Friends of Fulham

 
New dad George Williams open to idea of staying at St Johnstone

(https://www.thecourier.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/04/george-e1523122589691-487x372.jpg)
George Williams.

New dad George Williams has settled happily into family life in Scotland.

And he is open to the idea of putting down football roots with St Johnstone.

The Fulham man's loan deal at McDiarmid Park runs out in a few weeks, and so too does his contract at Craven Cottage.

Tommy Wright has been impressed with the Welsh international and Williams admitted that signing a permanent deal with Saints is an option that club and player may explore in the close-season.

"I've said before I've loved every minute up here," he said.

"We live in Dunblane and it's beautiful. I'm sure he (his son, Carter) wouldn't complain if he was brought up here.

"It's a completely different lifestyle off the park and I enjoy the fast tempo on the pitch. It's exciting and everyone is so determined to win and it's challenging.

"The boss has mentioned it briefly, but we haven't sat down and talked about the anything. He just wants me to keep playing games and do well and we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

Carter was only born a few days ago but he's already taken in his first football match.

"My missus (Ella) brought him here today so it was good to see him in the stand before the match," said Williams.

"He's a week old today, so I can tell him when he's a bit older he saw me when he was just a week. He's a little Scot, born at Forth Valley Hospital.

"It's been a big change, not as much sleep as I'm used to. I'm looking at about five hours a night if I'm lucky, but I wouldn't change it for the world."

Young Carter certainly wasn't treated to a classic.

The first half was played almost entirely in front of the two defences and it took until the 45th minute for anything resembling a near-thing – a Murray Davidson 20-yarder that scraped the post.

The second period was an improvement and David Wotherspoon forced a good save out of Trevor Carson with a left foot volley.

"First half was even and was a bit of a scrappy game in general," said Williams. "It probably wasn't the best watch.

"Second half we were on top and if anybody was going to win it, you would say that it would have been us.

"In the end it was another point and we can't really complain about it."

Saints and Motherwell are in Premiership no man's land – in no danger of going down and now getting ready for bottom six football.

Williams insisted, though, that the Saints players will keep their foot on the accelerator.

"We want to finish seventh," he said. "That's our target. There won't be any problem with motivation for us.

"Nothing has changed. I want to play as well as I can and we'll see what happens. I've got another mouth to feed at home so there's extra motivation. I'm just taking every game as it comes.  "I want Fulham to go up they've done so well this season and were unlucky last year."

Saints boss Tommy Wright said: "You could argue it was two teams with not a lot to play for but we both wanted to win the game.

"I thought we got into some good positions but just lacked the final ball. Spoony's chance was probably the best of the game.

"It certainly wasn't one for the purists but we probably just edged it.

"We want to win games and finish strongly. Players are playing for contracts – whether it's here or somewhere else – and bonus money.

"I don't want to lose any games, no matter what I'm playing.

"I'll make sure they stay motivated.

"We'll introduce more of our younger players to give them more experience as well."

Saints now have a gap week but for Motherwell there is a Scottish Cup final up next.

Ryan Bowman said: "We knew it was going to be a difficult game. The surface wasn't great so we knew the service up to the strikers wasn't going to be as it usually is. We had to adapt to that.

"It was a physical game and we were prepared for that. We've come out unscathed with no injuries so that's good."



https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/632344/new-dad-george-williams-open-to-idea-of-staying-at-st-johnstone/

 
Newcastle-owned star Aleksandar Mitrovic says he wants Fulham stay

Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Fulham on loan from Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

Newcastle United-owned striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has suggested to The Sun that he would like to stay at Fulham beyond the summer.

Mitrovic joined Championship club Fulham on loan from Premier League side Newcastle in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old striker has failed to impress Magpies manager Rafael Benitez, but the Serbia international has been a huge hit at Craven Cottage.

The former Partizan star has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 10 Championship starts for Fulham since his January switch.

Mitrovic has suggested that he would like to remain at Fulham beyond the summer transfer window, and has also made a joke about the London club's manager Slavisa Jokanovic about leaving for Spanish and European giants Real Madrid.

"If there is any chance, I would love to come back here," Mitrovic told The Sun. "I would love to stay but we have to finish the season well first, to be where we want to be and then there's the World Cup.

"My agent will be working on all that. But, yes, I have a manager here who wants me — although maybe it all depends if Slavisa goes to Real Madrid... "

No surprise for Newcastle fans

Mitrovic, who cost Newcastle £13 million in transfer fees when they signed him from Anderlecht in the summer of 2015 as reported by BBC Sport, seems to be enjoying life at Fulham.

The Serbian's aforementioned comments should not come as a surprise to Newcastle fans, as it is clear that the striker is not rated by manager Benitez.

It would be best for all parties concerned if Mitrovic makes his loan move to Fulham permanent, especially if the London club get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/09/newcastle-owned-star-aleksandar-mitrovic-says-he-wants-fulham-st/

 
Tom Cairney: The real reason why West Ham target was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea game
TOM CAIRNEY is not set to join West Ham despite being spotted sitting behind David Moyes during their Premier League game against Chelsea.

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Fulham captain Tom Cairney was spotted at Stamford Bridge sitting behind West Ham boss David Moyes

Television cameras picked up on the Fulham skipper - a January target for West Ham - being seated near Hammers boss Moyes at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Cairney was at the game in a personal capacity with former Whites team-mate and good friend Matt Smith.

The Scotland international even told fans on Instagram about his day trip and aimed a dig at Fulham's local rivals.

He wrote: "Hopefully watch some total football today with the boy even if it is Chelsea."

West Ham fans flooded social media when they spotted Cairney in the crowd but Moyes played down the speculation.

When asked about the Fulham ace being in attendance at Stamford Bridge, the West Ham boss replied: "No idea, was he?

(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/secondary/Tom-Cairney-West-Ham-1299500.jpg)
Tom Cairney was at Chelsea in a personal capacity alongside Matt Smith

"If he was then it certainly wasn't a ticket from us."

He added: "I was hoping you were going to say Lionel Messi was sitting behind us!"

Cairney is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2021 after putting pen to paper on an extension last summer.

Fulham saw off interest from Newcastle at the start of the season and slapped down West Ham's hopes in January.

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Tom Cairney updated his Instagram story before kick-off

The Championship club could struggle to keep Cairney out of the clutches of Premier League clubs if they fail to win promotion.

However, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are on a club-record 19-game unbeaten run and are hunting down Cardiff City for automatic promotion.

West Ham, meanwhile, remain embroiled in a relegation battle despite picking up a point against Chelsea.

Javier Hernandez's second-half goal cancelled out of Cesar Azpilicueta's strike but the Hammers are just six points clear of the drop zone.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/943393/Tom-Cairney-West-Ham-Stamford-Bridge-Chelsea-Fulham-News-Rumours-Gossip

 
Ahead of the game | Conquering the Cottage

High-flying Fulham await Royals on Tuesday night

Take a look at all your pre-match info as the Royals travel to Craven Cottage on Tuesday night...

Fulham vs Reading
Tuesday 10th April 2018
Sky Bet Championship
Craven Cottage
7.45pm kick-off

The Royals head to Craven Cottage well aware of the size of the task Fulham will pose on Tuesday night - with Slavisa Jokanovic's side unbeaten in their last 19 league outings and pushing for automatic promotion.

That unrelenting form has left the Whites just two points behind Cardiff in second place, with Paul Clement's side having to be at their very best to get a good result in midweek.

Reading go into Tuesday's game off the back of a hard-earned three points against Preston North End at the weekend, courtesy of Mo Barrow's early header that took his personal goal tally to 10 for the season.

Dave Edwards will be available once more after serving a suspension on Saturday afternoon, which will bolster the Royals' options at Craven Cottage.

Tickets

For all ticketing enquiries, follow the link to our Ticket Office page or contact the Ticket Office by phone on 0118 968 1313.

Tickets will be available on the gate to Reading fans for this fixture - with a £5 increase on advance prices for all age categories except Juniors.

Click the button below for full selling information for this game.

Reminder

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



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/ahead-of-the-game--conquering-the-cottage/

 
Fulham duo Mitrovic and Cairney nominated for PFA Player of the Month Award for March

Vote for either Cairney or Mitrovic to win the PFA Bristol Street Motors Championship Player of the Month award for March

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney have been nominated for the PFA Bristol Street Motors Championship Player of the Month award.

Fulham went through the entire month unbeaten once again, with the duo playing a key role as Slavisa Jokanovic's side continued to hunt down Cardiff City and that second automatic promotion spot.

Mitrovic, who seems to love life at Craven Cottage, bagged five goals in March to keep Fulham ticking along, while captain Cairney seems to have recaptured his best form, scoring three and assisting once for the side.

It could be awards galore for the Whites, with Mitrovic picking up EFL Player of the Month, while Jokanovic missed out to Neil Warnock in the Manager of the Month category.

All you need to do for either Mitrovic or Cairney to win is to use the voting form below to select which Fulham man should win - let's be honest, you aren't going to pick either of the others, are you?



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-duo-mitrovic-cairney-nominated-14507629

 
"We'll prepare for the best of Fulham"

Royals boss Paul Clement speaks ahead of a difficult trip to high-flying Fulham this Tuesday...

Unbeaten in 19 in the league and vying for an automatic promotion place, Fulham are the in form side in the division and will undoubtedly provide the sternest of tests when the Royals visit Craven Cottage this week.

"As always in the Championship, we move on quickly. And we have to very focussed. We know it's going to be a difficult game and a big game for both teams," Paul Clement said.

"Similar to the weekend, both teams go into the game needing the points - Preston were pushing for the play-offs especially after Sheffield United lost at Oakwell, and now we go to Fulham who are hunting down second place.

"So it's a big game for them. But it's an important game for us too. Neither team will want a draw - both teams will go into the game looking for a win on Tuesday night.

"You know you're going to a tough place in Craven Cottage, they've got momentum, they've got confidence - but you never know what can happen in football.

"Maybe the pressure, all of a sudden, will be on them - and then, if it is, the question is can we take advantage of that? Our job is to prepare well, prepare for the best of Fulham.

"The gap between us and Barnsley is five but they have a game in hand. And we all know how quickly the situation can change with the games coming along so quickly and points being available to win and lose every week.

"I expect the game to be more fluent, with less direct play on Tuesday night. They play good football and they create good opportunities through flowing football, rotating their positions, athletic players. So it will be a different test.

"We're going to use the next day or two to prepare well for that game. They are the in form team in the Championship with the number of wins they've had recently. But we'll remain focussed and see if we can get another positive result."



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/well-prepare-for-the-best-of-fulham/

 
Slavisa Jokanovic heaps praise on Fulham's defence after third clean sheet in a row

The side kept their third clean sheet on the bounce at Hillsborough and the head coach was quick to praise his side's defensive work

Slavisa Jokanovic is pleased with how his Fulham side are going about their defensive business after keeping their third clean sheet in three games on Saturday.

A 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday meant that the back five went 270 minutes without conceding a goal, with the three points the Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal secured seeing them go within two points of Cardiff City in second.

It's a stark contrast to the beginning of the season, where Fulham struggled to keep the goals out, with the side going 13 games without one in the earlier stages of the season.

But now with Marcus Bettinelli in the goal mouth and a standout season from Tim Ream, the defence is clicking at the right time and Jokanovic was keen to praise the way they're performing.

When asked about Mitrovic's impact, the head coach turned the question round to talk about his defence, saying: "He did his job, created many chances, we shoot 20 times.

"For another side, our defensive side is working very well and we are controlling and we didn't give them [Sheffield Wednesday] so many chances to score the goal.

"In the end of the game they have one situation which was dangerous for us.

"This is our third clean sheet in a row, this is new for my team, we are in good moment and trust each other and this is good news for us."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-heaps-praise-fulhams-14507569

 
Vote For Mitro or TC

Aleksandar Mitrović and Tom Cairney have both been nominated for PFA Championship Player of the Month for March.

Mitrović has already won the Sky Bet award following a month in which he scored five goals, while Cairney was hardly goal-shy in March, finding the back of the net three times.

The Fulham duo are up against Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Patrick Bamford, as well as Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and Callum Paterson of Cardiff City.

The ballot closes at 8am on Wednesday, and you can vote for Mitro or TC below.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/09/aleksandar-mitrovic-tom-cairney-up-for-pfa-championship-player-of-the-month

 
Fulham midfielder keen on permanent move away from Craven Cottage

Fulham winger George Williams is open to making his loan move to St Johnstone permanent in the summer, according to The Courier.

The Wales international is currently on loan to the Scottish Premier League side and his contract with Fulham is set to expire in June. This would make him a free agent and he would be keen on joining St Johnstone on a permanent deal in the summer.

Williams, who is 22 years old, joined the Scottish side on deadline day in January and has enjoyed his time up north. He had fallen down the pecking order at Championship side Fulham and was eager to go out and get some regular playing time.

He started his career at MK Dons and scored his professional goal aged just 16. He was snapped up by Fulham when they were in the Premier League in June 2012. Since then, he has been back on loan to MK Dons twice and also had a loan stint at Gillingham in 2016.

Williams is an established Wales international. He represented them at U17, U19 and U21 level and made his international debut for Wales' senior side in May 2014 against Holland. He has since made 6 caps and was part of the Wales side who got to the Semi-Finals of Euro 2016 in France.

Fulham are in contention for a promotion to the Premier League, though George Williams' future looks set to be elsewhere.



http://the72.co.uk/100200/fulham-midfielder-keen-permanent-move-away-craven-cottage/

 
West Ham target Ryan Fredericks offers strongest hint yet that he wants to stay at Fulham

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to West Ham, but he has said he loves being at Fulham

Ryan Fredericks has said there'd be nothing better than playing for Fulham in the Premier League, despite links with a move away from Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham, with David Moyes watching the 2-0 victory over Leeds United to cast his eye on a number of players.

Fredericks was linked with a move to Stoke City and Swansea in January, although a move never materialised, but the defender has revealed contract talks are still ongoing between his representatives and Fulham.

The club offered him a new deal in December but he has yet to sign it, and with Cyrus Christie's arrival in January it looked like the Whites were preparing for life after Fredericks.

However, he believes there'd be nothing better than playing for the side in the top flight.

He told Get West London: "They're still talking, it's no secret that I love being at Fulham, there'd be nothing better than playing for Fulham in the Premier League.

"We'll have to see what happens.

"Once you get caught up in transfer speculation near the end of the season you're form is going to dip, all I care about is doing well on the pitch and the relevant people will sort out my career while I'm doing the business on the pitch."

