Anguish or Triumph?
How will you handle life as a Fulham supporter after last Sunday?
So here we are, ladies and gentleman. Something that was mostly expected will happen but it is not something that not many want coming into this past week. Fulham will once again be among the four teams hoping to be promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs.
But that was not supposed to be how the story went. Fulham were supposed to come to St. Andrew's, dominate against a weak Birmingham City club and make it through automatically: especially after learning that Cardiff City only drew with Reading. Instead, the club capitulated to a 3-1 defeat; putting an end to a historic 23-match unbeaten run. But that's the thing about unbeaten runs, especially in football at this level. They're not supposed to last that long.
But what made last Sunday sting so much was that it was an opportunity. It was knocking so loud that all of Putney Bridge, Bishop's Park and a good chunk of the River Thames felt it all week. Nobody could have cared less that Fulham only had a less than 20% chance of getting promoted automatically. So that's why this defeat hurts. That's why, in spite of the 23-match unbeaten run, ridicule towards the players and the coaching staff reverberated all day.
But hey, let's all forget what happened to them between mid-September to mid-December. During that stretch, Fulham only won five times in 15 fixtures and only picked up 19 points during that span. In other words, instead of the 88 points the club ended up getting, they were playing like a 58-point club instead: good enough for 15th best in the Championship if they played like that all season.
But the club regrouped. With Craig Kline gone, Slavisa had a larger role in the transfer market and boy did he strike gold in January with Matt Targett and Aleksander Mitrovic. The two easily became the best at their positions in the league and guided the squad to bigger and brighter things. If only they were a part of Fulham much sooner!
But here we are, one match away from destiny...until destiny was taken away from us. Fulham's defense was found wanting in the Birmingham sunshine. The attack only came with a few headers towards goal to show for it. Everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong for everyone involved. This includes one too many supporters, who did not spend a moment putting the whole season into perspective and realizing how far the players and coaches had to climb.
So what do we do now? Do us supporters continue to wallow in our own misery from an opportunity that was not taken. Or do we take advantage of another opportunity that was given to us against Derby County? Do we fear for an additional moment of agony in the club's illustrious history of such matters? Or do we revel in the fact that we are among the favorites to still come out of this with not only an appearance at Wembley, but with a "We're going up" banners being paraded around the pitch by this month's end?
An opportunity is present. You can either take it or leave it. We are given these opportunities, no matter how big or small, every day in every part of our lives, let alone for our football club. But this is why the playoffs are a miserable moment.
Especially in this day and age, we'd like things to be much simpler. We can potentially find significant others online. We can say whatever we want on the internet and face much less scrutiny for it. We can even order food without having to move a muscle as long as the device to make it happen is right on our hands. We like things simple now.
But sometimes, simplicity has to be earned. This is one of those moments. We can either feel sorry for a defeat to Birmingham and wish we can bring that easy joy back, or we can all get ready to burst with pride when our club go against another for two legs, and hopefully one additional fixture against another in the home of football. But only you can decide how to best handle this last few days before Friday.
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/5/10/17336548/anguish-or-triumph
Leicester and Watford among Premier League clubs rivalling Fulham for 13-goal striker
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Fulham face competition in the race to sign Niclas Fullkrug from Hannover this summer, with Leicester City and Watford also interested.
According to the Mirror's Live Transfer Blog (09/05, 19:51), Fulham remain interested in Fullkrug ahead of the summer, with the striker a target of Slavisa Jokanovic.
However, the Sky Bet Championship outfit look set to face competition in the race to sign the 25-year-old, with Premier League clubs interested.
Leicester and Watford are two clubs known to be rivalling Fulham for Fullkrug.
The Hannover striker has scored 13 goals this season in the Bundesliga, helping his side away from the relegation zone, whilst also catching the eye on German boss, Joachim Low ahead of the summer's World Cup.
Fulham, Leicester and Watford don't appear to be the only clubs chasing a deal for Fullkrug, with The Sun reporting this morning that a host of other Championship and Premier League clubs are eyeing a deal.
Whilst Fulham continue to be linked with players ahead of the summer, it is not clear which division they will be playing in next season, with Jokanovic's side chasing promotion via the play-offs.
Fulham finished third in the Championship and face Derby County in the play-off semi-final tomorrow evening.
The Verdict
The race to sign Fullkrug is gathering pace ahead of the summer, with it looking like a host of clubs will be looking to secure the 25-year-old's signature.
The likelihood is that it will be a Premier League club that land the striker's signature, which makes promotion even more vital for Fulham, who are keen.
However, Fulham's focus can't afford to drift beyond the upcoming play-off clash with Derby.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leicester-and-watford-among-premier-league-clubs-rivalling-fulham-for-13-goal-striker/
Keogh Ready For 'Special Night' Against Fulham
Richard Keogh says he's had 'special nights' under the lights at Pride Park Stadium and Derby County are looking forward to another as they 'give their everything' against Fulham on Friday.
The Rams have part of their job done for the season, finishing in the top-six in the Sky Bet Championship, however they are only just getting started.
On Friday the Cottagers will arrive at Pride Park Stadium ready to take on a confident and in-form Derby side.
Keogh told RamsTV: "Our aim was minimum was a top-six finish, that's cemented now and the play-offs is something we are all looking forward to.
"We know what the play-offs are like. It's a pressure environment, but if you look though our squad the majority of us have been through a play-off campaign, so hopefully that will help us in the lead up to this."
In fact, there are just three members of the squad that are getting their first taste of play-off action, Tom Lawrence, Jonathan Mitchell and Jamie Hanson. Although, Hanson was around the Derby squad for their 2016 appearance.
Keogh, who joined the Rams in 2012, has experienced two Championship Play-Offs with the club, reaching the showpiece final at Wembley in 2014 after outlasting Brighton and Hove Albion in the semi-finals.
With a wealth of experience on the team, Keogh believes it could provide an edge in an extremely competitive field.
"It can be fine margins, you can't win it in the first leg but you can lose it," Keogh said.
"But we are definitely ready for these two legs, we are ticking along very nicely and our togetherness is really showing through.
"There are four massive teams. It is the most competitive play-offs that I have seen since I have been here, but we will just get on with our work."
Keogh hailed Fulham's lengthy unbeaten run in the latter part of the season. However, as it came down to the wire with automatic promotion on the line, the Cottagers stumbled and suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City on the final day of the season.
"Fulham are a fantastic team, to go 23 games unbeaten, that is some record in this league," he said.
"It's a bit like when we went on our run, it builds confidence and momentum. But it's the play-offs now, it's different, the season has ended and we will give it everything.
I think they will be disappointed that they fell short at the end but they will be going in there thinking they can go all the way, like ourselves, we will be too."
Unlike Fulham, the Rams are heading into the play-offs off the back of a 4-1 victory over Barnsley that followed a string of huge results.
A change in formation ahead of the clash with Middlesbrough saw a galvanised squad. Despite the loss, a good team performance carried through to a crucial win over Cardiff City and a hard-fought draw against Aston Villa.
With the first-leg being played at home, Keogh is calling for fans to help make it a special night at Pride Park with the same vigorous support they brought to the game against Cardiff.
"It's nice playing in front of our own fans with the atmosphere that they generate but we will be ready for it anyway.
"I know these guys inside and out now and what they will bring to the table Friday, it will be an amazing one.
"The Cardiff game, with that night time feel, gave us that little bit extra. They will be up for this game just like we will be and I'm sure they will bring everything and really get us going.
I've been involved in some special nights at Pride Park and I'm hoping we can do it a few more times."
https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/keogh-ready-for-special-night-against-fulham
Why half the Premier League will be rooting for Derby to beat Fulham
Derby County face Fulham in the Championship play-offs.
Derby County host Fulham in the Championship play-offs semi-final first leg this Friday and they will no doubt have the backing from at least ten Premier League clubs wishing them well.
The Rams managed to finalise their place in the top six in the final game of the season as they defeated Barnsley 4-1 at Pride Park, while Fulham had to settle for third place following their defeat to Birmingham City.
13 points separate the two sides in the table, but it is not a case of Premier League clubs hoping the supposed weaker side joins them in the top flight; their interest in the tie will revolve around several Fulham players.
The Cottagers boast a number of top quality players who have been linked with moves to the Premier League, and failure to gain promotion will certainly make it easier for top flight clubs to sign their prized assets.
Starting with 17-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon, a report in the Express listed Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool as top-end clubs taking an interest in him.
Sessegnon would probably benefit from remaining at Fulham for at least another year or two, but the west London club must be aware that failure to secure promotion will see them severely tested this summer.
Ryan Fredericks's contract is set to expire this summer, therefore missing out on a return to the Premier League will probably result in the coveted right-back leaving for a top-flight club.
A recent report in the Sun claimed Crystal Palace had joined Everton, Arsenal and West Ham United in tracking the player, while the latter are also said to be keen on Frederick's Fulham teammate Tom Cairney.
Cairney is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders outside the Premier League, and the Sun reports the Hammers will look to move for him should Slavisa Jokanovic's men remain in the Championship.
Another player who could end his affiliation with Fulham this summer in the event of falling short is on-loan striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the Serb moving to Craven Cottage from Newcastle United in January.
Mitrovic has been a hit in west London under fellow Serbian Jokanovic, but it seems he will only stay if the club secures Premier League football as his excellent form is gaining interest from elsewhere.
Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be keen, with the Chronicle claiming that the Magpies are looking for a figure in the region of £20 million for his signature this summer.
Fulham are the favourites to ultimately win the play-offs, but there is a huge amount of pressure on them, and supporters will know that missing out again will likely see a quite brilliant team unfortunately broken up.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/10/tt-why-half-the-premier-league-will-be-rooting-for-derby-to-beat/
PSG 'join Manchester United and Tottenham in the race to sign Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon'
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is one of the brightest prospects in European football
The 17-year-old is a target for clubs such as Tottenham as Manchester United
Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are now being linked with the youngster
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race for Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon.
The 17-year-old, who won five EFL awards following another impressive campaign, is already attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
The Fulham sensation is being linked with a summer transfer to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United. And now, according to the Mirror, PSG are keen to secure his signature.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/10/10/1A7E5DCA00000514-5712783-image-a-12_1525943933737.jpg)
Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race for Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon (pictured)
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PSG boast one of the most dangerous forward lines in football with the likes of Neymar (right)
They report that the Ligue 1 side, who secured the Treble with victory in the French Cup earlier this week, are keen to strengthen their left side.
It is from that flank that 17-year-old Sessegnon has scored 15 goals and attracted the interest of some of Europe's top teams.
PSG already boast one of the most dangerous forward lines in world football with the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe at their disposal. But they are reportedly ready to further add to their attacking options.
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Sessegnon, who has 15 goals this year, has attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs
Sessegnon could still win promotion to the top flight with his current club, however. Slavisa Jokanovic's side face Derby in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg at Pride Park on Friday night.
The two teams will then meet at Craven Cottage for the return leg on Monday, with the winner one step closer to joining Wolves and Cardiff in the Premier League.
PSG, meanwhile, finish off their Ligue 1 campaign with clashes against Rennes and Caen.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5712783/PSG-join-Man-United-Tottenham-race-sign-Ryan-Sessegnon.html#ixzz5FAk24yF7
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Jokanovic delivers insight into Fulham's play-off preparations
Slavisa Jokanovic has delivered an insight into Fulham's preparations for their play-off semi-final in his latest social media post.
Fulham are set to travel to the Pride Park Stadium tomorrow evening to take on Derby County, as the Sky Bet Championship's play-offs get underway.
The Cottagers are aiming to join Wolves and Cardiff City in the Premier League next season, and are looking avenge last year's play-off misery.
Jokanovic has taken to his personal Twitter account to deliver a picture of one of Fulham's training sessions, alongside a caption stressing that his side will be giving their all:
Fulham were left gutted on the final day of the Championship season, as a 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City ended their hopes of securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
Victory over the Blues would've secured a place in the top-two, with Cardiff only managing a draw against Reading.
Fulham have to dust themselves down quickly, however, with a testing trip to Derby in the first-leg of their play-off coming tomorrow.
During the season, Fulham picked up four points from a possible six against their play-off semi-final opponents.
The Verdict
Defeat at this stage of the play-offs last season really hurt Fulham, and Jokanovic will want to make sure his side do not suffer that feeling again this year.
Tomorrow's clash with Derby is going to be a difficult one, but Fulham will want to put last weekend's defeat behind them and pick up a positive result.
Jokanovic's first aim will be making sure his side are still in the tie heading back to Craven Cottage for the second-leg.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/jokanovic-delivers-insight-into-fulhams-play-off-preparations/
Pundit questions impact defeat will have on Fulham's confidence
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Derby County go head-to-head with Fulham on Friday in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.
Fulham finished 13 points in front of Derby during the regular season, but a final day defeat against Birmingham City saw them pipped to second place by Cardiff City.
Sky Sports' pundit David Prutton is concerned that the result could affect Fulham's confidence, although he is tipping them to secure a 0-0 draw at Pride Park (9/1 with Sky Bet).
"Both of these sides had automatic promotion within their sights at one point this season, and you wonder what impact that defeat at Birmingham will have on Fulham, especially as it saw their unbeaten run come crashing to an end," he said.
"That being said, Fulham were the form side heading into the play-offs last season and they still got knocked out at the semi-final stage.
"This time they play the away leg first and you feel they'd be more than happy with a draw, which I think they'll get."
The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage back in November, while Fulham ran out 2-1 winners at Derby during March.
Derby are priced at 2/1 to win the first leg, with Fulham available at 7/5 and the draw on offer at 12/5.
http://sportslens.com/pundit-questions-impact-defeat-will-have-on-fulhams-confidence/232264/
If Shahid Khan pulls this off this summer, Fulham will take some stopping in 2018/19 – Agreed?
Fulham missed the opportunity to win automatic promotion after falling to a 3-1 defeat at Birmingham last time out.
With Cardiff only drawing, three points would've seen the Cottagers move up to second place, however, it wasn't to be with Blues fully deserving of the result.
That means Fulham have to settle for the play-offs where they will face Derby County in the semi-final, with the first leg at Pride Park tomorrow.
However, Slavisa Jokanovic's men are favourites to secure promotion and it's not surprising given the squad he has at his disposal.
Fulham have real quality throughout the team and if they did go up would be expected to stay up by many.
Here we look at three additions that could make the side even better in the Premier League...
Aleksandar Mitrovic
It's no coincidence that Fulham's form has been unbelievable since Mitrovic joined in January.
He was the easily the signing of the winter window and transformed the team with his ability to hold-up play and importantly to score goals.
Signing the Serbian international has to be a priority after his performances since joining.
Alfie Mawson
With Swansea relegated Fulham should be eyeing up a move for Mawson.
The Cottagers need a top centre-back and he would be the perfect addition.
Capable on the ball, which suits Fulham's style and aggressive in his play, the former Barnsley man was a standout player for Swansea. There might be other top-flight interest but Fulham may appeal to the player.
James Maddison
The Norwich City midfielder is destined to play at the top but a move to an elite club may not benefit the player now as he may not play all the time.
Instead, going to Fulham, if they're promoted, where he would regularly feature could benefit all parties.
With superb technique and real creativity, he would be a major player for the Whites.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/if-shahid-khan-pulls-this-off-this-summer-fulham-will-take-some-stopping-in-2018-19-agreed/
Gary Rowett's reply when asked if Derby County picked up tips from Birmingham on how to beat Fulham?
The Blues won 3-1 at the weekend to inflict a first league defeat on Fulham in 24 matches
Derby County's play-off opponents Fulham slipped to a first league defeat in 24 matches on Sunday.
They lost 3-1 to Birmingham City at St Andrew's and missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Cardiff City drew on the final day which meant had Fulham won they would have pipped the Bluebirds for second place.
Fulham visit Pride Park Stadium tomorrow night to face Derby in a play-off semi-final first leg tie.
The West London club won 2-1 at Derby in March and the teams drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage in November.
Asked if he had picked up any tips on how to beat Fulham from Birmingham's performance, Rams boss Gary Rowett said: "Any team that plays Fulham knows you have to try to limit space because they are a good side and if you give them lots of opportunities to exploit space, they will.
"They make a lot of passes, they are patient in the way they play, they try to drag you out of position and they have got good players.
"Birmingham did really well because they were incredibly competitive against them, but Birmingham are a different side to us. I know that because I know lots of the players.
"We haven't got Kieftenbeld and Davies in midfield, we haven't got that type of destructive quality.
"We have got technical players in there that can pass a ball as well as mix it up.
"I don't think we would ever try to be another team and just copy their game-plan, but what you try to do is look at ways you can hurt Fulham, as you would with any opponent.
"A lot of teams have done that with Fulham over 23 games and no-one seemed to find the solution.
