Fulham v Derby CountyMON 14 May 2018 Championship - Play-offs - 2nd Leg
Venue: Craven Cottage(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/6E02/production/_101526182_hi046728366.jpg)
Cameron Jerome (right) scored his fifth goal in four games to give Derby a first-leg lead
Fulham go into the home second-leg of their EFL Championship play-off semi-final trailing 1-0 to opponents Derby.The Cottagers hope on-loan Liverpool striker Sheyi Ojo will return after missing six games with an injury.
Derby lead thanks to Cameron Jerome's header and could give a first start since 11 March to Ikechi Anya, who came off the bench at Pride Park.
Boss Gary Rowett must cope without left-back Marcus Olsson, who will be out until 2019 after knee surgery.
The aggregate winners will face either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley for a place in next season's Premier League.
Match facts Fulham are still looking for their first ever win in the Football League play-offs, having drawn two and lost five of their previous seven games.
The last second-tier team to win the play-offs after a semi-final first leg defeat was Bolton Wanderers, who overturned a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in 1995 (3-2 on aggregate), before beating Reading in the final.
Derby have progressed to the play-off final on each of the previous three occasions they have won the semi-final first leg; all of which have come in the second tier (in 1994, 2007 and 2014).
Fulham have scored more league goals than any other Championship team in 2018, with 61% of their total coming in home games (27 of 44).
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been directly involved in seven of Fulham's past 12 league goals at Craven Cottage, scoring six and assisting one.
After scoring just once in his first 15 league appearances for Derby, Cameron Jerome has netted in each of his four outings since (five goals).
If Jerome nets in the second leg, it would be the first time in his league career (including play-offs) that he has scored in five consecutive games.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44026478
Could Ikechi Anya face Fulham in play-off second leg? Here's what Gary Rowett said
Anya returned after missing nine matches in the first leg at Pride Park Stadium
Ikechi Anya is in the frame to make his first start for Derby County in two months as they look to book a place at Wembley.
A calf injury sidelined Anya for nine matches but he returned to action when he came off the bench in Friday's 1-0 home victory over Fulham.
Derby's win gives them a slender lead going into the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final tie at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.
Andreas Weimann was used as an emergency left wing-back in the absence of the injured Marcus Olsson, but Anya could get the nod in the second leg.
Ironically, the Scottish international played a full season at Watford in that position when Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was in charge of the Hornets.
Rams manager Gary Rowett believes Anya is the most natural wing-back in the squad and he was pleased with what he saw when the player came on against Fulham.
"Ikechi has only trained for a couple of weeks, but he certainly handled Ryan Fredericks' pace really well," said Rowett.
"He is probably the most natural to play in that role. We will have big decisions to make for Monday."
Anya's last start was in the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on March 11.
He has made only four starts all season and nine appearances in total.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/could-ikechi-anya-face-fulham-1560703
'We Hold The Upper Hand And We Need To Protect That'
Curtis Davies has called on his Derby County team-mates to produce another 'brave and bold' performance on Monday evening to protect their advantage gained in the Sky Bet Championship semi-final first-leg against Fulham on Friday.
The Rams' composure and stubborness not to waiver from their game-plan at Pride Park Stadium ensured they head to West London with a 1-0 head start on the Cottagers.
Their reluctance to be drawn in to Fulham's attacking style and ability to stay solid in their shape meant the Rams extinguished all the Cottagers advancements and allowed just two shots on target, both from outside the area.
The Rams' captain proved to be a nightmare for Aleksandar Mitrovic who failed to find the net after he has scored 12 goals in 17 Championship matches since his loan spell began at the end of January.
Davies told RamsTV: "I think we won plaudits for the way we frustrated Fulham.
"A lot of people that watch football and watch the Championship will know that Fulham are a team that will keep the ball against the best, but it's how you deal with it.
"On the night we defended very well as a unit and when we did get the ball into their half we played some good stuff.
"But you can't really defend for another 90 minutes down there, we need to make sure that we pose a threat as well and possibly score a goal."
The Rams may have the lead, but it is only half-time in the semi-final and for the first time, they are the ones with the targets on their backs.
Derby will have to defend their advantage, but the 33-year-old centre-back insists his side won't be sitting back and just keeping the Cottagers away.
"I don't think anything will change for Fulham because that's the way they play, they can only play attacking football," Davies said.
"For us, we are a clean-sheet away from Wembley, but that's not to say we are going to sit there and park the bus with 10 at the back.
"It's a game of chess, at the moment we have got the upper hand so we need to protect that. Fulham will give their all and they are a very tough team to play against.
"It's tough enough for 90 minutes, let alone 180, so we are going to have to go there and be brave, bold and come away with a result hopefully."
Along with the team, 2,010 Rams fans will head to Craven Cottage after the allocation of tickets sold out.
The atmosphere at Pride Park was electrifying, with more than 27,000 in attendance, and Davies hopes the fans will provide the same support away from home.
"The support on Friday was magnificent," he said.
"The fans didn't get upset with things, I think they accepted too that Fulham were going to keep the ball, and they backed us all the way.
"Whenever we did go on those breaks they were right behind the lads and nearly roared us another goal in. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that second one, but come Monday hopefully they will be supporting us again and we do get another goal."
There is one final stop before hopefully moving on to Wembley, however, for Davies, that isn't what Derby are playing for.
"I've always said the prize isn't getting to Wembley, Wembley is nothing. It's promotion.
"It might be a good day out for the fans and family. For me I wouldn't care if it was played in the park across the road, you want to play a game of football and win promotion.
"That is the key to remember."
https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/we-need-to-protect-our-upper-hand
Transfer gossip: Speculation over Sessegnon's future continues
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Sessegnon has been linked with several clubs
Speculation continues over the future of Ryan Sessegnon, with The Sun on Sunday declaring that Fulham want £100m for the 'Manchester United target'.
Tottenham are keen to agree a deal to sign Sessegnon this summer and he has been linked with various other clubs.
Those clubs include United, with The Sun on Sunday suggesting they are looking to sign him but have been told he will cost a nine-figure fee.
The Times recently claimed United are hoping to persuade Sessegnon to join them if he decides to leave Fulham.
The Sun previously claimed United were ready to pay £40m in order to land Sessegnon.
The newspaper quoted 'an Old Trafford source' as saying: "The club have been keeping tabs on him and the reports back are fantastic.
"He is even being compared to Gareth Bale at the same stage of his career. He has all the attributes.
"He is quick and has an eye for goal. Jose has been impressed with him and he will be a star."
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-manutd-sessegnon-sun-130518
Derby County's play-off semi-final opponents Fulham put £100m valuation on Ryan Sessegnon
The Cottagers have asked for the staggering amount to ward off interest from Manchester United
Fulham have reportedly placed a £100m valuation on star player Ryan Sessegnon.
The left-sided youngster has been a long-term target of Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but Fulham are desperate to keep hold of their man.
And, according to The Sun , the Cottagers have now asked for a staggering £100m for his signature.
Sessegnon was largely a peripheral figure in the play-off semi-final first leg defeat at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night.
(https://i2-prod.derbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article1272767.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Ryan-Sessegnon.jpg)
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Derby County defender Andre Wisdom, who started the game at right wing-back, kept the talented teenager quiet throughout before the Fulham man was replaced in the second half.
Sessegnon made history this season when he became the first player outside the Premier League to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Leroy Sane of Manchester City eventually won the honour.
He has featured in every Championship game this season for Fulham, and is their top scorer with 15 goals.
After a stellar season in the capital, Sessegnon cleaned up at the end-of-season awards, winning the Championship player of the season, young player of the season and the apprentice of the year.
He was also in both the EFL and PFA teams of the season – and is in line to start against the Rams in Monday's play-off second leg.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/derby-countys-play-semi-final-1561884
Why Fulham fans shouldn't despair ahead of Monday's play-off second leg
The Whites lost 1-0 away to Derby in the first leg.
In the aftermath of Fulham's 1-0 play-off semi-final first leg defeat away to Derby County, a feeling of disgust and dismay fell over the Cottagers fanbase.
Despite dominating shots, possession, passes, and corners, Fulham failed to find a cutting edge and continued their shocking winless play-off run.
However, Fulham supporters should avoid the tendency to panic heading into Monday's second leg at Craven Cottage, as the Whites were the better side on Friday night and possess a superb home unbeaten run.
Against Derby, the Whites were at times far too pedestrian, playing football at a walking pace and failing to break down the well-drilled Rams defence.
In addition, a frustrating number of attacks seemed forced down the middle, where Aleksandar Mitrovic was heavily watched all night long and was scarcely given an inch of space.
Nonetheless, Fulham's second-half performance offers lots of encouragement for the Cottagers faithful. The away side clearly came out of the changing rooms with a point to prove and began the second half brightly.
Kevin McDonald rattled the crossbar with a fierce long-range effort, Floyd Ayite nearly converted a first-time volley, and Fulham essentially camped outside Derby's penalty area for three-quarters of an hour.
But it is clear that a shift in mentality and incisiveness is required for Monday night's encounter at Craven Cottage.
Being the better side is useless when one cannot convert a scoring chance; Fulham must look to be more direct at home and take shots on goal whenever possible.
Another area for encouragement is the fortress that Slavisa Jokanovic's side has built at Craven Cottage.
The Whites are unbeaten at home since a 2-0 Halloween defeat to Bristol City, and have beaten the likes of Wolves, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Leeds United during that spell.
Jokanovic summed it up best in his post-match comments on the club's official website, urging his team to show belief and fighting spirit.
"We must not let ourselves get too frustrated and remain confident as we showed quality and had a good mentality," Jokanovic said. "What we want to do is now change this story and win the game on Monday night and fight for the opportunity to play at Wembley."
Fulham must not despair after their Pride Park loss; there is still everything to play for on Monday night and their Wembley dream is still within reach.
https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-despair-second-leg/
Bettinelli: Scream & Shout(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/playeractionshots/rexfeatures_9668801dh.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Marcus Bettinelli has called for a raucous atmosphere at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.
Fulham welcome Derby County to SW6 for our Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg looking to overturn a one goal deficit, and Bettinelli hopes the Whites faithful can give the team the extra push needed to get over the line.
(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/playeractionshots/rexfeatures_9668801gl/rexfeatures_9668801hp.jpg?w=300&h=400)
"We just need everyone behind us," he told fulhamfc.com. "We need every corner of the stadium to be screaming and shouting the whole game.
"If we go 1-0 down we need them to keep screaming and shouting for us and get us through this leg. Last season at Reading away the fans were brilliant, cheering us on, so we'll need the same.
"We need the fans on form on Monday, cheering us forward and giving everything they've got, and we'll be doing all we can to get the win for them.
"I can picture the scenes now of us [winning the tie]. We're 1-0 down but we've got to go full force into the next leg.
"We're going to go press, we're going to get our shots away. It's going to be an intense game but I'm sure with the fans behind us we can get the right result."
Fulham enjoyed the better of the play and chances at Pride Park on Friday, and so Bettinelli is remaining upbeat despite the deficit facing his side.
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"I think we deserve to be level," he said. "Fair play to Derby, they defended extremely well, but I think everyone could see we were by far the better team.
"It's a tough place to come and with the run we've been on everyone expects us to just kick teams to the curb and beat them comfortably, but that's not the case.
"Derby are in the Play-Offs for a reason, we're in the exact same position as them and we had one of those days where we tried everything and it just wasn't coming off. On another day we win it 2-1 or at least get a 1-1 draw.
"But it's fine, we're 1-0 down at half-time, we'll go into the next game full of confidence and attack. We've got nothing to lose, we're great going forward, so we're in a positive frame of mind going back to the Cottage."
The Rams played a defensive game in the First Leg, so much so that Bettinelli was effectively playing as a sweeper at times, but he believes they'll struggle to replicate that for the entirety of Monday's encounter.
