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Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic hails two-goal hero Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham beat Sheffield United 3-0 on Tuesday night with two goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has told Get West London that he thinks Aleksandar Mitrovic is a 'quality player' after his two-goal display against Sheffield United.

The Cottagers entered Tuesday's clash with Sheffield United as the Championship's form team, having won nine of their previous 12 league games, dropping just six points in that run.

Jokanovic's men were looking to keep that unbeaten run going on Tuesday, and got just what they wanted with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.

Fulham opened the scoring in the first half when Ryan Fredericks' cross found Aleksandar Mitrovic in front of goal and he simply couldn't miss, before the Serbian striker added his and Fulham's second by nonchalantly flicking Stefan Johansen's cross into the net.

Fulham wrapped a 3-0 win and all three points when Tom Cairney swept home the third of the game, as Fulham continue their stunning form, and may have one eye on an automatic promotion spot.

Fulham have spent plenty of time searching for a striker under Jokanovic, and his fellow Serbian Mitrovic appears to be filling that role perfectly, as he has taken his tally to five goals in his last four games.

The 23-year-old hitman had been frozen out at Newcastle before making a deadline day loan move to Fulham, and he has been hailed by his new boss Jokanovic as he continues to prove Newcastle's Rafael Benitez wrong for not giving him playing time.

Jokanovic has told Get West London that he thinsk Mitrovic is a quality player, and he is not only offering a goal threat and great hold-up play in attack, but also helps defending set pieces, labelling him a 'great signing'.

"Yeah, why not?" said Jokanovic when asked whether he expected Mitrovic to make such an instant impact.. "He's a quality player, he showed well with us and at the end he's a proper striker, what we were looking for a long period. At the end, he scored two goals, he made a great job for us, he protected and held many balls and working well in around the goal."

"We have one weapon more in offensive set pieces, and from another side he can help us in the defensive set pieces too. At the end, what I said before, he's a great signing for us and he started well, now he has adapted himself and I believe he is enjoying the rest of the team and we expect he can be better in the games ahead of us," he added.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/07/fulhams-slavisa-jokanovic-hails-two-goal-hero-aleksandar-mitrovi/

 
Ryan Sessegnon 'wants to move to Liverpool' - on one condition

Liverpool were interested in a move for Sessegnon last summer

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon wants to move to Liverpool, it has been claimed, providing the London side are not promoted to the Premier League this season.

The Reds were keen on the 17-year-old last summer, and was identified by Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team as a possible long-term left back at Anfield.

The initial hope was that Liverpool could see off competition from a host of other Premier League clubs to land the talented teenager, but discussions with the player and his representatives proved difficult.

The ECHO understands that Liverpool doubted the youngster's commitment to a move to Merseyside back in May, and withdrew their interest, with Sessegnon seemingly heading for Tottenham.

But the youngster decided to stay at Craven Cottage and sign a new deal with the Cottagers.

(https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article14324209.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS141353806.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal against Burton Albion (Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Yet the Express have claimed an 'exclusive' on Sessegnon's future intentions, claiming he has now decided he wants to move to Liverpool, having realised his first-team opportunities won't be restricted under Klopp.

The story suggests if Fulham fail to win promotion, Sessegnon will seek to link up with Klopp, as he prepares to take the next step of his development.

Sessegnon's decision to stay at Fulham has been vindicated this season, with 14 goals in 36 league appearances, operating both in defence and midfield.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ryan-sessegnon-wants-move-liverpool-14377382

 
NEWCASTLE: Mitrovic labelled 'too good for the Championship' as Magpies look for improvements

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ON SONG: Aleksandar Mitrovic (left) keeps scoring for Fulham

RAFAEL BENITEZ has been told that Aleksandar Mitrovic should still be playing in the Premier League after the striker delivered another reminder of his attacking quality in the Championship promotion race.

Mitrovic scored two more goals on Tuesday night against Sheffield United to take his tally to five in his last four matches after moving from St James' Park on deadline day.

Benitez was keen to offload him to give him some first team football after clearly deciding over the last 18 months that he did not form part of his plans.

But Mitrovic is showing – at a time when Newcastle are short of attacking options because of Islam Slimani's ongoing injury troubles - that he still has the ability to become a success story.

And after his brace at Craven Cottage defeated Sheffield United to further enhance Fulham's promotion hopes, as they close the gap on second placed Cardiff, support for his services and what he offers is growing.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is stunned Mitrovic has dropped down to the Championship as he looks to end the season on a high ahead of appearing in Russia this summer with Serbia.

Wilder said: "He shouldn't be playing in the division. Mitrovic is an outstanding player, he is going to the World Cup and he should be playing in the Premier League."

Fulham will attempt to secure Mitrovic's services on a permanent basis in the summer and their chances will be strengthened if they can pull of their promotion bid.

The chances of that happening have increased since the 22-year-old's arrival because his compatriot and manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, had been searching for the new forward to suit his side's style of play. He feels he has got that man.

Jokanovic said: "He's a quality player, he showed well with us and at the end he's a proper striker, what we were looking for a long period. At the end, he scored two goals, he made a great job for us, he protected and held many balls and working well in around the goal.

"We have one weapon more in offensive set pieces, and from another side he can help us in the defensive set pieces too.

"At the end, what I said before, he's a great signing for us and he started well, now he has adapted himself and I believe he is enjoying the rest of the team and we expect he can be better in the games ahead of us."

Middlesbrough and Anderlecht were left frustrated on deadline day when he joined Fulham instead, while Newcastle are looking for the goals from elsewhere to keep them in the top-flight.

The Magpies head into this Saturday's relegation tussle with Southampton on Tyneside knowing they need to start delivering points again, particularly wins.

Despite losing just three of their last eight games building up to this weekend, the fact is that Benitez has only overseen one victory during that run and that can't continue if they are to stay out of the bottom three.

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, knowing the Saints visit is followed after a break by a game with Huddersfield on March 31, said: "We need to find positive things.

"Of course, we lost, and we're not happy. We will only be happy if we take points. We need to look to the future and fight for every point. We are not in a good situation now, and we need to fight for it.

"These two games will be very important for us. We have to be focused and we really hope we can take three points, especially at home.

"We have time now to analyse the things we did well and what we did badly. We will prepare for the next game, and of course it will be a long time before we play the next game.

"We need to stay focused, and of course we have to look at a positive way. I'm very happy that I can be here and I will be happier when we take more points."




http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/16069959.NEWCASTLE__Mitrovic_labelled___39_too_good_for_the_Championship__39__as_Magpies_look_for_improvements/

 
QPR On General Sale

Fulham are back in action at Craven Cottage on Saturday 17th March, when they take on local rivals QPR (kick-off 12:30pm).

The Whites will be looking to record their 10th consecutive home win following Tuesday night's victory over Sheffield United.

Watch the West London derby live, with tickets available for all supporters to purchase now, starting from just £15 for juniors and £30 for adults.

Back the boys and secure your tickets today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/07/qpr-tickets

Quote from: WhiteJC on March 08, 2018, 07:51:49 AM

Ryan Sessegnon 'wants to move to Liverpool' - on one condition

Liverpool were interested in a move for Sessegnon last summer

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon wants to move to Liverpool, it has been claimed, providing the London side are not promoted to the Premier League this season.

The Reds were keen on the 17-year-old last summer, and was identified by Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team as a possible long-term left back at Anfield.

The initial hope was that Liverpool could see off competition from a host of other Premier League clubs to land the talented teenager, but discussions with the player and his representatives proved difficult.

The ECHO understands that Liverpool doubted the youngster's commitment to a move to Merseyside back in May, and withdrew their interest, with Sessegnon seemingly heading for Tottenham.

But the youngster decided to stay at Craven Cottage and sign a new deal with the Cottagers.

(https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article14324209.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS141353806.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal against Burton Albion (Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Yet the Express have claimed an 'exclusive' on Sessegnon's future intentions, claiming he has now decided he wants to move to Liverpool, having realised his first-team opportunities won't be restricted under Klopp.

The story suggests if Fulham fail to win promotion, Sessegnon will seek to link up with Klopp, as he prepares to take the next step of his development.

Sessegnon's decision to stay at Fulham has been vindicated this season, with 14 goals in 36 league appearances, operating both in defence and midfield.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ryan-sessegnon-wants-move-liverpool-14377382

Its Spurs today according to Mirror....Hilarious.

 
Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo says that Fulham are Premier League level and praises January signings

Ojo believes that Aleksandar Mitrovic and Matt Targett have made an immediate impact

Fulham once again laid down a gauntlet for the rest of the Championship as they eased to a 3-0 victory over fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers dominated after going ahead in the first half to cast aside any thoughts there would be a repeated of Bramall Lane's 5-4 result.

Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo made his return to Slavisa Jokanovic's side as Fulham extended their run to 14 games unbeaten.

