Friends of Fulham

 
Should Stuart Dallas get the start for Leeds United against Fulham?
Northern Ireland winger has only started the match against Port Vale so far this season

Leeds United's Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas had a good preseason, scoring some impressive goals. So while it's not necessarily been a surprise that Kemar Roofe and Gianni Alioski have been preferred to him for the two league matches against Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End, the Fulham match on Tuesday would give head coach Thomas Christiansen a chance to introduce some squad rotation on the wings and give Stuart Dallas his first League start this season.

In the final preseason game for Leeds against Oxford United, Stuart Dallas came on in the second half and provided an excellent goal cutting in from the left hand wing to shoot on his favored right foot. This performance capped off a pretty decent preseason campaign for the winger. Currently Kemar Roofe, who also had an excellent game against his former team, and Gianni Alioski are both preferred to Dallas in the first team. Alioski has been used on the left by Christiansen, although the two wingers did swap sides at one point against Preston.

Dallas did not even make the bench against Bolton, which left many pundits and fans a little surprised. Hadi Sacko was the preferred winger to be on the bench against Bolton, and he looked poor when he came on. Dallas did start last week against Port Vale and it was his cross that bounced off the crossbar for Saiz to collect that created the first goal for Leeds against Vale.

Dallas was introduced late in the match against Preston as Leeds were chasing a goal to break the draw, but he barely played and didn't have a big impact on the match. Roofe, Alioski's usual partner on the wings, seemed off against Preston and didn't seem to ever settle into a groove in the match. It could have been from the physical nature of the play of Preston, or simply Roofe didn't have a very good match. Either way, perhaps the Fulham game will provide an opportunity for Roofe to take a rest.

Giving Stuart Dallas the start on the left wing opposite Gianni Alioski on the right wing against Fulham would allow Alioski the chance to play on the right wing, where he looks more comfortable, and if Saiz starts at the number 10, attacking midfield position, it will allow Alioski and Saiz to once again work some of the chemistry that they showed against Port Vale. Sacko wasn't very good against Bolton and was quite poor against Port Vale. It was telling that all of the three of the goals were scored after he came off the pitch for Alioski. Having Dallas once again play during the midweek game will allow Christiansen to keep the players fresh, as another big match against Sunderland looms on Saturday.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2017/8/14/16141896/should-stuart-dallas-get-the-start-for-leeds-united-against-fulham-northern-ireland

 
Cup Tickets Confirmed

Tickets for Fulham's Second Round Carabao Cup tie against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday 22nd August (7:45pm) go on General Sale from 12pm on Monday 14th August.

Prices for the fixture are shown below, with Season Ticket Holders able to enjoy a £5 discount on their match ticket with advance prices. Additionally, Season Ticket Holders will have their existing seats held until 10am on Thursday 17th August. After this time, all seats will be released for General Sale.

All supporters who have signed up to the Home Cup Scheme will have their credit/debit cards charged automatically.

Fans are advised that they will receive a paper ticket for this game.

Category    Season Ticket Holder
Advance Price    Non-Season Ticket Holder
& Matchday Price
Adult    £10    £15
65 & Over    £5    £10
18-21 years    £5    £10
17 & Under    

£5
   £10
Matchday Hospitality

Why not enjoy the action in style with Matchday Hospitality. Spend the evening in the Chairman's Club, with food and drink served prior to kick-off and at half-time, and seats on the halfway line of the Riverside Stand.

Priced at £79 per person (+VAT), fans can call our Hospitality team on 0208 336 7555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) today.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/14/cup-tickets-confirmed

 
Piazon: Fulham can go to Leeds feeling positive

Lucas Piazon believes Fulham should approach their next two games in an upbeat mood after fighting back with 10 men to draw against Reading.

The Whites had defender Tomas Kalas sent off inside the first minute at the Madejski Stadium, but earned their second successive draw in the Championship thanks to Piazon's late strike.

Fulham travel to Leeds United on Tuesday, before taking on another of the fancied promotion contenders, Sheffield Wednesday, at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder, who also netted in Fulham's Carabao Cup victory at Wycombe last week, said: "With a man down for 90 minutes, to go back home with one point is a positive thing.

"The boys fought very hard. We knew to defend with one man down for 90 minutes would be tough – sometimes 10 minutes with 10 men is difficult, so imagine 90 minutes.

"We just kept fighting and it felt good at the end. It's important to start well and we need to go into Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday with a positive mentality to win the games."

Fulham were forced to regroup after just 35 seconds, when Kalas was red-carded for hauling down Mo Barrow, but still restricted Reading to minimal few scoring opportunities.

Piazon added: "Credit to everyone – I was on the pitch for 25 to 30 minutes, so I had more legs than everyone else and I was just trying to push them a little bit higher up the pitch."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/piazon-fulham-can-go-leeds-united-feeling-positive

 
Journalist provides worrying Fulham update ahead of Leeds United clash


Fulham could be without a number of high-profile players for their midweek trip to Leeds United, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post's, Phil Hay.

Slavisa Jokanovic will be without Tomas Kalas, who was sent-off in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Reading, whilst Tom Cairney is also an injury doubt.

Cairney, one of the Sky Bet Championship's standout performers last season, did not feature against Reading over the weekend after picking up an injury in the warm-up, but he has not been ruled out of Fulham's trip to Elland Road on Tuesday.

Fulham without suspended Tomas Kalas tomorrow. Cairney was injured in warm-up at Reading on Saturday but hasn't been ruled out at this stage

— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) August 14, 2017

Cairney scored in both fixtures against Leeds last season, and his Fulham side will be heading to Elland Road in search of their first victory of the 2017/18 campaign.

Jokanovic's side have managed just two 1-1 draws in the Championship so far this season, which came against Norwich City and Reading.

Their opponents on Tuesday have started the season strongly, with a 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers and a 0-0 draw with Preston North End, giving Thomas Christiansen's side four-points from their opening two fixtures.

Last season, Leeds and Fulham were up against each other in the race for the Championship's top-six, with the Cottagers eventually finishing the season sixth, as a late collapse saw Leeds end up seventh.

The Verdict

Lining up without Kalas is a blow for Jokanovic, but if Cairney is once again missing, that will be even more of a concern for Fulham when the visit Elland Road.

Fulham will be hoping to pick up their first victory of the season when they face Leeds, but Christiansen's side have started the campaign strongly and Elland Road will be a tough place to visit this season.

However, Fulham have had a difficult start to the season, and Jokanovic's men will hand Leeds their biggest test so far, giving the contest a real edge.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/journalist-provides-worrying-fulham-update-ahead-of-leeds-united-clash/

 
Fulham playmaker comments on goal against former club

Loanee Fulham midfielder Lucas Piazon has described scoring against Reading, one of the other clubs with whom he has spent time on loan, during Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Madjeski Stadium as 'magical', as per the club's official website.

The Cottagers were forced to abandon their usual expansive style for virtually the entire match, after Tomas Kalas was sent off within the first minute of the match, but Piazon's goal, eight minutes from time, ensured that Slavisa Jokanovic's side returned to West London with a share of the spoils.

Talking about his solo effort, Piazon said, ""It's always good to score in front of our supporters, especially at the Madejski where we had a tough time last season. I felt fantastic to be honest, it was a magical goal for me."

Speaking more generally about the way the team were forced to play, the Brazilian said, "It was a tough game, defending with one man less is always hard, always tough no matter what team you're playing, and the boys did fantastic.

"Defensively, everybody was helping, everybody was giving 100%, just trying not to concede, and I think it was a brilliant effort. Our mentality and discipline was beautiful to watch I think. First half, one man down, the boys were defending [fantastically]. Reading basically had no clear [chances] to score. When I came on it was 0-0 still, so I was just trying to help the team."
AdTech Ad

The Verdict:

Reading fans may not agree, but I feel it was refreshing to see a player not engage in a false muted celebration against a side for whom they have previously turned out – Piazon is now playing for Fulham and trying to help them get promoted so there is no point him pretending he feels guilt for netting against Reading.

It was a wonderful strike, and it was always going to take something special to get Fulham up the pitch to grab a point, with their players undoubtedly exhausted after playing the whole match with one player less.

Piazon is right to praise the defensive effort of his team mates and it is indicative of Fulham's team spirit that even a young playmaker like the Brazilian is conscious of the dirty work needed to get out of this league.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-playmaker-comments-on-goal-against-former-club/

 
Leeds must promote Vieira to starting XI v Fulham

OPINION

Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen needs to give Ronaldo Vieira his first league start of the season on Tuesday for the Championship encounter against Fulham.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been eased back into action due to his involvement this summer in helping England win the Toulon Tournament.

He was absent from the opening day squad against Preston, but has since picked up 90 minutes in the cup win over Port Vale and was a second-half substitute on Saturday against Preston.

The Yorkshire giants recorded a 0-0 draw at Elland Road against Preston and Vieira was one of the standout performers when he was introduced.

The central midfielder came on to the pitch after 61 minutes and delivered a combative display to frequently help win the ball back for his side.

His development last season from the academy was a major positive and he has proven that he is good enough to warrant a starting XI position.

Vieira is an energetic powerhouse that is one of the Championship's best young talents and must be promoted to the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips should be the unfortunate casualty from the team and his inconsistency means he belongs on the bench.

The academy graduate delivered a man of the match performance in the opening game of the season as he scored twice in the 3-2 win over Bolton.

However, he was well below par against Preston and failed to have a serious impact on the match.

Vieira looked much livelier when he replaced teammate Phillips and was much more productive in possession too.

It is refreshing for Leeds to have two of their academy products make such a big impact on the first team, but it's currently Vieira who belong in the side alongside the more experienced Eunan O'Kane.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/08/views/leeds-must-promote-vieira-to-starting-xi-v-fulham/

 
Fulham's brilliant Brazilian hails big point at Reading and admits players were raving about Denis Odoi

Lucas Piazon rescued a point for Fulham but they could have even nicked a win

Fulham's hero on Saturday Lucas Piazon salvaged a well-deserved point at Reading on Saturday under difficult circumstances.

The Cottagers, down to ten men for virtually the whole match, following Tomas Kalas' first-minute red card, battled superbly to contain the hosts.

Reading finally broke down the Fulham door in the second half, but Piazon came on against his former loan side to race through and equalise.

Speaking after the game to the press, including Get West London, the attacker hailed his team-mates for giving all they had.

"With it being the start of the season it would have been bad for us to lose the game," said Piazon.

"It wasn't good with the way the game went, going down to ten men for 90 minutes, but to go home with one point in the end wasn't a bad thing.

"Playing for ten minutes with ten men is difficult, so imagine what it was like for 90, so it was very tough for us and the boys fought really hard.

"To take one point was a positive thing. We knew Reading would get some chances with us being down to ten men.

"They went ahead with a good finish but we kept fighting until the end.

"Credit to all the boys, they were working hard already before I came on. I got around 25 minutes so I had more in my legs that everyone else.

"I think we could have won it, we had some chances, but so did they, so it was a close game."

Piazon also paid tribute to Denis Odoi, who came on in a tactcal change straight after Kalas' red card, and the defender put in a great performance at centre-back.

"For a right-back to go into centre-back, the boys were all talking about it after the game," said Piazon.

"He was very solid and good in the air, and sharp. He was very good."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulhams-brilliant-brazilian-hails-big-13474137

 
I was surprised how little Reading threatened my Fulham team-mates and I, says stopper David Button

Cottagers goalkeeper David Button delighted with deserved point and personal performance

Fulham stopper David Button admitted he knew from the moment Tomas Kalas was sent off on Saturday that he would be in for a busy 90 minutes.

His team-mate was shown a straight red card inside the opening 60 seconds at Reading, giving the Cottagers a mountain to climb against one of last season's best sides.

However, it didn't quite turn out to be the busiest afternoon for Button, with Fulham digging in superbly.

And after going behind, they showed great character to equalise, thanks to substitute Lucas Piazon.

"We deserved the point. It was a tough afternoon, and I think just for the attitude of the players and the amount of effort we put in, we deserved a point," said Button, speaking to Get West London.

"Reading may say differently but we showed great character and it ended up being a good result."

Reflecting further on the game and in particular Kalas' sending off, was there enough cover coming across in the Fulham backline that maybe should have warranted just a booking?

"The speed of the game to make a decision, it's going to be close either way," said Button.

"But it's one of those things we had to deal with and the boys knuckled down.

"Naturally, I knew I was going to be in for a tough afternoon. Reading are a good team and with ten men it was always going to be difficult.

(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article11718886.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-586231746-1.jpg)
David Button was in good form on Saturday (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

"But in the end I was surprised with how little I had to do. I thought we defended really well and a good team performance.

"I was happy with my saves and to be there when called upon, but it was down to the lads for keeping their chances to a minimum.

"And as goals come, I am sure it was sweet for Lucas (Piazon). It shows the quality of the players we have on the bench with players like him, it's great for the team."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/surprised-how-little-reading-threatened-13474399

 
'We are going to assess him' – Jokanovic confirms Leeds scourge doubtful for Fulham clash

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed that Tom Cairney is a doubt for Tuesday night's meeting with Leeds at Elland Road.

The 26-year-old picked up an injury in the warm-up ahead of Saturday's clash with Reading and as a result he was taken out of the match day squad.

Now, Jokanovic says that Cairney will be continually monitored ahead of his side's visit to Yorkshire in the hope that he will be able to turn out for the Cottagers against a team that he has shown great form against in the past few seasons.

"We are going to assess him," said the Fulham manager, as quoted by Get West London.

"He was close to being part of the squad. I was thinking about using him for a short time during the game.

"It wasn't the plan to start with him, but he will be at a better level for the game we're going to play on Tuesday night against Leeds."

The news is no doubt a boost for Leeds, who have seen Cairney become a scourge of their side in recent seasons.

The Scotland international has scored in all of his last four league fixtures against Leeds, with last season's fixtures both resulting in 1-1 stalemates.

Whites supporters even rubbed it in the midfielder's face after his Fulham side failed to earn promotion to the Premier League in the play-offs last season, such is their disapproval of the Craven Cottage ace.

Cairney played all 90 minutes of his side's opening day win over Norwich earlier this month, but hasn't played since in the Carabao Cup clash with Wycombe and of course Saturday's trip to Reading.



http://www.footballinsider247.com/jokanovic-boss-confirms-leeds-scourge-doubtful-fulham-clash/

 
Three Leeds stars under pressure to perform v Fulham

OPINION

Thomas Christiansen saw his Leeds side stutter during Saturday's 0-0 draw against Preston and will be keeping a close eye on a handful of his starting eleven against Fulham on Tuesday night.

Alex Neil's Preston frustrated the Yorkshire giants at Elland Road despite going down to 10 men with half an hour still to play, preventing the Whites from finding the back of the net.

Chris Wood, Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez all had golden opportunities to find the back of the net but Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell pulled off a number of remarkable saves to keep Leeds at bay.

Now, Leeds go into Tuesday night's clash with a number of Christiansen's first-choice stars knowing that they must perform against the west London outfit if they are to retain their place in the starting eleven.

This Is Futbol considers three Leeds players that need to excel against Slavisa Jokanovic's side, including a 25-year-old that had a shocker against Preston:

Kalvin Phillips
Despite scoring a brace in Leeds' opening match of the 2017-18 season against Bolton, Phillips' failed to have an impact against Preston and could now find himself in danger of being dropped.

The 21-year-old is still expected to start alongside Eunan O'Kane in the middle of the park but teenager Ronaldo Vieira shone in the Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale, which will still be fresh in Christiansen's thinking.

Phillips must prove his worth against Fulham on Tuesday night, or he will be replaced by Vieira on Saturday as Leeds travel to Sunderland.

Felix Wiedwald
Although the 27-year-old German picked up his first clean sheet in Leeds colours, Wiedwald was still largely uninspiring as Preston almost snatched three points at the death.

The former Werder Bremen stopper still failed to come and claim long balls into the Leeds box, while Josh Harrop's injury-time effort that crashed against the bar had Wiedwald beaten.

Leeds face their toughest test of the season as they play host to Fulham and will need Wiedwald to be in top form. Anything else, and Rob Green could return as he looks to overcome a knee injury.

Ezgjan Alioski
Alioski, 25, was poor against Preston as everything he tried failed to come off. His performance was summed up by a golden chance in the second half, as Chris Wood's one-on-one was saved before Alioski tripped with the goal gaping.

The former FC Lugano ace has impressed in Leeds' first two outings, providing an assist against Bolton before doing the same in the 4-1 thrashing of Port Vale.

But with Samuel Saiz scoring a hat-trick and Stuart Dallas also impressing, Alioski will be under massive pressure to show he can cut it in the Championship with plenty of competition at Elland Road in attacking midfield.




https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/08/blogs/three-leeds-stars-under-pressure-to-perform-v-fulham/

Reading strike 'was a magical goal for me,' says Piazon
by Dan on August 14, 2017


Lucas Piazon says scoring 'a magical goal' that rescued a point for ten-man Fulham at his former club Reading 'felt fantastic'.

The Brazilian forward, booed for the second season in succession when he was introduced as a second half substitute at the Madjeski Stadium on Saturday, delivered the perfect riposte with a fine strike to snatch a point for the visitors after Tomas Kalas had been harshly dismissed with barely thirty seconds on goal.

Piazon, who has started a second season on loan at Craven Cottage from Chelsea, told Fulham's official website that the result was down to a superb defensive effort from his Fulham team-mates:

    For our style of play, the way the boys want to play, to be with one man down and running after the ball and defending is a little bit frustrating. But we had the fight. It was a tough game, defending with one man less is always hard, always tough no matter what team you're playing, and the boys did fantastic.

    Defensively everybody was helping, everybody was giving 100 per cent, just trying not to concede, and I think it was a brilliant effort. Our mentality and discipline was beautiful to watch I think. First half, one man down, the boys were defending fantastic. Reading basically had no clear chance to score.

    Even in the second half, their goal was not a clear chance; bad cross, control, pass back, good strike. Then after this they had one or two chances, but we kept our focus, kept fighting, and thank God we got the goal at the end.

Piazon greatly enjoyed scoring the equaliser in front of Fulham's travelling supporters – and his strike owed much to both his persistence and willingness to run at the Reading back line.

    It's always good to score in front of our supporters, especially at the Madejski where we had a tough time last season. I felt fantastic to be honest, it was a magical goal for me.