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"That's the way the game panned out, but I'd be very surprised if they can come and do that at the Cottage for 90 minutes," he stated. "We'll watch the video and assess what went wrong on Friday.
"I don't think we did much wrong to be honest. Birmingham was a really bad performance but that wasn't the case this time. We defended well, limited them to very few chances.
"It is what it is, we go back to the Cottage now. I can't remember the last time we lost at the Cottage, so we've got to go into that full of confidence, and why not?
"We've got one last chance to get to Wembley, we're 1-0 down at half-time and we've just got to go in there and give it all we've got.
"Realistically, they're going to sit in and play on the counter, and that's going to suit us. We're very good going forward, especially at the Cottage with the fans behind us."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/13/marcus-bettinelli-scream-and-shout
Top 50 Players of the EFL – 41st: Kevin McDonald (Fulham)
Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has been voted by you as the 42nd best player in the EFL.
Over the last month, we have been gathering votes from you to find the best managers and players in the EFL. And after counting the votes, we have discovered you think that McDonald is the 41st best player in the Football League. This is the first time he has been on this list.
There are a lot of Fulham players you can give credit to for their form in the second half of the season. It's very likely that you are going to see some of them later on in this list as well. But one player you shouldn't forget is McDonald who was a key player for them in the midfield throughout the season. He has always been a great player, both Sheffield United and Wolves fans can attest, but he took it to another level by running many of the games they won this season.
Showing those concerns about his injuries are way in the past, he played most of the season, making 45 appearances. In that time he scored three goals and also got one assist. Teams such as Millwall, Barnsley and Burton Albion will be hoping that they never play against McDonald again after suffering against him this season. This was another great year for McDonald and he will be hoping to continue that.
McDonald's season is not over yet. They will be facing Derby County in the second leg of the play-offs and will need to come back from a 1-0 deficit to go to the final.
http://the72.co.uk/102467/top-50-players-efl-41st-kevin-mcdonald-fulham/
Derby will not take anything for granted at Fulham, says boss Gary Rowett
The Rams hold a slender 1-0 lead after the first leg thanks to Cameron Jerome's goal.
Gary Rowett insists his Derby side will take nothing for granted when they travel to Fulham for the second leg of their play-off semi-final at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.
Cameron Jerome's goal in Friday night's first leg ensured the Rams take a 1-0 lead into the game and knowing a draw will further their chances of playing in the Premier League next season.
With that in mind, boss Rowett says he will be telling his players to be positive and try not to think about what awaits the Wembley winner.
"You have to approach the game as if it's 0-0," Rowett told the club's website.
"You can't try to just hang on to a lead, we have to go and win the game again, and that has to be our mentality.
"A draw will take us through, but I don't think that you can play for a draw.
"We know that we will have to defend similarly well, because they are a good side, and you can see that they have the players to open you up.
"We have to be positive. We can't go to sit back and defend for the whole evening, and we will make sure our tactics give us a chance to do that.
"Every other team in the play-offs are two games away from the Premier League. It doesn't enter into our thoughts and we don't think about the prize at the end.
"All you think about is the job, and you can't focus on anything other than that.
"We are level-headed and we are down to earth, and we know what we have to do. It will be a tough task and we know that Fulham will probably still be the favourites."
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes his side have to be prepared to take risks if they are to keep their Premier League hopes alive.
"We know how we want to play," Jokanovic said.
"We know how to make more damage. We are ready for the challenge. We need to put them under more pressure and take a little bit more risk.
"We must be brave, strong and show self-belief. We must put our maximum on the field.
"My team has shown many times we have enough quality and we have won many games at home.
"This is an important chance for us and we will push with all our weapons to win the game."
Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, beaten by Jerome's strike in the 34th minute, believes his side will overcome the one-goal deficit and progress to the final.
"We just need everyone behind us," Bettinelli told fulhamfc.com.
"If we go 1-0 down, we need them to keep screaming and shouting for us and get us through this leg.
"Last season at Reading, the fans were brilliant cheering us on, so we'll need the same.
"We need the fans on form on Monday, cheering us forward and giving everything they've got, and we'll be doing all we can to get the win for them.
"I can picture the scenes now of us (winning the tie). We are 1-0 down but we've got to go full force into the next leg.
"We're going to go press, we're going to get our shots away. It's going to be an intense game but I'm sure with the fans behind us we can get the right result."
http://sport.bt.com/football/derby-will-not-take-anything-for-granted-at-fulham-says-boss-gary-rowett-S11364271476218
Andreas Weimann opens up about his new Derby County role in crucial Fulham clash
Austrian forward filled in at left wing-back for the Rams' play-off semi-final first leg at Pride Park
It was a big night for Derby County on Friday - and for Andreas Weimann in particular.
The Austrian forward was asked to play in the unfamiliar role of left wing-back in the Rams' Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Fulham.
It was Weimann's 42nd appearance in all competitions this season but the first time he had started a match in this position.
However, he helped Gary Rowett's men secure a valuable 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium.
Rowett opted to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation against Fulham - but was without Marcus Olsson, who is facing a lengthy spell out after sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage in the 4-1 victory over Barnsley.
Craig Forsyth could have been moved to the left but he remained in a back three.
Ikechi Anya was another option but, having only just recovered from a calf injury, he was left on the bench.
So the job was given to Weimann, whose usual role was taken by recalled player of the year and top scorer Matej Vydra.
"It's the first time I've played that position from the start, so it was different," said Weimann.
"I just tried my best, defensively, and then tried to join in as much as I could when we attacked.
"It was hard work and I felt it in the end a little bit - I got a bit of cramp at the end, unfortunately just at the wrong time as I was breaking through!
"But I'll recover now and I'm sure we'll all be ready to go again for the second leg on Monday."
It was surely something of a gamble to throw Weimann in at the deep end - when Rowett might have reverted to a flat back four - but one that appeared to pay off.
"I only did it in training for a couple of days but I think I can play that role and I tried my best," Weimann added.
"It was hard work and I felt it in the end a little bit - I got a bit of cramp at the end, unfortunately just at the wrong time as I was breaking through!
"But I'll recover now and I'm sure we'll all be ready to go again for the second leg on Monday."
It was surely something of a gamble to throw Weimann in at the deep end - when Rowett might have reverted to a flat back four - but one that appeared to pay off.
"I only did it in training for a couple of days but I think I can play that role and I tried my best," Weimann added.
"I think I've got the energy to play it. Obviously, defensively, it's a bit different to playing as a winger, but I thought I did alright out there.
"If I'm in the team on Monday, I'll try to do my best again."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andreas-weimann-opens-up-new-1560680
Fulham v Derby preview: Championship play-off semi-final second leg live on Sky Sports Football
Sheyi Ojo will be hoping to earn a recall for Fulham in their crucial play-off semi-final second leg at home to Derby on Monday night.
Ojo has been sidelined for the last six games because of an unspecified injury and failed to make Slavisa Jokanovic's squad for Friday night's 1-0 first-leg defeat. Floyd Ayite marked his return from a hamstring injury by playing 76 minutes.
Ikechi Anya could return to Derby's starting XI for the first time since the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on March 11. Anya came off the bench to replaced Matej Vydra with 22 minutes left to play at Pride Park as the Rams took control of the tie.
The midfielder is available to Gary Rowett should he wish to freshen his side up for the second leg. Defender Marcus Olsson's season is over after it was confirmed he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Opta stats
Fulham are still looking for their first ever win in the Football League play-offs, having drawn two and lost five of their previous seven games.
The last second tier team to win the play-offs after suffering a semi-final first leg defeat was Bolton Wanderers, who overturned a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in 1995 (3-2 on aggregate), before beating Reading in the final.
None of Fulham's last three results in home play-off games would be enough to see them advance to this year's final (0-4 v Bristol Rovers in 1989, 1-1 v Grimsby in 1998 and 1-1 v Reading last season).
Derby have progressed to the play-off final on each of the previous three occasions they have won the semi-final first leg; all of which have come in the second tier (in 1994, 2007 and 2014).
In all competitions, the Rams have lost just one of their last six games at Craven Cottage (W1 D4), with each of the three games there against Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side ending in stalemates (1-1, 2-2 and 1-1).
After failing to score in the first leg at Pride Park, Fulham have now netted just two goals across their seven games in the Football League play-offs.
However, the West London side have scored more league goals than any other Championship team in 2018, with 61% of their total coming in home games (27 of 44).
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been directly involved in seven of Fulham's last 12 league goals at Craven Cottage, scoring six and assisting one.
After scoring just once in his first 15 league appearances for Derby, Cameron Jerome has netted in each of his four outings since (five goals).
If Jerome nets in the second leg, it would be the first time in his league career (inc. play-offs) that he has scored in five consecutive games.
Prutton's prediction
What a great win that was for Derby, especially when you consider the fact they were the first team to stop Fulham scoring in the Championship since December! Gary Rowett's side kept Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic very quiet, and Cameron Jerome has started scoring goals again just at the right time.
Fulham will play the same way at Craven Cottage as they did at Pride Park and you imagine that Derby will sit in with their three centre-backs and try to nick a goal on the counter. I have a feeling this one could go to penalties, where I'd have to back Fulham to edge through.
David Prutton predicts: (http://fulham%20to%20progress%20on%20penalties) (14/1 with Sky Bet)
http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-derby/preview/389234
Ojo hoping to earn Fulham recall
Striker Sheyi Ojo will be hoping to earn a recall for Fulham in their crucial play-off semi-final second leg at home to Derby.
Ojo has been sidelined for the last six games because of an unspecified injury and failed to make Slavisa Jokanovic's squad for Friday night's 1-0 first-leg defeat.
The striker, on loan from Wolves, has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Fulham this season.
Floyd Ayite marked his return from a hamstring injury by playing 76 minutes.
Ikechi Anya could return to Derby's starting XI for the first time since the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on March 11.
Anya came off the bench to replaced Matej Vydra with 22 minutes left to play at Pride Park as the Rams took control of the tie.
The midfielder is available to Gary Rowett should he wish to freshen his side up for the second leg.
Defender Marcus Olsson's season is over after it was confirmed he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=510427
Why former Nottingham Forest man is backing Fulham to reach to play-off final ahead of Derby County
The Rams hold a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg at Craven Cottage
Former Nottingham Forest midfielder David Prutton is backing Fulham to reach the Championship play-off final – by beating Derby County on penalties.
The Rams head to Craven Cottage on Monday with a slender lead after a 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium on Friday.
Cameron Jerome's first-half header was the difference and consigned Fulham to back-to-back defeats, after going 23 games unbeaten.
Sky Sports pundit Prutton believes the Cottagers will win on the night, and get to Wembley after spot-kicks.
"What a great win that was for Derby," he said. "Especially when you consider the fact they were the first team to stop Fulham scoring in the Championship since December.
"Gary Rowett's side kept Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic very quiet, and Cameron Jerome has started scoring goals again just at the right time.
"Fulham will play the same way at Craven Cottage as they did at Pride Park and you imagine that Derby will sit in with their three centre-backs and try to nick a goal on the counter.
"I have a feeling this one could go to penalties, where I'd have to back Fulham to edge through."
Prutton believes it will be Aston Villa joining Fulham at Wembley.
Villa hold a 1-0 lead against Boro – after victory at the Riverside – and Prutton thinks it will be a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
"Middlesbrough were awfully flat on Saturday which was a bit of a surprise," he said.
"Aston Villa defended extremely well but it wasn't exactly as though they were under total siege and they fully deserved the win.
"Tony Pulis will rally his side for the trip on Tuesday night and I think they could push Villa really close.
