Getting them fit
The manager's style demands a lot of physical work, so equally as important as Pereira and Escobar has been first-team medical and sports science manager Marco Cesarini, who worked with Jokanovic at Watford.

Cesarini has also implemented up-to-date sports science methods to keep Fulham's players in peak condition. He has changed their diets and even enforced stricter rules on seating arrangements at lunch time. Players are leaner, sharper and can last longer.

Last summer, the club also sanctioned some changes to the training ground that would help Jokanovic develop the team in his image. The club invested around £4m, improving things such as pitch surfaces, and it has proven influential.


Flipping the mentality
The feeling at the club is that Jokanovic's positive, determined demeanour has been infectious. He has raised morale among staff and improved the functionality of interdepartmental relationships.

Helping the environment has helped the squad but Jokanovic has bred a winning mentality into his players. He has convinced them that not only is pulling together in the same direction best for the team but also best for their individual careers. It was this that helped convince Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele to stay until last summer, and Martin to remain for the rest of his loan from Derby.

Jokanovic has always said there is no magic wand, no special methods, but has kept pushing a clear message that is hard to argue with when it yields results. And stark among that has been a balance between being authoritative while close to his squad.


The Scott Parker effect
Big players, with big histories, can present big problems. The Fulham players look up to Scott Parker massively and follow his lead.

The 36-year-old was convinced of Jokanovic's methods from an early stage and has become, albeit accidentally, a crucial conduit between the manager and the squad.

Parker, who has been doing his coaching badges and acting more in this role than as club captain, has been injured for most of the season but this has allowed him to help get Jokanovic's message across. He has become a vital extra ally in the dressing room.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/10873239/how-slavisa-jokanovic-changed-fulham-from-relegation-fodder-to-promotion-candidates (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/10873239/how-slavisa-jokanovic-changed-fulham-from-relegation-fodder-to-promotion-candidates)

 
Transfer gossip: QPR and Fulham linked with winger

QPR and Fulham have again been linked with Hartlepool winger Nathan Thomas.

The Sun claim both west London clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old along with Wolves.

It comes after reports Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have each had a £300,000 bid for the player accepted.

Rangers and Fulham were linked him last year too but did not show any concrete interest.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/qpr-fulham-wolves-middlesbrough-sheffield-united-nathan-thomas-linked (http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/qpr-fulham-wolves-middlesbrough-sheffield-united-nathan-thomas-linked)

 
Fulham hoping Chris Martin can fire them to Wembley after turbulent season

Chris Martin could complete his journey from villain to hero when Fulham take on Reading in the Championship play-offs.

Martin caused a stir in December when he made himself unavailable for the Cottagers' clash with the Royals after his parent club Derby tried to cut short his loan spell.

But Fulham dug their heels in and Martin has since scored five goals to help fire them into the top six.

It was confirmed last week that Martin's loan deal includes the play-offs and manager Slavisa Jokanovic feels the Scot will be a key figure.

"Everyone knows Martin's situation, he is fully committed with us and is fighting for a space in the team," said Jokanovic.

"We are confident he can help, and so is he.

"He had a confused situation in the winter but now everything is clear and he is only thinking about his team-mates and Fulham.

"They're happy with him and we expect he will be ready for these three games. I always had good opinion about him.

"We are not so experienced in this situation, he is one of the most experienced and he can be useful for us in these play-off games."

Fulham welcome the Royals to Craven Cottage on Saturday evening with the return leg in Reading on Tuesday night.

A Wembley showdown with Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield awaits the winners, in a match which last season was reckoned to be worth B£170million.

"This is a cup game and its not normal game," added Jokanovic.

"We must understand the situation and I don't expect everything will be done after first game, so we must be ready for 180 minutes or more.

"At the end we must play the game and respect this kind of situation."

Fulham will be without defensive duo Ragnar Sigurdsson and Michael Madl through injury for both legs of the semi-final, but they could be available at Wembley should Fulham get through.



https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-hoping-chris-martin-can-fire-them-to-wembley-after-tu-1851254.html (https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-hoping-chris-martin-can-fire-them-to-wembley-after-tu-1851254.html)

 
Match Day Officials v Fulham (13/5/17)

The Football League have now announced the Match Day officials that will take charge of the Championship Play Off Semi Final against Fulham this Saturday.

Reading travel to Fulham in the Semi Final first leg decider over who gets one step closer to Wembley and the Premier League this season.

The game takes place on Saturday May 13 at Craven Cottage and the match carries a 5.30pm kick off.

Referee: Stuart Attwell
Linesmen: Andrew Garrett and Matthew Wilkes
Fourth Official: Tim Robinson

Match Day referee Attwell has officiated 26 games in 2016/17 with a return of 86 yellow cards and seven red cards.

This season his highest card count was five yellows and three reds in the game between Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday. He showed seven yellows and two reds in the Oxford v Swindon Town game. He also showed seven yellows in the game between Southampton and Middlesbrough.

He took in 44 matches in 2015-16 and in those games, across all competitions and football divisions, he handed out a total of 118 yellow cards and four red cards.

He was most card happy in the match between Plymouth and Crawley on October 3 with a total of six yellows being shown.

Let`s hope it`s not another repeat and more of our players edge closer to automatic bans.



Read more: http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=491531#ixzz4gwDqkDZ1 (http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=491531#ixzz4gwDqkDZ1)

 
Fulham hopeful loan star Chris Martin can complete turnaround and be their play-off hero against Reading

    Chris Martin caused a stir in December when he refused to play for Fulham
    Parent club Derby tried to cut his loan short and Martin wanted to return
    The Cottagers refused and Martin stayed to help fire them into the play-offs
    Now the Scotland international could be the man to fire Fulham to the top flight

Chris Martin could complete his journey from villain to hero when Fulham take on Reading in the Championship play-offs.

Martin caused a stir in December when he made himself unavailable for the Cottagers' clash with the Royals after his parent club Derby tried to cut short his loan spell.

But Fulham dug their heels in and Martin has since scored five goals to help fire them into the top six.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/10/403A617100000578-0-image-m-16_1494580254250.jpg)
Chris Martin could complete his journey from villain to hero when Fulham take on Reading

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/10/403A5CC000000578-0-image-a-19_1494580381758.jpg)
Martin's loan deal includes the play-offs and Slavisa Jokanovic feels the Scot will be key

It was confirmed last week that Martin's loan deal includes the play-offs and manager Slavisa Jokanovic feels the Scot will be a key figure.

'Everyone knows Martin's situation, he is fully committed with us and is fighting for a space in the team,' said Jokanovic.

'We are confident he can help, and so is he. He had a confused situation in the winter but now everything is clear and he is only thinking about his team-mates and Fulham.

'They're happy with him and we expect he will be ready for these three games. I always had good opinion about him.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/10/403A806E00000578-0-image-a-20_1494580694634.jpg)
Martin caused a stir in December when parent club Derby tried to call his loan short

'We are not so experienced in this situation, he is one of the most experienced and he can be useful for us in these play-off games.'

Fulham welcome the Royals to Craven Cottage on Saturday evening with the return leg in Reading on Tuesday night.

A Wembley showdown with Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield awaits the winners, in a match which last season was reckoned to be worth £170million.

'This is a cup game and its not normal game,' added Jokanovic.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/10/400CD80A00000578-0-image-a-18_1494580317922.jpg)
Martin wanted to return but Fulham dug in and he stayed to help fire them into the play-offs

'We must understand the situation and I don't expect everything will be done after first game, so we must be ready for 180 minutes or more.

'At the end we must play the game and respect this kind of situation.'

Fulham will be without defensive duo Ragnar Sigurdsson and Michael Madl through injury for both legs of the semi-final, but they could be available at Wembley should Fulham get through.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4499028/Fulham-hope-Chris-Martin-play-hero.html#ixzz4gwErdR6J (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4499028/Fulham-hope-Chris-Martin-play-hero.html#ixzz4gwErdR6J)
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Fulham's Europa League heroes seven years on - where are they now?

It has been seven years since Fulham's Europa League Final against Atletico Madrid - we take a look at where the players are now to commemorate the occasion

Can you believe it's been seven years since Roy Hodgson's Fulham took to the Nordbank Arena to face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final?

Those players have gone down in the club's history, despite losing 2-1 thanks to a Diego Forlan brace, and gave Fulham something to be proud of - a team that played their hearts out for the badge on the front of the shirt in a major European final.

We all remember what happened in that game - Forlan gave the Spanish side the lead in the 32nd minute before Simon Davies stuck Zoltan Gera's cross into the net to level it only five minutes later, sending the travelling Fulham support into raptures.

The game went to extra time and it proved just a bridge too far, and as the tie looked like it was going to penalties Forlan flicked on Sergio Aguero's cross to give the Spanish side the winner.

To commemorate the day, we've had a look at where the squad that played that game are today.

Mark Schwarzer
The goalkeeper played an important role in getting Fulham to the final and is revered as a legend at the club for his services.

He went on to play for Chelsea and Leicester City, where he won consecutive championships for different clubs, but didn't receive winner's medals because he didn't play enough games (although he received a replica winner's medal at Chelsea).

Currently, he's involved in an advisory role to an Australian Football Consortium looking to buy an English club.

Chris Baird
The Northern Irishman started at right back in the final ahead of John Paintstil and he stayed at the Cottage until 2013 when he was released by the club.

He went on to play for Reading, Burnley, West Brom and Derby, with a loan spell back at Fulham throw in for good measure.

He's still playing at Derby and has recently had a clause activated in his contract for another season.

Aaron Hughes
After spending six-and-a-half seasons at Fulham, Hughes had brief spells with QPR, Brighton, Melbourne City and Kerela Blasters.

The 37-year-old retured from international football in September 2011 but returned to the Northern Ireland fold in February 2012 and went on to feature in their Euro 2016 campaign where he became the first outfield Northern Irish player to win 100 caps.

He's currently at Hearts in Scotland after signing for them in January 2017 and has also put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Brede Hangeland
A true legend at the Cottage - Hangeland signed for Fulham in 2007 to link up with his former Viking manager Hodgson and it was a match made in heaven.

His time at Fulham came to an unfortunate end when he was allegedly dismissed by the club via e-mail, while stating then boss Felix Magath told him to place a block of cheese on his thigh in order to make him fit again.

He joined Crystal Palace in 2014 and retired in 2016 and currently works for Norwegian broadcaster TV2 where he covers the Premier League.

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13024547.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-99145850.jpg)
Battle: Brede Hangeland fights a youthful Sergio Aguero for the ball (Photo: LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)

Paul Konchesky
Having played at the Cottage since 2007, Konchesky left for Liverpool in the summer of 2010 where he signed a four-year deal but unfortunately struggled to make an impact having been superb for Fulham.

After that, he joined Nottingham Forest on loan, before going to Leicester, QPR and Gillingham.

He signed for Billericay Town in February and has been involved in a rather weird video where his new side are signing R Kelly's 'World's Greatest' - something he didn't look too thrilled to be involved with.

Damien Duff
Having signed from Newcastle in 2009, Duff went on to produce some fantastic footballing memories at the Cottage during his five year stay.

He went on to sign for Melbourne before heading back to Ireland to play for Shamrock Rovers, where he finished his playing career in December 2015.

He's currently head coach of Shamrock Rovers academy side.

(http://i4.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13024537.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-99055577-1.jpg)
On the ball: Damien Duff (Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Dickson Etuhu
He played for four years at Fulham after signing from Sunderland in 2008 before leaving for Blackburn in 2012 for an undisclosed fee.

He moved on to AIK in Sweden as a free agent in 2014 where he still plays to this day and is a role model to younger players, such as Alexander Isak.

Danny Muprhy
The captain of the side who played the final in Hamburg, he went on to play for Blackburn after leaving the club in 2012.

He claimed reaching that final "would be one of the greatest achievements of our history" having already beaten Juventus and Wolfsburg on route.

He is now a regular pundit on Match of the Day as well as establishing a career as a radio pundit on Talksport while studying for his coaching badges.

Simon Davies
The Welshman joined Fulham from Everton in 2007 it was Davies who scored the equaliser in Hamburg that night to give Fulham hope that they could actually pull off a win.

He suffered with injuries towards the end of his career at Fulham and was released at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Nowadays, he plays for boyhood Club Sova AFC in the Pembrokeshire League Division Two, where he pays £3 a game subs

(http://i3.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13024519.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-99073776.jpg)
On the score sheet: Simon Davies (Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Zoltan Gera
A real fan favourite, Gera played the entire final against Atletico but didn't manage to get himself on the scoresheet.

He left to return to West Brom in 2011 to rejoin Hodgson in the midlands but left when his contract expired in 2014.

Gera now plays for Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the Nemzeti Bajnoksag I division.

Bobby Zamora
Having joined from West Ham for a £6.3m fee in 2008, Zamora went on to have a fine career at the Cottage.

He signed for west London rivals QPR in 2012 where he helped the club return to the Premier League by scoring the winner at Wembley in the play-off final in 2014.

He went on to play for Brighton but retired in December 2016 and he currently is involved in a social housing scheme with Rio Ferdinand and Mark Noble.

Clint Dempsey
Dempsey became the first American to ever play in a major European final when he replaced Zamora in the 55th minute in Hamburg.

He left Fulham for Tottenham in 2012, before heading to Seattle Sounders with a loan spell back to Fulham lodged in the middle of his time in the States.

He still plays for Seattle and was recalled to the USA squad in March 2017.

(http://i4.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13024565.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-99174567.jpg)
Not giving up: Clint Demspey challenges Luis Perea (Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Erik Nevland
The Norwegian made a sub appearance in the final, replacing Duff in the 84th minute of the tie.

He left Fulham for Viking in 2010 where he was made captain of the club he grew up at before leaving in 2012.

Afterwards, he worked as car salesman before starting to work for Randaberg IL in Norway with his friend who was head coach there, which he still does to this day.

Jonathan Greening
Greening was brought on by Hodgson in the 118th minute of the final to replace the tiring Murphy, but went on to make his loan deal at Fulham permanent on July 2010.

After, he went on to play for Forest before being released in May 2014.

Greening holds both the UEFA 'B' and 'A' licences and he now plays for Tadcaster Albion in the Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-europa-league-heroes-seven-13024353 (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-europa-league-heroes-seven-13024353)

 
Cauley Woodrow explains what helped Burton Albion's loan players succeed on the pitch

(http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276452/Article/images/30328511/15998628-large.jpg)
Cauley Woodrow (right) enjoyed a successful loan spell with Burton Albion this season

Cauley Woodrow says being so warmly welcomed into the Burton Albion dressing room helped the Brewers' loanees to thrive in the bid for Championship survival.

Albion had seven loan players in their squad by the end of the campaign, with Fulham's Woodrow and Lasse Vigen Christensen joined by John Brayford, Luke Murphy, Michael Kightly, Chris O'Grady and Will Miller.

The impact of those individuals on a supreme team effort across the 46 games was telling. Woodrow himself scored five goals - all at the Pirelli Stadium - after signing in January, while Brayford's season away from Sheffield United saw him voted the fans' runner-up in the player of the season contest.

(http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276452/binaries/Cauley%20Woodrow%20John%20Brayford%20goal%20Forest%20RBEAI!!!!.jpg)
Cauley Woodrow and John Brayford both enjoyed productive loan spells with the Brewers

The way those loanees blended into the Albion squad and shared the desire for survival to such an extent was evident throughout a tense push to the line.

The celebrations from Kightly after firing the Brewers 2-0 up at home to Leeds United last month perhaps tell the story best.

And Woodrow says that togetherness on the field was mirrored in the dressing room across the squad.

"It has been fantastic - on a personal note, I've come here and scored goals, got assists and managed to play games," he said, when reflecting on his loan spell at the Pirelli.

"That was my aim when I came here, and I'm thankful to the manager for giving me that opportunity.

"The boys welcomed all of us loan players with open arms, and we have come and settled in really well. That has shown on the pitch."

Woodrow - whose parent club Fulham begin their play-off semi-final tussle with Reading on Saturday - is hopeful that his summer focus will be on the European Under-21 Championships with England.

With the Brewers, though, there is no doubting the loanee's desire to keep Albion in the Championship.

"When I first came in, that was all of the loan players' aims - to come in and help the team stay in this league," he added.

"We achieved that with one game to go, and I think it's been a whole-squad effort.

"The gaffer always talks about it, but everyone has been brilliant. Everyone has done their jobs and we've managed to achieve staying in this league."




Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/cauley-woodrow-explains-what-helped-burton-albion-s-loan-players-succeed-on-the-pitch/story-30328511-detail/story.html#UF5YsSIEAj2xcIRy.99 (http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/cauley-woodrow-explains-what-helped-burton-albion-s-loan-players-succeed-on-the-pitch/story-30328511-detail/story.html#UF5YsSIEAj2xcIRy.99)

 
Ahead of the game: The first leg...

A preview of our trip to the Cottage
Fulham vs Reading
Craven Cottage
Sky Bet Championship, play-off semi-final first leg
Saturday 13th May 2017, 5.30pm

In other circumstances, the summer break would already be here.

But our boys have earned their right through their work throughout the year to extent the 2016/17 for a bit longer with a play-off campaign.

The Wembley dream is alive and well – nothing can be decided on the day on Saturday evening in Fulham, but we'll want a healthy scoreline to bring back to Madejski Stadium for Tuesday's return leg.

TICKETS
ickets for Reading supporters for this fixture are completely SOLD OUT.  Please do not travel to Craven Cottage unless you have a ticket.

However there are still tickets available for the decisive second leg at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday evening – click here for information for that fixture.

TRAVEL
Supporters' Trust at Reading (STAR) operate coach travel to all away fixtures – click here for more information.

Please note that this weekend the railway lines between Clapham Junction and Barnes will be closed all day Saturday and Sunday for maintenance and renewal work.  This means that Reading supporters will not be able to connect at Richmond to reach Putney as usual.  The quickest route from Reading station will be a train to Paddington followed by a District Line tube to Putney Bridge.  Please take these closures into consideration when planning your route and leave ample time for your journey.

If you're driving, take a look at the map below for up-to-date travel information.

OFFICIALS
he man in the middle at Craven Cottage will be Stuart Attwell, overseeing his first Royals fixture for over two and a half years.  He has been on the whistle at Fulham once this season, as they list 2-1 to Brighton in January.

Mr Attwell will be assisted by Andrew Garrett and Matthew Wilkes as linesmen, and the fourth official's board will be manned by Tim Robinson.

ODDS
Hosts Fulham are favourites to take a lead into the second leg according to EFL title sponsors Sky Bet, with 8/13 the price on a home win.  The Royals – who have upset the odds more times than any other club in the three divisions this season – are an outside bet at 17/4 and odds are 3/1 for the scores to be level when we head back to Madejski Stadium.

Striker Yann Kermorgant goes into the game with 9 goals in his last 9 games... he's 15/2 to score in a Reading win in a Sky Bet price boost!  And they're also offering a scorecast boost double chance of 55/1 for John Swift to score first in either a 2-0 Reading win or a 1-1 draw.

FOLLOW IT LIVE
If you can't make it to the match, you can listen to every pass, tackle and goal with live audio commentary on Reading FC PlayerHD for as little as £4.49 per month. Not only that, but our online subscription also allows you access to extended match highlights and exclusive interviews which you won't see anywhere else.  The play-offs are also being broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.

As ever, we'll also provide live updates on our Twitter and Facebook pages, and look out for our match photos on Instagram.

Head to Snapchat and find 'officialrfc' to follow our matchday story as it unfolds!

REMINDER.
We wish to politely reminder supporters that the football club is responsible for their conduct at all matches (home or away) and any person committing a football-related offence or involved in serious misconduct at any match will result in a club ban. Examples of serious misconduct include discriminatory, offensive or abusive chanting, entering the pitch, persistent standing and throwing a missile. Supporters witnessing any incidents of serious misconduct are encouraged to report this to the football club by texting 80800, beginning your message with the word SAFE.




Read more at http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/match-preview-fulham-reading-craven-cottage-play-off-semi-final-3714194.aspx#Ia1EsPKHA0o3Pk0m.99 (http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/match-preview-fulham-reading-craven-cottage-play-off-semi-final-3714194.aspx#Ia1EsPKHA0o3Pk0m.99)

 
Second Leg Screening

The Club is delighted to confirm that supporters can attend a live screening of Fulham's second leg Play-Off tie at Craven Cottage next Tuesday 16th May.

With tickets at the Madejski Stadium restricted and a number of fans unable to attend the second leg, Fulham fans now have a chance to come together and show their support for the Whites!

Craven Cottage will be open from 6:30pm and fans will be able to watch the game on a giant screen, where also cheering on the side that evening will be past promotion legends Sean Davis, Barry Hayles and Rufus Brevett.

This event will be ticketed, with places limited and sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Tickets are £5 per person and include a free drink on arrival (beer, wine or soft drink).

Fans can secure their tickets today online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Join us at Craven Cottage as we look to cheer the Whites on to victory!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/12/second-leg-screening (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/12/second-leg-screening)

 
Tomas Kalas: I marked Luis Suarez on my Chelsea debut so no Play-Off fears with Fulham for me

After being asked to mark Luis Suarez on his Premier League debut, the Championship play-offs should not hold any fears for Chelsea and Fulham defender Tomas Kalas.

It has been little over three years since Kalas helped nullify one of the best strikers in the world and put a major dent in Liverpool's title hopes.

Chelsea's 2-0 win at Anfield is most remembered for Steven Gerrard's  slip that gifted Demba Ba the opening goal. However, the victory was all the more remarkable because former manager Jose Mourinho made a number of changes, including selecting Kalas to start next to Branislav Ivanovic at centre-half.

Kalas told Standard Sport: "That match is going to stay in my head forever. Every League debut for a player is a special moment, but this was at Anfield, playing against Suarez and Gerrard.

"I remember I was shaking at the start. This was such a huge game. Liverpool were expected to win and go on to win the title. I was just trying to do my best against Suarez, who is such a great forward.

"I didn't ask to swap shirts afterwards. I kept mine as a memento of the occasion. I have watched a few clips of the match since then. Of course, you always see the Gerrard slip, but I was able to see the things I did right and wrong. I learnt a lot, but I still need to prove I can play at that level. I can't be judged on just that one game."

Fulham is the fifth different club  Kalas has been loaned to since joining Chelsea from Czech side Sigma Olomouc for £5.2million in 2010.

He has been a key figure at the back for Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side as the club staged a late rally to claim sixth place and the last play-off spot.

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Clean sheet: Kalas kept Suarez quiet on his Chelsea debut

One would assume coming up against Suarez would have provided the greatest lesson in his career so far, but that is not the case for the Czech Republic international.

"Playing for Fulham, and Middlesbrough last season, has helped me much more," he explains. "For example, Rotherham may have been relegated this season, but I learnt how to approach a game like that, how professional you have to be on the pitch.

"I do weights after training now because I realised I can't be a defender weighing 70kg. I realised that when playing against Kenneth Zohore (the Cardiff striker who scored twice in the 2-2 draw against Fulham in February). That was a striker I struggled with physically."

Beating Reading over two legs won't be an easy task either, but 23-year-old Kalas believes Fulham have an advantage.

"We have a lot of momentum," he said. "Losing to Derby in April got us going again and we finished with five wins and one draw. It would be worse if we were going into the play-offs off the back of three defeats. We have already had to play with the pressure of having to win games and that will help us."



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tomas-kalas-i-marked-luis-suarez-on-my-chelsea-debut-so-no-playoff-fears-with-fulham-for-me-a3537391.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tomas-kalas-i-marked-luis-suarez-on-my-chelsea-debut-so-no-playoff-fears-with-fulham-for-me-a3537391.html)

 
THE INDUSTRIOUS STOKE MIDFIELDER WHO COULD REPLACE TOM CAIRNEY AT FULHAM IF HE LEAVES

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/adammmmm9-800x504.jpg)

Fulham have been one of the surprise packages in the Championship this season, bursting from bottom half into the Play-Offs with a late surge.

Under the guidance of Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham have surprised many this season.

The Cottagers just beat off relegation last season, so not many would've predicted their meteoric rise to promotion candidates.

Along the way, Fulham have caught the eye too, playing some brilliant, attacking, free-flowing football, sweeping some teams away and claiming the joint title of the league's top scorers in the process.

With this great season, has come speculation over the futures of their star players, with Tom Cairney taking most of the plaudits and attracting the most attention.

Premier League, Burnley and top-flight new boys, Newcastle, are both believed to hold an interest in signing the midfield playmaker, and Fulham could be resigned to losing to former Blackburn man in the coming months – especially if they miss out on promotion.

Finding a like-for-like replacement for Cairney will be near impossible, and no doubt out of Fulham's price range, so they will have to go slightly left-field for a replacement.

One man who seems the perfect man to replace him is Charlie Adam.

The former Liverpool man has fallen out of favour at the Bet365 Stadium, and Adam could be one of the casualties of a Mark Hughes summer clear out.

Even at 31, Adam still has an awful lot to offer and would be a perfect fit in a Fulham side that loves to play with the ball on the floor.

Technically, Adam is one of Stoke's best players, his range of passing general midfield play would certainly improve the Fulham side.

In the attacking third, Adam brings cutting edge, with the ability to unlock a defence, and he also has the eye for the spectacular, just like Cairney.

Although age may not be on his side, the Scot seems to be a like-for-like replacement for Cairney.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-industrious-stoke-midfielder-who-could-replace-tom-cairney-at-fulham-if-he-leaves/

 
Why You Should Root For Reading FC In The Play-Off Semi Final Against Fulham FC
Whether you're a neutral, a former Reading player, or even a Fulham fan. We're the ones you should be rooting for.

Reading Football Club deserve your backing during the 2016/17 play-off campaign.

Whether you're a neutral, a person that supports a Premier League club, a former footballer with a gripe, or even a Fulham fan. Reading are the team you want to win and see get to Wembley.

Here, let me talk you through it.

Consistency
Reading have been in the play-off places of the Championship since October 29, 2016. A 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest saw them move into fifth place in the table, and since then, they haven't ever gone lower than that.

That is consistency. That is a team that deserves to go up. Week after week, they've kept performing to a (fairly) consistent level. One foot in front of the other, this side is the embodiment of stamina and a strong mentality.

Fulham, on the other hand, have been all over the place. They were as high as second at the end of August, and as low as 14th in October. They are inconsistent. They snuck into the play-offs at the last minute. They do not deserve your support. Do not root for Fulham.

Entertainment
Do not look at the statistics. It's fake news. Fulham may have scored 17 more goals than Reading, but Reading have conceded 7 more and are 5 points and 3 places higher in the table. Do you know what that means? It means that Reading are the entertainers.

How? They bend the laws of football. Reading Football Club are a team that, statistically, look like an anomaly. But watch them week after week and they are not. They are confusing. Watch statisticians analyse The Royals and watch them squirm. It's hilarious.

Oh, and as for aesthetically pleasing football, Fulham just copied Reading's passing style. They're copycats and nobody likes a copycat.

I don't care that Jokanovic joined Fulham in 2015. We got there first, our manager is Dutch.

Revenge
If you don't care about Reading usually, you might have missed that Fulham smashed Reading 5-0 back in December. They humiliated us.

A 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture soon afterwards wasn't enough. We want Daenerys-style revenge. Molten gold poured over the heads of Fulham. Only less violent and wasteful of precious resources.

Underdogs
Look at the odds right now. I don't really understand odds, or betting, or anything about gambling, but I know Reading are predicted by everyone to be swept aside by the Cottagers.

Support the underdog. You know you want to. Little old Reading, all tinpot and inconsequential... It's ripe for your support.

Unlike Fulham.

Kermorgant
Reading's 35-year-old striker is retiring at the end of the 2017/18 season. He's scored 18 goals in the Championship and is a genuinely lovely fella. Oh, and he's got a French accent. Don't tell me you don't love the French accent. He's adorable.

Fulham have no such player. Do not root for Fulham.

Al-Habsi
Probably the nicest footballer to ever exist. The Reading goalkeeper is the Player of the Season and deserves his chance at the big-time again, after being bombarded by literally hundreds of shots while goalkeeping for Wigan all those years ago.

Fulham have a goalkeeper nobody's ever heard of before. Shrug.

Manager
Jaap Stam is famous around the world. He is a Manchester United legend. He is big. He is bald. This is his first managerial role and he has taken to it like a bird to a bird feeder. He is understated. He looks angry but is actually lovely.

He's also Batman. Support Batman.

Owners
Reading are in discussions with Chinese people to be taken over again.

What does this have to do with the play-offs? Well, there are rumours that if Reading get promoted the Premier League will block them. Now, wouldn't that be something interesting to talk about throughout the summer?

Fulham have no such concerns and are generally bland and boring in that regard. Bring back the Michael Jackson statue and we'll talk again.

Blogs
The Tilehurst End > Cottagers Confidential. Simple.

So, you know what to do during these play-off semi-finals: root for The Royals.



http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15629358/root-for-reading-fc-efl-championship-play-off-semi-final-fulham-fc (http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15629358/root-for-reading-fc-efl-championship-play-off-semi-final-fulham-fc)

 
I'll be watching Fulham's play-off in the comfort of my home - not in a pub in the rugby hotbed of Johannesburg

Columnist Chris Bishop today discusses a previous experience of watching Fulham from a South African bar and explains why he won't be doing it again on Saturday

I couldn't believe it. I don't know what shocked me more, the result or the nonchalant way the commentator on Fulham FC radio announced the winning goal at Hillsborough.

Normally he is frantic when he heralds a winning Fulham goal away from home - this time it was like he was announcing the team changes.

To me, a comfortable 2-1 win away against one of the toughest teams in the division was like finding the Holy Grail in your garden shed.

It was a glittering wonder to behold, especially against the sackcloth backdrop of last season when we were in 20th and every game involved a prayer for us not to end up with Fleetwood Town on the fixture list.

It can happen. I am of the generation that can remember losing 2-0 at home to Hayes and scraping a 2-2 draw away to Ashford United (where ? exactly!) in the cup.

Our prayers were answered, from the penalty spot, by Micky Adams on that latter dark day in Kent. I was in Zambia, on assignment, at the time and it gave me a headache just reading about a week later in the British papers.

So all points to Reading at Craven Cottage this Saturday in the first leg of the play offs. I am afraid I cant give you any predictions for this one as I am a bit superstitious and all my fingers are crossed, which makes it difficult to type.

Anyway I am glad that the match is being shown live here in Johannesburg and I will watch it at home. No, I will not be attempting the folly of watching the game in a bar - I am of the age where I don't like going through a full gamut of emotions before strangers.

That is also not advisable in this town where the oval ball is king in most of the pubs. In any Johannesburg sports bar you will find 20 television screens and at least 19 of them will be tuned into rugby games.

People just want them tuned into Rugby, when they are standing drinking, even if the game is highlights from last year and no one is watching.

I have seen fist fights in the cause of getting football on TV in some bars.

Even when you win the battle they never leave you alone. I remember once fighting tooth and nail to get Wigan v Fulham on one of the 20 TVs in the bar box in a bar. I can't remember what year it was, but I do remember that we had to win to stand a chance of staying up.

Ten minutes to go, no score, the tension was killing and I had my head in my hands. Some bloke came up to me: "Couldn't I flick over to see the Arsenal - Man City game?"

The polite version of my answer was: no.

Clint Dempsey scored two in the last five minutes and slammed my fist down on the bar table and screamed: yes!! each time. The so called Arsenal fan looked at me like I was mad; proof that he didn't care that much about the game anyway - otherwise he would have understood.

So I will be safe, at home, for the semi-final with a bottle of English beer at room temperature. Come on Fulham.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ill-watching-fulhams-play-comfort-13024970 (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ill-watching-fulhams-play-comfort-13024970)

 
Championship play-offs guide: Jaap Stam leads Reading against Fulham goalscoring juggernaught, while Klopp's pupil David Wagner takes on Sheffield Wednesday's riches

    The Championship play-offs begin this weekend, with a huge prize on offer
    Promotion from Wembley final will mean Premier League mega bucks for winner
    Reading finished highest of the four teams, but Fulham are the top goalscorers
    Huddersfield had a slow finish while Sheffield Wednesday are well prepared

The Championship play-offs kick off this weekend, with the Premier League's astronomical television deals waiting as the winner's prize.

Fulham host Reading in their semi-final first leg at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, with the Yorkshire derby between Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday taking place on Sunday.

The two second legs are scheduled for midweek and Sportsmail runs the rule over each of the teams ahead of the most lucrative round of matches in world football.