"We know it will be a tough test, but we are really confident and we cannot wait for the game."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowetts-reply-asked-derby-1551180
Everything You Need To Know About Derby's Play-Off First-Leg Clash
After securing their top-six finish last weekend, Derby County's Sky Bet Championship play-off campaign kicks off under the Pride Park Stadium floodlights against Fulham.
The Rams will be looking to make home advantage count against the Cottagers (kick-off: 7:45pm) and dcfc.co.uk has collated all the information you need ahead of the visit of Slavisa Jokanovic's men...
WHAT'S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS
Derby County are likely to be without Marcus Olsson when they face Fulham.
The 29-year-old left back was forced off in the first half of Sunday's 4-1 win over Barnsley with a knee problem.
And whilst there is no timeframe or concrete information on the extent of the injury, it looks as though he will be out of action for this first-leg.
Sam Winnall remains ruled out.
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY?
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the Rams' play-off fixtures, Gary Rowett said: "I would rather go into the play-offs off the back of some positive results than after some disappointment.
"It has no real bearing on the result. It just means you're going in with a more positive mindset.
"There are times when the team that stumbles into the play-offs without expecting to be there manages to keep rolling with that mindset, and I think that we are that team.
"We are the team that probably felt that we wouldn't be in the play-offs, but we have produced four very good performances to get there.
"That is where we are, but I don't think that it will mean anything on Friday night."
ONE TO WATCH
Aleksandar Mitrovic has proven to be a revelation for Fulham since joining on Transfer Deadline Day from Newcastle United.
A powerful, robust frontman, Mitrovic has struck 12 goals in just 17 matches for the Cottagers and played a pivotal role leading the forward line as they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion.
The 23-year-old began his career in his homeland with Serbian giants FK Partizan, making his professional debut with their affiliate club FK Teleoptik.
Despite his tender age, Mitrović was top scorer for Partizan's first team in 2012/13 as they claimed the title, and his form soon attracted the attention of Belgian outfit Anderlecht, who broke their transfer record to sign him in the summer of 2013.
His debut season in Belgium was a prolific one, as he netted 16 times to help his new employers win the domestic title.
Mitrović was in even better form the following term as he scored 23 goals, prompting Newcastle to part with a reported £13 million for his services.
He quickly endeared himself to the St James' Park faithful with his wholehearted displays and ended his first season on Tyneside with nine Premier League goals to his name in the Magpies' ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation.
Mitrovic hit double figures for club and country last term, and also netted in his first two appearances for Newcastle at the start of this season.
In the summer of 2013 he was awarded his first cap for Serbia, and he currently boasts a record of a goal every three games, netting 11 times in 33 appearances.
HOW DO I SECURE MY SEAT
There will be no price increase on match tickets ahead of Friday evening's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First-Leg against Fulham.
The fixture is closing in on a sell-out and the club is calling on supporters to ensure they secure their seat as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are available at the following prices:
Adults | £25
Over 65s | £15
Under-18s | £10
Under-12s | £5*
* The club has removed booking fees for supporters buying online and choosing to have their tickets sent to them via the Print@Home or Mobile Ticket service. Due to the anticipated high demand the Rams have moved to encourage supporters to purchase their tickets via these methods in order to minimise any inconvenience with queuing.
For matchday ticket enquiries and purchases, please visit the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium or call 0871 472 1884 (option 1).
Alternatively, supporters can also buy tickets online right here on dcfc.co.uk.
* Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
MOTORWAY CLOSURE
Supporters are being warned that the M1 Southbound will be closed from 10pm – between Junction 23A and 24 – this Friday.
https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-derbys-play-off-first-leg-clash
Championship play-offs: Fulham and Aston Villa go in as favourites, but don't be surprised if neither make Wembley
Scott Minto's EFL column: Middlesbrough and Derby County have the tools to cause a surprise in what promises to be a manic pair of semi-finals
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Fulham have never won a play-off game Getty
And then there were four!
What a couple of great play-off semi-finals we have in store. If a neutral could have handpicked any of the sides from the Championship to be here at this stage, then you wouldn't be surprised if they'd have picked these four. The biggest spenders last summer and a team that was in the Premier League last season, Middlesbrough, against arguably the biggest club in the division, Aston Villa. In the other semi-final, the team that seem to implode annually at this point of the season, but with the division's top scorer, Derby County, against the best passing side, Fulham. Each has their reasons as to why they believe they will go up. But each has their weaknesses.
Fulham are the most interesting one. They are the best team of the four. They play the best football, finished third and went on that fantastic 23 match unbeaten run, winning 18, before defeat to Birmingham. The record books will say that had beaten Birmingham, they would have grabbed that second automatic promotion place due to Cardiff drawing against Reading. I believe Cardiff would have stepped it up against Reading if they had needed to, but with Fulham conceding two goals in the first half, they didn't have to. It's all hypothetical, but the point is what do Fulham believe? Do they believe they blew it? Did they choke at the final game, the one that really mattered? If so, how will they perform in the cauldron of the play-offs?
Their play-off record is as bad as it gets, not one win ever since the format was introduced, although I'm not one for looking too far back when it comes to stats. But they were the form team coming into them last season and they didn't even score a goal, let alone win either leg against Reading. How are they mentally coming into this? Buoyant after one defeat in 24 with 18 victories, or very low after missing out on automatic promotion?
A month ago I would have put them to beat Derby, and easily. At the moment, not knowing how their mindset is, plus Derby looking like they are now inspired and not destroyed by their fans after scoring seven goals in the last two home games, this looks a lot closer.
In the other semi-final it's just as close. Steve Bruce has done a great job dealing with all the pressure that comes with being manager of the club with the highest expectation in the Championship. Aston Villa also finished seven points above Middlesbrough. They have so many match winners that can change a game in any moment but they undoubtedly come into their semi-final with the biggest amount of pressure of the four. That can weigh heavily at any time but especially in the play-offs.
I've thought for some time that Middlesbrough were the ones to watch out for. Tony Pulis has got them back to basics. Players have gone, the defence is more solid and in the final third they have lots of goals in them with Britt Assombolonga and Patrick Bamford. The one player who Villa have to keep quiet and could well be the star of the play-offs is Adama Traore. Pace, power, two-footed... on his day he's unplayable.
From the outside looking in, you might think it'll be a Fulham-Villa final. That may well happen. But I've got a sneaky suspicion it'll be Derby and Middlesbrough to compete in the world's richest game, worth at least £170m.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-play-off-semi-finals-aston-villa-fulham-middlesbrough-derby-county-a8345026.html
Ryan Sessegnon's Fulham future not dependent on Premier League promotion, says Slavisa Jokanovic
Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic does not think Ryan Sessegnon's future at the club rests on promotion to the Premier League.
The west Londoners face Derby in their Championship play-off semi-final with the first leg at Pride Park on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
Fulham were defeated by Reading over two legs last season but Jokanovic insists a repeat of that failure would not see highly-rated Sessegnon, who won five EFL awards this season, depart Craven Cottage.
Asked whether the result of the semi-final would dictate the 17-year-old's future, Jokanovic said: "I don't believe it. I'm asked many times this question and right now I'm focused on our present - this is more important.
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Sessegnon has played in every Championship game this season
"And at the same time Ryan is focused for trying to make it our best performance.
"I don't believe that these two games ahead of us we are worrying about Ryan Sessegnon's future; we are only thinking about this challenge and the best way to win the game."
Sessegnon, who has hit 15 league goals this season, is reportedly a target for French giants PSG and the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United, but Jokanovic remains cool over the England starlet's Fulham future.
He said: "Yesterday we are talking about Real Madrid, two days ago [we're talking] about Man Utd. This is a normal situation for us and for him too."
Fulham failed to clinch automatic promotion on the last day of the season as they lost 3-1 at Birmingham, but a victory would have seen them promoted after Cardiff failed to win.
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Slavisa Jokanovic believes his side are 'ready for the play-offs'
But Jokanovic believes his side are over their final day disappointment and can use their 23-game unbeaten run, which was ended at St Andrew's, as inspiration against Derby.
The 49-year-old said of the Birmingham loss: "This game is behind us. We didn't perform well enough but we played the regular season fantastically - we showed many times our ambition, quality and self-belief.
"I see in my team this week the confidence and they're ready for the play-offs."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11366549/ryan-sessegnons-fulham-future-not-dependent-on-premier-league-promotion-says-slavisa-jokanovic
Derby's Marcus Olsson a doubt for play-off clash with Fulham
Derby defender Marcus Olsson is an injury concern ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg with Fulham.
The full-back limped off against Barnsley on Sunday with a knee problem and the club are awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the damage.
Regardless of whether Olsson is fit, Rams boss Gay Rowett faces a decision about whether to play a back four or have three central defenders with wing-backs.
Matej Vydra, the Championship's leading scorer this season with 21 goals, is expected to come back into the starting line-up.
Fulham have a full-strength squad available for the tie.
Matt Targett, who had to come off at half-time against Birmingham due to illness, is fit to play.
On-loan Sheyi Ojo will return to the squad after missing the last few games with an unspecified knock, while Floyd Ayite will be hoping for a start after a recent hamstring injury.
Fulham are favourites going into the play-offs but will be aiming for their first semi-final win at the seventh time of asking.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=510429
Fulham, Middlesbrough, Villa Or Derby? Our Expert Tipster Gives Us His Outright Betting Preview For The Championship Play-Offs
It's pretty conclusive heading into the Championship play-offs that Fulham are the strongest of the four teams involved. Their record over the last 23 matches - playing every other team second time around - reads W17 D5 L1 and they've beaten each of the top six in the process, in most cases convincingly. The hang-up for most punters is two-fold: the timing and the price.
Once a team drops below the 2/1 mark in the outright betting, perspectives change. Aren't the play-offs supposed to be a lottery? How can any team be so short? So many things can happen; injuries, red cards, contentious decisions. Well let's crunch a few numbers to see whether the 7/4 about Slavisa Jokanovic's men stacks up.
Over the past 28 years, there have been 84 play-off campaigns under the current format across the three divisions and the highest-placed team has been promoted 31 times. That's a 37 per cent chance, roughly 17/10 in fractional terms, and thus slightly more likely than the odds generally available on the Cottagers.
In the Championship, the overall success rate is lower (32.1 per cent) but third-placed finishers appear to have imposed themselves increasingly over time with eight winners in the last 20 years and five in the last 11. So, from that, we can reasonably conclude, in terms of baseline ability, that the price matches the probability.
However, the timing is also a problem because concerns over mentality have resurfaced. A great team in round-robin format doesn't make a great team in knockout football. The stakes are higher and there's much less margin for error, which makes the pressure more intense. And Fulham, of course, have previous for not coping well under those conditions.
They are a feminine team, unashamedly performance-driven. They adhere to a brand of football that is virtually unstoppable when executed well but is unrecognisable when teams find ways to disrupt their rhythm. And the trouble with being so fixated on the process, you leave yourself with little to fall back on whenever you're not in control.
To Make The Play-Off Final
Fulham 1/3
Derby 9/4
Odds correct as of 10/05/18 15:39:42. Odds are subject to change.
Last season, the Cottagers choked at the semi-final stage against a markedly inferior Reading side. They didn't do themselves justice over those two games, so making heavy weather of big matches against Sunderland and Birmingham when automatic promotion was on the line over the final two weekends was not what punters wanted to see.
However, there have been signs in 2018 that the Cottagers are better equipped than 12 months ago. With Aleksandar Mitrovic adding a new dimension in attack, they've imposed themselves more often and lapses have been fewer. The recent 3-0 win at Millwall, in particular, felt like a breakthrough in their capacity to ride out a storm and emerge with flying colours.
The counter argument to the Sunderland and Birmingham results is that Fulham did what they had to do in the first instance and the second only mattered in the absence of a winning goal for Cardiff that more than likely would have materialised had it been required. If anything, low expectations at the start of the day were the problem.
Either way, Fulham get the nod here because there's not a lot to be excited about among the other three. Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby might all be masculine teams to varying degrees but they all have their own shortcomings and give the impression of being a year short of a return to the Premier League in terms of their development.
That sounds like a damning indictment on Steve Bruce, having now completed full two seasons in charge at Villa Park. But he inherited a cultural shambles and his first year was essentially a write-off. Now he has established a team he is happy to call his own but it's one that isn't fine-tuned and still buckles on occasions.
Middlesbrough started the season from a similar base but never took to the methods of Garry Monk and hit the reset button in December. The incoming Tony Pulis is a master of short-term effectiveness, taking what he has and quickly assembling a whole that justifies the sum of its parts, but only four clean sheets in 17 games is not a fully-functioning Pulis machine.
Meanwhile, the mood at Derby is infinitely brighter than it was three weeks ago when fans had all but surrendered their hopes of a top-six finish after three straight defeats, so they're just happy to be involved. But the positivity that has suddenly envelops Pride Park isn't built on solid foundations. Results have picked up but not a lot has really changed.
Recommended bet:
1pt Fulham to win promotion at 7/4 (general)
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-middlesbrough-villa-or-derby-our-expert-tipster-gives-us-his-outright-betting-preview-for-the-championship-play-offs
Derby County v FulhamFRI 11 May 2018 Championship - Play-offs - 1st Leg
Venue: Pride Park Stadium(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/106C1/production/_101256276_rowettgetty.jpg)
Gary Rowett's Derby finished 13 points behind Fulham in the regular 46-game campaign
Derby defender Marcus Olsson (knee) is a doubt for Friday's play-off semi-final first leg at home to Fulham.But the Championship's top scorer, forward Matej Vydra, is likely to return to the Rams' starting line-up.
Visitors Fulham, who missed out on automatic promotion by two points, have a full-strength squad available.
Matt Targett is fit after an illness, while Sheyi Ojo is back following a knock and Floyd Ayite may start having returned from a hamstring issue.
Fulham have not won any of their six previous play-off games, after three unsuccessful two-legged semi-finals, including last season's 2-1 aggregate loss to Reading at this stage.
Derby are bidding to end their 10-year stay in the Championship, while Fulham have been out of the Premier League since 2014.
Derby boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Derby:"People talk about Derby and this weight of expectation that always floats around and follows a club.
"So maybe this is the first time they've been in the play-offs in recent years where there is no expectation, and where we can go out and give it everything without any real fear.
"Fulham are the favourites for the play-offs, if you look at the odds, and we're probably the least-fancied team, so maybe that gives us something to prove."
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:"We have showed ambition, quality and self-belief many times in the regular season.
"Our season was fantastic and many teams want to be in the position we are. In the middle of December nobody believed we would be in the position to fight for the Premier League.
"We have three games ahead of us and we have great confidence. We must be ready to keep going and cross this line."
Match facts This will be the 62nd meeting between these two clubs in all competitions, with Derby winning 22 times (D20 L19). However, this will be first meeting between the two clubs in the play-offs.
Derby have lost just two of their past 12 home games against Fulham in all competitions (W7 D3).
However, Fulham did win their away league trip to Pride Park earlier this season, winning 2-1 in March.
The team to finish sixth in the Championship has won promotion via the play-offs in just one of the past 12 seasons - Blackpool in 2009-10.
The side to finish third in the second tier has won promotion through the play-offs (current format) on 10 occasions (34%), more than any other position.
This will be Derby's seventh venture into the second-tier play-offs, only Ipswich Town (8) have taken part in more. They have only won promotion once in those previous six seasons in the second-tier play-offs (in 2006-07).
Fulham will compete in the Championship play-offs for the second consecutive season after losing out to Reading in the semi-finals last term. The Whites have failed to win promotion in all three of their previous seasons in the play-offs in the English Football League (also 1988-89 and 1997-98).
Fulham completed more passes (20,609), had the best passing accuracy (82.9%) and enjoyed a higher share of possession (60%) than any other Championship team in 2017-18.
Derby's Matej Vydra is the Championship's top scorer this season with 21 goals from just 32 shots on target.
Since making his Fulham debut in February, Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored more league goals than any other Championship player (12).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44024784
Where the play-off semi can be won and why Derby County can see off Fulham
The two meetings between the teams this season have been tight contests
Seeing Fulham installed as favourites to win the Championship play offs is no surprise given that they finished third behind champions Wolves and promoted Cardiff.
Quite how there can be a favourite given the history and unpredictable nature of the end-of-season four-team shoot-out is another matter, but Fulham's quality has been well-documented and deserving of praise.
Their run of 23 league matches unbeaten was a wonderful achievement, as was Derby County's sequence of only two defeat in 24 earlier this season.
Fulham, Derby, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough are all strong teams in their own right, as their top-six finishes suggest.
This is not about who is viewed as the best team, nor is it based on momentum. This will be about who handles the games and the occasions.