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14508105.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Wolverhampton-Wanderers-Sky-Bet-Championship-Craven-Cottage.jpg)
(Image: Mark Kerton/PA Wire)

Fredericks made his 40th appearance in all competitions for Fulham in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday - a result that saw the side extend their unbeaten run to 19 games.

That saw them cut the gap to Cardiff City to just two points after they lost 1-0 to Wolves the night before, and Fredericks thinks they've piled the pressure on the Welsh side, but insists Fulham aren't feeling any themselves.

"It was massive for us, this is always a hard place to come and there aren't many tougher away games, no matter where they are in the table it's always a hard place to come," he added.

"We put a lot of pressure back on Cardiff, we aren't feeling any ourselves, all we can do is keep winning, that's what we're doing and that's what we'll carry on doing and try our best to do that the rest of the season.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-ham-target-ryan-fredericks-14507963

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic says Fulham will 'keep fighting' Cardiff City in battle for automatic promotion

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Battle cry | We won't let up, insists Mitrovic PA

Aleksandar Mitrovic says Fulham must try to win their remaining five matches as they chase Cardiff City in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham closed the gap on second-placed Cardiff to just two points with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Cardiff lost 1-0 to Wolves on Friday and Fulham will look to turn up the pressure on their rivals when they play Reading at Craven Cottage.

Cardiff, who have a game in hand over Fulham, are away at Aston Villa.

Mitrovic, who scored the winner against Sheffield Wednesday and now has nine goals since he joined on loan from Newcastle, said: "We are very happy, but we don't have time to celebrate.

"Every game until the end of the season is a final. We have to go out there with this mentality to try and win every game. It is going to be hard. It will not be easy but that is the Championship and that is why this league is really interesting. We have to stay hungry, to keep fighting and we will see what is going to happen."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/aleksandar-mitrovic-says-fulham-will-keep-fighting-cardiff-city-in-battle-for-automatic-promotion-a3809336.html

The case for the defence
by Dan on April 9, 2018

Not many football fans get particularly excited about a solid defence. The Italians revere a brilliant back four and catenaccio, but they might be the exceptions that prove the rule. Any manager worth their salt, though, will tell you that a side can't be successful without solid foundations – and they often start at the back. George Graham built his famous Arsenal sides on an almost impregnable rearguard and Highbury regulars embraced their miserly nature with a host of songs to serenade their heroes.

You wouldn't place Slavisa Jokanovic in the same category as Graham for many reasons, but a line from his post-match press conference, highlighting the fact that his side had kept three clean sheets in succession stuck in my mind. The Serbian's Fulham side are lauded for their pretty passing and progressive football that makes the Whites one of the most watchable outfits in the country, but their promotion push last season was undermined by some rather slapdash defending. The goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic, creativity of Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon's raw talent might grab the headlines – but Fulham's defensive discipline might just be crucial, either in helping them overhaul Cardiff City or during those nerve-jangling play-off ties that may lie ahead.

On Saturday at Hillsborough, Fulham denied Sheffield Wednesday, who had scored seven goals in their last two outings, even a shot on target. The closest the Owls game was a rising drive from substitute Fernando Forestieri that flew wide in stoppage time. Marcus Bettinelli might not have been overly tested in south Yorkshire but he proved his worth with that pivotal save from Caleb Ekuban against Leeds in midweek, which might prove crucial come the end of the season. Bettinelli also produced an excellent stop to deny Denis Srbeny at Carrow Road just after half-time before Fulham scored twice on Good Friday – and there's no doubting that the Whites defence has looked much meaner since he replaced David Button in goal.

I've written about Tim Ream's remarkable renaissance before, but the American's journey from fifth choice centre half to the rock around which Jokanovic's back four is built is still worth reflecting on. He told the Times the other week that there was now almost a magnetic understanding between Fulham's players – something which Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes seemed to enjoy at their peak – and the former Bolton defender radiates real confidence through the rest of the side. Where Fulham fans fretted about a lack of defensive cover at the end of January, Jokanovic has a choice of partners for Ream.

The fact that Tomas Kalas, who was outstanding for much of his first season on loan at Craven Cottage, isn't an automatic pick at the heart of the defence is largely down to the splendid performances that Denis Odoi – who is not even a natural centre half – has delivered of late. We got a sense of just how well the Belgian could do as an understudy in the middle at Reading and Leeds at the start of the season, but the way that Odoi has shaken off that costly error against QPR with a succession of composed displays has been particularly impressive. He nullified Adthe Nuhiu with a modicum of fuss at the weekend, which is no mean feat considering the Kosovo striker stands at 6ft 4in. As a result, a fully fit Kalas is awaiting an opportunity from the bench – whilst Marcelo Djalo kicks his heels.

Fulham's full backs get a lot of praise for their adventure, but both are an important part of a disciplined back four. Ryan Fredericks has improved the defensive side of his game no end – and he bailed Fulham out bravely with an incredible recovery run and tackle to stop a dangerous Wednesday break in its tracks on Saturday – whilst Matt Targett is a far more assured defender than people give him credit for. All four of these players read the game exceptionally well and are confident on the ball, which makes Kevin McDonald's critical job as the shield in front of the defence so much easier.

It is right that McDonald gets a few plaudits for Fulham's improved defensive performances. His positioning and disciplines gives Jokanovic's full backs and wide players, as well as Cairney and Johansen in front of him, the license to worry the opposition in far more advanced positions, especially away from home. Looking back on his performances over the past two seasons, it is easy to see why Fulham were so keen to sign him at various points prior to his arrival at Craven Cottage – and his ability to distribute the ball accurately from deep-lying positions is also a huge bonus in transition for a side that likes to break so quickly.

Jokanovic's footballing philosophy is based on retaining possession and hurting the opposition high up the pitch. The Serbian knows Fulham's season is far from finished but those three clean sheets – coming at a time when any slip-up would have probably ended their outside chance of a shot at second place – would have certainly given him a reason to smile.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/the-case-for-the-defence-3/

Fredericks: 'I love being at Fulham'
by Dan on April 9, 2018

Full back Ryan Fredericks has revealed that his representatives and Fulham are still discussing the details of a new contract and reiterated his 'love' for the club.

The 25 year-old, whose current deal at Craven Cottage runs out at the end of the season, has been linked with a host of Premier League sides, but insists his focus is solely on helping the Whites return to the top flight. He told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan that he has decided to concentrate on his football to avoid an untimely dip in form as the Championship season comes to a gripping conclusion:

They're still talking, it's no secret that I love being at Fulham, there'd be nothing better than playing for Fulham in the Premier League. We'll have to see what happens. Once you get caught up in transfer speculation near the end of the season you're form is going to dip, all I care about is doing well on the pitch and the relevant people will sort out my career while I'm doing the business on the pitch.

Fredericks was delighted that Fulham picked up a precious win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. The victory, secured by a third consecutive clean sheet, cut the gap to second-placed Cardiff to two points and the right back believes the Whites are full of confidence ahead of the run-in:

It was massive for us, this is always a hard place to come and there aren't many tougher away games, no matter where they are in the table it's always a hard place to come. We put a lot of pressure back on Cardiff, we aren't feeling any ourselves, all we can do is keep winning, that's what we're doing and that's what we'll carry on doing and try our best to do that the rest of the season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/fredericks-i-love-being-at-fulham/

'Buzzing' Sessegnon believes Fulham can keep 'fantastic' run going
by Dan on April 9, 2018

Ryan Sessegnon was in no doubt just how critical three points were for Fulham at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday – and teenager says that the victory at Hillsborough has given the Whites even more confidence that they can keep their fine form going until the end of the season.

The narrow win in south Yorkshire has helped Fulham cut the gap to second-placed Cardiff City to just two points and Sessegnon says Slavisa Jokanovic's squad have taken great heart from becoming serious players in the automatic promotion picture. The 17 year-old told Fulham's official website that the team were fully aware of the importance of captialising on Cardiff's dramatic defeat by Wolves on Friday night:

    We were aware that we needed to take advantage of that. We all watched the game and knew that if Cardiff slipped up then it was our chance to pounce by getting three points and closing the gap on them. It is especially pleasing because the gap used to be so big. Now we have the belief, we've closed the gap and we keep winning games, so we're just raring to go in the next match.

    We're buzzing. To continue the unbeaten run is a great feeling for us, and now it's just onto the next game. Reading are fighting for their lives to stay in the division. We'll go into it with the same mindset to try and get the three points. It doesn't matter who the opposition is, we just go in with the same mentality to win the game.

Sessegnon felt Fulham showed great maturity to keep their cool and play their ball as Wednesday's solid defending kept the score level until twelve minutes from time.

    We had to be patient. The goal wasn't coming in the first 20 minutes or so, so we had to be patient and wait for our opportunity. We did that and the goal came, so we're happy.

He borrowed the travelling fans' description for goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose ninth goal in as many games ensured that Fulham headed home with all three points.

    He's on fire at the moment. All you have to do is keep feeding him the ball and you know he's going to score the goals for us. Matt Targett had the ball and I made the run forward. He slipped it through the centre-back and the full-back and I just ran onto it. I saw Mitro in the box and fizzed it across and he was able to tap it in.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/buzzing-sessegnon-believes-fulham-can-keep-fantastic-run-going/

 
Reading boss preparing for the best of Fulham in re-run of last year's Play-off semi-final

Reading beat Fulham in last season's play-off semi final, but both sides have enjoyed very different seasons since

Reading boss Paul Clement is preparing to face 'the best of Fulham' on Tuesday night, but wonders if his side can take advantage of promotion pressure.

So far, however, Slavisa Jokanovic's have shown no signs that they're under any pressure having gone 19 games unbeaten to haul second place to within two points - touching distance after a terrible start saw the side in 17th position at one stage.

Whisper it quietly, but the Whites could end the night in second spot, should they beat Reading in a re-run of last season's play-off semi final and Cardiff lose to Aston Villa in the evening's big game.

And ahead of the game, Clement is hoping Reading can take advantage of any pressure Fulham might be feeling.

He said: "It's a big game for them. But it's an important game for us too. Neither team will want a draw - both teams will go into the game looking for a win on Tuesday night.

"You know you're going to a tough place in Craven Cottage, they've got momentum, they've got confidence - but you never know what can happen in football.

"Maybe the pressure, all of a sudden, will be on them - and then, if it is, the question is can we take advantage of that? Our job is to prepare well, prepare for the best of Fulham.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-boss-preparing-best-fulham-14508475

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic is 'on fire', says Fulham team-mate Ryan Sessegnon

(http://e2.365dm.com/18/02/16-9/20/skysports-aleksandar-mitrovic-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-championship-football_4240065.jpg?20180224192325)
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Ryan Sessegnon

Ryan Sessegnon has praised the form of team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic, after the Serbian's latest goal fired Fulham further into the equation for automatic promotion on Saturday.

Mitrovic scored the only goal of the game as they won 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday, closing the gap to just two points on second-placed Cardiff, although the Bluebirds do have a game in hand. It was the striker's ninth goal since joining the club on loan from Newcastle.

"He's on fire at the moment," Sessegnon told Fulham's official website. "All you have to do is keep feeding him the ball and you know he's going to score the goals for us.

"Matt Targett had the ball and I made the run forward. He slipped it through the centre-back and the full-back and I just ran onto it. I saw Mitro in the box and fizzed it across and he was able to tap it in.

"We had to be patient. The goal wasn't coming in the first 20 minutes or so, so we had to be patient and wait for our opportunity. We did that and the goal came, so we're happy. We're buzzing. To continue the unbeaten run is a great feeling for us, and now it's just onto the next game."

Fulham's latest win was vital as they managed to capitalise on Cardiff's slip against Wolves on Friday night, and with Neil Warnock's side facing a tough trip to Aston Villa on Tuesday night, Fulham could jump above them if they beat Reading and the result at Villa Park goes their way.

(http://e0.365dm.com/18/04/16-9/20/skysports-aleksandar-mitrovic_4276464.jpg?20180407174424)
Mitrovic celebrates scoring for Fulham

"We were aware that we needed to take advantage of that," Sessegnon said. "We all watched the game and knew that if Cardiff slipped up then it was our chance to pounce by getting three points and closing the gap on them.

"It is especially pleasing because the gap used to be so big. Now we have the belief, we've closed the gap and we keep winning games, so we're just raring to go in the next match."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11324125/aleksandar-mitrovic-is-on-fire-says-fulham-team-mate-ryan-sessegnon

 
Floyd Ayite to be assessed ahead of Fulham clash with Reading

In-form Fulham will check on Floyd Ayite ahead of the visit of Reading.
Winger Ayite came on as a substitute during the 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday but lasted just 10 minutes before going off injured.
Boss Slavisa Jokanovic has an otherwise fully-fit squad for the Craven Cottage clash.
Fulham are looking to make it 20 games unbeaten and keep the pressure on second-placed Cardiff.
Reading can welcome back midfielder Dave Edwards from suspension.
Edwards missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Preston after he was sent off against Aston Villa in midweek.
Defender Tyler Blackett will be assessed after he sat out at the weekend having picked up a knock against Villa.
Saturday's victory left Paul Clement's side five points clear of the relegation zone.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=483206

 
Leeds United take Fulham youngster on two-week scholarship trial

The 18-year-old defender is on trial with Leeds as their U23 side took on Millwall this afternoon

Leeds United have taken Fulham youngster Dan Martin on a two-week scholarship trial, with the youngster playing for the side's U23s this afternoon.

The 18-year-old joined the Whites from Maidstone United, making his debut in the U18 set-up in 2015/16 and it seems that Leeds have taken the youngster on trial this afternoon.

Martin is a left sided defender, who can also play in midfield, has played 12 times for Fulham's U18s this season.

The U18 side currently occupy 7th place in the U18 Premier League table, having won six, drawn six and lost seven this season, while they were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by local rivals Chelsea in a 6-0 defeat.

Meanwhile, in the first team, Ryan Fredericks has revealed he would love to play in the Premier League with Fulham .



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/leeds-united-take-fulham-youngster-14509430

 
Fulham v Reading
TUE 10 Apr 2018   Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage


Fulham will hope winger Floyd Ayite (hamstring) has shaken off an injury picked up at Sheffield Wednesday.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic has an otherwise fully-fit squad as they bid to stretch their unbeaten run to 20 matches.

Reading have midfielder Dave Edwards back from suspension and will monitor defender Tyler Blackett (illness) who missed the home win against Preston.

Centre-backs Paul McShane (hamstring) and Tommy Elphick (knee) remain out as they continue their recoveries.

Fulham will move up to second in the Championship if they beat the Royals and Cardiff fail to win at Aston Villa.

Reading manager Paul Clement told BBC Radio Berkshire:

"You never know in football what can happen.