"It will be a tight game that's likely to be decided by the first goal, but I fancy Villa to edge through with a draw."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-man-backing-1562287
Championship play-offs: How Fulham can overturn Derby County's lead and keep their Premier League ambitions alive
Thanks to a Cameron Jerome header and an inability to take their chances in a second half they controlled, Fulham now find themselves needing to overturn a 1-0 scoreline against Derby County as the Championship play-off semi-final second leg comes to Craven Cottage. It's the London club's second loss on the bounce, after slipping on a Birmingham City shaped banana-skin on the last day of the season, and their record in play-offs suggests this could be terminal. They haven't won a play-off match in the Championship since they began.
A lot rides on this game for Fulham, as it does with any play-off game. However, with the squad and manager they currently have, it's as good a chance as they'll get to go up to the Premier League and stay up. If they lose, they invite the very real prospect of some departures of top players, and a regression. Here's some suggestions as to how they can avoid this.
Rest Denis Odoi
Denis Odoi had a poor game in the first leg, there's no two ways about it. His decision making was poor, as evidenced by his attempt to turn to beat a striker as the last man, losing the ball in the process late in the second half. He also seemed disenchanted after losing possession in the first half – which his teammate regained to clear – remaining deep as the last man for a while before realising he was playing the entire Derby front line onside. It is perhaps harsh to be criticising Odoi on his defensive attributes, as he is a 5″9′ wing back who has of late occupied a role at centre-half turning defence into attack by bringing the ball upfield.
However, he simply wasn't at the races psychologically and he deserves to be replaced in the second leg, regardless of how reliable and calm he usually is for the side. Fulham can't afford passengers in such a must-win game, and Odoi has suggested he will gift Derby the game by deciding to dribble when he shouldn't, given half a chance. Play Tomas Kalas. In addition, a tall centre-back would add an aerial threat at set pieces that Fulham sorely need. The insistence on taking short corners went from predictable to obvious.
Switch on at the start
Odoi wasn't the only one absent. In the first-half Fulham weren't in control of the game and were struggling a little with the Derby counter-attack. As the 70 per cent possession suggests, they pressed forward and held the ball well, especially in the second half, but to concede a header from so far away at the near post raises some questions about goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. He did a fine job in the second-half in sweeping and cutting out counter-attacks and it must be conceded that Cameron Jerome's header was a bullet. However, they can't afford another concession like that. Derby County's manager said after the game: "We need to show a bit more quality than we showed. We looked like we could counter-attack every single time but we just lacked the quality of that first decision or first pass to get you on the way. We had some really good opportunities on the break." This was true for the first-half, but in the second, Derby looked tired, permanently under pressure and unable to create goal chances. Fulham need to bring the insensity they brought in the second-half from the begining and cut out Derby's counterattack.
Involve Ryan Sessegnon more
Ryan Sessegnon has been Fulham's best player this season (although Tom Cairney has also been exquisite), and in the first leg before coming off, he had influenced the game the least.
Of Fulham's players he managed the least touches, even less than goalkeeper Bettinelli, and seemed marked out of the game by André Wisdom. He also dropped deep on occasion to assist in mopping up the ball in Derby counterattacks. Ideally, Sessegnon is at his best when he can get on the end of balls into the channel and make incisive runs, or burying chances crossed across the box. All of these were slightly nullified by the fact that Derby dropped very deep in defence. Fulham will hope to bring out more in the best in the wide man by allowing him to drift more central and become more involved in the attacking build up. He's better off receiving the ball with men to beat, rather than searching for a through ball that cannot exist in the space. Fulham should encourage him to dribble and link up with Mitrovic more, and encourage central midfielders like Kevin McDonald and central defenders to start distributing to forwards with a little more urgency.
Take your chances
After the match, Fulham manager Slaviša Jokanović said: "We cannot be frustrated. We played all the football on the pitch and we dominated. They scored a fantastic goal. In the second half we created many things without scoring a goal. "We have to be a bit more clinical. That is the plan. We showed we can play good football but we didn't score the goals." Of Fulham's 13 shots at goal in the first leg, only two were on target. That simply isn't good enough from a side that seeks to control the game with possession. Too many shots were taken from outside the box. Aleksandar Mitrovic is a 'keeper-beating howitzer of a striker, but he also is at his best when he can shoot in the area. Fulham need to concentrate on providing him with good snapshot chances in the area, if possible.
Don't panic
The scoreline is against Fulham, as is their play-off record. But the Whites looked in charge in the second-half against a Derby side scrambling to keep the ball away from their goal. Derby played a physical game, bullying the diminutive Fulham side into submission and committing early fouls to deny closer and more dangerous chances. The Rams succeeded in keeping the ball out of their net for 90 minutes, but conceded 15 fouls and two yellow cards in the process. In another 90 minutes of Fulham attacking with 70 per cent possession, at Craven Cottage with a crowd voicing their disapproval to fouls, they'll be lucky not to concede a red card or a penalty employing the same strategy. Fulham need to trust in their game plan, keep the ball, and not change too much just because they've lost a couple. The goals should come as Derby tire and concede more cards. Derby's mission is very simple. Don't concede in 90 minutes at the Cottage, and maybe grab a goal on the counter to demoralise them into defeat.
Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-derby-county-championship-play-off-cameron-jerome-ryan-sessegnon/
Curtis Davies handled Aleksandar Mitrovic expertly, says Gary Rowett
Derby County beat Fulham 1-0 at Pride Park on Friday, with Davies particularly immense
Curtis Davies was saluted by Derby County boss Gary Rowett for the way he kept Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet in the first leg of the Championship play-off clash.
Davies marshalled Mitrovic as Derby won 1-0 at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night and the two are set to lock horns again in tomorrow night's second leg at Craven Cottage.
Mitrovic played a key role and he scored when Fulham won at Pride Park in March, but he had much less of an impact on this occasion.
"I thought Curtis was excellent," said Rowett.
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Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic (centre) and Derby County's Curtis Davies battle for the ball (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
"I think some of our players said at half time that we had to screen Mitrovic a bit better, but if you do that then it means another player drops deep and all you do is entice Fulham to come onto you.
"We tried to take a gamble. We left Curtis one-on-one with him (Mitrovic) in the middle of the pitch and I thought Curtis did it as well as I have seen anyone do it.
"Mitrovic is so good at using his body and rolling his marker. We didn't want to allow him to do that around the edge of the box, but I think high up we knew Curtis could handle that type of player.
"Curtis has been brilliant this season.
"I thought defensively all game we handled Fulham really well.
"Ryan Sessegnon, with the amount of goals he has scored this season, had very few opportunities."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/curtis-davies-handled-aleksandar-mitrovic-1562336
Jokanovic content despite Derby defeat
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic was content with his sides showing at Pride Park on Friday, and believes that the Cottagers deserved more from the game.
The Serbian wants his side to remain confident in the reverse leg, but become more clinical in front of goal.
Fulham travelled to Derbyshire on the back of a defeat to Birmingham, who ended their 22 game unbeaten run at St Andrews.
A sole Cameron Jerome goal was enough for the home side to take a lead with them when they travel to Craven Cottage on Monday.
Kevin McDonald struck the bar, and Tom Cairney forced a superb stop from Scott Carson on a fruitless night for Jokanovic's men.
Speaking to the club website, the Whites boss said "Definitely this is not the result that we deserved,
"But this is part of football to and we cannot be frustrated. We played some nice football and dominated Derby.
"They scored after one cross and Jerome (Cameron) scored a fantastic goal.
"We were not clinical enough and especially in the second half when we created many chances without scoring the goal to get things level."
It is still all to play for in the tie, and despite defeat tonight, Fulham will still be considered favourites to progress to Wembley.
We must not let ourselves get too frustrated and remain confident as we showed quality and had a good mentality.
"What we want to do is now change this story and win the game on Monday night and fight for the opportunity to play at Wembley."
Fulham entertain Derby on Monday, in the hope of turning round this first leg deficit.
http://the72.co.uk/102398/jokanovic-content-despite-derby-defeat/
Fulham loan flop reveals why he failed to make an impression at Craven Cottage
Rafa Soares only made three appearances at the club before his loan spell was terminated in January, and he's revealed why he thinks the loan spell flopped
Rafa Soares has revealed he believes his loan spell at Fulham would've been different had he not joined the club while recovering from an ankle injury.
The loan man only made three appearances at Craven Cottage after signing on loan from Porto, with the 23-year-old failing to make an impression on Slavisa Jokanovic and force his way into his first team plans.
His loan was terminated in January after the club signed Matt Targett to fill the left back spot, with Soares heading back to Portugal to play for Portimonense after a uninspiring six months in south west London, but Soares believes it would've been different had he not been nursing an injury.
The club were aware of the injury when they signed him, with Director of Football Operations Tony Khan saying at the time: "We were well aware of his injury during the recruitment process and are more than comfortable moving ahead, as Rafa's talent and body of work as a defender speaks for itself, as evidenced by the interest and buzz around him this summer."
However, Soares failed to impress Jokanovic, and the left back believes that injury is the key reason why his time at the Cottage didn't go to plan.
Speaking to MaisFutebol, Soares said: "What did not go well was the fact that I was injured before going and it was more serious than what was expected, forcing me to be waiting a long time.
"Then obviously it was difficult to join the team because the coach was already eleven, plus two or three that could come in, and I only became available in early November.
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(Image: Paul Burgman)
"Coming from an injury is never easy, and more so with so many months of stopping. I think it was mainly this that harmed me.
"I think if I had gotten there with the intensity I was with at Porto it would have been very different.
"I do not have any problems and I have no fear in going out again. I just hope nothing happens to me before I go, like this time."
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-loan-flop-reveals-failed-14652875
Fulham holding out for astronomical £100m for Manchester United and Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon
Manchester United have been told to splash out a record £100m to land England Under-21 international wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, according to The Sun.
The Premier League side, who hosted Watford this afternoon at Old Trafford on the final day of the top-flight 2017-18 campaign, have been linked with a mega money move for the highly rated Fulham winger this summer.
The 17-year-old, who made his England Under-21 debut against the Ukraine back in March, has scored 15 goals and provided six goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for the Championship club so far this season.
Sessegnon, who is a youth graduate of the Craven Cottage outfit, has netted 22 goals in 80 games overall for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, operating at left-back and as a left winger.
However, the talented teenager is wanted by Premier League giants United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but Fulham are demanding a whopping £100m transfer fee for their prized asset.
Recently named Championship Player of the Year, full-back Sessegnon is understood to be a top transfer target for Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho this off-season.
United's current club-record signing is midfielder Paul Pogba following his £89m return to Old Trafford from Juventus back in August 2016.
Though Young Lions starlet Sessegnon could still be playing in the English top-flight next term with Fulham, with The Cottagers competing in the Championship play-offs this month, despite losing their semi-final first leg 1-0 at Derby County on Friday night.
https://www.shoot.co.uk/fulham-holding-out-for-astronomical-100m-for-manchester-united-and-tottenham-target-ryan-sessegnon/
Gary Rowett outlines how Derby County will tackle tonight's second leg against Fulham
The Rams head to Craven Cottage with a 1-0 lead
Derby County will look to keep promotion hopes alive tonight.
The Rams take a 1-0 lead into their Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
A place in the final at Wembley later this month is the prize that awaits one of the two teams.
Derby's win in Friday's first leg at Pride Park Stadium was hard earned against a Fulham side that finished third and 13 points ahead of the Rams.
Fulham dominated much of the game, but Cameron Jerome's first-half header meant it was Derby that came out on top.
But the tie remains finely poised.
Gary Rowett says the Rams will be brave in their approach and will look to win the second leg rather than try to hold onto their slender advantage.
"We will try to be as brave as possible tonight," he said.
"What we can't do is go down there and try to protect a lead.