    When I came on it was 0-0 still, so I was just trying to help the team. They were fighting already for 50 minutes, and in my mind I was just trying to run, defend and help them somehow. I was very happy that at the end I scored and we could go home with a point.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/reading-strike-was-a-magical-goal-for-me-says-piazon/

Button surprised by quiet afternoon at Reading
by Dan on August 14, 2017


David Button admitted he was surprised by how little he was tested by Reading after Fulham were reduced to ten men early in their Championship encounter on Saturday.

The Fulham goalkeeper was expecting a busy afternoon in Berkshire even before the early sending-off of Tomas Kalas but paid tribute to the tenacity of his defenders for keeping the Royals at bay and told GetWestLondon that he felt Jaap Stam's side were going to give him more to do:

    We deserved the point. It was a tough afternoon, and I think just for the attitude of the players and the amount of effort we put in, we deserved a point. Reading may say differently but we showed great character and it ended up being a good result.

Button was diplomatic about Simon Hooper's decision to dismiss Kalas, saying:

    The speed of the game to make a decision, it's going to be close either way. But it's one of those things we had to deal with and the boys knuckled down. Naturally, I knew I was going to be in for a tough afternoon. Reading are a good team and with ten men it was always going to be difficult.

    But in the end I was surprised with how little I had to do. I thought we defended really well and a good team performance. I was happy with my saves and to be there when called upon, but it was down to the lads for keeping their chances to a minimum.

The former Brentford goalkeeper also insisted that Lucas Piazon's game-changing contribution from the bench highlighted the strength of the squad that Slavisa Jokanovic has to pick from.

And as goals come, I am sure it was sweet for Lucas (Piazon). It shows the quality of the players we have on the bench with players like him, it's great for the team.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/button-surprised-by-quiet-afternoon-at-reading/

 
Fulham discuss new Burton move for Woodrow

Fulham are in talks with Burton Albion over a potential second loan deal for Cauley Woodrow.

The striker spent the second half of last season on loan with Albion, who are keen for him to return and made their interest clear earlier this summer.

Woodrow, 22, made 14 appearances and scored five goals during his time with the Brewers.

He featured in Fulham's EFL Cup win against Wycombe last week and in June his contract at Craven Cottage was extended to 2019.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-news-fulham-striker-move-loan

 
Burton in talks with Fulham to sign Cauley Woodrow for a second loan


Burton are in talks with Fulham to re-sign striker Cauley Woodrow for a second loan spell, according to Sky sources.

The 22-year-old made 14 Championship appearances for the Brewers during a season-long loan last season, and scored five goals.

Burton have been interested in bringing the forward back to the Pirelli Stadium on a permanent deal, but Woodrow has been part of the Whites squad while they look to sign another centre-forward.


Fulham have so far signed Aboubakar Kamara from Amiens and have been hoping to land Diego Rolan after agreeing a £2m deal with Toulouse, but the Uruguayan has not been keen on the move to Craven Cottage.

Burton have so far signed five players in the current transfer window, four of them on free transfers. They are Jake Buxton, Matty Lund, Stephen Warnock and Hope Akpan. Liam Boyce has also joined on loan.

And Woodrow, who has scored 10 goals in 64 appearances for Fulham, is set to follow.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/16229/10988487/burton-in-talks-with-fulham-to-sign-cauley-woodrow-for-a-second-loan

 
Ream In Team Of The Week (14/8/17)

Fulham are represented in the latest Football League team of the week that has been selected after this week's action.

The performance by Tim Ream in the one all draw with Reading at the weekend at the Madejski Stadium was enough to earn them a place in the side alongside the other most impressive performers in the Football League pyramid.

I think we'll already know ourselves, and not just based on the latest performance, why Ream was selected as part of the team but explaining the choice - the FL blurb read.

'After his defensive partner was dismissed inside the first minute, Ream found himself up against it as Fulham faced Reading on the road. But the American turned in a fantastic display to stem the Royals' attack, helping the Cottagers come away with a point in the 1-1 draw.'

It's always good to see the club represented in this way, and well played to Ream for his recognition, but the most important thing about the weekend was of course the point.

Full Team:

Alex Cairns (Fleetwood Town), Tommy Spurr (Preston North End), Jordan Forster (Cheltenham Town), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jake Jervis (Plymouth Argyle), Jorge Grant (Notts County), Andreas Bouchalakis (Nottingham Forest), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Cardiff City), Abel Hernandez (Hull City), Jack Marriott (Peterborough United), Kieffer Moore (Rotherham United).

Manager - Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town).



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500689#ixzz4pnmltS6V

 
Fulham in talks with divisional rivals for English defender


Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has revealed that Fulham have turned to Cardiff City left back Joe Bennett as they seek to replace Scott Malone, who has left the club to join Premier League new-boys Huddersfield Town.

The departure of Malone, as well as the emergence of Ryan Sessegnon as an increased threat when pushed forward and playing on the left wing has made Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic dip into the market to bolster his options at left back.

Thomas suggests that Bennett is in Jokanovic's sights, although he might have a fight on his hands, as Bennett is clearly a part of Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock's plans for the forthcoming season, as he has started both of Cardiff's two league matches so far – which they have won without conceding a goal, to go top of the league, against Burton Albion and Aston Villa.

27-year-old Bennett has plenty of experience in the second tier, having made 154 appearances in the Championship, across spells at Middlesbrough, with whom he started his career, Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Cardiff.

Those outings saw Bennett find the back of the net on 5 occasions, and lay on an assist for a team mate a further seven times and he also has experience in the Premier League, which is of course where Fulham are aiming to end up at the end of the season.

Bennett has made 31 top flight appearances, the majority of which came with Aston Villa.

The Verdict:

Fulham are looking for a ready-made replacement for Malone, and Bennett, with his wealth of experience in the second tier, appears to fit the bill.

Early in his career, doubts persisted over his defensive ability, but the fact he is now a fixture in a Neil Warnock side – a manager who focuses on the basics first – underlines the fact that his defending has improved as he's matured.

The main stumbling block for Fulham will be persuading him to leave Cardiff, but Jokanovic will be hopeful that he can persuade the Englishman that his prospects of promotion are greater in West London than in South Wales.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-in-talks-with-divisional-rivals-for-english-defender/

 
Fulham in talks to sign Cardiff City defender

Fulham are in talks with Cardiff City over a potential deal to sign left-back Joe Bennett from the Welsh club.

Bennett, 27, could follow in the footsteps of Scott Malone, who moved to Craven Cottage from Cardiff a year ago.

Fulham sold Malone to Huddersfield earlier this summer and are looking to bring in another left-back before the transfer window closes.

Bennett made 25 appearances for Cardiff last season after being signed from Aston Villa.

He joined Villa from Middlesbrough in 2012 and made 32 league appearances during his four-year spell with the Midlands club.

Meanwhile, Fulham are in discussions with Burton, who want to re-sign Cauley Woodrow on loan from the Whites.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-news-fulham-cardiff-city-joe-bennett-talks-140817

 
LATW: Q&A with Fulham blog Cottagers Confidential
We spoke with Andrew Beck from our fellow SBNation site about the upcoming match


Big thanks to Andrew Beck from Cottagers Confidential, the SBNation site covering all things Fulham. They'll have our answers to their questions up sometime soon, so check them out to see if I'm off my rocker.

1) How are Fulham fans feeling about this season after last year's heartbreaking loss in the playoffs?

Fulham fans can never be happy. There are a lot of fans that feel the team didn't do enough to improve in this window, even though the team had very few holes going into the season. I myself feel pretty good. If the team plays as well all year as they did in the second half of this year, they should have a good chance of promotion.

2) Which players should Leeds United fans be on the lookout for, besides Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon?

Sone Aluko is still a terror, if he was a better finisher he probably would be a premier league star. Kevin McDonald is one of the best defensive midfielders in the division, his absence was a big reason that Fulham couldn't defeat Norwich in the opening game. Finally (and especially from an American perspective), Tim Ream has really made one of the CB positions his. His team of the week performance against Reading was one of the big reasons Fulham managed a point despite playing nearly the entire game down a man on the road.

3) How comfortable is Slaviša Jokanović as manager of Fulham? He was linked with some "bigger" jobs in the past, but will he have a chance to right the ship if the team struggles out of the gate?

Slaviša Jokanović hasn't stayed in a managerial job very long anywhere he's been. If he makes it through the winter, Fulham will be the longest he's ever been in any one job. It's easy to see why this is. He's a great coach and is extremely ambitious. He wants more than anything to manage in the Premier League, and still believes he was robbed of the opportunity by Watford. He also tends to air grievances with the team (usually involving not getting enough/the right transfers) publically in the press. If Fulham don't gain promotion, I'm not sure he'll stick around next year. And I could see a struggling Premier League giving him a chance in the Winter if they sack their manager. I don't think there's anyway he gets fired by Fulham this season. If he leaves, it will be his choice.

4) What positions did the club fail to address during the transfer window and what position makes you nervous going forward?

The team could really use another CB. Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas are a fine pair, but the drop off after them is a little too large for my liking. The team is also a little thin at fullback. Scott Malone was let go to give Ryan Sessegnon the starting spot on the left, but that only left Denis Odoi as the backup for both fullback spots. After him, you're either playing youth players or midfielders out of position. Finally, there are many fans who still want a goal dangerous striker to come in. However, I don't believe that Slaviša really wants to play with a traditional striker. He seems to prefer having an interchangeable front three and there are a lot of options for those spots. I still think they add one more player there, but I'm not sure it's going to be the kind of player that most fans want.

5) Predict the score.

I hate predicting wins on the road, but I think Fulham are going to win this. They are pretty confident after the performance at Reading and I think that could easily carry over to Leeds. I'm still not confident Fulham can keep a clean sheet, so I'll say Fulham 2-1.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2017/8/14/16143440/latw-q-a-with-fulham-blog-cottagers-confidential-leeds-united

 
Three greatest Fulham threats for Leeds to handle

OPINION

Leeds continue their Championship season with a home clash against Fulham on Tuesday and will need to be at their best against an expected promotion rival.

The Whites will be looking to build upon their solid start of four points out of a possible six in the league and continue Thomas Christiansen's unbeaten reign as manager.

They recorded a 0-0 draw against Preston at the weekend as they just lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, but the early signs are promising for the Yorkshire club.

Meanwhile, Fulham have drawn both of their league encounters and earned an impressive point in their last match away to Reading.

The London club were down to 10 men in the first minute after Tomas Kalas' red card, but still managed to dig out a 1-1 result.

Fulham showed their defensive resilience against Reading, but do also have some brilliant attacking options.

This Is Futbol has highlighted three Fulham threats that Leeds must stop to help gain three points, including a 23-year-old that is in line for a promotion to the starting XI.

Ryan Sessegnon
Ryan Sessegnon is arguably the most exciting youngster in the Championship and is one of Fulham's greatest assets.

The left-back is defensively sound and can do his job going backwards, but is also a huge threat going forward.

Leeds defender Luke Ayling will need to be on top of his game against the 17-year-old as he bombs down the left flank.

Sessegnon is yet to open his account this season and will be keen to do so at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

Tom Cairney
Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is a superb player and it's a big surprise that the club have managed to keep him at Craven Cottage for another season.

The central midfielder was superb laat season and managed 13 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for the Cottagers.

He will be a big threat to Leeds if he is passed fit for Tuesday, with manager Slavisa Jokanovic confirming he is being assessed after missing the Reading draw.

Lucas Piazon
The form of attacker Lucas Piazon at the beginning of the season has been a big positive for Fulham and he has to be pushing close for a role in the starting XI.

The Chelsea loanee made his mark in the League Cup with a goal and an assists in a 2-0 win over Wycombe.

The left winger then showed his quality off the bench against Reading with a brilliant individual goal to earn his side a point.

Leeds defender Ayling is going to need huge support from his winger if he is lining up against a left side of Sessegnon and Piazon.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/08/views/three-greatest-fulham-threat-for-leeds-to-handle/

 
Report: Burton Albion 'in talks' with Fulham over Cauley Woodrow loan move

Could the England under-21 international return to the Pirelli Stadium for a second spell?

(http://i1.burtonmail.co.uk/incoming/article323905.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Cauley-Woodrow-celebrates-Reading-RBEAI.jpg)
Cauley Woodrow enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Brewers last season (Image: Richard Burley/Epic Action Imagery)

Burton Albion are reportedly interested in a second loan move for Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow, according to Sky Sports.

Woodrow made a telling impact at the Pirelli Stadium after joining in January, alongside Cottagers teammate Lasse Vigen Christensen.

The England under-21 international - who was part of the Young Lions squad that reached the European Championship semi-finals this summer - bagged five goals for Burton, with three of them coming in crucial victories that helped keep Albion in the Championship.

(http://i2.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/article323892.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Cauley-Woodrow-goal-Forest-RBEAI.jpg)
Cauley Woodrow curls home the winner for Burton Albion against Nottingham Forest in 2016/17 (Image: Richard Burley/Epic Action Imagery)

They were linked with a permanent move for Woodrow back at the end of the previous campaign.

But Sky are now reporting that another loan deal could be on the cards, with the two clubs reportedly in talks over another deal.

Fulham took up a one-year option on Woodrow to extend his contract until the summer of 2019 back in June. He has since appeared in Tuesday's EFL Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers.



http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/report-burton-albion-in-talks-323914

 
Report: Fulham in talks with Cardiff City over left-back Joe Bennett

Fulham have reportedly begun talks with Cardiff City over the signing of left-back Joe Bennett.

The 27-year-old has made 27 appearances and scored three goals for the Bluebirds since signing on a free transfer from Aston Villa in the summer of 2016.

The Whites, meanwhile, are believed to be in the market for a new left-back since selling Scott Malone to Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town for £5m earlier this summer.

According to Sky Sports News, Fulham have earmarked Bennett as a key target and will be hoping to recruit him from Cardiff, a club with which they have had dealings in the recent past.

The Cottagers brought Malone in from Cardiff last summer in a deal that saw Jazz Richards move in the opposite direction.

Fulham are yet to win from their opening two Championship games, drawing with Norwich City and Reading.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-keen-on-cardiff-left-back-bennett_304890.html

 
David Prutton predicts Leeds United v Fulham

Leeds United and Fulham will face each other in the Championship on Tuesday evening.

David Prutton has predicted on Skysports.com that Leeds United will fail to win against Fulham at home this week.

West Yorkshire outfit Leeds will take on London club Fulham at Elland Road in the Championship on Tuesday evening.

Former Leeds midfielder Prutton, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has predicted the game to end in a 1-1 draw.

"Leeds have had a decent start but would have been frustrated not to get the three points against Preston on Saturday, especially after netting so many in their opening two games," Prutton wrote on Skysports.com.

"You get the feeling Fulham will kick into gear at some stage, but a draw at Reading was a good result after playing basically 90 minutes with 10 men. Another draw for them at Elland Road."

A footnote added: "Prutton predicts: 1-1."

Leeds will head into the match against Fulham on the back of a goalless draw with Preston North End at Elland Road in the Championship.

The Whites kicked off their 2017-18 Championship campaign with a 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers away from home at the Macron Stadium.

Thomas Christiansen's side then got the better of Port Vale 4-1 at Elland Road in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Fulham also failed to win at the weekend, playing out a 1-1 draw with Reading away from home at the Madejski Stadium.

The Cottagers drew their opening league match of the season 1-1 with Norwich City at Craven Cottage and won 2-0 against Wycombe Wanderers away from home in the first round of the EFL Cup last week.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/14/david-prutton-predicts-leeds-united-v-fulham/

 
This 27-year-old could help Fulham solve a problem position


On Monday, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas revealed that last season's beaten Championship play-off semi finalists Fulham were in talks with divisional rivals Cardiff City over a potential swoop for English left-back Joe Bennett.

Fulham have been in the market for a left back since last season's first choice Scott Malone left the club to join Premier League new-boys Huddersfield Town and since rampant late-season form and a series of impressive performances as England won the Under 19 European Championships in the summer showed that Ryan Sessegnon is, for the moment, better off deployed further forward.

Bennett has played both of Cardiff's matches so far this season, against Midlands outfits Burton Albion and Aston Villa, which they have won without conceding a goal to sit atop the nascent Championship table.

Therefore, he may prove difficult to prise away from South Wales, but it would be worth Slavisa Jokanovic, who has been critical of the club's recruitment policy in the past, going the extra mile to sign the former Middlesbrough left back.

There were question marks over Bennett's physicality in the past, but working under Warnock, who demands that the basics are done first and done well, has sharpened him up in that department and he has long since been comfortable with the ball at his feet, getting up and down and whipping in crosses.

Bennett is simultaneously a footballer with his best years ahead of him but also vastly experienced, especially at Championship level and would certainly provide Fulham with an upgrade in his position if they were to secure his services.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-27-year-old-could-help-fulham-solve-a-problem-position/

 
Fulham ace acknowledges tough start but says Cottagers must now get three points at Leeds United

Lucas Piazon happy with two opening draws but targets first win at Elland Road

Lucas Piazon has set a target of three points at Leeds United on Tuesday night, following Fulham's two opening draws into the new season.

Fulham have been handed one of the toughest starts on paper to the new Championship campaign: Norwich City, Reading, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.

Now, with two points in the bag, it's time to make it five at Elland Road in the next 48 hours.

"The start of our season is very tough, that is true," said Piazon, when asked about the games.

"I think the first five games, it's important to start well.

"We have drawn the first two games, but now we have to go to Leeds and then Sheffield Wednesday with a positive attitude to win the points."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-ace-acknowledges-tough-start-13474253

 
Leeds United vs. Fulham Preview: Three questions with Through It All Together
Fulham managed an impressive point on the road against Reading. Can they build on that as they visit another team that hopes to be competing for promotion?


We sat down with Through It All Together to discuss the changes at Leeds United, expectations for the season, and what might just happen in this match.

Cottagers Confidential: You have a new owner, a new coach, and it appears that a pretty high percentage of the team was turned over. Is this a good thing, or something you are worried about? Fulham showed last year that a complete team turnover can lead to a successful season, but they were starting from a much different place than Leeds was after last year.

    Through It All Together: The team has brought in a lot of new players, but most of the key players have remained at the team. The team has added a number of youth players and has added depth and options, something that previous manager really never seemed to have the luxury of having. For example, Leeds signed former Newcastle midfielder/defender Vurnon Anita, who started at RB most of the season for Newcastle, but he's only been used as a fill-in option so far for the Leeds.