There is little too choose between the four although there is a feeling that facing Fulham rather than Villa or Middlesbrough, or Cardiff, which was possible up to the final day, might just suit Derby because of the way in which Slavisa Jokanovic's side is set up and plays.
They can be clever and incisive in possession, they constantly look to play out from the back, they can dominate the ball and push their full backs on, and their movement, passing and pace can open up defences at will.
A dangerous team, yes, a talented team, but a team that can be pressed high up the pitch and a team that can offer opponents avenues in which to counter and chances to score. We saw this in some of their recent matches against Leeds, Sunderland, Birmingham and in the first half at Millwall.
The matches between Derby and Fulham this season have been tight contests. It finished 1-1 at Craven Cottage in November while Fulham won 2-1 at Pride Park Stadium in March.
Fulham were the better side on that March afternoon. They had 58% possession, but Derby played a full part in a fast, lively game. Both teams registered four efforts on target and Derby had six more attempts than the visitors.
The Rams started on the front foot, they worked on preventing Fulham playing out from the back and had Andreas Weimann held his run for a split second his effort after only four minutes would not have been ruled out for offside.
Fulham then scored twice through Aleksander Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon in a clinical 13-minute spell. Tom Huddlestone cut the deficit and Derby were a touch unlucky not to have snatched a late equaliser as Tom Lawrence, Matej Vydra and Richard Keogh were all denied.
Derby are in a different place now as a team and many of the players are in better form than they were two months ago, and this is why they can progress from the play-off semi-final tie.
To do so, they will need to maintain the standard they have shown in recent games. They will need to do the basics well and also stick to their strengths.
Birmingham ended Fulham's impressive long unbeaten run at the weekend. They were competitive, and they ruffled Fulham out of their usual eye-catching, fluid stride.
Birmingham are a different side to Derby, as Gary Rowett has pointed out but the Rams should look to keep the tempo high and in turn this will keep the crowd very much involved.
They will also need to win the key battles, where possible.
Given time and space, Fulham can hurt opponents especially if midfielders Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald take a grip on the game.
Ryan Fredericks likes to bomb up and down from right back, supplementing attacks with his pace while Sessegnon is a threat on the left.
Derby must patrol these areas effectively and counter any space offered through the likes of Tom Lawrence, Andi Weimann and Matej Vydra.
It will be interesting to see if Rowett goes with three centre backs and wing backs in the new-look 3-4-2-1 or with a flat back four. Having said that, he has used both formations during recent games and it is good to have options.
A dozen goals in 17 appearances makes Mitrovic a key man for Fulham. He got the better of Derby's defenders in the last meeting and that is an area in which the Rams must do better this time.
But it also very much about what Derby do.
They are in a positive place and in a confident mood while Fulham have to go again after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion.
It should be a fascinating tussle over the two legs.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/play-semi-can-won-derby-1553775
Derby County In Focus(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/stadiums/rexfeatures_9294880a/rexfeatures_9326672a.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Team news, ticket information, weather forecast, and important travel updates ahead of Fulham's Play-Off First Leg at Derby on Friday.
Possible opposition absentees
Marcus Olsson - knee injury
Sam Winnall - knee injury
Ikechi Anya - calf injury
Tickets
Tickets are available to purchase on General Sale (up to six per person) until 1pm on Friday. Tickets can then be collected from either Craven Cottage or Pride Park.
Weather
It is expected to remain dry in Derby until full-time, with highs of around 15 degrees.
Getting there
A train from St Pancras to Derby takes just 90 minutes, with the ground walking distance from the train station.
Getting back
It is feasible to return to London by train the same evening, but you would need to book separate journeys via Birmingham New Street. If you are driving, please be aware of a closure on the M1 (Junction 24-23) from 10pm onwards - follow this link for full details.
Live stream
Because this fixture has been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports, we are unable to stream it on fulhamfctv.
He said
"They are an excellent side, Jokanović is an excellent manager and he's been around for a few years now, they are a very good passing team and they can cause problems with the way that they move the ball." - Gary Rowett, Derby County manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds
Derby County: 9/5
Draw: 47/20
Fulham: 7/5
Previous five results
Derby County 4-1 Barnsley (Championship)
Aston Villa 1-1 Derby County (Championship)
Derby County 3-1 Cardiff City (Championship)
Derby County 1-2 Middlesbrough (Championship)
Burton Albion 3-1 Derby County (Championship)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/10/derby-county-in-focus
Derby v Fulham preview: Championship play-off semi-final first leg live on Sky Sports Football
Derby defender Marcus Olsson is an injury concern ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg with Fulham.
The full-back limped off against Barnsley on Sunday with a knee problem and the club are awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the damage.
Regardless of whether Olsson is fit, Derby boss Gay Rowett faces a decision about whether to play a back four or have three central defenders with wing-backs. Matej Vydra, the Championship's leading scorer this season with 21 goals, is expected to come back into the starting line-up.
Fulham have a full-strength squad available for the tie. Matt Targett, who had to come off at half-time against Birmingham due to illness, is fit to play.
On-loan Sheyi Ojo will return to the squad after missing the last few games with an unspecified knock, while Floyd Ayite will be hoping for a start after a recent hamstring injury. Fulham are favourites going into the play-offs but will be aiming for their first semi-final win at the seventh time of asking.
Opta stats
This will be the 62nd meeting between these two clubs in all competitions, with Derby winning 22 times (D20 L19). However, this will be first meeting between the two clubs in the play-offs.
Derby have lost just two of their last 12 home games against Fulham in all competitions (W7 D3).
However, Fulham did win their away league trip to Pride Park earlier this season, winning 2-1 in March with first half goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon securing the points.
The team to finish sixth in the Championship has won promotion via the play-offs in just one of the last 12 seasons - Blackpool in 2009-10.
The side to finish third in the second tier has won promotion through the play-offs (current format) on 10 occasions (34%), more than any other position.
This will be Derby's seventh venture into the second tier play-offs, only Ipswich Town (8) have taken part in more. They've only won promotion once in those previous six seasons in the second tier play-offs (in 2006-07).
Fulham will compete in the Championship play-offs for the second consecutive season after losing out to Reading in the semi-finals last term. The Whites have failed to win promotion in all three of their previous seasons in the play-offs in the Football League (also 1988-89 and 1997-98).
Fulham completed more passes (20609), had the best passing accuracy (82.9%) and enjoyed a higher share of possession (60%) than any other Championship team in 2017-18.
Derby's Matej Vydra is the Championship's top scorer this season with 21 goals from just 32 shots on target.
Since making his Fulham debut in February, Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored more league goals than any other Championship player (12).
Prutton's prediction
Both of these sides had automatic promotion within their sights at one point this season, and you wonder what impact that defeat at Birmingham will have on Fulham, especially as it saw their unbeaten run come crashing to an end.
That being said, Fulham were the form side heading into the play-offs last season and they still got knocked out at the semi-final stage. This time they play the away leg first and you feel they'd be more than happy with a draw, which I think they'll get.
David Prutton predicts: 0-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
http://www.skysports.com/football/derby-vs-fulham/preview/389232
Gary Rowett explains why he can't follow Birmingham City's Fulham blueprint
Ex-BCFC boss has to find his own way if DCFC are to progress in play-offs
Gary Rowett admits his Derby County side won't be able to use the same tactics against Fulham as those which served Birmingham City so well.
Rowett's Rams face the Whites at Pride Park on Friday night, in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.
They face opponents who have just had their 23-game unbeaten run demolished at St Andrew's on the final day of the regular season.
Blues steamrollered Slavisa Jokanovic's men 3-1 and denied them automatic promotion.
But Rowett knows he won't be able to approach the game in the same way.
Asked if he had picked up any tips on how to beat Fulham from Birmingham's performance, he told the Derby Telegraph : "Any team that plays Fulham knows you have to try to limit space because they are a good side and if you give them lots of opportunities to exploit space, they will.
"They make a lot of passes, they are patient in the way they play, they try to drag you out of position and they have got good players.
"Birmingham did really well because they were incredibly competitive against them, but Birmingham are a different side to us. I know that because I know lots of the players.
"We haven't got Kieftenbeld and Davis in midfield, we haven't got that type of destructive quality.
"We have got technical players in there that can pass a ball as well as mix it up.
"I don't think we would ever try to be another team and just copy their game-plan, but what you try to do is look at ways you can hurt Fulham, as you would with any opponent.
"A lot of teams have done that with Fulham over 23 games and no-one seemed to find the solution.
"We know it will be a tough test, but we are really confident and we cannot wait for the game."
Rowett has taken Derby back to the play-offs having missed out last season. He also spent two years as Blues manager, guiding them away from relegation and to consecutive tenth-placed finishes.
During that time he signed Maikel Kieftenbeld and made David Davis a central part of his team.
Indeed he tried to re-sign Kieftenbeld for Derby last August only for the deal to fall through.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-derby-fulham-birmingham-14641592
Fulham may have dropped the 'first set', but we're ready to bounce back insists Jokanovic
After missing out on promotion on the final day, Jokanovic has likened the play-offs to a tennis match and is backing Fulham to bounce back
Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham will head into the Derby County game with confidence after getting into a position that no one thought they'd be in.
Back when the two sides first met, a 1-1 draw saw the Whites drop to 17th position in the Championship table, with most not giving them any chance of making the play-offs, let along challenging for automatic promotion.
A run of 24 games with just one defeat has now seen them into the end of season showpiece, with Derby the opponents in the play-off semi final, with the first leg at Pride Park on Friday night.
And despite that one loss coming last week against Birmingham City, where a win would've seen the side automatically promoted, Jokanovic compared it to a game of tennis, where his side have dropped a set but must now bounce back.
He said: "I repeat, our season was fantastic and many teams want to be in this position.
"Nobody believed in us in the middle of December, nobody believed we'd be in position to fight for the Premier League.
"Now, we are in situation with three games ahead of us and we are with great confidence and we have great chance to be the team in the Premier League.
"This is our target and like in tennis, we lost one set and we must be ready to keep going and be ready to cross this line."
It would be easy for a team that came so close to promotion, only to fall short at the final hurdle, to drop their heads and lose confidence in themselves, but Jokanovic insists that isn't the case for his Fulham stars.
Like tennis players have to recover from dropping sets immediately, he believes his side have shown great attitude on the training ground ahead of tomorrow.
He added: "I try make some comparison and at the end important champions have important champions mentality and that's it.
"In this profession you must be ready for everything and don't have the time, I try compare the things, these people have few seconds to recover the mentality and be ready for next step.
"Behind us is a few days and I see my team completely ready with great attitude on the training ground and I observe them ready for the play-offs."
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-dropped-first-set-were-14641089
Aston Villa, Fulham, Derby and Middlesbrough: Are any of the play-off clubs even ready for the Premier League?
Championship experts have their say on the clubs' credentials
The four-way tussle for the top flight will soon get under way.
Aston Villa have their eyes on the prize - a ticket to the Premier League - but so too do Fulham, Middlesbrough and Derby County.
Awaiting one club, is the multi-million pound treasure chest and global exposure that comes hand-in-hand with English top flight football.
How well prepared are the play-off contenders for the rarified oxygen of the Premier League? Gregg Evans outlines Villa's case, and we also catch up with Football.London's Ryan O'Donovan (Fulham GazetteLive's Philip Tallentire (Middlesbrough) and, from the Derby Telegraph, Steve Nicholson (Derby County) to assess five key areas that can make or break a promoted club.
Manager
Fulham
(https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article8050490.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Slavisa-Jokanovic-the-manager-of-Watford.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic the manager of Watford
Slavisa Jokanovic has one promotion under his belt already, but has never had the chance to manage in the Premier League after leaving Watford before the start of that season.
Having come so close last season and this, Jokanovic will be desperate to get Fulham up at the third time of asking. His cool head will play an important role in whether the side go up or not.
Aston Villa
Who else would you want in your corner for a play-off campaign other than Steve Bruce? The Villa boss is an expert at getting teams out of the Championship having masterminded four previous promotions.
So there will be no panicking if Villa go behind at any stage in the semi-final, and he'll sure know how to hold onto a win if his side go ahead. You get the feeling that winning promotion with Villa would be the sweetest of them all. He's had a dreadful year away from football, losing both his mother and father in recent months, so if ever he needed some comfort, this is the time.
Bruce has a wealth of experience from his 40 years in the game and the majority of those have been spent in the top-flight.He'de the chance to splash the cash in the top-flight and have a real go at making Villa a feared force once again.
Middlesbrough
Tony Pulis has vast Premier League experience and would relish the chance to lead Middlesbrough in the top flight next season. He handled the transition from Championship to top flight extremely well at Stoke City and established the club in the Premier League.
Pulis has made no secret of the fact that he took the Boro job on the understanding that he'd be able to overhaul the club behind the scenes, so it's going to be an interesting summer if Boro go up.
Derby County
Gary Rowett has not managed in the Premier League and so he would relish the opportunity to prove himself at that level.
Interestingly, he was heavily linked with the Stoke City job in January after Mark Hughes had been sacked.
Rowett did an excellent job at Burton Albion and at Birmingham City, and he has guided Derby to the play-offs in his first full season in charge. At 44, he would be one of the youngest managers in the top flight, should Derby go up.
Squad
Fulham
(https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article14581477.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS149459514.jpg)
Fulham's strengthening of the squad in January has played a key role in their stunning form which had seen them go 23 games unbeaten. The addition of Aleksandar Mitrovic was huge for Fulham - they now have a focal point for their nice build up play and his goals have played a key part in getting them to where they are.
There's strength in depth too in almost all positions, and with players like Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon, you've got a squad that is ready for Premier League football.
Aston Villa
Villa have watched their squad slowly disintegrate from Champions League contenders into Championship-fodder. In the fatal Premier League season, the recruitment team placed a heavy emphasis on signing unproven players from France and Spain.
Adama Traore, Jordan Amavi, Idrissa Gana and Jordan Ayew were all good players in their individual right, but as a collective, it was too ask of them all to gel so quickly. It's why, if Villa go up, they need to find a healthy balance this time around.
The loan players - Sam Johnstone, Robert Snodgrass and Lewis Grabban, will give Villa a solid starting base should they sign. James Chester and Jack Grealish are ready for the Premier League and will bring guts, guile and a touch of class.
Then it's about strengthening around the edges. A top-class striker is needed, as is another centre-half to cover for John Terry as he approaches 38 years of age. With the U23 side doing so well this season, Villa also have plenty of quality to turn to in the development side so the future looks bright regardless.
Middlesbrough
The last time Boro won promotion they signed virtually a full team of players which backfired because, is many cases, the new men failed to make an impact and it damaged the unity in what had been a strong dressing room.
This time around it'll surely be evolution not revolution. Pulis will no doubt want to keep the core of the squad intact while adding new faces here and there. He'll certainly want to keep Adama Traore and may try to sign Mo Besic on a permanent deal.
Pulis will also want competition for both full-backs while, up front, it'll be interesting to see if he still wants a centre-forward after missing out on Mitrovic in January.
Derby
There is always question marks over whether or not teams promoted to the Premier League will be good enough to cope, and there is often a clamour from supporters for the club to strengthen significantly.
It is, however, important that promoted clubs do not over-stretch themselves financially because splashing the cash is no guarantee of survival and can lead to much pain if relegated, as Derby discovered in 2008.
The Rams have one of the oldest squads in the Championship and Gary Rowett will look to address the balance this summer, no matter in which division the club finds itself.
Recruitment within budget is crucial. Derby's squad possesses a number of players who have tasted life in the Premier League including goalkeeper Scott Carson, Curtis Davies, Tom Huddlestone and top scorer Matej Vydra.
Finances
Fulham
(https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article13774645.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/preview_CS49994410.jpg)
Fulham have the financial backing of Shahid Khan and are on a sound footing. They haven't really ever blown the cash on players since he took over ownership of the club, and if they do go up through the play-offs they'll have the money to be able to compete in the division. If they don't go up, however, there may be a problem. The club have lost their parachute payments now and could face losing some of their big names next season.
Aston Villa
Villa have had to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations this season - and spent just £2.5million in transfer fees in the last two transfer windows combined.
If they go up the script will be flipped and Bruce will no longer have to penny-pinch and look for bargain signings.
Owner Tony Xia wants to spend money to strengthen the side and have Villa competing in the higher echelons of the Premier League.
Expect a different approach to transfers if Villa go up. I'd expect Darren Bent's £18million transfer record to be broken.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are on a sound financial footing and will be competitive in the marketplace.
That doesn't mean, however, they'll be flashing the cash recklessly.
The last time around, a lot of Boro's money went on wages rather than transfer fees, with the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Victor Vales agreeing structured deals.
That did mean that when they went back down, they were unable to off-load a lot of players on big salaries.
Lessons will be learned from the disastrous 2016/17 campaign and chairman Gibson will have taken note of how last season's promoted clubs approached this season.