"I think we have to go there and try to win the second leg, it is as simple as that and that has to be our mentality."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-outlines-how-derby-1561136
No pressure on Ryan Sessegnon to fire Fulham back to the Premier League, insists Slavisa Jokanovic
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Fulham will struggle to keep onto Sessegnon if they do not get promoted, but Jokanovic does not want to pile on expectation Credit: Getty Images
Slavisa Jokanovic insists there is no pressure on teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon to help fire Fulham back into the Premier League.
Sessegnon is in contention to gatecrash England's World Cup squad later this week and Fulham will face a huge battle to keep the attacker if they fail to achieve promotion.
Fulham are yet to win any of their seven games in the play-offs and will head into Monday's second leg 1-0 down to Derby, after Cameron Jerome's goal.
Sessegnon is the club's top scorer with 15 goals but appeared lethargic in Friday's defeat and was substituted 14 minutes from time.
But Jokanovic, the Fulham manager, said it would be unfair to pile all the expectancy on the 17-year-old ahead of Monday's crunch encounter.
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Fulham have not won any of their seven play-off games, but must do on Monday to get to Wembley Credit: Getty Images
"He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or even immediately," he said.
"Ryan needs the help from people around him and this kid doesn't need any pressure. He's only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right.
"He's shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level.
"I won and lost games, sometimes I played bad or very well, and it's not important. This kid has a really important future. He has a really clear mind.
"We know what is important. We are fighting for the Premier League and Wembley."
Derby have also suffered frustration in the play-offs in recent times, with this season their third experience of the rollercoaster route in the last five years.
But manager Gary Rowett believes his cluster of big-game players, including Jerome, Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies, could prove the difference this year.
Rowett said: "I know we have spoken about the 'Derby Way', or whatever that is, but sometimes that way is about winning in different ways. To do that you have to have players with a very strong mentality.
"We did a lot of our recruitment around the fact I wasn't in a position to go and do what a lot of others [managers] had done, which is go and buy the best players around.
"We had to sell probably our two biggest assets [Will Hughes and Tom Ince] to be able to balance the books and do what we wanted to do.
"But we felt, particularly for this season, it might just give us that little bit of know-how when we need it. So, here we are, and we will find out."
Probable teams:
Derby (3-4-2-1): Carson; Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Wisdom, Huddlestone, Johnson, Weimann; Lawrence, Vydra; Jerome.
Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Piazon, Mitrovic, Sessegnon.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/05/13/no-pressure-ryan-sessegnon-fire-fulham-back-premier-league-insists/
Today's Football Fixtures Monday 14th May 2018: Fulham v Derby Play-Off Semi-Final Live
So, that's it. Another Premier League season over, and a moderately underwhelming final day of the season, with nothing of significant interest for the majority of clubs to really play for; the title long wrapped up and the relegation spots all but confirmed. Most football fans will now allow their attention to glide their attention over to the Championship play-off games still remaining, which is generally one of the most exciting and absorbing times of the footballing calendar; the time when fingernails are completely worn down as season-long dreams and aspirations are crushed and heroes are made.
Fulham versus Derby County is the obvious highlight this evening in the second play-off semi-final game at Craven Cottage, after having played the first leg on Friday night at Pride Park.
No-one can argue that Fulham deserve to go up to the Premier League based on their constantly attractive performances across the course of the season, but a lot of top tier clubs will be hoping this isn't the case. Their eye will be firmly on poaching the talent in Fulham's squad should they fail to rise up. The Cottagers have Newcastle-loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic; the Serbian has scored more goals in the Championship than any other player since his move in the Winter transfer window.
Fulham manager Slaviša Jokanović has done an excellent job and garnered a lot of respect. Credit must also be paid to Derby manager Gary Rowett, despite their extremely poor run of form in the final half of the season, that dropped them down from an automatic promotion spot. He has, after all, managed to make the possibility of a first Premier League return in ten years a possibility, in his first full season in charge of the Rams. Fulham fans will not need to be reminded however of their lacklustre play-off performances; they failed to win any of their six previous play-off matches before this year.
However, perhaps the best match to keep an eye on is over in the Danish Superligaen, where there's a potential title-decider with a top two battle between Brondby and Midtylland to provide the entertainment on a comparatively barren football day. Both teams have won the same amount of games, but it is Brondby who are currently sitting pretty atop the table. Even with a win, Midtjylland will need to win by five goals to overturn the goal difference to leave them leaders with two games remaining. Brondby will not want to be the bridesmaid of the Superligaen for the second time in successive seasons.
In Turkey, Fenerbahçe can try to continue to push Galatasary close for the Super Lig title with a win away at bottom-placed Kardemir Karabukspor. Fenerbahçe are currently three points behind the league leaders, with their title their only option for silverware after surprisingly losing 3-2 in the Turkish Cup against Akhisarspor last week.
You can view all of today's fixtures on The Sportsman, with live scoring during the matches.
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/today-s-football-fixtures-monday-14th-may-2018-fulham-v-derby-live
Fulham fancied for play-off recovery against Derby County
Fulham face Derby County in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final on Monday aiming to recover from a one goal deficit from their first meeting.
Derby's Cameron Jerome scored his fifth goal in four games, powering home a delightful header from Craig Forsyth's cross following a slick first-half move.
Sky Sports' pundit David Prutton believes the tie is far from over and has tipped Fulham to progress to the final at Wembley after a penalty shoot-out (14/1 with Sky Bet).
"What a great win that was for Derby, especially when you consider the fact they were the first team to stop Fulham scoring in the Championship since December," he said.
"Gary Rowett's side kept Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic very quiet, and Cameron Jerome has started scoring goals again just at the right time.
"Fulham will play the same way at Craven Cottage as they did at Pride Park and you imagine that Derby will sit in with their three centre-backs and try to nick a goal on the counter.
"I have a feeling this one could go to penalties, where I'd have to back Fulham to edge through."
The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage back in November, although Fulham's form improved significantly during the second half of the season.
Fulham are priced at 8/13 to win the game, with Derby on offer at 9/2 and the draw available at 29/10.
http://sportslens.com/fulham-derby-county-championship-2/232711/
Fulham set to battle with Serie A side in pursuit of in-demand midfielder
Fulham are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Auxerre midfielder Ousoumane Camara this summer, according to reports emerging from France.
French media outlet France Football is reporting that Fulham are joined by a number of European clubs in the hunt for Camara, who will be available on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires with Auxerre.
Serie A side Genoa – who are set to finish in mid-table in the Italian top tier – are also keen on the midfielder with Belgian outfit Sint-Truidense V.V. reportedly set to make a move too.
Camara is yet to make his first-team debut for Auxerre – who finished 11th in Ligue 2 – but he is the captain of their reserve side.
But with the 19-year-old's contract coming to an end, Fulham could make a move for him, although they face competition from Genoa, Sint-Truidense and a number of Ligue 2 sides.
Fulham are currently vying for a spot in the Premier League as they go through the Championship play-offs, having fallen just short of automatic promotion on the final day of the season.
The Cottagers trail Derby County by one goal going into the second leg at Craven Cottage and they face an uphill task to reverse the deficit and book their place in the final at Wembley.
The Verdict
Camara is highly-rated in France but he lacks first-team experience.
If he arrived at Fulham, he would definitely go straight into the academy set-up rather than compete for a first-team spot.
But on a free transfer and regarding him as one for the future, this is a low risk move which could pay off long-term.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-to-battle-with-serie-a-side-in-pursuit-of-in-demand-midfielder/
Fulham boss issues defiant message ahead of play-off second leg against Derby County
Slavisa Jokanovic's side trail 1-0 from the first leg at Pride Park Stadium
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has issued a defiant message ahead of tonight's play-off semi-final second leg against Derby County.
Jokanovic's side trail 1-0 from Friday's first leg when Rams striker Cameron Jerome headed the only goal of the game.
He knows the task and says Fulham will not change their style as they look to turn the tie around and book a place in the final.
"We know what we must do to get to Wembley," said Jovanovic.
"I can expect something similar. Derby are going to try and catch us in the transition and set pieces.
"Derby don't give you too many spaces. We must show patience and move the ball, but sometimes we will take more risks.
"We don't need any revolution. We've followed this style, and it's not necessary for us to change. We'll try and find better solutions than Friday and create more things.
"We know what is important. We are fighting for the Premier League and Wembley."
Fulham are still without a win in play-off matches, but Jokanovic is looking forward and not back.
"I don't think it can affect us. I'm not thinking so much about the past. I'm thinkng about present, what is in front of us," he said.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-issues-defiant-message-1560606
Luca Into Euros Semis(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/rexfeatures_9670239m.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Fulham Academy goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond has helped England reach the semi-finals of the Under-17 European Championships.
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The Young Lions beat Norway 2-0 with a strong performance in Burton-On-Trent on Sunday afternoon.
Ashby-Hammond has played every minute of this campaign for the Young Lions, Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi scored to put England through to the final four.
Steve Cooper's side took the lead in the first half through Duncan's header, and soon after the restart Amaechi fired into the back of the net for the second.
In the other quarter-finals Italy beat Sweden, the Young Lions beat the Azzurri in the group stage.
England will face the winner of the Netherlands v the Republic of Ireland at 7pm in Chesterfield on Thursday evening.
The final semi-final place against the Italians will be made up of the winner between Belgium v Spain.
You can watch the highlights of Ashby-Hammond reaching the semi-final by clicking here.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/luca-into-semis
Fulham try to lift onus off Ryan Sessegnon in bid to overhaul Derby
The gifted teenager and his teammates will need to shake off Derby's semi-final first-leg shackles and a 1-0 deficit if they are to reach Wembley
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Derby's Richard Keogh takes a hands-on approach with Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham during the Championship semi-final first leg. Photograph: Conor Molloy/Action Plus via Getty Images
Ryan Sessegnon turns 18 on Friday. Not old enough to get a tattoo, but old enough to face the muscular men of the Championship, arms mostly covered in legally obtained ink, 47 times. Sessegnon notched up his half‑century in all competitions for the season in Fulham's play-off semi‑final first leg 1-0 defeat at Derby, and his season might not nearly be over yet: he has an outside chance of being named in England's World Cup squad on Wednesday.
It is a lot to take for a kid, and watching Sessegnon in the last few weeks of a gruelling season, it's tricky not to come to the conclusion that it all might be a bit too much, too soon. Sessegnon was substituted after an ineffective performance against Derby, similar to Fulham's last few games of the regular season.
This, it should be made clear, is nothing like a criticism. To physically and mentally get through a season in this most bruising of divisions is tough enough for even experienced souls, but to try it when you are legally still a child seems almost impossible.
But Sessegnon has already achieved the impossible in that sense: he has been one of the Championship's best players all season and is Fulham's top‑scorer, his 15 league goals all the more remarkable when he played half the campaign at left-back. A defender‑turned‑winger with a goal poacher's instinct, there's little doubt that he will be a special player.
Will he be special now, though, when Fulham need him to be? Slavisa Jokanovic, who deserves much praise for ignoring Sessegnon's age and trusting his talent all season, did the sensible thing and deflected attention, but he could be forgiven for feeling worried.
"It's a big game for myself, for my assistants, for the whole team," the Fulham manager said when asked if the second leg on Monday night will be a big game for the youngster. "He doesn't need any more pressure on him.
"The game doesn't only depend on what Sessegnon will do. To put all this responsibility on the back of one kid – we don't need that. He showed many times he's a great lad, a great footballer, a great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level. This man is 17 years old. This man is top-scorer for Fulham. This man has a very important future in front of him."
An important present, too: you would not back against Sessegnon pulling out something special, but the next question is whether he will be allowed to by Derby. Their defence was superb in the first leg, smothering Fulham's passing game and limiting their best players' chances to excel although the Derby manager, Gary Rowett, suggested his team would not simply sit on their advantage in the return.
