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Newcastle are ready for easiest match of the season

Newcastle United will host a struggling Fulham football club at St. James' Park tomorrow and the expectation is to claim all three points.

The players and supporters of Newcastle United cannot wait for the match against Fulham tomorrow as it will be the Magpies' easiest match of the season. Newcastle are expected to claim all three points and dominate the Cottagers at St. James' Park before the schedule takes a turn for the worst against  elite opposition.

Claudio Ranieri was hired to help Fulham avoid the immediate drop  to the EFL Championship, but at the moment Fulham are looking like strong favorites to go down. With nine points from 17 matches, Fulham are desperate for a result and they will try to knock off 14th-placed Newcastle on the road. However, the Magpies will not go down easy as they know that their supporters deserve a positive result after losing seven matches at home.

Newcastle Should Dominate Tomorrow

That is a rare headline for an under-funded Newcastle side, but it is true. Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League with an alarming total of 42 goals conceded from 17 matches, which equates to 2.5 goals per match. For this reason, Newcastle must go all out against Fulham and use their wingers to expose the Cottagers' vulnerable defense.

After scoring four goals in the last six games, this matchup presents Salomon Rondon with a golden opportunity to score multiple goals and secure three much-needed points for Newcastle. Rondon has the strength to win the ball and has been accurate in front of goal, so Fulham could be in serious trouble whenever the Venezuelan striker touches the ball.

That being said, Newcastle must be aware of their surroundings defensively in this match, too. Fulham have more pace on their roster and they have scored more goals than Newcastle this season. Mitrovic will look to punish Newcastle to revive the debates on why Benitez kept him on the bench last season.

Overall, Newcastle are expected to play with plenty of urgency for their home supporters tomorrow. Anything other than three points will be considered a major disappointment against the league's worst team.



https://newcastletoons.com/2018/12/21/newcastle-ready-easiest-match-season/

 
Arsenal will be delighted they held off on signing Fulham flop Jean-Michael Seri


Over the summer, Arsenal were reportedly the frontrunners to sign Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, who had drawn rave reviews during his time at Nice.

Fulham ended up beating Arsenal and a host of other clubs to Seri's signature, yet the Gunners will be delighted they held off on buying the midfielder.

The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage with sky-high expectations, but his time at Fulham has been overwhelmingly disappointing.

The famed passing ability and calmness on the ball that Seri was known for in France is absent from his Premier League form. On multiple occasions, loose passing and dawdling on the ball has led to Fulham conceding soft goals, most notably in high-profile errors against Chelsea and Manchester City.

In addition, Seri's defensive work-rate has been woeful, with his lack of tracking the opposition's attacking runners from midfield a particular weak point.

The Whites have conceded an exorbitant amount of goals this season, with a large number coming from cut-backs to unmarked midfielders that Seri failed to deal with.

Overall, the Ivory Coast international's effort levels have been perhaps his most frustrating trait in SW6, with the midfielder often appearing unbothered by Fulham's predicament and showing little passion on the pitch.

Seri's indifference is best exemplified by his role in Juan Mata's goal in the recent 4-1 loss to Manchester United. When faced with Mata's forward run, Seri takes a glance at the player and continues his slow jog back towards goal, calmly watching as Mata strokes home.

A player of Jean-Michael Seri's supposed quality ought to be doing far better with Fulham, but his lack of effort and adaptation to England have contributed to his underwhelming start.

As a result, Arsenal will count themselves lucky to have avoided spending a multi-million pound fee on the central midfielder.



https://tbrfootball.com/arsenal-will-be-delighted-they-held-off-on-signing-fulham-flop-jean-michael-seri/

 
Slavisa Jokanovic opens up about Aleksandar Mitrovic's move from Newcastle United

Rafael Benitez sold Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham during the summer transfer window.

Slavisa Jokanovic has told the Daily Mirror that Aleksandar Mitrovic 'signed himself' for Fulham from Newcastle United in the summer.

Mitrovic spent the back end of last season on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, when he helped the Cottagers earn promotion.

The Serbian striker became very popular at Craven Cottage, and Jokanovic has suggested that Newcastle changed the price-tag that Fulham had to pay as a result of Mitrovic's good form.

"In the end, it's about the final say. People say, 'You signed Mitrovic in June.' No, it's not true," he said. "Mitrovic signed himself because he scored the goals, the supporters wanted him and he signed himself at a different price.

"But I understand modern football, how the club is working, and I can agree or disagree on movement from the club's side. But many clubs do it like that. Some teams give you the players and say, 'Come on! Make the team!'"

Fulham ended up paying Newcastle £22 million for Mitrovic in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport.

The transfer has still appears to have been a good piece of business, as Mitrovic has been one of the bright spots of a poor season for Fulham.

The 24-year-old striker has hit seven Premier League goals so far this term in 16 games.