Derby
Derby are unlikely to be throwing cash around should they be promoted.
The accounts for 2016-17 showed a £34.6m wage bill although the club reported a loss of £7.9m, a drop of almost £7m on a loss of £14.7m the previous year.
Chairman Mel Morris said: "Obviously it's an improvement in terms of the headline numbers.
"The reality of it is that we still have a very high wage bill, no question mark about that, we're very conscious of that and its something we need to get under control."
Clearly, promotion would give the club a slice of the Premier League riches and a huge boost, but Morris will be keen to keep the finances under control.
The remit for clubs should be the same whichever division they play - live within your means where possible and when it comes to squad strengthening look to sign the right players at the right price.
Infrastructure
Fulham
It's a lot more settled behind the scenes now after Fulham sacked controversial Craig Kline in January. They brought in James Lovell, who in turn helped the club sign the likes of Mitrovic, Targett and Cyrus Christie which has led to better harmony between Jokanovic and the recruitment team.
That harmony has set the side up for the second half of the season that they've had and going forward, things look a lot rosier in the Craven Cottage garden than they did last summer.
Aston Villa
Stability and continuity were the buzz words at the start of this season. And, in truth, the stabilization has helped the club flourish.
CEO Keith Wyness is effectively running the club on a day-to-day basis with owner, Xia, based largely in China and the US.Sporting director Steve Round oversees the football operation and is close with Bruce and his coaching team.
Targets are recommended by the trusted team of scouts, analysed by Round and Bruce, and then the manager has the final say. Villa's academy is also thriving.
Twelve homegrown players have featured for the first-team this season and the U23s have won the Premier League Cup and are also into the Premier League 2 play-off final. The general feeling is that promotion to the Premier League will get the club back to where it belongs.
Middlesbrough
It's an interesting time at Boro with a large turnover of staff over the past 18 months.
Academy director Dave Parnaby and chief scout Ron Bone have both retired and most of the coaching roles have changed at least once over the past year.
At the top, Steve Gibson remains owner and chairman and is very much hands on with chief-executive Neil Bausor negotiating deals and sorting contracts.
Peter Kenyon has provided advice and guidance in the past but it remains to be seen what, if any, role he has moving forward.
There's talk of a shake-up in terms of recruitment and that could be something Pulis has a biog say in after his behind the scenes assessment.
Derby
Derby have changed manager too often in recent years. Gary Rowett became the fifth different Rams boss in 13 months when he was appointed in March 2017 and such a turnover is rarely helpful when it comes to stability. So, having Rowett and his staff in place for more than a year now is a plus.
Owner and chairman Mel Morris has ploughed millions into the club including huge amounts on the Academy and the training ground which is unrecognisable to what it was a few years ago. Morris, a local man and life-long Derby fan, would love to take the club back to the Premier League.
Ambition
Fulham
Fulham will aim to stay in the division should they get promoted, before eventually looking to push on. Mr Khan is an ambitious owner and I can't imagine he doesn't see Fulham back playing in Europe one day as an established Premier League side.
After years of success in the top flight before relegation a few years ago, the hope will be the Whites can once again become a regular side in the Premier League.
Aston Villa
Villa will not settle for simply staying up if they are promoted. It was less than a decade ago when they were pushing for fourth place and on a level with Tottenham.
It's a travesty to see how the two clubs compare right now, in all honesty. But Villa's aim is to get back to that level. Xia want Champions League football in the next five years.
He stated that when he arrived. And Bruce wants the opportunity to get Villa competing with the big-boys again.
He knows that there's so much money in the Premier League, though, and that they can no longer be seen as a bigger club than the likes of Burnley, Brighton and Huddersfield, simply because their fan base is larger.
It was take careful and considered planning to get Villa back to where they feel they belong, but the message is they're not far off if promotion is secured.
Middlesbrough
After last season's damp squib of a campaign, it's hard to believe lessons won't be learned.
There are plenty of examples of clubs winning promotion and then establishing themselves in the top flight.
Steve Gibson will plan for a campaign that sees Boro battle for a lower mid-table finish and the aim will be to stay up come hell or high water.
With a wily operator like Pulis in the hotseat, there's no reason why the club can't achieve that aim.
Derby
What Derby will be keen to avoid is the one-season stay in the Premier League they had in 2007-08, the last time they featured in the top flight. There are many examples of clubs winning promotion and then establishing themselves.
Derby fans have seen Stoke City, Burnley, Brighton, Swansea, Bournemouth, Leicester City, Watford and West Bromwich Albion go up, and stay up over the years, and they believe a club of Derby's size and potential should be capable of doing similar.
There is huge ambition at Derby, from the owner and chairman Mel Morris downwards but it is important for promoted clubs to stay up in that first season and build gradually, rather than attempting to change too much at once.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-derby-middlesbrough-14640022
Spy in the camp - The inside track on Fulham before Derby County's play-off clash at Pride Park
We spoke to football.london's Ryan O'Donovan to get the lowdown on the Rams' opponents...
(https://i2-prod.derbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article1484376.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Ryan-Sessegnon-celebration.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring Fulham's opening goal at Millwall
Derby County begin their final assault on the Premier League when they host Fulham on Friday night (7.45pm) in the first lef of their play-off smei-final.
The Cottagers narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, with Cardiff City pipping them to second place after Slavisa Jokanovic's side crumbkled at Birmingham Cty 3-1 on the final day.
Gary Rowett's Rams sneaked into the play-offs having comfortably beat Barnsley 4-1, setting up a showdown with Fulham.
Fulham needed to win and hope Cardiff wither drew or lost with Reading in order to complete a remarkable turnaround and earn automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Despite an unbeaten run that saw them garner 64 points from a possible 72 since December 16, Cardiff held firm and Fulham collapsed at St Andrew's.
Ahead of the big game, we spoke to football.london's Ryon O'Donovan to get the inside track on Fulham.
How is the mood in the camp?
I think the mood is still positive in the camp.
Despite an unbeaten run that saw them garner 64 points from a possible 72 since December 16, Cardiff held firm and Fulham collapsed at St Andrew's.
Ahead of the big game, we spoke to football.london's Ryon O'Donovan to get the inside track on Fulham.
How is the mood in the camp?
I think the mood is still positive in the camp.
Do you think it will be difficult for the players to lift themselves for the play-offs after that experience? Or did they always realistically expect to end up here?
I think they knew it was always probably going to be play-offs. To get themselves in this position when they were 17th at one point is fantastic in itself and if they got automatic promotion, it would've been a bonus.
In all honesty, I think they'll use missing out on automatics as extra motivation.
What was the performance like at Birmingham?
In a word, dire.
Birmingham played probably the best game of football they've managed all season and Fulham had no answers to it. They struggled to dominate the ball and once they got into the final third, they look like they lacked ideas to break through that resolute Birmingham defence.
It was probably the worst I've seen them play in over half a season.
Is there any team news ahead of the Derby tie? Any players out injured/suspended, or coming back into contention? And could you predict a possible starting line-up for the first leg?
There's worries about Matt Targett - he was injured in the Sunderland game on the penultimate match of the season and he came off at half time at St Andrews not looking fully fit. If they don't have him, Fulham are in trouble - he's a big part of this Fulham machine.
As for a line-up, and praying that Targett is fit, I'd go:
Bettinelli, Fredericks, Targett, Ream, Odoi, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Ayite and Mitrovic.
Who would you expect to be Fulham's key men against Derby and why?
Aleksandar Mitrovic is the obvious one - his goals have powered Fulham to where they are now and he's the focal point for the attack. Tom Cairney is an obvious one, he didn't perform at Birmingham and the side struggle, but when he's 100% at his best he's near unstoppable.
Fulham finished third and have been on a remarkable run. Do you think they are the team to beat in the play-offs?
Probably, to lose just once in 24 games is remarkable so on form alone you would expect them to be the team everyone wants to beat.
Do you think they can learn lessons from last season's play-off experience?
I would hope so - they bottled it last season and didn't get anywhere near the levels they were at come the end of the season.
They know what to expect in the play-offs now and they'll have to use that to their advantage in these two games.
What do you make of Derby's season so far, from the outside looking in?
I think they had a good season, but it looked for a time they'd miss out once again when they suffered that blip. I think they've done well to get themselves back into the top six though - I didn't think they would for most of the run in.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/spy-camp-inside-track-fulham-1551256
The Championship play offs: Do away goals count, Dates, TV details, odds and everything you need to know
Fulham, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby County will battle it out to get to Wembley
The make-up of the Championship play offs is now clear after the final weekend of the season.
Fulham, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby County will battle it out to get to Wembley - and the Premier League beyond.
It is well known as the most valuable match in world foptball.
These are the latest odds on which team will make it to the promised land.
'Drama is always guaranteed when the richest game in football comes to Wembley'.
That's what it says on wembleystadium.com anyway - and to be fair it's difficult to disagree.
But it won't only be Championship teams who are desperate to realise their promotion dreams at the world famous venue in a couple of months
Indeed May will see a three-day play-off final bonanza as clubs from the second, third and fourth tiers of English football attempt to write their names in their respective clubs' folklore.
Here's everything you need to know about the EFL play-offs - starting with the Championship.
Play-off dates
Sky Bet Championship
Friday 11th May 2018: 6th v 3rd, 7.45pm - Derby County v Fulham
Saturday 12th May 2018: 5th v 4th, 5.15pm - Middlesbrough v Aston Villa
Monday 14th May 2018: 3rd v 6th, 7.45pm - Fulham v Derby County
Tuesday 15th May 2018: 4th v 5th, 7.45pm - Aston Villa v Middlesbrough
The regulations
The EFL guidelines state: "The Semi-Final matches shall be played over two legs.
"In the Semi-Finals, the two teams who finished in the First and Second Play-Off place in The League, will play away from home in the first leg against the Fourth and Third placed team respectively. These pairings will be reversed for the second leg.
"In the Semi-Finals, the first leg shall be of 90 (ninety) minutes duration. If the aggregate scores are level at the end of 90 (ninety) minutes in the second leg, extra time will be played.
"If the scores remain level at the end of extra time the tie will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the Laws of Association Football. Away goals do not count.
"In the Final, if the score is level at the end of 90 (ninety) minutes, extra time will be played, followed
if necessary by kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the Laws of Association Football."
The runners and riders
Fulham were battling it out with Cardiff for second place - and automatic promotion - until the last day.
However, they came up against Birmingham City, who beat them 3-1 and as a result they will go through the playoffs.
Aston Villa and Middlesbrough had already booked their places ahead of the final day of the season, which confirmed Fulham in third and Derby County in sixth.
Who plays who
Fulham will now play two matches - at home and away - against Derby County, managed by former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett.
The other fixture also pits two managers well-known to West Midlands football against each other.
Aston Villa, managed by Steve Bruce, will face a Middlebrough side rejuvenated by Tony Pulis since leaving West Brom earlier this year.
The Villa matches will be at The Riverside on Saturday May 12 at 5.15pm, with the reverse fixture at Villa Park on Tuesday May 15 at 7.45pm.
The other last four ties would be at the iPro Stadium on Friday, May 11 at 7.45pm, with the return leg at Craven Cottage on Monday, May 14 at 7.45pm.
The odds
Fulham 13/8
Aston Villa 11/4
Middlesbrough 11/4
Derby 9/2
Will it be on TV?
Every play-off game will be broadcast live by Sky Sports.
How can I get tickets?
The visiting club shall have the right to claim 2,000 tickets for use by its supporters (or such number as represents 10% of all tickets reserved or otherwise sold in advance, if less than 2,000).
The home club may not reduce normal League admission charges without the written agreement of the away club.
Both clubs are allocated a set number of tickets for the final and fans can purchase directly from either club, depending on where they wish to be seated.
History makers - a decade of finals
2017 Huddersfield Town 0 Reading 0 (Huddersfield on 4-3 on penalties)
2016 Hull City 1 (Diame 72) Sheffield Wednesday 0
2015 Middlesbrough 0 Norwich City 2 (Jerome 12, Redmond 15)
2014 Derby County 0 QPR 1 (Zamora 90)
2013 Crystal Palace 1 (Phillips pen 105+1) Watford 0
2012 Blackpool 1 (Ince 48) West Ham United 2 (Cole 35, Vaz Te 87)
2011 Reading 2 (Allen OG 49, Mills 57) Swansea City 4 (Sinclair pen 21, 22, pen 80, Dobbie 40)
2010 Blackpool 3 (Adam 13, Taylor-Fletcher 41, Ormerod 45+1) Cardiff City 2 (Chopra 9, Ledley 37)
2009 Burnley 1 (Elliott 13) Sheffield United 0
2008 Bristol City 0 Hull City 1 (Windass 38)
Lower league qualifiers
Two go up automatically in League One, meaning third, fourth, fifth and sixth compete for the final promotion spot via the play-offs.
In League Two, three go straight up with a fourth through the play-offs meaning there's a chance for the seventh-placed team.
Sky Bet League One dates
Thursday 10 May League One A Kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday 12 May League One B Kick-off 12.30pm
Sunday 13 May League One A Kick-off 5.15pm
Wednesday 16 May League One B Kick-off 7.45pm
Sky Bet League Two dates
Saturday 12 May League Two A Kick-off 3.00pm
Saturday 12 May League Two B Kick-off 7.30pm
Thursday 17 May League Two A Kick-off 7.45pm
Friday 18 May League Two B Kick-off 7.45pm
Final dates:
It starts with the Championship final on Saturday 26 May then....
Sunday 27 May League One Final Kick-off 3.00pm
Monday 28 May League Two Final Kick-off 3.00pm
Last Season:
Championship: Huddersfield Town 0 Reading 0 (Huddersfield won 4-3 on penalties)
League One: Bradford City 0–1 Millwall
League Two: Blackpool 2–1 Exeter City
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/villa-derby-middlesbrough-away-goals-14414843
The scene is set, preperations finished, bring on Fulham
The huge effort by staff and volunteers at Pride Park will be seen by millions as the game is televised live on Sky Sports tomorrow night at 7-45pm.
Ticket sales are nearing the sell-out point and Derby County has just tweeted the following stirring video to whip up the fans (if they needed it) to fever pitch.
So as Sir Alex Ferguson said (and good wishes for a speedy recovery to him) " it is squeaky bum time". The Rams however really have nothing to lose and all to win being the outsiders in the betting to win the playoffs and finishing in sixth place. Not many people give Derby County a chance but the boys may have other ideas.....So COME ON YOU RAMS!
https://derby.vitalfootball.co.uk/the-scene-is-set-preperations-finished-bring-on-fulham/
Fulham out to make up for lost time in Championship play-off with Derby
Slavisa Jokanovic takes his team to Pride Park for a semi-final first leg on Friday evening and with a big duck to break
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Slavisa Jokanovic encourages his Fulham team in last Sunday's loss at Birmingham City. Photograph: Anna Gowthorpe/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock
The Fulham juggernaut hit a pothole last weekend. A team unbeaten in 23 Championship matches got turned over by 20th‑placed Birmingham. Had they won, the Cottagers would have been promoted to the Premier League ahead of Cardiff. Instead they lost 3-1, conceding two first-half goals. So, how to avoid it happening again in the play-offs?
Fulham must now go again and face two encounters with Derby in 72 hours, starting with the first leg at Pride Park on Friday night. "It's a second chance – something like this," is how Slavisa Jokanovic describes it and the Fulham manager has previously described the play-offs as a positive for his team, a fallback should things go wrong. Now that they have, these two games offer a chance for immediate redemption.
"OK, at the last moment we could not make it. I accept that. I am head coach of this club," Jokanovic said. "We must be realistic and admit that we didn't bring our best performance against Birmingham and we made many mistakes. But that's it. What we did do was cut an 18-point gap between us and Cardiff in the regular season and overtook 15 teams. We don't lose our confidence after 90 bad minutes, because we have 2,000 very good minutes behind us."
The play-offs are notorious for contradicting league form. While the team that finish third in the table, as Fulham did, are statistically the most likely to go up, only one club in the last five years has done so. Perhaps more worrying for them is the fact Fulham are yet to win a single game in the Football League play-offs.
In 1989 they lost both legs of the semi-final against Bristol Rovers in Division Three, in 1998 to Grimsby in Division Two. Then, last year, Jokanovic's Fulham lost 2-1 on aggregate against Reading. The match was decided with a single incident, a penalty scored by Yann Kermogant after a Tomas Kalas handball.
"We didn't make so many mistakes last year," Jokanovic said this week . "We lost one 50-50 decision when we touched the ball with a hand after a complicated situation. From my point of view, it was not the way to decide who plays in a final, but it's football. I don't look back at this game."
All the same, Jokanovic hopes the experience of last year's semi-final will stand his team in good stead. With away goals not a consideration, it is also a unique type of encounter, a "180-minute match", as he puts it. He remains bullish, too.