"We'll try to be as brave as possible – what we can't do is go down there and try to protect the lead," said Rowett, who hinted he would make changes to his starting XI in order to maintain the same physically demanding performance.
Will the way Derby neutralised Fulham alter the home side's game plan? "We don't need any revolution in my team," Jokanovic said. "We followed the same style for the last few years, so it's not necessary to change much. We will analyse today's game, we'll try to find a solution, to be more clinical. We must be ready for everything."
This is a beautifully balanced tie, likely to feature that sort of glorious chaos synonymous with the play‑offs. The winners will face either Middlesbrough or Aston Villa in the final, Villa taking a 1-0 advantage into their second leg, to be played on Tuesday.
Before this season, Rowett's last involvement in the second‑tier play-offs was as a player, scoring for Birmingham as they vainly tried to overturn a 4-0 semi-final deficit against Barnsley. That was on 18 May 2000, the day Sessegnon was born. What a remarkable story it would be if Sessegnon decided the game on Monday.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/14/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-derby-championship-play-off
Jokanovic believes Fulham know exactly what they need to do to reach the play-off final
Fulham must overturn a 1-0 deficit if they want to reach the play-off final and the head coach insists they know what is needed
Slavisa Jokanovic believes his Fulham side know exactly what they need to do to reach the Play-off final at Wembley when they face Derby County tonight.
The Whites have to overturn a one goal deficit after losing 1-0 at Pride Park on Friday night, as well as break their run of having never won a play-off game before, if they want to reach the final in a couple of weeks time.
Derby got their game plan spot on in the first leg, defending deep and containing Fulham's key players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon, and the hosts are expecting similar tonight at Craven Cottage as the Rams look to defend their 1-0 lead.
After a poor first half, Fulham bombarded the Derby box in the second but couldn't find a breakthrough, and despite time Jokanovic says now isn't the time for revolution and that the Whites will continue to play the Fulham way.
"We know what we must do to get to Wembley," said Jokanovic.
"I can expect something similar. Derby are going to try and catch us in the transition and set pieces.
"Derby don't give you too many spaces. We must show patience and move the ball, but sometimes we will take more risks.
"We don't need any revolution. We've followed this style, and it's not necessary for us to change. We'll try and find better solutions than Friday and create more things.
"We know what is important. We are fighting for the Premier League and Wembley."
Jokanovic has no fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight's game but could make changes as he looks to overturn their first leg deficit, with Lucas Piazon and Neeskens Kebano vying for a starting spot after coming on from the bench on Friday night.
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jokanovic-believes-fulham-know-exactly-14653796
'Biggest game of our lives,' says Fulham's Kevin McDonald ahead of Derby decider
'We battered Rams in first leg,' claims midfielder
(http://e0.365dm.com/18/04/16-9/20/skysports-kevin-mcdonald-fulham_4272641.jpg?20180403205319)
Kevin McDonald (c) is confident Fulham can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Derby to reach Wembley
Kevin McDonald says his Fulham team-mates are braced for the "biggest game of their lives" when they face Derby in Monday's Championship play-off semi-final decider.
Cameron Jerome's lone goal in Friday's first leg means the Rams take a narrow lead into the crunch Craven Cottage clash - live on Sky Sports Football - with a place at Wembley on the line.
But Scottish midfielder McDonald claims Fulham "battered" their rivals at Pride Park and is confident they have the mentality, as well as the talent, to prevail.
"We expected to take a positive result [on Friday] but it's half-time in the game and we've still got a massive chance," McDonald told Fulham's official website.
"They had one or two chances and scored one. We had more possession but we have to be more clinical, try more shots from outside the box because they defended deep. We had 90 minutes of the ball, we battered them, but they preyed on our mistakes.
"We're still well in the game. It's up to us. The Cottage will be bouncing. We'll give all we've got. It could be the biggest game of our lives."
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic delivered his own rallying call, urging his side to take risks to keep their Premier League hopes alive.
"We know how we want to play," Jokanovic said. "We need to put them under more pressure and take a little bit more risk.
"We must be brave, strong and show self-belief. We must put our maximum on the field. This is an important chance for us and we will push with all our weapons to win the game."
Gary Rowett insists his Derby side will take nothing for granted, despite holding a slender advantage.
"You have to approach the game as if it's 0-0," County boss Rowett told his club's website. "You can't try to just hang on to a lead. We have to go and win the game again, and that has to be our mentality. A draw will take us through, but I don't think that you can play for a draw.
"We know that we will have to defend similarly well, because they are a good side, and you can see that they have the players to open you up.
"We have to be positive. We can't go to sit back and defend for the whole evening, and we will make sure our tactics give us a chance to do that.
"We are level-headed and we are down to earth, and we know what we have to do. It will be a tough task and we know that Fulham will probably still be the favourites."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11372220/biggest-game-of-our-lives-says-fulhams-kevin-mcdonald-ahead-of-derby-decider
Fulham are better than West Ham and Watford... this is their time for Premier League promotion
(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/05/14/10/fulham1405an.jpg?w968h681)
Hot streak: Fulham went 23 games unbeaten before their final-day defeat at Birmingham (PA)
How good are Fulham? They are probably the fifth best team in London. They are better than West Ham and Watford. They might even have finished above Crystal Palace if they were in the same division.
The problem is that they are not in the Premier League. They are in the Championship play-offs. Fulham are two games away from the promised land after a four-year exile. The top flight feels tantalisingly close but it could disappear like a mirage very suddenly. The dream could fade as soon as Monday night. Fulham must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Derby in the second leg at Craven Cottage.
Their owner, Shahid Khan, comes from the world of American sport where the golden rule is 'reach the play-offs'. In the Championship that is often a recipe for disappointment.
Fulham's 23-game unbeaten run ended on the final day of the campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Birmingham but their dominant performances in 2018 hinted at how good they can become.
They were 12th in the table on New Year's Day. Never mind the last-day defeat, just a couple more points in the autumn could have secured that coveted automatic promotion spot. On Monday, they must assert themselves. Fulham had more of the ball in the first leg but could not turn possession into supremacy. Patience and a clinical approach will be crucial at the Cottage.
It is the right time for Fulham to go up. Slavisa Jokanovic's reputation as a manager is growing. The Serb's style of play is as impressive as his attention to detail. Bigger teams will come calling if he remains in the Championship. There are a number of prominent London clubs who could do worse than speaking to the 49-year-old.
It will be difficult to hold on to their best players. Ryan Sessegnon draws the most attention and the 17-year-old is raw but has huge potential. Tom Cairney has been more influential, though, and at this stage would be a bigger loss to Fulham. Cairney makes them tick. Half-a-dozen Premier League clubs would like to see the 27-year-old in their colours.
There are massive financial ramifications. A quarter of the entire Championship's revenue comes from parachute payments. The wealth gap has grown bigger since Fulham were relegated. Khan is empire building in London — his attempt to buy Wembley shows the range of his ambition — and having a Premier League team would be a huge boost towards achieving his objectives.
Fulham have the class to see off Derby — and either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the final — but they can be outmuscled. They are less physical than their rivals and vulnerable in the air. Derby are likely to sit deep again.
If Sheyi Ojo returns from injury, the Liverpool loanee could make a big difference. Ojo's pace gives Cairney more options and would mean Derby could not pay so much attention to Sessegnon. Fulham are good but if they stumble it may be a while before they can reach this standard again. This is an opportunity they cannot let pass.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-are-better-than-west-ham-and-watford-this-is-their-time-for-premier-league-promotion-a3838271.html
Will Ryan Sessegnon make the England World Cup 2018 squad? Here's the odds
Sessegnon has been in superb form for Fulham in the Championship this season
Ryan Sessegnon is the talk of the Championship - but will he earn a place on England's plane to the World Cup?
Players plying their trade in the second tier rarely get selected by England but Fulham whizz kid Sessegnon could be about to buck the trend.
Sessegnon, 17, has taken the Championship by storm this season and has already bagged 14 goals in 41 appearances.
Plenty of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the youngster, who is reportedly rated at £50million.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs are among a host of clubs to be linked with Sessegnon, who broke into Fulham's first team last season.
And bookies have him down as an outside bet to gatecrash Gareth Southgate's England squad headed for Russia.
The left-sided starlet is as short as 6/1 to be on the plane with Betfair.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-squad-ryan-sessegnon-14433446
EFL pundit makes exciting Fulham prediction ahead of tonight's crucial clash with Derby County
David Prutton is expecting Fulham to progress to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final, despite trailing Derby County following the first-leg of the semi-final.
Writing in the his prediction column for Sky Sports, Prutton has hinted that he is expecting Derby to take Fulham all the way in tonight's clash, but the Cottagers to progress via a penalty shootout.
Friday's first-leg saw Derby, who finished the regular season in sixth, grasp control of the play-off semi-final, with Cameron Jerome's powerful header the difference between the two sides at the Pride Park Stadium.
However, despite trailing 1-0, Prutton is expecting Fulham to make home advantage count this evening, predicting Slavisa Jokanovic's side to progress to the Wembley final later this month.
Derby last travelled to Craven Cottage in November, when Matej Vydra's 50th minute goal cancelled out Oliver Norwood's opener, securing a 1-1 draw for Gary Rowett's side.
A repeat of that result this evening would see the Rams progress to Wembley.
Prutton is predicting an exciting clash at Craven Cottage this evening, as Fulham look to work their way back into the tie.
There is no doubt that Derby handled the occasion better than Fulham on Friday, with Jokanovic's side looking a shadow of their best.
The first goal tonight is going to be key, and if Derby can land the first blow, it could prove to be decisive.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-makes-exciting-fulham-prediction-ahead-of-tonights-crucial-clash-with-derby-county/
Andreas Weimann dreaming of Wembley as Derby County look to finish job at Fulham
The Rams take a 1-0 lead into their play-off semi-final second leg at Craven Cottage
Andreas Weimann is quietly confident that Derby County can finish the job against Fulham - but knows there is still plenty of work to be done.
The Rams lead 1-0 going into the second leg of their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final at Craven Cottage on Monday night (7.45pm).
The winners of the tie will progress to the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 26, against either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough.
Fulham, who finished third in the league and just missed out on automatic promotion, have not been beaten at home by a Championship side since they lost to Bristol City at the end of October.
A draw would be enough for Derby, though, while the tie could also go to extra-time and penalties if the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes.
"It's only half-time in the tie, so there's a long way to go - but we're confident that we can go down there and get a result," said Weimann.
"There are still 90 minutes to go, or more. We're 1-0 up, so it's good that we're going into the second leg with a lead.
"But it's going to be very tough down there, I think.
"There's no fear, though. We're here now.
"All four teams that are in the semi-finals are on the same level.
"We're here, we're doing our best and we're halfway there."
Cameron Jerome's 34th-minute header proved to be the only goal of the first leg on Friday night.
Derby defended heroically to keep their lead intact as Fulham dominated possession but could not find a way through.
Weimann believes the second leg could follow a similar pattern.
"We just need to do what we did in the first leg - be compact, hit them on the counter and get another goal," said the Austrian international.
"We'd expect Fulham to have more of the ball again - that's the way they play - but with our attackers and wing-backs, we're confident we can hit them on the break, because we've got the pace. Maybe that suits us.
"Obviously, on Monday, we'll just have to try to take better care when we break. If we do, I think we can get a couple of goals there.
"When we get those chances, we need to make the most of it and, hopefully, extend our lead. I think we will get chances."
Weimann joined Derby from Villa in the summer of 2015, with the aim of getting back to the Premier League.
The Rams reached the play-offs in his first season but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final tie with Hull City.
"That was obviously my plan when I signed for Derby, that I wanted to get back into the Premier League," Weimann added.
"It's massive and every footballer wants to play in that league. Hopefully, we can do it.