Mitrovic's good form has still not been enough to get Fulham out of trouble though, as Claudio Ranieri's side are currently sat at the bottom of the Premier League table.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/12/21/slavisa-jokanovic-opens-up-about-aleksandar-mitrovics-move-from/

 
Claudio Ranieri reveals why Aleksandar Mitrovic didn't succeed at Newcastle United

The Fulham chief supportive of the former Anderlecht star as he prepares for a return to Tyneside this weekend

Aleksandar Mitrovic didn't get enough time to develop as a player with Newcastle United - according to Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri.

The big striker was relegated in his first season with the Magpies and then struggled for game-time in the Sky Bet Championship before being loaned out to the Cottagers.

Mitrovic will now return to St James' Park this weekend with Fulham and Ranieri said: "Aleksandar in Newcastle didn't do a very good job because when a player comes from another country it's not easy to adapt immediately to English football.

"But in Fulham he's adapted very, very well. And I hope he can do a very outstanding match.

"I don't know if they will give a warm welcome to Aleksandar, but I hope Aleksandar will make a very good match."

Ranieri is convinced that Mitrovic will be eager to show what he can do against the Magpies on Saturday afternoon.

The Italian boss said: "When you play in another country you can touch the ball two, three times.

"When you play in England one touch is too much, you have to play half-touch.

"That's it. And the player who came in had to think about it.

"You try to transmit this but only the experience, you need six months, maybe one year, to understand this.

"I hope when a player goes back to his previous club he wants to show something more.

"I hope for everything for Aleksandar, believe me, I pray."

The game will also be the battle of the two former Serie A managers with the ex-Roma boss looking forward to taking on the ex-Inter Milan and Napoli chief.

Ranieri said: "I saw him a long time ago in Valencia, he's a great manager who has won a lot, he is very intelligent, tactically is very attentive, and he's created a very good group there.

"The team is strong, very intensive, tight – I think Rafa is more Italian than me!

"That's because he's very, very attentive on the tactical movement of the players.

"They were down two months ago, and in this moment they are safe.

"So for us they could be good inspiration.

"The Newcastle fans are very, very warm. But the players love to play against teams that have very good fans.

"It's a bad thing when there is nobody at the stadium."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/claudio-ranieri-reveals-aleksandar-mitrovic-15581461

 
Opinion: Swansea should hijack any Fulham move for Lys Mousset with loan offer


According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on making a move for Bournemouth striker Lys Mousset in January, but Swansea could hijack any deal by making a loan offer that will be more tempting for the Cherries.

What's the situation?

Mousset has struggled for game time at Bournemouth since making a £5.4m move from French side Le Havre in 2016. In fact, the 22-year-old has only made seven Premier League starts in that time.

He was given a rare chance to impress by Eddie Howe in the Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea on Wednesday evening though and he caused a big problem for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the heart of the Blues defence.

After the game, the Bournemouth boss told Sky Sports that Mousset would be an important part of the club's future, essentially ruling out a possible permanent move away. Given his lack of action though a loan move for the rest of this season could be a possibility, and Swansea should approach the Premier League side with an offer.

Adding firepower

Given his impressive technical ability and strong fitness, Mousset seems to be the perfect fit for Graham Potter's team as they look to push on in search of a Championship play-off place.

The Swans are currently ninth in the table after 22 games, but Potter will certainly be hoping to bring in more firepower in the winter window given Middlesbrough are the only club in the top half to have a number lower than their tally of 27 goals.

With Wilfried Bony only just returning from a long time on the sidelines, the Welsh side have been relying on Oliver McBurnie for the majority of their goals, but signing Mousset would ease the burden on the Scotsman.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/swansea-city/opinion-swansea-should-hijack-any-fulham-move-for-lys-mousset-with-loan-offer

 
Fulham player suggests Cottagers can correct summer transfer mistakes in January

Slavisa Jokanovic helped Fulham achieve promotion to the Premier League after winning the last season's Play Off against Aston Villa.

To make their position firm in England's top flight club competition, the Cottagers invested heavily as they spent over €100m bringing several new faces to the squad in the summer.

Unfortunately, things have not gone as per their plan and they're currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, having conceded 42 goals and having the worst defensive record across the top five leagues in Europe.

Denis Odoi has been part of his side's 15 league games this season and the defender gave an interview to Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, where he admitted that he's hopeful Fulham can fix their summer transfer errors in January.

"Last year in the Championship, we were in the top six for losing the ball, but the number one in ball possession by far," he said.

"We are not dominant in the Premier League. The club knew that too, invested more than €100m this summer, thinking of the defensive. But, so far it has not worked. Maybe that will be corrected in January."

Jokanovic was sacked and replaced by Claudio Ranieri and the latter had promised his players that he will take them to McDonald's, if Fulham keep a clean sheet.