"The play-off a year ago showed us what kind of matches these games are. Now we are one year older, one year more experienced," the Serb added. "We have ahead of us one play-off game of 180 minutes. We are a team who take a huge level of the risk and we have to manage this aspect of the situation. We have to be quiet, we have to concentrate and take the right decisions during the game. Definitely I expect we are going to be more successful this time."
The risk Jokanovic speaks of reflects the way he sees the game panning out. Derby's manager, Gary Rowett, has also described his team as having been given "a second chance" after they slipped out of the top six in April only to bounce back and hold on to sixth place on the final day. Jokanovic believes Rowett's team will let Fulham dictate the play, in both legs, and look to catch them out on the break.
"We know how they will play," Jokanovic said. "They are a good team – expensive, experienced. They will try what they always try, to be aggressive and try and catch us in transition. They will not try to dominate us with the ball. They won't take the ball.
"It is our responsibility to try and move the ball. To take enough acceptable risks during the game. And that's it. In the 180 minutes different things will happen and we will have to manage them."
Bluff fighting talk from the Serb then, before a crucial game in his career. There is no doubt he has greatly improved Fulham in his two-and-a-half years but now he needs to prove it in a one-off situation (or two, depending on your perspective).
"I want to be successful," Jokanovic added of his own ambitions. "I want to win all the games. At the end, I care about my team, my club supporters, staff and myself too. What I really want in the future is to be successful. The easiest way is to do that with my team."
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/10/fulham-championship-playoff-semi-final-derby-slavisa-jokanovic
England manager Gareth Southgate may hand Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ryan Sessegnon World Cup wild cards
Gareth Southgate is weighing up whether to include Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ryan Sessegnon, of Fulham, in his provisional 35-man England World Cup squad which will be submitted in private to Fifa on Monday, before the final 23 are announced later next week at Wembley.
The England manager is obliged to give the governing body 35 names by Monday night and will then present his final selection of 23 at Wembley on either Wednesday or Thursday, along with those on standby. Those who are named in the 35-man squad – but not the final 23 next week – will not be told unless they are placed on standby to take part in the pre-tournament training camp. Southgate will need answers on the fitness of a number of players, including Kieran Trippier who came off with a thigh injury playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Neither the FA nor Fifa will publish the names of those submitted on Monday, although Southgate is expected to make some calls ahead of the 23-man squad announcement. The standby players will come out of the 12 excess selections and they will attend the training camps at St George's Park and the Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire.
The England manager is already without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez, and there are doubts over whether Adam Lallana will be fit.
The Spurs squad were given a day off by Mauricio Pochettino on Wednesday and Trippier's injury will be assessed before their final game of the season against Leicester City on Sunday.
The big question facing Southgate is whether he will dip into the group of young uncapped players at his disposal, including the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Sessegnon, Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman who have played for junior England teams. Ben Chilwell is another, currently injured, who could be promoted from the Under-21s.
If Trippier's injury is serious then the door is opened to Alexander-Arnold who is expected to start for Liverpool in the Champions League final. There are big decisions to be made over Jack Wilshere, who missed the March friendly against Holland having been recalled by Southgate. The England manager is not expected to change his mind about Jonjo Shelvey who he did not select in March, or Chris Smalling
The mood is that when it comes to the final 23, the England manager is keen to stick with those with whom he has secured qualification for Russia and that, as things stand, there will not be a place for those uncapped players. It is understood that it would take a major change of heart for that approach to alter.
Southgate believes that he has a core who are accustomed to the way that he wants to play and have been through the process of training and team meetings. Those who have been given caps over the course of this season, such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Cook would be under consideration and have a chance of being in the final 23.
The Under-21s manager, Aidy Boothroyd, is taking a squad to the Toulon Tournament at the end of this month with group games against China, Mexico and Qatar. The tournament is for players born in 1997 and after which means that not all of Boothroyd's regular squad will be eligible to play and he is likely to take quite an inexperienced group, mindful of the demands made of players at last summer's junior tournaments. The Toulon squad will be named after the seniors with the players due to meet up on May 21.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/05/10/england-managergareth-southgate-may-hand-trent-alexander-arnold/
4-2-3-1 Fulham Predicted Lineup Vs Derby County: Time For Sessegnon To Shine On The Wing!Fulham missed a golden chance to secure a direct qualification to the Premier League as they faltered in their final league game of the season. Their second-placed rivals Cardiff City are through even though they drew against Reading as the Cottagers were beaten 3-1 by Birmingham City. Slaviša Jokanović will have to inspire his men again and make sure that they aren't still reeling from their previous defeat as they will have to be at their best against a very resilient Derby County side.
The Rams secured the sixth spot on the last day of the season as they went past Barnsley with ease. However, they will have to be at their best against the Cottagers as they have looked formidable for the most part of the season. Fulham were in the playoffs last year as well but they were beaten in the semifinal by Reading. However, this time around, they are in much better form and one can say they are probably the favourites to qualify for the Premier league but in a knockout encounter, all the form of the league games goes out of the window and the result comes down to who turns up the heat on that particular day.
There are no injury concerns for the Serbian manager and he will have a full squad to choose from for this crucial first leg encounter. Matt Targett, the Fulham left-back is expected to recover from his ankle injury and start.
Here is how Slaviša Jokanović's side will most likely lineup.
Formation(4-2-3-1)
Defence
Marcus Bettinelli is expected to start in goal and the Englishman has done well when called upon. He has managed 12 clean sheets in the 26 games which he has played in the Championship. The Fulham manager will go in with the tried and tested back four. Matt Targett was substituted at halftime in the previous encounter but we expect him to shrug off the ankle injury and to start in this all-important clash.
Denis Odoi and Tim Ream will form the centre-back pairing and their job will be to stop Cameron Jerome and company. The experienced Ryan Fredericks will start from the right to complete the back four.
Midfield
Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen will start in the middle of the park and they will be shielding the defence and along with that, their job will be to keep things ticking in midfield. All eyes will be on the impressive Ryan Sessegnon and everyone will like to see whether he can come up with the goods on a big stage. Tom Cairney will likely to start in the number 10 role and Lucas Piazon will start down the right flank.
Attack-
The on-loan striker, Aleksandr Mitrovic will be leading the line for Cottagers.
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http://the4thofficial.net/2018/05/4-2-3-1-fulham-predicted-lineup-vs-derby-county-time-sessegnon-shine-wing/
Quote from: WhiteJC on May 11, 2018, 07:53:42 AM
Championship play-offs: Fulham and Aston Villa go in as favourites, but don't be surprised if neither make Wembley
Scott Minto's EFL column: Middlesbrough and Derby County have the tools to cause a surprise in what promises to be a manic pair of semi-finals
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Fulham have never won a play-off game Getty
And then there were four!
What a couple of great play-off semi-finals we have in store. If a neutral could have handpicked any of the sides from the Championship to be here at this stage, then you wouldn't be surprised if they'd have picked these four. The biggest spenders last summer and a team that was in the Premier League last season, Middlesbrough, against arguably the biggest club in the division, Aston Villa. In the other semi-final, the team that seem to implode annually at this point of the season, but with the division's top scorer, Derby County, against the best passing side, Fulham. Each has their reasons as to why they believe they will go up. But each has their weaknesses.
Fulham are the most interesting one. They are the best team of the four. They play the best football, finished third and went on that fantastic 23 match unbeaten run, winning 18, before defeat to Birmingham. The record books will say that had beaten Birmingham, they would have grabbed that second automatic promotion place due to Cardiff drawing against Reading. I believe Cardiff would have stepped it up against Reading if they had needed to, but with Fulham conceding two goals in the first half, they didn't have to. It's all hypothetical, but the point is what do Fulham believe? Do they believe they blew it? Did they choke at the final game, the one that really mattered? If so, how will they perform in the cauldron of the play-offs?
Their play-off record is as bad as it gets, not one win ever since the format was introduced, although I'm not one for looking too far back when it comes to stats. But they were the form team coming into them last season and they didn't even score a goal, let alone win either leg against Reading. How are they mentally coming into this? Buoyant after one defeat in 24 with 18 victories, or very low after missing out on automatic promotion?
A month ago I would have put them to beat Derby, and easily. At the moment, not knowing how their mindset is, plus Derby looking like they are now inspired and not destroyed by their fans after scoring seven goals in the last two home games, this looks a lot closer.
In the other semi-final it's just as close. Steve Bruce has done a great job dealing with all the pressure that comes with being manager of the club with the highest expectation in the Championship. Aston Villa also finished seven points above Middlesbrough. They have so many match winners that can change a game in any moment but they undoubtedly come into their semi-final with the biggest amount of pressure of the four. That can weigh heavily at any time but especially in the play-offs.
I've thought for some time that Middlesbrough were the ones to watch out for. Tony Pulis has got them back to basics. Players have gone, the defence is more solid and in the final third they have lots of goals in them with Britt Assombolonga and Patrick Bamford. The one player who Villa have to keep quiet and could well be the star of the play-offs is Adama Traore. Pace, power, two-footed... on his day he's unplayable.
From the outside looking in, you might think it'll be a Fulham-Villa final. That may well happen. But I've got a sneaky suspicion it'll be Derby and Middlesbrough to compete in the world's richest game, worth at least £170m.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-play-off-semi-finals-aston-villa-fulham-middlesbrough-derby-county-a8345026.html
What are these journalists like . According to this one .We did 'nt score a goal in play offs last season???
Slavisa Jokanovic tells Fulham players to dream of the Premier League rather than thinking negatively about the last time they played in the play-offs
Fulham travel to Derby's Pride Park on Friday in the Championship play-offs
Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham lost to Reading at the same stage last season
But Jokanovic has told his players to focus on the dream that can be realised
He wants his players to dream about playing in the Premier League
Slavisa Jokanovic has told Fulham's players to look forward to a future in the Premier League rather than dwell on the past ahead of their play-off clash with Derby County.
Fulham were beaten in the Championship's semi-finals by Reading last year but on Friday night Jokanovic wants to take the game to Gary Rowett's Derby in the first leg at Pride Park.
The Serbian boss hopes Fulham can take a big step towards the £200million final at Wembley and said: 'I don't have the time to be disappointed, I don't have time for crying.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/10/15/4BE9646400000578-5714219-image-a-145_1525963771895.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic wants his players to focus on the dream of playing in the Premier League
'I cannot tell you how many games I have watched but after this game (last year's 1-0 defeat by Reading) I did not watch. I did not do any analysis of this game. I forget this game.
'My team this week is with confidence and ready for the play-offs. I expect in a few months we are going to be up.'
Fulham run the risk of losing several stars if they miss out on promotion, including 17-year-old prodigy Ryan Sessegnon. Jokanovic insists he is not worried.
'Yesterday we were talking about Real Madrid, two days ago about Manchester United,' Jokanovic said on Sessegnon. 'This, more or less, is a normal situation for us and him too.'
Jokanovic was in a buoyant mood, despite Fulham missing out on automatic promotion to the Premier League because of their failure to beat Birmingham on the final day.
Asked if he had a result in mind for Friday, Jokanovic joked: 'If it's possible, I'd have 8-0 for us or something like that.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic lies dejected as Fulham saw their automatic promotion chances ended
'Some can be a little surprised with our performance at the end (against Birmingham). OK, there was probably someone a bit surprised how Roma can win against Barcelona.
'Or you can be a bit surprised how Chelsea could not win against Huddersfield. It is part of football.
'We must accept it and be ready for the next step and that's it. I don't have time for looking behind. I want to be successful, I am an ambitious man.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5715947/Slavisa-Jokanovic-tells-Fulham-players-dream-Premier-League.html#ixzz5FB3EQQCJ
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Bradley Johnson insists Derby are 'mentally stronger' as they look to shake bottlers tag against Fulham in Championship play-off semi-final
Derby midfielder Bradley Johnson insists his team are 'mentally stronger'
Gary Rowett's men are looking to shake off their promotion bottlers tag
Derby have failed twice in the Championship play-offs in the past four seasons
The Rams host Fulham for the first leg of their semi-final at Pride Park on Friday
Bradley Johnson has insisted Derby County are 'mentally stronger' than ever before as Gary Rowett's side look to shake off their tag of promotion bottlers.
Derby have failed twice in the play-offs in the past four seasons and slipped badly out of contention on another occasion but Johnson says the team have learnt from those experiences.
'We've got the reputation because ultimately the club have been there before and failed,' said Johnson, who went up via the play-offs with Norwich in 2015 before suffering disappointment with Derby. 'That does drive us on even more to make sure we do it right this year.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/10/23/4C12DFF500000578-0-image-a-29_1525992353317.jpg)
Bradley Johnson has insisted Derby County are 'mentally stronger' than ever before
'Everyone will always talk about Derby falling away and not doing it but we're mentally stronger than we were before and we're going into the play-offs in a confident run. We've just got to go out there and prove people wrong..'
Derby host Fulham at Pride Park on Friday in good mood after beating Cardiff 3-1 and Barnsley 4-1 in their last two home matches. Their last play-off appearance was decided in the first leg when Hull left the east midlands with a 3-0 lead.
Johnson added: 'We've learned you've got to stay in the game. We had a corner in the last minute, we went attacking and they broke away and got the third goal. Ultimately that third goal was the one that didn't get us in the final.'
Rowett said he would be keeping preparations normal and does not plan to deliver any statesmanlike addresses.
'I've seen it where teams have done motivational videos for 38 minutes before the game and all those things,' said the Derby manager.
'My feeling about it has always been the same after doing it a couple of times in the past. I coached Derby in an FA Youth Cup game, it was a big semi-final and I built the game up massively. I did a real long speech before the game, I felt like Winston Churchill at the time.. It was all, "Fight 'em on the beaches".
'We were 5-0 down at half-time and I made a pact with myself never to do it again! That little bit of additional pressure sometimes tips the balance.. My players are better when they are relaxed.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5716011/Johnson-insists-Derby-mentally-stronger-look-shake-bottlers-tag-against-Fulham.html#ixzz5FB42SwxM
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Derby County hit with unwelcome injury blow ahead of crunch Fulham clash
Derby County fans in the Transfer Tavern will be looking forward to their Championship Play-off semi-final with Fulham first-leg on Friday, however, they will likely be without one of their key players.
The Rams will look to take advantage of their home tie against the Cottagers but could be without Marcus Olsson for the clash. According to the club's official website, the 29-year-old had to withdraw from the first half in their 4-1 victory over Barnsley last weekend with a knee injury.
There is no timeframe on his absence, however, it is believed that the Swede will be unavailable for the first-leg at the very least.
Landlord's Verdict
The Derby locals in the Tavern will be getting excited about the prospect of heading to Wembley Stadium, however, they will be disappointed that Olsson will not be able to take part.
The versatile defender, who can also play on the left side of midfield, has been key in the Rams promotion chasing campaign and it is believed that his absence will be felt by the punters in the bar. Fulham have been prolific in the Championship this year and Derby will want to keep the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic at bay.
https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/ticker/derby-county-hit-with-unwelcome-injury-blow-ahead-of-crunch-fulham-clash/
How Derby County fans can play their part in tonight's play-off with Fulham
Gary Rowett has called on the Rams faithful to create another 'electric' atmosphere
Derby County fans can again play a key role tonight, according to manager Gary Rowett.
Rowett was full of praise for the atmosphere generated in the past two home games against Cardiff City and Barnsley.
The Rams won both to help cement a place in the Championship play offs.
Now they face Fulham in a two-legged semi final with the first leg at Pride Park Stadium this evening.
Rowett said the fans can play a "massive" part.
"We have spoken about that for the last two or three home games," he said.
"The last two or three results and performances have really lifted the crowd and in turn the crowd has lifted the players.
"Pride Park when there is a crowd of 30,000 and the atmosphere is electric, it is an amazing evening.
"You think back to the Cardiff game, it was an incredible night of football that you can't help but feel lucky to be part of.
"The atmosphere was also brilliant at the Barnsley game."
Rams midfielder Bradley Johnson also praised the supporters.
"The fans can play a massive part - they've been brilliant for us all season," said Johnson.
"On Sunday (against Barnsley), they were brilliant for us again.
"It was a bit of a nervy game for them, but they stuck behind us from the first whistle and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
"Throughout the 90 minutes, they helped us over the line.
"They are going to be massive for us on Friday night."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-derby-county-fans-can-1552054
Fulham: How on earth did this even happen?
On the eve of the Championship play-offs getting underway, what better way to find out about the re-rise of Fulham than by asking Daniel Storey to have a conversation with himself? As ever, the answers are long...
It only feels like five minutes since Fulham were being dreadful in the Premier League?
Yes, and that relegation was indeed miserable. So let's start with a potted history of where it all went wrong.