Fulham once again laid down a gauntlet for the rest of the Championship as they eased to a 3-0 victory over fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers dominated after going ahead in the first half to cast aside any thoughts there would be a repeated of Bramall Lane's 5-4 result.

Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo made his return to Slavisa Jokanovic's side as Fulham extended their run to 14 games unbeaten.

Now, they are just five points behind Cardiff and even just eight points behind table toppers Wolves.

Ojo hasn't ruled out the possibility of not needing the play-offs to be promoted and that January's signings can help them on their way.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14376955.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-928178208.jpg)

He said: "It's definitely a possibility, we can't keep too far ahead we just have to keep focusing on ourselves and if we keep doing that I'm sure we'll get there.

"They've been massive (the new signings), obviously Matt Targett has helped the defence be more solid and Aleks has come in and got some goals already so he's proving to be a great addition to the squad.

"Everyone is pulling their weight to impact in the squad and hopefully we can keep pushing."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/liverpool-loanee-sheyi-ojo-says-14378043

 
Double Nomination

Tim Ream and Slaviša Jokanović have been nominated for Sky Bet Championship Player and Manager of the Month, respectively.

Fulham won three and drew two of our matches in February, scoring eight times and conceded just twice.


A hat-trick of 2-0 wins at the Cottage saw off Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while crucial points were picked up on our travels courtesy of 1-1 draws at Bolton Wanderers and Bristol City.

Ream played every minute in February and was a major contributing factor to his side's three clean sheets. He's up against an opponent from Tuesday night in Billy Sharp, Barnsley's loanee Oli McBurnie, and fellow centre-back Sean Morrison of Cardiff City.

Jokanović's competition comes from Villa boss Steve Bruce, and two Neils – Harris and Warnock – who led their Millwall and Cardiff sides to extremely prosperous months.

This is the second time in a row that we've had a nominee in both categories, following Ryan Sessegnon's January win.

The winners will be announced on Friday 9th March.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/08/double-nomination-tim-ream-slavisa-jokanovic

 
West Ham fans believe Slavisa Jokanovic would be a good successor to David Moyes

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic saw his side extend their unbeaten run to 14 Championship matches and pick up their ninth successive home league win as they beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, and West Ham United fans believe the 49-year-old could be the perfect successor to David Moyes.

The Scot recently admitted that he is yet to decide whether he will stay with the club beyond the summer when his contract is due to expire, with the club currently just three points above the Premier League relegation zone following their 4-1 defeat against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium last weekend.

Meanwhile, Fulham made a disappointing start to the campaign but they have really hit form in 2018, and only lie five points adrift of the automatic promotion places with the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and January loan addition Aleksandar Mitrovic all in brilliant form.

West Ham supporters have been quick to have their say on Jokanovic via social media, and while one simply said "WHAT A MANAGER", another said "Slavisa Jokanovic is working wonders down there".



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/west-ham/west-ham-fans-believe-slavisa-jokanovic-would-be-a-good-successor-to-david-moyes

Fulham are at 'Premier League level,' says Ojo
by Dan on March 7, 2018

Sheyi Ojo says Fulham are playing at 'a Premier League level' and believes the Whites can win automatic promotion from the Championship.

The Liverpool loanee made his return to Slavisa Jokanovic's starting line-up in last night's 3-0 win over fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United – making his first start for Fulham since January. Ojo told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan that the quality of Fulham's football was one of the reasons he opted to make the move to the capital in August:

    I've always said from the minute I came that Fulham are the best team, the football that they play, Fulham are the best team in the league. That was one of the reasons I wanted to come and be a part of it and I think we're proving to everyone we are Premier League level and hopefully we can get promoted.

The winger feels Fulham could pip Cardiff to that second automatic promotion spot if they can keep their incredible unbeaten run going.

    It's definitely a possibility. We can't keep too far ahead we just have to keep focusing on ourselves and if we keep doing that I'm sure we'll get there.

Ojo hailed the impact of January arrivals Matt Targett and Aleksandr Mitrovic, whose two first-half strikes against the Blades took his tally to five goals in his last four appearances.

    They've been massive (the new signings), obviously Matt Targett has helped the defence be more solid and Aleks has come in and got some goals already so he's proving to be a great addition to the squad. Everyone is pulling their weight to impact in the squad and hopefully we can keep pushing.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/fulham-are-at-premier-league-level-says-ojo/

 
Race for the Premier League: Wolves and Cardiff favourites for automatic promotion as Aston Villa, Fulham, Derby, Middlesbrough and others battle it out for the play-off places

    The promotion race in the Championship is hotting up with 10 matches left
    Wolves have led the way for most of the season and are clear title favourites
    Cardiff have four-point buffer to third place as they chase automatic promotion
    Aston Villa and Fulham would be the most likely to catch the Bluebirds
    Derby County and Middlesbrough currently occupy the other play-off spots
    But Bristol City, Preston North End, Sheffield United, Brentford and Millwall all retain a chance of snatching sixth place

The promotion battle at the top end of the Championship seems to intensify by the week as about a dozen clubs scramble for two automatic promotion and four play-off places.

Tuesday night's fixtures saw Cardiff City maintain their four-point cushion in second place, Aston Villa and Fulham secure their play-off berths, and Middlesbrough climb back to sixth.

But with another 10 matches to play - or more for some teams - those teams are likely to swap places a few times yet. Here's our lowdown on the race for the Premier League.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F6697100000578-5472153-How_the_top_10_in_the_Championship_table_looks_after_Tuesday_nig-m-1_1520421102601.jpg)
How the top 10 in the Championship table looks after Tuesday night's results

1. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

73 points from 34 matches; goal difference +31

By popular consensus the best team in the season's Championship, Wolves have led the way since their 2-0 victory at Norwich City on October 31.

Backed by Chinese investors Fosun International and aided by the transfer market connections of agent Jorge Mendes, they have played some sparkling football under manager Nuno Espirito Santo all season.

With the freedom to spend £15.8million on Porto's Ruben Neves and the ability to bring in leading scorers Diogo Jota and Leo Bonatini in on loan, the Black Country side have looked a class above.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F6846400000578-5472153-image-a-2_1520421139997.jpg)
Wolves have led the way in the Championship for most of the season and look set to go up

Winless in their last three matches, fans will hope they haven't run out of puff with Cardiff moving to within three points of them on Tuesday evening.

However, Wolves have the change to return to winning form when they visit Leeds United on Wednesday and few will back against them winning promotion from here.

Indeed, some regular watchers of the team this season believe they'll more than hold their own in the Premier League next season.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday - Leeds United (A); March 10 - Aston Villa (A); March 13 - Reading (H); March 17 - Burton Albion (H); March 30 - Middlesbrough (A); April 3 - Hull City (H); April 6 - Cardiff City (A); April 10 - Derby County (H); April 15 - Birmingham City (H); April 21 - Bolton Wanderers (A); April 28 - Sheffield Wednesday (H); May 6 - Sunderland (A)

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Ruben Neves (left) celebrates with Barry Douglas after a goal against Sheffield United

2. CARDIFF CITY

70 points from 35 matches; Goal difference +24

A mid-table outfit since their relegation from the Premier League in 2014, Cardiff have been transformed this season under promotion specialist Neil Warnock.

This would be Warnock's eighth promotion in the Football League and the third side he has guided into the top-flight if they are able to cling onto the second spot they have occupied for large chunks of the season.

A run of five consecutive wins has established a useful four-point gap to Aston Villa as everyone enters the final straight, with a 2-1 home win over Barnsley another positive result on Tuesday night.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F6AEC900000578-5472153-image-a-5_1520421270523.jpg)
Marko Grujic celebrates scoring Cardiff City's second goal in Tuesday's win over Barnsley

Cardiff may not be as free-scoring and pleasing on the eye as some of their fellow contenders, but they are certainly tough to beat as you'd expect from a Warnock side.

They also like to spread the goals around the side, with Junior Hoilett the only player to reach double figures in the scoring charts this season.

With the likes of Bruno Manga, Joe Bennett and Sean Morrison holding the line defensively, Cardiff have only conceded 28 goals in the Championship this season - the joint-lowest in the division with Wolves.

They should be able to see it home from here though Villa and Fulham will be waiting to pounce on any slip-ups.

Remaining fixtures: March 10 - Birmingham City (H); March 13 - Brentford (A); March 18 - Derby County (A); March 30 - Burton Albion (H); April 2 - Sheffield United (A); April 6 - Wolverhampton Wanderers (H); April 10 - Aston Villa (A); April 14 - Norwich City (A); April 21 - Nottingham Forest (H); April 28 - Hull City (A); May 6 - Reading (H)

3. ASTON VILLA

66 points from 35 matches; Goal difference +24

A slow start to Steve Bruce's first full season in charge brought fears that Villa were again destined for a table of mid-table obscurity and yet more under-achievement.