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFFS

Saturday May 13: Fulham v Reading - 5.30pm

Sunday May 14: Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday - 12pm

Tuesday May 16: Reading v Fulham - 7.45pm

Wednesday May 17: Sheffield Wednesday v Huddersfield - 7.45pm

Final: Monday May 29, 3pm (Wembley)

READING

How was their run before the play-offs?

Seven wins from their last nine catapulted them into third place, and two of those victories came at home against Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United. There was, however, a horror show at Norwich in there, ending in a 7-1 hammering.

Who's the danger man?

Yann Kermorgant is the top scorer with 18 goals in 42 games and has pitched in with important ones along the way as well. Ten of those have come since the beginning of March with the 35-year-old their lynchpin going into the tie with Fulham. Former Chelsea trainee John Swift has impressed in midfield.

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Reading enjoyed a fine finish to the season and go into the play-offs with confidence

What about the manager?

Jaap Stam's future is by no means certain; bigger clubs are keeping tabs on him, but it is undeniable that he has taken Reading to another level since joining last summer. He has a close relationship with sporting director Brian Tevreden, with the pair previously coaches at Ajax together.

Are they ready for the Premier League?

In an infrastructural sense, yes, but significant finance would need to be ploughed into Stam's squad if they reached the top flight.

Stam is fearful of losing his best players if they don't go up. 'If you want to make steps yourself as a club, you don't want to sell your best players,' he said.

'Sometimes you can have things too quick, but if the opportunity's there to do things well, you need to enjoy it and that's what we're doing.'

What are their chances?

It really depends on the first leg at Craven Cottage. Their away form has let them down recently - not least that beating at Norwich, plus losing heavily at Preston and Brighton. If they're still in the game by Tuesday night, you would not bet against Reading.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

How was their run before the play-offs?

Other than the final-day defeat by Fulham, it's been strong. Six wins on the bounce before then, including beating Newcastle 2-0, and the mood around Hillsborough is positive. Hasn't always been harmonious this season but that is largely down to expectancy levels going through the roof under Carlos Carvalhal.

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Jordan Rhodes helped Sheffield Wednesday to six wins in succession before a recent blip

Who's the danger man?

The goals have been spread around this year, with Fernando Forestieri leading the way on just 12. Both Ross Wallace and Barry Bannan have carried on from where they left off last season and supply the ammunition from midfield.

What about the manager?

A charming man, Carvalhal is out of contract this summer and has plenty of suitors. Took Wednesday to the Wembley final last May and midfielder Sam Hutchinson urged him to stay just this week. Would be a huge blow to the club if Carvalhal did depart, with the manager having walked out of a press conference recently after constant questions on his future.

Are they ready for the Premier League?

They have been building for this ever since Carvalhal joined the club in 2015 and they are the best prepared of all four to have a real go. Money will be available and the partisan crowd would win them points.

What are their chances?

Wednesday could have done without the added spice of a Yorkshire derby in the semi-final but will feel if Huddersfield are dispensed with that they learned enough last season, with slender defeat by Hull, to go one better.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

How was their run before the play-offs?

Not good, but partly their own doing. Manager David Wagner came under fire after a raft of changes in their defeat by Birmingham on the penultimate day once a play-off spot was confirmed - the Football League were not best pleased - and what followed was a 3-0 home thumping by Cardiff.

Huddersfield had been chasing automatic promotion until the final weeks of the campaign and will hope their fate is not similar to Fleetwood's in League One, where the extra two games were just too much. Wagner, though, will argue resting players will prove to be the correct decision in time.

Who's the danger man?

Aaron Mooy. On loan from Manchester City and watched by a number of top-flight clubs after the turn of the year, Mooy makes Huddersfield tick. Comfortable on the ball and capable of driving from midfield, the Australian's quick-thinking has allowed the Terriers to motor in possession - especially at home.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/13/403B880A00000578-4499290-Australian_playmaker_Aaron_Mooy_is_on_loan_at_Huddersfield_from_-a-14_1494593972689.jpg)
Australian playmaker Aaron Mooy is on loan at Huddersfield from Manchester City

What about the manager?

Has well and truly ditched the 'Klopp-lite' tag while at Huddersfield. An electric brand of football has galvanised the town and Wagner's stock continues to rise - even after his controversial decisions recently and that unseemly spat with Leeds boss Garry Monk.

Are they ready for the Premier League?

Probably not, but Huddersfield are riding a crest of a wave at the moment and there have been plenty of examples of unpolished clubs going up and doing well, even if they failed to survive.

What are their chances?

It all depends whether Wagner's rotating has kept his players fresh or knocked them out of sync. Sheffield Wednesday are a machine and will take some stopping in the semi-final, particularly given the second leg is at Hillsborough.

FULHAM

How was their run before the play-offs?

There's always one team who look like a juggernaut heading into the end of season showpiece and Fulham are exactly that this year. Five wins from their last six and 16 goals scored in that period suggests Reading will have their work cut out. Fulham have sneaked in at the last, which makes them very dangerous indeed.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/12/11/4032C98D00000578-4499290-image-a-12_1494586255194.jpg)
Sixteen-year-old Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon has made headlines this season

Who's the danger man?

Tom Cairney pulls the strings, with 10 assists this season alongside Sone Aluko. He's got 12 goals from midfield too and the 26-year-old is a real threat. Should be playing at a higher level and it'd be interesting to see if Fulham could keep hold of him if they failed to go up.

What about the manager?

Slavisa Jokanovic did a terrific job at Watford and is performing similar wonders in west London. Fulham were going nowhere before he came in last summer, but the number of goals they scored, 85, is only matched by Newcastle. He's brought the excitement back to a club stagnating.

Are they ready for the Premier League?

They are geared up for it after relegation in 2014. Don't possess a great deal of big names but with additions could be a tricky proposition.

What are their chances?

Given their recent run, they go into the two legs against Reading as favourites. And anything can happen in a final.




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Tom Cairney: 'I can perform in Premier League'

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has insisted that he has the quality to impress as a Premier League player.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form for the Cottagers this season, scoring 12 goals and setting up 10 more to help his side surge into the Championship playoffs.

The Scotland international also has a pass accuracy of 92.65%, a figure that ranks him sixth among Europe's top five leagues including the Championship, just behind the likes of Thiago Silva and Samuel Umtiti.

Asked if he can transfer that form to the English top flight, Cairney told The Sun: "Definitely. Every player has to back themselves to play at that level and I believe once I get there — and I hope it's with Fulham — I really will show I can do things at that level.

"It's all about getting there in the first place. But I do think it does suit my game.

"You get a bit more time on the ball. The Championship is relentless sometimes with the Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

"The way they pass in the Premier League, it would suit me down to the ground."

Fulham take on Reading in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/cairney-i-can-perform-in-premier-league_298004.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/cairney-i-can-perform-in-premier-league_298004.html)

 
Fulham vs Reading: Fulham Supporters' Trust board member Dan Crawford gives his views on the play-off

We got the lowdown from Dan Crawford of the FST ahead of the play-off semi-finals - here's what he had to say

Fulham play Reading tomorrow in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi final and we've been building up to the event since the trip to Hillsborough.

We've spoken to the players on Tuesday and spoken to Slavisa Jokanovic while commemorating Fulham's Europa League final in between, and now we're speaking to the people who this game means the most to.

We caught up with Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) board member Dan Crawford to get his thoughts ahead of one of Fulham's biggest games for years.

As a fan, what are you hoping from the play-offs?
As a Fulham fan I'm nervous at the moment, largely because of our records in the play-offs.

The closer you get to a big game the more nervous you get, but in terms of what I'm, hoping for I'm hoping Fulham go out and give a good account of themselves in the way that we finished the season.

Slavisa has put together a wonderful second half of the season run that on the stage this is we play a good game of football and showcase ourselves really well and do ourselves justice and we put on a good show.

I think it will be a very tight game so the key is to be in the tie at at the end of the first leg and hopefully ahead, but that may be a bit too much to hope for.

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Hands off: Tom Cairney (Photo: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

Do you think Reading may come with a plan to be defensive?
I don't know really, that''s the curios one because when they played at Craven Cottage previously they came and played ultra offensive and went to try and dominate the game and got dominated themselves.

I don't think they'll be doing that again and I think Jaap Stam has said he wants to play three at the back and go with these wing back and my concern about that is if you have defensively minded wing backs from reading they can nullify the forward raids that Fredericks and Malone, who I would expect to start at fullback, might make into reading terrority.

Knowing Stam and knowing he wants to play a particular way I don't think they will go ultra defensively I think he will see the value in coming here and making a statement and scoring themselves a couple of goals to put Reading in a strong position.

I think they'll be a bit more defensive than they were at the start of the season but they wont be 11 behind the ball.
What kind of team do you want to see, would you bring Chris Martin into the side?
I would play Martin for the simply reason in a big game, against old fashioned English defences Martin has the experience of the play-offs, he has the experience of getting to a final recently.

He will give you something nobody else in the squad can do which is to occupy those two centre halves and gibe them a battle, hold up the ball so that he can get into a shooting position or he can create chances for others.

I'd certainly start with Martin for the simple reason that he's score goals and contributed goals and assists for Fulham and without him the false nine against robust Championship defences can be a bit hit and miss, can work and I think we saw that in some of the games where he was out that it can worjkbut it can work much better later in games when people are tired.

I would think if Martin is there for 60 minutes, those centre halves, people like McShane and Gunther, are going to know they've been in a game and you can exploit tiredness behind them later on but I would be starting Martin because I'm encouraged that despite all the talk earlier in the season he wants to be here, he wants to play Fulham and he's put in some really good performances for us.

I think there might just be another one on Saturday.

Would you play Ryan Sessegnon, seeing as he is only 16, in such a pressure game?
Yeah, I think i would be playing him because he seems to have no fear he seems to be a very level headed young man and certainly more mature than the 16 years of age he is.

Theres no problem with his football intelligence, he makes all sorts of very interesting runs into dangerous positions which is why I'd be very tempted to play him in front of Malone, something that has worked well on various occasions in the second half of season, particularly at Newcastle.

But also you just look at his role in the goal against Brentford a few weeks ago, he got int a very advanced position and he could easily have a shot but he had the awareness and maturity to slot it across to Cairney and did something similar in the Hull City cup game for martin so I'd play him because I think we'd benefit from having him in there but I think every Fulham fan has learnt to trust Slavisa Jokanovic over the course of this season, almost all of his decisions have been spot on but I don't think it's a question of being able to trust Sessegnon in this game, he's proven he can do it.

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article12923849.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL170856_0008.jpg)
Celebrations: Ryan Sessegnon celebrates his goal against Aston Villa (Photo: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

Fulham have never won a play-off game, will these be the first?
ou have to hope so!

I studied History at university and very famously Henry Ford said 'all History is bunk' and I think that this is a whole new side, Fulham have only played four play-off games and it's a lot less than anyone else in this play-off and a lot less than any team.

Equally it's been 20 years since the last one so none of these players are affected by that and it's a very confident bunch of players, we've seen that and they've gone on a remarkable run to get into the play offs so I'm slightly nervous about it because it's a big game, I'm not nervous about the history.

The message from Jokanovic and his coaching staff will be to go out there and improve why you deserve to be in this position and they'll start on the front foot and everything else after that is about dealing with the occasion and keeping calm and I think theres enough experience.

Malone said earlier this week about having the experience in the team about people who have the experience in big games and using that to guide other people thought it but theres enough experience in there of big games, both in England and abroad to settle the nerves.

The big one - do you think Fulham can get to Wembley?
You've got to be positive about these things - they've demonstrated they can beat reading at home by a convincing margin, they've demonstrated they can beat most of the team in this league fairly convincingly

We'll have a capacity home crowd tomorrow ready to roar them on and it will be some atmosphere tomorrow night so you have to be optimistic about these things.

Over a two game period I think we'll have plenty of chances to make an impression on Reading, and that's not to underestimate them, they're a very good side and well drilled and know what it takes to grind out a result so it won't be easy by any stretch, but I think we can get to Wembley and wouldn't that be lovely?

Dan is a board member of the Fulham Supporter's Trust and also edits HammyEnd.com.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-reading-fulham-supporters-13025476 (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-reading-fulham-supporters-13025476)

 
Who should Newcastle United fans be supporting in the Championship play-offs? And why?

Newcastle United thankfully avoided the play-offs - but fans should be keeping an eye on Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Reading

Thankfully, Newcastle United achieved automatic promotion - and even ended up lifting the title in dramatic fashion - so they avoided putting their supporters through a nerve-inducing play-off campaign.

Instead the four teams who will enter the play-offs, which begin this weekend, are Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Fulham.

In terms of who will triumph, it is anyone's guess at this stage - though Fulham are in excellent form and are much fancied, while Wednesday have the experience of having lost in the play-off final last year.

But who should Newcastle fans be cheering on over the coming weeks?

Which sides would the Magpies rather remain in the second tier? And which clubs have players who would be potentially worth poaching should they fail to achieve promotion?

Here, NUFC Writer Chris Waugh assesses the potential pros and cons for Newcastle of each of the four teams achieving promotion:

Fulham

Of all the teams to visit Tyneside this season, it was the Cottagers who left the biggest mark.

Having already beaten the Magpies in a dour opening-day match at Craven Cottage, Slavisa Jokanovic's men made the trip up to St James' Park on March 11 - and played Newcastle off the park.

The Cottagers' swift counter-attacking style exposed the lack of pace in United's defence, with Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon particularly impressing.

In terms of a team who appear to have the Magpies' number, Fulham certainly seem to be that right now - so in that sense Newcastle fans may be rooting for the Cottagers to remain in the second tier.

What's more, an added benefit of that could be the potential availability of some of their prized assets should Fulham fail to go up.

(http://i2.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article12774512.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Wolverhampton-Wanderers-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
Tom Cairney of Fulham (Photo: Getty Images Europe)

Most notably, Tom Cairney - a creative midfielder who Benitez enquired about in January but was quoted a staggering £20m for - would likely leave because he harbours ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and United remain admirers.

Sessegnon too could depart, although he looks likely to remain this summer, plus there will be clubs with far-greater financial resources than Newcastle tracking him.

The likes of Neeskens Kebano, Floyd Ayite and Denis Odoi have also caught the eye this term too.

Verdict: Though Fulham would excite in the Premier League, it is probably in Newcastle's best interests that the Cottagers don't join them in achieving promotion.

Reading

Hammered 4-1 at St James' Park in August, Reading were then held to a goalless draw by United as the Magpies ended their trio of away trips to three of their promotion rivals by collecting a cumulative seven points.

On that day, the Royals were poor - and, in truth, they are not the most-exciting side to watch, even if they did enjoy the second-highest average possession in the Championship at 57.4 per cent per game.

Jaap Stam has created a side who dominate possession, but at times they appear to do very little with the ball - and often pass it across their back four inside their own half.

However, on saying that, their results speak for themselves and a third-place finish suggests Stam's side have been effective against most sides, just not Newcastle.

In that sense, the Royals achieving promotion would not necessarily concern United.

Although another midweek trip to the Madejski Stadium would be unlikely to appeal to Magpies supporters, given that games kick-off at 8pm and many fans did not get into the stadium by the start of the match due to traffic problems around the ground.

In terms of star players who could be poached should Reading fail during the play-offs, Yann Kermorgant has had an impressive season - netting 18 league goals - but he is 35 and unlikely to be of much interest to Newcastle.

Potential players who would be worth taking a look at include defenders Liam Moore and Jordan Obita, as well as midfielder Liam Kelly, though the Reading squad does not appear as rich for picking as Fulham's.

Verdict: Reading getting promoted would probably be in Newcastle's interests - unfortunately it could create away-day problems with another trip to the Madejski, but Benitez appears to know how to combat the Royals' threat.

Huddersfield Town

When the Terriers performed a smash-and-grab counter-attacking raid on Tyneside back in August, nerves began to grow among Newcastle fans as Huddersfield were expected to struggle before the campaign started.

However, David Wagner's men turned out to be the surprise package of the season and even ended up pushing Newcastle for an automatic-promotion slot until the very final weeks.

In March, Benitez performed a tactical masterclass as Newcastle defeated the Terriers 3-1 at the John Smith's Stadium - a result which turned out to be crucial in both the promotion and title races.

So, in that sense, the Terriers coming up the Premier League alongside United should hold little fear for the Magpies, as Huddersfield would undoubtedly be huge favourites to go back down again.

What's more, many neutrals will be backing Wagner's men during the play-offs as it would be an immense achievement for the little-fancied Terriers to achieve promotion.