There's been no Big Macs so far, and Odoi says some of his teammates are motivated by it.

"Claudio Ranieri promised us McDonald's if we keep a clean sheet – which did not work out yet. There are sure guys in our team motivated, because some like McDonald's. But I do not eat that," the defender added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-hopeful-cottagers-will-correct-summer-transfer-mistakes-january/

 
Newcastle United v Fulham
SAT 22 Dec 2018   Premier League
Venue: St. James' Park


TEAM NEWS

Newcastle welcome back defender DeAndre Yedlin from suspension, while Federico Fernandez is available following a calf injury.

Jonjo Shelvey's thigh problem will be assessed but Ciaran Clark has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Frank Anguissa is still sidelined for Fulham, but Ryan Sessegnon is expected to return from a groin issue on Boxing Day against Wolves.

Stefan Johansen and Aleksandar Mitrovic are one booking away from suspension.

---

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@vksparks: "He'll either get sent off or score a hat-trick."

Such was one Newcastle fan's appraisal of Aleksandar Mitrovic's return to St James' Park. Domestic goals may have dried up for Serbia's Player of the Year - just two since his early-season scoring spree - but he's exactly the sort of character who is capable of producing some drama.

In a mirror image of Mitrovic's campaign, Newcastle's number nine Salomon Rondon has hit a purple patch after a slow start. He could prove a real handful for Fulham's notoriously leaky defence, as Rafael Benitez looks to open up a 10-point gap over Claudio Ranieri's men.

---

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez: "I think we are doing well, but always when I talk about this league, the top sides are so strong that when you have a bad run because you play two or three of them in a row, then everything seems difficult.

"But after, maybe you have two or three games that you can win and you get the points and it seems that everything is fine."

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri on Rafael Benitez: "I saw him a long time ago in Valencia, he's a great manager who has won a lot.

"The team is strong, very intensive, tight - I think Rafa is more Italian than me. That's because he's very, very attentive on the tactical movement of the players.

"They were down two months ago and in this moment they are safe. So, for us, they could be good inspiration."

---

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Newcastle still have their own relegation worries and their home form is a problem, but I am backing them to win this one.

Prediction: 2-0

---

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Newcastle could lose four consecutive matches versus Fulham for the first time since 1982.
    The Cottagers are vying to win consecutive league away matches against Newcastle for just the second time.
    The last seven Premier League meetings have ended in a home victory, while four of the last five fixtures have ended 1-0.

Newcastle United

    Newcastle's seven home defeats this season is the most of any team in the top four English divisions.
    However, the Magpies' win at Huddersfield last weekend was a fourth victory in seven league matches, having failed to win any of the opening 10.
    Newcastle have won only one of their last nine Premier League matches against promoted opposition (D2, L6), 1-0 at home to Huddersfield in March.
    Rafael Benitez is yet to lose a Premier League home game against Fulham (W4, D3), with his teams keeping a clean sheet in the past five meetings.
    Salomon Rondon has scored four goals in his last six Premier League games, as many as he managed in his previous 24.

Fulham

    Fulham have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches (D3, L10).
    The Cottagers are without a clean sheet in 21 Premier League games, conceding at least twice in 18 of those fixtures.
    They have conceded 42 goals after 17 games - only relegated Barnsley, with 47 in 1997, have let in more at this stage of a Premier League campaign.
    A defeat for Fulham would mean they spend Christmas day bottom of the table. Only three Premier League teams in that position in 26 seasons have gone on to avoid relegation.
    They could lose 13 of their opening 18 fixtures of a league campaign for the first time.
    The Cottagers have been defeated in eight of their nine Premier League away fixtures, with their only point coming at Brighton in September.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46576169

 
Fulham's defensive record 'embarrassing' and 'diabolical', says Alfie Mawson

Alfie Mawson says he is "embarrassed" by Fulham's performances so far this season, and has labelled their defensive record as "diabolical".

The Cottagers have endured a miserable return to the Premier League following four years in the Championship, and are currently bottom of the table.

In their 17 games this campaign, Fulham have conceded a league-high 42 goals - an average of nearly 2.5 goals per game - leading Mawson to slam his team's efforts.

He told Sky Sports News: "It goes without saying - to concede in general is horrible, but to concede the amount we have conceded is diabolical, to be honest. It's embarrassing.

"I speak for myself and the back four. The 'keepers, to be fair, have made plenty of saves this year.

"[It's] down to us either being a bit naive in this league and not knowing what we're up against, and sometimes just the pure quality of this league.

"We've got to change something. We've got to take the negatives on board, but we've also got to take the positives.