    As for a new owner and new coach, the new owner has been wonderful for the team. He's already done more in about two months than most Leeds owners post-Ridsdale did combined. The team feels like it's being run as a proper football club again, after years of dysfunction that always seemed to play out in the press. Garry Monk left after a good season because he didn't want to work for a Director of Football, and so he went to Middlesbrough and their parachute payments. Thomas Christiansen, the new "head coach" at Leeds is a young, upcoming manager who was brought up in the youth system at Barcelona as a footballer and had led APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus to a very good place in the Europa League as a manager last season.

    It's a fun time to be a Leeds fan right now, but fans are nervous because they've seen this movie before, and they hope it's different this time.

CC: Are there any newcomers that we should specifically look out for? Is there anyone who left who you feel is going to be a big loss?

    TIAT: Gianni Alioski and Samu Saiz, both attackers, have been good so far for Leeds. Both of them shone brightly in the League Cup match against Port Vale, with Saiz getting a hat-trick on his debut for the club after moving from Spain in the summer transfer window. Alioski came from FC Lugano, where he scored 16 goals from the wing in the Swiss Super League. The only downfall with bringing in players from other leagues is that a lot of players aren't necessarily used to the physical nature and "just let them play" nature of the Championship and the refereeing.

    The only true first XI losses that Leeds had were centreback Kyle Bartley, who was recalled to parent club Swansea City after his loan expired, and fullback Charlie Taylor, who left for Burnley. The club has managed to hang on to almost all of the other players that had significant playing time last season, and they have also added a number of quality signings to the side. The team still needs another CB, although before getting injured on opening day, Everton loanee Matthew Pennington was fantastic. No official word on how long he will be out

CC: Who are your picks for promotion? The playoffs? Relegation?

    TIAT: Before the season I picked Fulham, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday to go up, and I picked Bristol City, Millwall, Burton Albion to go down. I think that Wednesday will come through the playoffs, with Wolverhampton, Nottingham Forest, and Middlesbrough all falling short.

CC: Predicted lineup and score?

    TIAT: Score will be 2-1 Leeds. This team just needs a little more sharpness in front of goal, as they have continued to create chances although not all of them have fallen so far. Might as well be against Fulham in midweek for a couple of them to go in.

    Lineup (4-2-3-1): Felix Wiedwald;Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Cameron-Borthwick Jackson; Ronaldo Vieira, Eunan O'Kane; Stuart Dallas, Samu Saiz, Gianni Alioski; Chris Wood




https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/14/16143922/leeds-united-fulham-preview-three-questions

Burton ready to reprise Woodrow loan
by Dan on August 14, 2017


Burton Albion are in negotiations with Fulham over the possibility of taking Cauley Woodrow back to the Pirelli Stadium on loan.

The former England under-21 international scored five times in fourteen appearances in a successful loan spell last season that helped keep the Brewers in the Championship. Nigel Clough was keen to try and sign Woodrow during the summer but Albion did not have the finances to secure a permanent move and the former Luton Town teenage starlet signed an extension to his existing deal at Craven Cottage.

With Woodrow no closer to breaking through into Slavisa Jokanovic's first team, Sky Sports are reporting that Burton have began talks with Fulham about a second loan spell for the 22 year-old striker. Woodrow's only appearance for the Fulham first team came in the EFL Cup at Wycombe Wanderers, where he made the opening goal for Lucas Piazon, and he was taken off at half-time by under-23 manager Peter Grant during Friday's 2-1 defeat by Middlesbrough in the opening Premier League 2 fixture of the new campaign.

Woodrow, who has scored 15 goals in 66 appearances for Fulham since being handed his debut by Felix Magath in March 2014, is eager for first-team football and would bolster Clough's striking resources.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/burton-ready-to-reprise-woodrow-loan/

 
Championship rivals Fulham enter talks with Cardiff City for left-back Joe Bennett – reports

Promotion rivals Fulham have begun talks with Cardiff City over the possible signing of left-back Joe Bennett.

The Cottagers are on the lookout for a new left-back after former Cardiff defender Scott Malone joined Premier League side Huddersfield Town this summer.

Sky Sports News say that Joe Bennett has been identified as Fulham's main target and will want to use the positive relationship between the two sides as a way of making a possible deal happen.

The two club's did business last summer as Jazz Richards joined Cardiff City in exchange for left-back Scott Malone, with the move benefiting both players.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man made 27 appearances for Cardiff last season and with bids for Kenneth Zohore and Sean Morrison rejected earlier this summer, Neil Warnock is unlikely to accept an offer for Bennett, especially from potential promotion rivals Fulham.

Bennett only joined the club last summer from Aston Villa and made his debut under Neil Warnock in last season's 2-1 victory over Bristol City, despite being signed by Paul Trollope.

With two-years remaining on his three-year contract, the former England U21 international will be likely to command a big fee if he were to leave the South Wales capital.

Jazz Richards who has filled in as left-back for Cardiff in Bennett's absence for a number of games would be Cardiff's only real option if Bennett were to depart the club, with Declan John not considered in Neil Warnock's plans.

The 27 year-old has started in both of the Bluebird's opening two fixtures, with wins over Burton Albion and his former side Aston Villa although he could be a doubt for tomorrow's game against one of Neil Warnock's former sides Sheffield United though after coming off with a muscle strain.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/fulham-talks-cardiff-joe-bennett/

Fulham place Bennett bid
by Dan on August 14, 2017


Fulham have made an offer for Cardiff City full-back Joe Bennett, according to various reports this afternoon.

Slavisa Jokanovic is eager to bring in another left back after selling Scott Malone to Huddersfield earlier this summer and offer competition to teenage starlet Ryan Sessegnon. The Serbian head coach has returned to a familiar source of his left backs – having taken Malone to London from Cardiff in exchange for Welsh international Jazz Richards – with Bennett tipped to be the next departure as Neil Warnock looks to reshape his squad in the final fortnight of the summer transfer window.

The 27 year-old, who has played hundreds of games at Championship level after emerging from the Middlesbrough academy, has made 27 appearances for the Bluebirds since signing from Aston Villa last August, scoring three goals. The former England under-21 international was replaced by Richards for the final half an hour of Saturday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Bennett had previously made 85 appearances on Teesside becoming a mainstay of the Middlesbrough side before making a big-money move to the Midlands in August 2012, although his time at Villa did not go according to plan. He spent a season on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion and helped Sheffield Wednesday to the play-off final in 2016 – before seeing a permanent move to Hillsborough blocked by new Villa owner Tony Xia.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/fulham-place-bennett-bid/

 
Cardiff City star Joe Bennett in shock link with Fulham

This would certainly come as a surprise to Bluebirds fans

Cardiff City left-back Joe Bennett has been linked with a surprise move to Championship rivals Fulham.

Reports say the Craven Cottage club want Bennett to replace former Bluebirds full-back Scott Malone, who has moved to Premier League Huddersfield Town.

Sky Sports are claiming Bennett is already in talks with Slavisa Jokanovic's side, though a move to West London seems unlikely given the 27-year-old's relatively safe place in the Cardiff team.

He was withdrawn through injury in the Bluebirds' 3-0 win against former club Aston Villa on Saturday, but featured in most pre-season games and played the full 90 minutes in the opening day 1-0 victory at Burton Albion.

(http://i4.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article13475489.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/CDF_120817_CF_Cardiff_v_Aston_Villa_13JPG.jpg)
Joe Bennett was solid against former club Aston Villa before being withdrawn with a knock (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Bennett has made 27 Cardiff appearances in all since joining from Villa last season as a Paul Trollope signing.

But he quickly established himself under Warnock, making his competitive debut in the Yorkshireman's first game in charge, the 2-1 win against Bristol City.

The former England Under-21s international also scored three goals last term including a brace against Huddersfield on the final day.

Warnock hasn't ruled out more incomings or outgoings at Cardiff in the next couple of weeks, but it was thought Craig Noone, Stuart O'Keefe and Declan John were the most likely to depart.



http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-star-joe-bennett-13476303

 
Leeds United: Ex-Academy ace Cairney's Elland Road return hampered by knee injury

(https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_700,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimage/1.8702775.1502726391!/image/image.jpg)
Fulham's Tom Cairney and Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips (left) - both products of the Elland Road club's academy. PIC: Nigel French/PA Wire

Fulham have a doubt over the fitness of Tom Cairney ahead of tomorrow night's meeting with Leeds United.

The midfielder was withdrawn from a 1-1 draw at Reading on Saturday after aggravating a knee injury in the pre-match warm-up and is fighting to be fit to feature at Elland Road.

Cairney, who scored spectacular goals in both games between Leeds and Fulham last season, is a key member of Slavisa Jokanovic's side and has made a habit of finding the net against the club who released him from their academy as a 16-year-old. His injury-time finish in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in March was the fourth straight occasion on which Cairney has struck against Leeds, a run which goes back to April 2015. The Scotland international was troubled by a knee problem in pre-season but recovered in time to feature in Fulham's opening-day clash against Norwich City. Jokanovic had planned to name Cairney on the bench at Reading, where Fulham overcame an early red card shown to defender Tomas Kalas to earn a point, but left him out amid fresh concerns about his condition. The Fulham boss said: "We will assess him. He will be at a better level for the game we're going to play against Leeds." Kalas, meanwhile, serves a one-match ban tonight after being sent off just 39 seconds into Fulham's game at Reading. The Czech centre-back received a red card for a professional foul on former United loanee Mo Barrow.

n Carlos Corberan's reign as Leeds United's Under-23s coach began with a 2-0 defeat at Watford yesterday. The former Valencia assistant took charge of Leeds' development squad last month after Jason Blunt left the academy to take up a new role with Cornish non-league side Mousehole. United have made numerous additions to their Under-23 squad this summer but second-half goals from Michael Folivi and Dion Pereira gave Watford victory over Corberan's side.




Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-ex-academy-ace-cairney-s-elland-road-return-hampered-by-knee-injury-1-8702778

 
Leeds v Fulham preview

(http://e0.365dm.com/17/03/16-9/20/skysports-rob-green-leeds-goalkeeper_3912475.jpg?20170318220249)
Rob Green: Could return for Leeds

Leeds goalkeeper Rob Green could be included in the squad to face Fulham at Elland Road.

Green has missed out so far due to a knee injury and it remains to be seen whether head coach Thomas Christiansen keeps faith with summer signing Felix Wiedwald.

Christiansen has no new injury problems following Saturday's goalless home draw with Preston, but full-back Gaetano Berardi (shoulder) and on-loan Everton centre-half Matthew Pennington (ankle) are still out. Samu Saiz could make his first league start for the club and fellow midfielder Ronaldo Vieira is pushing for a recall.

Fulham will be without the suspended Tomas Kalas for the trip to West Yorkshire. The on-loan defender was sent off inside the opening minute in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Reading. Tom Cairney, who scored against Leeds in both league meetings last season, is a doubt after pulling out of the line-up in Berkshire shortly before kick-off.

Denis Odoi came on at the Madejski Stadium as Slavisa Jokanovic shuffled his pack following the early dismissal and he will be pushing to start this time out. Lucas Piazon's strike earned Fulham a share of the spoils and the midfielder will be hoping that is enough to earn him a spot in Jokanovic's side at Leeds.

Opta stats

---

Leeds and Fulham have drawn each of their last four league games by a 1-1 scoreline. Only four times in Football League history has there been a sequence of five successive 1-1 draws between two clubs.

The Whites have failed to win any of their last three league games (D2 L1) against Fulham at Elland Road, this is after seven wins in their previous nine (D1 L1).

Tom Cairney has scored in his last four league matches against Leeds (four goals) - three for Fulham and one for Blackburn.

Chris Wood scored in every league match played at Elland Road on a Tuesday last season for Leeds, netting five goals in five games, including one against Fulham last August.

The Whites have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 15 home league games.

Prutton's prediction

---

Leeds have had a decent start but would have been frustrated not to get the three points against Preston on Saturday, especially after netting so many in their opening two games.

You get the feeling Fulham will kick into gear at some stage, but a draw at Reading was a good result after playing basically 90 minutes with 10 men. Another draw for them at Elland Road.

Prutton predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/leeds-vs-fulham/preview/374649

 
Rob Green could return between the sticks for Leeds

Leeds goalkeeper Rob Green could be included in the squad to face Fulham at Elland Road.

Green has missed out so far due to a knee injury and it remains to be seen whether head coach Thomas Christiansen keeps faith with summer signing Felix Wiedwald.

Christiansen has no new injury problems following Saturday's goalless home draw with Preston, but full-back Gaetano Berardi (shoulder) and on-loan Everton centre-half Matthew Pennington (ankle) are still out.

Samu Saiz could make his first league start for the club and fellow midfielder Ronaldo Vieira is pushing for a recall.

Fulham will be without the suspended Tomas Kalas for the trip to West Yorkshire.

The on-loan defender was sent off inside the opening minute in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Reading. Tom Cairney, who scored against Leeds in both league meetings last season, is a doubt after pulling out of the line-up in Berkshire shortly before kick-off.

Denis Odoi came on at the Madejski Stadium as Slavisa Jokanovic shuffled his pack following the early dismissal and he will be pushing to start this time out.

Lucas Piazon's strike earned Fulham a share of the spoils and the midfielder will be hoping that is enough to earn him a spot in Jokanovic's side at Leeds.



https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/rob-green-could-return-between-the-sticks-for-leeds-1859678.html

 
Live Streaming Tips

Following Saturday's match with Reading which was live streamed overseas on fulhamfctv for the first time, the Club was keen to listen to feedback from our international supporters.

As a result, we would like to offer the following information, to try and ensure as smooth a process as possible for our fans when accessing future live streams.

    The stream can be accessed using a PC or Laptop. The live stream will be available 15 minutes prior to kick-off on www.fulhamfc.com/live. Access can also be found via the fulhamfc.com homepage or via the fulhamfctv landing page. Supporters must be logged in with the correct credentials in order to view the live stream.
    All website browsers support the stream, except for Internet Explorer.
    Some fans who subscribed to the Match Pass found that their account did not recognise this purchase. We are working on this issue, but advise that signing out and back in again tended to rectify the problem.
    Fans are reminded that this service is not supported by mobile/tablet devices, or at this stage via the Fulham App. Audio commentary remains available via these means.
    EFL regulations restrict the use of casting. To watch the stream on your television you would need to connect it to your laptop/computer using a HDMI cable.
    We were aware of the low audio levels experienced by some users, and are working on a solution ahead of the Leeds United match.
    A number of supporters contacted the Club over the weekend, but we are not always able to reply out of business hours. In the future, any issues on a matchday should be directed to [email protected].

Match passes for the Leeds game are available to purchase now from £5, as is the Annual Overseas subscription which includes access to live matches. Supporters are reminded that the Monthly pass and Worldwide Annual Subscription (£45) does not provide access to live streams. Furthermore, no fixtures will be made available to supporters based in the UK and Ireland.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/14/live-streaming-tips

 
Leeds United v Fulham
TUE, 15 Aug 2017Championship
Venue: Elland Road


Goalkeeper Rob Green has recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection against Fulham on Tuesday.

The ex-England international's return is the only change following Saturday's draw against Preston as Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington remain out.

Fulham will be without suspended defender Tomas Kalas, who was sent off after 39 seconds in the draw at Reading on Saturday.

Tom Cairney is a doubt after pulling up in the warm up before the Royals game.

Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen told BBC Radio Leeds:

"Everyone is disappointed after that last game. I'm happy they are disappointed, that means they wanted to win. That is not a problem for me.

"To lift them up, I believe knowing who we are playing next will lift them because we will face one of the best teams in the league - one that plays the best football. That is extra motivation for them.

"They have a lot of quality. They like to have possession of the ball and move well.

"We need to be very focused and concentrate during the game to make sure we don't give them too much space."

Match facts
    Leeds and Fulham have drawn each of their last four league games by a 1-1 scoreline. Only four times in Football League history has there been a sequence of five successive 1-1 draws between two clubs.
    Leeds have failed to win any of their last three league games (D2 L1) against Fulham at Elland Road, this is after seven wins in their previous nine (D1 L1).
    Tom Cairney has scored in his last four league matches against Leeds (four goals) - three for Fulham and one for Blackburn.
    Chris Wood scored in every league match played at Elland Road on a Tuesday last season for Leeds, netting five goals in five games, including one against Fulham last August.
    The Whites have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 15 home league games.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40858332

 
I really didn't need that situation on a personal level at Reading, admits Fulham midfield ace

Cottagers midfielder Kevin McDonald got through 90 minutes having made a comeback from injury

Fulhan midfielder Kevin McDonald admitted Saturday's situation of going down ten men so early at Reading wasn't ideal for him on a personal level.

After battling back from injury, the Scotsman started in central midfield, arguably the toughest position in a starting XI.

McDonald spent a whole day recovering on Sunday and this morning before the Cottagers travelled north ahead of Tuesday's game at Leeds United.

Reflecting on Tomas Kalas' early dismissal, he knew he was in for a tough afternoon.

"I didn't really need that, to be honest. I told that to the coaches after the game," McDonald said post-match.

"When I saw the red card for Kalas, I thought 'I'm going to be in danger here heading into the final minutes', but I managed to get through it and it was nice to be back out on the pitch.

"We aren't getting a day off (at the time of speaking), there will be all sorts of recovery for me. Then we'll be travelling up to Leeds and it's a long journey, but that's the life of a footballer.

"You have got your shakes, your therapies, massage - it's part and parcel of what we do so we'll recover right."

The opening couple of games have produced draws, but considering the circumstances, McDonald was delighted to come away with a result against the odds.

And now he says if Fulham can play like that with a man less, imagine playing the same way with 11.

"Some games in the league you get bad points, but this one was fantastic coming to a difficult place and playing 11vs10 for the 90 minutes," said McDonald.

"We knew it was going to hard but fortunately enough we stuck to our jobs and changed the shape a bit and we managed to get a goal later on. That was a bonus.

"Lucas (Piazon) runs around and gives us 110 per cent, whether it's ten minutes or 90 minutes, so I am glad for him getting the equaliser.

"We kept our shape well throughout, shuffling across for the 90 minutes, and it shows that this Fulham team can do that.

"If we can do that with ten men we need to show we can do it with 11."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/really-didnt-need-situation-personal-13476399

 
Aston Villa should rival Fulham to sign Cardiff's Bennett

OPINION

Steve Bruce needs to replace the loss of Jordan Amavi at Aston Villa by bringing in competition for Neil Taylor and re-signing Joe Bennett would do just that.