However, should Huddersfield fail to go up, there are a few players in their squad who it would definitely be worth taking a look at.

Australian international midfielder Aaron Mooy has had an exceptional season and, though a Manchester City player, could be available on loan or even a permanent deal this summer.

Forward Nahki Wells, winger Elias Kachunga and defender Tommy Smith may also be worth taking a look at - while Georginio Wijnaldum's half-brother Rajiv van La Parra is an exciting, if inconsistent, attacker.

Verdict: In a romantic (and purely practical) sense, seeing Huddersfield reach the Premier League would probably be in Newcastle's interest - but, should the Terriers fail to do so, then there may be some potential bargains to be had.

Sheffield Wednesday

Another one of the three sides to do the double over Newcastle this season, the Owls visited St James' Park on Boxing Day and simply bullied United.

Then, in the return fixture down at Hillsborough in April, Carlos Carvalhal's men thoroughly outplayed Newcastle and claimed a richly-deserved victory.

Like Fulham, Wednesday appear to have United's number at the moment - and, of all the teams in the play-offs, they look the best equipped to make the step up to the Premier League.

In terms of players who would be worth looking at if the Owls fail to gain promotion, then forward Fernando Forestieri would be the obvious name.

He has been linked with Newcastle and has scored 12 and provided a further five goals this season.

Callum McManaman too, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion, is a winger the Magpies have looked at in the past.

Add to that duo the quartet of defender Tom Lees, defensive-midfielder Sam Hutcinson, central-midfielder Barry Bannan and the versatile Adam Reach - all of who have had impressive seasons - then there are at least half-a-dozen Wednesday players who it would be worth taking a look at.

Verdict: Wednesday appear the most 'Premier League-ready' outfit out of the four promotion contenders, they did the double over Newcastle and have some decent players who could become available if they fail to go up - so it seems to be in United's interests that they don't.

Championship play-off fixtures:

Fulham vs Reading - Saturday, 5.30pm (Semi-final first leg)

Huddersfield Town vs Sheffield Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm (Semi-final first leg)

Reading vs Fulham - Tuesday, 7.45pm (Semi-final second leg)

Sheffield Wednesday vs Huddersfield Town - Wednesday, 7.45pm (Semi-final second leg)

Championship play-off final - Monday, May 29, 3pm (at Wembley)




http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-should-newcastle-united-fans-13024764 (http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-should-newcastle-united-fans-13024764)

 
Slavisa finally brings stability; Fulham succeed

Fulham finished the 2016-17 (regular) season with a mood not felt nor heard since "Call Me Maybe" was a hit and not a punchline: a success.

Statistically, how did Fulham manage to buck this nearly 5-year trend of performances that ranged from historically terrible, to surprisingly good, to maddeningly inconsistent?

The answer lies with stability.

Managers not sticking with the same lineup can be a double edged sword. Sometimes it shows the manager is constantly tinkering to find which position players will succeed the most. Other times it can show a manager simply can't settle on who his best players are, and appears to be second-guessing himself.

Injuries and suspensions play a role too, but the last few seasons have been anything but stable.

Last season, Fulham started 7 different CBs. Six had 8 or more starts. Four different RBs and LBs started; 5 of 7 made double digit or more starts.

In 2014-15, Fulham started 5 different CBs, 6 different RBs, and 5 different LBs.

In 2016-17, Fulham started 8 different defensemen. Period.

Also in 2016-17, Fulham started 13 different midfielders. Last season it was 17; 22 different midfielders started in 2014-15.

Most of this can be attributed to having the same manager for more than 6 months.

Last season Fulham put up the following numbers under just Slavisa:
Corsi/TSR    Shots on target share    Shooting % For    Save %    PDO    DZ Shots For %    DZ Shots Against %
0.484    0.489    28.6%    66.4%    0.949    32%    41%

These aren't great, but also not terrible. As written before, Fulham's crazy shooting percentage under Kit was going to regress and regress it did.

This season the numbers are far better across the board:
Corsi/TSR    Shots on target share    Shooting % For    Save %    PDO    DZ Shots For %    DZ Shots Against %
0.577    0.54    36.7%    71.4%    1.081    41%    41%

After years in the wilderness, it's amazing how simple an equation of "better players + good manager = good, stable team" can be.



https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/slavisa-finally-brings-stability-fulham-succeed/

 
Fulham v Reading
SAT, 13 May 2017Championship - 1st Leg
Venue: Craven Cottage


Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg
Coverage: BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Berkshire; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

---

Fulham will be without defenders Ragnar Sigurdsson (calf) and Michael Madl (ankle) for the play-off semi-final first leg against Reading.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic does not expect either player to be fit for the second leg, but they might be available at Wembley should Fulham reach the final.

Reading manager Jaap Stam hopes to have midfielder Garath McCleary (groin) and defender Paul McShane (calf) involved.

His side were beaten 5-0 at Fulham in the regular season back in December.

Third-placed Reading are in the play-offs for the first time since 2011, when they were losing finalists to Swansea.

Fulham, who finished sixth, are in their first play-off campaign since losing in the third tier semi-finals in 1998.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic told BBC Radio London:
"I don't know what's better, playing the first leg at home or away. We know we're starting at home in this tie and we're happy and confident.

"That's the most important thing in this situation where we are now.

"We're not intimidated in this situation, we've prepared this week in the normal way and I don't need to revolutionise anything for this game.

"The players know what they need to do for this game. We must quietly concentrate on our normal practice before playing Reading."

Reading manager Jaap Stam told BBC Radio Berkshire:
"We're prepping in exactly the same way we have all season. There's no reason for us to do things differently in how we've been working throughout the season.

"These are games that really matter in terms of your nerves and everything that comes into the game, certain tactics maybe.

"It's about coolness of players, do they still have the same ability to deliver certain things under pressure?

"It's going to be interesting how this game's going to go for them and for us. We've got a mixture of young and experienced players, so it's going to be a great learning experience for everybody."

Analysis
Nick Godwin, BBC Radio London

"We're prepping in exactly the same way we have all season. There's no reason for us to do things differently in how we've been working throughout the season.

"These are games that really matter in terms of your nerves and everything that comes into the game, certain tactics maybe.

"It's about coolness of players, do they still have the same ability to deliver certain things under pressure?

"It's going to be interesting how this game's going to go for them and for us. We've got a mixture of young and experienced players, so it's going to be a great learning experience for everybody."
Analysis

Nick Godwin, BBC Radio London
Five times Reading have previously competed in the end-of-season play offs and five times Reading have failed to win promotion. Could it be sixth time lucky?

They certainly finished the regular season in good form, winning seven of their last 10 games.

What is giving fans sleepless nights at the moment is the occasional away glitch, when they concede goals like they are going out of fashion.

For Reading, it's about staying in the tie on Saturday. Then on Tuesday, with Reading boasting the second-best home record and Fulham having the second-best away record in the Championship, it will be all about who can hold their nerve.

Match facts
    Fulham beat Reading 5-0 at Craven Cottage in the regular league season, with Chris Martin scoring twice for them.
    Reading's only win in their past five Championship fixtures against Fulham came in their most recent meeting in January, where they recorded a 1-0 home victory (D1 L3).
    The team that finished sixth in the Championship has won promotion via the play-offs just once in the past 11 seasons - Blackpool in 2009-10.
    The team to finish third in the second tier of English football has won the play-offs more times than any other finishing position (10 of 28 - 36%).
    This is Fulham's first play-off campaign since 1997-98, when they lost in the third-tier semi-finals against Grimsby under the stewardship of Kevin Keegan.
    Reading will be embarking upon their sixth venture into the Football League play-offs and fifth in the second tier. The Royals have failed to win promotion on all six occasions, most recently losing 2-4 v Swansea in the 2010-11 final.
    The Royals have lost two play-off finals in the second tier, a tally beaten only by Sheffield United (3).
    Chris Martin scored in both legs of the 2013-14 Championship play-off semi-final against Brighton for Derby, scoring two goals as the Rams reached the final.
    Fulham ended the Championship season on an unbeaten run of six matches, winning five.
    Jaap Stam's side also ended the season in good form, winning seven of their final nine Championship matches (L2).



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39838351 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39838351)

 
Fulham v Reading FC: Play-Off First Leg Preview
All you need to know going into Saturday's first leg.

Here we are, then. 180 minutes to determine whether it will be the Cottagers or Royals heading to Wembley in a couple of weeks to face Yorkshire's finest. Here we detail the form, injuries, key quotes, and history of the first leg.

Form
It means nothing. Sorry, but this is a play-off and there is no historical pattern for predicting a winner in either the semis or the final.

Still, to satisfy the urge, Reading have won seven of their last nine games, defeated only by Norwich City (7-1) and Nottingham Forest (3-2), which creates a thematically pleasing LWLWLW spell for the Royals in their last six matches away from home. Also worth noting from the season as a whole for Jaap Stam's men is that only Rotherham (64) have conceded more away from home than the Royals (48).

Fulham, conversely, are on the best form of all the play-off teams, winning five and drawing one of their last six. Brentford nabbed a point at Craven Cottage in their last home game but only Brighton and Wolves have won there in 2017, giving them an impression as a real tough nut to crack. Optimism for Reading comes in the form of their defence. With 32 conceded at home in the league, only two sides (you guessed it, one's Rotherham) have let in more.

Injuries
Plenty of question marks hang over the away team for the first leg, with Stam confirming in Wednesday's press conference that Garath McCleary and Paul McShane were to be assessed late in the week before they could enter the teamsheet. It seems likely the Irishman will at least be on the bench having undergone 45 minutes against Burton the week before.

Replacing McShane on that afternoon was Joey van den Berg and Stam seemed a little more optimistic that he'll be ready. The same cannot be said for Stephen Quinn, who is effectively ruled out alongside long-term absentees Callum Harriott and Deniss Rakels.

There are no real fitness worries for Slavisa Jokanovic, who rested a couple of players in their final game of the regular season, such as Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen.

Key Quotes
Jaap Stam:

    "We've beaten them at home. In the play-offs it's about two games, not one or more so it's a different approach and a different level of stress for the managers and players."

    "If you want to get into the final, if you want to be in the Premier League then you get even better teams than Fulham so you need to match yourself with the best teams in the league."

Liam Moore:

    "It's been a fantastic season no matter what happens."

    "The play-offs do crazy things to people, your livelihood is at stake as you could go to the top and remain where you are so it can go either way."

Slavisa Jokanovic:

    "I don't know what is better traditionally, home or away [first], we are happy and confident and don't believe this is most important thing in this situation."

    "The [5-0] win is history - in this moment it's not so important. The only thing that is important is the first leg and we must be ready for everything."

History:
Head to head record: Fulham W16 - D9 - Reading W15

Last six Craven Cottage Meetings:

Fulham 5-0 Reading (December 2016)

Fulham 4-2 Reading (October 2015)

Fulham 2-1 Reading (January 2015)

Fulham 2-4 Reading (April 2013 - Premier League)

Fulham 3-1 Reading (November 2007 - Premier League)

Fulham 0-1 Reading (November 2006 - Premier League)

Prediction

A really tough one to call, such is the momentous occasion these two teams meet in. For evry one of Reading's triumphant away days at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, there are the disparate showings at Norwich, Preston, and indeed Fulham. Given both sides' dodgy defensive records, goals are expected and if the Royals concede first, it could be an afternoon of damage limitation ahead of Tuesday's return.

2-1 to Fulham




http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15630424/fulham-v-reading-fc-play-off-preview-2017 (http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15630424/fulham-v-reading-fc-play-off-preview-2017)

 
Play Off Semi Final Preview

Remember the curse of fourth? Well that's not really the case anymore – two of the last three PO winners had finished fourth at the end of the regular season, but what's really noticeable is that over the last decade third placed teams have been promoted as many times as fourth, fifth and sixth place sides combined.

If the trend over the last decade continues, Reading will be back in the Premier League next season and Fulham will still be knocking around in the Championship. However, this is the Championship and nothing is straightforward: the mini league based on the games between the four qualifiers indicates that Fulham and Reading were far better than the others and Huddersfield were appreciably worse than the other three.

Basically, each team has an obvious weakness and if that can be exploited by their opponents we could have some interesting games. I have a feeling that whoever wins promotion to the Premier League may last only one season: with Middlesbrough rejoining the Championship after losing at Chelsea earlier this week, that's a distinct possibility.

Fulham v Reading (Sky Sports 2, Saturday, 5:30pm)

Only one defeat in their last ten games at Craven Cottage, but the thing that stands out straight away is that they've conceded in nine of those ten games and they've had to come from behind in two of them. Only Barnsley and Rotherham conceded more goals at home than Fulham this season, but only Brighton, Newcastle and Norwich scored more goals in front of their own fans. Fulham's strong point is their home record against the teams that finished in the top half of the table: they lost 2-1 to Brighton at the start of the year, but that's it.

Reading have won four of their last ten aways but they also lost 7-1 at Norwich over that period, failed to score in three of those games and only kept two clean sheets. However, even though only Brighton, Fulham and Newcastle only won more away games this season, the Royals' hot streak away from home came in the early part of the season and it's noticeable that when they were beaten 5-0 at Fulham at the start of December they weren't nearly as impressive. If they'd not had consecutive last minute away wins at Blackburn and Bristol City it's fair to say that Reading may not have been in this position: they may be about to be spectacularly exposed.

Verdict: there'll be goals in this game. Five of the last six meetings in the league between these sides in the league at Fulham have produced at least three goals. Reading have only won two of those encounters, their last victory coming in a Premier League game in May 2013.

Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday (Sky Sports 2, Sunday, noon)

On paper, this looks like a classic Yorkshire derby with little to chose from between the clubs. Dig a bit deeper and you start seeing it from a very different perspective.

Town's highest league position for 17 years indicates that they're here on merit, but their win over Reading in mid-February was their only victory against their competitors in the playoffs and they've only won three of their last ten games – and that includes only half of their last six at home. This season they lost both games to Sheffield Wednesday without scoring and since 2000 they've only beaten Wednesday twice in nine games where they've had home advantage.

Ominously, Wednesday have been here before and although playoff success following playoff failure is rare, it's not unknown. They've only lost twice on the road since January and were one of only four teams last season that had a positive away goal difference, which is one of the vital statistics for a team looking for promotion. That's one way of looking at it: the other is that the away wins at Newcastle and Huddersfield were Wednesday's only victories against teams that finished in the top half of the table and they've not improved in that respect since last season.

Verdict: I can see this going two ways. Either it'll be a cagey, low scoring draw or Wednesday will take a decisive lead into the second leg. I think it's entirely possible that Huddersfield may be 'pleased to be here' rather than having any real expectations for promotion, but I've been very wrong before about the playoffs.



http://www.buzzinchampionshipfootball.co.uk/play-off-semi-final-preview/4025 (http://www.buzzinchampionshipfootball.co.uk/play-off-semi-final-preview/4025)

 
Newcastle target reveals his Premier League ambition

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has stated his ambition to play in the Premier League in an interview with the Sun.

The 26 year old is said to be a summer transfer target for Newcastle, but the playmaker says he is hoping to get to the top flight with Fulham through the playoffs, although he doesn't rule out playing for another club to achieve his aim. When asked whether he is capable of playing in the Premier League, Cairney said:

"Definitely. Every player has to back themselves to play at that level and I believe once I get there — and I hope it's with Fulham — I really will show I can do things at that level."

"It's all about getting there in the first place. But I do think it does suit my game. You get a bit more time on the ball. The Championship is relentless sometimes with the Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. The way they pass in the Premier League, it would suit me down to the ground."

Cairney has been in excellent form for the Cottagers this season, making 49 appearances so far, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists. Fulham face Reading in the Championship Playoff semi-final at Craven Cottage tomorrow evening as they seek to gain promotion back to the Premier League after a four year absence.

If they fail in their promotion bid, Newcastle may be waiting in the wings to help Cairney fulfil his ambition of playing in the top flight.




https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2017/05/blogs/gallowgate-gossip/newcastle-target-reveals-his-premier-league-ambition/

 
Fulham vs Reading Preview: Three Questions with The Tilehurst End
Let's hope we get to run this feature two more times this year.

Our friends over at The Tilehurst End stopped by to answer our questions about Reading. We'll be doing it again next week for the return fixture. If you haven't yet read the questions they asked us and our answers, be sure to check that out.