Fulham's initial rise to the Premier League was funded by Mohamed Al-Fayed's millions, but they punched above their weight as standard. If the peak of their powers came with a Europa League final appearance in 2010, the subsequent slump came shortly afterwards.
In the summer of 2012, Al-Fayed made it clear that he wished to sell the club and began looking for a buyer. That was combined with the sale of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele to Tottenham, replaced by a glut of overseas imports who largely flattered to deceive. Dimitar Berbatov was the gem, but even he epitomised a team that was majestic in patches but often too easy to play against. Fulham only slipped from ninth to 12th in 2012/13, but that was just seven points above the bottom three.
Shahid Khan purchased the club in July 2013, and Fulham actually made several signings that seemed to make sense (Darren Bent on loan, Scott Parker for £4m, Maarten Stekelenburg as a new No. 1 goalkeeper), but things soon went south. The decision to sack Martin Jol in December was hardly controversial, but Khan opted for first-team coach Rene Meulensteen as his replacement. Somewhere amidst all that, Fulham paid £12m to sign Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou. Mitroglou played 151 league minutes and never scored.
When it became clear that Meulensteen was unfit for purpose, the mistake was compounded by the appointment of famous disciplinarian Felix Magath. The German won three of 12 league games that season, famously tried to treat the players' injuries with cheese and Fulham were relegated on the penultimate weekend of the season after a 4-1 defeat to Stoke City.
Right, so what's changed?
For a long time, not a lot. Fulham have been bobbing around in the Championship's lower reaches since relegation. Magath somehow avoided the sack, but that soon followed when Fulham sat bottom of the division after taking one point from their first seven matches. His replacement, Kit Symons – something of a club legend – earned the job on a full-time basis after an encouraging start as caretaker, but never really convinced that he merited long-term faith. When Symons was sacked, Slavisa Jokanovic was appointed.
Jokanovic initially moved Fulham away from relegation trouble, and took Fulham into the play-offs in his first full season. Defeat to Reading over two legs was disappointing, but Jokanovic had at least earned Fulham their first top-six finish in any division for 16 years despite the sale of top scorer Ross McCormack.
One important thing to note is that Jokanovic persuaded Khan to invest £4m in the club's training ground facilities in summer 2016, both to allow for better match preparation and recovery and to make the club more attractive to potential signings.
But the biggest change at Craven Cottage happened four months into this season. With Fulham floundering again – they were 15th as recently as December – Jokanovic won his battle with owner Khan to gain control of the club's transfer dealings. Until that point, the majority responsibility had fallen to the club's director of statistical research Craig Kline, a friend of Khan's son.
Last summer, Fulham signed players from the Portuguese, French, Spanish, Belgian and Russian leagues, a policy Jokanovic vehemently disagreed with. "I need people who know about driving the car in the English style," he told the Independent. "Who know what life in England is."
In January, Fulham signed Aleksandar Mitrovic (who Jokanovic knew from Partizan Belgrade), Matt Targett from Southampton and Cyrus Christie from Middlesbrough. It is no coincidence that the longest unbeaten run in the club's history began with Jokanovic's victory in that power struggle. Suddenly, everyone at Craven Cottage was pulling in the same direction.
They certainly feel like the neutral's favourite for the playoffs?
Yes, they really are. Part of the reason for that is that Fulham are the perennial neutral's favourite. They are a charming club with a charming ground, steeped in history and with affiliations to some of the great and good of English football history. There is nothing offensive about them, and every Premier League away supporter looks forward to a day by the Thames and prays for August or May.
Most obviously, Fulham 'deserve' promotion the most. They finished five points ahead of Aston Villa in fourth and 13 ahead of Derby in sixth, and lost only eight games all season. Villa and Derby lost 11, Middlesbrough 14.
There's also the manner of Fulham's rise this season. Not only did Jokanovic take the club on the longest unbeaten run in their history, he has done so with some pretty attractive football. Fulham have scored 79 league goals, second only to champions Wolves, and Jokanovic prefers sharp passing through defence and midfield finished by Mitrovic's uncompromising physicality. The Serbian has been sensational since dropping down a division in January.
In fact, Fulham are conspicuous as the odd ones out in the play-offs. While Villa and Middlesbrough have spent big (Boro bought five players for £5m or more this season, Villa bought six last season) and Derby have pretty much done what they have always done, Fulham have approached things a little differently. Young players, experienced heads and loan players in near-perfect symbiosis. There is a feeling amongst neutrals (yes, this is oxymoronic) that Fulham's strategy merits reward.
It's at this point that I shout "Ryan Sessegnon" loudly, isn't it?
Yes, because of your top six, big club bias m8. Sessegnon has indeed been wonderful, the winner of Championship's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards and the only ever player outside the top flight to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year gong.
His speed, dribbling and shooting (he's certainly more of a left winger than left-back) are extraordinary, but what makes Sessegnon most exciting is just how mature he is for a 17-year-old. Every time Fulham have piled a little more responsibility upon his shoulders, the young man keeps on performing.
But don't be fooled into thinking that this is a one-man team. Mitrovic is the division's 14th top scorer – and Fulham's second highest – despite starting his first league game on February 17. Fulham rejected a £25m bid from Newcastle United last summer for Tom Cairney, and he has shown again why that was a sensible move. Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas have played the experience/relative novice central defensive partnership perfectly, while Kevin McDonald might just be the Championship's most underrated player.
"We understand better and start to trust each other, we start living like family, all together, and it's more positive," said Jokanovic in February. "We are ready for fighting for each other, more than what we were doing in the past and we have a clearer idea on what we must do in the game."
Would Jokanovic stick around this time?
I see your line of questioning here. Jokanovic was the Watford manager who took over in October 2014 and within eight months had taken them to automatic promotion to the Premier League. It is widely considered to be a mistake on the part of the Pozzo family.
But it isn't quite as simple as that. Jokanovic was only appointed on a short-term deal, and his contract expired at the end of the season. Reports suggest that the Serbian asked for a whacking great payrise that Watford's owners were not prepared to match, and so they looked for another option.
Understandably, Jokanovic tells a slightly different tale. "I felt he [Gino Pozzo] didn't have a real will to renew my contract," he told The Sun in 2015. "My priority was to stay at Watford after promotion. It made sense to think that way. What happened next made me realise there was no real intention to renew my contract. There was a first contact but there wasn't a follow-up from him, which should be normal in any negotiation process. After waiting, I assumed that I had to move on."
Whatever the reality of that situation, Jokanovic was pretty adamant that he wanted to return to English football, and we can presume that the Championship was not his dream. If that gives Fulham's manager added motivation to secure promotion, it can be no bad thing.
So will they be quaffing champagne by the Thames on May 29?
They are certainly the clear favourites at 7/4, and history is just about on their side. In the 26 seasons where the second-tier play-offs have involved four teams placed third to sixth, the team in third leads with nine promotions.
Fulham are the team in form too – ish. They took 59 of a possible 72 points between mid-December and the end of the season, 13 points more than any other play-off team over the same period and 25 more than semi-final opponents Derby. Fulham lost one of their last 24 league matches of the season; second best was Wolves with four.
And here's the 'but'. That single defeat came on the last day at St Andrews. For all the excellence of Fulham's run towards the end of the season, the one match where it actually mattered produced a fairly dismal performance. If the play-offs is a series of cup finals, Fulham lost their own preliminary final to Birmingham City.
Which is what makes the playoffs so bloody brilliant. If the misplaced cliche is that penalty shootouts are a lottery, the playoffs sometimes really do feel that way. Quality matters, of course, but this about bottle. Sit back, relax, and let the madness begin.
Daniel Storey
http://www.football365.com/news/fulham-how-on-earth-did-this-even-happen
Slavisa Jokanovic: The mastermind behind Fulham's push for Premier League promotion
Jokanovic told Goal how the Cottagers have reaped the benefits of his changes as they aim for promotion to the top flight
Slavisa Jokanovic is a purveyor of the finer details. When it comes to football management the 49-year-old has utilised years of experience managing in countries as far flung as Thailand to Israel, but it is Fulham where he's now made a name for himself as one of Europe's most talented managers.
Jokanovic, an ex-Deportivo and Chelsea player renowned for his elegant displays in midfield, joined Fulham in December 2015 and managed to avoid relegation by eleven points. The following season saw him achieve his target of a top-six position while the current campaign could culminate in achieving the ultimate goal of promotion to the Premier League.
The Serbian's side face Derby in their Championship play-off semi-final first leg against on Friday, where the winner over two legs will face either Aston Vila or Middlesbrough at Wembley on May 26.
Despite automatic promotion slipping out of their hands, Jokanovic guided his team to a 23-game unbeaten run which has drawn plaudits from afar due to the attractive football philosophy now taking centre stage at Craven Cottage.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Goal, the experienced manager revealed the different aspects he needed to change when he first arrived at Fulham, while also talking about reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.
"I'm a very good observer and I had to check everything around myself," Jokanovic told Goal.
"In this short time we tried to push the club in a different direction and tried looking for improvements in different parts of the club. I started to push the board and they supported my ideas to improve the club.
"All the styles have a final destination - to try and win the games. I want to win the games. We are in a good moment right now and from another side I believe our supporters are enjoying the way this was the team have changed."
Jokanovic oversaw vast changes off the pitch when he joined three years ago, including modernisation of player nutrition and recovery methods, while persuading the club's billionaire U.S-based owner Shahid Khan to invest in the pitches in order to improve the quality of the training sessions.
"If you want to play the football on the floor then I need better tools for my work. They [Fulham] interpreted me well, they understand my position and really quick after a few months we started this kind of new improvements.
"The pitches weren't in condition to try and find enough quality with what we wanted to do. The last two years we've been in perfect condition for our work. I believe we're seeing the benefits of these improvements but can always do better."
Behind the scenes Jokanovic sings the praises of his support staff which features Marco Cesaraini, Jose Sambade, Stuart Gray, Alberto Escobar and Javier Pereira, the latter he describes as the "engineer of many things". The trio work closely together and the Serb uses his knowledge from a breadth of experiences abroad to focus on cultivating and signing domestic talent who already have a flavour of English football.
"My life is connected with football. I was a player, now a manager. I try to use all my experience in my job," he added.
"Because I'm working in England, this is the only reason [why I favour domestic-based players]. If I'm working with Serbia, Israel or Thailand it's about following the natural way. We are not on the level for bringing best players in the world.
"We want to bring people in with a similar level whether they are English or foreign. If they are a similar level I prefer domestic players as they know what life is like here and they don't need so much time for adaption.
"This competition is really long with many games so you don't have so much time to prepare and adapt. They must be ready for the challenge."
One player courting the attention of Europe's biggest clubs is Ryan Sessegnon. The 17-year-old has scored 15 goals this season and won five EFL awards, prompting many to suggest the left-wing back warrants a call-up to the England squad for this summer's World Cup in Russia.
"He's the best young player I've managed in my life," beamed Jokanovic.
"I've managed important players like [Stevan] Jovetic and [Adem] Ljajic in Partizan Belgrade but this man is really different. To play at this age he's competing really hard at Championship level and shown fantastic quality.
"He's one of the best football 'projects' in England and the world. He has huge potential ahead of him and a healthy mentality. I believe he can arrive and become a top player."
Fulham scored 85 times last season - the second-highest tally achieved by the team in the last 58 years. Players including Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic have lauded Jokanovic's training methods and ability to get the best out of his players, an aspect of his managerial style that he remains deeply proud of.
"I want to make people around me better and I must be satisfied if they feel improvement in themselves. I try to make improvements for people all around me. Sometimes we need patience, sometimes we need the time to trust each other and this is natural but the intention for both sides is always positive. I try to make them better and they make me better too."
Unsurprisingly, Jokanovic is quick to dismiss reports linking him with a move down the road to Chelsea. An unbeaten run inspired by the manager's attack-minded philosophy has seen several clubs linked, but Fulham remains the only team in his mind right now.
"This is nice for my wife to read the news and ask me about these kind of reports," he joked.
"I try to be focused on my job and try to do a good job and if I'm successful with Fulham in the future then some positive things can happen."
The ultimate goal of Premier League promotion is in Jovanovic's sights and he portrays the same studious focus which has seen the Cottagers impress with their free-flowing football this season, but now it's time to deliver the end product that he and his team have been working towards throughout a gruelling campaign.
"The Championship is an exciting and quality competition, we know it exists at that level. We are strong and believe we can be successful. We're going to push until the end."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/slavisa-jokanovic-the-mastermind-behind-fulhams-push-for-premier-/x6ctetqovsep16pfqx1aq5it8
Transfer gossip: Mirror link Fulham with Honeyman
Fulham have been linked with Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman.
The Sun claim the Whites and Aston Villa have joined Sheffield Wednesday in a race to sign the highly-rated 23-year-old.
Honeyman has a year remaining on his contract and there is speculation about his future following Sunderland's relegation from the Championship.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-sunderland-george-honeyman-fulham-aston-villa-sheffield-wednesday-linked
Fulham, Aston Villa in race to sign Sunderland's George Honeyman?
Fulham and Aston Villa are reportedly keen to sign Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman, who could be available for a cut-price fee.
The Black Cats' relegation to League One, combined with Honeyman having just a year left to run on his contract, means that he is expected to be offloaded to the highest bidder during the summer transfer window.
According to The Sun, promotion-chasing Fulham and Villa have both joined Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday in showing an interest.
Honeyman is one of just a few Sunderland players to have impressed during their relegation campaign, scoring six times and setting up two more from across midfield.
The same report suggests that Lynden Gooch and Paddy McNair may also move on prior to next season.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/aston-villa/transfer-talk/news/fulham-villa-in-race-to-sign-honeyman_325633.html
Volksbank Cup Day One(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/img_2897stem.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Fulham's Under-19s had a successful first day on their trip to Stemwede on Thursday. They Young Whites started their German campaign with a convincing 5-0 win over local team Mühlenkreis.
(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/img_2873stem.jpg?w=350&h=250)
They followed it up with a 1-0 win over South American outfit Red Bull Brazil.
It took the Whites 10 minutes to break the deadlock in their first match of the afternoon. Elijah Adebayo coolly finished a Joe Felix cross after an early Fulham bombardment.
Within two minutes Adebayo doubled his tally for the morning, heading in a cross from Nicolas Santos-Clase after some good work from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.
15 minutes in and the Whites took full control as Cameron Thompson slotted. The two goal scorers and Thorsteinsson three were taken off at the break forTimmy Abraham, Showkat Tahir and Sonny Hilton.
After several missed chances from Fulham, Abraham capitalised with a header to make it 4-0 and Moritz Jenz smashed in a goal from a corner to round the match to 5-0 for a good winning start to their trip.
(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/img_2852stem.jpg?w=350&h=250)
The second match was against Red Bull Brazil, who knocked Fulham out of the semi-final in 2016, this match was more of a grind.
Thorsteinsson had a good chance from a dead ball nine minutes into the first half but the keeper made a strong save.
Fulham took the advantage in the second half, The Young Whites won a free kick and Thorsteinsson whipped a ball at goal. The shot bounced off a defender and ended up in the back of the net to make it 1-0.
It was an edgy end to the match, Fulham however held on to finish the day with a 100% win record.
On Friday Fulham will start the morning off against Glasgow Rangers, then play Hamburg in the afternoon on day two.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/11/volksbank-cup-day-one
Bradley Johnson says Derby County have learnt from past experiences ahead of Fulham clash
The Rams will be keen to avoid a repeat of their Hull defeat two years ago
Derby County go into the Championship play offs a better, more experienced and mentally stronger team than the one that lost to Hull City two years ago, says Bradley Johnson.
The midfielder started when the Rams lost 3-0 at home to Hull in their semi-final first leg in 2016.
He was an unused substitute in the second leg when Derby won 2-0 and almost turned the tie on its head.
Johnson remembers the pain of that first-leg defeat that all but ended hopes of reaching Wembley.
"We don't want that to happen again, but we won't be thinking about that," he said ahead of tonight's first leg against Fulham at Pride Park Stadium.
"We'll just be concentrating on ourselves and we're confident we can get the result at home," Johnson added.
"We've trained hard and we're looking forward to the game. We're going into the game in good form and confident mood."
Are there lessons to be learned from what happened against Hull?
"We've learned you've got to stay in the game," said Johnson.
"We had a corner in the last minute (when Derby trailed Hull 2-0), we went attacking and they broke away and got the third goal.
"Ultimately, that third goal was the one that cost us. So we've learned not to try to win the tie in the first leg.
"We know we've got two games to do it in, so if you're losing in the first leg you've got another 90 minutes to do it.
"So why go and try to win it in the last five minutes when you've got 90 to go and do it?
"This is a different game now. It's a different season and I feel we've got more experience in the squad and we're a better team now.
"We've grown and we can't wait for Friday night."