"We've got to believe we can do it - otherwise there's no point going to Fulham on Monday!
"We are confident, we're playing well at the minute - but there's still a long way to go.
"We've got a few who have been promoted - Brad (Johnson), Curtis (Davies), Tom (Huddlestone), Cammy (Jerome) - so hopefully they can help us in that second leg to get us to Wembley."
"At the minute, we're confident, we're working hard for each other and there's a togetherness among the group. Hopefully, that will see us through."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andreas-weimann-dreaming-wembley-derby-1560724
Can Derby Reach The Championship Play Off Final As They Travel To Fulham With A One Goal Lead?
Gary Rowett got his tactics spot on in the first leg, not just with his formation and starting line-up but also when a change of dynamic was required in the face of a potential Fulham onslaught later on. Cameron Jerome's bullet header after 34 minutes now separates the two sides but just as important was Rowett's double substitution on 68 minutes and sudden switch to a back three.
If this game - and ultimately the whole tie - is going to be settled from the touchline, you'd be odds on about Rowett making the difference over Slavisa Jokanovic. For the Serbian, hope lies in home advantage and generating a head of steam that never quite materialised at Pride Park. If Fulham go through gears, they can overturn a one-goal deficit no problem.
So it's a safe bet that Derby will go about their business the same way, conceding possession for the most part and clogging up the channels to deny the Cottagers space in the areas where they do most of their damage. But their chances of success might well rest in their quality on transitions because another clean sheet at Craven Cottage would be a tall order.
Indeed, Rowett, upon reviewing the first leg himself, has spoken of those moments when the Rams ought to have exploited the spaces in front better and that might be where he has concentrated most of his analysis in preparation for the return. Derby don't have to do anything different defensively to progress but they might have to be more incisive with the ball.
Fulham v Derby - Correct Score
Draw #1-1 6/1
Fulham #1-0 6/1
Fulham #2-0 13/2
Fulham #2-1 7/1
Draw #0-0 10/1
Derby #1-0 12/1
Fulham #3-0 12/1
Fulham #3-1 12/1
Derby #2-1 14/1
Draw #2-2 16/1
Odds correct as of 14/05/18 11:27:23. Odds are subject to change.
As such, there's appeal in the score draw at 9/2 (match result and both teams to score) and those who fancy something even more exciting might also want to throw a point at the 18/1 available on the 2-2 correct score. Six teams (including Derby) have landed the former bet at the Cottage this term, while Preston and QPR have also copped the latter.
The one-goal cushion isn't just a mathematical advantage, it's also a psychological one that can enable Derby to be ruthless when it matters. Fulham must now push themselves more than they normally would and, for them, going ahead on the night is only half the battle. Under those conditions, the Rams might conceivably only have two real chances and score two goals.
Recommended bets:
1pt Draw and both teams to score at 9/2
1pt 2-2 correct score at 18/1
Fulham v Derby - Result
Fulham 4/6
Draw 3/1
Derby 19/4
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/can-derby-reach-the-championship-play-off-final-as-they-travel-to-fulham-with-a-one-goal-lead
Fulham, Bees and QPR all keen on Hibs midfielder
Fulham, Brentford and QPR are all interested in Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch.
Aberdeen have been chasing the 25-year-old, whose Hibs contract expires this summer.
But several English clubs, including all three of west London's Championship sides, are keen on McGeouch and in a position to make him a better financial offer.
Blackburn, promoted from League One, have long been interested in him and reports in Scotland have suggested he is likely to move there.
However, QPR have been planning to make him an offer, while Fulham and Brentford have been monitoring him for some time.
He is near the top of a list of players QPR's scouting team are set to suggest to Steve McClaren, who is expected to take over as manager at Loftus Road this week following the sacking of Ian Holloway.
Hibs signed McGeouch from Celtic in 2015 after he had spent a season on loan with the Edinburgh club.
He has played in England, having made eight appearances – all as a substitute – while on loan at Coventry City from Celtic in 2014.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-140518-fulham-brentford-qpr-hibernian-dylan-mcgeouch-interest
Ryan Sessegnon ready to play for England, says Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic(http://e1.365dm.com/18/04/16-9/20/skysports-ryan-sessegnon-fulham_4288379.jpg?20180420221440)
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes Ryan Sessegnon is ready to play for England.Sessegnon has been in outstanding form for the Cottagers this season with 15 goals and six assists in 46 Championship appearances.
The 17-year-old only received his first call-up for England's U21 side in March but Jokanovic believes he should be in consideration for Gareth Southgate's 23-man World Cup squad, which is due to be named on Wednesday.
"He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or even immediately," the Fulham boss said.
Sessegnon appears destined to play in the Premier League but whether or not that will be with Fulham next season remains to be seen.
Jokanovic's side, who finished third in the Championship, trail 1-0 heading into the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Derby County at Craven Cottage on Monday night.
Fulham fans will be hoping Sessegnon, the club's top scorer, can help overturn the deficit but Jokanovic is wary of putting too much pressure on the teenager's shoulders.
"Ryan needs the help from people around him and this kid doesn't need any pressure. He's only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right," Jokanovic said.
"He's shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level.
"I won and lost games, sometimes I played bad or very well, and it's not important. This kid has a really important future. He has a really clear mind.
"We know what is important. We are fighting for the Premier League and Wembley."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11372337/ryan-sessegnon-ready-to-play-for-england-says-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic
Style GuruIn Monday's official matchday programme, there's an extensive interview with Slaviša Jokanović, the man who's helped put Fulham back together again.
The Whites had lost their identity and their way before Jokanović was named the Club's new Head Coach in December 2015.
"It was a very different squad when I took over and a very different situation," recalls Jokanović. "The squad weren't clear about the best way for us to play football. There wasn't much confidence or trust in ourselves. We had to just try and survive and finish the season comfortably.
"It wasn't easy for us, but after my first season we started again from zero. We tried to bring in some intensity to our play and, step-by-step, we played well last season. I personally believe we have improved on that this season. We will now see if this improvement will take us to where we want to be next season."
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To read the full interview with Jokanović, in which he also discusses the rise of Ryan Sessegnon, his relationship with Shahid Khan, and how he gets away from the pressures of football, pick up a programme on Monday.
Other highlights from the final publication of the campaign - named Programme Monthly's 'Championship Programme of the Season' - include:
Tom Cairney pens his Captain's Column
Paul Trollope recalls his stints at both Derby County and Fulham
Danny Murphy talks us through a Fulham-related photo of himself
We revisit the time Fulham made a change of manager before a Play-Off Clash
And Floyd Ayité takes the '9 Dart Challenge'
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Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions and take out a half-season subscription.
For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 9am on Monday morning.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/slavisa-jokanovic-derby-county-play-off-programme
Andre Wisdom handed 'Ryan Sessegnon challenge' as Derby County eye a Wembley date
Rams defender's strong performance in the play-off semi-final first leg nullified Fulham's talented youngster
Gary Rowett has challenged Andre Wisdom to keep Fulham's talented youngster Ryan Sessegnon quiet again tonight.
Wisdom produced a strong performance in the Rams' 1-0 victory in Friday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
They face Fulham tonight in the second leg at Craven Cottage and the prize is a place in the final at Wembley.
Sessegnon has scored 15 goals this season, but just one in his last dozen appearances.
Derby, and Wisdom particularly, kept him under wraps in the first leg and the 17-year-old was substituted after 76 minutes.
"Andre is physically talented enough to be able to do that," said Rowett.
"I think that is what we have wanted Andre to do more often, to impose himself on his opponent.
"I don't think you would like playing against Andre because he is so strong, Curtis Davies the same, but Andre is going to have to do the same thing again.
"I think we switched off once second half when Sessegnon got in behind us - you cannot do that against these types of players, just like they cannot switch off for a second when we break."
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is not concerned about Sessegnon in the second leg.
"It's a big game for me, for everyone," he said.
"Ryan needs the help from people around him. This kid doesn't need any pressure. He's only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right.
"He's shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level.
"He is 17, he is the top scorer. He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or (even) immediately.
"I won and lost games (as a player), sometimes I played bad or very well, and it's not important."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andre-wisdom-handed-ryan-sessegnon-1560695
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic calls for evolution, not revolution, in play-off showdown
(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/05/14/12/fulham1405abcde.jpg?w968h681)
Rams raider: Ryan Sessegnon, in action during the first leg, has enjoyed a stellar season but Slavisa Jokanovic knows his side cannot rely on one player to overturn the tie (REUTERS)
Slavisa Jokanovic and his players are flirting with danger if they stick to their promise of staying true to their principles against Derby on Monday.
Fulham came away from the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Pride Park 1-0 down but are confident they can turn things around at Craven Cottage.
Jokanovic was encouraged by the way his side dominated possession during Friday's match and the message from the head coach was they just have to play the same way again — only this time take their chances.
"We do not need any revolution," said Fulham's head coach. "We have followed this style and it is not necessary for us to change. We will try to find better solutions than Friday to create more things."
That self-belief in Fulham's passing style took Fulham so close to automatic promotion but it is a risky approach against a Derby side who found a way to neutralise them.
Derby manager Gary Rowett got his tactics spot on in the first leg, as they sat deep and counter-attacked.
Fulham had 74 per cent possession but, for all their approach work, failed to score against a disciplined Derby defence. Kevin McDonald hit the bar and Floyd Ayite missed a good chance but Derby contained their attacking threat well.
The hosts need to find a different way to break down Derby if things are not working. On Friday, they left themselves open to counter-attacks and they will concede chances if they play the same way, so they must be careful that their refusal to adapt is not their undoing.
Fulham were beaten by Reading in the play-offs last season, when substance overcame their style, and the west Londoners need to show they have learned from that disappointment.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was kept quiet by Curtis Davies on Friday and Ryan Sessegnon was marshalled well before the 17-year-old was substituted with 15 minutes left.
(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/04/27/11/shahidkhan2704ab.jpg?w660)
Jetting in: Shahid Khan (Getty Images)
Derby let Fulham have the ball out wide and as soon as it went into central areas they nullified space in front of their defence to stop Tom Cairney having a big influence.
"We are not worried about the result," said defender Denis Odoi.
"We would be more worried if we played badly but we played well. Not to sound cocky, we are still confident in ourselves. If they play like that again we will score for sure."
Monday night is the biggest game so far in the young career of Sessegnon. The left-winger can reflect on a remarkable season but he been quiet in recent matches and Fulham will hope he can make one final push to help get them to Wembley.
Sessegnon has played 50 games this season — a huge amount for a player who turns 18 this week— and it would be understandable if he was tired at the end of a long campaign.
There had been indications that Sessegnon could be part of England's provisional World Cup squad but he now looks set to be left out and a break this summer is the best thing for him.
Sessegnon can focus all his attention on the play-offs but, while he will be a player to whom Fulham look for inspiration tonight, Jokanovic says it is wrong to pin their hopes on him.
"Ryan needs the help from people around him," said Jokanovic. "This kid does not need any pressure. He is only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right. He has shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he will be at his best level."
Mitrovic is another player Fulham need to deliver a big performance tonight. The on-loan striker scored 12 goals in the second half of the season to help Fulham go unbeaten in 23 matches but he was marked out of the game at Pride Park.
Odoi has warned Derby that Mitrovic "will be out for revenge" tonight. "Davis had a good game against Mitro," said the defender. "I am sure Mitro will be better. He will be out for revenge."
Derby do have a reputation as play-off bottlers — they failed to go up after reaching the Championship play-offs three times in the past five years — and Fulham will hope to prey on any nerves they have tonight.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-calls-for-evolution-not-revolution-in-playoff-showdown-a3838541.html
Fulham Vs Derby County – Play-Off Semi-Final Second-Leg
Derby County go to Fulham for the second-leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final on Monday night. Over to official betting partner Coral for a summary of the best bets...