"Fulham are a really in-form team, probably the in-form team in the Championship, they're hunting down second place.

"But, you don't know how the game will become for them now psychologically and the pressure that will bring knowing they also need to get a result.

"They know we need to get points as well and we go there trying to get as many as we can."

SAM's prediction
Home win 75%   Draw 16%   Away win 9%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts

    These sides last met at Craven Cottage in May 2017 in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, sharing a 1-1 draw.
    In regular league meetings, the Royals have conceded nine goals in their past two away trips to Craven Cottage, losing 4-2 in October 2015 and 5-0 in December 2016.
    In Championship meetings during the regular season, Slavisa Jokanovic's two home matches against Reading have ended in victory, winning 4-1 as Watford manager in March 2015 and 5-0 last season with Fulham.
    The Royals have won two of their past three Championship games, after a run of just one win in 18 prior to that.
    Fulham's club record run of 19 league games unbeaten (W15 D4) is also the longest current run in English league football.
    Sone Aluko - who played in the reverse fixture for Fulham but now plays for Reading - has scored one and assisted one in two previous league matches against the Cottagers.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43624043

 
Parker's Store Appearance

Former Fulham right-back Paul Parker will return to Craven Cottage on Tuesday, and you could meet him!

Paul will be at the Stadium Store from 5.30-6.30pm ahead of our meeting with Reading, where he'll be signing items and posing for photographs with Whites fans.

Before going on to represent England at the 1990 World Cup, Paul made 181 appearances for Fulham from 1981-1987, before returning for a handful of runouts at the end of his career in 1997.

While you're there, why not pick up the retro 1986 FFC shirt which Paul wore with distinction as a young player, and get it signed by the man himself?



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/09/paul-parker-stadium-store-appearance

 
Millwall boss Neil Harris: Bolton game every bit as important as Fulham, Sheffield United, Boro and Aston Villa games
By Richard Cawley

Neil Harris has spelled out that tomorrow's game at Bolton Wanderers is every bit as crucial as Millwall's run-in against fellow Championship promotion-chasers.

The Lions look to make it 16 matches unbeaten in the league when they travel to face Wanderers, who are fighting against the drop.

Millwall follow that with a game at Sheffield United on Saturday and then host Fulham at The Den before further crunch encounters at Middlesbrough and a final day of Aston Villa in South London.

Harris said: "Bolton is as big a game as Sheffield United, Fulham, Boro and Villa.

"Bolton need the points as much as anybody, they have been pulled back into a relegation battle from nowhere.

"My players won't be getting too excited about the fixtures in front. We've got five games to go and are in a great position. We've just got to go and enjoy the games.

"If we don't win another game, so what? What a great season Millwall have had. We want to win every game, we really do. We know that in every game we play we will have moments of quality.

"Sometimes you need your goalkeeper and defence to stand strong or a little bit of luck.

"We are playing full of confidence at the moment. The team – mentally and physically – are in a really good place.

'I really enjoyed watching my team play in an electric atmosphere, the fans were brilliant.

"Will we come unstuck? That's not for me to state. Everyone has got to remember how far we have come and what makes us an unbeaten team in 15 games and we go to the next one.

"If everybody does their job to the best of their ability then there's no reason we can't keep winning games."



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/millwall-boss-neil-harris-bolton-game-every-bit-as-important-as-fulham-sheffield-united-boro-and-aston-villa-games/

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic has added the missing piece to the Fulham puzzle, claims Ryan Fredericks

Another goal from the Newcastle loanee saw Fulham extend their unbeaten run to 19, and Fredericks believes he's added everything to the side

Ryan Fredericks believes Aleksandar Mitrovic has added the missing piece to the puzzle for Fulham since his arrival from Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in 12 games for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, including the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday to extend Fulham's unbeaten run to a monumental 19 games.

Goals and an out-and-out striker was something the side have been missing this season, with Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara coming in and having impacts, but not quite to the extent that Mitrovic has had in his short time at Craven Cottage,

And with Reading coming to visit on Tuesday evening, Fredericks thinks that Mitrovic has added Premier League to the side.

He said: "He's added everything, a bit of Premier League quality, you feel like he's got something to prove.

"Everyone has seen how good he is and he has nothing to prove in our eyes, he's big and strong and can get in behind and holds the ball up brilliantly for us.

"He's a missing piece puzzle that was maybe missing the first half of the season, but we also have two other good strikers is Abou and Rui who are very different, but both very good too.

"We have a great squad, people can come on and change games and the boys that are starting are doing a job at the moment too."

Those 19 games unbeaten is an on-going club record for Fulham - something that Fredericks has put down to hard work and quality.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14490286.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Leeds-United-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

It's a run that has seen the side go from 17th place to third, just two points off Cardiff City in second, and if results go the right way on Tuesday, Fulham could end the night in second.

And Fredericks has credited the management staff on the way they've been setting the side up as a key reason why they keep winning games.

He added: "Hard work and quality, you have to have quality to go on long runs.

"Mostly it's off the ball, we're working hard as a team, all 11 players, not just the back four and the holding midfielder and the goalkeeper.

"We're closing people down, pressing high up from the front and to be fair to the coaching staff, they're setting us up really well in every game and giving us the best chance to go and win."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-added-missing-piece-14508748

 
Jokanović: Show Patience

Slaviša Jokanović believes Fulham may have to be patient when Reading visit Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

The Royals have kept clean sheets in two of their three matches since Paul Clement replaced Jaap Stam, and Jokanović expects a difficult encounter on the banks of the Thames.

"It's a new test for us," he told fulhamfc.com. "It's going to be tough, like always.

"They changed their coach, they've tried to be a little bit more solid, a little bit more organised defensively. They're going to drop into an organised shape and try and catch us on the counter attack.

"From our side we must show patience, find pace with the ball, try and dominate the game, put them under stress, and try and open up their organised defence.

"I am not thinking about our [19-game unbeaten] run, I am thinking only about the Reading game, about our performance, about our way of playing football, about being confident, about showing ambition, about trying to dominate the opposition, and trying to score a goal.

"We've shown a great defensive level, and we must be focused, we must concentrate to give ourselves a good starting position."


A win for the Whites, coupled with Cardiff City failing to pick up three points, would move us into the automatic promotion places, but Jokanović does not think there is any additional pressure on his side.

"There's no point thinking about something that is not in your hands," he explained. "At the moment all our focus is on the Reading game.

"I believe tomorrow we are in a mentally easier situation than Reading. They must understand they are one step away from being in a complicated situation.

"We are where we are, now we look forward and try and do our job."

Craven Cottage has been packed out of late, and Jokanović is not underestimating the impact that the Fulham faithful has.

"It's a crucial moment of the Championship," he stated. "We need a push from the stands. We have received a lot of support from the stands already, which we are happy about.

"We have been playing in front of an almost full stadium which is good news for us because this makes it a better atmosphere at the Cottage. This is the situation we want, and we enjoy it a lot when it's close to selling out.

"We expect it's going to be a great night and we're going to be focused on trying to find our best performance and our style, and in the end to be competitive and win the game."

Season Ticket Holders can get two additional tickets for the Reading game for just £5 each! Offer ends midnight Monday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/09/slavisa-jokanovic-show-patience

 
Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon stokes promotion fire by sending warning to Cardiff City

The teenage sensation has been heavily involved as Slavisa Jokanovic's side sweep all before them

Ryan Sessegnon has warned Cardiff City that Fulham are ready to pounce in the hunt for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Bluebirds' dramatic defeat by Wolves on Friday night allowed Fulham to cut the gap to just two points in the race for second place.

Fulham have put together an incredible 19-match unbeaten run to remain in contention, and can leapfrog Cardiff into the Championship top two if they beat Reading on Tuesday night and Neil Warnock's side stumble at Aston Villa.

Teenage full-back Sessegnon admits the Fulham squad were watching events in Cardiff closely on Friday night before securing a 1-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday less than 24 hours later.

(https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article14366292.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS144635248.jpg)
Sessegnon has contributed to Fulham's rich vein of form

"We were aware that we needed to take advantage of that," Sessegnon told the club's website.

"We all watched the game and knew that if Cardiff slipped up then it was our chance to pounce by getting three points and closing the gap on them.

"It is especially pleasing because the gap used to be so big.

"Now we have the belief, we've closed the gap and we keep winning games, so we're just raring to go in the next match."

Fulham host Reading at Craven Cottage as the Bluebirds face Villa in the midlands.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-wonderkid-ryan-sessegnon-stokes-14510658

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic is on fire - but lets not forget about Fulham's other signing of the season

Mitrovic will get all the plaudits for his goals - but for our Fulham reporter, Matt Targett has also been one of the signings of the season

Aleksandar Mitrovic is on fire, and there's no doubting his goals have fired Fulham to within touching distance of the Premier League.

It was a match made in heaven on Transfer Deadline Day - a Whatsapp conversation between himself and Slavisa Jokanovic meant that the wheels were set in motion, and by 11.30pm that night Mitrovic was holding a Fulham shirt.

Now, 12 games and nine goals later, it looks like Mitrovic could well be the signing of the season, despite only being signed on January 31.

His goals have been instrumental, while his presence has added that final piece to the jigsaw that has turned the Whites from nearly-men to full on promotion machine.

And come the end of the season, when people praise his signing as one of the additions of the season, I'll agree with them.

But my thoughts will go to another position, one not so nearly as attractive as a goal scoring forward, and I will shift with unease when I think of where Fulham might be had they not added this player to their ranks.

His name is Matt Targett, and I think he's also one of the signings of the season.

The 22-year-old joined Fulham from Southampton on January 22, and he has since played 13 games for his new club, scoring once.

Goals get you the headlines, but Targett has helped the side keep six clean sheets and has NEVER lost in a Fulham shirt.

I don't care who you are - that stat is staggering in itself.

Like Mitrovic, Targett is exactly what Fulham needed - a strong left back who can get forward and back down the touchline, exactly how Jokanovic wants his fullbacks to play.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14365446.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/targett.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

Since losing Scott Malone, the Whites haven't had someone like that - Ryan Sessegnon played there but isn't as good defensively in my view, and needed to be utilised further forward to cause havoc, while Rafa Soares didn't have the legs to play the way Jokanovic wanted.

Targett's acquisition meant that Sessegnon could roam further forward, score goals at will and frighten fully grown men who were leaving high school when the 17-year-old was born, safe in the knowledge he has the Southampton loanee behind him.

There's also the fact that Targett is extremely strong defensively.

His reading of the game is excellent and he always looks comfortable, no matter what area of the pitch he finds himself in.

If you know me at all, you'll know I like the defensive side of the game, and get just as excited when I see a defender smash into an attacker (fairly, I may add) as I do when I see a 30-yard goal, and Targett is one of those old fashioned defenders who likes to get stuck in.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14490295.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Leeds-United-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

He's added steel, intelligence and grit to the back line - it's no surprise to me that the upturn in defensive clean sheets has coincided with Targett's arrival.

People will point to Mitrovic as the key signing, and why wouldn't you? Nine goals in 12 games, a physical presence up front, he's the complete package that the Fulham have been crying out for.

But the 22-year-old Southampton man's arrival has ensured the left side of the pitch is as balanced as the right, and since signing he's been consistent in every game - something that has been crucial in this run in.

He returns to Southampton after the season and it remains to be seen whether he'll be back in the white of Fulham next season.

I, for one, hopes he is - you'll be hard pressed to find another left back with the experience and talent Targett has at 22.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-fire-lets-not-14509030

 
The Championship promotion race: Will Cardiff, Fulham or Aston Villa claim second spot?

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/04/09/champpromotionrace_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpJliwavx4coWFCaEkEsb3kvxIt-lGGWCWqwLa_RXJU8.PNG?imwidth=1240)
Neil Warnock, Aleksandar Mitrovic and John Terry are all vying for promotion

With Wolves on the verge of sealing their place back in the Premier League as Championship champions, the race for the second automatic promotion spot it hotting up.

We are into the season's final stretch now, and three teams still have a chance of claiming second place. Here, we take a closer look at each side's chances.

Cardiff City
2nd, P40 Pts 80

Form guide

LDWWWW
Strength

Defence. Cardiff have the best defensive record in the Championship, having conceded just 34 goals all season and kept 16 clean sheets - manager Neil Warnock's target at the beginning of the season, which he felt would be sufficient to reach the play-offs.

Since the return of Sean Morrison, they have looked even more comfortable at the back. Warnock admits his squad isn't as good as that of Aston Villa or Wolves, but what he does have is a strong spine to the side and an approach very much in the mould of their muck 'n nettles manager.

"We haven't got the Rolls Royces of the division, but, by gum, we've got some endeavour and a lot of skill in some areas as well," Warnock said, recently.
Weakness

Warnock is often criticised for his tactics being one-dimensional. Kenneth Zohore, who has scored eight goals for Cardiff, is often used as a target man to get the ball forward quicker, producing a style of play which can lead to some grumbling from the supporters.

Warnock riles at suggestions he is predictable: "If you've got a target man or someone strong in the air, they can play the ball out to players occupying the wide positions," he pointed out.

Key man

Callum Paterson, who has enjoyed a successful 2018 in a new advanced position. He has taken his goal tally to nine and is the club's second top scorer. The Scotsman had to come off in the defeat against Wolves, but Warnock will be hoping he is fit to feature against Aston Villa on Tuesday in a game that could go a long way to sealing second place.
Remaining games

Aston Villa (a), Norwich Ciy (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Derby County (a), Hull City (a), Reading (h)

Fulham
3rd - P41 Pts 78
Form guide

WWWDWW
Strength

Scoring - especially on the counter, where their pace can be devastating. Last season, Fulham scored 85 goals and could overhaul that tally this year (they currently have 71). Their calculated, quick approach in possession means they can soak up pressure and hit teams on the break. Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has pace in abundance, especially down the left-hand side with Ryan Sessegnon and Sheyi Ojo. Sessegnon has scored a remarkable 14 goals, with 10 coming in his last 18 games.

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/03/02/TELEMMGLPICT000155525515_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqMTHot3npgdo0TkoF-nXvdLhwPhJlCnf7p_hHvrVBb3w.jpeg?imwidth=1160)
Ryan Sessegnon is a constant threat on the left Credit: pa


Weakness

Despite Fulham's strength on the break, they are often guilty of sloppiness in possession and are caught out having over-committed in attack. Sessegnon and his opposite full-back, Ryan Fredericks, can be exposed in this area and Jokanovic has moved Sessegnon to the left wing to provide more cover for his full-back. This has paid dividends, with Fulham having now kept three clean sheets in three games. Earlier on in the season, they went 13 games before keeping a clean sheet.