Bleacher report transfer expert Dean Jones claimed on his personal Twitter account on Monday that Championship rivals Fulham are interested in signing the Cardiff City 27-year-old.

It is said that the Cottagers are keen to sign a new left-back after losing Scott Malone to Huddersfield earlier on in the transfer window, and Bennett has been identified as a top target to replace Malone.

Bennett left Villa last summer to join Cardiff, four years after signing on at Villa Park in the summer of 2012 from Middlesbrough for a fee of around £3million.

However, he failed to make an impact with the Midlands giants, making just 38 appearances in that time and instead being loaned out to the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday.

Since moving to Cardiff, Bennett has found his feet once again in England's second tier and although injury prevented him from featuring regularly, he shone in his 25 appearances during 2016-17.

Remaining defensively solid by keeping six clean sheets and conceding only 28 goals during those outings, Bennett also showed a willingness to get forward and score three goals from the left side of defence.

Villa now need to replace the loss of Amavi, who has since joined Ligue 1 giants Marseille, in order to provide cover for Wales international Neil Taylor.

Bennett should be that man, with plenty of Championship experience following his multiple loans to the second tier of English football, playing in 154 matches during his career.

Known for his pace, aggression and low centre of gravity, the wing-back is equally adept at getting forward as he is defensively and would provide Bruce's side with an added attacking threat when in the final third.

With two years remaining on his current contract, it remains to be seen how much Bennett would cost but if Villa can secure a deal to sign him for around £2million then they will have themselves a bargain.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/08/blogs/aston-villa-should-rival-fulham-to-sign-cardiffs-bennett/

 
Fulham in talks to sign Cardiff left-back Bennett

Fulham are in talks with Cardiff City over a potential deal to sign left-back Joe Bennett from the Welsh club, while Bordeaux's Maxime Poundje is also an option.

Fulham want to sign a left-back and Bennett, 27, could follow in the footsteps of Scott Malone, who moved to Craven Cottage from Cardiff a year ago.

Fulham sold Malone to Huddersfield earlier this summer and are looking to bring in a replacement before the transfer window closes.

Bennett made 25 appearances for Cardiff last season after being signed from Aston Villa.

He joined Villa from Middlesbrough in 2012 and made 32 league appearances during his four-year spell with the Midlands club.

A deal for Poundje, 24, was agreed in principle when Fulham also struck a deal with Bordeaux for Diego Rolan.

Uruguay striker Rolan has since stalled over a move in the hope a Premier League club comes in for him.

And while Poundje, a Cameroon international, remains a possible signing for the Whites, they will opt for Bennett if an agreement can be reached with Cardiff.

Meanwhile, Fulham are in discussions with Burton, who want to re-sign Cauley Woodrow on loan.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/cardiff-city-man-one-two-left-backs-lined-fulham

 
Leeds United v Fulham: Whites stronger now, says Phillips

(https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_700,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimage/1.8703082.1502745766!/image/image.jpg)
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips is brought down by Preston's Ben Pearson, earning him a red card during Saturday's game.
(Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

LEEDS UNITED midfielder Kalvin Phillips insists the Yorkshire club is over the spectacular collapse in form that last season handed tonight's opponents Fulham a play-off place.

The Elland Road club's campaign imploded in the final few weeks of 2016-17 as an eight- point advantage over the Cottagers on April 1 was overhauled in stunning fashion by Slavisa Jokanovic's men.

Five points eventually separated the two clubs in the final Championship table as the London club qualified for the play-offs in sixth place to condemn Leeds to a summer of 'what ifs' and 'maybes'. Now, though, United are looking forward and not back following a pep talk from new head coach Thomas Christiansen in the summer. "I believe this is a stronger group (than last season)," said Phillips, ahead of a contest that is expected to comfortably be Leeds's stiffest of the fledgling season. "We have got all the new signings, plus Pontus (Jansson) and (Hadi) Sacko signing (permanently for the club). There is more confidence in the team knowing that they (Jansson and Sacko) are here permanently, and will play here week-in, week-out.

"Last year was a great starting point to put the belief in the squad. But we know what we can do and we know how high we can get in the table." United's implosion began on the first day of April as a 1-0 defeat at Reading sparked a collapse in form so bad that only one of the final eight games was won and four lost. It was a dramatic turn of events totally unforeseen around Elland Road, not least because Garry Monk's men had signed off before the international break a fortnight earlier with a superb 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Asked if it was still hard to fathom out exactly what went so wrong, Phillips – who featured in all eight of those games in the run-in – replied: "Yes, we just couldn't get the right results at the end of the season and Fulham went on a really good run. "There are always regrets and stuff like that, but you have just got to carry on. When the new manager came in, he mentioned last season, but then said, 'Forget about it'. That is what we are trying to do. I think we have done that really well." Fulham, like Leeds, are unbeaten this season following back-to-back draws against Norwich City and Reading. The point earned at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday was particularly precious due to the dismissal after just 30 seconds of defender Tomas Kalas, who will miss tonight's visit to West Yorkshire as a result. Despite the absence of the Chelsea loanee, the fixture with the London club is expected to be a decent gauge as to United's promotion credentials. Both meetings last season ended level at 1-1, Leeds equalising in stoppage-time through Chris Wood almost exactly a year ago and Tom Cairney then doing the same for Fulham at Craven Cottage in March. That stalemate at Elland Road on August 16 was the start of Wood's most impressive season, his 27 goals ensuring the Kiwi claimed the golden boot in the Championship. Wood's impressive strike-rate attracted plenty of admirers and Burnley had a £12m offer rejected before the weekend. It is unclear whether the Clarets will return with a higher bid before the transfer deadline, but Christiansen remains confident that Wood will stay with the Championship club. So much so, in fact, that the Dane has not felt it worth discussing the rebuffed offer from Burnley with Wood. "I haven't spoken to him," said Christiansen. "I believe that all the players want to play in the Premier League, but, here, he is an important player. If he goes there he could be first-, second- or third-choice. He will not have the guarantee. "Here, he is one who can help the team reach its goals. Why not dream that he can also be playing next year in the best league?" Christiansen has no fresh injury problems, while Rob Green returned to training over the weekend and is expected to take his place on he bench. The situation surrounding Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington, however, remains unclear with the Leeds head coach still waiting to hear the extent of the injuries the pair sustained against Bolton Wanderers nine days ago. "The medical staff will shortly give us exact diagnosis about the situation of these two players," he added. "I think next week we will know something." As for the challenge tonight facing his side, Christiansen added: "Fulham have a lot of quality in all the lines and they like to have possession all the time. They have fast players up front who move well so we need to be very focused and concentrated."

Last six games: Leeds United LDDWWD Fulham WDLDWD. Referee: D Bond (Lancashire).

Last time: Leeds United 1 Fulham 1; August 16, 2016; Championship.




Read more at: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-v-fulham-whites-stronger-now-says-phillips-1-8703084

 
Leeds United v Fulham: Closest rivals offer acid test for Leeds, says Kalvin Phillips

Separating Leeds United and Fulham last season, on individual nights and across 46 matches, was a near impossibility until April forced the issue.

As the victims of that spell, Leeds were left to question how an eight-point advantage on the first day of the month became a three-point deficit by the end of it.

Prior to that, the clubs clung onto each other by their fingernails at times: Chris Wood snatching a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in August with an overhead kick in the third minute of injury-time and Tom Cairney striking even later, through the eye of a needle from 20 yards, to salvage the same result for Fulham at Craven Cottage in March. Over 90 minutes Fulham dominated both games but the tussle between the teams was one of the Championship's more vivid rivalries. Kalvin Phillips, Leeds' young midfielder, played in those fixtures last season, incurring a red card for a second bookable offence in the last minute of normal time at Craven Cottage. Despite his dismissal, Leeds were 1-0 to the good and on the verge of shifting 11 points clear of Fulham until Cairney – forever a thorn in the side of his old club – found the top corner of Rob Green's net with a dead-eye finish. Phillips admitted he still questions how it was that Leeds came to finish a place behind Fulham, in seventh and narrowly outside the play-offs. "You always think like that; we just didn't get the right results at the end of the season," he said. "Last year Fulham were one of the best teams I played and they went on a really good run. There's always regrets and stuff like that but you've just got to carry on." Fulham come to Elland Road tomorrow evening for a fixture which should provide the best measure yet of where Leeds are and how successful their close-season business has been.

Prior to that, the clubs clung onto each other by their fingernails at times: Chris Wood snatching a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in August with an overhead kick in the third minute of injury-time and Tom Cairney striking even later, through the eye of a needle from 20 yards, to salvage the same result for Fulham at Craven Cottage in March. Over 90 minutes Fulham dominated both games but the tussle between the teams was one of the Championship's more vivid rivalries. Kalvin Phillips, Leeds' young midfielder, played in those fixtures last season, incurring a red card for a second bookable offence in the last minute of normal time at Craven Cottage. Despite his dismissal, Leeds were 1-0 to the good and on the verge of shifting 11 points clear of Fulham until Cairney – forever a thorn in the side of his old club – found the top corner of Rob Green's net with a dead-eye finish. Phillips admitted he still questions how it was that Leeds came to finish a place behind Fulham, in seventh and narrowly outside the play-offs. "You always think like that; we just didn't get the right results at the end of the season," he said. "Last year Fulham were one of the best teams I played and they went on a really good run. There's always regrets and stuff like that but you've just got to carry on." Fulham come to Elland Road tomorrow evening for a fixture which should provide the best measure yet of where Leeds are and how successful their close-season business has been. Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham's single-minded boss, will find a different head coach in the home dug-out and a changed squad in front of him. There a similarities too, but while Fulham's blueprint remains largely unchanged from last season, Leeds have diverted down a very different path. Thomas Christiansen's side opened their campaign with a lively win at Bolton Wanderers, a side who look likely to spend the year in the bottom half of the league. On Saturday they contested a goalless draw with Preston North End, a club who are widely-tipped to finish in mid-table. Leeds were frustrated by Preston's tactics at Elland Road but Fulham, whose first two league fixtures yielded draws against Norwich City and Reading, generally come to play. Phillips insisted that Leeds had long-since put the disappointment of finishing seventh behind them. "The new manager mentioned last season to us but said 'forget about it'," Phillips said. "That's what we're trying to do and I think we've done it. Last year was still a great starting point, to have the belief in the squad. We know what we can do now and we know how high we can get in the table."

The midfielder claimed that 10 signings this summer had made Leeds a stronger squad than they were during Garry Monk's year as head coach, despite Kyle Bartley's return to parent club Swansea City and Charlie Taylor's defection to Burnley. United have followed a specific plan of recruitment and kept Christiansen happy. Jokanovic, in contrast, was quoted last month as saying: "My list (of transfer targets) is completely ignored. In this moment we decide to follow one way (in which) I didn't find so much sense." He and Fulham have been at odds over their transfer policy before. Asked if Leeds were a better side now, Phillips said: "I believe so. We've got all the new signings and Pontus (Jansson) and (Hadi) Sacko too. There's more confidence in the team knowing that they (Jansson and Sacko) are here permanently and will play week in, week out." The influx of players has given Christiansen several means of changing his side after a draw against Preston which United's head coach accepted as a "fair" result.

Phillips, and Christiansen's midfield in general, might be vulnerable on the back of a dogged afternoon on Saturday and Leeds have more resources in that area than any other part of their team. Ronaldo Vieira replaced Phillips for the last half-hour against Preston and Samuel Saiz – the scorer of a League Cup hat-trick against Port Vale last Wednesday – was thrown on after North End lost Ben Pearson to a red card on the hour. Christiansen is expected to be without injured defenders Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi again, but Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is expected to be fit despite picking up a minor niggle in the closing stages against Preston. Three matches into the term, both Leeds and Fulham remain unbeaten. The Championship has four perfect records intact – held by Cardiff City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town – and is throwing up enough unexpected results to convince anyone that the unpredictability of the division this term will be no different to any forerunner. "In this league, everything can happen," Christiansen said after United's draw with Preston. "The smaller team may be able to win against the biggest one. That's the beauty of this sport." Phillips, nonetheless, admitted promotion was as much a priority for United as any other club in the division. He said: "That's always the target at Leeds. We all want to get the club back to where it should be. We won't take anything less than the play-offs."



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-v-fulham-closest-rivals-offer-acid-test-for-leeds-says-kalvin-phillips-1-8702714

 
Leeds star confirmed fit for Fulham clash, two injured and unavailable

Leeds United could be set to welcome Rob Green back into the first-team for their Championship clash against Fulham on Tuesday night, according to BBC Sport journalist Adam Pope.

The reporter stated on his Twitter handle that the former England international has recovered from a knee injury, making him available for the fixture at Elland Road.

Green had missed the Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale mid-week having picked up a small knock during training, however, Thomas Christiansen has confirmed he is now fit and a possibility for selection.

The experienced shot-stopper, now 37, has been the subject of media speculation in recent weeks, especially with Leeds' decision to sign Felix Wiedwald from Werder Bremen, however, the new manager is keen to keep him in Yorkshire.

Christiansen has confirmed that he will still be without two players for the visit of The Cottagers on Tuesday night.

Leeds defensive duo Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi are still out of contention to face Slavisa Jokanovic's side, with both players having to leave the field on the opening day of the season against Bolton Wanderers with injuries.

The Everton loanee, who had joined the Whites in the summer on a season-long deal, had to be taken off the pitch in the second-half, having picked up an ankle injury during the 3-2 victory.

Berardi had to be stretchered off the field in the first-half with an apparent dislocated shoulder, however, the time both players will be sidelined for remains to be confirmed.

Although Leeds managed to pick up the three points in Christiansen's first game in charge, it would not have been the way the Spaniard would have hoped.

The Whites have enjoyed an unbeaten start to life with their new manager in charge, having won their first match and drawing the second in the Championship, whilst progressing to the Second Round of the cup competition in the process.

Christiansen will be wanting his team to take momentum from their previous results and churn out a victory over Fulham on Tuesday night to ensure they keep the pace with the leaders.




https://ninetyminutesonline.com/leeds-star-confirmed-fit-fulham-clash-two-injured-unavailable/

 
Leeds United: Boss Christiansen expecting a response against Fulham

Thomas Christiansen backed Leeds United to rebound from what he called the "disappointment" of Saturday's draw with Preston North End during a meeting with "one of the best teams in the league" at Elland Road tonight.

Christiansen said United's clash against a Fulham side he is tipping as automatic promotion contenders would pick his players up from their failure to beat 10-man Preston and act as "extra motivation" on the back of an unrewarding weekend.

North End came through the final half-hour at Elland Road unscathed after Ben Pearson's 60th minute red card, limiting Leeds to a goalless draw six days after the Elland Road club opened their Championship campaign with a 3-2 win at Bolton. "In the last part of the game we played against 10 players and creating the opportunities we did, we wanted the three points," Christiansen said. "This is why the players were disappointed and I'm happy that they're disappointed about that. It means they feel the game and that they wanted the win. That's not a problem for me and knowing who we play against tonight will lift them up because we're going to face one of the best teams in the league, one who plays the best football. That's an extra motivation." Fulham made the Championship play-offs last season, beating Leeds to sixth place in unlikely fashion by reeling off six wins from their final eight games as United's own form collapsed. Leeds and Slavisa Jokanovic's side shared two 1-1 draws last season, the first at Elland Road exactly a year ago in which Chris Wood scored with a dramatic overhead kick on 93 minutes. The effort was the first of 27 league goals claimed by Wood over the course of the term and his form prompted a bid of £12m from Burnley last week, an offer which Leeds flatly rejected. Christiansen said he had not spoken to Wood directly about Burnley's approach or the striker's immediate future but the United head coach insisted over the weekend that he expected Wood to be part of his squad when the transfer window closed at the end of this month.

"All the players want to try and play in the Premier League," Christiansen said. "But here he's an important player. If he goes, will he be first or second choice or third choice? He will not have the guarantee. "Here he's an important player for the team and he's one who can help the team to reach their goals. Why not dream that next year he could be playing in the best league (with Leeds)?" Defenders Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi will be absent again tonight with ankle and shoulder problems respectively. The pair were injured at Bolton over a week ago but Christiansen said he was still waiting for precise confirmation of when either player would return to contention.

"I'm not concerned," Christiansen said. "The medical staff will shortly give us exact diagnosis about the situation of these two players. I think next week we will know something." Goalkeeper Rob Green is set to return to United's squad against Fulham after missing the last two games with a knee injury.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-boss-christiansen-expecting-a-response-against-fulham-1-8703059

 
Fulham`s Failure Will Be Used as Motivation

The Cottagers have yet to register a win, in the Championship, this season.

Two consecutive 1-1 draws leave Slavisa Jokanovic`s side with a return of just 2 points from the 6 available.

Tonight, at Elland Road, the side will be hoping to put that right and get their season back on track.

Following the failure to navigate their way through the play-offs last season, failing at the semi-final stage, losing on aggregate to Reading, some might say that the disappointment might be affecting the sides start to the season.

Our midfielder, Tom Cairney is having nothing to do with that theory with Tom remarking to the media about the play-off semi-final failure,

"You use it as motivation to go one better.

"It`s important we learn those lessons. The players are capable of achieving that."

Hopefully, Cairney will have recovered from the ankle injury that saw his late withdrawal from the squad that faced Reading, on Saturday.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500789#ixzz4po1tDqUA

 
Match Preview: Leeds United v Fulham
Leeds look to grab a home win after a soulless draw against Preston while Fulham go in search of their first win of the season

Match: Leeds United v Fulham

Date: 15 August 2017

Time: 19.45 BST, 14.45 EDT

Venue: Elland Road

Television: none

Radio: BBC Radio Leeds, not available online, audio commentary from LUTV

Streaming: LUTV for £5 for overseas fans.

All-time Record: Leeds v Fulham 22 W 14 D 17 L

After the high of the two wins against Port Vale and Bolton Wanderers to start the season, Leeds fans came down a little bit off of their high as Leeds drew nil-nil at home to Preston North End on Saturday. While the team attacked with passion for the last half-hour of the match after Preston were reduced to 10 men, the first 60 minutes of the game was largely an effort by Preston to clog the midfield and not allow Leeds to get fluidity or movement going. Unfortunately, this will give a blue-print to any other teams that wish to grind out a nil-nil draw by simply kicking the Leeds players about, but with Fulham coming to town, at least fans won't have to worry about that.