Coral make Derby big underdogs to win at Fulham, so there are plenty of big prices to choose from. You'll get a chunky 17/4 for the Away Win and we can do even better by shopping around...
Seven of Derby's eight wins on the road have gone over 2.5 goals so taking the Derby Win & Over 2.5 Goals option makes sense. And will boost your odds to 15/2.
Four of those eight wins were To Nil, available at a slighter bigger 17/2. Alternatively, the Derby Win & Both Teams to Scorepays 8/1.
For bigger prices you should check out Coral's #YourCallfacility via Twitter. All you have to do is tweet @coral with any bet you want and if accepted it will appear in the #YourCall section of the match bets.
For example, Vydra to have 2+ shots, Badley Johnson to win 2+ tackles & Derby to win pays 18/1
And with a busy week of play-off matches, plus the Europa League and Emirates FA Cup Finals you might fancy including this match in a big money accumulator.
If so, don't forget all members qualify for an automatic 10% Acca Boost on all winning four-folds or bigger. So you only need four match bets at odds of around Even Money to generate a payout of up to 16/1 – plus your 10% bonus.
Not a member? No problem, join today and claim an exclusive Welcome Bonus.Simply place a £10 bet and you'll get an instant £30 in free bets.
Dive in.
https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/fulham-vs-derby-county-play-off-semi-final-second-leg
The Fulham starlet who failed to make his mark at Bristol City
The striker on loan from Fulham had a good goals to minutes ratio, but didn't play much
Cauley Woodrow was one of two loan signings Bristol City made at the start of the season along with winger Jonathan Leko.
Woodrow joined on loan from promotion chasing Fulham to gain vital first team experience in the Championship. He previously had a loan spell at Championship strugglers Burton Albion in the 2016/17 season where he scored five goals in 14 games.
In August, Woodrow scored one Carabao Cup goal for Fulham prior to joining Bristol City so he was ineligible for the fantastic cup run that saw Bristol City reach the semi-finals.
Lee Johnson was excited with the loan signing. He stated, "Cauley scored goals in the Championship with Burton last season and he's hungry to perform again."
A successful singing?
Cauley Woodrow was given limited opportunities this season as Bristol City pushed for promotion to the Premier League.
Woodrow scored two goals for the Robins this season.
His first goal came in a 4-1 home victory over Derby County. Woodrow made a promising start scoring in his first start for the club.
Woodrow also netted a consolation goal in the last minute against Preston. Both of his Championship goals came at Ashton Gate this season.
Woodrow only played 329 minutes of Championship football but his goals to game ratio was reasonably good scoring once every 165 minutes, which is the second best at the club from the senior squad behind Milan Djuric.
However Woodrow has also been criticised for some below par performances this season. He missed a glorious chance against QPR that would have secured Bristol City all three points at Loftus Road.
There is an argument to suggest his game time should have been given to forgotten Swedish striker Gustav Engvall.
(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article538553.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/caule4544.jpg)
Cauley Woodrow
Similarly, wingers Jonathan Leko and Ryan Kent took game time away from Nicholas Eliasson who was signed in the summer.
In contrast to Tammy Abraham's very successful loan last season from Chelsea, the Woodrow signing has proved a disappointing one. He was brought in as a backup striker to cover the injuries at the start of the season but failed to push on and hold down a regular first team spot. This was due to the incredible form of striker Bobby Reid.
One fan said Cauley Woodrow was the 'worst player I've seen in a Bristol City [shirt] since Bas Savage, absolutely awful.'
This was an opinion shared by many Bristol City fans. Bas Savage played for Bristol City during the 2005-2006 season playing 23 games and scoring one goal. He will be forever remembered for hilariously falling over in the box clean through on goal in a game vs Yeovil Town.
Overall Woodrow has had a disappointing season scoring just two goals for Bristol City.
Although he was given limited opportunities by Lee Johnson he failed to make a significant impression. It will be unlikely that Cauley Woodrow will return to Ashton Gate next season as Bristol City search for a new striker.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-starlet-who-failed-make-1564620
Former Nottingham Forest man hoping for Derby County heartache at Fulham
Kenny Burns hopes the Rams get dumped out of the play-offs tonight
Kenny Burns wants Fulham to dump Derby County out of the play-offs tonight.
The former Nottingham Forest man, who last week claimed the Rams had celebrated getting into the top six "like they've won the League" wants his old club's arch rivals to be beaten at Craven Cottage tonight (7.45pm).
Derby head to west London with a 1-0 advantage after Cameron Jerome's towering header split the sides on Friday night - and the winner will face either Middlesbrough or Aston Villa at Wembley, with the latter holding a 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg on Tuesday evening.
"It will come as no shock at all to regular readers of this column that I will be hoping for a Fulham v Middlesbrough play-off final at Wembley," he said in his regular column for the Nottingham Post .
"And I still believe there is a good chance that it will happen.
"Derby won the first leg 1-0 at Pride Park, but Fulham had so much pressure in the second half; they played such good football, that you do sense they will get the job done on home turf tonight.
"Despite the fact that Fulham currently trail Derby by a solitary goal, they are still my favourites to win promotion.
"They are the just the best footballing side in the mix still. I really fancy them to get the job done tonight – and to finish their task if they do indeed make it to Wembley.
"I am sure there are many Nottingham Forest fans who will hope I've got the first part right at least, when the Rams head to the capital tonight."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-man-hoping-1564814
Play-Off Special: All Replica Shirts Just £20(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/retail/1718/play_off_special_news.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Wear your colours with pride. All 2017/18 Home and Away shirts are just £20!As the Whites look to seal their place at Wembley tonight, Fulham fans can get behind the boys and take advantage of this great offer today only!
Available on all Adult and Junior shirts, pick yours up online or from the Stadium Store located on Stevenage Road.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/play-off-shirt-offer
Why Fulham could find it even tougher to break down Derby County in second leg
Kevin McDonald wary of another Rams rearguard action at Craven Cottage
Fulham will throw everything they have at Derby County in the second leg of their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final - but midfielder Kevin McDonald thinks they could find it even harder to break the Rams down.
The Rams travel to Craven Cottage on Monday night with a slender 1-0 advantage from Friday's first leg at Pride Park Stadium.
Cameron Jerome's 34th-minute header is all that separates the two sides going into the second half of the tie.
Fulham dominated possession and territory at Pride Park but Derby produced a defensive masterclass to deny the usually free-scoring Cottagers.
McDonald came closest to an equaliser when his second-half effort hit the crossbar.
The Scot remains confident that Slavisa Jokanovic's men can overturn the deficit on home turf, though accepts it will be a tough task.
"Derby defended well and made it hard for us to break them down (in the first leg)," said McDonald.
"It's going to be the same on Monday. And on a smaller pitch, it's going to be even harder - but we've got to keep going.
"We've just got to pick ourselves up and go again.
"It is up to us to take it to them again in the second leg and be more clinical.
"We know it's in our hands. We'll do the same again and when we get chances, we've got to take them this time.
"We've got to throw everything at it, it's as simple as that.
"We'll do that and see where it takes us. We're confident and positive.
"We went 23 games unbeaten in the league and that doesn't happen for no reason.
"We're a good, good team.
"We've got a good set of lads and good, strong characters."
McDonald was left frustrated by Friday night's events at Pride Park but knows that Fulham are still very much in this tie.
"I'd be lying if I said I was happy but, put it this way, it could be worse," he said.
"There have been teams in a worse position. I think Derby were 3-0 down going into the second leg one year (against Hull City in 2016).
"We're 1-0 down, so we're well in the tie.
"It's 1-0 at half-time. We've been there plenty of times and won three, four and five-one.
"We'll pick ourselves up. We had a good chat in the dressing room after the game and we're confident we can go again.
"In the play-offs, form means nothing. Derby know that and it's on us.
"If we can put in a performance like we know we can do, we'll come away with a win."
McDonald called upon the Fulham faithful to take a leaf out of the Derby fans' book on Monday night.
"The Derby fans were a bag of nerves at first, until they got going a bit," he said.
"After that, they were in good voice.
"We need exactly the same from the Fulham fans. We need the Cottage to be bouncing on Monday.
"But it's only going to be that way if we put in a good performance on the pitch."
Derby kept the likes of Ryan Sessegnon, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney pretty quiet at Pride Park but McDonald backed his talented team-mates to come good second time around.
"They are top quality players and have had fantastic seasons, each one of them," he added.
"I don't know if there was a bit of tiredness in there or not.
"But we've got to pick ourselves up. It could be our last 90 minutes, so we've got to fight for our lives and do everything possible, every single player individually and as a team.
"We'll do that on Monday night. We'll go again and we'll be alright."
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-could-find-even-tougher-1560453
Football Tips Monday 14 May: Draw Can Take Derby Past Fulham And On To Wembley
Cameron Jerome's solitary headed strike was enough to give Derby County the slimmest of advantages over Fulham in the first leg of their Championship play-offs semi-final first leg at Pride Park last week.
Gary Rowett's charges held off a late Fulham charge and now travel to Craven Cottage tonight in an attempt to seal a place across the way, in Wembley, for the play-off final.
Their hosts, despite their failure to score in the last leg, are a potent attacking outfit and Slavisa Jokanovic will be hopeful of his side overturning the deficit.
They'll need every inch of the flair they showed in their latter-season promotion push to break down their visitors this evening, with young Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney set to bear the brunt of those responsibilities.
There's a steely streak running through this Rams side, though, and we fancy them to do just about enough to get through to the big one.
It won't be easy, and we could envisage them needing to grind out a nervy draw and rely on some more penalty box defending late on, as they did in the first leg, if they're to get it done.
Prices of 3/1 about the draw, therefore, appeal quite a bit and should also give backers the choice to green out for some profit should the game be drawn at halftime.
That's good enough for us, then, and we'll make that our sole position tonight and hope things stay tight at the Cottage on a balmy night in London.
Fulham V Derby Odds
Draw 3/1
Odds correct as of 14/05/18 16:48:05. Odds are subject to change.
https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/football-tips-monday-14-may-draw-can-take-derby-past-fulham-and-on-to-wembley
Fulham owner Shahid Khan jets in for crunch play-off clash with Derby
(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/05/14/15/shahidkhan1405abcde.jpg?w968h681)
Jetting in: Shahid Khan is in London for Fulham's crunch clash (Action Images)
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has flown in from America to be at Craven Cottage on Monday for the second leg of his club's play-off tie.
Khan could become one of the most significant figures in football if he completes a deal worth well in excess of £500million to buy Wembley Stadium.
The 67-year-old, who was unable to attend Friday's first leg, hopes to take a step towards joining the group of American owners in the Premier League including Stan Kroenke at Arsenal, the Glazer family (Manchester United) and John Henry (Liverpool).
Promotion to the Premier League would be worth around £170m to Fulham and missing out would be a setback for Khan, who has owned the club since 2013 and last watched the team when they drew 1-1 with Brentford last month.
Fulham have a record of no wins from seven games in the play-offs and lost in the semi-finals last season. They missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of this season and defender Denis Odoi says they are desperate to avoid more disappointment.
He added: "We had the feeling from last year, the feeling from the last day this season and that feeling sucks. We do not want that feeling again.
"We are confident. We do not need to pressure ourselves to think we need to score in five minutes."
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-owner-shahid-khan-jets-in-for-crunch-playoff-clash-with-derby-a3838721.html
Fulham's Denis Odoi tells Championship playoff foes Derby they are doomed if they repeat first leg tactics
The Rams start Monday's decider 1-0 up despite having just 26% possession and scoring with their only effort on target
Denis Odoi has warned Derby that negative tactics will see their Wembley dream ripped apart.
The Fulham defender watched in frustration as the Rams played defensively at home in Friday's first leg while snatching the only goal on a rare attack.