Fulham are the favourites, but Johnson pays no attention.
"I don't really listen to what the media say. We've just got to go out there and prove them wrong," he said.
"Everyone will always talk about Derby falling away and not doing it, but we're mentally stronger than we were before and we're going into the play-offs in a confident run.
"We've got the reputation because ultimately the club has been there before and failed.
"That does drive us on even more to make sure we do it right this year."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bradley-johnson-says-derby-county-1552830
Slavisa Jokanovic: Nobody believed in Fulham but we will reach Premier League
Fulham have been written off before this season and the way they proved their doubters wrong should be a lesson to anyone who is sceptical about their play-off chances.
Their automatic promotion dreams disappeared last Sunday and many have questioned if they can recover from that blow and still reach the Premier League. But Slavisa Jokanovic's side have fought back in the face of adversity and shown they have the self-belief to bounce back and avoid more disappointment in the play-offs.
Many doubted Fulham stood any chance of promotion when they were 17th in the Championship last November following a 1-1 draw with Derby at Craven Cottage. And few gave them much hope a month later when they lost 1-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and were still languishing in the bottom half of the table.
But the belief within the team never wavered then and Jokanovic insists no doubts have crept in after their 3-1 defeat at Birmingham on the final day. Fulham face Derby at Pride Park tonight in the first leg of their play-off semi-final and Jokanovic said: "The Birmingham game is behind us. We did not perform well but our season was fantastic and many times we showed ambition, quality and self-belief.
"Nobody believed in us in the middle of December, nobody thought we would be fighting for the Premier League. But we showed we are strong and are a good team. We trust in ourselves. We did not lose our confidence after 90 bad minutes against Birmingham because for 3,000 or however minutes before that we showed we can be strong.
"Behind us is a big number of games where we played great football and showed great quality, character and organisation. We know we did not perform well against Birmingham but now we must be brave, stick together and be ready for the challenge."
After that Sunderland defeat in December Fulham went on a 23-game unbeaten run before losing at St Andrew's. The result meant Fulham missed out on automatic promotion by two points but they have a chance for redemption in the play-offs.
"Like in tennis, we lost one set point and now we must be ready for the next one," added Jokanovic. "I expect in a few weeks we are going to be up.
"I do not have time to be disappointed or for crying. I do not have time to not trust my team or think about different players. Because these players gave us a great level of football.
"They showed great confidence, ambition and self-belief. After a bad step, I cannot complain about them. I am sure they are going to do it our normal way and fight to reach the final."
If Fulham are get back into the top flight they must first overcome a Derby side who go into the play-offs resurgent under manager Gary Rowett and confident of an upset.
The Rams were second in the Championship in February before a dismal run left them out of top six.
But Rowett switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation that sparked a strong finish to the season in which they beat Cardiff, drew with Aston Villa and beat Barnsley in their final three games to secure the final play-off spot.
Rowett described his team as having been given "a second chance" after they fell out of the play-off places in April.
Jokanovic says Fulham feel the same missing out on the final day and the head coach will be under the spotlight in the play-offs. The 49-year-old Serbian has done a fine job in two-and-a-half years in charge at Craven Cottage but now he needs to get Fulham back into the Premier League.
"I want to be successful," says Jokanovic, who guided Watford to promotion in 2015 but left Vicarage Road before the start of the next season. It is clear I am an ambitious man. I care about my team, my club, my supporters and myself. I want to be successful with my team."
Jokanovic will need to overcome either Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis or Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce at Wembley on May 26 but before then it is Rowett and Derby.
Fulham have never won a play-off match in six attempts but Derby also have a reputation as play-off bottlers, having failed to go up after reaching the Championship play-offs three times in the past five years. Both will be looking to silence their critics tonight and get a good result to take into the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slavisa-jokanovic-nobody-believed-in-fulham-but-we-will-reach-premier-league-a3836486.html
Fulham confident of keeping stars Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney if promoted to Premier League
Fulham are confident they will keep their best players if they are promoted to the Premier League.
The west London club go into the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Derby tonight knowing they are in serious danger of losing star man Ryan Sessegnon as well as captain Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks if they fail to go up.
Sessegnon is wanted by Tottenham, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain and today there were even indications that he could be part of England's provisional World Cup squad.
Cairney has had interest from both West Ham and Newcastle, while Fredericks is out of contract this summer and has been looked at by Crystal Palace. However, Fulham are determined to reject big-money offers for their prized assets should they get back into the top flight this season after a four-year absence.
Sessegnon and Cairney and have spoken publicly about their desire to play for Fulham in the Premier League and head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is confident he can keep his side together if they get promoted at Wembley.
Sessegnon goes into tonight's match with speculation growing about his future following an impressive season. The 17-year-old was named Championship Player of the Season and Standard Sport revealed in February that England boss Gareth Southgate was considering him for this summer's tournament in Russia.
Southgate will submit a provisional 35-man squad to Fifa on Monday before he names a final 23 a week later and he will be keeping a close eye on Sessegnon in the play-offs.
Promotion will also determine whether Fulham will keep hold of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored 12 goals since joining on loan from Newcastle in January.
Jokanovic himself is likely to attract interest from other clubs because of the job he has done.
The 49-year-old Serb has taken Fulham to the brink of promotion in his two-and-a-half years at the club and was linked with the West Ham job this season. Fulham want to tie Jokanovic down and would reward him with a new deal if he gets them promoted.
The club missed out on promotion in the play-offs last season when they lost to Reading but Jokanovic insists that experience can stand them in good stead this year.
Jokanovic said: "Definitely, I think we are going to be more successful in these play-off games than one year ago.
"In some details we were not at our best level and I think this experience can serve us to be more focused to do our job better. We are one year older and one year more experienced in these games. We know what we are going to find in these play-off games.
"We are a team who take a huge level of risks and we must manage these kind of situations because it can be 180 or more minutes. We must be concentrated and take the right decisions during the game. It is great for us to have that kind of experience behind us."
Jokanovic believes Fulham have been given "a second chance" in the play-offs after they missed out on automatic promotion on the final day. He added: "We were not second all season. Okay, in the last moment we had a chance. We did not do it. But we have shown we can play good football and are a competitive team."
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-confident-of-keeping-stars-ryan-sessegnon-and-tom-cairney-if-promoted-to-premier-league-a3836511.html
Luca Into Quarter-Finals(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/2805628_11208911.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Luca Ashby-Hammond and England Under-17s have qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championships, despite a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland on Thursday evening in Rotherham.
The Young Lions won their opening two fixtures against Israel and Italy, which was enough to put them through to the quarter-final in second place to Italians only on goal difference.
All three of England, Italy and Switzerland finished on six points, and last nights' winners just miss out. The Azzurri face Sweden in their quarter-final match.
England will face Norway in Birmingham on Sunday 13th May at Burton Albion. If England were to qualify, the semi-finals in on Thursday 17th May.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/11/luca-into-quarter-finals
Derby County Vs Fulham – Play-Off Semi-Final First-Leg
Derby County host Fulham in the first-leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final. Over to official betting partner Coral to see where the smart money is going...
Coral make Derby slight outsiders at 2/1, but there are three better ways to cash in on a Home Win...
Firstly, Derby's last five home wins all went over 2.5 goals and doubling up the Derby Win & Over 2.5 Goals will increase you odds to a tasty 15/4.
Alternatively, seven of the last eight home matches have also featured goals at both ends, so you might prefer the Derby Win & Both Teams to Score at 9/2.
And there's another option too...
Ten of Derby's 12 home wins this season have been To Nil which is on offer at 4/1.
Plus, you'll find more big prices on offer using Coral's #YourCallbets via Twitter. Simply tweet @coral with a multiple of your choice and if accepted it will appear in the #YourCall section of the match bets.
For example, Derby to win, Cameron Jerome to have 3+ shots & Tom Huddlestone to win 2+ tackles pays 13/2
For the more cautious punter, Both Teams to Score has paid out in Derby's last five and is on offer at 3/4. It's perhaps not big enough to place as a Single bet but perfect for topping up an accumulator.
https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/derby-county-vs-fulham-play-off-semi-final-first-leg
Here we go ... the lowdown on Middlesbrough and the play-off contenders
THIS afternoon Middlesbrough are back in play-off action, having finished fifth in the Championship.
A draw at Ipswich last Sunday, thanks to Patrick Bamford's late leveller, lined up a two-legged semi-final with Aston Villa, the team which finished just above them in the battle for promotion to the Premier League.
A fifth-place finish bodes reasonably well according to the history books because eight times the team that has finished there has ended up promoted; only third place boasts more (9). Sixth placed teams have been promoted five times.
Finishing fourth did nothing for Boro in 2015, when third-placed Norwich pipped them at Wembley. Since the inception of the play-offs in its current form in 1992, only four teams that have finished fourth have gone up.
The theory that the team which narrowly misses out on an automatic spot, in this year's case Fulham, will struggle to follow the top two to the Premier League is clearly not as strong as is made out.
Norwich's triumph three years ago was the fourth time in the last decade that the team finishing third has won at Wembley, so Fulham will be looking to do the job in the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday against Derby – even though they had not win a play-off game in six attempts before this year.
Here's a look at the play-off contenders in the Championship:
FULHAM
After losing at Sunderland in December, the Cottagers went on a 23-match unbeaten run having stuttered flowing the disappointment of last season's play-off troubles at Reading.
Fulham can score plenty goals and Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic, a target for Boro on January deadline day, has given them the extra power up front.
Key-man: Tom Cairney – it would be easy to go for highly-rated teenager Ryan Sessegnon or Mitrovic, but this midfielder really makes the Cottagers tick and is wanted by plenty Premier League clubs.
Play-off record: Missed out on a Wembley appearance last year so will be determined to go one better this time around.
Odds: 7/4
ASTON VILLA
Boro were delighted to have claimed fifth and in doing that they set up a double header with Villa. Under Steve Bruce they have a leader with plenty experience and he knows how to attack the play-offs, having done so with Hull.
Aston Villa have quality within their ranks, experience of big occasions through the likes of John Terry, and they lost on the final day of the regular season for the first time since five. They will be a greater threat at Villa Park, where they have scored 42 times and lost just twice there this season.
Key-man: Rob Snodgrass – the Villans have top-flight quality from back to front, but this one-time Middlesbrough target is here, there and everywhere to free up space for others like Albert Adomah.
Play-off record: Villa have never been involved in the Championship's play-offs before.
Odds: 3/1
MIDDLESBROUGH
Boro go into battle with Villa on the back of an unbeaten four-match run, which was what Tony Pulis wanted when he named a strong team at Ipswich.
His team were behind twice, yet fought back to claim a point courtesy of Bamford's stoppage-time equaliser and the celebrations at the end highlighted how much avoiding defeat meant.
They have the lowest goal return of the four teams in the play-offs but their end of season form has been more like what Pulis has wanted so confidence is high at the right time.
Key-man: Adama Traore – who else? Boro might have plenty of talent but the Spaniard's electrifying pace and direct running could be the difference between another season in the Championship and promotion.
Play-off record: Boro lost out to Norwich at Wembley in 2015. In 1988, under a different format, they beat Chelsea in a promotion-relegation battle.
Odds: 3/1
DERBY COUNTY
The Rams were written off as bottlers after three straight defeats - including a 2-1 reverse at home to Boro - looked like ending their play-off dream. Yet, they stayed sixth and were the only team to have extended their season who won their last league game.
That victory would have seen Derby climb to fifth had Bamford not scored at Ipswich and Gary Rowett's side head into their semi-final with Fulham unbeaten in three.
Key man: Matej Vydra – the Championship's top scorer, beating Lewis Grabban by one. He has scored for fun this season and the 21 times he has found the net is the most of his career.
Play-off record: Derby have appeared in the play-offs six times in 26 years, only once though have the Rams celebrated promotion to the Premier League in 2007.
Odds: 5/1
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/16220059.Here_we_go_____the_lowdown_on_Middlesbrough_and_the_play_off_contenders/
Gary Rowett: 'Derby County confident ahead of Fulham tie'
Derby County manager Gary Rowett has insisted that he is feeling "confident" ahead of his side's playoff semi-final tie against Fulham.
The Cottagers head into the two-legged affair as favourites to progress through to the Wembley final later this month, having finished 13 points better off than their opponents at the end of the regular season.
Fulham head into the match on the back of a first defeat in 24 matches, with Rowett's former side Birmingham City finding the magic formula to overcome the in-form Londoners on the final day of the campaign.
Rowett does not intend to copy Birmingham's blueprint, however, telling reporters: "Any team that plays Fulham knows you have to try to limit space because they are a good side and if you give them lots of opportunities to exploit space, they will.
"They make a lot of passes, they are patient in the way they play, they try to drag you out of position and they have got good players. Birmingham did really well because they were incredibly competitive against them, but Birmingham are a different side to us. I know that because I know lots of the players.
"We haven't got [Maikel] Kieftenbeld and [David] Davis in midfield, we haven't got that type of destructive quality. We have got technical players in there that can pass a ball as well as mix it up. I don't think we would ever try to be another team and just copy their gameplan, but what you try to do is look at ways you can hurt Fulham, as you would with any opponent.
"A lot of teams have done that with Fulham over 23 games and no-one seemed to find the solution. We know it will be a tough test, but we are really confident and we cannot wait for the game."
Derby welcome Fulham to Pride Park for the first leg on Friday night, before travelling to Craven Cottage for the return match next Monday.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/derby-county/news/rowett-derby-confident-ahead-of-fulham-tie_325653.html
There are still tickets available for the Rams game tonight! Here's how to get them
More than 27,000 tickets were sold by Wednesday
There is still a chance to get tickets to see Derby County's clash with Fulham this evening – but bosses at the club are warning fans to be quick.
The fixture, which is part of the highly-anticipated Play-Off Semi-Final, is close to sell-out and the club is calling on supporters to ensure they secure their seat as soon as possible to avoid disappointment – with around 3,000 tickets still on offer.
Tickets for the home game went on general sale on Tuesday and more than 27,000 had been sold by Wednesday afternoon.
Supporters are also being advised to collect their tickets as early as possible to avoid queuing on the night
Away ticket details for Monday's second leg at Craven Cottage have also now been released.
Derby have been given 2,010 tickets, with adults priced at £19, senior citizens and under-22s £9 and under-18s £5.
Fulham are unbeaten against the Rams this season, having shared a 1-1 draw with them at Craven Cottage, before a 2-1 win at Pride Park.
To buy tickets for tonight's game, which cost between £5 and £25, supports can visit their website here .
For match day ticket enquiries and purchases, please visit the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium or call 0871 472 1884.
More information at www.dcfc.co.uk/page/tickets.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/tickets-still-available-derby-fulham-1557084
The Craven Corner: The Post Season Post Mortem
After the start we had this season, if you told a fan that they would have had the chance to finish 2nd on the last day of the season, they wouldn't have believed you.
Despite the heroic performances of 2018, I think it's safe to say that Sunday's result hurt.
As strange as that sounds, that's not just because we lost 3-1 at Birmingham, it was more due to the point that Cardiff only drew, and if we had played the way we have done over the course of 2018, we could be a Premier League club by now. But, it simply wasn't meant to be.
The performance at Birmingham has actually taken me a fair few days to get over as I expected so much more from such a talented and promising side. Then again, as a fan, maybe I've been spoiled in 2018 by Fulham, and that I shouldn't have such high expectations. It is hard to digest though as too many passes went astray and on a day where we needed Captain Cairney, even he looked dejected and our side looked like a team relegated, rather than one still fighting for an automatic promotion spot.
But, if Lucas Piazon had taken his chance early in the first half, would we have seen different outcome? Would Fulham have bottled a 1-0 lead or would have Cardiff turned it up a gear to make sure that they got all three points against Reading, rendering any Fulham victory pointless. There's many 'What if?' scenarios we could play out in our minds, but I completely understand the disappointment and negativity at the final whistle.
Even though the season ended on a dull performance, when you look back at what we've achieved this year it truly is remarkable. It proved that Slavisa Jokanovic has a side capable of promotion, and probably even winning the league but to be champions you've got be the best team over 46 games and not 24.
Fulham were always going to steal the headlines when their inevitable change in form begun, and while I'm not a fan of Neil Warnock, you've got to applaud what he has done at Cardiff this season.
As I've said before, the Championship is a strange league as anyone can beat anyone, and there's always one team that gets promotion which no one expects, and this year it was Cardiff. Over the course of the season, they were a team, it weren't glamourous, they didn't have any superstars but they were consistent and worked hard as a team throughout it, and that's the difference between 2nd and 3rd this season. Fulham left it far too late, we had a mountain to climb, and while we worked damn hard to get to the top, there were too many games that we blew a lead against poor opposition. QPR and Burton spring to mind - and we should have never lost to the leagues poorest side, Sunderland. Which now leaves us in the play-offs for the second season in a row.