Going into this season, Fulham is one of the trendy picks to gain automatic promotion after they lost in heartbreaking style in the playoffs last year. And truthfully, it would have been good to see a team that actually likes to put the ball on the floor and, you know, actually play football get promoted rather than long-ball merchants or whatever kind of possession snoozefest that Huddersfield Town subjected the rest of the Championship to last season.

Leeds go into this match a little bloodied after failing to break down Preston over the weekend, and Christiansen will be likely rotating a few of the players to get some fresh legs into the match. While defence will likely remain more-or-less unchanged by necessity, it would not be surprising to see as many as four or five other changes to the side.

Rob Green is rumored to be available for this match, and if he is fit, Christiansen has to give him a chance to play tonight or he might as well be transfer listed. Green has dealt with being benched remarkably well for a player that was legitimately a contender for both player of the year for Leeds and Goalkeeper of the Year for the Championship. While he doesn't appear to fit the mold of how TC wishes to have his goalkeepers play, at some point tactics have to be adjusted to the players on the pitch. Green is a former England number one, and shouldn't have to beg to be put on the pitch when he could easily start for over half of the teams in the Championship.

Luke Ayling and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson were the only real standout performers against Preston, and unless TC wishes to give one of them a night off, they are both likely to start against Fulham. Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper seemed a bit off against Preston, but they will be needed to be at their very best against a Fulham team that can score and won't be looking to slog out a depressing draw to grab an away point.

On the wings, Stuart Dallas may start the game on the left wing, with Gianni Alioski looking to rebound from a wasted effort against Preston on the right wing. Against Port Vale, Alioski looked incredible, but his performance against the dark arts of physical "English" defending against Preston left much to be desired. Fulham will be likely starting starlet Ryan Sessegnon at left back tonight, and while he is absolute class going forward, he's not going to be confused with Stuart Pearce anytime soon. Alioski will likely find much more room and space to work with, and having good pace down the right wing may limit Sessegnon from bombing forward on the attack.

Despite the hat trick against Port Vale, Samu Saiz was only brought on late in the match against Port Vale, instead Pablo Hernandez was preferred at the number 10 spot behind Chris Wood. Again, with a nod towards rotation and Hernandez's age, look for Saiz to get the nod in the middle of the attack tonight.

Chris Wood simply has to start, if for no other reason than to prevent the howl of fans as Twitter in Leeds crashes with speculation about the fate of the big Kiwi. Wood has been linked in recent days with moves to Burnley and other "unnamed" Premier League clubs that may or may not rhyme with Lest Tomwich Elbion, but the club has repeated their desire to hang on to Wood enough times that the journalists covering the club likely have the responses scripted in advance, all ready to go once someone in the press asks the question.

The biggest question mark in the potential lineup for Leeds is in central midfield, where Kalvin Phillips failed to live up to his rather dramatic opening performance against Bolton. Ronaldo Vieira came on during the second half against Preston after a very good showing against Port Vale, so most fans and pundits expect him to get the start tonight. Eunan O'Kane has been the steadiest midfielder so far in this young season, so it would seem odd to drop him, but TC usually seems to like to pair his midfielders up, with Mateusz Klich or Liam Bridcutt usually preferred to play alongside Vieira rather than O'Kane. Klich looked off the pace against Port Vale, and Bridcutt may not feature at all, so will O'Kane retain his position in the middle? At this point, with an aggressive team in Fulham coming to Elland Road, it would make sense to leave the Ireland international in the lineup, but who knows.

If Leeds are to establish themselves as legitimate promotion candidates, they simply must get a decent result against Fulham tonight. It's fine to thrash Port Vale in the League Cup or win away on opening day against a Bolton team that was just promoted and still under a transfer ban, but for the fans to believe that this year just might be the year to get the team back where it belongs and to put butts in seats for the ride up the table, Leeds must show up and play well enough for at least a draw, if not a win.

Predicted Score:
2-1 Leeds. Saiz will once again attempt to force TC's hand into giving him the starting spot over Hernandez in the "first choice" XI at the club, and look for Borthwick-Jackson to outshine fellow left-back starlet Sessegnon, as CBJ's performances are getting better the more he gets used to his teammates.

Predicted Lineups:
Leeds: (4-2-3-1) Green; Borthwick-Jackson, Jansson, Cooper, Ayling; Vieira, O'Kane; Dallas, Saiz, Alioski; Wood.

Fulham: (4-3-3): David Button; Ryan Sessegnon, Denis Odi, Tim Ream, Ryan Fredricks; Oliver Norwood, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen; Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2017/8/15/16147830/match-preview-leeds-united-v-fulham-championship

 
Kalas To Serve A Suspension This Week - 15/8/17

Fulham's Tomas Kalas will be out of action this week as he serves an automatic suspension.

Including Kalas, here's a list of all the players currently serving, or under a suspension at the beginning of the week, that will potentially keep them out of contention for an applicable fixture in the days to come.

The list of applicable suspensions for first team matches - either by a build up of individual yellow cards, a double yellow card in a single game or a straight red card offence - are updated by the Football Association on the following link Click Here so errors are their own.

For this week's fixtures specifically across the Premier League and the Football League, the following players find themselves ruled out of their manager's thoughts but a few lucky ones may find their suspension expires before their clubs' next fixture depending on the scheduling.

With some appeals still potentially ticking through, the below list may change in the coming days.

For anybody interested in how their team's health looks in terms of potential coming suspensions, if you visit the above link and select the 'one caution away' option in the table, it will give you a run down of all those players skirting a ban before the next amnesty window kicks in.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500776#ixzz4poYk2Q4W

 
Pundit expects Fulham's winless start to continue against Leeds United

David Prutton is expecting Fulham's wait for a victory in the Sky Bet Championship to continue, when they travel to Leeds United this evening, reports Sky Sports. 

Writing in his prediction column for Sky, Prutton has predicted Fulham to play out a third consecutive draw against Leeds, with the contest finishing 1-1.

Last season, Fulham and Leeds went up against each other in the quest for play-off football, and both their meetings last season ended a 1-1 draw, as the Cottagers eventually edged out their rivals in the race for the top-six.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have started the 2017/18 campaign slowly with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Norwich City and Reading – the latter turned out to be a well earned point, having played the majority of the game with 10 men, following Tomas Kalas' red-card.

Fulham will be hoping that Tom Cairney returns to action for the trip to Elland Road, where Jokanovic's side will face an upbeat Leeds side.
AdTech Ad

Thomas Christiansen's men have picked up four-points from their opening two fixtures, against Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.

Following a 3-2 victory over Bolton on the opening day of the season, Leeds were left frustrated over the weekend, as Preston held them to a 0-0 draw, despite playing over 30 minutes with 10 men.

The Verdict

Fulham's start to the Championship season has been a lot more difficult than Leeds' start, and Jokanovic will be pleased to see his side come out unbeaten from their opening two fixtures.

Fulham's trip to Elland Road will give Leeds their biggest test of the season so far, and we will learn a lot about Christiansen's side on Tuesday evening.

Leeds' 0-0 draw with Preston was disappointing, and if they want anything out of the clash with Fulham, they will have to significantly improve.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/pundit-expects-fulhams-winless-start-to-continue-against-leeds-united/

 
'Be better for us' – Leeds fans react to early potential boost ahead of Fulham clash

Our Leeds fans here in the Transfer Tavern are gearing up for another big clash tonight in the Championship as they welcome Fulham to Elland Road.

The Whites have started well this season with four points from their opening two games but Fulham have also had a decent enough start and both know that they are capable of challenging for promotion.

Indeed, the two sides struck up a bit of a rivalry last season as the men from west London pipped the Yorkshire side to the final play-off spot.

For sure, then, the hosts will have revenge on their minds tonight but, first things first, they need to be cold and clinical in what's set to be another hot Elland Road atmosphere.

This, then, should be a top game and Leeds have been boosted by the news that Tom Cairney is a doubt for the game – via Phil Hay on Twitter.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds/be-better-for-us-leeds-fans-react-to-early-potential-boost-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

 
Leeds United v Fulham: Key talking points

(https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_700,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimage/1.8702968.1502733865!/image/image.jpg)
ONE YEAR ON: Chris Wood salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leeds United in the corresponding fixture with Fulham at Elland Road exactly a year ago today with this sublime overhead kick. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

AHEAD OF Leeds United's eagerly-awaited clash with Fulham, the YEP's Lee Sobot looks at few key talking points ahead of the Tuesday night Championship showdown at Elland Road.

How many changes?
Leeds failed to break down Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, despite the visitors playing the last half an hour with ten men. But how many, if any, changes will United's head coach Thomas Christiansen opt for? It seems very unlikely that Christiansen will make any changes to his defence with United keeping a clean sheet against Preston and with Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi still injured. Keeper Rob Green is back available after his knee injury but Christiansen has evidently made Felix Wiedwald his no 1 and will surely not drop the German after keeping a clean sheet. Chris Wood is also clearly a banker to start upfront. But changes could definitely be on the cards in midfield and Christiansen has genuine options to change in every position as part of his favoured 4-2-3-1. Eunan O'Kane and Kalvin Phillips struggled to dominate Preston's midfield until Ben Pearson was sent off and Ronaldo Vieira, Vurnon Anita, Mateusz Klich and Liam Bridcutt all provide other options.

Vieira impressed once brought on against Preston and the gut feeling is that the teenager might partner O'Kane. And did wingers Gianni Alioski and Kemar Roofe plus no 10 Pablo Hernandez do enough against Preston to warrant keeping their place? Of that trio, Alioski looks the most likely to keep his place as the Macedonian wide man offered United's biggest threat for the opening hour against Preston. But there must be a temptation to give Stuart Dallas a go over Kemar Roofe who has had one very good game against Bolton and then one not so good one against Preston.

Vieira impressed once brought on against Preston and the gut feeling is that the teenager might partner O'Kane. And did wingers Gianni Alioski and Kemar Roofe plus no 10 Pablo Hernandez do enough against Preston to warrant keeping their place? Of that trio, Alioski looks the most likely to keep his place as the Macedonian wide man offered United's biggest threat for the opening hour against Preston. But there must be a temptation to give Stuart Dallas a go over Kemar Roofe who has had one very good game against Bolton and then one not so good one against Preston. The debate also continues over who should get the nod in the no 10 position between Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz. Saiz dazzled last midweek with a hat-trick against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup and after Hernandez failed to totally advertise his claims against Preston, Saiz might be given the chance to be the midweek star of the show once again. But the prediction is that Vieira for Phillips will be the only change. Christiansen can then always mix it up from the bench and in Hernandez's defence he did set up Saturday's best chance of the game for Chris Wood. Starting Caleb Ekuban alongside Wood and opting for a 4-4-2 is another possible option for United's head coach.

Can Leeds pass their first big test?
Christiansen remains unbeaten as Whites head coach after two games in the league and one Carabao Cup tie but there is no doubt that Fulham will provide the toughest examination yet. The Cottagers only have two points so far this season after draws at home to Norwich City and at Reading but nobody is fooled by their early league position of 14th, especially as the Cottagers earned a 1-1 draw at Reading on Saturday despite playing 89 minutes with ten men after the first-minute dismissal of Tomas Kalas. Fulham were plenty of people's fancies to win the play-offs last season after charging up the table to finish sixth by playing a brand of football that had many believing the Cottagers were the best side to visit Elland Road last term. Fulham have maintained the services of boss Slaviša Jokanovicć whilst also signing forward Lucas Piazon and re-signing centre-back Kalas on loan from Chelsea as well as midfielder Oliver Norwood on loan from Brighton, plus Ibrahima Cisse from Standard Liege. The Cottagers lost Scott Malone to Huddersfield Town but the Londoners are third favourites to win the league at 8-1 behind Wolves and Middlesbrough. Leeds looked good going forward against Bolton and also against Port Vale but took a sideways step against Preston who to be fair might well end up in the play-offs mix themselves under a good manager in Alex Neil. As far as the prospects of Christiansen's side are concerned, Tuesday's clash with the Cottagers will reveal much more. But at least Fulham are not yet fully up and running after two draws and with Kalas suspended and Tom Cairney an injury doubt, this could be as good a time as any to play them.

Will the fans be out in force?
The fact that Leeds have sold a club record number of season tickets for a Championship campaign has been well documented - around 18,000 - and a crowd of 32,880 witnessed Saturday's clash with Preston. But how many fans will make their way to Elland Road on a Tuesday night for what is undeniably one of United's biggest home games of the season. Fulham, after all, were responsible for nabbing United's play-off spot last term and the Cottagers seem certain to be in the mix again. Leeds really ought to be approaching the fixture looking to make it nine points out of nine but seven out of nine would still represent an excellent start and the club will be looking for another bumper crowd to help get Christiansen's men over the line.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-v-fulham-key-talking-points-1-8702969

 
Fulham agree deal to sign 24-year-old Ligue 1 defender


Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Maxime Poundje from Bordeaux, Sky sources understand.

According to the Sky Sports News HQ Live Transfer Blog [14th July, 19:05 GMT], Fulham have had a deal agreed with Maxime Poundje for a while and have been trying to convince him to make the switch to Craven Cottage.

However, Fulham have struggled to convince Poundje to join the club thus far.

Fulham have been seeking a replacement at left back for Scott Malone after he left to join Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town.

Malone was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year last season so his absence is a blow for the Cottagers.

Young teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon is able to play there but operated as a left winger for periods last season too and Fulham are keen to add another left back to their ranks.

Maxime Poundje was identified as a top target for that spot.

However, Fulham have failed to convince the former France under-19 international to join.

The 24-year-old has played well over 50 games for Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux, as well as spending time on loan at Nimes.

With Fulham struggling to complete a deal for Maxime Poundje, they have also lined up Joe Bennett as a possible replacement for Scott Malone.

Cardiff City left back Joe Bennett played 27 games for the Bluebirds last summer after joining from Aston Villa.

The Verdict
If Fulham fail to land Maxime Poundje they are likely to move for Joe Bennett, who could prove to be a better capture because he has experience in this league.

Poundje, however, is younger, stronger, faster and has European experience as well as playing many games in the top tier of French football.

The transfer deal is in place and Bordeaux are willing to sell the former France under-19 international, who refused the opportunity to play senior international football for Cameroon.

Whether Fulham can convince the 24-year-old to join is another matter.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-24-year-old-ligue-1-defender/

 
Tottenham have stunning £25m bid for Fulham wonder kid Ryan Sessegnon knocked back

The 17-year-old signed a new three-year deal in June and the Championship club insist he is not for sale at any price

Tottenham have had a stunning £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon turned down.

Spurs have been desperate to sign the 17-year-old left back and even Sessegnon signing a new contract has not put them off.

They came in with a mega offer but Fulham stood firm and said that Sessegnon is not for sale at any price.

Sessegnon is regarded as one of England's best prospects and signed a three year contract in June to commit his future to Fulham.

The England England under-19s starlet has been compared to a young Gareth Bale as he plays as left back but could move further forward down the line.

(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article10704617.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Ryan-Sessegnon-contract-Fulham-FC-Training-Ground-Motspur-Park-Surrey-UK-28-Jun-2017.jpg)
Ryan and his brother Steven Sessegnon penned their first professional contracts with Fulham (Image: Rex Features)

(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article10704613.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Ryan-Sessegnon-contract-Fulham-FC-Training-Ground-Motspur-Park-Surrey-UK-28-Jun-2017.jpg)
Sessegnon is also wanted by Liverpool (Image: Javier Garcia/BPI/Shuttersto/REX/Shutterstock)

(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article9758270.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Birmingham-City-V-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
The 17-year-old has caught the eye in the Championship (Image: Nathan Stirk)

Tottenham were one of a clutch of clubs chasing him with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal also keen.

Tottenham also have an interest in his twin brother Steven who has also signed a new contract to stay at Fulham.

Tottenham have so far been slow on doing deals but are now clearly in the market.

They are also in for Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez and are very hopeful on Celta Vigo midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfer-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-10990199

 
Leeds In Focus

Have a read through all the matchday information as Fulham and Leeds United renew rivalries at Elland Road on Tuesday night.
Possible opposition absentees

Matthew Pennington – ankle injury

Gaetano Berardi – shoulder injury
Tickets

Fans will be able to buy tickets on the day from the Away Ticket Window, cash only, priced at £42 adults, £30 for fans aged 60+ and 16-22, £16 for under-16s, and £8 for under-11s.
Weather

A sunny day is forecast in Leeds, with temperatures of 17 degrees at kick-off.
He said...

"Knowing who we play against tonight will lift them up because we're going to face one of the best teams in the league, one who plays the best football. That's an extra motivation." - Thomas Christiansen, Leeds manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Leeds: 29/20

Draw: 23/10

Fulham: 37/20
Previous five results

Leeds 0-0 Preston North End (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds 4-1 Port Vale (Carabao Cup Round One)

Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Leeds (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds 2-0 Oxford United (Friendly)

North Ferriby United 0-2 Leeds (Friendly)




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/15/leeds-in-focus

 
Exclusive: Tottenham Hotspur have £25m bid for Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon rejected


Tottenham Hotspur have had a bid worth up to £25 million for the 17-year-old Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon rejected.

The England Under-19s international is one of the hottest properties in English football and is in the Fulham squad to face Leeds United at Elland Road tonight having signed his first professional deal in June with his childhood club. The size of the fee on offer reflects the expanding market and also the value placed on young English talent.

Spurs are also understood to be interested in Ryan's twin brother Steven who made his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Wycombe in August. Both players signed their professional deals having turned 17 – the earliest age at which they could do so – on May 18. Both the boys, who grew up in Roehampton in south-west London, are happy at Fulham and have put no pressure on the club to sell them.

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2017/08/15/TELEMMGLPICT000136923586_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqZNTDy2SfQzBrPZuiqZL_ffrnIIH0zqTYoIf7L6cqnQs.jpeg?imwidth=1160)
Ryan's twin brother Steven, here making his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Wycombe in August, is also attracting Spurs' attention
Credit: Getty Images

The fee offered would be close to the £25.5 million Manchester United paid in August 2004 for an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney, still the most ever paid for an English teenage footballer. 

Under the ownership of American billionaire Shahid Khan, and the stewardship of his son, the chairman Tony, the club are ambitious for promotion to the Premier League. They have refused to countenance the sale of midfielder Tom Cairney this summer and for the time being seem willing to reject an extraordinary amount of money for two products of the club's outstanding academy. 