Cottagers Confidential: Reading have been a statistical anomaly all year. We recently looked closer and realized that a lot of their success came from scoring first and holding on to win and punishing the bottom teams in the table. Their GD and xGD were hurt by their struggles in games decided by more than one goal. Does the idea of playing a team like Fulham who had a lot of success against the top six and is very capable of building up a multi goal lead in the first leg worry you?

The Tilehurst End: Well anytime you face a team that's stuffed you 5-0, you're going to be a bit nervous. Throw in that 4-2 from 2015/16 and yeah, we don't love going to Craven Cottage. There is that potential for a spanking, we've seen it away from home all season long, that when we lose, we lose hard. Norwich 7-1, Brentford 4-1, Brighton 3-0, Preston 3-0, Newcastle 4-1, there's certainly a pattern there. The hope here is that Jaap has been able to figure out how to stop such maulings and the fact we've finally been able to link up the three best defenders at the club in Paul McShane, Tiago Ilori and Liam Moore, should certainly help to limit the risk of another painful afternoon at Craven Cottage.

As for whether Fulham worry me? Well yes and no. While you've been able to turn it on in patches, you're also prone to slipping up when you think you're on a roll, which is why you seemed to finish 6th and not inside the top two. I think there might be a touch of overconfidence creeping in, especially when you listen to the likes of Scott Malone openly say 'teams fear us', that combined with the fact you beat us 5-0 might just lead to a bit of complacency I hope we can exploit.

CC: Fulham and Reading are the two most possession oriented teams in the division. Fulham are just ahead of them in most of the possession metrics. Does Reading have a plan B if they are unable to garner the possession they are used to?

TTE: We've seen against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday that we're capable of being a bit more direct when needs be. The bigger issue seems to be when we fall behind, as teams seem to do pretty well at just picking us off (again, another reason for the spankings...). I think Jaap realised for the 1 1/2 home games we had against you that we'd probably lose the possession battle and did a good job at adapting the game plan accordingly. Jaap is very much a rookie manager who's made and will make mistakes, yet he's learning and the more experience he's picked up, the better he's become.

CC: 62% of your goals were scored by your top 4 goal scorers. 54% of the assists came from the top four creators. Are you at all worried about being top heavy on offense and being able to be shut down?

TE: Not really, although Stam has said openly he tries to win games first and then defend second, not something you'd expect from one of the best centre backs of the past twenty years! As our injury worries have cleared up, our options in the squad have grown. Suddenly we've got top quality players like Lewis Grabban to bring on, or the suddenly prolific Joseph Mendes. We've also got more defensive options from the bench, with Tyler Blackett, George Evans, Jordan Mutch and Reece Oxford all fighting just for bench spots. That depth is going to make us a much different proposition to our last trip to West London, when we went into it without Liam Moore and Yann Kermorgant, two of the three players who finished in the top three of our Player of the Season voting.

CC: Predicted Lineup and Score?

TTE: Predicted Lineup: Al-Habsi, Obita, Ilori, Moore, McShane, Gunter, Evans, Williams, Kelly, Beerens, Kermorgant

Score Prediction: 1-1




http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15630362/fulham-reading-preview-three-questions-with-the-tilehurst-end-championship-playoff (http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/12/15630362/fulham-reading-preview-three-questions-with-the-tilehurst-end-championship-playoff)

 
Reading FC opinion: Free-scoring Fulham pose massive threat to Royals' Premier League dream

'Mr Glum' columnist Russell Kempson predicts a potentially torrid night at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Okay, please forgive me, here I go again. I've donned my "Mr Glum" hat and I'm fearing the worst at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.

That's when Reading FC take on Fulham in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

And when they will be hoping to mount what could prove to be little more than a brave rearguard action ahead of the return leg at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

Could Royals win in West London? That would be marvellous.

What about a draw? Or even a one-goal defeat? A courageous and resilient damage-limitation exercise?

I'll snatch your hand off right now.

It's the worst-case scenario – the heavy defeat, as in 5-0 when Royals last visited the Cottage in early December - that continues to haunt me.

(http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article13007655.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/EGP_BRK_BK201614710_0777JPG.jpg)
Chris Martin scores against Reading in the 5-0 drubbing in December (Photo: Eddie Greville)

And the fact that Fulham have been one of the most attractive visitors to the Mad Stad this season.

It was 0-0 at half time when the first attempt to stage the match in Berkshire was fogged off late last year.

In the rematch in January, Fulham were more than a shade unlucky to lose 1-0.

Royals scored through Roy Beerens, on the follow-up after John Swift's penalty had been saved by David Button.

But when the Cottagers were also awarded a spot-kick, in the 90th minute, home keeper Ali Al-Habsi saved well from Chris Martin.

Other facts on the final road to the Premier League give me the jitters, too.

(http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article12943357.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/EGP_BRK_BK201614710_0671JPG.jpg)
Reading v Fulham at Craven Cottage (Photo: Eddie Greville)

Fulham have scored in 17 successive league matches, amassing 39 goals in the process.

In eight of those games, they struck three goals or more.

The last time they failed to bulge the old onion bag was on February 4, when they lost 1-0 at Birmingham.

However, they had been reduced to 10 men at St Andrew's after defender Ryan Fredericks' 68th-minute red card.

Reason to believe?

Right, that's enough doom, gloom and downright terror regarding what might lie ahead on the banks of the River Thames.

I must believe in the tactical genius that is Reading manager Jaap Stam and his merry band of stunning overachievers this term.

And in searching high and low, I've discovered a few chinks of light, a few chinks in the Fulham armour.

In that 17-match frenzy of free-scoring, consider the frantic goings-on at the other end.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side failed to keep a clean sheet 15 times and conceded 24 goals

Their only shut-outs in that period were in the 2-0 win at Bristol City and 1-0 victory at Rotherham United – hardly the most lethal of opponents.

The ploy of head coach Jokanovic has been quite clear all season - "We'll score more than you" – so that should make for a belter on Saturday.

Having examined all the pre-match evidence before the weekend, I'm still wearing my 'Mr Glum' hat.

But I'm quite willing to eat it if the game goes goal crazy in Royals' favour.

A scoreline of Fulham 3 Reading 4 would do me quite nicely!



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/reading-fc-opinion-free-scoring-13013315 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/reading-fc-opinion-free-scoring-13013315)

 
Reading FC: Jaap Stam insists Royals 'have nothing to lose' against Fulham in Championship play-offs

'Jaap Stam had a dream,

To build a football team,

He had no money so he signed 'em for free,

McShane at the back,

Rakels in attack,

We're Reading FC, We're on our way back'

HE may have had a dream to build a football team, but not even Jaap Stam could have expected success this quickly.

One season in charge, his first as a manager, and Stam has performed miracles at Madejski Stadium.

A club that laboured to 17th and 19th in the Championship table the previous two years has defied critics and proven the doubters wrong by finishing third this term to reach the play-offs.

And they have done it after a huge overhaul of players last summer and with a new way of playing – Stam's way.

And whatever happens from here in the lottery of the play-offs, the 44-year-old Dutchman says Reading can be proud of what they have achieved.

"Play-offs are different in terms of our approach and what they bring which is stress and tension because the games are so important," stated Stam, whose side go to Fulham tomorrow for a Championship play-off semi-final first leg (5.30pm ko).

"But we've got nothing to lose, we are third in the league and we have done well against the other play-off teams.

"We've won and lost games, we know that, but it's all about preparing yourself for these fixtures coming up by working hard like we have all season and hopefully getting the right result."

Whether hard work will be enough to get past Fulham in the semi finals remains to be seen.

Slaviša Jokanović's Cottagers may have finished three places below Royals in the table, but they are the bookmakers' favourites (17/10) to go up through the play-offs ahead of Sheffield Wednesday (9/4), Huddersfield (3/1) and finally Reading (5/1).

Fulham may also also a psychological edge over the Royals, having thrashed Stam's men 5-0 at home in December before losing 1-0 at Madejski Stadium the following month.

But Royals boss stressed: "Anything can happen, but I don't want to think about that.

"They are all quality teams in the play-offs and play a certain way. We can all make it difficult for each other because we've seen it in the league.

"For us, we just need to maintain our form and keep the aggression and mentality that we have in the squad.

"We know how much work-rate we need to put in to get results so we'll be working hard, looking at the opposition and thinking about what we can do to make it difficult for them.

"We will try to make it easy for ourselves defending-wise so it's going to be an interesting game and I'm looking forward to it."

Yet some Reading supporters could be forgiven if they aren't relishing Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage after the 5-0 mauling earlier in the season when Chris Martin (2), Sone Aluko, Stefan Johansen plus a Chris Gunter own goal completed a miserable day in west London after Danny Williams had seen red for the visitors.

Royals, though, gained some degree of revenge by winning 1-0 at Madesjki Stadium five weeks later. Roy Beerens netted for the hosts before Ali Al-Habsi saved a late Martin penalty to secure all three points that sent Reading back up to third, the position they would end the season in.

And Stam insists its is wrong to read too much into the heavy 5-0 away defeat: "People also need to realise that we beat Fulham at home as well," he argued.

"Everyone knows what happened at their ground, but play-off games will be different to those in the league.

"We know all about Fulham's quality and they know about ours. They will try and find a way to make it difficult for us and we'll be trying to do the same.

"You know when you play against teams like Fulham that you have to dig in, and that's our plan.

"We're very happy with the way the season has gone but it's not over yet."

He continued: "We're not going to change lots of things. I can only say that within two games when there is a lot at stake then you might approach things differently.

"You can work together in a different way to normal, everyone knows what to do to get results.

"It's all about sticking together, working together and believing in each other. Hopefully with the ability we have we can do well."

Despite bookmakers' gloom prediction for the play-offs, Reading head into them full of confidence following four victories in their last five matches. Their lively 4-2 win at Burton Albion last weekend was also the first time they had scored four goals in a league game this season.

Yet it Royals do fall at the play-off hurdle, Stam is confident they could go one better next season.

"If we don't make it then it's not a shame because the boys have worked very hard and made a lot of progress," he said.

"We need to take what we have learned into next season which is not going to be easy. You need to learn from certain experiences and that's what we need to do now."



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15282956.Reading_FC__Jaap_Stam_insists_Royals__have_nothing_to_lose__against_Fulham_in_Championship_play_offs/ (http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15282956.Reading_FC__Jaap_Stam_insists_Royals__have_nothing_to_lose__against_Fulham_in_Championship_play_offs/)

 
Matchday Info

Here are all your key matchday details ahead of the first Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final against Reading, kick off 5.30pm Saturday 13th May.

Possible opposition absentees

Callum Harriott – hamstring injury

Deniss Rakels – ankle injury

Sandro Wieser – ankle injury

Tickets

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early when collecting their tickets prior to the Play-off semi-final against Reading on Saturday, due to a high demand for collections.

We advise supporters that the Ticket Collection point for this match is located in Bishop's Park adjacent to the Putney Gates at the ground and not in the usual position next to the Ticket Office.

The Ticket Collection point in Bishop's Park will be open from 2pm, please allow sufficient time to collect tickets and enter the ground.

Staff in booths located next to the Ticket Office on Stevenage Road will only be dealing with enquiries relating to the fixture which will include any reprinting and ticketing issues. Ticket Collections will be from Bishop's Park, please have your reference number and ID to hand when picking up tickets.

Weather

It will be dry all day in Fulham, with sun expected during the game and temperatures of a pleasant 17 degrees.

Coral match odds

Fulham: 8/13

Draw: 3/1

Reading: 9/2

Form

Fulham: WWWDW

Reading: WWLWW



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/12/matchday-info-reading (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/12/matchday-info-reading)

 
Fulham fan Q&A: This is our time to get promoted

HITC Sport speaks to Fulham fan John Mitchell, who has been a supporter for 30 years.

Q: What have you made of your team's season?

A: It's been better than I could have hoped for. I thought we would be pushing for play-offs. So glad we've made it. Roll on Wembley!

Q: What are your opinions on your manager?

A: Best manager in the Championship, as he has gotten us playing some of the best football in the division. Hope we keep him beyond the summer.

Q: What are your views on the board?

A: Wasn't sure on them initially but if they tie down Jokanovic to a big contract and continue to invest then I'll have no complaints.

Q: Who is your favourite current player?

A: Tom Cairney.

Q: Who is your favourite ever player?

A: Edwin Van der Sar or Clint Dempsey.

Q: What has been your best memory of the club?

A: The 2010 Europa League final. Incredible memories.

Q: What has been your most disappointing moment?

A: Relegation from the Premier League.

Q: Which ground is your favourite away day?

A: Loftus Road is always a good atmosphere. (Queens Park Rangers)

Q: Who do you consider to be the club's biggest rival and why?

A: It's got to be Chelsea or QPR for me.

Q: Who do you feel has been the club's best and worst summer signing?

A: Best has been Aluko for me as he's added a lot going forward. Worst has been Chris Martin.

Q: Who is your one player to watch out for this season?

A: Tom Cairney.

Q: Is there a particular youth player that excites you, and why?

A: Ryan Sessegnon is an outstanding young talent.

Q: Where do you think the club will look to strengthen in the summer?

A: New striker has to be the priority.

Q: Finally, what are your aims for next season, and where do you think your club will finish?

A: All depends on whether we are promoted or not. For me, this is our time to get promoted, so I want us to stay up!



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/12/fulham-fan-qa-this-is-our-time-to-get-promoted/ (http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/12/fulham-fan-qa-this-is-our-time-to-get-promoted/)

 
Tom Cairney v George Evans And Other Key Battles That Will Decide The Fulham v Reading Game

Fulham Vs Reading – Three Key Battles

Fulham vs Reading in the play-offs is a match-up, all of football should be taken in by. This is a mouth-watering tie and one which looks sure to produce goals.

The movement and attacking threat should be a joy to watch, though Fulham are the home side and the team in form right now. Other than Newcastle who snatched the title on the last day, no one is finishing the season better than the West London side and so all of the key battles really concern how Reading might be able to defend themselves. Here we focus on three key areas crucial to the result of this match:

Fredericks/Malone v Gunter/Obita
With the rest of the game becoming potentially narrow and congested, the battle between Fulham's marauding full-backs and Reading's wing-backs could be crucial.

Fredericks, and especially Malone are excellent when they get forward and will want to do so as much as possible physically. Even if they don't score or directly assist, the fact that they are in the final third most likely means that Gunter and Obita should be back there with them and that will severely affect Reading's own attacking threat, essentially making it a good defensive move too.

Tom Cairney v George Evans
Cairney is Fulham's main man and if he is kept quiet during this game then the home side lose something both from their midfield and around the opposition box.

Cairney is Premier League quality and there is no doubt. So winning the battle with him would show Evans in great light. Tom Cairney is capable of running this or any other game at this level, so he will need special treatment and Evans will be the man tasked with dishing it out.

(http://soccersouls.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Tom-Cairney-Fulham-1024x628.jpg)
Tom Cairney

Al Habsi v Any Finisher
The bottom line is, no matter what Reading do on the night, Fulham will create chances. They always do. Fulham are such a potent attacking threat that you cannot hope to limit their chances too much. However, up against a narrow back three, they will not always be in a position to walk the ball into the net, some decent finishing is needed from them.

That finishing comes from all over the park with the front four, Scott Malone and Stefan Johansen all regular contributors in and around the box, as well as the threat of Ream and Kalas from set pieces. So, Al Habsi being bang on form as Reading's last line of defence could be crucial. He is a great shot-stopper and if he has one of his better games, it could be the difference in the tie. His personal contribution here cannot be underestimated.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/05/13/tom-cairney-v-george-evans-and-other-key-battles-that-will-decide-the-fulham-v-reading-game/ (http://soccersouls.com/2017/05/13/tom-cairney-v-george-evans-and-other-key-battles-that-will-decide-the-fulham-v-reading-game/)

 
Tim Ream ready to repay wife after Premier League calling five years ago
TIM REAM put love on hold when he cancelled his honeymoon in Tahiti to fly to England and play Premier League football five years ago. Now he believes it is payback time.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Tim-Ream-803915.jpg)
Tim Ream joined Fulham in 2015

Fulham's USA centre-back faces Reading in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals tonight at Craven Cottage, bidding to return to the top flight after a three-year absence.

For Ream, it is five years since that first season in English football with Bolton ended in relegation from the Premier League.

Ream has long since made amends with wife Kristen – also a handy footballer on the US college scene – but he badly wants to be back with the big boys.