If I'm honest, I really want to be optimistic and ambitious about Fulham's chances in the play-offs, but it's probably the hardest play-offs the league has seen in years. Middlesbrough, Derby, Aston Villa & us. All teams that have Premier League ready stars in and each team has their own game winner. Middlesbrough will cause Villa problems no doubt, with the likes of Adama Traore and Bamford against John Terry and James Chester.
Villa still have a Premier League budget, have a leader who can handle the pressure in Terry, but also possess the creative minds of Jack Grealish & Conor Hourihane, who at this level are top quality midfielders. Then we have our opponents, Derby County who have Tom Lawrence & Matej Vydra, two players that I'd love to see in a Fulham shirt. Not only that, but our engine room will have an incredibly tough duel with the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Bradley Johnson and Joe Ledley, all of which still possess the talent needed to play at the highest division.
Don't get me wrong, we're a great side on our day, and I genuinely think we could beat most of the teams in the Premier League when we are at our best. But our record in the play-offs isn't the best, and I think the loss at Birmingham could really effect us, especially as it kills the momentum that we had built over the previous 23 games.
I know, this isn't the most optimistic article you've read this week, but these play-offs have such a big impact on the club. If we make it a success and return back to the Premier League, we should be able to keep this squad together as we'll be able to offer the likes of McDonald, Cairney, Fredericks & Sessegnon Premier League football, rather than having to sell them to PL admirers.
But, if it doesn't happen, we've got the toughest season the club has faced ahead of us next year. Not only would we lose 4 or more top quality players, but we would have to rebuild a side from scratch again. Yes, we'd raise funds through player sales, but we'd be limited by Financial Fair Play, and replacing that talent within such tight boundaries would be a mammoth task. But, let's hope it doesn't come to that.
I've listened to the player interviews this week, and McDonald especially seems confident going into this game, but we've got to make sure we repeat our last trip to Pride Park.
Dominate the ball from the first whistle, and really stretch that Derby back line and midfield with willing runs from the likes of Sessegnon and hopefully Kamara. The reason I mentioned Kamara is because while he's not the most technically gifted player we've seen in a Fulham shirt, he is one of the fastest we've seen and while he is incredibly unpredictable, it's that rawness that causes problems in the final third.
Plus, he provides a bit of fiery passion and strength when playing off Mitrovic. Kamara's return to the side is the only change I'd expect in the starting eleven, as I feel that if we started Piazon he could get played out of the game quite easily. With Piazon's tendencies to drift inside, it won't be the game for him I feel as the centre of the park will already be very busy with all the pressure on Derby's midfield to close the space around Cairney and co.
Finally, I do believe we've got to go and get a win at Derby on Friday, despite being the away team. We can't go out and play safe, and come back with a draw. We've got to really put the pressure on and dictate the tempo to best suit our players. Derby have more than enough quality to cause us trouble, but a possession heavy performance and an early goal would calm any Fulham nerves on and off the pitch!
I also want to say a massive thank you to the team at Fulhamish & Fulham Focus for their organisation and hard work behind the scenes in arranging the Football game in April which helped boost the #Fulham2BirminghamWalk campaign, raising money for The Calm Zone. It was a true pleasure to be a part of and it was great to meet a lot of fellow fans too.
While, Fulhamish's Jack Collins stole the show with four goals, it's great to see the Fulham fan-base using their exposure to raise money for such a worthy cause. We live in a world where there is a lot of pressure on people, and it's okay to talk. Reach out, talk to a friend, a relative or seek support if you are feeling low. Discovering that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 is frightening, and if there's anything we can do together as a fanbase, then let's keep raising money for the likes of CALM who help people through the dark times.
Thank you ever so much for your support again this season. The Craven Corner has been going for over six years now, and I can't thank you enough for all your support.
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/5/11/17342178/the-craven-corner-the-post-season-post-mortem
Wilfried Zaha Shows Ryan Sessegnon Why He Must Stay At Fulham For Now
Ryan Sessegnon has his pick of Europe's biggest and best clubs this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain the latest team to be reportedly interested in the Fulham teenager. The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year at Fulham and should he choose to, sparking a frenzied race to secure his signature.
He will be tempted. It's only natural that he would be, such is the lure of playing for a club like Manchester United or Arsenal or Chelsea or PSG. Not only would he receive a significant bump in pay, which is tempting enough, but he would have the chance to play at the highest level of the sport, in the Premier League and in the Champions League.
But this presents Sessegnon with a critical juncture in his fledgling career. He should look at the example set by Wilfried Zaha, who was this weekend named the Premier League's Player of the Month. Not so long ago, Zaha faced a similar choice after a breakthrough season in the Championship. He too was one of the most sought-after young players in England.
Zaha decided to join Manchester United, making the move to Old Trafford for ___ million. But the switch was too much too soon for the winger. He failed to make any sort of impression, folding under the pressure that was heaped on his shoulders while he was still a teenager. Now, Zaha has rediscovered his form, but it is at a lower level and there is a sense that he has wasted a crucial part of his career.
Sessegnon, if he is to become the true star that so many believe he will be, cannot afford to make the same mistake. This is why he must stay at Fulham for the time being. Even if the Cottagers fail to earn promotion to the Premier League this season, it is the best place for Sessegnon to be at this stage of his development. He is still only 17. First team football is what he needs right now. Would he get that at Manchester United or PSG? It seems unlikely.
Of course, the point could be made that at 17 Sessegnon could still make the move to a superclub before being loaned out to keep playing first team football at a lower level, preparing him for the top level later in his career. Look at how loan moves prepared Harry Kane for life at the top. The same could work for Sessegnon.
He must have patience, though. Make the wrong move now and it could hinder his development, and therefore the rest of his career. Zaha still hasn't worked his way back to the top of the game after making a misstep a number of years ago. Sessegnon must heed the warning that the Crystal Palace winger offers him.
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/wilfried-zaha-shows-ryan-sessegnon-why-he-must-stay-at-fulham-for-now
Fulham need to make sure they don't lose momentum after missing out on automatic promotion
Not since the 2011/12 season, when West Ham United gained promotion via the play-offs, has the team that finished in third place in the Championship been promoted to the Premier League.
Knowing that you were just a few points away on the final day from securing one of the two top spots can be devastating, and cause a real slump going into the play-offs.
Slavisa Jokanovic's side face Derby County tonight in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, and will need to make sure they aren't feeling sorry for themselves, or they too could end up in the Championship for another season.
To pick yourself back up from the edge of glory and go out and fight once again will be the telling factor in how good this Fulham side are.
With the attacking threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the middle and Piazon and Sessegnon on the wings, who have all contributed to Fulham's impressive 79 league goals this campaign, they arguably have the best attacking line up out of all the play-off contenders.
The Rams have conceded the most goals out of the top eight sides in the Championship this season, so Jokanovic's men should be confident of finding the back of the net at Pride Park this evening.
Whether Fulham can find the form they were in at the large majority of this season will be their biggest test yet. If they let their heads drop after missing out on promotion to England's top flight on the final day of the regular season, we could see Derby County secure the win and snatch a spot at Wembley.
Fulham will be hoping star man Ryan Sessegnon can find form one more and central midfield maestro and captain Tom Cairney can run the show, and secure themselves a victory over Derby County in the first leg of their play-off semi-final tonight at 7:45pm.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-need-to-make-sure-they-dont-lose-momentum-after-missing-out-on-automatic-promotion/
Football Tips Friday 11 May 2018: Mitrovic Can Bag In Championship Play-Offs Opener
The EFL Championship play-offs are some of the highest-stakes games you're likely to find, with an estimated £200M on offer to the club that wins the four-way go and ascends to the top tier of English football.
Derby and Fulham will kick proceedings off tonight at Pride Park in the first leg of their semi-final. It's a third versus sixth affair as late-season form side Slaviša Jokanović's Fulham find themselves in Derbyshire having just failed to make automatic promotion.
The home side are 2/1 shots to win on the night, with their visitors in at 6/4 and the draw at 12/5. They're some attractive prices and indicate how difficult a game this one is to call.
Derby have the services of the in-form Cameron Jerome and Matěj Vydra on the side and manager Gary Rowett is no daw; they'll be well drilled ahead of this test. Meanwhile, Fulham have shown some startling, free-flowing football in the second half of the season with the likes of young Ryan Sessegnon to call upon.
While these games can be famously cagey affairs, we think both of these teams have the capability of bagging at least once here, an eventuality that can be brought onside at a price of 8/11.
In terms of other selections, we'll supplement our main wager with a toe-dip into the goalscorer markets. On-loan Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has be a revelation since his switch to Craven Cottage, scoring 10 in 14, at 6/5 to find the net in this one, the gutsy frontman is fairly priced.
Derby V Fulham Odds
Yes 8/11
Anytime Goalscorer
Aleksandar Mitrovic 6/5
Odds correct as of 11/05/18 15:28:26. Odds are subject to change
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/football-tips-friday-11-may-2018-mitrovic-can-bag-in-championship-play-off-opener
Playoff Semi Finals Preview
Just like that, we've reached the playoffs again.
Once more the Championship becomes the most interesting element of English football. The world will hold its breath whilst waiting to see which team that wasn't as good as Wolves or Cardiff will finish in the bottom half of the Premier League in May 2019.
Way back last July one of my pre-season predictions was that Fulham would win promotion and so I'm committed to backing the Cottagers this year. That's usually been the kiss of death since I started writing for this blog, although it's worth remembering that over the last decade the third and fifth placed teams have won seven of the last ten finals.
Having written that, it's fair to say that nothing really jumps out from the dozen games between the four playoff contenders other than Aston Villa and Fulham were better than Derby and Middlesbrough. There were only two home wins in those matches – Villa and Fulham beat each other once – but with Boro having quickly adapted to Tony Pulis' style of football, I'd agree with the bookies and say that Derby are the outsiders.
Derby v Fulham (this evening, 7:45pm, Sky Sports Football/Main Event)
In a scenario that will have been horribly familiar to Derby fans but not entirely out of the blue for the rest of us, having been second at the start of February The Rams almost dropped out of the playoffs last month. A team that can lose 4-1 at home to Sunderland yet still has a chance of winning promotion is an outstanding example of not only how daft the Championship can be but also indicates that Derby's record of five consecutive top ten finishes without promotion will probably continue next season. It's fair to say that if you neutralise Matej Vydra you can stop them and the defence has only kept one clean sheet at home since February.
Defeat at Birmingham last weekend was Fulham's first reverse on the road since before Christmas, so was that just a sign of things to come or just acceptance that automatic promotion wasn't going to happen? Worryingly for those of us backing them, the Cottagers have now gone ten away games without losing, which usually means another defeat is just around the corner. On the other hand, no team scored more goals away from home during the season than Fulham and – combined with Derby's defensive frailties – could be a recipe for success.
Since 2000, Derby have beaten Fulham in half of their last six league meetings at Pride Park. Fulham won at Derby at the start of March with early goals from Mitrovic and Sessegnon before Huddlestone replied for the hosts.
Verdict: it would not surprise me at all if Fulham won this evening but then drew at Craven Cottage next week.
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa (5:15pm tomorrow, Sky Sports Football/Main Event)
Steve Gibson's rather naive pre-season comment that Boro were going to 'smash' the Championship was looking unlikely as early as October, although as I pointed just after Christmas, Middlesbrough couldn't be ruled out of the playoffs. Although they didn't crack the top six until the start of March and have only lost twice since then, Tony Pulis' appointment on Boxing Day clearly suits the players he inherited from Garry Monk: only Cardiff conceded fewer goals at home this season but their 'defence first' style at the Riverside has resulted in them scoring more goals in away matches this season. Middlesbrough have only lost two of their last ten home games – they almost earned a point against Fulham – and it's only a couple of years since they were last in the playoffs.
Aston Villa have been in the playoff spots for most of the season but never really looked like automatic promotion material after losing at Fulham in February and consecutive defeats a few weeks later confirmed that analysis. One of those games (Bolton) appeared to trigger some sort of crisis of confidence as Villa have only won one of their four aways since then; it's also highly significant that they lost all three games without scoring when they travelled to the teams that finished immediately above them this season.
Head to head: this looks particularly bad for Boro – their last home win against Villa was in December 2004 and they've met on Teeside in the league on five subsequent occasions. Boro have lost four of those games.
Verdict: on paper any game between Tony Pulis and Steve Bruce always looks as if it could finish 0-0. However, if Middlesbrough want to win promotion they'll have to win tomorrow because the prospect of travelling to Villa Park next week without any sort of advantage will be a mountain to climb. I don't think Boro will lose, but that may not be good enough to reach Wembley.
I'll be back with an update at some point over the weekend although it's more likely to be late on Sunday. At that point we'll also definitely know if Swansea will be returning to the Championship along with Stoke and West Brom.
http://www.buzzinchampionshipfootball.co.uk/playoff-semi-finals-preview/4346
Fulham have no time to be disappointed ahead of play-off first leg with Derby
Fulham take on Derby County this evening in the first leg of the Championship play-offs and Jokanovic insists there's no time to dwell on the past
Fulham have no time to be disappointed and think about past play-offs games ahead of the trip to Derby County, according to Slavisa Jokanovic.
A final day defeat at Birmingham City meant the side missed out on automatic promotion after Cardiff City's draw with Reading, while defeat in the play-offs last year to the Madjeski outfit was another blow in their chase for Premier League football.
A year on, Fulham prepare for a trip to Pride Park to take on Derby, with both sides hoping to take a positive result into the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday in order to help ease their passage to a play-off final at Wembley.
Sunday was a day of disappointment for the Whites, while last season in Reading was a scene of heartbreak, but the head coach insists now is not the time to cry about those games, with the focus purely on Derby tonight.
He said: "I don't have the time to be disappointed, I don't have the time for crying or for not trusting my team.
"I don't have the time for thinking about different players because these people offer us, myself and our supporters, the great level of football and show great confidence and ambition and self belief.
"After one bad step, I cannot complain about them. First of all I want to say I made some kind of the mistake, my players didn't make any mistakes and I am confident they will do it our normal way and normal football game and will fight for our best performance."
Last year's play-off was a let down for a side that looked so good going into the end of season showpiece - a 1-1 draw at the Cottage followed by a 1-0 loss at Reading meant it was another season in the second tier for Fulham.
Lots have been said about how the side have never won a play-off game, but Jokanovic revealed he's never watched last year's defeat back and is more interested in the last season and how Derby have set up.
He added: "We didn't make so many mistakes last year.
"We lost one 50-50 decision when we touched the ball with a hand after a complicated situation.
"From my point of view, it was not the way to decide who plays in a final, but it's football. I don't look back at this game.
"I don't remember this game as a game where Reading put my team under so many pressure where they dominated the team.
"For some small details, we weren't in our best levels and I expect this experience can serve us to be more quiet and focused to do our job better.
"I cannot tell you how many games I watched, but after this game I never watched it or made any analysis about this game.
"I am not interested in this game, after this I played I played 50 games more and watched all them and many games for opposite team and Derby."
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-no-time-disappointed-ahead-14646229
Slavisa Jokanovic maintains Fulham have had a 'fantastic' season ahead of Derby County meeting
They missed out on automatic promotion but this season has still been a success, says Jovanovic
Slavisa Jokanovic maintains Fulham had a "fantastic" season despite coming within one match of gaining automatic promotion.
The Cottagers have had to settle for a play-off place having been pipped to second place by Cardiff City on the final day of the season, with a showdown at Derby County tonight (7.45pm) looming.
A 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City extinguished any hopes of promotion to the Premier League automatically, and they'll have to go the scenic route in their bid for the top flight.
"Our season was fantastic and many teams want to be in this position," he said.
"No one believed us in the middle of December and now we are in situation with three games ahead of us and we are great confidence.
"Birmingham managed the game for the first 45 and didn't take so many risks. If we saw some goals in first half it may be different.
"This game is behind us, we didn't perform and played all season fantastic and showed ambition and belief and I see in my team this week, confidence.
"We must be ready for different situations. After a really long unbeaten run we lost one important game and must accept we didn't play well enough After that, we must be strong and brave to continue the competition and stick together."
Derby felll to defeat at the hands of Fulham the last time the pair met, on March 3, and jokanovic reckons momentum helped spur his side on.
The play-offs are a different beast, though, and he knows that too well having suffered defeat at the same stage last season to Reading.
"We played well at Derby, this is the momentum of the Championship where we didn't have space to make mistakes," he added.
"This is just like the games we played in the last couple of months, like cup games, fighting to push the team.
"180 minutes is ahead of us and we expect everything will be open after the game on Friday. At the end we must be ready for the challenge and be ready for game at the Cottage."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-maintains-fulham-fantastic-1553149