"When we do get the clean sheet - which is going to come - then we can build on that."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11587849/fulhams-defensive-record-embarrassing-and-diabolical-says-alfie-mawson

 
AWAY TICKET NEWS: Further Allocation For Fulham Match On Sale Thursday, December 27

Oldham Athletic have received an additional allocation of tickets for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie away at Fulham.

Frankie Bunn's side travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, January 6, 2019 (2pm kick off).

Latics will be putting the further allocation of 900 tickets on sale from 9:30am on Thursday, December 27.

They will be available in person at the Boundary Park ticket office, over the phone or online.

The club received an initial allocation of 2,500 tickets before a further 1,000 went on sale and have since sold out.

Ticket prices are:

Adults: £10
Over 65's: £5
18-21 years: £5
17 & Under: £1

Disabled Price
Adults: £5
Over 65's: £2.50
18-21 years: £2.50
17 & Under: £1

Disabled supporters in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (higher or middle rate) or PIP payments are entitled to a complimentary carer ticket, if required.

Supporters will be able to purchase four tickets per person.



https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2018/december/21122018-fulham-tickets/

 
Player confirms Fulham chief's demands blocked exit, reveals talk about extension

After having joined Fulham from Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen in 2016, Denis Odoi made 30 appearances in his debut season in the Championship.

Gent were interested in bringing the defender back to Belgium and the two sides agreed a deal for the 30-year-old in summer 2017.

However, the deal collapsed after the Fulham owner's son, Tony Khan, who is also the director of football at Craven Cottage, intervened and increased the transfer fee.

Due to this, the Jupiler Pro League outfit pulled out of the deal and he continued with his current employer.

"Many say I was lucky to play in the Premier League now. Because at the beginning of last season – when Fulham was still playing in the Championship – I could have gone to Gent," Odoi told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg.

"However, the son of the chairman intervened, the price went up and the transfer fell into the water. I could have been happy in Ghent.

"And now? At the time, I earned considerably less than now. I am not priceless, but I wonder if a Belgian club wants to pay for a defender of my age."

The Belgium defender's contract with the Cottagers will expire after the end of this season and Claudio Ranieri's side have the option to further extend it by one more year.

Odoi admitted to have already held talks to to extend his stay at Fulham at least until 2020.

"My contract here is expiring, but there is an option that they may be able to explain. They have even spoken about a normal extension. I like to live in England," he added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-asking-price-blocked-exit-player-reveals-talks-extending-contract/

 
Lee Clark joins Tribalfootball: Newcastle & Fulham so special to me


We here at Tribalfootballare proud to announce our new guest columnist for 2019, former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder Lee Clark.

Lee brings with him almost 30 years of experience playing and managing in the Premier League and across the Football League.

As a player, Lee quite literally lived the dream. Not many players get to play for their boyhood heroes, let alone help reignite an entire city. But that's what Clark did, having played 46 league games as a 20-year-old in Newcastle's record breaking 1992/93 season, which ended their four-year exile from the top flight.

It was a golden period for Toon. In the 1995-96 season, when Kevin Keegan's side, dubbed 'The Entertainers', famously finished second behind Manchester United.

The likes of David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla and Peter Beardsley lit up St. James' Park on a regular basis and Clark was right there alongside them. He says the experience helped raise his game to another level.

"Absolutely, every training session and game really, really mattered," Clark tells Tribalfootball. "We could never rest on our laurels even in training, you knew you had someone, senior players, internationals.

"And you knew that one, you wanted to get a place in the team. And two, you wanted to keep it, which was the hardest bit. You had to perform every single day in training. I think that's the reason why most players during that period had there most successful time of their careers, really."

In 1997, Clark crossed the north-east divide for a brief two-year stint at Sunderland under Peter Reid and helped the Black Cats lift the First Division trophy in 1999.

Fulham then paid £3m for Clark's signature in the early days of the Mohamed Al Fayed revolution. Clark secured his status as a promotion specialist when he picked up another First Division title in 2001. Wearing the captain's armband, Clark led the Cottagers to their then-highest Premier League finish in 2003/04.

Speaking about his six-years in west London, Clark says: "I love the club. The people there, the way me and my family got treated.

"The six years I had there as a player were magnificent. We had a great time and I love going back. And it's quite ironic that it's Newcastle vs Fulham at St. James' on Saturday. I'll be at the game and it will be pulling on the heartstrings really because I want neither of them to be involved [in the relegation battle].

"And also another club close to me where my managerial career started, Huddersfield, they're down in the mix as well. So it's like I don't want any one of these three to go down, but unfortunately I think that's the way its going to be."

There was no break from football for Clark, who immediately joined United's coaching staff after retirement in 2006. Two years later, he would take up the manager's position at Huddersfield, spending four successful years in Yorkshire before joining Birmingham City in 2012.

Stints at Bury, Blackpool and Kilmarnock have followed and at just 46 years of age, Clark still has plenty left to give to the game.