There has been interest throughout the big Premier League clubs in the progress of Ryan in particular who played a full part in his team's Championship season last time around, which ended in play-off defeat to Reading. As a left-sided English player he has a considerable value in the transfer market and the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs all registered an interest before eventually he committed himself to the club long term.

The player has had a successful summer with England Under-19s who won their European championships in Georgia.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/15/tottenham-hotspur-have-25m-bid-fulham-prodigy-ryan-sessegnon/

Fulham reject Tottenham's £25m bid for Ryan Sessegnon
by Dan on August 15, 2017


Fulham have rejected Tottenham Hotspur's £25m bid for their teenage full-back Ryan Sessegnon, according to the Daily Mirror.

The England Under-19 international, who won the European Championships with his country in Georgia this summer, signed a new contract with the club he has been at since the age of nine last month and Fulham insist he is not for sale at any price. Tottenham decided to test Fulham's resolve to keep hold of their most prized young asset with a huge bid, but Fulham are confident that the older of the two Sessegnon twins is happy at the club and furthering his development through regular first-team football.

Sessegnon, now 17, has started both of Fulham's league fixtures this season and his spectacular emergence into the first team last term was one of the reasons that Scott Malone was allowed to pursue his dream of Premier League football with Huddersfield this summer. Sessegnon scored five goals – including a stunning brace at league leaders Newcastle – in 29 appearances last season after making his senior debut at Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup.

The Mirror reports that Spurs have also shown an interest in Ryan's twin brother, Stephen, who made his professional debut in last week's EFL Cup victory at Wycombe. Both twins signed three-year contracts and are not thought to be interested in a move away from Fulham at this stage.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/fulham-reject-tottenhams-25m-for-ryan-sessegnon/

 
Tottenham Hotspur's '£25m bid for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon rejected'

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly had a £25m bid for Ryan Sessegnon turned down by Fulham.

The North London outfit, who are yet to bring in any new faces in the transfer window this summer, have been linked to the 17-year-old left-back for some time.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have also been named as potential suitors, but Sessegnon appeared to put the rumours to bed when he signed a three-year contract at Fulham in June.

Despite committing his future to the Championship club, Tottenham have tried to persuade the Cottagers to do a deal by offering £25m for the teenager, but Fulham have knocked back the Premier League outfit, according to The Mirror.

The report adds that Spurs are interested in Sessegnon's twin brother Steven, who also plays for Fulham.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/transfer-talk/news/tottenham-fail-in-gbp25m-sessegnon-bid_304931.html

 
Mirror: Fulham reject £25m Tottenham bid for Ryan Sessegnon
The saga continues.

After opting to sign his first professional contract with Fulham, we knew that Ryan Sessegnon would command a sizable fee. The 17-year-old left fullback has significant potential, and Tottenham were reportedly very interested in acquiring his services. This morning, the Daily Mirrror reported that Fulham rejected a £25m bid from Spurs.

    Tottenham have had a stunning £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon turned down.

    Spurs have been desperate to sign the 17-year-old left back and even Sessegnon signing a new contract has not put them off.

    They came in with a mega offer but Fulham stood firm and said that Sessegnon is not for sale at any price.

Fulham hold all the cards here. Sessegnon has a three-year contract, and there's no reason to expect the Cottagers to say anything other than "he's not for sale." Add that to the swirling rumors about Danny Rose's future after his interview in the Sun, and it makes sense that Fulham would dig in their heels and not settle for anything less than what they want.

With about two weeks left in the transfer window that has been fruitless thus far, Spurs will certainly be busy in the coming days. If this £25m offer is legitimate, then it's hard to believe that the pursuit of Sessegnon is over.



https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2017/8/15/16148284/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-rumors-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-reject-spurs-bid

 
Liverpool starlet Sheyi Ojo set to join Fulham on loan for the rest of the season

The 20 year-old is heading for the Cottagers after the two clubs reached an agreement

(http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article10791579.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Tranmere-Rovers-v-Liverpool-Pre-Season-Friendly.jpg)
Sheyi Ojo is joining Fulham on loan (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Fulham are poised to win the race to take Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo on loan for the season.

The 20-year-old is heading for the Cottagers after the two clubs reached an agreement.

They are set to beat Middlesbrough and Derby to secure the signature of the England under-20 World Cup winner.

Ojo made just two Reds appearances last season having made 11 the previous campaign after starting the year on loan at Wolves and was facing another season of limited game time at Anfield.

And Jurgen Klopp was keen for Ojo, who became English football's most expensive 14 year-old when he joined Liverpool from MK Dons in 2011 for £2m, to be loaned out to continue his development.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-starlet-sheyi-ojo-set-10990668

 
Seriously, is £25 million not enough for Fulham?

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has put together one of the strongest squads in the division since joining the club in 2015, and the former Watford boss will be keen to ensure his hard work is rewarded with a place in the Premier League next season.

The Serbian boss has also been lucky with the quality coming through the academy of the west London club, and the emergence of young Ryan Sessegnon last season was arguably the revelation of the Championship campaign.

The now 17-year-old has understandably attracted interest from Premier League clubs following a series of sensational performances for the Cottagers, and reports are emerging today that Tottenham have had a £25 million bid for the player turned down.

The fee seems unfathomable for a teenage Championship left back, but the potential Sessegnon has shown in his fledgling career is unrivalled in the division.

Spurs are experienced in plucking exciting young full backs from the Football League, and the career path of Gareth Bale will be familiar to many.

Bale began his career as a left back before being converted into a winger, and Sessegnon has already proven that the potential is there for a similar switch, having scored 5 times and provided a further 3 assists in just 17 Championship starts last season.

Sessegnon has vast potential, but how much are clubs willing to pay to acquire his services, and what will it take to convince Jokanovic to part with this most prestigious of talents?

We all know that transfer fees have spiralled out of control, but surely the Cottagers couldn't turn down a bid in excess of £35 million, should Spurs up their offer?

A sum that big could transform a Championship side into title contenders, and with a decent sell on clause inserted into any deal, surely that would mark good business for the west London outfit.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/seriously-is-25-million-not-enough-for-fulham/

 
PREVIEW: United face BIGGEST test so far against Fulham

Fulham proved last season that they were one of the best sides in the division after sneaking into the play-off places in the latter stages of the season, and Thomas Christiansen believes a good start is paramount to overcoming Fulham's quick attacking play.

Leeds kept their first clean sheet of the season against Preston on the weekend in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road, but the Whites will be hoping to improve their finishing in front of goal against the Cottagers with Saturday's performance in mind, after they failed to capitalise upon Preston's red card during the last half-hour.

But the Whites Head Coach was quick to point out the threats Tuesday's visitors posed, with their attacking play a worry expressed by Christiansen.

Speaking to LUTV ahead of the game, he said: "They're one of the best teams in this league and they have players of high quality.

"They have players up front who are very fast, people in the middle who think fast and are technically very good so it will be another tough game," added the Leeds boss.

"They always score several goals. It's always important to be focused and start the game strong."

Thomas Christiansen will be pleased by his teams start to the season, with the Danish native yet to lose a game as Leeds manager and during that time, the Whites have scored seven goals in three games – the most goals scored by a Leeds side in the first three games since the 2008/09 season.

But despite conceding just three goals from those opening fixtures, the 44 year-old was concerned with the manner in which Leeds conceded the goals in.

He continued: "My worry were the goals we received, they didn't arrive too much, the times they did arrive were and dangerous and they scored."

Leeds United's Head Coach confirmed that the club would have an update on defenders Gaetano Berardi and Mathew Pennington's injuries after the pair were brought off against Bolton.

Although he hasn't featured in any of the eighteen man squads for the Championship, Marcus Antonsson will not be involved for the remainder of the season after securing a season-long loan to League One side Blackburn.

United have no other selection worries ahead of the visit from Fulham but former captain Liam Bridcutt will be hoping to earn a spot in the eighteen this week after being left out of the squad for 'tactical reasons.'

Fulham will be without defender Tomas Kalas through suspension and one of their star men, Tom Cairney, is looking a doubt for the game through injury.

Past Meetings:

The last two seasons has seen the same result between these sides in the four games they've played – a 1-1 draw.

Most would expect trend to continue. Leeds will be looking to diffuse Fulham's attacking flair and pinpoint the weaknesses in their play.

Chris Wood, who has been the subject of speculation from the Premier League in recent weeks, has scored two in the last four meetings and the Whites will hope he can add to the goal he scored against Bolton on the opening day.



http://www.idradebeleeds.com/featured/preview-united-biggest-test-fulham/

 
Former LFC target subject of whopping £25m Spurs bid

At the beginning of this summer, it looked for all the world that we were bringing Fulham's wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon to Anfield.

But because the teenager has just turned 17, he didn't want to leave London and Jurgen Klopp turned his attention to the slightly more experienced, if less hyped Andrew Robertson, instead.

Sessegnon's talent is enormous though, which earned him selection into the Championship Team of the Year last term – named the best left-back in the notoriously tricky and physical division.

According to the Telegraph, Tottenham have lodged a massive £25m bid for Sessegnon's services.

The left-back can also play left-wing, with many expecting him to follow Gareth Bale's example and eventually move to a more attacking role.

We'd be quite jealous if Spurs did confirm the transfer in short, although the fee is enormous for someone born this century.

With Danny Rose making noises of discontent however, Sessegnon appears a mighty sensible long-term option – and the kind of young English player who'd thrive under Maurcio Pochettino.



http://www.empireofthekop.com/2017/08/15/former-lfc-target-subject-of-whopping-25m-spurs-bid/

 
Sheyi Ojo set to complete Fulham loan move

Sheyi Ojo isn't quite ready for the first-team at Anfield just yet and Liverpool are finalising a loan move for the talented young winger.

According to Paul Joyce of the Times, Championship side Fulham are set to complete a deal to take Ojo on loan.

Fulham were defeated by Reading in the Championship play-off semi-final last season and are eager to go one better and secure promotion this season, with the addition of Ojo offering the London club some pace and trickery in the wide areas.

Premier League side Newcastle, along with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa in the Championship were keen on taking the England U20 international on a season-long loan, but it appears as if Fulham have won the race.

Ojo impressed in an England side that won the U20 World Cup earlier in the summer and is tipped for a bright future in the game, but Liverpool feel he needs regular games and hopefully, he can get them at Fulham.



http://readliverpoolfc.com/2017/08/15/sheyi-ojo-set-complete-fulham-loan-move/

 
Matchday Live: Leeds United

Fulham's overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of this evening's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Leeds United at Elland Road.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

If you want to ensure you don't miss a moment of our live streams throughout the season then you can sign up for an overseas annual subscription, priced at £120.

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 15 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly or standard annual subscription. The official App is currently being upgraded, so if you use this as your means commentary, please access via the dashboard link, rather than the commentary icon at the top of the App.

A number of supporters contacted the Club over the weekend, but we are not always able to reply out of business hours. In the future, any issues on a matchday should be directed to [email protected].

Fans who had issues accessing the stream of the Reading game are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from the launch match.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/15/matchday-live-leeds

 
Fulham hopeful of beating numerous teams to the signing of Premier League winger

According to a respected football journalist, Fulham are "hopeful" of winning the race for Sheyi Ojo.

Reliable football journalist Alan Nixon is reporting that Fulham are hoping to beat a number of clubs to sign Sheyi Ojo from Liverpool.

Sheyi Ojo has been attracting interest from a large number of Championship clubs, who have all been scrapping to sign him on loan.

Among the interested parties are Middlesbrough and Premier League side Newcastle United.

Liverpool are now looking likely to send the 20-year-old to Fulham.

Ojo has thirteen Liverpool appearances to his name so far in his career and has previously spent time out on loan at Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both in the Championship.

In the 2014/15 season, the skillful winger played eleven times for Wigan and then he scored three times in nineteen games for Wolves the following year.

Last season was hampered by injury problems but Sheyi Ojo will be looking to get his career back on track with a successful season on loan in the second tier.

Fulham are hopeful of winning this pursuit and Alan Nixon believes that the deal "could get done soon".

The England under-20 international, who started his career at Milton Keynes, could be set to join Lucas Piazon, Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and others in competing for the starting spots out wide for the Cottagers.

The Verdict

Sheyi Ojo would be a fantastic capture by Fulham.

The skillful 20-year-old offers pace, flair and an eye for goal from the wide positions.

He has come back stronger from injury and will want to prove that he will be ready for the Liverpool team next season.

As a short-term option, Ojo would be ideal for Fulham's attacking options.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-hopeful-of-beating-numerous-teams-to-the-signing-of-premier-league-winger/

 
Sky Sports pundit backs Fulham to inflict more Elland Road frustrations onto Leeds

The Whites are yet to win so far this season, drawing 1-1 at home to Norwich and away at Reading, where they played all but the first 39 seconds with 10 men after Tomas Kalas' red card

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has backed Fulham to pick up a useful point away at Leeds United on Tuesday evening.

The Whites are yet to win so far this season, drawing 1-1 at home to Norwich and away at Reading, where they played all but the first 39 seconds with 10 men after Tomas Kalas' red card.

Leeds, on the other hand, won at Bolton on the opening weekend before drawing 0-0 with Preston on Saturday and Prutton believes it will be more home frustration.

Predicting a 1-1 draw, he wrote in his predictions column: "Leeds have had a decent start but would have been frustrated not to get the three points against Preston on Saturday, especially after netting so many in their opening two games.

"You get the feeling Fulham will kick into gear at some stage, but a draw at Reading was a good result after playing basically 90 minutes with 10 men. Another draw for them at Elland Road."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sky-sports-pundit-backs-fulham-13478405

 
Noel Whelan believes Leeds should omit attacker in Tuesday clash v Fulham

Former striker and BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan believes attacker Pablo Hernandez should be omitted from the team that will line-up against Fulham on Tuesday evening.

The Yorkshire giants are preparing for their third clash at Elland Road in seven days against a Cottagers side who beat them to a play-off spot in the last campaign.

Thomas Christiansen's side are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw against Preston on the weekend, which saw Hernandez start in the attacking midfield position, while Samu Saiz was restricted to a 29 minute cameo after coming on for Kemar Roofe.

Many, however felt that Hernandez could have contributed more on Saturday and when asked who he would start out of the two Spaniards Whelan picked Saiz via his personal Twitter account.

Hernandez joined Leeds on an initial loan deal last summer from Qatari outfit Al-Arabi before signing permanently in January after impressing in his opening months at the club.

In his opening two appearances of the new campaign, which have both seen him complete the full 90 minutes against Bolton and Preston he has returned one assist.

However, many are now keen to see what Saiz can bring to the table after his stunning hat-trick in the last campaign.



http://www.footballinsider247.com/noel-whelan-chooses-omit-leeds-attacker-tuesday-clash-v-fulham/

 
Fulham will sell: Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon deal can happen for crazy money

Fulham, Tottenham & Ryan Sessegnon

Earlier in the summer, Tottenham were linked with a move for Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon.

17-year-old Sessegnon tore it up for Fulham in the Championship this season, and he's long been attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

Already representing England's U19s at just 16 years of age, his future is very bright, and if he can keep his feet on the ground then the sky's the limit.

Last season Sessegnon played 30 matches for the Cottagers, scoring seven goals and chipping in with three assists.

Able to play further up the field as well, some have dubbed him the 'new Gareth Bale'.

Sessegnon's Tottenham bid rejected

At the beginning of the summer, Tottenham had an eight million pound bid for Ryan Sessegnon turned down by Fulham.

At the end of June, Sessegnon then signed his first professional contract at Fulham. The teenager put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Craven Cottage.

On Tuesday, in news first reported by the Telegraph, Tottenham have upped their bid for Sessegnon to 25 million pounds.

But, according to the broadsheet, Fulham have once again batted away the bid.

Fulham will sell

The Times have also gone to print on Tuesday with an update on Tottenham's attempts to sign the sought-after teenager.

They believe Fulham will sell Sessegnon for crazy money. Readers are told:

Fulham have valued Ryan Sessegnon at £50 million after the club rejected an offer worth up to half that amount by Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham had led the chase for his signature but Liverpool and Manchester United also wanted to sign him.

Considering that price, it feels hugely unlikely that Tottenham will get the Sessegnon deal done.



http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/fulham-will-sell-tottenhams-ryan-sessegnon-deal-can-happen-crazy-money/

 
Fulham stopper reveals why playing Norwich, Reading, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday isn't a bad thing

David Button thinks getting big games out of the way can be a positive

Fulham stopper David Button doesn't think it's a bad thing to have a tough start to the new Championship season.

Having already faced Norwich City and Reading, the Whites now face Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.

On paper, that's an extremely difficult run of games for any side in the Championship - but Button doesn't mind at all as long as Fulham don't lose.

"It is a tough start, we have to play them all. But maybe it's good thing to get them out of the way while teams aren't in their full rhythm," he said, speaking to Get West London.

"Now we have to look to get a few more points before the international break to kick on.

"Every game is difficult in this league and I am sure the game at Leeds will be just that, especially after the amount of effort the lads put in at Reading.

"We showed we have the quality on the bench and it shows everyone is ready to go."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-stopper-reveals-playing-norwich-13478515

 
Sheyi Ojo 'opts for Fulham' after interest from Middlesbrough, Derby and Aston Villa

Boss Garry Monk has plans dented with Ojo poised for Craven Cottage switch - but defender Ryan Shotton's move edges closer

Boro boss Garry Monk has been dealt a blow to his team building plans with reports that Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo has opted for Fulham.

The England Under-21 hot prospect flanker had been weighing up where to spend the season after both Boro and Fulham agreed a package.

Derby and Aston Villa were also said to be keen and monitoring the speedy winger's situation.

But The Times' respected Northern football correspondent Paul Joyce, well connected at Anfield, has reported today that Ojo is about to seal a loan move to Craven Cottage.

He tweeted: "Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo set for Fulham loan move."

If the mooted move does go through it will be a blow to Monk, who is looking to add width to his attack.

It would be a double dent for Boro. Not only would they miss out on a target they have spent a lot of time and effort in pursuing but he would also be going for a team who are considered to be among their Championship promotion rivals.

Liverpool are keen for Ojo to play regular football in the Championship this season and knocked back interest from newly-promoted top flight side Newcastle.