Key man

Aleksander Mitrovic. The on-loan Newcastle striker scored his ninth goal in nine games to extend Fulham's unbeaten run to 19 matches at the weekend against Sheffield Wednesday. He is already their second top scorer this season and his physicality gives Fulham another dimension to their play: he is the battering ram who can hold the ball up for his quicker, more mobile team-mates to find space around him.
Remaining games

Reading (h), Brentford (h), Millwall (a), Sunderland (h), Birmingham (a).

Aston Villa
4th - P41 Pts 73
Form guide

LWDLLW
Strength

Villa's side is bursting with creativity, led by Robert Snodgrass, who has produced a division-high tally of 14 assists. The Scotland international is gradually scrubbing away the miserable experience of his stint at West Ham, where he accused then-manager Slaven Bilic of playing him out of position, and has also chipped in with seven goals. Add that to Albert Adomas's tally of 14, and the skills of Jack Grealish - who has four goals and as many assists - and you begin to see why Villa are still considered a threat, despite their recent wobbles.


Weakness

Consistency has been a problem for Villa this season. They were the pre-season favourites to be champions; instead, they find themselves fourth and with automatic promotion rapidly slipping over the horizon. Since beating Wolves 4-1, they have lost to Norwich, Bolton, QPR, and drawn 0-0 with Hull, while their most recent loss against Norwich City, saw the fans turn against the players.

"The players have let the supporters down, and they have also let themselves down. We have failed to perform when we really needed to," said manager Steve Bruce.
Key man

John Terry has been a colossus at the heart of Villa's defence, earning a place in the Championship Team of the Year, despite missing 10 games through injury. Terry has started in 31 of Villas 41 fixtures so far, helping them keep 12 clean sheets, and will be pivotal if Villa are to regain their place at English football's top table.

"John Terry is a natural leader of men on and off the pitch," Bruce has said. "He is a wonderful footballer but what he has brought to the dressing room is important. He knows what it is like to play the top level."
Remaining games

Cardiff (h), Leeds (h), Ipswich (a), Derby (h), Millwall (a)



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/09/championship-promotion-race-will-cardiff-fulham-aston-villa/

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: 'Pressure is on Cardiff City'

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted that the pressure is on Cardiff City in the battle for second place in the Championship.

The Serbian coach said that he is feeling "relaxed" as their promotion campaign approaches its conclusion, since he believes that the runners-up spot is Cardiff's to lose.

"I don't know how they feel but we feel completely relaxed," the Daily Mail quotes Jokanovic as saying.

"We've never been second. Cardiff can feel some pressure. We can win something; they can lose something."

Fulham moved within two points of Cardiff when they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at the weekend, although the Welsh outfit have one game in hand.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/slavisa-jokanovic-pressure-on-cardiff_323090.html

 
Denis Odoi turns up the heat on Cardiff and warns they are 'being hunted' by Fulham

Denis Odoi says Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has to be more stressed than his own boss Slavisa Jokanovic because his side are "being hunted" by Fulham.

The Whites closed the gap on second-place Cardiff to two points at the weekend after the Bluebirds were beaten at home by Wolves and Jokanovic's side won away at Sheffield Wednesday, with just five games left.

An angry Warnock lashed out at Wolves' boss Nuno Espirito Santo over a lack of class in victory, but Jokanovic has insisted his team are relaxed as they look for three more points against Reading that could assure them of at least play-off spot.

Odoi said: "I don't know if Slavisa is relaxed. Maybe he is saying he is relaxed, I don't know, but I'm pretty sure Neil Warnock is more stressed than he is for the moment.

"We are just chasing and they are the ones being hunted. If you are running away from someone it is more stressful than for the guy that's chasing you. That's what's happening for the moment and we'll see if we catch them or not.

"I watched part of the Cardiff game, and other guys watched it and they told me about it. It was pretty crazy. I know the result, that's enough for me. I don't need to see the images.

"I am not a psychologist of Cardiff so I'm not going to tell them what to do. But it's hard. In the Championship the next game is three days later, so they have another chance for redemption. But I am not hoping for redemption from their side.

"Tuesday could defining but I think there will be other games that will define the rest of the season. We made a good step and Cardiff dropped some points, but we'll need them to drop some more points. So there will probably be other defining moments."

Belgian right-back Odoi almost left Fulham to return to his home country with Gent last summer but has been a revelation at centre-back instead during the Whites club-record 19-game unbeaten run, after his moved was blocked by the club.

"Maybe if they said I could have done maybe I wouldn't be here," he said. "It's just the way that things happen and I give my all in every training, every day, and for the moment I'm enjoying my time. It's really fun.

"I don't know if it's a masterstroke to put me at centre-back but the gaffer knows mine and Tomas Kalas's qualities, and then maybe he picks us depending on the game. It's a really nice club to play for. Not losing for 19 games is really nice.

"Of course I want to be a part of it (if Fulham are promoted) but you need to be a realist and say 'the Premier League, more money, other players'. But I will still fight for my spot whether it is Championship or Premier League. We will see what happens."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11324425/denis-odoi-turns-up-the-heat-on-cardiff-and-warns-they-are-being-hunted-by-fulham

 
Southampton Keen To Sign In-demand Championship Star: A Logical Move?

Fulham's defensive star Ryan Fredericks has apparently been courted by West Ham United, as per recent reports. Head coach David Moyes is even willing to weigh up a move for the 25-year-old in the upcoming summer transfer window, after being impressed by his performance against Leeds United.

However, the Hammers could face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs with Southampton and Swansea City also interested in his services.

Southampton, in particular, are in dire need of defensive reinforcements this summer, following an awful season in the English top flight. The Saints are currently dipped in the relegation dogfight but could manage to survive the drop, should they gather enough points in the upcoming matches.

However, should they fail to survive relegation come the end of the season, the Saints are more than expected to lose the services of few of their star players, including Ryan Bertrand. The former Chelsea fullback is regarded as one of the best left-backs in England at the moment and is already courted by league leaders Manchester City.

In fact, the England international has been one of the most consistent left-backs in the league. Therefore, his departure may prove to be a huge blow for the Saints, especially if they drop to second division next season.

However, in the shape of Ryan Fredericks, Southampton may have found a perfect player, who can not only fill in the left back spot but also prove to be a very capable replacement for Ryan Bertrand.

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the defensive department for Fulham, who are one of the teams highly expected to win promotion this time around. He has made 39 appearances in the Championship this season, where he has already notched up an impressive tally of nine assists. Only Tim Ream and star player Ryan Sessegnon has managed more minutes than the England fullback for Fulham, which reflects as to how important he has been for the Cottagers, this campaign.

However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the 25-year-old will be looking for a new club in the upcoming summer transfer window. Southampton will definitely be the most logical destination for Ryan Fredericks considering their ability to nurture talented players.

But that being said, securing his services might prove to be a little too difficult for the Saints, especially with the opportunity of playing in the Premier League presented with the interest of West Ham United.



http://madaboutepl.net/2018/04/southampton-interested-in-the-services-of-fulhams-ryan-fredericks/

 
Beaten by the better team

Jos Luhukay conceded that Fulham were the better team in S6 as the Londoners flexed their promotion muscles with a 1-0 win.

Alaksandar Mitrovic scored the only goal of the game late in the second half to keep the heat on Cardiff in second place.

And Owls boss Luhukay said there was no doubting the victors as Wednesday's three-game winning run came to an end.

"Fulham were the better side, particularly in the second half. They could have scored more goals than they did.

"Joe Wildsmith made some very good saves, some in a one on one situation, so for me they were the better side today.

"It was frustrating for us because we saw a lot of the ball but Fulham are a very good side who will always try to attack.

"Today we saw a team who are fighting for automatic promotion and I think Fulham will fight all the way to the end."

To add to a bleak afternoon for Wednesday, influential midfielder Barry Bannan was withdrawn with a possible re-occurrence of his groin injury.

Jos Luhukay conceded that Fulham were the better team in S6 as the Londoners flexed their promotion muscles with a 1-0 win.

Alaksandar Mitrovic scored the only goal of the game late in the second half to keep the heat on Cardiff in second place.

And Owls boss Luhukay said there was no doubting the victors as Wednesday's three-game winning run came to an end.

"Fulham were the better side, particularly in the second half. They could have scored more goals than they did.

"Joe Wildsmith made some very good saves, some in a one on one situation, so for me they were the better side today.

"It was frustrating for us because we saw a lot of the ball but Fulham are a very good side who will always try to attack.

"Today we saw a team who are fighting for automatic promotion and I think Fulham will fight all the way to the end."

To add to a bleak afternoon for Wednesday, influential midfielder Barry Bannan was withdrawn with a possible re-occurrence of his groin injury.

Luhukay added: "This is the story of our season, we seem to lose one player every game.

"Barry is a very important player for us and we lost 20 or 30% of our football when he went off.

"It is too early without the doctor's report but he will not be available for QPR on Tuesday.

"It looks like it could be a similar injury to before but we must wait to see what the report will say."



https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/beaten-by-the-better-team/

 
Reading FC: Boss Paul Clement insists 'I don't think I'm the saviour'

PAUL Clement insists he is not the 'saviour' of Reading FC.

Boss Clement has made a positive impact since replacing Jaap Stam last month.

Reading had won just once in 18 league games when Stam left, but have now picked up two victories from their last three matches under Clement.

The former Swansea manager is hoping to keep their impressive form going when Royals travel to Fulham tonight (7.45pm ko).

Clement has masterminded back-toback home wins and clean sheets against QPR and Preston North End to boost Reading's survival hopes in the Championship.

Last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Preston leaves Royals five points above the relegation zone going into tonight's clash at Craven Cottage.

But Clement refused to take the credit for the dramatic turnaround.

"From a points tally point of view, I'm very happy," he explained. "We've taken six points from nine which is encouraging.

"I wasn't very happy with what happened at Aston Villa the other night (lost 3-0) but, based on the run before I arrived, it's a positive turnaround and we've got to keep it going.

"I've gone into a club before and got some positive results early on. I've also been at a club where I struggled for results then the man coming in behind me manages to get them.

"I don't think I'm the saviour here, I'm just trying to work well with these players and they're responding well."

When asked if he's enjoying his work, he replied: "No. I enjoy training but not the games."

Reading's victory over Preston was their first in the league on a Saturday afternoon this season and for almost a year.

Mo Barrow notched his 10th goal of the season to give Royals a 12th minute lead before Clement's men were forced to repel a barrage of Preston attacks to clinch the three points.

But Clement anticipates Fulham will pose a very different kind of threat

'I expect the game to be more fluent with less direct play," he said. "Fulham play good football, they have good athleticism so it will be a different test.

"We'll use training to prepare well for it."

Reading drew 1-1 at home with Fulham earlier in the season and beat them in last season's Championship play-off semi finals before losing to Huddersfield in the final.

Clement is unlikely to make many changes for tonight's fixture, though he could leave out full-back Omar Richards, who was taken off at half time against Preston on Saturday.

"It was a gamble to throw him in because we knew there were issues over his physical condition because he'd missed a lot of games," added Clement.

"He's only had two full training sessions with the squad so he's out of condition. That was about as much as we could get out of him. He had a bit of difficulty and Preston aimed a lot of balls at him.

"The opposition managers sees that he's young and is probably out of condition, so it's a tactic they wanted to use.

"So I took him off to protect him which was the best thing for the team. We reorgansied a bit and it worked out okay."

Fulham's 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday left them third in the table and two points behind Cardiff City.



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/16146893.Reading_FC__Boss_Paul_Clement_insists__I_don_t_think_I_m_the_saviour_/

 
Fulham's mastermind wanted by West Ham: the understated brilliance of £20m Tom Cairney

A top flight return beckons, through promotion or a summer move

Tom Cairney will be playing in the Premier League next season. The question that the next few weeks will answer is: will it be for Fulham, or will it be for someone else?

After this weekend, the chances of the answer being the former look pretty good. Fulham's relentless form continued with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, making it 19 league games unbeaten and seven wins from the last eight. More importantly, it closed the gap on Cardiff, who dramatically lost to the handshake-averse Wolves on Friday night, to just two points.

Neil Warnock's men have a game in hand, but that is against a resurgent Derby, and they play Aston Villa on Tuesday. It's just a shame that the two sides won't face each other before the end of the season: in terms of contrasting styles, differing personalities of the two managers and simply how good both teams have been this term, it would have been a monumental clash.

It's also a shame that Fulham's brilliance hasn't been spread out over the season a little more. They took 29 points from the 22 games before this remarkable run, and 49 from the subsequent 19. Had the first half of their season been a little more consistent, then they would have been challenging or even beating Wolves, rather than snapping at Cardiff's heels.

But it probably isn't a coincidence that the time when Fulham's form was patchy almost directly tallied with the time when Cairney was injured. The playmaker missed two months with a knee injury in the autumn, but was back in the team by the end of November.

He missed a few games in January, but other than that he's been an ever-present, and while Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic have understandably received more attention and credit, Cairney is probably Fulham's most important player.

(https://i2-prod.football.london/incoming/article14489982.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-933014404.jpg)
West Ham had a bid rejected for Tom Cairney in January (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

He almost has to be, because of their style of play. Most things go through Cairney, operating in that No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1, and Slavisa Jokanovic's demands mean the man in that position has to direct things.

Cairney excels at that most basic training instruction of keeping his head up, a 360 degree awareness of all things on the pitch that allows him to probe and poke and conduct so effectively. The game against Wednesday was the first in the last six when he hasn't either set up or scored a goal.

"I've said it from last season, I think we play Premier League football in the Championship," said Cairney after Fulham outclassed Sheffield United in March, as reported by the Independent. "We play on the grass, and nine times out of 10 we dominate possession and lots of shots at goal. It's great to play in and I'm sure it's great to watch."

And of course, it's not only the fans that have enjoyed watching Cairney. The official explanation for those games he was absent for in January were rehabilitation on his knee, and while there was almost certainly at least an element of truth to that, continuing transfer speculation may also have played a part.

West Ham and West Brom were supposedly interested, after a £20million bid from Newcastle was turned down last summer. Such talk wasn't exactly dampened down when Cairney was spotted in the crowd for West Ham's draw with Chelsea on Sunday: actually, spotted is probably the wrong word, because that implies it took effort to pick him out.

Cairney posted a picture with QPR beanpole Matt Smith outside Stamford Bridge on Instagram before the game and, by accident or design, his seat happened to be right behind the West Ham bench. This was either a genuinely innocent trip to take in a match with a pal combined with an unfortunate ticket allocation, or the least subtle attempt at engineering a transfer since Peter Odemwingie fired up the SatNav.