"You learn from the ups and you learn from the downs. I'm a much improved manager than I ever was from the start. And I'm wanting to get back in. I love it. I love being on the graft. I love coaching players and trying to improve them.

"I'm absolutely wanting to get back in the game but you know everything has to be right for me and also its not just the U.K, I'd quite enjoy and it would be a good test to work abroad."



Read more at http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/lee-clark-joins-tribalfootball-newcastle-fulham-so-special-to-me-4261731#sXVgKYjz3suLhRtQ.99

 
Rafa – Three Players Out For Fulham Game – We're In A Good Position

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has just finished his press conference at the Benton Training grounds for the home game against Fulham tomorrow afternoon.

If we can win this game it will take us to 19 points from 18 games and that's a very decent tally, given we had only 3 points from the first 10 games.

Ki will be off to the Asian Cup after tomorrow's game and unfortunately will not be available to play at Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Here are some of Rafa's comments during his press conference this afternoon:

    "Shelvey is doing well but we need to check and is a doubt. Clark is out with an ankle injury. Feddy (Federico Fernandez) is fine. Lejeune is training. Darlow is out too"

    "We have no news on transfers and no news on the takeover. We are doing more or less fine and everyone is focused at our club. It hasn't affected us-  all the talk"

    "We are in a good position, hopefully, we can win against Fulham and if we do that, then we have another difficult run."

    "We have done well during this important period. We have to stay calm, don't panic like in Dad's Army, and carry on because it's a long, long season"

    "Teams are more open when you are away and you can exploit the counter-attack. At home normally it is the opposite."

    "It is a question of the other team and also being precise in the final third at home. That's what we need to do"



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/12/21/rafa-three-players-out-for-fulham-game-were-in-a-good-position/

 
Why Rafa Benitez 'doesn't care' if Aleksandar Mitrovic scores - as long as Newcastle United win

The Magpies boss gave his verdict on the Serbian's time on Tyneside, and his success at Fulham

Rafa Benitez insists he "does not care" if Aleksandar Mitrovic scores on his first return to St James' Park - as long as Newcastle United emerge victorious against Fulham.

The 24-year-old will play on Tyneside on Saturday for the first time since departing for west London in an initial £22million deal during the summer.

Magpies fans are understandably nervous about the prospect of a former player potentially scoring on their return to the North East, while captain Jamaal Lascelles admitted earlier this week that the Serbia international striker is a "nightmare" for defenders to play against.

But Benitez refutes the suggestion the Mitrovic has a point to prove this weekend, given that the forward struggled to convince the United manager he deserved regular gametime throughout his United career.

For the Newcastle manager, claiming another invaluable three points against relegation rivals and bottom-of-the-table Fulham is all that concerns him, rather than the reception Mitrovic receives on Tyneside.

"I don't think he has a point to prove. I think he is playing well, he's scoring goals for them and he is working really hard," Benitez said of Mitrovic, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, but only two since September.

"I think he will be happy at the moment, and I don't think he will be thinking too much [about us], although obviously he would like to score as many goals as he can in every game.

"I don't think he has to prove anything. He is doing well, he is a good player, and we knew that before. I wish him all the best for after this game, and that's it.

"Sometimes a player is fine for you style of play, or not, and in this case he is doing well for them, and he was exactly the same for us.

"I think he is doing well and he has nothing to prove, but I think he will give everything on the pitch because of his style of play, and hopefully we can keep him quiet if we do well.

"But if he scores and we score three goals and we win, then I don't care if he scores. My main priority is to make sure the team is in a good position in the table, and that's it.

"I am not talking about every single player when you lose a player because it would be impossible to manage.

"You have to concentrate on what you have, I am happy with our strikers, they are doing well, but especially I am happy with our position in the table at the moment."

During his time at Newcastle, Mitrovic's ill-discipline ensured he served a series of a suspensions which also appeared to prevent Benitez from trusting the Serbian.

But Benitez has echoed comments made by Mitrovic himself this season, too, that Newcastle's counter-attacking style of play simply did not suit the forward - whereas Fulham appear to have built a team around the 24-year-old.

"I think in football or in life, but especially in football, it's important to understand the context of every situation," Benitez added when asked about Mitrovic's fiery character.

"So we are taking about Mitrovic here, and it's true that he was sent off for some games and he was banned for an elbow and things like that, but now he is doing well.

"Was he not scoring as many goals for us as we were expecting? Fine, but it doesn't mean that he's not a good player and he cannot score for Fulham, because he's doing that.

"Is he fine and happier there? We talk about London or whatever, but I don't know. He is doing well, the team has been playing for him, and then he's doing what everybody was expecting from him: scoring goals and then fighting for each ball.