However, once things clicked, they have been moving ever upwards in the table and now look certain of a play-off place at the very least.

They briefly moved into second place following their derby win over Birmingham City in early February, but have since been overtaken again by Cardiff and now have a four-point gap to bridge.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F18F2700000578-5472153-image-a-17_1520421396967.jpg)
Conor Hourihane (left) celebrates Aston Villa's third goal in their win over Sunderland

Mind you, given their positive form in 2018 and the renewed upbeat mood around the club, nobody will fancy taking Villa on in the play-offs.

Albert Adomah, their top scorer with 14, Conor Hourinhane and Scott Hogan have impressed going forward, while John Terry's wages have been worth it for his presence and experience at the back.

They recorded a comfortable 3-0 win at rock-bottom Sunderland on Tuesday night, a meeting of two clubs once of the Premier League but now drifting in very different directions.

This Saturday's local derby with leaders Wolves will be a real test of their mettle but a win could really shake up the automatic promotion race, likewise their home game with Cardiff next month.

Remaining fixtures: Saturday - Wolverhampton Wanderers (H); March 13 - Queens Park Rangers (H); March 17 - Bolton Wanderers (A); March 31 - Hull City (A); April 3 - Reading (H); April 7 - Norwich City (A); April 10 - Cardiff City (H); April 14 - Leeds United (H); April 21 - Ipswich Town (A); April 28 - Derby County (H); May 6 - Millwall (A)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F6923800000578-5472153-image-a-18_1520421446372.jpg)
Villa's players celebrate Albert Adomah's goal in their derby win over Birmingham City

4. FULHAM

65 points from 36 matches; Goal difference +24

Last season, Fulham made a perfectly-timed late season dart to reach the play-offs, only to suffer a disappointing semi-final exit to Reading.

This season's late promotion assault promises to be even more spectacular. Following Tuesday night's impressive 3-0 home win over Sheffield United, the London side have an eight-point cushion in the play-offs.

And they look unstoppable at the moment - 14 league matches unbeaten, including 11 victories, and eight consecutive wins at Craven Cottage.

It's helped that their sequence has includes wins over promotion rivals Wolves, Villa, Derby, Cardiff and Middlesbrough, lifting Slavisa Jokanovic's team into contention after an indifferent first-half of the season.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F6459700000578-5472153-image-m-20_1520421517015.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic jumps for joy after scoring in Fulham's win over Sheffield United

The January signed of Aleksandar Mitrovic on loan from Newcastle United has proved inspired with the Serbian scoring five goals in his last four games and he appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

17-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon is Fulham's top scorer with 14 goals having been converted from left-back to forward, while Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen have excelled in midfield.

The in-form side in the division and the Championship's leading scorers, Fulham will be the team everyone fears in the play-offs. That's assuming they don't snatch second place.

Remaining fixtures: Saturday - Preston North End (A); March 17 - Queens Park Rangers (H); March 30 - Norwich City (A); April 3 - Leeds United (H); April 7 - Sheffield Wednesday (A); April 10 - Reading (H); April 14 - Brentford (H); April 21 - Millwall (A); April 28 - Sunderland (H); May 6 - Birmingham City (A)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F1CD2200000578-5472153-image-a-22_1520421579062.jpg)
Fulham's teenage star Ryan Sessegnon has scored 14 goals for the side this season

5. DERBY COUNTY

61 points from 36 matches; Goal difference +21

Another team that started the season slowly before clicking into gear through the autumn and winter to move themselves very much into play-off contention.

Gary Rowett has worked impressively to make Derby an exciting, free-scoring side to watch, with Matej Vydra the main man having scored 17 in the league - the joint-highest with Bristol City's Bobby Reid.

The Rams dropped two points late on at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night, continuing a recent rocky spell of six without victory that has left some worried about dropping out the top six.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F056E000000578-5472153-image-a-23_1520421631671.jpg)
Derby players celebrate Andreas Weimann's opening goal at QPR on Tuesday night

For now, they do retain a four-point buffer to Bristol City and Preston North End, but with 10 matches left, will certainly need to rediscover their winning touch soon.

It's been a decade now since Derby's rather pathetic last season in the top-flight, when they picked up only 11 points, and there have been two play-off heartaches since then.

Rowett has assembled a very solid side for Championship level, but they need to find a second wind now to ensure it isn't another season of disappointment.

Remaining fixtures: Sunday - Nottingham Forest (A); March 18 - Cardiff City (H); March 30 - Sunderland (H); April 2 - Preston North End (A); April 7 - Bolton Wanderers (H); April 10 - Wolverhampton Wanderers (A); April 14 - Burton Albion (A); April 21 - Middlesbrough (H); April 28 - Aston Villa (A); May 6 - Barnsley (H)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49C756F400000578-5472153-image-a-24_1520421691210.jpg)
Gary Rowett's team need to find a second wind if they are to succeed in the play-offs

6. MIDDLESBROUGH

58 points from 36 matches; Goal difference +16

Middlesbrough were the big movers on Tuesday night as Patrick Bamford's winner at Birmingham City lifted them into the play-offs for the first time since November.

It was a third win in four for the Teesside club but they still have plenty of work to do given how tight the race for sixth is at the moment.

Relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, it hasn't exactly been the smoothest of seasons as they aim to bounce back at the first attempt.

Boro were ninth in the table when they parted company with Garry Monk just before Christmas, installing safe pair of hands Tony Pulis in his place.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F0520C00000578-5472153-image-a-26_1520421743308.jpg)
Patrick Bamford was on target once again as Middlesbrough won 1-0 at Birmingham

The results have been positive, with wins starting to arrive in recent weeks. Credit goes to Pulis for getting some goals out of Bamford, who now has seven in four games.

They don't score as many goals as most of the teams around them, but Boro are as stubborn as you'd expect a Pulis side to be and they keep getting the results they need.

The middle of April looks likely to be key when Boro play Sheffield United, Bristol City and Derby County in quick succession.

Remaining fixtures: March 10 - Barnsley (H); March 17 - Brentford (A); March 30 - Wolverhampton Wanderers (H); April 2 - Burton Albion (A); April 7 - Nottingham Forest (H); April 10 - Sheffield United (A); April 14 - Bristol City (H); April 21 - Derby County (A); April 28 - Millwall (H); May 6 - Ipswich Town (A)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49BF939900000578-5472153-image-a-27_1520421784567.jpg)
Tony Pulis, who replaced Garry Monk at the Riverside in December, has got them moving up

ALSO IN THE RUNNING

Below Middlesbrough in sixth, there are potentially another half-dozen teams who won't have completely given up on stealing a play-off place.

Bristol City have struggled ever since their Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City, winning just two of their last 11 games, a poor run at the worst possible time.

Nonetheless, they remain just a point off the final play-off spot, as do Preston North End, whose wins over Bristol City and Bolton in recent days have made the play-offs a distinct possibility.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/07/11/49F19A0900000578-5472153-image-a-28_1520421837135.jpg)
Preston North End celebrate Sean Maguire's goal in their 2-1 win over Barnsley on Tuesday

They moved above Sheffield United on Tuesday night, with the Blades needing to respond to their 3-0 loss at Fulham to keep alive hopes of a second straight promotion.

They have been in and out of the play-off spots of late, but their form isn't as consistent as it needs to be.

Brentford and Millwall are only five and six points off the play-offs respectively having both recorded wins on Tuesday night and can't mathematically be ruled out.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5472153/Race-Premier-League-Championship-hotting-up.html#ixzz598xfddUD
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How Aleksandar Mitrovic WAS offered his chance to shine by Rafa Benitez this season

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez left Mitrovic's path to the first team wide open but the striker didn't grasp it

Aleksandar Mitrovic is currently banging the goals in for Fulham after making a success of his January loan switch to Craven Cottage.

The Serbian has grabbed the headlines by netting five goals in four games for the Londoners with a double against Sheffield United last night ensuring his World Cup bid remains on track.

This has meant some observers have come to the conclusion that Newcastle's struggles at times this season are because of Mitrovic's absence from the first team picture.

Although, the truth is that Rafa Benitez DID offer Mitrovic the chance to be a success on Tyneside this season after simply asking him to show in training sessions he was up to the task of leading the line.

Benitez also used a GPS system - in training - to keep a close eye on sprints and distance covered on the pitch along with headers, aerial challenges and tackles.

Even goals netted in small-sided games were taken into account but Mitrovic's training performances weren't better than Dwight Gayle, Joselu or Ayoze Perez, meaning Benitez stuck faith with those who were delivering Monday-Friday.

Mitrovic is currently excelling in the Championship this season, but that wasn't the case last term as he played in 25 of the 46 games, starting 11 times, but netted just four goals in 1,121 minutes of second flight action.

This season his case wasn't helped after he landed a suspension for a clash with Manuel Lanzini of West Ham meaning Benitez couldn't rely on Mitrovic even if he wanted until October after he picked up a three-game ban.