You're inclined to believe the former, partly because if it was the latter it was enormously clumsy and ill-advised, but more pertinently Cairney's excellence since January means an unsubtle photo-op isn't exactly required to get anyone's attention. David Moyes was at Fulham's win over Leeds last week, and it's fair to say he probably wasn't scouting Oliver Norwood.

(https://i2-prod.football.london/incoming/article14213459.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-649329254.jpg)
Tom Cairney celebrates after scoring for Fulham against Leeds United in March 2017. (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The man Jokanovic, in his typically understated way, says is "one of the best" in the Championship is showing that. He's good enough for the Premier League now, and almost certainly won't have to wait long to prove that.

It's become a cliche to say that a certain team's best piece of transfer business is to keep hold of a key player, but in Fulham's case this was certainly true. It was a show of determination and a keen leap of faith by Jokanovic to state at the end of last season that they wouldn't be selling Cairney and Sessegnon, and a compliment to a club hierarchy that has not always practiced joined-up thinking, that they backed their manager up.

That decision might just secure them promotion back to the Premier League.



https://www.football.london/championship/fulhams-mastermind-wanted-west-ham-14511262

 
Omogbehin: Giving Opportunities

Fulham's Under-18s lost 2-1 at Motspur Park on Saturday morning to Scott Parker's Tottenham Hotspur side. Fulham went ahead early on, but conceded in both halves and came away without any points.

"I thought we had a good start and we didn't capitalise on it," commented Head Coach Colin Omogbehin. "We sat back after that, it allowed them to get into a passing rhythm.


"We found it difficult to deal with their movement between our midfield lines and it was very easy for them to play through us.

"In the first half they had the majority of possession and deserved their equaliser. I think they could have even gone in at half time ahead, I didn't think we were great after we scored to be honest.

"With a bit better decision making we maybe could have equalised towards the end, whether it was our final pass or the actual effort on goal.

"It could have been a different outcome, however, Tottenham were the better team on the day and deserved their victory in the end."

The Young Whites are next on the road to Norwich City this coming Saturday and Fulham will be looking to bounce back.

"There are two fixtures left this season and we want to finish as strongly as possible. We need to be more competitive and play with as much quality as possible with and without the ball, hopefully we will have that positive end to the season and get ready for the next."

Fulham played with a young team, with four of the players that featured having been promoted in recent weeks.                                                                                           

"We have high hopes for some of our young players and they are getting a lot of minutes at the moment.

"They have come into the team, they train well and have adapted to playing at Under-18 level. They look comfortable so we are looking forward to seeing them progress, we are a Club that always does this. We're not a Blub that packs our teams with second years.

"We always find room for schoolboys if they are good enough and give them the opportunities to play. "



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/10/omogbehin-giving-opportunities

View From The Town End: Fulham
Some inside info from the Cottagers as Reading travel to West London in search of an unlikely three points.

A big thanks to Fulham fan Andrew Beck for this game's Town End. You can find him on Twitter @ARBeck.

How's the season gone for Fulham so far?

That kind of depends. If you'd told me in July Fulham would have five games left, be only two points behind automatic promotion with games remaining against teams in 23rd, 20th, 19th, 10th, and seventh; I would have been OK, but a little disappointed. If you'd told me the same thing in mid October, I'd have been ecstatic.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last 19 games with only four draws. They haven't lost at home since October. They once again are statistically one of the best teams in the division. It's hard to be too upset, but this team is good enough that they should be going up automatically.

What are the big changes between the Fulham side of last season and of this?

The defense is better this year, they're scoring almost as much (second most goals in the league) while giving up about 1/4 of a goal less per match. Fulham also has a lot more depth this year. They have cover at almost every position and I don't think they are going to be getting tired for the stretch run.

Who are the danger-men that Reading fans need to be keeping an eye on?

Aleksander Mitrovic has been a beast since joining on loan in the Winter. Combine that with Tom Cairney rounding into form and Ryan Sessegnon trying to prove he's the best 17 year old on the planet and you'll have your hands full.

What weaknesses can the Royals look to exploit?

Fulham struggles the most when a team packs it, concedes possession, and makes Fulham break them down. Fulham can sometime move too many men into attack and become vulnerable on the counter. If you can defend well for 90 minutes and finish your chance when you get it on a counter, you might have a chance.

How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?

Fulham might very well need to win out to get to second place. This could be the biggest game of the year because a Fulham win could allow them to sneak into second as Cardiff have to travel to Aston Villa. I expect them to be up for this game and to score more than one goal. It's hard to pick against a team that has one loss in 2018. I'll say Fulham win 2-0.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17214510/view-from-town-end-fulham-reading-fc-royals-cottagers

 
Fulham have an attacking dilemma

Despite being the second deadliest attack in the league, Fulham have a problem.

They have no first choice right forward.

Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano, Sheyi Ojo, and Lucas Piazon have all been tried, but none have staked their claim. They have all made between 17 and 26 appearances, yet none has either five goals or assists.

With an outside chance of automatic promotion looming into vision, Slavisa Jokanovic has a serious quandary on his hands.

Ayite has usually started when fit. The Togolese winger has had more starts, 23,  than any of the other candidates. However, he has struggled to produce. Last season, Ayite harvested a healthy bounty of nine goals and seven assists. This has proved a comparatively lean year. He has reaped only four goals, without a single assist.

These struggles have seen Kebano's name bandied around. Yet this is a case of distance making the heart grow fonder.  A return of three goals and three assists from 24 appearances, as well as just 0.5 key passes per game, suggest he is not the solution.

Ojo and Piazon have been, slightly, more productive per appearance. Ojo has four goals and two assists in 21 appearances, while Piazon is statistically the pick of the bunch with four goals and four assists in 17 appearances.

However, both have seen opportunities limited of late by the loan rules. Only five loanees are allowed in each match squad. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Matt Targett, Tomas Kalas, and Oliver Norwood are all either guaranteed starters or necessary back-ups. This leaves one spot between Ojo and Piazon.

The decision of who to include comes down to the role Jokanovic wants them to play. Piazon is a calmer and less excitable presence; Ojo tries to make things happen, with varying degrees of success. For example, Ojo attempts twice as many dribbles per game as Piazon (1.5 to 0.8), but has twice as many bad controls per game (2.1 to 1.1).

This suggests that Ojo should be utilised as an impact sub. So far, he has made a mere four appearances from the bench. Piazon has the strongest claim to start, but, in light of the loan legislation, Ayite is the best bet.

However, what Fulham really need is for one of them to hit form in this final run-in.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-have-an-attacking-dilemma/

 
Matt Targett reveals Southampton have had NO contact with him since joining Fulham on loan

The 22-year-old has also revealed that staying at Fulham if they got promoted would certainly be an option next season

Matt Targett has revealed that his parent club Southampton have had NO contact with him since he joined Fulham on loan in January.

The 22-year-old signed for the Whites in January on a loan deal until the end of the season and has become a staple in Slavisa Jokanovic's side, playing 13 games and not losing a single one.

Other loanees at the club, such as Chelsea's Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon, have regular meetings with their parent clubs, but so far Targett hasn't heard from Southampton, who are in the middle of a relegation battle themselves to try and preserve their Premier League status.

The majority of Fulham fans would love to see Targett back at Craven Cottage next season, and Targett told Get West London that if they were to get promoted, it would certainly be an option for him.

He said: "Believe it or not, I've had none.

"They're in a sticky patch themselves so we'll just have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season.

"[Staying at Fulham next season] is certainly an option, everyone wants to play Premier League football and if Fulham are in the Premier League then I don't see why not.

"I've enjoyed every minute here at Fulham, we haven't lost yet while I've been here and we have to keep that run going.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14365446.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/targett.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

"I knew Fulham were a good side, but I didn't realise just how good they were, it's been nice playing week-in, week-out so I can't complain.

"The manager said to me to play my natural game, I like to pass the ball and he likes that style, it was a no-brainer to come here and I've fitted in perfectly, the lads have helped me and it's been nice."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matt-targett-reveals-southampton-no-14509316

 
Three Players To Watch: Matchday 42 vs. Reading
One word: Reademption!

Last Saturday, Fulham looked like they had a tricky fixture on their hands away to a Sheffield Wednesday side that looked like they were improving under new manager Jos Luhukay. Instead, the result was anything but that to the point where you wondered what the Owls even did during the entire 90 minutes.

In one of Fulham's most dominating performances this season, they outshot Wednesday 22-4, with an 8-0 domination in shots on target. If anything, the 1-0 result did a very poor job of describing the club's dominance all game long. In the end, that is quite fine because this club has been playing with a chip on their shoulder throughout their recent run of good form.

There is a true sense of belief right now that any challenge you put towards Fulham will be met with as much commitment as possible. Now that Aleksander Mitrovic has completed their attack, there is almost little to no weakness within the starting XI and a handful of positions have become interchangeable without the squad needing to skip a beat. It has been beautiful to watch when you consider the run of fixtures being thrown at them.

With five fixtures in 16 days, it would be understandable for any club to go through a bad night in the office or two due to fatigue and forced squad rotation. Instead, Fulham has seemed to not only relish the challenge but get better with every game that is being thrown at them. It has been the staple of this club now since December and long may it continue into May!

Their latest challenge now is to find a way to put all misery behind against their true arch nemesis from a season ago. That is against a Reading team that, despite being under a new manager recently in Paul Clement, has continued to give Fulham fits with their style of play. And with that boring long ball passing (also known as feeding it to Yann Kermorgant's head), the Royals were able to pass through to the playoff final with two of the most boring playoff fixtures you will see in some time. Even the two sides' first fixture since that infamous two-legged affair was miserable thanks to Tomas Kalas' red card. If it wasn't for Lucas Piazon's late equalizer, who knows how fans will feel about tonight's fixture down at Craven Cottage.

But really, today's opponents will have a different feel for who came to Southwest London some 11 months ago. We've already talked about Clement coming in with hopes of bringing in the defensive stability to a club that was missing that under Jaap Stam. That is certainly required, but let's also not forget that their attack has been woeful as well. Like his previous stint at Swansea City, Reading has been a real mess across the board and bluntly have been for some time. But with Kermorgant now only playing 1,135 league minutes, Reading's game plan has fallen apart and their underlying numbers are showing what this club truly is.

How you can only shoot a third-worst rate in the Championship (10.2 times per 90 minutes) while also having the third best possession (54.2%) is anyone's guess. Add in the fact that Reading's shot quality defense has regressed horribly (0.116 expected goals per shot) and you have the recipe for a club that has truly stumbled towards mediocrity. Surely though, there have been a handful of players that have done their best to make this season worth it. Let's go check out who they are as they key men to watch tonight.

Liam Moore

First up is a player that has been previewed before at Cottagers Confidential during Fulham's playoff semifinal. At 25, Moore seemed like a center back that was ready to take the next step towards becoming a ball playing defender that top-flight English club needs. While that is still looking like the case, his long ball passing numbers have deteriorated slightly this season. Along with that, all of his statistical categories when it comes to defending have seemed to decrease slightly across the board.

However, I am not prepared to have statistics being proof as to why Moore is worsening a footballer this campaign. At the end of the day, he is hoofing the ball towards Jon Dadi Bodvarsson more often these days and his center back partner of late has been the less dependable Tiago Ilori instead Paul McShane. While those changes seem minor, it has been able to through Reading's season, let alone Moore's, off-kilter.

Modou Barrow

Next up, we go to one player that has actually seen his reputation improve in the 25-year old Gambian International. Before coming to Reading, Barrow was struggling mightily to break the Swansea City first team. But after signing a permanent contract to Reading, there has been a new lease of life for him and he has rewarded the club with 10 goals and four assists.

Along with that, Barrow has been Reading's most dribbler for a club that is lacking plenty of options in that department. John Swift and Garath McCleary have regressed horribly this season and Reading have struggled to find replacements for Danny Williams and Roy Beerens. In all, it's led to a midfield that is found wanting in the attack, especially when their one secret weapon is no longer receiving playing time at 36 years old.

Sone Aluko
All data from whoscored.com

---

Lastly, we take a look at a former Fulham player who some may feel is having a torrid time with his current club. While playing for the 19th best club in the Championship will surely bring misery towards anyone, let alone a consummate professional in Aluko, we have all witnessed what the 29-year old is capable of.

While he will never be an efficient scorer, a record of three goals and four assists is still right up there among the club's best offensive contributors. Sadly, that is more an indictment towards Reading for not having enough potency in attack than it is a compliment towards Aluko's quality as an attacking wide player. Still, Fulham fans all know what he is capable of and have had font memories towards a player that added leadership towards a club that desperately needed at the time. If Slavisa Jokanovic's men return to the Premier League in the near future, they will all know that Aluko played a major part in getting them to that summit.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17218434/three-players-to-watch-matchday-42-vs-reading

 
Championship promotion odds: Fulham odds-on to make the Premier League after Aston Villa slump

Aston Villa's shock loss against Bolton Wanderers has sent their odds falling

All bookies now have Fulham as odds on to be promoted, as Aston Villa's chances of Premier League football next season recede.

Fulham, whose run has taken them above Villa, are as short as 8/15 to make it into the Premier League next season.

Villa, by comparison, are 5/2 with SkyBet after a series of disappointing results, culminating with a loss to Norwich on the weekend.

Several bookies have stopped taking bets on Wolves being promoted, with Nuno's side potentially days away from confirming their promotion.

Derby County have seen their odds of being promoted wane, and are now largely 9/2.

Tony Pulis's Middlesbrough, who have moved into playoff reckoning, are the same.

Sheffield United are now seen as long odds with the bookies to be promoted.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-promotion-fulham-villa-odds-14163715

 
Reading In Focus

Here is all the pre-match information ahead of Fulham's meeting with Reading at Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening.

Possible opposition absentees

Paul McShane - hamstring injury

Omar Richards - hamstring injury

Tommy Elphick - knee injury

Tyler Blackett - illness

Jordan Obita - knee injury
Tickets

A limited number of seats remain in the home areas and can be purchased from the Ticket Office. Putney End tickets can be bought from the cash only turnstiles.
Weather

There is a chance of rain in Fulham but it should clear before kick-off, at which point the temperature will be a mild 14 degrees.
Pre-match

Fans can pick up a pint of Carlsberg or Somersby for £3.50 (usually £4.80) up until 6.45pm in the Hammersmith, Riverside and Johnny Haynes Stands.
Stadium Store

Former Fulham right-back Paul Parker will be in the Stadium Store from 5.30-6.30pm to chat with fans and pose for photographs.
He said

"You know you're going to a tough place in Craven Cottage, they've got momentum, they've got confidence - but you never know what can happen in football." - Paul Clement, Reading manager
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 7.30pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 8/25

Draw: 21/5

Reading: 8/1
Previous five results

Reading 1-0 Preston North End (Championship)

Aston Villa 3-0 Reading (Championship)

Reading 1-0 Queens Park Rangers (Championship)

Norwich City 3-2 Reading (Championship)

Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 Reading (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/10/reading-in-focus

 
What Fulham need to do to get automatic promotion

The Whites are on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run.