"For us, it wasn't the case. Perhaps we had a different approach maybe and then it was more difficult for him, and then when you are not playing you lose some confidence, but now he is fine.

"Believe me, I wish him all the best because I did not have any special problems with him, expect maybe making a decision about who was playing or not.

"If he can score goals, fine, but I would like to see him not scoring against us because it means that we then have more chances to win, and I would also like to see our team ahead of Fulham at the end of the season."

Having decided to offload Mitrovic during the summer, Benitez identified Salomon Rondon as his first-choice striker given the budget he was afforded - and, following a summer-long pursuit, eventually signed the Venezuelan on a season-long loan deal from West Bromwich Albion.

Following an injury-disrupted slow start to life on Tyneside, Rondon has scored four goals in the past six weeks - including last weekend's winner against Huddersfield Town - and is now repaying the faith Benitez had in him.

While discussing why Rondon was his No 1 striker target during the summer, Benitez explained that the 29-year-old's mobility was something he believed would help Newcastle, particularly on the counter-attack, given that he can operate well as a lone forward.

Mitrovic, on the other hand, tends to remain in the penalty area for a greater period of time, something which does not necessarily complement Newcastle's style given that Benitez accepts his team are likely to cede the majority of possession to a fair number of Premier League teams.

Asked about the differences between Mitrovic and Rondon, Benitez replied: "I think it's not fair to compare them because they are different players, in different teams, at different times.

"So when I was talking about Rondon [during the summer] I was saying that he was a centre-forward with more mobility, which is what we were looking for.

"So when you play normally on the counter-attack and you have to be deep because you don't have much possession - and that is the reality for us, we know that it's like that - then sometimes the striker has to have some mobility, and that is what Salomon is giving to us.

"It's the reason why I was keen on him, but he has to carry on scoring goals because he knows that otherwise people will say to me over the next two months: 'Oh, he has not been scoring goals'.

"I think the timing, it depends, I'm sure Mitrovic will score goals, and I'm sure Salomon will score more goals, too."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rafa-benitez-newcastle-mitrovic-fulham-15583625

 
Sky Sports pundit unsure of what Claudio Ranieri's appointment has brought to Fulham

Paul Merson also doesn't think the side will keep a clean sheet between now and the end of the season

Paul Merson isn't sure what the appointment of Claudio Ranieri has brought to Fulham and doesn't believe they'll keep a clean sheet all season.

The side sacked Slavisa Jokanovic after the head coach had only won one game all season long having conceded 31 goals with the team looking extremely suspect at the back.

Ranieri was appointed to stabilise that defence and get Fulham out of trouble, but so far they still haven't kept a clean sheet and have won just once - that coming in his opening game as boss against Southampton.

They travel to Newcastle United on Saturday in what is another massive game for the side in their hunt for survival, but Merson is backing Newcastle to take the points and reckons Fulham could fine themselves cut adrift at the bottom before long.

He his Sky Sports column, he said: "Newcastle. Without a doubt.

"You're never going to stay up if you can't keep a clean sheet. West Ham beat Fulham in second gear, a struggling Manchester United the week before were 3-0 up in no time.

(https://i2-prod.football.london/incoming/article15526738.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1069823102.jpg)
Andre Schurrle, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Tim Ream during the defeat against Manchester United (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

"Huddersfield have got a chance of staying up because they may only need to score one goal to win a football match, with a good defence, but Fulham need to score two or three each week to even get near.

"I really can't see Fulham keeping a clean sheet between now and the end of the season. They could be cut adrift, it's getting to that stage of the season. I'm not sure what this appointment of Claudio Ranieri has brought Fulham."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/sky-sports-pundit-unsure-what-15583562

I'd love it  if we can stick it up all the smug commentators and Geordies.

 
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri craving clean sheets to boost survival chances

Fulham have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

Claudio Ranieri has admitted Fulham are desperately craving the daily bread of a clean sheet to kick-start their Premier League survival fight.

Basement club Fulham boast just nine points from 17 games and a minus 26 goal difference, leaving Italian manager Ranieri challenging the Craven Cottage men to tighten up at the back.

Fulham make the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday, with Ranieri hoping for far greater defensive organisation from his charges.

Ranieri admitted Fulham now face four matches that could potentially define their season, with clashes against Wolves, Huddersfield and Arsenal all in the offing between now and New Year's Day.

"I need a clean sheet, I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta!" said Ranieri.

"This period is very important, because four matches in a row, I'll put Arsenal in that as well.

"It's important for us. So for the players, don't think, it's important, play, then play, then play, then clean up the mind.

"That's important now. I enjoy this period a lot. For us it's very, very important, these four matches in 10 days.

"Of course we want to get points wherever we can, and then after this Christmas period, we'll see.

"For Fulham, bottom of the table, every match is crucial, Every match could be good to survive or not survive. But we'll fight until the end."