It was then Mitrovic was challenged to up his game for the Magpies but was unable to get into the starting XI, or some match day squads, for the first run of Premier League games.

Mitrovic's path to the first team was still open going into December but a back injury ruled him out of eight matches before he went public on his desire to leave.

Speaking to Serbian website Zurnal, Mitrovic said: "I persistently waited for the chance of the past months.

"I'm sorry after all, I loved Newcastle, but it's time for me to look more at myself, to find the best solution for my career.

"I tried to be honest with myself and my team-mates at every training and match. The fact that I did not get a chance is simply not up to me. Everyone knows that I was left in the background.

"I never felt better, I'm physically in flawless form, I cannot wait to play.

"The most important thing is to find a club and finally get a chance in the field."

But Newcastle's coaching staff will insist he was offered an opportunity to fight for his place.

It is understood that Benitez asked every single one of his back-room team whether they felt his training performances warranted his selection ahead of others and the verdict was unanimous with all of them feeling he had to improve his input at Benton.

What happens next for Mitrovic remains to be seen with Fulham not having a buyout clause to take him to Craven Cottage permanently but they are surely in the box seat to sign the Serbian providing they secure promotion.

Any offer north of £15million would be enough to tempt Benitez to sell the player and if the former Real Madrid boss stays at St James' Park, it will surely signal the end of his stint on Tyneside.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-aleksandar-mitrovic-offered-chance-14377623

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic is scoring in the Championship but it's not as easy in the Premier League

History shows that players who find the net easily in the Championship don't always find it easy in the Premier League

Aleksandar Mitrovic's immediate impact at Fulham has sparked a debate about the Newcastle United striker, his qualities and if a loan move to Championship was the best move for him and the Magpies considering their lack of goals in the Premier League survival battle.

The Serbian has hit five goals in his seven appearances in the second tier since his January deadline day loan move to the West London side. Fulham are unbeaten in 14 games and find themselves the league's form side and are only five points off the automatic promotion spots. The Magpies meanwhile find themselves 16th in the Premier League and two points above the relegation zone with goals an issue. They've only scored 27 goals, with Dwight Gayle the top scorer on five goals.

With Mitrovic finding his feet so quickly in the Championship the debate has begun on whether he was given a fair chance in the top flight under Rafa Benitez. We've taken a look at the discussion.

Did Aleksandar Mitrovic get a fair chance in the Premier League?

He played 152 minutes in this season's Premier League but his chances weren't helped by a moment of stupidity against West Ham in August where he was given a three-game ban for elbowing Manuel Lanzini. As Lee Ryder writes , Benitez was more than willing to give Mitrovic a chance if he proved himself in training but the Serbian failed to do so.

Why did Rafa Benitez let Aleksandar Mitrovic go?

Partly due to him not performing on the training pitch and the arrival of Leicester City's Islam Slimani but as the Spaniard revealed in a talk-in earlier this year, Benitez felt that he couldn't set up his side to Mitrovic's strengths - something Slaviša Jokanović has done at Fulham.

So is it just easier in the Championship?

Well if you look back over the last 15 years or so, many of the Championship's top scorers have failed to cut it in the Premier League. Nathan Ellington, Marlon King and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake all scored goals in the Championship in respective seasons but failed to carry that form in the Premier League. With Wigan Ellington hit 24 goals in the 2004-05 campaign but managed only five goals in 31 games in the Premier League. King with Watford hit 21 goals in 05-06 but the following season hit four in 13, seven in 33 during loan spells at Hull and 'Boro in 2008-09 and none in three appearances for Wigan in 09-10.

Ebanks-Blake , meanwhile, finished as Championship top scorer in 2007-08 (23 goals) and 2008-09 (25 goals) but over three seasons in the Premier League managed only 10 goals in 76 appearances.

Other names to top the scoring charts include Nicky Maynard (eight Premier appearances, no goals), Peter Whittingham (94 Premier League appearances, 4 goals) and Jamie Cureton (never played in the Premier League).

Closer to home Dwight Gayle has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League after hitting 23 goals in 34 Championship games during the promotion season. There are some who have found the transition from the Championship to the top flight a little easier. Rickie Lambert scored 30 goals for Southampton in the 2011-12 campaign before hitting 31 goals in 120 Premier League appearances for the Saints, Liverpool and West Brom. Danny Graham also hit 15 goals in 54 Premier League appearances after a decent spell in the Championship.

Chris Wood and Andre Grey have had mixed success in the top flight but have both secured big money moves to Burnley and Watford.

What next for Aleksandar Mitrovic?

If he keeps fit and scoring goals, it could be promotion joy and most certainly will be a seat on the plan to the World Cup this summer with Serbia. A decent World Cup will no doubt result with increased interest in the striker - a bid of anything more than £15 million will probably be considered by the Toon board.




https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-scoring-championship-its-14378468

Cairney refusing to 'get carried away'
by Dan on March 7, 2018

Fulham captain Tom Cairney was delighted to get back on the scoresheet for the first time in five months – but has insisted his team-mates won't 'get carried away' despite their sensational start to 2018.

The Scottish midfielder stroked home Fulham's third in a comprehensive win over fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United last night after a brace from Aleksandr Mitrovic, whom he described as 'an animal,' set Slavisa Jokanovic's side on their way to a crucial three points. Cairney told FulhamFCTV that he was pleased with the hosts' level of display after a tough test at Derby a few days earlier:

    It was a very good performance, especially after the effort the boys put in on Saturday – defending at the end.

Cairney reiterated that Fulham were following Jokanovic's mantra of concentrating on their next fixture, which sees the Whites travel to Preston North End, another side with their eyes on the play-offs.

    We're playing the teams that were above us before that defining period – it's great form from the lads but it is always onto the next one. We don't get carried away. We've got to remain grounded. You can tell that from the way that we're playing. To us and the gaffer, it's just three points. That's how we're treating it.

The 27 year-old was so pleased after scoring his second goal of an injury-ravaged season that he forgot about the medical advice to end his penchant for a knee slide and greeted his goal with a trademark celebration in front of the Johnny Haynes stand.

    It was a great feeling. I scored quite a lot of goals last season. I've been in and out and had a frustrating time in periods, but I feel good. The more games I play the fitter I get and the more times I'll get in shooting positions.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/cairney-refusing-to-get-carried-away/

 
Games of interest for weekend 10-11/03
Following on from one of the best performances by Fulham so far this season can we continue the run on Saturday?

I wouldn't bet against it, this weekend sees the whites travel to Preston North End who are making a valiant effort to get into the play-off spots.


other games of interest this weekend include...

SATURDAY 10TH MARCH

Burton v Bristol City

Cardiff v Birmingham City

Aston Villa v Wolves

Middlesborough v Barnsley

SUNDAY 11TH MARCH

Nottm Forest v Derby



COYW's



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=111

 
The entire Cardiff City team of injured outfield players and how it affects the drive for the Premier League

Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock coping with TEN injured players as he prepares for three more crunch games in eight days

(https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article14378444.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/InjuredCardiff.jpg)
The full team of Cardiff City outfielders struggling with injury right now

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock is having to cope with injuries to an entire team of outfield players as he plots the Bluebirds' path towards the Premier League.

Warnock's men have three more crunch matches looming in the space of eight days as the relentless week in, week out grind of the Championship continues.

And the magnitude of the job Warnock is doing as manager is demonstrated further by a look at the extraordinary injury list he is having to contend with.

It contains 10 outfield players who are having treatment and may not be available for selection against Birmingham on Saturday.

It's not a bad little line-up in its own right, we're sure you will agree. It may lack the stardust of a Kenneth Zohore or Junior Hoilett, but Warnock would probably have this 'Cardiff City Injured Team' alone pushing for the top six.

BACK FOUR
Jazz Richards

The Wales international has had ankle problems this season. Played against Manchester City but hasn't been seen since.

Sean Morrison

Flare up of a groin injury meant he missed Barnsley and Bristol City. Warnock will hope to have him fit for Saturday, but it might be a patch-up job through necessity. A lack of midfield numbers mean Warnock may be forced to consider Sol Bamba further forward, so Morrison may have to return next to Bruno Manga.

Lee Peltier

Ankle problem and is not expected back for another month. Warnock likes his versatility as Peltier can play in either full-back position or the centre of defence.

Armand Traore

He looks a really talented player but a thigh strain is ruling him out of action and isn't likely to be fit until Burton at the end of the month.

MIDFIELD
Aron Gunnarsson

He has been a terrible miss, having not featured since limping off with an ankle problem in the 74th minute of a November 21 victory at Barnsley. Had surgery, but is back in training at last. Desperate to feature again and prove his fitness, so he can drive the Bluebirds into the top flight and lead Iceland into World Cup battle.