The 29-year-old admitted: "I'm pretty sure I still owe my wife for doing that. We were only talking about it the other day.

"Was it right to join Bolton? Was it the right decision to come here? Given the chance, would we do it all over again?

"Sitting here right now in the play-offs, with the chance of going to Wembley and promotion, we couldn't be more pleased with the choices we made."

Fulham's exciting brand of football under Slavisa Jokanovic propelled them into the play-offs via a late run of five wins in their last six games, while Jaap Stam is the mastermind behind unfancied Reading's shot at the top flight.

And according to Royals striker Yann Kermorgant, the Manchester United legend could walk away if they miss out.

"The manager will be in demand if we don't go up," said Kermorgant. "He has been amazing and done such a great job with the squad he has.

"Everybody can see what he has done with no big investment compared to clubs around us. He has got everything to be a big manager in the Premier League."




http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/803915/Fulham-Reading-Tim-Ream-Premier-League-Championship-Play-Off-Semi-Final (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/803915/Fulham-Reading-Tim-Ream-Premier-League-Championship-Play-Off-Semi-Final)

 
The Championship Play-offs – Why I'm predicting Fulham FC to win promotion to the Premier League

Last Sunday's final round of fixtures brought this season's Championship to a conclusion. After 46 games it will be Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield and Fulham that will contest the play-offs. A four way shoot out but who will prevail to join Newcastle and Brighton in next season's Premier League?

FORM
Perhaps the biggest indicator to predicting the play-off winner is the form guide. Momentum is key. Winning becomes a habit and breeds confidence. Enter the play-offs on the back of a good run and your chances of success are increased.

The form guide over the last six games is as follows;

Reading                            WWLWWL (12 points)

Sheffield Wednesday     LWWWWW (15 points)

Huddersfield                    LLWLDW (7 points)

Fulham                              WDWWWW (16 points)

Only Huddersfield have seen a slump in form perhaps resulting from disappointment in missing out on the automatic places in hand with resting key players when their play-off place was assured.

Reading's good form is tempered by the fact that three of those wins came against teams in the bottom five while one of their defeats was that 7-1 thrashing at Norwich.

Sheffield Wednesday were the team that was threatened with dropping out of the top six especially after a wobble of one win in seven. The Owl's regathered their composure to finish strongly with their only defeat coming in the final game where players were rested and the result was largely unimportant.

Wednesday's defeat in that dead rubber was to Fulham. The undoubted form team in the play-offs – Fulham. Fulham were rampant not just winning but winning in style. Their unbeaten run saw then score 16 goals and included wins at Norwich, Aston Villa, Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday.

Form team: Fulham

HEAD TO HEAD
Fulham has the psychological upper hand in their semi-final versus Reading having thrashed the Royals 5-0 at the Cottage in December. Reading's success this season has largely been based on their home form and they did gain some revenge with a narrow 1-0 win in the return fixture (at the 2nd attempt after the first game was abandoned due to thick fog!)

Sheffield Wednesday completed the double over their Yorkshire rivals without conceding a goal, winning 2-0 at home and 0-1 away. Both games though were tight tense affairs and had the unpredictability that a derby can bring.

Should the semi-final head to heads go as above, then Fulham will meet Sheffield Wednesday in the final. Fulham edge that head to head with a win and a draw.

Head to head: Fulham 
BIG GAME EXPERIENCE

Sheffield Wednesday can call upon their experiences gained in last season's play-offs where they defeated this season's Championship runners-up Brighton before narrowing losing to a Hull in the final at Wembley.

Reading too have tasted Wembley recently albeit in the 2015 FA Cup where they took Arsenal to extra time before losing 2-1. However, Reading's history in play-offs is poor having failed to win promotion in five previous attempts.

Huddersfield are in unchartered waters having never contested the 2nd tier play-offs. They have tasted success in League 1, beating Sheffield United on penalties in the 2012 final. With their glory days now almost 100 years ago Huddersfield are lacking big game experience.

Fulham are again looking strong in this category. They have no play-off experience to call on but were Premier League regulars for many seasons until relegation in 2013/14. They have also recently contested a European Final. In 2010 they lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final having beaten Juventus on route.

As none of the current Fulham squad were involved in those glory days then Wednesdays more recent experiences give them the upper hand here.

SQUADS AND MANAGERS
Both Reading and Huddersfield have exceeded expectations this season getting the maximum out of squads that have no stand out stars. While lacking household names on the pitch Reading do have one in the dugout. Jaap Stam has won everything in the domestic game and his experience of the big occasion may well be an advantage to Reading.

Sheffield Wednesday have Premier League experience within their squad. Ross Wallace, Barry Bannon, Steven Fletcher and Gary Hooper have all played in the top flight. While defender Glenn Loovens has played in old firm derby's during his time at Celtic. Wednesday's squad have all tasted the big occasion at Wembley where last season's loss to Hull will set them in good stead this time around.

Fulham to have strength in depth with ex-England international Scott Parker on the bench. Stefan Johansen, Tim Ream, Tom Cairney and Chris Martin are all internationals while youngster Ryan Sessegnon provides the star quality. Manager Slavisa Jokanovic has been there and done it before having guided Watford to promotion back in 2015.

Squads and Managers – Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham on paper although Reading's squad did finish above both of these so cannot be discounted.

My conclusion, therefore, is that Fulham will be the team celebrating come 29th May after defeating Sheffield Wednesday in the Wembley sunshine. Of course, I may well be wrong, the beauty of the play-offs is there unpredictability and who holds their nerve on the day. That is why we love them!



http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2017/05/12/the-championship-play-offs-why-im-predicting-fulham-to-win-promotion-to-the-premier-league/ (http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2017/05/12/the-championship-play-offs-why-im-predicting-fulham-to-win-promotion-to-the-premier-league/)

 
Reading's Five Most Important Players
Who should Fulham watch out for?

It is time. Fulham have completed miracles by going from the brink of relegation to becoming a contender for promotion back to the English Premier League. Slavisa Jokanovic has really turned the side into one of the most entertaining outfits in the country. While us fans of the club have been caught up in the euphoria that is the Cottagers' season, you probably haven't spent time knowing who Reading are from a personnel standpoint, even if Fulham have played them three times in the league this campaign! Here is a guide to help you out on that by informing you who the best players are from Jaap Stam's team.

F Yann Kermorgant
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He may be 35 years old, but the Frenchman must have found the same fountain of youth that has fueled Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Francesco Totti because there is no denying he's Reading's most valuable outfield player. His 18 goals lead the team by a considerable margin and he has one of the highest shot rates in the championship with 3.16 per 90 minutes. He's never one to attack defenses with his pace, but he is the go-to receiver of long ball passes in Stam's system. Only Lukas Jutkiewicz of Birmingham has won more aerial wins as a non-defender than Kermorgant's 236 this season, so his matchup with Thomas Kalas and Tim Ream will be a crucial one.

He's no longer the play-maker that he once was from season's past and his 14.2% goal conversion rate is the highest it has been in three years, but that doesn't belittle the fact that he is Reading's fulcrum in everything that they do.

G Ali Al Habsi
As has been stated by Andrew this week, Reading are one of the luckier sides in the Championship. With only a +4 goal differential, Reading's defense when it comes to shots conceded based on quality and quantity is even worse. This season, the Royals have given up a second worst total of 76 expected goals in the Championship while they have also given up a third worst output in conceding total shots (696) and a third worst total in shots on target against (235). If anything, only giving up 64 actual goals is a testament to how well Ali Al-Habsi has played.

The former Bolton and Wigan man has played every minute in the league this season and has been the most important members of the club since joining in the summer of 2015. There is no better evidence of that than being awarded the best player on the team by the supporters for every year he has played for the club.

Statistically, there is also evidence that Al Habsi is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Championship. Only Brentford's Adam Davies has more total saves for the season than his 166 and it has resulted in a 70.6% save percentage. Add the fact that the Omani International has 15 clean sheets under such duress is incredible in and of itself.

That all being said, his save percentage may not be as flattering as once thought. In comparison to Fulham's goalkeepers, David Button's save percentage is 70.3% while Marcus Bettinelli's is a massive 73.9%. That being said, Southwest London's duo have an expected goal total of 56.5 while conceding 57 actual ones. Along with that, their combined 11 clean sheets are no where near as impressive when considering that they were dealing with 38 fewer shots on target than Reading were. That's what separates Al Habsi from the rest.

D Paul McShane
(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KU_SleDSvKg9Maug0vSlJN30gI0=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8510361/Screen_Shot_2017_05_12_at_6.19.32_PM.png)

Considering all the bad numbers I threw at you, it is understandable for you not to see any central defenders being classified as the best players on the team, but here we are talking about Paul McShane! The reason being is that I tried to sum up all the passes, dribbles, won aerials, interceptions and shots from each player from both Fulham and Reading and divide this total by their minutes played to determine where the ball is mainly played from each team. Call it touches per game in the most guesstimated way imaginable.

For Fulham, Tom Cairney is your leader within the starting XI with a massive 0.98 touches per minute. Rounding out the top five within that usual XI are Kevin McDonald (0.85), Stefan Johansen (0.78), Tim Ream (0.74) and Kalas (0.68). This looks about right considering how valuable Jokanovic's central midfield axis is to his 4-2-3-1 formation. Meanwhile, Reading's leaders in this department are McShane himself (0.83), Liam Moore (0.78), Tyler Blackett (0.66), George Evans (0.59) and John Swift (0.58).

While defenders do tend to have the ball the most due to that is where the attack starts, it's quite interesting to see how much Reading's back four have the ball in comparison to the rest of the team. It also explains why they seem to not generate any advantages with their shot outputs despite having the best possession of the ball and passing completion percentage other than Fulham.

Where Moore's influence lies is how his touches lead directly to the route one style Stam demands by feeding the ball immediately to Reading's attacking quartet. Only Brighton's Lewis Dunk has completed more long ball passes than McShane's 201 and the 31-year old has seen career highs in major defensive categories like clearances and interceptions.

D Liam Moore
(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J7BolhpmCHzJW6piNZSisOFTXbA=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8510359/Screen_Shot_2017_05_12_at_6.19.18_PM.png)

Meanwhile, McShane's partner is coming to his own as a professional footballer. At 24, Moore has seen his playing time increase and has not been a massive liability over there. The former England Under-21 international's 40 appearances and 3,545 minutes played in the Championship are easily the most he has played in a league campaign his entire career. Along with that, Moore has developed himself into a goalkeeper's best friend as a result of his league-leading 62 blocked shots. Over time, Moore will have to develop the rest of his game as evidenced by his lack of interceptions and tackles, but he is positionally sound, can win aerial duels himself (his 161 are only matched by Kermorgant's on the team) and can also contribute to the other grunt work necessary for a central defender. Overall, the future is bright for him.

M Garath McCleary
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Now there have been reports that Garath McCleary could be out of action due to a groin injury and that will be a massive blow for the Royals. That is all due to the Jamaican International's work rate when the ball is at his feet. While Reading's attacking players don't have the ball as much as Fulham's do, McCleary's is definitely their most well-rounded based off of his scoring contributions (9 goals and 9 assists), dribbling (a 24th best total in the Championship of 91) and creating scoring opportunities (an 8th best total of 81). That being said, he has never been that known as a great shooter and with him turning 30 in three days time, you wonder if this is the best you'll see out of him. Still, he's a valuable member of a Reading side that is not that full of riches in attacking wealth. John Swift and Roy Beerens will have to really step up if McCleary were to not be available in these two games against Fulham.



http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/13/15633332/readings-five-most-important-players-fulham-championship-playoff-2017-semi-final (http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/13/15633332/readings-five-most-important-players-fulham-championship-playoff-2017-semi-final)

 
The key Fulham players Reading FC need to watch out for in play-off semi-final

These three players are in line to feature against Royals on Saturday at Craven Cottage

As Reading FC prepare to get a good result in the Championship play-off semi-final we've taken a look at the Fulham players who could cause an upset.

The first leg at Craven Cottage on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off) is an opportunity for Royals to make it third time lucky, after suffering heavy away defeats in their last two visits.

Fulham will be without Ragnar Sigurdsson and Michael Madl due to injury, but everyone else will be available for the fixture.

Ryan Fredericks, Ryan Sessegnon, Floyd Ayite and Stefan Johansen should come back into the team after being rested for the Whites 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Garath McCleary could return to Jaap Stam's squad after missing the Burton Albion win due to injury and both Joey van den Berg and Paul McShane are also expected to feature.

These are the players who Royals need to watch out for at the Cottage

Tom Cairney
(http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article13025481.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-FC-v-Crystal-Palace-FC-Fulham-Football-Club-Craven-Cottage-Fulham-on-30-07-2016-CREDIT-.jpg)
(Photo: Lewis Darling)

The skipper has been a staple of Fulham's midfield this season with 44 appearances - only Forward Sone Aluko has made as many.

The Scotland international is Fulham's top goalscorer this season with 12 goals and also has 10 assists.

With the highest pass accuracy rate in the league at 92.6 per cent, there's no doubt Cairney's form has played a part in Fulham's rise to the top six this season.

Stefan Johansen
(http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article13025503.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GLP_SAH_WL170332_27JPG.jpg)
(Photo: Grahame Larter)

Midfielder Johansen is Fulham's second top goalscorer this season with 11 league goals.

He was rested last weekend at Sheffield Wednesday but scored four goals in his last five games, to see him nominated for Championship Player of the Month for April - which went to Royals' Yann Kermorgant.

Since his arrival from Celtic in the summer, the Norwegian has also produced eight assists and been a crucial component in midfield alongside team-mates Cairney and Kevin McDonald.

Ryan Sessegnon
The 16-year-old left-back has enjoyed an impressive season at Fulham after coming into the first-team from the academy to make his league debut in August.

With five league goals and three assists in his 25 Championship appearances, Sessegnon has established himself in Jokanovic's line-up this season and demonstrated he can handle the pressure.

He is expected to sign his first professional deal with Fulham when he turns 17 later this month.

But several Premier League sides, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, are reportedly interested in the talented defender.



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/key-fulham-players-reading-fc-13022721 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/key-fulham-players-reading-fc-13022721)

 
Denis Odoi issues confidence warning to Fulham team-mates ahead of Reading play-off

DENIS ODOI has warned his Fulham team-mates not to get too big for their boots ahead of today's play-off semi-final against Reading.

(http://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/58/photos/260000/620x/Denis-Odoi-613644.jpg)
Fulham defender Denis Odoi has issued a confidence warning to his team-mates

Fulham gatecrashed the Championship's top six in the final weeks of the season thanks to a hot run that saw them win five of their last six games.

But right-back Odoi, who signed from Belgian side Lokeren last summer, is wary of their confidence turning into arrogance.

"I don't know the momentum of the others team but we've been on a good streak," Odoi said.

"It gives you confidence but you need to be careful that it doesn't make you arrogant or cocky.

"You still need to take into account that the other teams now are fighting for the same thing and they will give it their all, just as we will."

Despite the warning, Odoi revealed that Fulham would prepare for Reading's visit to Craven Cottage by sticking to their winning formula.

He said: "I don't think we will change a lot of things, why would we change anything?

"We've been on a good run so we will just do what we normally do and have been doing in the last two months."

Fulham thrashed Reading 5-0 in this fixture during the regular season in December.

But when asked if that game will have any bearing on the first-leg, Odoi said: "No.

"We know we can beat them and they know what we're capable of but we cannot think that it's going to be the same game as back then.

"They'll be careful and they also know our strengths. Their coach Jaap Stam has also seen us play enough and he knows the way we play and also probably knows our strengths and our weaknesses.

"The [previous] game has nothing to do with this game anymore."

Slavisa Jokanovic's squad lack play-off experience but Odoi is not feeling the pressure.

He said: "I will be relaxed anyway. I'm not the youngest anymore, I've played a few finals and I've played for championships.

"It's just trying to be as relaxed as possible - not too relaxed - you need to try and play your football.

"We just need to play our football as we always do. If you start doing other things maybe you'll regret them afterwards."



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/613644/Fulham-Reading-Denis-Odoi-Confidence-Warning-Gossip (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/613644/Fulham-Reading-Denis-Odoi-Confidence-Warning-Gossip)

 
Off To The Terrier's Kennel

So the battle for the final promotion place to the Premier League starts today with Fulham and Reading playing each other, whilst we wait for the challenge ahead of Wednesday at Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

Last season we played Brighton of course, we played at home first but this time we make the relatively short hop over to the John Smith's Stadium in West Yorkshire before then coming home on Wednesday. The winner of course will then have a couple of weeks to prepare for the showcase final at Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday at the end of the month.