Fulham have just one win in 12 Premier League matches and Ranieri knows his side need to pick up points – and fast – to keep pace with the teams above them.

Traditionally the side bottom at Christmas fails to avoid the drop, but the 67-year-old remains confident in Fulham's ability to extend their Premier League stay beyond next summer.

"We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row," the Italian added.

"It's important to take confidence, because now the players are a little nervous and it's normal.

"But they are working well, and who works well, at the end, will win.

"It's important to believe, to work hard and be confident in each other.

"But I love this experience in England, with a busy Christmas, it's changed now in Italy and it's similar there too."



http://sport.bt.com/news/fulham-boss-claudio-ranieri-craving-clean-sheets-to-boost-survival-chances-S11364319373516

 
Gloucester City sign former Fulham and Bristol Rovers forward on loan from Forest Green Rovers

He could make his debut at the weekend

(https://i2-prod.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/incoming/article2353899.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_ML_GLO_231018fgr_42.jpg)
Isaac Pearce (Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography)

Gloucester City have signed Issac Pearce on an initial one-month loan from Forest Green.

Pearce joined Rovers after impressing on trial at the end of the 2017/18 season and he has made seven appearances for the club so far, including three in League Two.

The 20-year-old has scored two goals, both in the Football League Trophy against Cheltenham Town in a 4-0 win and in the drawn game at Coventry City.

However, he has only started one game and will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt at the Tigers, who are managed by former Forest Green defender Chris Todd, while helping them move away from the relegation zone in National League South.

Pearce previously played for Fulham, where he made more than 40 appearances for the Under-18s and Under-23s after joining them from Bristol Rovers in 2015.

He could make his Gloucester debut against fellow strugglers Dulwich at the Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.



https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gloucester-city-sign-former-fulham-2353892

 
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri: 'I need clean sheet like I need pasta'


Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says "I need a clean sheet like I need pasta" as he tries to get the club off the bottom of the Premier League.

The Cottagers - who have conceded in every game this season - are three points off safety despite only winning two of their 17 league games.

They face Newcastle, Wolves, Huddersfield and Arsenal in 11 days.

"For the players, don't think, it's important, play, then play, then play, then clean up the mind," he said.

"For Fulham, bottom of the table, every match is crucial. Every match could be good to survive or not survive. But we'll fight until the end."

The Italian has only been in charge for the past five games, having replaced Slavisa Jokanovic in November.

"I need a clean sheet. I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta," said Ranieri - whose side have conceded 42 league goals so far.

"We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row. It's important to take confidence, because now the players are a little nervous and it's normal."

Back in 2015-16, he told Leicester City players he would buy his players pizza if they kept a clean sheet.

Fulham start their busy Christmas schedule at Newcastle on Saturday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46653082

 
Claudio Ranieri considering January move to bring Leicester defender Danny Simpson to Fulham

    Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is considering move for Leicester's Danny Simpson
    Ranieri and Simpson worked together at Leicester, where they won the title
    Fulham have let in 42 goals in the league this season, the most in the division

Claudio Ranieri is considering a January move for Danny Simpson.

The pair won the Premier League together and Ranieri wants to strengthen his leaking Fulham defence.

Simpson is out of contract next summer and Leicester are deciding whether to make him available when the winter window opens, to recoup some money.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/15/7708126-0-image-m-113_1545406594700.jpg)
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is considering a January move for Leicester's Danny Simpson

But Leicester are also weighing up whether to offer Simpson a new deal, with Daniel Amartey's ankle injury keeping him out for a prolonged period.

The 31-year-old delivered a solid performance against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, doing a good job against Brahim Diaz and Raheem Sterling, and is pushing for Premier League appearances.

Newcastle and a number of Championship clubs are also keeping track of his situation. Simpson won promotion to the Premier League with three different clubs before lifting the top-flight title in 2016.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/12/21/15/343429A100000578-0-image-a-117_1545406647494.jpg)
Ranieri and Simpson worked together at Leicester, where they won the Premier League in 2016



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6520577/Claudio-Ranieri-considering-January-bring-Leicester-defender-Danny-Simpson-Fulham.html

 
Report: Newcastle United could rival Fulham for Danny Simpson in January

Premier League duo Newcastle United and Fulham are both reportedly interested in signing Leicester City right-back Simpson in the January transfer window.

Could Danny Simpson be on his way back to Newcastle United?

The experienced right-back spent three years at St James' Park between 2010 and 2013, making 138 appearances and helping The Magpies win the Championship title before leaving for Queens Park Rangers.

But with his Leicester City contract due to expire at the end of the season, The Mail claims that Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation with a move back to Tyneside on the cards.

It is understood that The Foxes are considering whether or not to cash in on Simpson in January rather than lose him for free next summer, though a new deal is not completely off the table as it stands.