Joe Ralls

Warnock didn't explain the nature of his injury, but revealed his midfield kingpin is having a scan on Thursday. There are fears from Cardiff fans he could be absent for some time. We'll see.

Callum Paterson

Took a battering against Barnsley and went off because of a knee problem. Warnock is hoping he can feature against Birmingham. Cardiff need him and the goal threat he provides.

FRONT THREE
Jamie Ward

Hardly seen him since he came to Cardiff from Nottingham Forest. Picked up a groin injury early on his Bluebirds debut against Bolton. Due to play for under-23s on Thursday.

Gary Madine

Missed Barnsley game because of groin injury. Warnock hopeful he will be back for the weekend. Zohore appeared to be struggling in closing minutes of Tuesday night, so Warnock may want to freshen up the front-line... if, and it remains an if, Madine is fit.

Danny Ward

Out for the season with a knee ligament injury. A blow for Warnock, who was banking on 12 goals from Ward this season.

Warnock will be counting the walking wounded and desperately hoping to patch some of them up for games against Birmingham (Sat), Brentford away (Tues) and then the trip to Derby (Sun).

Then it will be the international break, with Warnock hoping the extra time will give him as close to a full squad as possible for the final eight match run-in.

That begins with a home clash with Burton on March 30 and includes humdinger of games against promotion rivals Wolves (home) and Aston Villa (away).

By scraping over the line against Barnsley, Cardiff closed the gap on table-toppers Wolves to just three points before the gold and blacks played Leeds away on Wednesday night. As recently as February 3, the gap between the two teams was 16 points. That represents a dramatic closure.

Villa, in third, stayed within four points of Cardiff by smashing Sunderland on Tuesday night, whilst Fulham continued their march by thrashing Sheffield United at Craven Cottage. Cardiff are on 70 points, Villa 66 and Fulham 65.

Derby, on 61 points, slipped back after only drawing at QPR

What's next?
Horrific injury list or not, Warnock will be looking for his Bluebirds to continue their momentum by beating Birmingham on Saturday. Fulham go to Preston, where they could easily drop points, whilst something will have to give when Villa host Wolves at tea-time.

On Tuesday night Cardiff, Villa and Wolves play their games in hand on Fullham.

The Bluebirds go to Brentford, Villa host QPR and Wolves meet Reading at Molineux.

On Saturday, Fulham (home to QPR), Wolves (home to Burton) and Villa (at Bolton), will fully expect to win. That will put pressure upon Cardiff, who go to Derby for a much sterner challenge the following afternoon.

At that stage the sides will have played 38 matches apiece. The international break then kicks in, teams will regroup and prepare for the final run-in.

Conclusion
On the evidence of Tuesday night versus Barnsley, this could be a slugfest for Cardiff City in the remaining weeks of the season. Not too many frills, but any Warnock team will be up for that challenge.

Rightly or wrongly, expectations have been raised. Pound for pound, the Bluebirds should not be in the promotion shake-up. Their football is not overly-aesthetic, they don't have the creative quality of big-spenders like Wolves and Villa, or Fulham's panache and firepower.

But Cardiff are damn effective, punching above their weight under Warnock because of defensive excellence, organisation, resilience and a sheer will to win. Plus the odd moment of magic from Zohore or Holiest.

Warnock will patch up the side for the next three games and hope, come the end of the international break, that he has as close to a fully-fit squad as possible.

It was always at this stage of the season, when injuries and suspensions bite, that Wolves and Villa would have the edge with the greater depth to their squads.

But Cardiff are hanging on in front and getting someone like Gunnarsson back, with his drive, inspiration, tenacity and leadership, will be akin to a multi-million pound signing.

The Iceland captain could yet be the one to drive the Bluebirds over the line. Warnock just wants to have a few options again, instead of having to patch up the walking wounded.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/entire-cardiff-city-team-injured-14377720

PG: Getting Opportunities

Peter Grant's Under-23s travel to Norwich on Wednesday for their rearranged PL2 fixture in a 7pm kick-off.

"They are playing very well," Grant commented on the Canaries' recent form that has seen them win four of their last five.


"They knock the ball about well, they play a couple of different systems. In the last couple of games, they have played a basic 4-4-2 with two strikers, which I like to do as well.

"They move the ball, create chances and have a good work ethic, they have picked up some fantastic results in difficult fixtures so we know we are in for a tough game."

Fulham are not at full strength in attack for this fixture, with some of the boys out on loan and a recent ligament injury to striker Michael Elstone.

"At one stage you probably think we had a bit of an overload of players with an abundance of talent in that position," Grant noted. "Elijah [Adebayo] scored a lot of goals for us, he was leading goal scorer before he left for Cheltenham Town.

"George [Williams] was scoring for us, Stephen Humphrys was scoring goals for us, Jon Dagur [Thorsteinsson] has a slight injury so he's not really been playing. He's been in and out feeling injury all the time.

"Michael had come in and scored for us, so all these things came at the one time. So we are trying to adjust it, finding how to get more opportunities in the box and obviously getting more bodies in the box.

"Unfortunately, at the moment we do not have a lot of strikers to chose from. Young Nicolas [Santos-Clase] has come in, I was really pleased with him at Stoke, I thought he was excellent.


"The keeper made a couple great saves from him, he had two opportunities he probably should have scored with, but I thought his all-round game and his movement was excellent.

"He has deserved his call up because he has been doing exceptionally well with the Under-18s and that is what we are all about."

"The result is important because we always want to win, but the big result for us is these youngsters like Ty [Francois], Jayden [Harris] and now Nicolas coming in to cement their place in the team with their performances.

"Long may that continue, because that is always the better result for us, saying that we would love to win as well.

"I was fortunate enough to play for Norwich and to manage there, I loved it, it is a fantastic Club.

"There were fantastic people like Michael [Wynn-Jones] and Delia [Smith], they were excellent with me. It is a club close to my heart so it is always special to go back there, but I always like going back to beat them.

"There is nothing better than going back to one of your old clubs, you go back there and have great respect for them."

You can keep up with the live updates on the Club's official twitter page, @FulhamFC.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/07/grant-getting-opportunities

 
Supporter hits the nail on the head when addressing Aleksandar Mitrovic's rise to form at Fulham


A fan-written piece by Joe Donnohue – a Newcastle United fan whose had his say on Aleksandar Mitrovic's rise to form at Fulham:

It's no surprise that Mitrović is scoring for fun at Fulham. He's a striker with pedigree and is tough to handle. In a league where aggression and attrition wins football matches, Mitrović is thriving.

After all, it was only ten months ago that Newcastle were playing in that division, where Dwight Gayle managed to score 23 goals despite playing roughly half of the season. His wavering form in the Premier League indicates that the step up should not be underestimated.

Fulham are an exciting, enterprising side. The likes of Ryan Sessegnon and co have been scoring aplenty this season. Let's not forget Slavisa Jokanović's men did the double over Benítez's conservative Newcastle side during the Championship-winning campaign of 2016-17.

Despite being one of the more attacking teams in the Championship, Fulham seemed to be distinctly lacking a target man, a no. 9 to put the ball in the back of the net. Aleksandar Mitrović has proven to be that man, and it is of little surprise.

When you consider the stylistic differences between Jokanović and Benítez's sides it is easy to see why Mitrović has seemingly upped his game. Fulham are a top team in the Championship, and often find themselves in the opposition half. Playing against weaker defences, Mitrović has thrived, perhaps due to the fact that he is given more time on the ball or afforded more space in the box. Causing havoc inside the penalty area is his bread and butter, something he's rarely given the chance to do at Newcastle due to the simple fact that Newcastle are not in the final third nearly as much as Fulham are in the Championship.

In the Premier League, Benítez insists of 'defending from the front', and with the meagre squad at his disposal it isn't difficult to see why this is necessary. While Mitrović may be scoring for fun against the likes of Sheffield United and Bristol City who are top teams in the Championship, it is an altogether different story asking the same player to do a defensive job against a Chelsea or a Liverpool where he will see very little of the ball and be required to be an influence 30-40 yards from goal.

At Fulham, Mitrović is privileged in the sense that he is playing in a system that suits his strengths and doesn't expose his weaknesses. Every Newcastle fan knows he is a good finisher, that is one of his main attributes. Given the run of games that he needed, he's up and running, scoring regularly, not snatching at chances.

However, at Fulham he is getting plenty more chances to score, just as he did at former club Anderlecht. At Newcastle, he will not be afforded that luxury, not because of Benítez but because of the calibre of opposition.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/03/07/supporter-hits-the-nail-on-the-head-when-addressing-aleksandar-mitrovics-rise-to-form-at-fulham/

 
Mitrovic and Jokanovic: Fulham's perfect partnership

In this year's January transfer window, Slavisa Jokanovic was looking for players with experience of English football to join his Fulham side's Championship promotion push. "I am working here in England, I want English people," he said. "Or people who know what the English game is."