Boro made an approach to take the England Under-20 World Cup winner on loan earlier this month, offering a package that satisfied Liverpool's demands and believed themselves to be in pole position.

But Fulham's bid was also accepted and after a fortnight mulling over his move, the Hemel Hempstead-born wideman appears to have opted for the London outfit.

But Boro could be close to a breakthrough in their move for Birmingham City centre-back Ryan Shotton.

Boro chiefs agreed a deal, reported to be in the region of £3m, last week but City boss Harry Redknapp was holding off on rubber-stamping the move until he had lined up a replacement with two bids for Bristol City's Aden Flint snubbed.

"We've agreed a fee and we're just waiting until we get someone in now," said Redknapp about the Shotton switch.

But it appears the log-jam has now been broken with the Birmingham Mail saying the strapping stopper's exit to Teesside is set to be confirmed within the next 48 hours.

Birmingham host Bolton tonight and once that is out of the way attention will turn to transfer matters.



http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sheyi-ojo-opts-fulham-after-13479095

 
Fulham set to land ex-Wolves and Wigan Athletic loan star from Premier League giants

Cottagers could be set to complete move for Liverpool starlet

Fulham are reportedly on the verge of signing Sheyi Ojo from Liverpool on loan.

The winger has previously spent time on loan at Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Our Trinity Mirror partners at the Liverpool Echo say Ojo was the subject of a number of offers from other Championship clubs, with the player travelling to London a few days ago to meet Fulham officials.

After weighing up his options, it seems Ojo has decided on spending the season at Craven Cottage.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-set-land-ex-wolves-13479264

 
Liverpool transfer news: Sheyi Ojo rejects Aston Villa, Boro and Derby to join Fulham
LIVERPOOL youngster Sheyi Ojo is set to join Championship club Fulham on loan.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Sheyi-Ojo-841352.jpg)
Liverpool transfer news: Sheyi Ojo will join Fulham

The 20-year-old has been weighing up his options after receiving offers from a number of clubs, including Middlesbrough, Derby and Aston Villa.

But Express Sport understands the winger has opted to move to Craven Cottage.

Ojo, an Under-20 World Cup winner with England this summer, managed only two first-team games for Liverpool last season.

He was hampered by injury and as a result has fallen down the pecking order with Ryan Kent moving ahead of him following a good pre-season.

Oho spent the first half of the previous campaign on loan at Wolves before being recalled to Anfield in January 2016 to make his first-team debut on his way to 11 appearances.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/841352/Sheyi-Ojo-Liverpool-transfer-news-Fulham

 
Rumour Mill: New Spurs Bid For Wonder-Kid Rejected?

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly had a bid of £25 million rejected by Fulham for 17 year old rising-star left-back Ryan Sessegnon.

Earlier in the Summer, Liverpool and Tottenham were thought to be battling it out head-to-head in the race to sign teenage defender Ryan Sessegnon, who worked his way up through the ranks at Craven Cottage in the Championship last season.

The full-back quickly emerged as one of England's hottest prospects after scoring 7 goals, as well as assisting 3 times, in 29 appearances for the Cottagers in his breakthrough season at just 17 years of age.

Speculation was to put to an end in late June however, when the youngster put pen to paper on a new 3 year contract at Fulham, snubbing advances from Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United.

However, according to The Telegraph, Tottenham have re-opened their interest in the teenager and have already had a bid of £25 million rejected by the fellow London club.

Fulham have consistently taken a firm stance on Sessegnon's future with the club, as evidenced by the contract agreement in June, of which gaffer Slavisa Jokanovic claimed would signal the player's long-term commitment to Fulham.

"Ryan joined our first-team squad early during pre-season last summer." Jokanovic told SkySports back in June.

"One year on, I'm pleased that Ryan's performances have been rewarded with his first professional contract with Fulham and he will continue to be part of our project in the future."

"He is an exceptional young player," He added. "Who has demonstrated loyalty and commitment by continuing to serve this club since his progression from the academy."

Sessegnon, who is able to play at both left-back and right-back, further demonstrated his talent during the England Under 19s European Championship campaign, which they went on to win in Georgia.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the youngster is understood to be very happy at his current club and Fulham therefore are under no pressure to sell.

According to SkySports, Spurs are also interested in Ryan's twin brother Steven Sessegnon, who is also a defender on the books at Fulham.



http://www.spurs-web.com/app/rumour-mill-spurs-bid-wonderkid-rejected/

 
Everything Tottenham transfer target Ryan Sessengon has said about leaving Fulham

Tottenham transfer news is dominated by a rumoured £25m bid for Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon

Tottenham have reportedly made a £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon, which the Cottagers have snubbed as they look to hold on to their most prized asset.

Sessegnon is a long-standing target for Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be a big fan of the player, who enjoyed a remarkable first-team breakthrough in 2016/17.

His form prompted interest from not only Spurs, but also Liverpool and Arsenal, though Tottenham remain the frontrunners to sign him despite the left-back committing to a new deal earlier this summer.

The 17-year-old has only given two interviews in his professional career, with his first arriving in March this year and the other in June after he signed his new contract.

Here's everything Sessegnon has said about his future amid links to Spurs.

In his first official interview with Fulham's in-house player, he said he paid no attention to rumours

"My ambition is to be the best I can be. I am a Fulham player, this is my club, I love being at this club.

"The opportunities I have had this season have been great and on a personal note I just want to help the team gain promotion to the Premier League where we belong.

"I don't pay too much attention to it [the talk in the press] I just focus on one job and that is playing for Fulham."

He explained his delight at signing a new deal earlier this summer

"I'm excited to see what's in front of me at this club, hopefully we can all push on now.

Last season I got a lot of opportunities so I want to continue that. When you are young you just want to play as many games as you can. To play 30 games last year was good. It is always about improving and this season I want to get better.

"I am just happy for it to be done now. I can kick on and get ready for the season."

And also discussed the rumours surrounding his future

"I do not think it affected me.

"I just focus on my job and that is playing for Fulham."



http://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/everything-tottenham-transfer-target-ryan-13479654

 
An early season win over their promotion rivals is exactly what Leeds need this evening

Leeds United and Fulham do battle under the lights at Elland Road this evening, with both sides looking to extend their unbeaten starts to the season.

Fulham pipped their hosts to the final playoff spot last season after a disappointing end of season run saw Leeds fall away from the top six, and Christiansen will hope to go one better than his predecessor by guiding the Whites into the play off places this semester.

Leeds were frustrated at the weekend when Preston were the visitors, but the same mistakes will not be made this evening, with Christiansen keen to return his side to winning ways.

Samu Saiz surely has to get the start following his Carabao Cup hat trick last week, with Pablo Hernandez preferred to his fellow Spaniard once again in the weekend's draw.

Playing the forward off of Chris Wood, with Kemar Roofe and Ezgjan Alioski on either side will make the Whites a dangerous force against a Fulham side without centre half Tomas Kalas, who is suspended following his first minute red card against Reading at the weekend.

The Cottagers were extremely plucky at the Madejski, picking up a draw despite playing 90 minutes a man light, and boss Slavisa Jokanovic may consider sending out the same side minus Kalas' replacement.

The two side's are certainly promotion candidates this season, and it will be a surprise to not see both occupying a place in the top six at the end of the season.

Leeds were pipped at the post last year, and will know that an early win over their rivals could prove the world of difference in nine months time.

Christiansen will go for the win this evening, and the fire power of Chris Wood and the aforementioned trio behind him should be enough to break down a Cottagers defence missing the influential Kalas.

Leeds to take the spoils by two goals to one.


https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/an-early-season-win-over-their-promotion-rivals-is-exactly-what-leeds-need-this-evening/

 
Report: Fulham raise Rui Fonte bid to £8.2 million plus bonuses

The Portuguese forward is said to be keen on a move to Fulham.

Fulham have raised their offer for Braga forward Rui Fonte, according to A Bola.

The Cottagers are said to have had an offer of around £6.4 million rejected by the Portuguese side, but could fare better with their latest proposal, which is claimed to be £8.2 million plus bonuses.

Braga are reportedly seeking £9.1 million for their captain, who has scored two goals already this season, on top of the 15 he managed last term.

And according to A Bola, their asking price could be easily met if said bonuses are triggered.

Fonte is said to be keen on the move to Fulham, with his older brother Jose already on the books at West Ham United on the other side of London.

The 27-year-old has previously spent time at Arsenal and Crystal Palace, before spells at Sporting CP, Espanyol and Benfica.

With Fulham also claimed to be close to a deal to sign Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo on loan, Fonte's arrival would perhaps raise further questions about the future of Sone Aluko at Craven Cottage.

Aluko, who been linked with an £8 million move to Reading, posted a string of cryptic messages on Twitter on Monday.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/15/report-fulham-raise-rui-fonte-bid-to-82-million-plus-bonuses/

It's been a busy old day for you WhiteJC.

Cheers for the work you're putting in!

 
FULHAM: EAST STAND UPPER OPENED

Phenomenal demand for tickets.

Tickets for tonight's Sky Bet Championship fixture with Fulham are flying out of the Elland Road Ticket Office.

Over 28,000 tickets have now been sold for the clash and the decision has been made to open the East Stand Upper.

It will be the first time the East Stand Upper has been open for a midweek league fixture in over 10 years.

This match is a 'Category B' fixture with matchday tickets from £31 adults, £26 concessions and £5 juniors.

Matchday tickets in the East Stand upper are priced at  £42 adults,  £30 concessions,  £16 juniors under 16 and £8 juniors under 11.

The two sides last met in March at Craven Cottage, with a late strike from Tom Cairney snatching Fulham a point, after Leeds had taken an early lead.

Our last meeting at Elland Road came in August 2016, when Chris Wood's 93rd minute goal earned Leeds a 1-1 draw.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE TICKET OFFICE, TO PURCHASE TICKETS EITHER BUY ONLINE OR IN PERSON AT ELLAND ROAD.

TO AVOID QUEUES ON THE EVENING OF THE MATCH, WE ARE ENCOURAGING SUPPORTERS TO COLLECT TICKETS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Tickets can be collected from the West Stand Ticket Office until 5pm and from the North East Corner Ticket Office from 5pm-kick-off.




https://www.leedsunited.com/news/ticket-news/22193/fulham-east-stand-upper-opened

 
Fulham stand firm on Sessegnon

Fulham have reportedly rejected a £25million offer from Spurs for left-back Ryan Sessegnon.

Spurs are keen to bring in some new faces before the transfer window closes and it seems as if they have set their sights on 17-year-old Sessegnon.

However, Fulham are reported to have rejected a £25m bid from White Hart Lane and it remains to be seen as to whether or not Spurs will return with an improved bid.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also believed to be keen on the England youth international but Fulham are under no pressure to sell as he is under contract until 2020.



https://www.clubcall.com/championship/fulham-stand-firm-on-sessegnon-1859757.html

 
Fulham Set To Pull Off Transfer Coup With Imminent Signing Of Liverpool Whizkid

EFL Championship outfit Fulham remain in pole position to sign England U20 World Cup-winning winger Sheyi Ojo.

Various reports in the English press, including talkSPORT, have suggested that the Cottagers are set to complete the signing of Ojo on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

After starring at this summer's Fifa U20 World Cup, the tricky and pacy winger was not lacking suitors, with Middlesbrough, Derby County and Aston Villa also interested in his signature.

The 20-year-old will link up with Nigerian quintet Sone Aluko, Dennis Adeniran, Tayo Edun, Elijah Adebayo and Timmy Abraham at Craven Cottage.

Sheyi Ojo is not in the plans of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in the new season and has not figured for the first team in their last eight games, including friendly matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24226

 
Liverpool Winger Sheyi Ojo Chooses Fulham
The 20-year-old has picked Championship side Fulham and will head there on loan for the 2017-18 season.

Young Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo's chances at first team football would have been limited had he remained at Liverpool for the coming season. His options for the coming campaign were anything but, with no less than five finalists vying for the chance to take him on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.

Derby County, Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Fulham—all Championship sides—were pushing hard to take the Liverpool youngster for the coming season. Premier League side Newcastle also wanted to take him, but with a purchase option Liverpool were unwilling to grant.

Two weeks ago, Ojo narrowed his choices down to Derby and Fulham, with a choice expected within a matter of days. It took him longer than that, but he has finally made his decision and will head to Fulham, who face Leeds United in the third game of their Championship season today.

Ojo won't be involved for that match, but he could be ready to play a part for Fulham over the weekend when they host Sheffield Wednesday. Fulham's first two games, against Reading and Norwich, have resulted in draws, and Ojo's attacking threat from the wing is something the club look to need.

Last season, they finished sixth but failed to advance in the playoffs, and the goal this season is to push for one of the top two places in the Championship and with it earn promotion back to the Premier League. Ojo, meanwhile, is in need of regular minutes after suffering a back injury last season.

The young winger fractured his back during pre-season and didn't return to training until late in November. When he did, progress was slow as he fought to regain full fitness, and when he eventually did see the pitch again he only managed to make two appearances, both in the FA Cup.

A loan to one of the Championship's top sides, then, and a side that could use a goal scoring winger, seems a perfect fit for all involved.


https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2017/8/15/16149878/liverpool-winger-sheyi-ojo-chooses-fulham-season-long-loan-aston-villa-derby

 
Leeds United talking points: Should Whites make changes against Fulham?

AHEAD OF Leeds United's eagerly-awaited clash with Fulham, the YEP's Lee Sobot looks at few key talking points ahead of the Tuesday night Championship showdown at Elland Road.

How many changes?
Leeds failed to break down Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, despite the visitors playing the last half an hour with ten men. But how many, if any, changes will United's head coach Thomas Christiansen opt for? It seems very unlikely that Christiansen will make any changes to his defence with United keeping a clean sheet against Preston and with Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi still injured. Keeper Rob Green is back available after his knee injury but Christiansen has evidently made Felix Wiedwald his no 1 and will surely not drop the German after keeping a clean sheet. Chris Wood is also clearly a banker to start upfront. But changes could definitely be on the cards in midfield and Christiansen has genuine options to change in every position as part of his favoured 4-2-3-1. Eunan O'Kane and Kalvin Phillips struggled to dominate Preston's midfield until Ben Pearson was sent off and Ronaldo Vieira, Vurnon Anita, Mateusz Klich and Liam Bridcutt all provide other options.

Vieira impressed once brought on against Preston and the gut feeling is that the teenager might partner O'Kane. And did wingers Gianni Alioski and Kemar Roofe plus no 10 Pablo Hernandez do enough against Preston to warrant keeping their place? Of that trio, Alioski looks the most likely to keep his place as the Macedonian wide man offered United's biggest threat for the opening hour against Preston. But there must be a temptation to give Stuart Dallas a go over Kemar Roofe who has had one very good game against Bolton and then one not so good one against Preston.

The debate also continues over who should get the nod in the no 10 position between Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz. Saiz dazzled last midweek with a hat-trick against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup and after Hernandez failed to totally advertise his claims against Preston, Saiz might be given the chance to be the midweek star of the show once again. But the prediction is that Vieira for Phillips will be the only change. Christiansen can then always mix it up from the bench and in Hernandez's defence he did set up Saturday's best chance of the game for Chris Wood. Starting Caleb Ekuban alongside Wood and opting for a 4-4-2 is another possible option for United's head coach.

Can Leeds pass their first big test?
Christiansen remains unbeaten as Whites head coach after two games in the league and one Carabao Cup tie but there is no doubt that Fulham will provide the toughest examination yet. The Cottagers only have two points so far this season after draws at home to Norwich City and at Reading but nobody is fooled by their early league position of 14th, especially as the Cottagers earned a 1-1 draw at Reading on Saturday despite playing 89 minutes with ten men after the first-minute dismissal of Tomas Kalas. Fulham were plenty of people's fancies to win the play-offs last season after charging up the table to finish sixth by playing a brand of football that had many believing the Cottagers were the best side to visit Elland Road last term. Fulham have maintained the services of boss Slaviša Jokanovicć whilst also signing forward Lucas Piazon and re-signing centre-back Kalas on loan from Chelsea as well as midfielder Oliver Norwood on loan from Brighton, plus Ibrahima Cisse from Standard Liege. The Cottagers lost Scott Malone to Huddersfield Town but the Londoners are third favourites to win the league at 8-1 behind Wolves and Middlesbrough. Leeds looked good going forward against Bolton and also against Port Vale but took a sideways step against Preston who to be fair might well end up in the play-offs mix themselves under a good manager in Alex Neil. As far as the prospects of Christiansen's side are concerned, Tuesday's clash with the Cottagers will reveal much more.

But at least Fulham are not yet fully up and running after two draws and with Kalas suspended and Tom Cairney an injury doubt, this could be as good a time as any to play them.

Will the fans be out in force?
The fact that Leeds have sold a club record number of season tickets for a Championship campaign has been well documented - around 18,000 - and a crowd of 32,880 witnessed Saturday's clash with Preston. But how many fans will make their way to Elland Road on a Tuesday night for what is undeniably one of United's biggest home games of the season. Fulham, after all, were responsible for nabbing United's play-off spot last term and the Cottagers seem certain to be in the mix again. Leeds really ought to be approaching the fixture looking to make it nine points out of nine but seven out of nine would still represent an excellent start and the club will be looking for another bumper crowd to help get Christiansen's men over the line.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-talking-points-should-whites-make-changes-against-fulham-1-8702969

Ojo set to sign for Fulham on loan
by Dan on August 15, 2017


Young Liverpool Sheyi Ojo winger has chosen to spend a season on loan with Fulham ahead of several other Championship sides, according to reports this afternoon.

The England under-20 World Cup winner was coveted by the likes of Middlesbrough, Derby County and Aston Villa but has decided on Craven Cottage as his destination after being attracted by a move closer to his birthplace of Hemel Hempstead and having a good chance of breaking into Slavisa Jokanovic's first team. He is expected to sign for Fulham in the coming days.

Ojo became English football's most expensive teenager in 2011 when he moved to Anfield from MK Dons in a deal worth £2m and is highly thought of at Melwood. He had been tipped to join Premier League Newcastle but a move to St. James' Park fell through so he will embark on a third successive season on loan in the Championship. Ojo spent the 2014-15 with Wigan Athletic and he scored at Craven Cottage in Wolves' 3-0 over Fulham in September 2016.