Fulham's last five matches could prove to be the most important month in their recent history. Just two points behind Cardiff City, second place and automatic promotion is within touching distance, yet a variety of things need to go their way.

Tuesday 10 April, Reading (H)

Prediction: 3 points

A fixture that packs a substantial amount of emotional significance, the Whites face off against Reading in very different circumstances than 11 months ago.

The Royals broke Fulham hearts when they knocked them out of the play-off semi-finals in May 2016, but the two sides have gone in divergent directions since.

Ever since losing in the play-off finals to Huddersfield, Reading have endured a nightmare season, currently mired in 19th position after sacking manager Jaap Stam in February.

After undergoing an eight-match winless run starting in February, Reading have won two out of their last three matches. Despite the recent improvement in form, Fulham should easily deal with the Royals at Craven Cottage.

Saturday 14 April, Brentford (H)

Prediction: 3 points

The West London derby will prove to be a tough match, as Fulham lost away at Griffin Park in the reverse fixture. Yet the Cottager's imperious home form will be too much for the Bees; Fulham have not lost at home since Halloween against Bristol City.

Brentford are on a run of good form, unbeaten in their last four, and still harbour faint hopes of sneaking into the play-offs.

But by the time they face Fulham, the gap to sixth will prove to be insurmountable, leaving the Bees with little to play for. This lack of intensity will hand the Whites all three points on their march to second.

Friday 20 April, Millwall (A)

Prediction: 1 point

By far Fulham's most challenging match remaining in their run-in, a trip to The Den to face off against red-hot Millwall is no walk in the park.

Remarkably, Millwall have matched Fulham's scintillating form over the past ten matches; both sides have won eight and drawn two. This scorching spell has led Millwall on a ferocious charge up the table, leaving the South London side just one point off the play-off places.

Millwall's aggressive style of play will cause Fulham numerous problems, and in a match reminiscent of Bristol City away, the Whites will travel back to SW6 with just the solitary point.

Friday 27 April, Sunderland (H)

Prediction: 3 points

Fulham know all too well the dangers of underestimating Sunderland. The Black Cats were the last league side Fulham tasted defeat to, all the way back in mid-December.

This time around, however, Sunderland have sunk further into the relegation places while Fulham have ascended to the upper reaches of the league. Sunderland have won just one of their last 13 matches, an improbable 4-1 victory away at Derby, but the chances of a repeat at Craven Cottage look slim.

On the day, Fulham's quality will prove overwhelming for the League 1 bound Black Cats.

Sunday 6 May, Birmingham City (A)

Prediction: 3 points

The Whites travel to St. Andrew's on the final day of the season to play a relegation-threatened Birmingham City side.

The Midlands outfit have struggled immensely at times this season, but have enjoyed a recent uptick in form, winning four out of their last three and lifting themselves three points clear of safety. Their Championship status is still in limbo, as they face a brutal fight to avoid 22nd place between themselves, Barnsley, and Bolton.

Fulham should have the edge, nonetheless, and will notch all three points to complete an unbeaten second half of the season.

Total points haul: 13

If these predictions hold true, then the Whites will end the year with 91 points. In order to hand Fulham second place, Cardiff can attain no more than 11 points from their final six matches, a feat that is not out of the question.

If the Bluebirds lose to Aston Villa and Derby, while drawing with Norwich City, they could still win their remaining three matches and finish with 90 points – one point shy of Fulham.

Second place is possible if still improbable dream for the Whites- they just need to finish the year unbeaten and hope for a late collapse from the Bluebirds.



https://tbrfootball.com/what-fulham-need-to-do-to-get-automatic-promotion/

 
Premier League clubs queueing up to sign prolific Fulham striker

Everton and West Ham United are being linked with a move for on-loan Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Daily Star.

The Serbian striker joined Championship side Fulham in January and has been in fine form for the London club. He has scored 9 goals in 12 games to fire Slavisa Jokanovic's side into promotion contention. They are currently just two points behind Cardiff City, who are in the final automatic promotion place.

The 23-year-old forward had fallen out of favour at Newcastle United but has grasped his opportunity on loan a Fulham with both hands. However, Fulham's chances of signing him on a permanent basis have taken a blow with the rumours that Everton and West Ham are interested as well.

Mitrovic's future at Fulham will depend on whether they are promoted to the Premier League this season or not. He has been a huge hit with their fans and they will be praying that he signs for them on a permanent deal.

West Ham United are being linked with a summer move. Their manager, David Moyes, was spotted at Fulham's recent home fixture against Leeds United and was said to be looking at some potential signings. It does appear at the moment that his Hammers side will stay up this season in the top flight.

Everton are another Premier League club in the frame to the sign Mitrovic. The Toffees have struggled for goals this season and could potentially see the Serbian star as the man to lead their line next season.



http://the72.co.uk/100243/premier-league-clubs-queueing-sign-prolific-fulham-striker/

 
Matt Targett has had no contact with Southampton since leaving on loan

Matt Targett has told GetWestLondon that he has not had any contact with anyone from Southampton since he left the club to join Fulham on loan in January.

The 22-year-old has also admitted that there is a possibility of him moving to the Whites in the summer.

When asked how much contact he'd had with the Saints since moving to Craven Cottage, he said:

    Believe it or not, I've had none. They're in a sticky patch themselves so we'll just have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season.

The left back was also asked if there was a chance that he could make his loan a permanent move next season and he admitted that it is certainly a possibility.

    It is certainly an option, everyone wants to play Premier League football and if Fulham are in the Premier League then I don't see why not. I've enjoyed every minute here at Fulham, we haven't lost yet while I've been here and we have to keep that run going.

GetWestLondon report that some of other of Fulham's loanee players, such as Chelsea's Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon, have regular meetings with officials form their parent clubs but Southampton have decided to leave Targett to his own devices.



http://readsouthampton.com/2018/04/10/matt-targett-has-had-no-contact-with-southampton-since-leaving-on-loan/

Quote from: WhiteJC on April 10, 2018, 12:10:22 PM

Premier League clubs queueing up to sign prolific Fulham striker

Everton and West Ham United are being linked with a move for on-loan Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Daily Star.

The Serbian striker joined Championship side Fulham in January and has been in fine form for the London club. He has scored 9 goals in 12 games to fire Slavisa Jokanovic's side into promotion contention. They are currently just two points behind Cardiff City, who are in the final automatic promotion place.

The 23-year-old forward had fallen out of favour at Newcastle United but has grasped his opportunity on loan a Fulham with both hands. However, Fulham's chances of signing him on a permanent basis have taken a blow with the rumours that Everton and West Ham are interested as well.

Mitrovic's future at Fulham will depend on whether they are promoted to the Premier League this season or not. He has been a huge hit with their fans and they will be praying that he signs for them on a permanent deal.

West Ham United are being linked with a summer move. Their manager, David Moyes, was spotted at Fulham's recent home fixture against Leeds United and was said to be looking at some potential signings. It does appear at the moment that his Hammers side will stay up this season in the top flight.

Everton are another Premier League club in the frame to the sign Mitrovic. The Toffees have struggled for goals this season and could potentially see the Serbian star as the man to lead their line next season.



http://the72.co.uk/100243/premier-league-clubs-queueing-sign-prolific-fulham-striker/

West Ham could be a strong contender to sign Mitro, even if we go up. As much as he loves playing for us, the chance to play at a bigger stadium and likely get paid more may appeal if they stay up. I hope they go down but I don't think they will.

I also hope Moyes doesn't get the contract extension as I've never liked him.

 
1 shot, 1 goal – This player looked excellent in Fulham's early season 1-1 draw with Reading

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/piazonnnnnnn.jpg)

It all seems such a long time ago now, Fulham travelling to Reading back in August and losing Tomas Kalas after just a minute through a red card.

They battled bravely to a 1-1 draw, 50th minute substitute Lucas Piazon grabbing an equaliser after coming off the bench.

The Fulham side had no Tom Cairney, no Marcus Bettinelli and of course, no Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Much has changed as the season developed, but for Piazon perhaps it didn't move on as much as he'd like.


He injured his ankle in the next outing against Leeds United and didn't come back into the side until December.

Now the Brazilian is making up for lost time and returning on that opening day promise.

His brief cameo was incredibly effective, one shot and one goal enough to secure a solitary point for the ten men of Fulham.

In the grand scheme of things it could be considered a point gained, something directly attributable to the forward's brief cameo appearance.

In truth, he didn't get an awful lot more of the ball.

He made two clearances as Reading pushed for a winner, went on a single dribble and made a single key pass too.

Quite often it is said the most important stat, indeed the only important stat is 'goals scored', so in that sense he was a star of the show.

Since his return he's scored three more goals.

This evening a win against Reading could see Fulham break into the top two, something unthinkable when the on-loan Chelsea player first returned to the side on Boxing Day.

That game saw Fulham hammer their Welsh rivals 4-2 and arguably begin the climb that has been the talk of the division.

Can the 24-year old produce the good again when it matters? Or will the Royals be able to stifle his threat and dent the Cottagers Premier League ambitions?

One thing is for certain, Fulham will want to ensure they compete eleven against eleven this time around.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/1-shot-1-goal-this-player-looked-excellent-in-fulhams-early-season-1-1-draw-with-reading/

 
Race for the Premier League: With Wolves set to seal Championship title, will it be Cardiff or Fulham going up automatically? And who will win the scramble for the play-offs?

    The Championship promotion race is hotting up with just a few games left
    Wolves are set to seal the title given their nine-point advantage at the top
    Cardiff City are clinging on to the second automatic promotion spot
    Fulham could overtake them in another hectic midweek round of fixtures
    Aston Villa, Derby County and Middlesbrough are currently in the play-offs
    But Millwall, Bristol City, Sheffield United and Brentford could sneak in 

Another crucial midweek awaits in the Sky Bet Championship as the promotion contenders enter the final straight in the race for the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to seal the title, but second automatic promotion spot is all to play for with Fulham hot on the heels of Cardiff City.

There also looks set to be a scramble for the play-off places, with Millwall just one point behind Middlesbrough and the likes of Bristol City, Sheffield United and Brentford still hopeful.

We take a closer look at the teams involved in the promotion race and their run-ins.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/09/4B023F0B00000578-5598211-How_the_top_10_in_the_Sky_Bet_Championship_looks_entering_the_fi-m-29_1523350760702.jpg)
How the top 10 in the Sky Bet Championship looks entering the final stretch of the season

1. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Played 41; Points 89; Goal difference +38

Having set the standard for most of the season, few will quibble when, as expected, Wolves are crowned champions in the next week or two.

They first hit the summit back in October and have not been knocked off that lofty perch since Halloween, meaning they will be worthy winners.

Their 1-0 win at Cardiff last Friday, courtesy of a superb free-kick by Championship Player of the Season nominee Ruben Neves and two late penalty misses, has taken them to the brink of a Premier League return after six years away.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/10/4AE8A2DA00000578-5598211-image-a-34_1523353192776.jpg)
Wolves have set the standard all season and are likely to wrap up the Championship title

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/10/4AE509DD00000578-5598211-image-a-36_1523353229919.jpg)
Ruben Neves, signed for £15.8m from Porto, has been one of the players of the season

While some of their rivals haven't been impressed by the transfer fees paid by Chinese owners Fosun International and close links with agent Jorge Mendes, they have played some very attractive football under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Neves, a £15.8million signing from Porto, has been exceptional, while Diogo Jota and Leo Bonatini, on loan from Atletico Madrid and Al-Hilal respectively, have supplied the goals.

If Fulham continue winning, victories over Derby on Wednesday and Birmingham on Sunday would confirm promotion. If Fulham slip up against Brentford on Saturday, Wolves will play Birmingham with promotion secured.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday - Derby County (H); Sunday - Birmingham City (H); April 21 - Bolton Wanderers (A); April 28 - Sheffield Wednesday (H); May 6 - Sunderland (A)

---

2. CARDIFF CITY

Played 40; Points 80; Goal difference +28

Back in pre-season, Cardiff City were listed by the bookies as a 25/1 promotion outsider. But the doubters clearly didn't reckon on the work of manager Neil Warnock, the Football League's foremost promotion specialist.

The Bluebirds, who haven't been in the Premier League since 2014, have occupied the second automatic promotion spot for most of the season but their grip has been loosened in recent weeks.

Fulham's incredible unbeaten run means only two points separate the sides and it is Cardiff who have the tougher run-in, starting with a must-win visit to Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/10/4B0275C200000578-5598211-image-a-45_1523353956171.jpg)
Cardiff have been transformed from relegation candidates to a side fighting for promotion

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/10/4AE5107800000578-5598211-image-a-47_1523353989472.jpg)
Neil Warnock is aiming to secure the eighth Football League promotion of his coaching career

Warnock, who is aiming for the eighth promotion of his career, has turned around a team that was second bottom when he took control in October 2016.

With goals shared around the team and a miserly defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the division, Cardiff have proved exceedingly tough to beat.

They will fall back on Warnock's expertise to guide them to the end of the season but the momentum does seem to be with Fulham and pretty much any slip-up from here will see them in the play-offs.

Having said that, they do still have the benefit of a game in hand - a visit to Derby on April 24 after the original game was postponed because of snow.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Aston Villa (A); Saturday - Norwich City (A); April 21 - Nottingham Forest (H); April 24 - Derby County (A); April 28 - Hull City (A); May 6 - Reading (H)

---

3. FULHAM

Played 41; Points 78; Goal difference +30

Last season, Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham made a perfectly-timed dart to snatch a play-off place. This time, the rewards could be even greater.

The division's entertainers, Fulham overcame an inconsistent first half of the season to slowly close the gap on the automatic promotion places with a club record unbeaten run of 19 matches, including 15 wins.

Their captain Tom Cairney and teenage forward Ryan Sessegnon have been nominated for the Championship's best player award, while right-back Ryan Fredericks made the team of the season.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AEB1B5900000578-5598211-image-a-48_1523354737919.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores Fulham's winner at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AEB3A9300000578-5598211-image-a-49_1523354778487.jpg)
Their 17-year-old forward Ryan Sessegnon has excelled for Fulham this season

However, excellence can be seen throughout the side in the eye-catching football they play, and the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic, signed on loan from Newcastle on deadline day, has supplied the cutting edge they maybe lacked last season.