At the same time, Aleksandar Mitrovic was intent on leaving Newcastle United after failing to start a single Premier League game in the first six months of the campaign. "I have persistently waited for the chance over the past months," he said in December. "I'm sorry, after all, I loved Newcastle but it's time for me to look more myself, to find the best solution for my career."

The Serbian pair solved each other's problems when Mitrovic agreed to join Fulham on loan until the end of the season. The agreement was reached on deadline day after a Snapchat conversation – the player had seen a move to Anderlecht break down, the manager stepped in to offer him a last-gasp opportunity.

Mitrovic may not be English, but he certainly knows the English game. He has spent much of the last three years attempting to adjust to it, albeit with minimal success in a Newcastle side that has yo-yoed between the top two tiers. The 23-year-old didn't hit double figures in either of his first two seasons in the North East and found himself of the fringes of Rafa Benitez's squad. His passion and charisma endeared him to the fans, but his boss wasn't quite so convinced.

Further south, Jokanovic was desperate not just for players with knowledge of the domestic game. More specifically, he needed a striker – outside of 17-year-old winger Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham lacked a consistent scorer of goals. Their passing was often stunning. It was also generally productive. But the lack of a real penalty box threat frequently counted against them.

Just six appearances into his loan spell, however, and Mitrovic looks to have single-handedly mitigated this issue. He has led the line with brute force and relentless energy, giving weight to an otherwise dainty front three. Most importantly, he has found the net, with three goals in his last three outings.

Jokanovic was immediately taken with his new signing. "He's a sensation," he said of Mitrovic after the player's first start, against Aston Villa. "He didn't score but his movement for the first goal was fantastic...he created the space for Sessegnon to finish. He showed quality, power and did a great job for us – holding up the ball very well and having a positive impact on the game."

That hold-up play was once again on show in a highly anticipated, and genuinely attractive, clash of contenders with Wolves at Craven Cottage later in February. The 23-year-old frontman caused constant problems for the away side's back three, using his strength and intelligent positioning to hold off markers before linking up with runners from midfield. His physical qualities were key, but so was his control; it had to be if he was ever to fit in to such a possession-oriented outfit.

Mitrovic scored the second goal that night to put the game beyond Wolves, then hit the opener in an away win over play-off rivals Derby County. The finishes essentially underlined what he has added to Jokanovic's attack; they were direct and a little scrappy, but that's exactly what Fulham needed.

What about the player? Well, he's enjoying playing for the team as much as the team benefits from having him lead the line. Having previously been the recipient of long passes over the top, a forlorn striker tasked with chasing down loose balls at Newcastle, he is now an integral cog in a far more cohesive, and entertaining, offensive unit.

He admits that Jokanovic's tactics were the main reason behind his decision to join the club. "That's...why I came here," he said. "The style, the players, always attacking, always trying to score one more than your opponents, always with a lot of possession."

Mitrovic has, in a matter of weeks, proven himself to be more than a determined cult hero. He has demonstrated the awareness and technique required to create space for himself and others within a team whose game is based on their ability to disjoint opposition defensive structures through incisive passing.

The relationship between the player and Jokanovic has the potential to be a mutually beneficial one. When discussing his aims for the rest of the campaign, Mitrovic said: "I want to help my team-mates get promoted this season." And, if he keeps on scoring, his wish may well come true.



https://www.tifofootball.com/features/mitrovic-jokanovic-fulhams-perfect-partnership/

 
86 passes, 86% pass accuracy: The unsung hero in Fulham's win last night

Fulham continued their strong promotion march last night as they put away Sheffield United 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

In a game that was billed as a clash between two play-off challengers, only one side really looked ready to make the step up to the Premier League and that was the Cottagers.

It wasn't their most flowing performance, but it was clinical and efficient and to score three without reply without also needing to get into top gear sends an ominous warning.

The likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney will get much of the plaudits from the game, then, but our latest FLW Spotlight subject deserves just as much credit:


Fulham's midfield was superbly serene on the ball last night as the usual Blades tenacity bounced off of them and McDonald proved to be a rock on which Fulham could build.

He was physical but not overzealous and he did both the simple and the complex with minimum fuss.

This was a performance that, once again for him, perhaps wouldn't grab the immediate headlines but, when you consider his impact on a deeper scale you realise how vital he is.

Fulham's run has been built on great attacking play, but it wouldn't be anywhere near as effective without McDonald keeping it all together.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/86-passes-86-pass-accuracy-the-unsung-hero-in-fulhams-win-last-night/

Quote from: Mince n Tatties on March 08, 2018, 07:58:41 AM

Quote from: WhiteJC on March 08, 2018, 07:51:49 AM

Ryan Sessegnon 'wants to move to Liverpool' - on one condition

Liverpool were interested in a move for Sessegnon last summer

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon wants to move to Liverpool, it has been claimed, providing the London side are not promoted to the Premier League this season.

The Reds were keen on the 17-year-old last summer, and was identified by Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team as a possible long-term left back at Anfield.

The initial hope was that Liverpool could see off competition from a host of other Premier League clubs to land the talented teenager, but discussions with the player and his representatives proved difficult.

The ECHO understands that Liverpool doubted the youngster's commitment to a move to Merseyside back in May, and withdrew their interest, with Sessegnon seemingly heading for Tottenham.

But the youngster decided to stay at Craven Cottage and sign a new deal with the Cottagers.

(https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article14324209.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS141353806.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal against Burton Albion (Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Yet the Express have claimed an 'exclusive' on Sessegnon's future intentions, claiming he has now decided he wants to move to Liverpool, having realised his first-team opportunities won't be restricted under Klopp.

The story suggests if Fulham fail to win promotion, Sessegnon will seek to link up with Klopp, as he prepares to take the next step of his development.

Sessegnon's decision to stay at Fulham has been vindicated this season, with 14 goals in 36 league appearances, operating both in defence and midfield.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ryan-sessegnon-wants-move-liverpool-14377382

Its Spurs today according to Mirror....Hilarious.
[/quote

The story originated from sources close to the player, means I made that up, and sess has been a lifelong liverpool fan. I thought he had been here since he was 8?

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic: The human field-gun who's found himself a new home at Fulham

(https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_960/https://inews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/GettyImages-928416012-960x665.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates by flexing his muscles towards the Fulham fans (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

There was a moment on Tuesday evening, near the end of Fulham's emphatic victory over Sheffield United, which gave a glimpse into the enigmatic mind of Aleksandar Mitrovic. With Fulham cruising at 3-0 up and Mitrovic's job done for the evening, the Serbian striker on loan from Newcastle suddenly started to look twitchy, a strange glint in his eye. Going on the charge having spent much of the last 10 minutes at walking pace as Fulham seemed contented to wind down without the ball, there was a sharp intake of breath in the Johnny Haynes Stand as the home fans realised his intentions. One thunderous barge later and he had his customary yellow card for the evening. Two minutes after that he was substituted by manager Slavisa Jokanovic to a standing ovation, presumably to head off any chance that the applause would turn to groans as a late red was produced.

While his substitution came as a relief to the more anxious Fulham fans in the stands – Mitrovic had been hugely influential all evening. With his bulky, bullish forward play he had dominated Sheffield United's back line early on at Craven Cottage, scoring two thumped first-half efforts from inside the box having been neatly teed up by Ryan Fredericks and Stefan Johansen respectively. Both were one-touch finishes which required excellent technique, positioning and a striker's predatory instincts. Mitrovic should have scored a third, but he could only send a Ryan Sessegnon cut-back looping over the upright on the stroke of half-time.

Human field gun
While his substitution came as a relief to the more anxious Fulham fans in the stands – Mitrovic had been hugely influential all evening. With his bulky, bullish forward play he had dominated Sheffield United's back line early on at Craven Cottage, scoring two thumped first-half efforts from inside the box having been neatly teed up by Ryan Fredericks and Stefan Johansen respectively. Both were one-touch finishes which required excellent technique, positioning and a striker's predatory instincts. Mitrovic should have scored a third, but he could only send a Ryan Sessegnon cut-back looping over the upright on the stroke of half-time. Human field gun

Mitrovic's take on the striker's role is rough and rampant, defined by robust hold-up play, bursting runs and battles using elbows, shoulders and all his considerable brawn. After his first goal against Sheffield United, as he strolled back towards the centre circle, he flexed his biceps towards the crowd as if to affirm his reputation as a brawler. Mitrovic is not so much a centre-forward as a human field gun up front: not always the most precise weapon and prone to the occasional catastrophic misfire, but devastating enough to get the job done.

This explosiveness, this ability to demolish opponents, is perhaps why so many Newcastle fans hope Mitrovic still has a future at the club. Though he has never been particularly prolific at St James' Park, there's a sense that he brings more to the team than just goals to the team and has a sinewy strength which they otherwise lack. On Tuesday evening, as well as scoring a brace, he was noticeable for his thumping headed clearances from many of Sheffield United's set pieces. He is capable of battering and bombarding the opposition at either end of the pitch, a heavy artillery footballer to the core.