Going into the playoffs, both teams lost their respective final games with the Terriers being thumped by Cardiff City at home 3-0, with Fulham taking the spoils over a changed Wednesday side. Arguably the Huddersfield result was the bigger talking point as they continued a run of poor form going into the playoffs, which had seen them win just one of their final five game and stumble over the line in the end to their season in fifth place finish in the table.

Owls News....
Wednesday's team look to be relatively ok ahead of the games against Hudderfield, although it'll be very surprising to see Gary Hooper over the course of the next few weeks as the striker has a hamstring injury which he picked up in training a week or so ago.

Aside from that things are relatively good in the Wednesday camp, so there's not much to worry about. Sam Hutchinson made his return in the final day defeat to Fulham, Fernando Forestieri is ok to play against the Terriers and they won't be happy about that. Forestieri has scored in the last three games between the sides and in two of the games (which were both in Hudderfield), he was the match winner.

Owls Comment....
There has been more comment from the players than the manager this week, but in an interview with ITV, the Wednesday head coach made no mistake.... They have learned from the experience of last season and it may also help when it comes to handling things this time, but he's not allowing anyone to get ahead of themselves.
'Does our playoff experience last season mean that we're better equipped to play in the other games? It's something that we consider a little advantage but it doesn't make us favourites.

"Last season we were underdogs, this season it was different.
'We are in the same position as the others. We start a new competition, with each team having a 25% chance to go up, and the teams that go through to the final will have a 50% chance to go to the Premier League.'

Terriers News....
The Terriers have a little worry ahead of the game tomorrow as their first choice 'keeper, Danny Ward, can't face the Owls after being sent off in their final game of the season. However, he can return for the second leg, so his replacement will be Joel Coleman who has played just nine games this season.

They do have a boost though as Elias Kachunga has overcome an injury to put himself in contention for a spot against the Wednesday, the German striker missed the final four games of the season with a calf problem.

Terriers Comment....
The Huddersfield gaffer has been speaking this week of the meeting with the Owls and he has taken in extra help from his friend and Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp to prepare his side ahead of the game.

"There will be no surprises on both sides.

We are totally aware about Sheffield Wednesday, about Carlos (Carvalhal)'s side and his ideas. The details will be what makes the difference, concentration being very, very important along with our focus on ourselves.

"No one expected us to be involved at the start of the season. That is why we are really able to enjoy it. We are humble but we are still ambitious.

"I have spoken with him (Klopp) about the experience he has in two legged games from the Champions League and the Europa League. The details will be what makes the difference in this tie."

Some Stats V Huddersfield Town....
Sunday's playoff semi final first leg is the 57th meeting between the Owls and the Terriers with Wednesday looking to edge closer to their hosts in the head to head wins record. As things stand it's Huddersfield who have a four win advantage over Wednesday, but as mentioned above the Owls are on a bit of a roll against the other side who play in blue and white.

Huddersfield haven't beaten the Wednesday since November 2013, and there has been seven games since then which the record reads... Five Wednesday wins, (four in the last four meetings) and two draws... Three of those five victories against the Terriers have come in West Yorkshire.

It's been four games since Huddersfield even scored against the Owls, and in the last five games there have been eight goals scored for Wednesday and just two for Town.

Last Time Out V Huddersfield at HD1 6PG....

As mentioned above, it was a Wednesday win, although it was a tight affair won by the man who the Huddersfield fans love to hate... But there's no doubt they'd have him on their side!!!!

Final Thoughts....
I'm relatively calm for now ahead of the game, last season I was a wreck at this point. Now, before that translates as over confidence it's not. I'm actually looking forward to the game and getting things going. For a bit the talking will stop and we can just look at football for 90 minutes, a HUGE 90 minutes which could shape who goes into the playoff final.

Obviously nothing can truly be decided in Huddersfield as there's another game on Wednesday night to deal with, but if we were to go into the second game with a lead... I'd be confident. Although the home side of course will be thinking along the same lines and there's no doubt they'll be looking for that.

It will be a tight game I reckon. In both games between the sides this season, despite Wednesday winning both, they were relatively tight affairs. Genius can unlock the door and we've got talent in spaces. Jordan Rhodes could be the one to haunt his old side, but Forestieri could also cheese off the home fans again. There are plenty of exciting battles to be had out on the pitch.... Here's to a positive result for the Wednesday.

Prediction....

Huddersfield 1 Wednesday 1




https://owlsonline.com/?page=news&news_id=1774

 
Ahead of Fulham's play-off semi final with Reading, is it time Shahid Khan gets the credit he deserves?

Columnist Jack Collins today looks at the driving force behind Fulham in recent years and whether it's time to give Shahid Khan his due

Well, we made it this far, anyway.

There's a lot of comments floating around about plenty of issues, from who starts at the weekend to the Reading ticket allocations, but before all of the madness kicks off, I think it's important to sit back and reflect on just how good Fulham have had it this season, and dish out some of the credit that hasn't got its due.

Someone asked me at the weekend whether we were perhaps one of the only clubs to laud our ex-owners quite as much as we do, as the Al Fayed song rung around the Leppings Lane End at Hillsborough for the third or fourth time.

Perhaps it is time, whilst part of my heart will always go out to our enigmatic ex-Chairman, that we focused on the present ownership rather than the past.

Shahid Khan's introduction heralded a turbulent few years for Fulham FC, but not through any fault of his own. The chairman's pockets have been deep, not only on the pitch, but off it as well – and his contributions to the club, whilst not always working out, appear to have been well-intentioned.

Yes, he brought in Felix Magath, whose methods were questionable and ultimately opened up a rift in the club, but the German was a proven firefighter in the Bundesliga, and had previous for saving clubs from relegation.

(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article12649008.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/BPI_JL_JOKANOVIC_.jpg)
New team: Slavisa Jokanovic with Tony Khan (Photo: Fulham FC)

Khan's five-man committee to appoint his successor had no real option but to opt for Kit Symons, with the calls from the fanbase becoming almost too loud to ignore – and Khan funded the purchase of Ross McCormack, who almost single- handedly saved the club from further relegation twice in a row.

Shahid Khan is not a football man, but he has brought in people around him who are football men, to advise him. One of the shrewdest moves he has made, and one which was highly criticised at the time, was to appoint his son Tony Khan as Director of Football Operations.

Khan Jr. is an analytics head, someone who understands the numbers of sport. This isn't to everyone's taste, but ultimately football is becoming more and more data driven.

There was plenty of criticism when Director of Statistical Research Craig Kline, Tony Khan's right-hand man, clashed with Slavisa Jokanovic at the start of the season, but the "KLINE OUT" shouts have died down once the recruitment processes proved their worth.

Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and Denis Odoi are not household names in the UK.

These are the kind of players you would only notice if you had a particularly keen interest in European football, and even then, you'd be lucky to know much – but all of them have proved their worth to Jokanovic over the course of the season.

(http://i4.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/article11978561.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS101180150.jpg)
Fulham owner Shahid Khan

The new system – with Kline in tandem with old Fulham head and Chief Scout Brian Talbot, mingles the efficiency of number-crunching with the old world view of needing to watch a player to make sure he fits the bill.

Football is not just about how good someone is, but also how they fit into a squad and their ability to thrive in a new location.

We are blessed then, with a system that looks to combine these two strands of knowledge – Kline's numbers base and Talbot's knowledge of the game.

ony Khan, sat above them both, is the public face of the Khan family imprint on the club. His passion and desire to be part of the Fulham family is evident to anyone who follows him on social media, and his fan-facing nature in this regard is a welcome sight to anyone who was concerned about the Khans becoming absentee owners – we've seen what has happened to Blackburn and Coventry City.

It's perhaps about time then, that the Khans got their due – if Fulham succeed this season,the Chairman and his son will not get the credit they deserve, but if they keep driving the club on an upward trajectory, their input will eventually be too important to ignore.

Jack is the latest incarnation of GWL's Fulham fan blogger. He's also the Editor of Fulhamish and a regular on the associated weekly podcast. When not talking about Fulham, Jack provides live match commentary and social media for the UEFA Champions League and Europa League websites. You can find him on Twitter right here: @JackJCollins or his website: www.jackjcollins.co.uk (http://www.jackjcollins.co.uk).




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ahead-fulhams-play-semi-final-13026697 (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ahead-fulhams-play-semi-final-13026697)

 
Fulham without duo for Reading clash, Jokanovic says attacker could start

Fulham are set to be without defenders Ragnar Sigurdsson and Michael Madl for their Championship playoff semi-final first leg against Reading, according to BBC Sport.

The Cottagers are the form team going into the first game of the elimination campaign, with four clubs fighting it out to win promotion into the Premier League.

Fulham have been in excellent form of late and powered their way into the top six at the expense of Leeds United.

Slavisa Jokanovic has also stated in a pre-match press conference that on-loan striker Chris Martin could well be restored to the team to face Reading.

The Scotland international has scored 10 goals in 27 starts this season while at the London club on a temporary deal from Derby County.

However, Martin's accuracy in front of goal has escaped him of late, with the 28-year-old not scoring in his last eight games for Fulham.

Jokanovic's side will know that victory in the first leg can see them in the drivers seat ahead of a midweek trip to the Madejski Stadium.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-without-duo-reading-clash-jokanovic-says-attacker-start/

 
Tactical Philosophy: Slavisa Jokanovic

While this website has made its name focusing on the lesser known youth of this beautiful sport, and combined it with a tinge of tactical flavour meant for the football enthusiast, we found a large gap to be exploited in terms of combining the two. This mini-series thus focuses on young managers (below the age of 45) and their tactical philosophies, deriving what got them here and where they could go. Patrick Mills has a look at Slavisa Jokanovic's emergence.

Background
Slavisa Jokanovic enjoyed something of a journeyman career as a player, spending an average of just over 2 years at each of his 8 clubs. Having started his career at local club Novi Sad, the Serbian went on to play for Vojvodina and Partizan Belgrade before moving to Spain. There he played for Real Oviedo, Tenerife and Deportivo La Coruna. He would return to Spain to play for Ciudad Murcia after a brief spell at Chelsea. Jokanovic also represented Yugoslavia and FR Yugoslavia 64 times, scoring 10 goals in the process. The former defensive-midfielder started his managerial career in 2007, having retired from playing three years prior, taking the reins at Partizan. During his 2 year tenure with crno-beli, they achieved back-to-back domestic doubles. He then took three years out of football before spending a year managing Thai club Muangthong United to an invincible season.

Unsuccessful spells at Levski Sofia and Hercules followed before becoming Watford's fourth coach in five games in October 2014. Remarkably, Jokanovic went on to lead the Hornets to Premier League promotion, at the time making him just the third foreign manager to achieve the feat. Even more remarkable was his subsequent departure. Reportedly unhappy with the contract on offer, Jokanovic stepped down, with Quique Sanchez Flores his replacement. Yet another short stint at Maccabi Tel Aviv was next, where he took them to the group stages of the Champions League in 2015. Finally, Jokanovic returned to England in December of that year to take the post at struggling Fulham. He kept the Cottagers in the Championship last term, finishing 11 points clear of relegation. This season has been much more impressive, however, seeing the west London club reach the play-offs. Interest in Jokanovic has been reported recently, with West Ham and Werder Bremen rumoured to be amongst his admirers. He is, however, expected to still be at the club next season.

Tactical Philosophy
During his time at Watford, Jokanovic generally set his side up in a 4-3-1-2 formation. This was probably based on the fact that Watford boasted three strikers among the best in the league. Troy Deeney played most often with Odion Ighalo as the two furthest forward, with Matej Vydra operating just behind. Jokanovic was, however, flexible throughout their promotion season, using a variety of formations depending on who was fit, or who they were playing against.

At Fulham, he mostly uses a 4-3-3, once again in an attempt to get the best out of his players. Scott Malone and Ryan Fredericks play as attacking fullbacks with Ryan Sessegnon and Sone Aluko cutting inside to support the striker, either Chris Martin or Floyd Ayite. Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen play advanced of Kevin McDonald in the 6 role. Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas usually occupy the centre of defence with David Button in goal.

(http://outsideoftheboot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Fulham_FORMATION-1.jpg)

Button(27)– Fredericks(2), Kalas(26), Ream(13), Malone(3)– McDonald(6), Johansen(14), Cairney(10)– Aluko(24), Martin(25), Sessegnon(30)

Attacking Approach:

Generally speaking, Fulham are a possession based attacking team, scoring the joint most goals in the league this season(85) along with Champions Newcastle. They recorded an average possession of 59.1% and an 83.9% pass accuracy, both league highs. They were widely regarded as the most attractive side to watch, almost always attempting to build established attacks from the back. Jokanovic has said he shares many mutual friends with Pep Guardiola and would talk about football for hours with former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach Radomir Antic while he was living in Spain. He calls himself an artificial Spaniard.

Focus on Wings for Creating Chances –

Fulham place huge emphasis on good wide play as a method for creating goal-scoring chances. Despite this being a recurring theme, their opposition have continued to struggle to deal with it all season. This is down to the variety with which they exploit wide areas. The most basic of which involves Fulham's wingers or fullbacks receiving to feet and taking on their opponent one v one before delivering a low cross or cutback from the byline. This can be seen below, mainly featuring right-back Fredericks and right-winger Aluko. The second video shows Scott Malone receiving to feet and delivering to the box, something Fulham also make regular use of.

The third way Fulham exploit the wings is by building the play on one side, drawing their opponents block to shift across, and then switching to find a free man on the opposite side. They often use decoy runs in these situations to ensure the ball-far fullback on the opposition team is occupied and dragged infield, creating space for the overlapping run of the free man. The free man can then either have an attempt at goal or cross to the numbers arriving in the box.

Fulham also occasionally utilise the blindside in relation to the wings. One of the central midfielders, either Cairney or Johansen, or Aluko cutting in from the right, will attempt to receive the ball in between the opponent's line of defence and midfield before playing a through ball between the central defender and fullback to find a teammate's run, out of the eyeline of the fullback. This can be seen below.

Although most of their chances tend to come from good wide play leading to crosses or cutbacks, the technical ability of their central midfielders means they are capable of creating opportunities directly from central areas as well. Cairney and Johansen both score regularly from long-range but also utilise combinations through the middle to create openings, as shown below.

Defensive Approach:

Fulham conceded 57 goals in the league this season, 17 more than Newcastle. Given that both their fullbacks started their careers as wingers, and two of their midfield three are also mainly focused on attacking, Fulham's extremely attacking approach is bound to come at a cost. There is often too much space in behind the fullbacks, and this combined with the lack of defensive support from the central midfielders, leaves them open on the counter-attack. It is therefore somewhat unfair to criticise the central defenders for their occasionally sloppy performances. They don't get much protection but regardless, their individual errors and poor positioning remain a weak-link in Jokanovic's team.

Pressing Variations with Triggers –

As with most attacking sides, Fulham operate a high defensive line and implement variations of the press, responding to certain triggers before harrying their opponents in an attempt to win the ball back high up the pitch. Usually, the attackers press from the front using passing-lane orientated pressure to force a long ball or mistake. If the opposition play lateral passes or take a bad touch, this acts as a trigger for one of the attackers to press the man on the ball aggressively to complete a turnover. The video below shows an example of this.

Three Career Defining Games
14/15 Championship- Brighton 0-2 Watford – Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra scored as Watford clinched promotion. Both players had been crucial to the side's success all season scoring 21 and 16 times respectively. Watford had been away from the top tier for almost 10 years and as mentioned previously, the win against Brighton made Jokanovic only the third foreign manager to gain promotion to the Premier League. The Hornets went on to finish second to Bournemouth after drawing against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day.

16/17 Championship- Newcastle 1-3 Fulham – A brace from teenager Ryan Sessegnon and a long-range strike from Tom Cairney ensured an impressive victory for Fulham at League leaders Newcastle. Sessegnon's day could have been even better too after he was brought down for a penalty. However, despite his wish to complete a hattrick, the ball was taken off him by defender Tim Ream, who struck wide. The win was not only a show of just how capable Jokanovic and his team are, it also brought them within two points of the play-off places, with a game in hand.