Back then, Fulham lost in the play-off semi-finals to Reading but Jokanovic has undoubtedly improved his side since then and, if they don't catch Cardiff and do things the easy way, they will be feared in the play-offs.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Reading (H); Saturday - Brentford (H); April 20 - Millwall (A); April 27 - Sunderland (H); May 6 - Birmingham City (A)

---

4. ASTON VILLA

Played 41; Points 73; Goal difference +25

The club's pride was severely dented by relegation from the Premier League last season, but Steve Bruce has restored the faith of the supporters in an excellent season.

From a slow start, they have been in and around the play-off places since October and though automatic promotion now looks beyond them, they will be strong in the play-offs.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4B0275A200000578-5598211-image-a-50_1523355598143.jpg)
Aston Villa celebrate a goal during last week's home victory over Reading

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4ACDAC5000000578-5598211-image-a-52_1523355622258.jpg)
John Terry has marshalled the Villa defence this season as they aim to return to the top-flight

They are also poised to have a big say in the composition of the final table with matches against Cardiff, Derby and Millwall to come between now and May 6.

Albert Adomah has top-scored with 12 in the Championship, while the likes of Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan, John Terry and Ahmed Elmohamady have excelled.

Their outspoken owner Tony Xia has always maintained that Villa would return to the top flight at the first time of asking and he could yet be proved correct.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Cardiff City (H); Friday - Leeds United (H); April 21 - Ipswich Town (A); April 28 - Derby County (H); May 6 - Millwall (A)

---

5. DERBY COUNTY

Played 40; Points 68; Goal difference +22

After a decade in the Championship and endless play-off heartache and near-misses, Derby are determined to make it back to the Premier League this time around.

Under the leadership of impressive young manager Gary Rowett, who took over last March, the Rams have been in and around the play-off positions for the majority of the season, even flirting with second spot at the start of the year.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AEA8E9600000578-5598211-image-a-53_1523357248497.jpg)
Derby look likely to be one of the four play-off sides as they aim to return to the top flight

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AEA8EC100000578-5598211-image-a-54_1523357287722.jpg)
Matej Vydra has been the stand-out player for the Rams, scoring 19 times in the league

Too many draws in recent weeks mean it looks likely to be the play-offs again, but they are well-equipped to challenge for Wembley.

Matej Vydra has been exceptional, scoring 19 times and earning a place in the Championship team of the season.

The likes of Richard Keogh, Curtis Davies, Tom Lawrence and Bradley Johnson have provided an effective spine to the side.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday - Wolverhampton Wanderers (A); Saturday - Burton Albion (A); April 21 - Middlesbrough (H); April 24 - Cardiff City (H); April 28 - Aston Villa (A); May 6 - Barnsley (H)

---

6. MIDDLESBROUGH

Played 41; Points 66; Goal difference +19

The fourth and final play-off berth is well and truly up for grabs. At the moment, it is occupied by Middlesbrough and they can take a big step towards extending their season if they beat Sheffield United on Tuesday.

It's been a rollercoaster campaign at the Riverside, with an unconvincing start resulting in the Christmas sacking of Garry Monk and the appointment of Tony Pulis.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AECFC3100000578-5598211-image-a-56_1523357908667.jpg)
Middlesbrough currently occupy the fourth and final play-off position in the Championship

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/11/4AEC1F9D00000578-5598211-image-m-58_1523357962412.jpg)
Tony Pulis came in at Christmas and has lifted Boro from mid-table into the play-off spots

While not everyone's cup of tea, Pulis has managed to lift Boro from mid-table to play-off contention, even if they do lose too many games for his liking.

Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Bamford have led the way in attack, with 12 and 10 Championship goals respectively. And like most Pulis teams, they don't concede too many.

If they are to return to the Premier League first time, Boro can't afford to put a foot wrong in a tricky run-in. Their home game with Millwall on April 28 could be key.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Sheffield United (A); Saturday - Bristol City (H); April 21 - Derby County (A); April 28 - Millwall (H); May 6 - Ipswich Town (A)

---

7. MILLWALL

Played 41; Points 65; Goal difference +13

Each season has one - a team that comes from the chasing pack to challenge with a perfectly-timed burst. This time, against all the odds, that team has been Millwall.

A 15-match unbeaten run dating back to January has swept Millwall from the bottom half to a realistic shot at stealing a play-off place.

Neil Harris's team are especially formidable at The Den, where they have lost just three times this season. But the manager deserves real praise for curing their travel sickness.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/12/4AEBB9FB00000578-5598211-image-a-59_1523358481127.jpg)
Millwall celebrate Steve Morison's goal in their win over Bristol City at the weekend

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/10/12/4AEBB9E700000578-5598211-image-a-60_1523358572697.jpg)
Neil Harris has worked wonders this season to put Millwall in with a promotion shout

Goals have been scored from all parts of the field, with Lee Gregory and George Saville the leading scorers with 10 apiece.

The Lions, promoted from League One through the play-offs last season, are also superb defensively, with the likes of Shaun Hutchinson, James Meredith and Jake Cooper excellent.

They have real momentum and, should they keep winning, they could end up back in the big time for the first time since 1990.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Bolton Wanderers (A); Saturday - Sheffield United (A); April 20 - Fulham (H); April 28 - Middlesbrough (A); May 6 - Aston Villa (H)

---

ALSO IN WITH A SHOUT

Bristol City, who were in the play-off spots for most of the season, find themselves four points behind Middlesbrough following back-to-back defeats.

Sheffield United are level with Bristol City on 62 points, with Brentford a point further back in 10th spot.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5598211/Race-Premier-League-win-promotion-Championship.html#ixzz5CH6V3Ita
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Clement expected to ring changes for Reading FC at Fulham

All you need to know about the clash at Craven Cottage

Tyler Blackett could be back in the side on Tuesday night. Credit: Eddie Greville

Reading FC manager Paul Clement is expected to make a number of changes to his side for the encounter at Fulham.

There are just five games left for Royals this season and they still lie perilously close to the relegation zone.

Fulham are third in the Championship table and with Reading hosting Sunderland at the weekend, it's likely Clement will rest some of his key stars on Tuesday night.

Midfielders Pelle Clement, Joey van den Berg and George Evans were all on the bench for the win on Saturday against Preston and will be hoping to feature in West London.

John Swift is likey to be rested but Dave Edwards is available after serving a one-match ban following his sending off at Aston Villa.

A win for Reading could see them move eight points clear of the relegation zone while the promotion-chasing Cottagers are looking to make it 20 league matches unbeaten.

Here is the full lowdown on the game.
When and where

The match takes place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, April 10.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
How to follow the game live

getreading will be providing live updates of the game on Twitter. Make sure you follow @getreadingfc for the latest news as well as Jonathan Low's updates @jonathanl50.

And keep an eye on the getreadingfc Facebook page for news and pictures, including a fan gallery.
Is it on TV?

The game is not being televised live but you can follow Jonathan's commentary on Twitter and the match is also broadcast live on BBC Radio Berkshire.
Team news

Fulham: Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury concerns so has a fully fit side to choose from.

The Serbian is likely to keep the same team which beat Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend, although he could opt for Neeskens Kebano over Sheyi Ojo on the wing.

Reading: Tyler Blackett could be back in the squad after missing the game at the weekend with a leg injury.

Chris Martin and Yann Kermorgant will both be hoping to feature as they battle Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to be the central striker.

Paul McShane (hamstring), Tommy Elphick (knee) and Callum Harriott (hamstring) are missing through injury while Joseph Mendes is not yet match fit.
Manager views

Slavisa Jokanovic: "We've never been second yet this season, so maybe now Cardiff will feel some pressure on them.

"We can't be under pressure because we're not in second place. We can win something, they can lose something. This is the situation.

"The only thing I can control is the Reading game. I expect my team will be refreshed and motivated enough to put in a good performance.

"We're going to get ready for Reading and try to win those three points."

Paul Clement: "We know we are going to a hard place - they've got momentum and are playing well but you never know how the psychology will work.

"Fulham may think the pressure is all of a sudden on them. Our job is to prepare for the best of Fulham and see if we can get another positive result.

"They play good football and create opportunities through flowing football. Neither team will want to draw - both need to win the game."
Head-to-head

Royals have won 17 games, compared to the Whites' 19, while there have been 16 draws between the two clubs.

The reverse fixture at the beginning of August ended in 1-1 draw with Liam Kelly getting on the scoresheet for Royals.

Last season the pair met twice at Craven Cottage. The league match ended 5-0 in the hosts' favour while the play-off final second leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Odds

Fulham are heavy favourites to win the game and are priced at 4/11 with Ladbrokes while Reading are rank outsiders at 15/2.

A draw is priced at 4/1.

For all the odds around the game check out this page on Ladbrokes
Other matches (7.45pm unless stated)

    Aston Villa v Cardiff City
    Bristol City v Birmingham City
    Burton Albion v Hull City
    Ipswich Town v Barnsley
    Nottingham Forest v Brentford
    Preston North End v Leeds United
    Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield Wednesday
    Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
    Sunderland v Norwich City
    Bolton Wanderers v Millwall (8pm)

Officials

Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referees: Ian Hussin and Neil Davies

Fourth official: John Brooks



https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/clement-expected-to-ring-changes-for-reading-fc-at-fulham/

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 'Fulham will keeping fighting for promotion'

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has vowed that his team will "keep fighting" in the battle for automatic promotion from the Championship until the end of the season.

The Whites are within two points of second-placed Cardiff City - who have played a game less - after the weekend's round of fixtures, and the in-form Serbian has declared that all of their remaining matches will be treated like cup finals.

"We are very happy, but we don't have time to celebrate," the Evening Standard quotes Mitrovic as saying.

"Every game until the end of the season is a final. We have to go out there with this mentality to try and win every game. It is going to be hard. It will not be easy but that is the Championship and that is why this league is really interesting. We have to stay hungry, to keep fighting and we will see what is going to happen."

Fulham are back in Championship action this evening when they play host to Reading.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/mitrovic-fulham-will-keep-fighting_323145.html

Scouting Report: Fulham (A)
There's been a lot to be impressed about with the Cottagers so far this season.

The manager

Fulham's current manager is Slavisa Jokanovic. The 49-year-old has been at the club for the last couple of years having been appointed Fulham manager in December 2015. This is his second managerial job in England.

Managerial history

Jokanovic began his managerial career at Serbian club Partizan in September 2007, who he guided to a league and cup double in his first full season as a manager, repeating the feat the following year. In September 2009, he left Partizan by mutual consent.

In February 2012, Thailand club Muangthong United introduced Jokanovic as their new head coach. In his first and only season in Thailand, Jokanovic led the team to the Thai Premier League title for only the third time in the clubs' history, going undefeated in the process.

Jokanovic then moved to Bulgaria to become the manager of Levski Sofia in July 2013, but was sacked just three months later following a poor run of results.

Towards the back end of the 2013/14 season, the Serbian then moved to Spain to become the manager of Hercules with the intention of keeping the club in La Liga 2. Yet unfortunately relegation could not be avoided, and Jokanovic was sacked once more.

He first came to attention of English fans when he was appointed Watford manager in October 2014 on a short term deal. Jokanovic successfully guided the club to the Premier League having finished second in the Championship behind eventual tittle winners Bournemouth, but after failing to agree new contract, he shocked the Hornets fans by leaving the club in June 2015.

But he wasn't out of work for long, and a month later he was appointed the manager of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, taking them to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

The achievement caught the eye of of Fulham, who had recently sacked Kit Symonds, and the Cottagers appointed Jokanovic as their new boss in December 2015.

Style of play

Slavisa Jokanovic likes to play possession based attacking football, using either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation with his team getting on front foot right from the first whistle.

Top goal-scorer

The Cottagers' current leading scorer is Ryan Sessegnon who has scored 14 goals in 41 league appearances this season. Only Leon Clarke (17), Bobby Reid (17) and Matej Vydra (19) have scored more in the Championship.

At just 17 years old, Sessegnon is arguably one of the future talents of the English game with clubs such as Tottenham and Manchester United rumoured to be interested in signing him.

Club captain and current longest serving player

Fulham's current captain is Tom Cairney. The 27 year old has been at the club since completing a move from Blackburn in July 2015 and has gone to score 25 goals in 122 appearances.

By comparison, their current longest serving player is Marcus Bettinelli who has been at the club for his entire playing career having came through the Whites' academy. The goalkeeper has kept 23 clean sheets in 90 appearances.

Played for both
Lucas Piazon

Fulham's current midfielder had a loan spell at Reading during the 2015/16 season. In his short spell with the Royals, Piazon scored five goals in 27 appearances, with the perhaps most crucial one coming against West Brom in the FA Cup.

Piazon remains officially contracted to Chelsea, but has been on loan at Fulham since the start of last season, and has netted 11 goals in 52 appearances for the club.

After scoring against Reading back in August, the Brazilian celebrated in front of the Reading fans, thus commencing a seeming neutral hatred between the two parties.

Chris Martin

Reading striker Chris Martin had a loan spell at Fulham last season, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for the centre-forward as Martin became unsettled and wanted to terminate his loan spell halfway through the season.

Following his loan spell Martin returned to his parent club Derby. But having returned to the Rams, Martin became surplus requirements and in January this year, the 29 year old moved to Reading on loan.

Oliver Norwood

Oliver Norwood made 92 appearances for Reading in a two year spell at the club between August 2014 and August 2016.

In his time in Berkshire, Norwood scored five goals with most of those coming in spectacular fashion, such as this one against Nottingham Forest.

But Norwood felt that his career was better off elsewhere, and moved to Brighton just days before the start of the 2016/17 season. Following the Seagulls' promotion to the Premier League, Norwood was deemed surplus to requirements and moved to Fulham on loan at the start of this season.

Sone Aluko

Reading winger Sone Aluko made over 54 appearance for the Cottagers in a short spell for the West London club. During his time at Fulham he scored nine goals as he helped his side to a top six finish.

Then last summer, Aluko moved to Reading for a club record fee just days after his old side had drawn 1-1 against Reading at the Madejski Stadium. He has so far scored two goals in 35 appearances for the Royals.

Key man

The key man that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Alexander Mitrovic. The striker is currently on loan at Fulham having signed from Newcastle in January. Mitrovic has had a fantastic impact at the West London club having scored nine goals in 12 appearances.

The currently averages 3.8 shots per game, showing the danger he presents in front of goal. All efforts will need to be made at keeping the talented Serbian quiet, who arguably should be playing at a higher level.

Likely line-up

Following Fulham's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last time out, manager Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to stick with the same side that beat the Owls in a 4-3-3 formation.