The young winger will likely challenge Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon and Neeskens Kebano for a start in the first team with his pace and trickery being exactly what Jokanovic values in a wide player. His development was hampered by a stress fracture in his back last season but Ojo is eager to get a taste of first-team football again and his imminent arrival represents a real coup for Fulham.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/ojo-set-to-sign-for-fulham-on-loan/

 
Club Statement on the Management Team

The Board of Chesham United Football club is reluctant to announce the departure of Danny Talbot as Joint Manager of the club, however would like to go on record as wishing Danny all the very best at this exciting time in his career as he takes up the offer of Senior/European Scout for Championship side Fulham.

Sharing the news, Danny explained, "Its with an extremely heavy heart that I am leaving this great club. When I got the opportunity to be Chesham United manager I was very proud and looking forward to the challenge ahead in my new career. I have put absolutely everything into the job along with Jon Meakes since getting the opportunity and it definitely has not been a matter of managing a group of players into the new season. We have managed to put together a whole new squad with every player being a debutant in the pleasing 3-0 win at Biggleswade.

"As for the reason of my departure; I have taken a new full time job which I felt I couldn't turn down. It wasn't without a lot of thought and discussion with my wife and family as it is going to change my day to day life and my personal business that I put in place.

"I am going to be working for Fulham FC as a Senior/European Scout for the 1st team, my passion is football and this is something that I will regret if I do not give it my very best shot to succeed. I have built a great relationship with many people at the club and a much closer one with the chairman, Brian McCarthy in recent months, he has kindly said that if I can stay involved at any point with training etc then I am welcome. I'm extremely grateful for that and hope to take up that offer whenever I can.

"I wish the club every success this season in what is an exciting new era, I wish Jon well and also my apologies for leaving him! We will stay in close contact and I hope to be a part of it whenever I can. Thanks for all your support."

Jon Meakes, now about to be joined by his third different partner in the dugout also shared his thoughts: "Following Daniel's announcement I would like to go on record and thank him for his support since joining up with me. He has work extremely hard throughout the close season in putting the squad together & planning pre-season.

"He only knew for definite that he had been offered the job a few weeks ago and that is when he told the Chairman and I. It did come as a shock to both of us, as we were both looking forward to the challenge of the new season. As I said to Daniel, it's a job you would regret not taking and I would have made the same decision. Daniel and I are mates and when he has settled into his job, we will know more on whether he will be able to offer his services with the odd training session or watching a game/player for me. You never know he might find a gem on his travels for Chesham - Though I'm not sure the Chairman could afford the players Daniel is watching!!

"Now that the news of Daniel's departure is out, I can announce that John Lawford will be my new Assistant Manager and I will also be bringing in a new coach, which I should be able to announce next week. John is no stranger to Chesham as he ran our U18's team and was known as a Chesham Legend on the pitch over the years as a goal scorer, so he will be looking after our strikers and improving our goal ratio from the last two years.

"That just leaves me to wish Daniel all the best in his new job."

Chairman Brian McCarthy added, "It is with mixed feelings that we have to have a management change so early in the season. Naturally we are disappointed to lose Danny, but equally are very proud that he has gone on to be offered such a prestigious job at one of the country's top clubs and would certainly not want to stand in the way of such progress. I am confident that this is not the last we will see of Danny, I hope he will be back to help out at some training sessions, possibly some additional scouting on behalf of the club or at the very least returning to enjoy the hospitality on a matchday.

"Myself and the fellow Directors wish Danny all the very best in his exciting new role, and we thank him for the work he has done with Jon to build a completely new squad that is already looking like an excellent team here at The Meadow. I have no doubt that Jon will continue this good work and we are delighted to welcome Chesham legend John Lawford to the First XI coaching staff. If Biggleswade on Saturday is anything to go by, we have an exciting season ahead and everyone at the club appreciates your support."



http://www.cheshamunited.co.uk/news/club-statement-150817

 
Make no mistake, Fulham MUST start getting wins on the board - starting at Leeds United, says midfielder

Whites midfielder has undergone extensive recovery sessions to be fit enough for Elland Road test

Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald is targeting a first win of the new season tonight at Leeds United.

The opening couple of games have produced two points, against Norwich City and Reading.

McDonald, who returned from injury to face the Royals on Saturday, has been undergoing extensive recovery sessions in the last 48 hours to have a chance of featuring at Elland Road.

"We're unbeaten so far - we should have won against Norwich and then we've picked up a point against a really strong team in Reading," he told Get West London.

"Make no mistake about it, we've got to get wins on the board soon but for the time being we take the point and move on to Tuesday.

"We know it's a tough trip to Leeds. Every Tuesday-Saturday games are always going to be hard, especially after playing one game with ten men.

"But we have the equipment to make ourselves prepare right, and we'll recover to again."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/make-no-mistake-fulham-must-13478700

 
Leeds United v Fulham: Team news, key battles and everything you need to know

Leeds United host Fulham at Elland Road on Tuesday night bidding to stretch Thomas Christiansen's unbeaten start to four matches.

See the key battles, the opposition boss and Phil Hay's verdict on the encounter below.

Leeds United v Fulham

When: Tuesday, August 18

What time: 7.45pm

Where: Elland Road

What competition: Championship

Lee Sobot score prediction: 1-1

How to follow it: Follow a live blog on the Yorkshire Evening Post website, follow @LeeSobotYEP on Twitter or pay to watch live on the Leeds United website.

Team news

Goalkeeper Rob Green has recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection against Fulham on Tuesday. The former England international is likely to feature on the bench with Felix Wiedwald preferred by Thomas Christiansen.

Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington remain out.

Fulham will be without suspended defender Tomas Kalas, who was sent off after 39 seconds in the draw at Reading on Saturday. Tom Cairney is a doubt after pulling up in the warm up before the Royals game.

Phil Hay's Verdict

"Common sense says that if Leeds are to reach the play-offs this season, Fulham are one of the clubs they need to keep pace with or finish above.

"The teams were head-to-head throughout last season and tonight is a useful test for both of them, to gauge their respective progress.

"With pace and invention in their line-up, Fulham are a threat and Leeds cannot afford to let them dominate the midfield as Preston did in the first hour on Saturday."

Key Battle: Chris Wood v Tim Ream

Fulham are a pleasure to watch going forward but they never look entirely stable at the back and Ream was guilty of conceding a daft own goal when these sides met in London in March. The strength of their defence won't be helped by Tomas Kalas' suspension and a big display from Wood could decide tonight's fixture. It's exactly a year since the striker converted his dramatic overhead kick against Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Opposition dugout: Slaviša Jokanović

Fulham's key man: Tom Cairney
Who else? Always seems to come up with something against Leeds and his goals in both matches last season - especially his cruel 95th-minute equaliser at Craven Cottage - were the trademark, long-range finishes which he specialise in. The midfielder was injured in the warm-up before Saturday's game against Reading but Fulham are hopeful of having him available this evening.



http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-v-fulham-team-news-key-battles-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1-8704484

Quote from: WhiteJC on August 15, 2017, 04:52:49 PM
Ojo set to sign for Fulham on loan
by Dan on August 15, 2017

(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/150724-199-Liverpool_Preseason_Day_12_Kuala_Lumpur-600x429-300x215.jpg)

Young Liverpool Sheyi Ojo winger has chosen to spend a season on loan with Fulham ahead of several other Championship sides, according to reports this afternoon.

The England under-20 World Cup winner was coveted by the likes of Middlesbrough, Derby County and Aston Villa but has decided on Craven Cottage as his destination after being attracted by a move closer to his birthplace of Hemel Hempstead and having a good chance of breaking into Slavisa Jokanovic's first team. He is expected to sign for Fulham in the coming days.

Ojo became English football's most expensive teenager in 2011 when he moved to Anfield from MK Dons in a deal worth £2m and is highly thought of at Melwood. He had been tipped to join Premier League Newcastle but a move to St. James' Park fell through so he will embark on a third successive season on loan in the Championship. Ojo spent the 2014-15 with Wigan Athletic and he scored at Craven Cottage in Wolves' 3-0 over Fulham in September 2016.

The young winger will likely challenge Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon and Neeskens Kebano for a start in the first team with his pace and trickery being exactly what Jokanovic values in a wide player. His development was hampered by a stress fracture in his back last season but Ojo is eager to get a taste of first-team football again and his imminent arrival represents a real coup for Fulham.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/ojo-set-to-sign-for-fulham-on-loan/

don't forget sess. If we buy a left-back he will get more time on the wing. Strange to pick us knowing he will probably get the least game time

 
Fulham reject £25m Sessegnon bid for star as field narrows to one club

Football is awash with money, especially the English Premier League. Clubs in England's top-tier often think nothing of lavishing huge amounts on players. It happens every season and is continuing now.

Fulham are the latest club from the lower tiers of English football to have their resolve tested when it comes to wanting to hold on to a star player – the player being young left-back Ryan Sessegnon. According to the Daily Mail's 'Mail Online' site, Tottenham have had a £25 million bid for Sessegnon rejected by the Cottagers.

Youngster Sessegnon, who doesn't turn 18 until mid-May next year, only signed his first professional contract with the Sky bet Championship club less than three months ago, but now finds himself piggy-in-the-middle in this transfer tug-o-war.

Despite the fact he's not 18 until next year, the young left-back already has 33 games, seven goals and four assists to his name for Fulham. For someone still too young to watch certain films in a cinema, Sessegnon has a certain maturity about both himself and his play – making what he does on the pitch seem effortless at times.

The Mail Online say that "Fulham are understood to have rejected a bid worth £25million" from their fellow Londoners Spurs, and go on to say that the North London side are currently the only side in contention for Sessegnon's signature.

Mail Online say that "Liverpool pulled out of the race for his [Sessegnon's] signature" and that they did so with their belief being that "he would join Tottenham."

Fulham face Leeds United in their third game of the season tonight with Sessegnon likely to feature at his regular left-back spot against the Elland Road side.



http://the72.co.uk/89516/fulham-reject-25m-bid-star-field-narrows-one-club/

Up next: Leeds United (a)
by Dan on August 15, 2017


After two draws that provoked entirely opposing emotions, Fulham head to Elland Road tonight looking for their first win of the new season against a Leeds United side who have so far failed to convince under new manager Thomas Christiansen. Slavisa Jokanovic's side have drawn all of their last four league games with Leeds 1-1, although the regular thorn in United's side – their former midfielder Tom Cairney – might well miss tonight's reunion with a knee problem that saw him withdraw from the substitutes bench after failing to complete the warm-up at Reading on Saturday.

The fact that Fulham somehow managed to salvage a point from the Madjeski Stadium despite having had Tomas Kalas sent off after just 39 seconds means that the Cottagers have travelled north in good heart. Lucas Piazon's equaliser was a vital strike both in terms of pegging back the Royals towards the tail end of a contest that seemed to be going away from Fulham, but also because of the belief it will have imbued in this side. Piazon's crucial cameo in Berkshire was a timely reminder of the energy and effectiveness he can bring to the side. It may be enough to see him replace Floyd Ayite, who limped off at Reading, in Jokanovic's starting line-up this evening.

Leeds, whose dramatic implosion during the second half of last season provided Fulham with the opportunity to burst into the top six at the last, will be the third thorough examination of Fulham's promotion credentials since the season kicked-off. Christiansen's side might not have made the fast start to the new campaign that he had been looking for – last weekend saw a frustrating stalemate with Preston – but they still possess generate quality and will be roared on by 28,000 supporters. Jokanovic's charges have yet to reprise the spellbinding football of last term, although it would have been suicidal to attempt it at Reading, given how quickly they were reduced to ten men. The Cottagers were so close to a win at Elland Road exactly a year ago – before Chris Wood's late overkick intervened.

The former England international Rob Green could be restored between the sticks having completed his recovery from a troublesome knee injury. He is likely to be the only change from the side held by Preston at the weekend with Gaetano Berardi and on-loan Everton centre back Matthew Pennington still sidelined. While Christiansen's side are yet to fire fully as Garry Monk's team eventually did last term, Leeds still possess some phenomenal talent and will prove formidable opposition. Luke Ayling has become one of the division's most consistent full backs and nobody can understate the impact Pontus Jansson had upon the club following his arrival from Torino last term. Signing the dominant Swedish centre back on a permanent basis was a real coup for Leeds.

Whilst Leeds are braced to rebuff bids for Chris Wood from Premier League sides in the coming days, Christiansen still has plenty of creative quality to pick from. Former Valencia midfielder Pablo Hernandez had an outstanding season last year and can unlock defences in an instant. The task for the likes of Kevin McDonald, Oliver Norwood and Stefan Johansen, who seemed badly below-par at Reading, is try and shut down the home side's creative hub – and it could prove one of the keys to what seems an intriguing contest.

Jokanovic will likely keep faith with stand-in skipper Sone Aluko as a false nine at the top of the fluid 4-3-3 system that he has employed this season, although Aboubakar Kamara's pace and power certainly worried Reading in the second half on Saturday and may have played some part in the daft concession of possession that led to Piazon's equaliser. The French forward would certainly relish locking horns with Jansson, but Jokanovic is more likely to introduce the former Amiens striker to further Championship football in short bursts.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, R. Sessegnon, Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Norwood, Johansen; Aluko, Piazon, Kamara. Subs: Rodak, Djalo, Cisse, Edun, Cairney, Kebano, Woodrow.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/up-next-leeds-united-a-2/

 
Fulham reach agreement to sign 27 year old forward for €9m

Fulham are reportedly completing the signing of Rui Fonte from Liga NOS side Sporting Braga.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the clubs have found an agreement and the player is moving on a €9m deal.

Braga are set to get only half of that amount, as when transfering the player last summer, his former club Benfica kept 50% of his economic rights.

Fulham have to buy both shares as third party ownership is not allowed in England, so they're paying each club €4.5m.

English football is not something new for Fonte, who had already had spells at Arsenal and Crystal Palace during his youth years.

With the Braga legend Allan retiring this summer, Fonte had become the club's captain, and started the season well, with two goals in four matches.

The 27-year-old is mostly a second striker, but can also do a job as a centre-forward or a right winger.


http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-reach-agreement-sign-27-year-old-forward-e9m/

 
Did They or Didn`t They?

Today there have been conflicting stories in the media.

The stories relate to Tottenham Hotspur having, according to the Daily Telegraph, made a bid to secure the services of 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon.

Sessegnon, one of the most out-standing teenagers English football has produced in recent years, was the subject of a £25 million bid from the aforementioned club.

Or was he?

Later on in the day, another news source, Sky Sports was quick to counter that claim.

This referenced source suggested that no such bid had been made for the player despite Tottenham Hotspur being an admirer of the player.

Sessegnon, to his credit, recently signed a deal at Craven Cottage, a deal he knows will provide him with regular first-team football and enable his career to progress.




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500812#ixzz4pqQjwk6g

 
Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo having Fulham medical ahead of season-long loan

Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is having medical at Fulham ahead of a season-long loan move, according to Sky sources.

The 20-year-old is understood to have had the chance to join the Cottagers, Middlesbrough or Newcastle after the clubs agreed loan terms with the Reds.

The player appears to have opted for Fulham, who are working hard to bring new players over the line before the September 1 transfer deadline.

The Whites are chasing one of two left-back targets - Cardiff's Joe Bennett and Bordeaux's Maxime Poundje - as well as a new striker to compete with Aboubakar Kamara.

They also want Ojo, who has previously spent time on loan at Wigan and Wolves, who made just two FA Cup appearances for Liverpool last season and did not feature in the Premier League.

He started his career at Milton Keynes Dons before making the move to Anfield in 2011, where he linked up with the club's academy and made his first-team debut in the 2-2 third-round FA Cup draw with Exeter in January 2016.

Meanwhile, Fulham are hoping to keep hold of Ryan Sessegnon after Spurs revived their long-standing interest in the 17-year-old, and are in talks about loaning out Cauley Woodrow to Burton.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/10989732/liverpools-sheyi-ojo-having-fulham-medical-ahead-of-season-long-loan

 
Contact made as Leeds look to bolster attack with classy star

Our Leeds fans here in the Transfer Tavern are gearing up for another big game tonight in the Championship as they host promotion rivals Fulham at Elland Road.

The two sides will both feel that a return to the Premier League is possible this season with the Whites taking on a team that pipped them at the post for the play-offs last year.

There's plenty riding on this early game tonight, then, but whilst we wait for kick-off, some of our local Whites fans have been indulging themselves in some transfer stories – with one involving Ross McCormack.

Indeed, according to TeamTalk, the Whites have made contact over a potential loan deal for their former striker with Chris Wood's future still up in the air right now.

Indeed, Wood has been subject of Premier League interest this summer but even if he stays many of our local Leeds punters would like to see a return for the Scottish international McCormack.

He'd probably jump at the chance, too, with his time at Aston Villa proving to be pretty difficult at the moment.

Landlord's Verdict

McCormack could be a pivotal player in this season's race for promotion. Though he's not been at it for Aston Villa his quality cannot be denied and if he pulls it together for a team like the Villans, or indeed Leeds, he could seriously help fire them to promotion.

Leeds, then, should try and get this one done as soon as possible.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds/contact-made-as-leeds-look-to-bolster-attack-with-classy-star/

 
Samu Saiz Starts – Leeds United Team vs Fulham Confirmed

Fixture: Leeds United vs Fulham
Competition: Championship
Kick-off: 19:45 (UK time)

Leeds United have named their starting eleven and substitutes to play host to Fulham in a Championship fixture at Elland Road this evening.

The Whites could only draw 0-0 against Preston North End at Elland Road at the weekend and head coach Thomas Christiansen will be hoping his side can show more teeth up front against the Cottagers.

Leeds continue to be without defensive pair Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington, with no date yet for their return. Christiansen goes with Felix Wiedwald in goal, while at the back he pairs up Pontus Jansson and Connor Shaughnessy in the centre of defence. Vurnon Anita slots in at left-back, while there is a start for Samu Saiz. Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski will also support Chris Wood.

If the Dane needs to make changes from the bench then he can call for young striker Caleb Ekuban, while Kemar Roofe is also amongst the substitutes. Liam Cooper and Ronaldo Vieira are not in the matchday squad.

Leeds United Team vs Fulham

Wiedwald, Ayling, Shaughnessy, Jansson, Anita, Phillips, O'Kane, Saiz, Hernandez, Alioski, Wood

Substitutes: Green, Borthwick-Jackson, Roofe, Bridcutt, Klich, Dallas, Ekuban



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2017/08/15/samu-saiz-starts-leeds-united-team-vs-fulham-confirmed/347014/