Given his comments about Rafa Benitez's tactics this week, Mitrovic and Newcastle may well part ways at the end of the season. "It's a different style we play here [at Fulham]," Mitrovic said. "The players enjoy the football more than last season with Newcastle, where we knew how we wanted to play. We always played on the results [at Newcastle], that's it. [Here], we always try to score more goals than the opponent... that's the reason why I came here. The style, the players, always attacking, always trying to score one more than your opponents, always with a lot of possession."

Multi-dimensional Mitro
While Mitrovic is an undeniably physical and destructive player – something which Fulham needed to complement their expansive passing game by all accounts – his technical ability is often underestimated. Human blasting charge on the one hand, he is also capable of neat lay-offs, flicks and carefully crafted touches to his teammates. After the Sheffield United game, Slavisa Jokanovic said of his game changer: "He is a quality player, he has started well with us. He is a proper striker that we have been looking for."

Mitrovic's brace on Tuesday evening takes him to five goals in his last four games, an impressive tally for any forward. Fulham are now unbeaten in 14 and look almost ready for the Premier League. Where he has often looked frustrated at Newcastle, even more wild-eyed and twitchy than usual, Mitrovic seems to have found a new home for his brand of field-gun football. With Fulham fans well taken with their loanee striker, it may suit all parties to make his move permanent.



Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-field-gun-newcastle/

 
Daily Schmankerl: Bayern interested in Ryan Sessegnon?

James also returned to team training, and German international Julian Draxler had some choice words for Unai Emery after PSG's humiliating Champions League exit.

According to the Sunday Mirror's Tom Hopkinson, Bayern Munich (and Real Madrid) have been keeping an eye on Fulham's precocious left winger. Despite being only 17, Sessegnon made his professional debut at left-back two years ago. This season, after moving forward from defense to offense, he has scored an impressive 13 goals for Fulham.

Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham are apparently pursuing him, so don't expect him to show up in Munich anytime soon—or ever. Munich outlet TZ has some additional information on Sessegnon (in German).



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/7/17091080/bayern-munich-news-transfer-rumors-ryan-sessegnon-james-rodriguez-injury-psg-real-draxler-emery-ucl

 
Sessegnon: "I knew I was staying at Fulham months before signing my first pro contract"


Ryan Sessegnon has told FourFourTwo that he'd decided to stay at Fulham long before penning his first professional deal

The wideman doesn't turn 18 until May but is already being linked with the game's biggest names after establishing himself as a regular in the Cottagers' first team.

After making his debut in an August 2016 League Cup tie at Leyton Orient, Sessegnon went on to score seven goals that season as Fulham sealed a spot in the Championship play-offs.

Last July he helped his country to Under-17 European Championship glory, and the England prodigy has kicked on with his club in 2017/18, netting 14 goals in 38 outings.

Sessegnon's stunning form sent transfer speculation into overdrive: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all been linked with big-money moves for the teenager.

Fulham were able to fend off several advances for their prized asset last summer and successfully tied Sessegnon down to a three-year contract.

But the youngster insists he had no intention of leaving Craven Cottage ahead of the new campaign, as he felt Fulham was the best place to continue his progression.

Speaking exclusively in the April 2018 issue of FourFourTwo magazine, he says: "I made my mind up to stay, months before I signed that contract. I knew I'd play more games here than elsewhere, which is important at my age in order to keep developing."


Sessegnon is equally adept operating as either a left-back or left-winger, and bagged January braces against Burton Albion and Barnsley while playing further up the pitch.

The teenager has revealed that he relishes the chance to play in an advanced role, and paid close attention to fellow attack-minded full-back Luke Shaw while he was growing up.

"I've enjoyed playing as a winger because I can impact the game more in terms of goals and assists," explains the starlet. "But it's good to be versatile. I'm happy in either position.

"I've always been an attacking left-back so I really admired Luke Shaw when he was at Southampton. He's got a lot of attacking qualities and creates chances, which is something I like to do myself. His ability to get up and down the pitch is incredible."

Read the full interview with Ryan Sessegnon in the April 2018 issue of FourFourTwo magazine. A best young players special, we also speak exclusively to Kylian Mbappe, Richarlison, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Justin Kluivert, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Winks and Timo Werner, and meet the people who shaped Marcus Rashford's career. Plus, we go One-on-One with Rafael van der Vaart and experience the 'Israel-Palestine Derby' between Beitar Jerusalem and Bnei Sakhnin, after Donald Trump poured oil on the flames of an already-heated affair. Order a copy today, then become a subscriber!



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/sessegnon-i-knew-i-was-staying-fulham-months-signing-my-first-pro-contract#aFqDEHtGtUxZhQdY.99

 
Fulham can get automatic promotion and are the best side in the Championship right now

The Cottagers form doesn't look like ending

The Fulham hype train is in full flow right now.

14 matches unbeaten. They've kept a clean sheet in each of their last five home games and won their last nine fixtures at Craven Cottage.

But after a poor autumn Slavisa Jokanovic's team remain five points away from Cardiff City and automatic promotion to the Premier League.

After defeat to Fulham on Tuesday night, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder fully believes that the Whites can claim second place before the season is out however.

He said: "Yeah I do, I think they're on a roll. Respect to Cardiff and what they've done as well from last year to this year. I think it's going to go right to the wire.

"I think it would be a brave man to back against them and I'm not saying that because they beat us tonight.

"They look as if they've got the bit between the teeth and they're obviously an outstanding side in the division and they went close last year. If they got into the play-off final they possibly would have won that, though you can't be certain."

The Sheffield United manager also believes that Fulham are the best team in the league at the moment.

He said: "On current form yeah, overall it's over 30-odd games, they're not. Over the past 10 or 15 games they're quite a way ahead of the nearest challengers and you can see why.

"They're full of confidence, they get a foothold in the game, they control games and they've got that bit at the end that we're all looking for. The one ball from Fredericks to Mitrovic [for the opening goal].

"The quality middle to final third is up there or best in the division at the moment."

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14377136.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-928200314.jpg)

Wilder wasn't too dismayed by the defeat and again heaped praise on Fulham.

He said: "There's no disgrace in getting beaten by a team bang in form. They've won every game at home since, I think, the 1st November.

"The quality of the players they've got, you're up against top end Championship players, experienced ones, young players that are outstanding talents, players that have dropped out of the Premier League, players that possibly shouldn't be playing in this division and probably won't be at the end of the season."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-can-automatic-promotion-best-14380981

 
Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon picks Tottenham move over Manchester United, City and Liverpool

The £50m-rated teenager leads the Championship promotion chasers with 14 goals this season with Spurs in pole position to land him

Ryan Sessegnon would favour a move to Tottenham if he leaves Fulham in the summer.

Spurs are in pole position to land the Cottagers' £50million-rated wonderkid — thanks to manager Mauricio Pochettino and their north London location.

Teen sensation Sessegnon, who has bagged 14 goals this season and already racked up 69 appearances, is at the centre of a huge scramble for his signature.

Spurs are long-term admirers of the attacking full-back and have done plenty of groundwork on their bid to sign him.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12146003.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Wolverhampton-Wanderers-Sky-Bet-Championship-Craven-Cottage.jpg)
Sessegnon's swashbuckling play at such a young age has drawn interest from across Europe (Image: PA Wire)

But they face competition from big-spending Manchester giants United and champions-elect City as well as Liverpool, while the 17-year-old has also attracted interest from abroad.

However Pochettino's track record of developing youngsters and giving them chances to play has made Spurs the more appealing option to Sessegnon.

Londoner Sessegnon also wouldn't have to worry about trying to settle in a new city as well as at an unfamiliar club if he joined Spurs, who are willing to pay £35m for the sought after starlet.

Fulham were adamant they wouldn't sell Sessegnon in January and refused to even entertain offers.

Sessegnon is tied to the Championship promotion chasers until 2020 after signing a new three-year deal last summer.

And their prospects of holding onto him this summer will increase further if they manage to return to the top flight after a four-year absence.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are currently on a 14-game unbeaten run which has propelled them up to fourth, five points off automatic promotion.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-wonderkid-ryan-sessegnon-picks-12146038

 
Everybody needs to calm down with Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic is top of the agenda once again after scoring a few goals but Newcastle fans need to calm down.

Even in the Championship when he started only 11 matches (scoring 4 goals) and Dwight Gayle scored 23, there was still only one striker people wanted to talk about really.

It is a bizarre one, maybe it just because we live in a football era where it is all about systems and formations, rather than individuals, that Mitrovic stands out.

Football fans say why don't we have more characters like the good old days? Then when a 'character' does come along, they typically get slaughtered by supporters and fans alike.