Marcus Bettinelli (GK); Ryan Fredericks, Tim Ream, Denis Odoi, Matt Targett; Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen; Ryan Sessegnon, Alexander Mitrovic, Sheyi Ojo



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17213076/scouting-report-fulham-fc-vs-reading-fc-efl-sky-bet-championship-craven-cottage

 
Southampton's Matt Targett responds when asked if he could join Fulham permanently

Matt Targett swapped St Mary's for Craven Cottage in January and has shone in the Championship with Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham.

Matt Targett was expected to follow in the esteemed footsteps of fellow St Mary's alumni Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and co when breaking into the Southampton first-team three years ago.

Thanks to injuries and the excellent form of Ryan Bertrand, however, the 22-year-old left-back never managed to really nail down a regular place in the first-team.

But since moving on loan to Fulham in January, Targett has shown why he was once tipped to star on the south coast. The Cottagers have not lost a single one of the 13 games that the former England U21 ace has featured in over the last three months – and Targett has now admitted that there's a chance he could stay at Craven Cottage beyond this season.

"[Staying at Fulham next season] is certainly an option, everyone wants to play Premier League football and if Fulham are in the Premier League then I don't see why not," Targett told Get West London, while admitting that Southampton have not been in touch once during his spell away.

"I've enjoyed every minute here at Fulham, we haven't lost yet while I've been here and we have to keep that run going."

No doubt Fulham would jump at the chance to keep the Eastleigh-born youngster in West London – though it remains to be seen whether Targett's future, like that of so many of his Cottagers' team-mates, depend on which division they are playing in next season.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/10/do-southamptons-matt-targett-responds-when-asked-if-he-could-joi/

 
Mr Reliable

It wasn't that long ago that Tim Ream's Fulham days appeared to be numbered. Signed by Kit Symons from Bolton in August 2015, the arrival of new boss Slaviša Jokanović a couple of months later saw Ream used sparingly. He was told he could leave at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Many players would have done just that, but Ream had other ideas. Determined to stay put, he's since gone on to play more than 100 times for Fulham.

Ream tells Tuesday's official matchday programme: "That's been my mentality everywhere I've gone; I'm going to make it hard for whoever's in charge to see me off and give them something to think about. Fair play to the manager, we had a conversation and a meeting and he let me know where things stood.


"I took it on board and thought, 'You know what, I'm going to come in next pre-season and give you some food for thought. If you still feel the way you do, then so be it, I won't be able to change that.' But thankfully I was able to change his mind and here I am, almost 24 months later, starting a load of games and playing well. I like to think I'm one of the first on the teamsheet because I've been playing so well and so consistently."

To read the full interview with Ream, pick up a programme on Tuesday.

Other highlights from the publication - named Programme Monthly's 'Championship Programme of the Season' - include:

    Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns
    Paul Parker looks back on his two two spells in SW6
    Marcus Hahnemann recalls his stints at Fulham and Reading
    Cyrus Christie takes our nine-dart challenge
    And Mark Crossley talks us through a Fulham-related photo of himself

(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/misc/ffc-068-069_in_my_own_words_crossley_604.jpg)

Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions and take out a half-season subscription.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 1am on Tuesday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/10/tim-ream-reading-programme

 
Mo: "We want to go to Fulham and give the same"

Winger aiming for another big performance at the Cottage

Two wins from the first three games under Paul Clement – a promising start. But it's another tough ask on Tuesday evening, when we visit promotion-hopefuls Fulham on their own patch.

Mo Barrow, who netted the winner against Preston on Saturday, believes that the team can take something from the game if they dig deep again and put in the same workrate and execute their gameplan.

"I'm always happy and pleased to score a goal – at the moment though, the important thing is to get results and three points and keep ourselves safe this season," said Barrow.

"Every game is important – we want to go to Fulham and give the same effort.  We've kept two clean sheets in three games, so hopefully we can go there and try to get something.

"We want to try and get at least a point from every game, but six points from nine available under the new manager so far is pleasing.

"You could see on Saturday that when we were struggling a bit, the fans were cheering and giving us extra energy to keep on going and the belief.

"Fulham are a really good team, and they're doing really well at the moment.  But we believe that we can get something out of the game."



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/mo-we-want-to-go-to-fulham-and-give-the-same/

 
Fulham Emerge From The Chasing Pack To Become The Championship's Form Team

(https://www.thesportsman.com/media/images/admin/football/Mitrovic_Fulham.jpg)

Neil Warnock was furious. Not only had he seen Gary Madine and Junior Hoilett miss injury time penalties that could have rescued his side from defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, but he also deemed Nuno Santo's celebrations to be disrespectful and needlessly provocative. The Portuguese manager's apologies fell on deaf ears.

There was a certain irony in Warnock's complaints about a fellow manager's lack of class, but worse than the failure to close the gap on Wolves, who now look certain to claim the Championship title, was that the result opened the door to Fulham. After a poor start, they have been relentless in recent weeks and now believe they can pip Cardiff City to second.

It took Fulham five attempts to register their first win of the season, and even then they were slow to get going. After 17 games they had just 20 points and were stuck in the bottom half of the table. Then something clicked. A helter-skelter 5-4 win over Sheffield United seemed to spark them off and they haven't looked back since.

Fulham have lost just twice in their last 24 league games and are unbeaten in 19, taking a remarkable 49 points from a possible 57. While others have flagged and faded, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are hitting their stride at just the right time. They are unquestionably the Championship's most exciting team, aided by a couple of clever additions in the January transfer window.

Matt Targett has freed the explosive wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon to play further up the pitch while Aleksandr Mitrovic has brought some focus and intensity to their attack, scoring nine goals in 12 appearances. At Newcastle United it was often felt that the spiky Serbian was capable of more than he showed. He's now proving it, and was deservedly named Championship Player of the Month for March.

Momentum is a powerful force in football. Elusive and hard to explain, it can make a group of once fragile players begin to feel unbeatable. Fulham are on the sort of run where anything seems possible. They are a vibrant attacking threat with goals throughout the team and a clear target in their sights. With one point from their last two games, perhaps Cardiff are starting to feel the pressure.

Warnock has done well to drag them this far. Second from bottom when he took over last season, he's turned them into promotion contenders with minimal investment and an old-fashioned emphasis on team building that has made them more than the sum of their parts. The finishing line looms on the horizon and Cardiff have a game in hand on their rivals.

Tonight they face a tough test at Villa Park, while Fulham will fancy their chances at home to Reading. Two points is the gap between them and Cardiff as it stands. If results go their way, Slavisa Jokanovic's side could be occupying an automatic promotion spot for the first time all season once the final whistle blows at Craven Cottage.

Nobody saw this turnaround coming, and particular credit must go to Tom Cairney, the club's captain and influential midfielder. It's no surprise that their mid-season revival coincided with his return from injury, bringing more poise and purpose to their play. Ongoing rumours of a move to West Ham United don't seem to have been any distraction and Cairney is shortlisted for the division's Player of the Year award alongside his teammate Sessegnon and Wolves' Ruben Neves.

There will undoubtedly be more twists and turns to come in a notoriously unpredictable division but Fulham are looking in the best shape they have since relegation from the Premier League four years ago. Having experienced the pain of play-off semi-final defeat last year, they're hopeful of making their return to the top flight as runners-up on current form.



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-emerge-from-the-chasing-pack-to-become-the-championships-form-team

 
Jokanovic not thinking about Fulham's unbeaten run or catching Cardiff ahead of Reading test

The head coach does think, however, that Fulham are in a 'mentally easier situation' than Reading

Slavisa Jokanovic isn't thinking about Fulham's unbeaten run or about catching Cardiff City ahead of tonight's game with Reading.

If results go the right way, that is, if Fulham beat their visitors and Cardiff lose to Aston Villa, the Whites will end the night in the automatic promotion places, although the Welsh side will have a game in hand.

It will also extend the unbeaten run to 20 games, a staggering number, but the cool-headed head coach isn't thinking about any of that as he welcomes Paul Clement to Craven Cottage.

What he will say, however, is that he thinks his side are in a 'mentally easier situation' that Reading as they prepare to face one another tonight.

He said: "I am not thinking about our [19-game unbeaten] run, I am thinking only about the Reading game, about our performance, about our way of playing football, about being confident, about showing ambition, about trying to dominate the opposition, and trying to score a goal.

"We've shown a great defensive level, and we must be focused, we must concentrate to give ourselves a good starting position."

"There's no point thinking about something that is not in your hands, at the moment all our focus is on the Reading game.

"I believe we are in a mentally easier situation than Reading. They must understand they are one step away from being in a complicated situation.

"We are where we are, now we look forward and try and do our job."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jokanovic-not-thinking-fulhams-unbeaten-14513032

Fulham vs Reading: Match Preview
Can Reading emulate their defensive heroics from Saturday at Craven Cottage?

Fulham FC vs Reading FC, EFL Championship

Craven Cottage, 7:45pm KO

Reading will make the short trip over to West London on Tuesday night to take on a Fulham side unbeaten in 19 league matches. The Whites are rampaging towards the automatic promotion places and could end the night in the top two should results elsewhere go in favour of the hosts. Reading will be having flashbacks of last season's 5-0 defeat at Craven Cottage but will hope to capitalise on any potential complacency coming from the hosts.

Fulham

Form (league): W/D/W/W/W

Slavisa Jokanovic has just one injury concern heading into this Championship fixture, with former Reading loanee Lucas Piazon a doubt after missing the trip to Hillsborough on the weekend with a knock.

Elsewhere, the Serb has a selection dilemma out wide, with Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo both tussling for a starting berth here, although it is the former who remains most likely to feature from the off here.

Reading FC

Form (league): L/L/W/L/W

Dave Edwards will return to contention here after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over Preston through suspension. However, the experienced midfielder faces competition from George Evans, Liam Kelly, John Swift and Leandro Bacuna for a spot in the starting X11.

Joseph Mendes is now fully fit again but remains unlikely to feature, while Callum Harriott continues to rebuild his fitness with the under 23s. Centre-back pairing Tommy Elphick and Paul McShane will also miss out, whilst Jordan Obita and Garath McCleary are out for the rest of the season.

Left-back Tyler Blackett was absent from the matchday squad on the weekend due to a minor knock, so Omar Richards could be given the nod for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Head to Head

Fulham: 20

Draw: 16

Reading: 18

Past 5 Meetings

03 December 2016: Fulham 5-0 Reading (EFL Championship)

24 January 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship)

13 May 2017: Fulham 1-1 Reading (EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final)

16 May 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final)

12 August 2017: Reading 1-1 Fulham (EFL Championship)

Prediction

Paul Clement has enjoyed an excellent start to life as Reading manager and back-to-back 1-0 home victories have helped eased fears of relegation, however, the Royals struggled when pitted against a more attacking Aston Villa side last week and are likely to struggle again here against arguably the division's most dangerous attacking force. Tiago Ilori and Liam Moore will need to emulate their performance against Preston in order to deal with Aleksandar Mitrovic here. 2-0.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17218800/fulham-vs-reading-match-preview

Looking ahead to Fulham's five Cup finals
by alandrewett on April 10, 2018

This evening at Craven Cottage marks the start of Fulham's sprint to the Championship finishing line. It might be trite to call Fulham's remaining five fixtures Cup finals, but it feels like that there is what they are. If last weekend was as close to perfect as possible – with Cardiff losing at home to Wolves on Friday night and Slavisa Jokanovic's side claiming an important three points at Sheffield Wednesday, then tonight offers a massive opportunity to ramp up the pressure on Neil Warnock's men.

There is, of course, a chance that the Whites could end the night in second having beaten Reading. That scenario depends on Cardiff slipping up again – this time at Aston Villa, whose own automatic promotion hopes might have been extinguished by their defeat at Norwich City on Saturday lunchtime. While Jokanovic has so far succeeded in keeping the focus solely on Fulham's next fixture, some of the players did admit to feeling a little more pressure last weekend – and considering the implications of thee crunch games is only natural, after all.

For Fulham to obtain an automatic place in the Premier League in May, they will probably need to extend that phenomenal nineteen game unbeaten run by another five matches. Reading might be struggling – a shadow of the side that beat us in the play-off semi-final last year – but they won't be a soft touch tonight. Sone Aluko, who was so pivotal to Fulham's success last season, will be eager to prove a point on his first return to Craven Cottage and his team-mates will be wanting to impress new manager Paul Clement, who has taken over from Jaap Stam at the Madjeski Stadium.

At their best, Jokanovic's side have looked mesmerising this season. During that outstanding unbeaten run since mid-December, Fulham have brushed aside the likes of Cardiff, Wolves and Aston Villa. There is an even a school of thought that the Whites' dominance in some of these matches has not been reflected in the scoreline – for instance, Fulham could certainly have scored far more than just Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal that edged them past Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. In a tight run in where goal difference could become crucial, the Whites need to be ruthless in front of goal.

What was most pleasing about the win over the Owls was the patience Jokanovic's side showed once it became clear that they weren't about to blow Wednesday away. The composure of the likes of Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen, who kept the midfield ticking over when the temptation must have been to go for broke at times in the second half, was ultimately rewarded. It could well be another tense evening under the lights at the Cottage tonight – and the home fans will need to play their part. This Fulham side is full of confidence and have complete belief in their style of football and they should relish the opportunity to go out and prove their Premier League credentials.

Nothing is won yet. There could be twists and turns ahead in the next few weeks, especially with two tricky London derbies against Brentford and Millwall, who have their own promotion ambitions to further, looming on the horizon. As Jokanovic has said, all his team can do is win their games and keep up the pressure. Let's hope that the Whites can clinch another valuable three points tonight.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/looking-ahead-to-fulhams-five-cup-finals/

 
Fulham vs Reading TEAM NEWS: Chelsea loanee returns to the starting XI as Ojo and Ayite drops out

It's just the one change for Fulham this afternoon as Floyd Ayite misses out with injury and Sheyi Ojo is dropped

Fulham will welcome Lucas Piazon back to the starting XI for the visit of Reading this evening as Slavisa Jokanovic makes just one change.

He replaces Sheyi Ojo, while Floyd Ayite misses out on after suffering an injury in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and is replaced by the Chelsea loanee, but apart from that it's as you were for the Whites.

Denis Odoi continues his fine run of form in the heart of defence alongside Tim Ream, while Ryan Fredericks and Matt Targett continue at right and left back respectively.

Aleksandar Mitrovic will be looking for his 10th goal of the season this evening as he continues up front, while Ryan Sessegnon will support him from the left.

Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald all continue in the middle of the park.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Targett, Ream, Odoi, Johansen, Cairney, McDonald, Sessegnon, Piazon and Mitrovic

Subs: Button, Kalas, Christie, Kebano, Kamara, Fonte and Norwood



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-reading-team-news-14515085