But Odoi still expects the Cottagers to be facing Aston Villa or Derby on May 26 for the chance to reach the Premier League.
Before tonight's decider in southwest London, he said: "If they play like that again we will score for sure.
"Five at the back? It felt like they were playing eight at the back! They just dropped so deep, they really had no intention of attacking.
"They got a good result for them, so they will say they are happy. They had their tactics and for them it worked well but not to sound cocky, we are still confident about ourselves. We know how we've played in the past and if they play like that again, we will get one for sure.
"I don't think we have to do so much different. We need a few extra per cent in the box and maybe a little bit stronger in holding the ball.
"We don't need to pressure ourselves into thinking we have to score after five minutes. Even if it's 0-0 after 70 minutes we still have time and if it comes to extra-time, we will see what happens but we're still confident.
"Not being arrogant, they have their way of playing, but I don't think they had any chances apart from the goal."
Derby boss Gary Rowett reckons his side has plenty of proven "big game" performers to book a Wembley spot tonight.
Rowett's team is packed full of promotion-winning experience with the likes of Curtis Davies, Bradley Johnson, Cameron Jerome (who scored the only goal in the first leg) and Tom Huddlestone.
Rowett feels they are men for the big occasion in his Pride Park squad, which includes top scorer Matej Vydra.
He said: "When you have played in those type of games sometimes it takes a big game to really motivate you in that same way.
"That is the challenge any team like us has — when you go to the smaller teams in the division away from home then occasionally your players just don't have quite the same mentality, which is just the way it is.
"Someone like Cameron Jerome has played in big games, Bradley Johnson loves the big occasions and the big games. Matej Vydra always revels in the big occasions in terms of the quality he shows - he scored two goals in a semi-final for Watford once. We have got lots of players like that."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulhams-denis-odoi-tells-championship-12535316
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: 'Ryan Sessegnon doesn't deserve pressure'
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has attempted to ease the pressure on Ryan Sessegnon ahead of the second leg of the Championship playoff tie with Derby County.
Sessegnon has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Cottagers, contributing 15 goals and six assists in 47 appearances, but the 17-year-old has struggled to make an impact in his last two games.
However, Jokanovic has suggested that the youngster should not have to play under the restrictions of pressure due to his lack of experience in senior football.
The 49-year-old is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or even immediately.
"Ryan needs the help from people around him and this kid doesn't need any pressure. He's only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right. He's shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level."
Fulham head into the second leg against Derby facing a 1-0 deficit.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/jokanovic-dont-heap-pressure-on-sessegnon_325904.html
Fulham fans look ahead to Play-Off match
There's a huge game in West London tonight, as Fulham host Derby County in the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final.
The Rams head into tonight's game with a slender advantage, after Cameron Jerome's first half header earned them a 1-0 victory at the iPro Stadium.
It was their defensive solidarity that earned them the win, and meant that they head into tonight's game knowing they will progress to the Sky Bet Championship Final if they avoid defeat against the Cottagers.
Fulham's recent history in the Play-Offs does not stand them in good stead. They lost in last season's Semi Final to Reading, and they head into tonight's game knowing that no team has overturned a first leg deficit in the Play-Offs since Bolton Wanderers in 1995.
That being said, the Cottagers fans are still optimistic ahead of the game.
http://the72.co.uk/102587/fulham-fans-look-ahead-play-off-match/
Fulham vs Derby LIVE: Follow all the action from the Championship play-off semi-final second leg
Derby head into the game with a 1-0 lead from the first-leg clash at Pride Park
The winner of last-four game will play in Championship play-off final on May 26
Follow all the action from match on Monday night as it happens with Sportsmail
Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Cairney, Johansen, Kamara, Mitrovic, Sessegnon
Derby: Carson, Forsyth, Keogh, Anya, Lawrence, Wisdom, Johnson, Weimann, Jerome, Davies, Huddlestone
Fulham host Derby on Monday night in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.
The visitors head into the game with a one-goal advantage after Cameron Jerome's header separated the two sides at Pride Park last Friday.
The winner of the last-four clash will play for a place in the Premier League in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, May 26.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5727657/Fulham-vs-Derby-LIVE-Championship-play-semi-final-second-leg.html#ixzz5FV628ohJ
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Statistical Preview: Fulham vs. Derby County - Second Leg
Can Fulham move on to Wembley?
So judgement day is upon us! Fulham are either going to Wembley Stadium for the Playoff Final or they will be ending their season wondering what might have been. This football club won't go away anytime soon, but you can truly feel the tension in the air among the supporters that this may be the end of such a bright era for Fulham. Everyone in the top flights of England and Europe are going after Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon. Ryan Fredericks could leave the club on a free transfer while the likes of Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Denis Odoi, Neeskans Kebano and Floyd Ayite have until next season to have their fates decided by the club via the transfer market if retooling has to be required. And who on Earth knows what will happen to Lucas Piazon, Aleksander Mitrovic, Matt Targett, Sheyi Ojo and Tomas Kalas now that they would return to their respective parent clubs. In short, tonight is a night that could decide where this club goes in the near future.
But as mentioned before, if these opportunities only come around such a few amount of times, we have to take advantage of it. And I include us supporters in this regard. This is the opportunity for this squad of players to give it one last go in front of a raucous Craven Cottage and make this the night of their lives. But they can not do it alone. They need all the support they can get. There will be tense times. Like last Friday, nothing will come easy for them. Expert opinion here, but they will have what it takes to get the job done if they can be able to cash in on their chances.
First Leg Stats
eams Goals Expected Goals Possession Formations Total Shots Shots on Target Passes Forward Passes
Fulham 0 0.8 73.8 4-3-3 13 2 783 492
Derby County 1 0.1 26.2 3-4-3 3 1 269 187
All data from fivethiryeight.com and fulhamfc.com
As shown in the stats from the first leg, you couldn't ask for lots more out of Fulham at Pride Park, especially in the second half. Derby took their one shot on goal with a plum. Fulham, on the other hand, had roughly three to five good looks towards goal and only one of them were on target.
You could argue that Fulham were playing way too cautious in the first half and that is certainly true, but Derby's 3-4-3 was perfectly designed to hit them on the counter-attack, as evidenced by the high percentage of passes going forward. Along with that, you can also argue that Fulham's 0.8 expected goals is simply not enough to squeeze out of the 13 total shots they had. They simply have to find a way to get through Curtis Davies and Co., get more touches in the Derby penalty area and be more threatening when the opportunities there to put one past the keeper.
Speaking of Davies, there was no denying that he was immense and put in a captain's performance in "shutting down" Mitrovic. At the end of the day, five tackles, six interceptions and four clearances is an incredible workload, but it's not like Mitrovic was non-existent either. His three shots were still near his season average of 4.34 per 90 minutes, but only one of them went on target, in comparison to the 42.3% efficiency that he has had with Fulham.
On the other side of the spectrum, you would have thought Jerome would be this colossus after scoring such an important goal for Derby County. However, the 31-year old has had such a topsy-turvy career that it would be so fitting for people to skip the narrative after last Friday. While he was with Norwich this campaign, Jerome only had one goal off of 26 shots because only five of said shots went on target. At Derby, those numbers have improved to six goals off of 20 shots with 10 of them going on target. Find middle ground between the two sets of data and you basically have Jerome's goal rate (0.32 per 90 minutes), and percentage of shots on target (35.2%) since his data has been recorded at whoscored.com ('09-'10 Season). However, it is important to notice that his usual shot rate (2.47 per 90 minutes in 18,725 league minutes) has decreased over time (2.20 per 90 minutes in 17/18). Again though, if you have an opportunity like only needing to beat a shorter Matt Targett in an aerial battle to smash a powerful header home, you have to take it and that is what Jerome did right there.
Which leaves us to one final question. Who else can step up for Fulham if Mitrovic can't score? Simply put, it is time to see what Floyd Ayite and Ryan Sessegnon are made of. Tom Cairney will do what he does best, but while one of his curling efforts from distance could see Fulham through, it's not the most sustainable shot in football to count upon every night. Stefan Johansen could be StefJo, but he's been so Jekyll and Hyde all season that supporters don't know which one will show up tonight.
As for Ayite, since he is in his age-29 season, you know what you are getting out of him: a high volume dribbler that does shoot with volume (2.59 per 90 minutes this season), but very rarely do you see him be efficient with it since he very rarely steps inside the penalty area. That said, to see 36.0% of his total shots be inside the 18-yard box is an increase to the 31.8% rate that we normally see.
Lastly, this is not the first time I have mentioned that Sessegnon has to shoot more and while the teenager has been immense all season, his goal scoring has begun to dry up. In his last twelve games, the 17-year old has only scored once. His overall production since is as follows:
Sessegnon Before & After
Ryan Sessegnon Games Minutes Goals Shots Penalty On Target Key Passes Dribbles
Since March 3rd 12 994 1 1.09 0.92 0.67 1.00 1.18
Up to March 3rd 35 3123 14 1.33 0.74 0.35 1.21 1.30
All data from whoscored.com
As you can see, Sessegnon has been so selective with his shot that he is no longer pulling on the trigger like he once was. As a result, the rest of his attacking game is dwindling while defenders are beginning to limit his space in the areas he likes to shoot in. Slavisa Jokanovic is right in that others have to help out the teenage wonder, but for Fulham to win tonight, Sessegnon has to get back to basics and remember what made him special in the first place.
Here's to hoping Fulham's wildest dreams continue to come true.
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/5/14/17350980/statistical-preview-fulham-vs-derby-county-second-leg
Top 50 Players of the EFL – 34th: Tim Ream (Fulham)
Fulham defender Tim Ream has been voted by you as the 34th best player in the EFL.
Over the last month, we have been gathering votes from you to find the best managers and players in the EFL. And after counting the votes, we have discovered you think that Ream is the 34th best player in the Football League. This is the first time that he has been on this list.
Behind every great attacking force is a great defence. And while there are plenty of Fulham midfielders and forwards that get plenty of praise, and some of which may end up appearing on this list later on, you must have a great defence to make sure that every game doesn't end up being a seven goal thriller. So Fulham fans should be praising Ream just as much as their other stars.
While the likes of Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic were doing brilliantly up front, Ream was leading the defence and making sure they didn't leak more goals than necessary. Not only was he great at stopping attacks but he also contributed to the passing style of play that Fulham use, being able to pass the ball out of defence and start attacks from right at the back. There were some great performances to remember as well with games against Millwall, Leeds United and Aston Villa being particular highlights.
Fulham's season is not over yet as they are competing in the play-offs and Ream will hope to get them to the final.
http://the72.co.uk/102539/top-50-players-efl-34th-tim-ream-fulham/
Team News: Fulham make one change for second leg
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has made just one change to his starting lineup for the second leg of the Championship playoff tie with Derby County.
The West Londoners head into Monday night's clash trailing by a 1-0 deficit, and Jokanovic has opted to bring in Aboubakar Kamara in place of Floyd Ayite.
There had been suggestions that Sheyi Ojo could be involved after recovering from injury, but the Liverpool loanee misses out on the 18-man squad.
Derby manager Gary Rowett has also made one alteration, with top goalscorer Matej Vydra only being selected among the replacements.
Ikechi Anya has been brought into the team, with Cameron Jerome keeping his spot in the starting lineup after netting the only goal of the game at Pride Park.
Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Cairney, Johansen; Kamara, Sessegnon, Mitrovic
Subs: Button, Kalas, Christie, Norwood, Piazon, Ayite, Fonte
Derby County: Carson; Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Huddlestone, Johnson, Anya, Lawrence, Weimann; Jerome
Subs: Roos, Palmer, Pearce, Vydra, Hanson, Nugent, Ledley
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/team-news/team-news-fulham-make-one-change-for-second-leg_325917.html