The advent of social media in particular, means there is little wriggle room for players being a bit of a larger than life character.

Imagine if George Best had been around now. He wouldn't have lasted more than a few weeks before the constant circulation of nightclub images would have had the moral majority demanding he was punished for stepping out of line.

Aleksandar Mitrovic hasn't made headlines via nightclub visits, at least from what I have seen, but he does have the knack of tapping into something with many Newcastle fans. He is 'interesting', for want of a better word. He has character, personality, larger than life – supporters like that, well a lot of them do.

With Rafa Benitez not allowed to bring in quality up front last summer, the Newcastle team's struggles in terms of scoring goals, meant many fans were puzzled as to why Mitro was not given some kind of a go this season.

When your top scorer has only five goals after 29 matches, clearly there is something not quite right.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was a topic brought up at an event Rafa Benitez appeared at last month (see below), the manager explaining (or trying to) why he never started the striker and then loaned him out despite the lack of goals.

Rafa basically said that Mitro didn't fit his system of trying to keep a tight defence and then quickly counter-attacking. Though he did claim that he WAS playing him this season 'sometimes for 20 minutes...because I wanted him to score the winning goal'.

Well before he went on loan to Fulham, Newcastle had 25 Premier League matches so far this season and Aleksandar Mitrovic played 89 minutes in total, not many '20 minutes' there.

It isn't any criticism of Rafa, just confirmation that he probably fancies Mitro even less as a player than he lets on.

Arriving at Fulham on loan on deadline day (after first choice Anderlecht revealed at the last minute they couldn't even afford a loan deal), Mitrovic failed to score in his first three appearances.

However, he has now scored five goals in his next four games.

Predictably this has led to much gnashing of teeth from his NUFC fanbase, questioning Rafa's decision to loan him out.

People need to calm down. Even if Rafa had kept Mitrovic at St James Park he wouldn't have played him.

Plus, just because he has scored a few goals in the Championship (just liked Gayle did 23 times last season...) doesn't mean he would suddenly have scored loads of goals in the Premier League if he'd stayed. After all, whilst he wasn't a disaster in his first season in England, Mitrovic still failed to hit double figures in the PL in 2015/16.

Nothing wrong with welcoming Mitro's goals in the Championship AND still being fully behind Rafa's efforts to keep us in the Premier League against the odds.

The two things can both happen at the same time you know...

Rafa Benitez appearing at an event in February at the Tyneside Cinema organised by The Times – Asked about the wisdom of loaning out Aleksandar Mitrovic:

"Mitro...I have had a lot of conversations with him.

"He needed to play (in the second half of the season), I couldn't guarantee he would play.

"Some people say: 'Oh Rafa is stubborn, he doesn't want to recognise he has made a mistake...'

"No, it is not like this, because if it was like this, I wouldn't play Mitro at all...

"But I was playing him, sometimes for 20 minutes, why?

"Because I wanted him to score the winning goal.

"People forget one thing.

"For me it is about picking the right team to ensure that we can win.

"Mitro needed to play and I couldn't guarantee (that) the way that we wanted to play (that he would play).

"If you know Mitro really well...if you do attack and create a lot of chances and crosses, he will score goals, no doubt aboutthat.

"But a team that has 40-45, even 35% possession in some games, you have to defend, you have to play counter-attack.

"If you don't have all these players who can do that, you have to sacrifice something.

"It is the team, the organisation of the team, if we don't do that we will be exposed.

"The team is the key and the characteristic of the players are crucial – I have to do the best for both."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/03/everybody-needs-calm-aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-united/

 
Jokanovic to field an unchanged XI – Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham lineup to face Preston North End

Jokanovic to field an unchanged XI – Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham lineup to face Preston North End

Fulham are absolutely flying right now and at last, they seem to have found the balance they missed all through the first half of the campaign. To continue their fine run of form, the club will travel to face Preston North End on Saturday.

An easy and entertaining 3-0 win over Sheffield United in midweek further strengthened their place within the playoff picture and have kept them in the hunt only for an automatic promotion place.
Team News

Tomas Kalas remains out but the other big-hitters should all be present in what is likely to be a very strong XI in a 4-3-3 formation.
Predicted Fulham XI
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Marcus Bettinelli

Another start beckons for the 25-year-old, who seems to be the long-term option here for Slavisa Jokanovic.

RB – Ryan Fredericks

Has kept his place despite the rumours of him leaving for free at the end of the season and the arrival of Cyrus Christie from Middlesbrough.

CB – Dennis Odoi

Odoi has been filling in nicely at centre-back though he might be given more trouble at Deepdale.

CB – Tim Ream

Offers up crucial experience in the Fulham defence and shouldn't let his side down.

LB – Matt Targett

Probably belongs in the Premier League since his quality is obvious and his presence is one of the reasons Fulham have taken off since the turn of the year.

CM – Tom Cairney

A player of definite Premier League class and one who captains the side very competently. Remains a goalscoring threat from the midfield and is expected to put a shift in.

CM – Kevin McDonald

The workhorse in the line-up effectively, and one whose participation is vital in away games. Preston will battle hard in the middle of the park, so McDonald needs to be at the top of his game.

CM – Stefan Johansen

Like Cairney, Johansen is a goal scoring threat from his position just to the side of McDonald. However, the player will need to remain disciplined in the face of a potential home onslaught.

RW – Sheyi Ojo

Lucas Piazon is pushing for a start but Ojo is better on this side of the field.

LW – Ryan Sessegnon

The youngster may tire at some point but for now, he still remains full of energy and is always capable of a goal.

ST – Aleksandar Mitrovic

It's 5 goals and 2 bookings in Mitro's 7 games for Fulham and the fans are getting exactly what they wanted. He's a shoo-in for another start at Deepdale. Incidentally, it is the same place where he scored twice for Newcastle last year.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/03/08/jokanovic-to-field-an-unchanged-xi-strongest-4-3-3-fulham-lineup-to-face-preston-north-end/

 
Reportedly lined up by West Ham for free transfer, Ryan Fredericks grabs seventh assist of the season

Fulham's Ryan Fredericks notched yet another assist on Tuesday night.

Speculation may be surrounding Ryan Fredericks' future with Fulham, but he isn't letting that affect his performances having impressed again versus Sheffield United.

Fulham went into Tuesday's clash with Sheffield United in blistering form, and recorded yet another win as Slavisa Jokanovic's men coasted to a 3-0 victory.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in the first half, including a nonchalant flick from Stefan Johansen's pass, to put Fulham 2-0 by half time, before Tom Cairney added a third after the break.

Fulham look unbeatable right now, and whilst Mitrovic will grab the headlines having hit his fifth goal in four games, defender Ryan Fredericks deserves praise for his performances.

The right back has been an important player for Fulham ever since his 2015 move from Bristol City, and he has excelled this season, as his cross for Mitrovic's first against Sheffield United saw him rack up a seventh assist of the campaign.

Only nine Championship players have recorded more assists than the right back, and his attacking play appears to be earning him huge interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Fredericks' contract expires this summer, meaning he can move on for free, and the 25-year-old is a top target for West Ham according to Football.London, with the Hammers plotting to land him for nothing.

Whilst Pablo Zabaleta is solid and experienced, adding an attack-minded full back with pace and end product would be huge for David Moyes' side, especially on a free transfer – and West Ham should have been impressed with his latest display.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/07/reportedly-lined-up-by-west-ham-for-free-transfer-ryan-frederick/

 
Day after report claims Ryan Sessegnon wants Liverpool, it's claimed he's chosen Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon.

According to a report from The Mirror, Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon has decided that he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.

Sessegnon, 17, has come up through the ranks with Fulham having joined the club back in 2008, and he impressed last season with seven goals in 30 games for the Cottagers.

The wonderkid has been a sensation for Slavisa Jokanovic's side this season, hitting 14 goals and four assists in 36 games to aid Fulham's push for promotion.

Many still expect Sessegnon to move on this summer though, and it's claimed that he is now wanting a move to Tottenham due to Mauricio Pochettino's work developing young players and the fact that he wouldn't have to leave London.

What about Liverpool?

Tottenham are allegedly willing to pay £35million to secure Sessegnon's signature this summer, which may well hint at Danny Rose's exit, but the claims come just a day after reports over Liverpool's interest.

The Express claimed on Wednesday that Sessegnon prefers a move to Liverpool over any other Premier League club, but those claims have now been countered with the latest Tottenham reports.

Liverpool have seen Andrew Robertson thrive at left back recently, whilst Jurgen Klopp also has Alberto Moreno at his disposal, meaning the Reds may view Sessegnon as a left winger rather than a left back.

At Spurs, Sessegnon could play anywhere down the left flank given Pochettino's tactical flexibility, and it now remains to be seen whether Liverpool or Tottenham win the race for his signature.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/08/day-after-report-claims-ryan-sessegnon-wants-liverpool-its-claim/