16/17 FA Cup- Fulham 4-1 Hull City – Despite fielding a near full-strength team, Hull couldn't contain Fulham's attacking threat. Goals from Aluko, Martin, Sessegnon and Johansen helped Jokanovic overcome Premier League opposition and new Tiger's boss Marco Silva. The emphatic victory set up a fifth round tie at home to Spurs, a game which would mark the end of Fulham's cup run.

Three Key Players Developed
Scott Malone – Before joining from Cardiff last summer, Malone had drifted from club to club, never really nailing down a definite position. Slavisa Jokanovic decided he would play him as an attacking fullback, and it's paid off. As mentioned previously, the Scot is one of Fulham's most important attacking outlets, earning him a place in the Championship Team of the Year this season. He is perhaps the best crosser in the league and having played much of his career as a winger, Malone is also an excellent dribbler. The role he has been given by Jokanovic has undoubtedly got the best out of him.

Ryan Sessegnon – At just 16, Sessegnon was given his debut by Jokanovic at the start of the season. He became the first player in the football league born in the 2000s to score in a first team game, as well as becoming the youngest ever championship scorer. He is expected to develop into a left back over time and has been likened to Ashley Cole. Despite interest from every top team in the Premier League, his manager appears to have convinced him to remain under his guidance for the time being with Sessegnon expected to sign his first professional contract this month.

Tom Cairney – Having been released from boyhood club Leeds United at the age of 16 for being too small, Cairney joined up with the Academy at Hull City. It was there that he made his breakthrough before moving on to Blackburn in 2013. Having impressed at Ewood Park, the 26 year old made the move south to join Fulham in the summer of 2015 for around £3million. This season saw the Scotland International become one of the most impressive midfielders in the Championship, scoring 9 goals and assisting 3. Much like Malone, the system and style of play implemented by Jokanovic is seeing him fulfil his potential.



http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/05/13/tactical-philosophy-slavisa-jokanovic/ (http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/05/13/tactical-philosophy-slavisa-jokanovic/)

 
Opposition Camp

Read what Reading manager Jaap Stam had to say in his press conference ahead of the Play-Off Semi Finals.

"It's been a great season. Ending up third in the league is a great result and the boys have done very well.

"We've spoken many times about what they've done this season and the mentality that we have in this group. But at the end of the day, everybody wants to win trophies, prizes. Everybody wants to end up somewhere.

"We've been in the top-six all season, we've finished up there and now we go into the Play-Offs against a very good side in Fulham. It's going to be interesting. I'm looking forward to it!

"Within the season you play a lot of games, 46 across the league season. And if you lose a game, you can look to the 30 odd we still have to play and try to improve.

"But in these games, you need to do it! It's two games – and if you want to go up, you have to do well, you have to be the better team over the two legs.

"That brings a different vibe, atmosphere to the game. We will want to play our own game, we want to keep playing how we have been throughout the season, with just maybe a few details a bit different here and there. But we want to keep doing the same things we have been doing all season.

"There is a lot of attention on this game and importance in terms of where we can end up. But these are the moments you play for as a player, the moments you want to have, moments you enjoy.

"We will keep preparing the players as best we can, and come Saturday we will see if what we have done was the right choice.

"However, as a manager and coaches, you can give them loads of advice, but on the day the players have to do the right things and make the right choices. When they step out there, they need to do it."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/11/opposition-camp (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/11/opposition-camp)

 
READING FC: Liam Moore hits back at bookmakers for writing Royals off ahead of play-offs

LIAM MOORE hit back at pundits and bookmakers who have written Reading FC off ahead of today's first-leg play-off clash against Fulham.

Moore, who had a birds-eye view of Leicester City's 5000/1 miracle last season when the Foxes secured the Premier League title, suggested Reading are more than capable of defying the odds.

Today they face the Cottagers (5.30pm ko live on Sky Sports 1), who have already been tipped as favourites to win this season's play-offs, with Reading considered as outsiders, despite Royals finishing third in the league.

"It's an enjoyable place to be," declared Moore.

"Not many people thought we would be where we are this season but the stats don't lie, we finished in third position.

"It's been a fantastic season and if people want to write us off without a ball being kicked in the play-offs then that's fine.

"Pundits and bookmakers aren't always correct. I was around a 5000/1 miracle last season so I don't look into the odds.

"It's two sets of 11 players and the subs and the squad. The best squad will win over the two sets of games.

"We are going to continue to work hard and see where it takes us."

Despite being thumped 5-0 on their last visit to Craven Cottage, Moore insisted the players are ready to put in a better performance this time around.

"We looked at previous games and different patterns of movement," the 24-year-old added.

"That was a bad game for us but we've moved on a lot as a team, we've grown and we've matured.

"It was a very different team on the day with injuries and suspensions so we can't look into that too much."

Fans urged Reading to secure third place so the second-leg of the play-off semi-finals will be played at Madejski Stadium next Tuesday.

And Moore insisted it is vital Reading achieve a positive result at Craven Cottage and use their home-form to their advantage.

"There is no away goals in the play-offs so you can write that side of it off," he asserted.

"But if we can go there and get a positive result, with our fortunes at home this season it will be very good for us.

"Training has been good and the lads are in good spirits.

"We know it's going to be difficult but we're ready to kick on."



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/15284255.READING_FC__Liam_Moore_hits_back_at_bookmakers_for_writing_Royals_off_ahead_of_play_offs/ (http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/15284255.READING_FC__Liam_Moore_hits_back_at_bookmakers_for_writing_Royals_off_ahead_of_play_offs/)

 
Home win required to justify Fulham's 'favourites' tag

Promotion favourites Fulham really must record a home victory over Reading in their Sky Bet Championship Play Off First Leg match this evening if they are to have a good chance of reaching the Final.

The Cottagers have won five of their last six league matches and have drawn the other as they have finished the regular campaign with a bang.

The West London club have been paired with a Reading side who are pleasing on the eye in the Play Off Semi-Finals with the First Leg taking place at Craven Cottage this evening.

Fulham must aim to put down solid foundations on home soil this evening with Reading boasting a superb recent home record. The Royals are unbeaten in their last 10 home fixtures in the Sky Bet Championship and should Fulham not take advantage in the First Leg, a huge test of character awaits Slavisa Jokanovic's men at The Madejski Stadium in the return match on Tuesday evening.

During Reading's excellent home run, the club have defeated good sides such as Leeds United and Brentford while The Royals also beat Play Off opponents Fulham 1-0 back in January.

Play Off matches are not usually won in the First Leg however it is crucial that Fulham get a win on the board to take the pressure away from themselves ahead of what promises to be an intense Second Leg in Berkshire.




http://the72.co.uk/80926/home-win-required-justify-fulhams-favourites-tag/ (http://the72.co.uk/80926/home-win-required-justify-fulhams-favourites-tag/)

 
Play-Off Second Leg Sold Out

Supporters are advised that tickets for Fulham's second-leg Semi-Final match against Reading have now sold out.

The Club have taken the maximum allocation of tickets available for this fixture, and therefore no further tickets will be available for Fulham fans.
Thank you for your fantastic support!

Watch the game from Craven Cottage
Fulham fans without a ticket for the away leg still have a chance to come together and show their support for the Whites, with our live screening at Craven Cottage!

Open from 6:30pm, join us for our fans fest as we show the game on a giant screen, and also have past promotion legends Sean Davis, Barry Hayles and Rufus Brevett on hand to meet Fulham fans.

This event is ticketed, with places limited and sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tickets are £5 per person and include a free drink on arrival (beer, wine or soft drink)!

Fans can secure their screening tickets today online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/13/reading-away-sold-out (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/13/reading-away-sold-out)

 
Newcastle must fork out £20m if they want to sign this Championship star
NEWCASTLE will reportedly have to splash out £20million to sign Fulham star Tom Cairney.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Tom-Cairney-804060.jpg)
Newcastle must pay £20million if they want to sign Fulham star Tom Cairney

Cairney, 26, has enjoyed an impressive season in the Championship, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists to help guide Fulham to a play-off spot.

And the Scotland international's fine displays have not gone unnoticed with Newcastle keen on securing his signature in the summer.

The Magpies sealed an immediate return to the Premier League and Rafa Benitez wants to recruit players who are capable of keeping the club afloat in the top flight.

It is claimed Newcastle were ready to launch a £10million bid to secure Cairney's services.

But the Mirror claim Fulham have doubled their asking price as they look to ward off interest from the newly-promoted side.

Fulham have the chance to secure a return to the Premier League themselves and begin their quest for promotion against Reading at Craven Cottage today (5.30pm).



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/804060/Newcastle-20m-Championship-Tom-Cairney-Fulham-Reading-Premier-League-Transfer-News-Gossip (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/804060/Newcastle-20m-Championship-Tom-Cairney-Fulham-Reading-Premier-League-Transfer-News-Gossip)

 
The Tilehurst End Prediction League: Play-Off Semi Final First Leg - Fulham (A)
Reading lost 5-0 at Craven Cottage in December, but which team do you think will come out on top this time around?

Reading ended the regular Championship season with a 4-2 win over Burton last weekend. Given that the Royals hadn't scored four in one game this season before that, it is hardly surprising that no one got the scoreline spot on in the Prediction League. There were however 18 correct guesses of a win for Jaap Stam's side as well as six correct guesses for Joseph Mendes to score the game's first goal. The updated leaderboard is below.

So now we enter the play-offs, with Reading's third place finish pitting them against sixth place Fulham for the semi-final, meaning a trip to Craven Cottage beckons today. All you have to do is predict the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point as does a correct first goalscorer.

I think the score will be 2-1 to Fulham, with Tom Cairney being the first goalscorer. This series is of course done alongside Reading FC Away Days, and by watching his video which will be out later you can find out what James will happen.

Good luck!



http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/13/15630536/prediction-league-efl-championship-play-off-semi-final-first-leg-fulham-fc-vs-reading-fc (http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/13/15630536/prediction-league-efl-championship-play-off-semi-final-first-leg-fulham-fc-vs-reading-fc)

 
Tickets still available for Reading FC v Fulham play-off second leg at Madejski Stadium

Season and half season ticket holders and members can purchase tickets for the fixture

Reading FC supporters still have the chance to buy tickets for the second-leg play-off semi final clash with Fulham on Tuesday, May 16 (7.45pm kick-off).

Royals take on the Whites in the first leg at Craven Cottage on Saturday, hoping they'll be able to take a good result into the second leg when they host Slavsia Jokanovic's side at Madejski Stadium in a bid to get to Wembley.

Season ticket and half season ticket holders can purchase two tickets, while members with more than 25 points are able to buy one ticket. Tickets will not be going on general sale.

Adult tickets are priced at £20 and children £5, while those over 65 and between the ages of 18-34 can purchase a ticket for £10.

Part of the South Stand will also be open to home supporters for the fixture and there is limited availability in other areas.

Should any tickets still be available from three hours before kick-off on Tuesday, they will be available at the matchday price of an extra £3 per ticket.

Supporters can buy tickets online, in person at the ticket office or by phone.

Fulham announced on Saturday morning they have sold out their allocation.



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-fulham-tickets-madejski-13027386 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-fulham-tickets-madejski-13027386)

 
Fulham v Reading FC: Stam issues rallying call to Royals squad ahead of play-off semi-final

The Dutchman calls on his players to seize the moment at Craven Cottage

Jaap Stam has issued a rallying call to his Reading FC squad and urged them to seize the moment in the play-off semi-final .

Royals travel to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening (5.30pm kick-off) before hosting the Whites at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

The manager says his players are raring to go and wants them to give their all as they look to gain the upper hand going into the second leg.

"Everybody is very eager to do well and we'll give it our best shot," said Stam.

"Like in every game we play we will give everything and work hard.

"Then at the end if we don't make it, we can look in the mirror and say they are the better team. But you don't want to look in the mirror and say we didn't do anything.

"The quality and the mentality in the squad is to work very hard, to believe in ourselves and trust each other to get results. Then we'll see what we need to do on Tuesday night."

Garath McCleary is set to be available for the game in west London after missing last weekend's win at Burton Albion.

That victory secured third place in the Championship table for Reading and a tie against a fellow in-form side in Fulham .

"Anything can happen"

Stam added: "When you're there in the top six everybody is focused on that and wants to do well.

"But anything can happen in the play-offs.

"You only have to look at the last few games where the smaller teams were beating the bigger teams. It's the same in the play-offs.

"Everybody is very sharp, very focused in doing well, that's what the other sides will be like.

"Now we are there, it's on television, people are talking and writing about it. It's an opportunity to show yourselves."



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-stam-13030203 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-stam-13030203)

 
Gary Rowett picks Championship playoff finalists

Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham, Reading and Huddersfield Town are the four teams in the Championship playoffs.

Derby County manager Gary Rowett has been quoted as saying by The Derby Telegraph that Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham will reach the final of the Championship playoffs this season.

Wednesday will face Huddersfield in the semi-finals of the playoffs, while in the other tie Fulham will lock horns with Reading.

"It's a really interesting one," The Derby Telegraph quotes Rowett as saying. "I don't think statistical evidence suggests the team with momentum gets promoted.

"(But) it'll be hard to look further than Fulham because they've been playing so well. People will say they're one of the hardest to play against.

"Huddersfield have done well but just dipped away right at the end and Sheffield Wednesday got the results to take them in (to the top six). I would have to tip Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham."

Fulham ended the 'regular' Championship season strongly, and the Cottagers will certainly fancy their chances of reaching the playoff final.

In fact, the Cottagers will consider themselves as strong favourites to win the playoff final and get promoted to the Premier League for the 2017-18 campaign.

Wednesday have been in this situation before. The Owls failed to get promoted via the playoffs last season, and Carlos Carvalhal's side will be determined to get it right this time around.

Fulham ended the 'regular' Championship season strongly, and the Cottagers will certainly fancy their chances of reaching the playoff final.

In fact, the Cottagers will consider themselves as strong favourites to win the playoff final and get promoted to the Premier League for the 2017-18 campaign.

Wednesday have been in this situation before. The Owls failed to get promoted via the playoffs last season, and Carlos Carvalhal's side will be determined to get it right this time around.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/13/gary-rowett-picks-championship-playoff-finalists/ (http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/13/gary-rowett-picks-championship-playoff-finalists/)

 
Moore Not Worried About Reading Being Written Off

Liam Moore has said he doesn't mind if people are ready to 'write off' Reading's chances against Fulham, he's happy enough with the Royals being the underdogs.

Not that he was much involved, Moore was a member of the Leicester squad that proved everyone wrong when the Foxes won the Premier League title - that despite being 5,000-1 outsiders.

Odds don't much bother Moore, signed by Jaap Stam last summer.

He told BBC Radio Berkshire: 'I was around a 5,000-1 miracle last year, so I don't look too much into the odds.'

With the help of Moore, 24, Reading finished the season in third, ahead of Fulham, sixth, for what it's worth heading into the first of the two legs against the Whites at Craven Cottage this evening.

Moore knows we have exceeded the expectations of most but doesn't think Reading should be written off. Then again if that happens he's not that worried about it in any case.

Adding: 'Not many people thought we'd be where we are this season, but it's an enjoyable place to be and has been a fantastic season. If people want to write us off without a ball being kicked, then that's fine. We'll continue to work hard and see where it takes us.'

The defender went on to praise the contribution of former Manchester United defender Stam and the experience he's passed on, which Moore hopes can see the Royals through to do the boss proud.

'Hopefully we can do the gaffer proud as every piece of information he's passed on to us this season has been vitally important and stuff we can take on board. Every week I feel like I've learnt something new from him and started to create good habits in my game. It's only good for me to be playing under him.'



Read more: http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=491713#ixzz4gxvUJUI5 (http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=491713#ixzz4gxvUJUI5)

 
Fulham v Reading FC: 'Play-offs are a toss of the coin' for former Liverpool defender

It is third versus sixth in the Championship play-off semi-final as Reading travel to face Fulham today (Saturday) – and it is the "toss of a coin" who will prevail, according to a former Liverpool defender.

Both sides have been in fine form of late in the league and go into the first leg clash at Craven Cottage full of confidence, with the return leg at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

But while BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson said he feels Fulham are the best equipped of the four sides competing in the end of season showdown, he says it is tough to call who will win and take their place in the Premier League next season.

Speaking on Football Focus, he said: "Fulham are the best I have seen and it is whether they can hold their nerve.

"Cairney has been outstanding for them, but it is the toss of the coin, you never know [in the play-offs]."



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-play-13030980 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-play-13030980)