Newcastle are expected to face competition from Fulham, however, with Cottagers manager Claudio Ranieri interested in reuniting with a defender who was a key part of his title winning Leicester team in the 2015/16 season.

Fulham have conceded the most goals in the Premier League with right-back one position that could do with some top level experience.

The Mail adds that a number of Championship clubs are keeping tabs on Simpson too with his future up in the air.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/12/21/do-report-newcastle-united-keen-to-re-sign-danny-simpson-from-le/

 
Fulham boss wants shut-out against Newcastle

Claudio Ranieri has admitted Fulham are desperately craving the daily bread of a clean sheet to kick-start their Premier League survival fight.

Basement club Fulham boast just nine points from 17 games and a minus 26 goal difference, leaving Italian manager Ranieri challenging the Craven Cottage men to tighten up at the back.

Fulham make the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday, with Ranieri hoping for far greater defensive organisation from his charges.

Ranieri admitted Fulham now face four matches that could potentially define their season, with clashes against Wolves, Huddersfield and Arsenal all in the offing between now and New Year's Day.

"I need a clean sheet, I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta!" said Ranieri.

"This period is very important, because four matches in a row, I'll put Arsenal in that as well.

"It's important for us. So for the players, don't think, it's important, play, then play, then play, then clean up the mind.

"That's important now. I enjoy this period a lot. For us it's very, very important, these four matches in 10 days.

"Of course we want to get points wherever we can, and then after this Christmas period, we'll see.

"For Fulham, bottom of the table, every match is crucial, Every match could be good to survive or not survive. But we'll fight until the end."

Fulham have just one win in 12 Premier League matches and Ranieri knows his side need to pick up points – and fast – to keep pace with the teams above them.

Traditionally the side bottom at Christmas fails to avoid the drop, but the 67-year-old remains confident in Fulham's ability to extend their Premier League stay beyond next summer.

"We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row," the Italian added.

"It's important to take confidence, because now the players are a little nervous and it's normal.

"But they are working well, and who works well, at the end, will win.

"It's important to believe, to work hard and be confident in each other.

"But I love this experience in England, with a busy Christmas, it's changed now in Italy and it's similar there too."



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/fulham-boss-wants-shut-out-against-newcastle/

 
Newcastle vs Fulham preview: Aleksandar Mitrovic has point to prove against Magpies
Watch highlights on the Sky Sports App from 5.15pm on Saturday

Newcastle will be looking to secure a second straight Premier League victory when Fulham travel to St James' Park on Saturday.

Newcastle head into the game having climbed to 14th place in the table as a result of their win at Huddersfield, although with Liverpool and Manchester United waiting in the wings over the Christmas period, Benitez knows how quickly things can change.

He said: "I think we are doing well, but always when I talk about this league, the top sides are so strong that when you have a bad run because you play two or three of them in a row, then everything seems difficult.

"But after, maybe you have two or three games that you can win and you get the points and it seems that everything is fine."

Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic will return to Newcastle looking to prove a point against his former club, with new Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri hoping the Serbia striker can make a big impact back on familiar ground.

Ranieri insisted, however, that the only reason Mitrovic's Newcastle spell did not quite work out was purely down to the time it takes to acclimatise to English football.

"When you play in another country you can touch the ball two, three times," said Ranieri. "When you play in England one touch is too much, you have to play half-touch.

"That's it. And the player who came in had to think about it. You try to transmit this but only the experience, you need six months, maybe one year to understand this.

"I hope when a player goes back to his previous club he wants to show something more. I hope everything for Aleksandar, believe me, I pray.

"Aleksandar in Newcastle didn't do a very good job because when a player comes from another country it's not easy to adapt immediately to English football.

"But in Fulham he's adapted very, very well. And I hope he can do a very outstanding match. I don't know if they will give a warm welcome to Aleksandar but I hope Aleksandar will make a very good match."

Team news

Ciaran Clark is out of the game after damaging an ankle during last weekend's 1-0 win at Huddersfield, although fellow defender Federico Fernandez (calf) is fit, but midfielder Jonjo Shelvey continues to fight his way back from a thigh problem.

Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng could make his final appearance before meeting up with the South Korea squad for the Asian Cup and full-back DeAndre Yedlin returns from suspension, while Florian Lejeune is available after recovering from a serious knee injury, leaving keeper Karl Darlow (elbow) as the only other name on the casualty list.

As for the visitors, Frank Anguissa remains injured, however, Ryan Sessegnon is set to feature against Wolves on Boxing Day having recovered from a groin problem.

But both Stefan Johansen and Mitrovic are one yellow card away from suspension.

Opta stats

    Newcastle have lost their last three matches against Fulham, with the last two meetings arriving in the 2016-17 Championship campaign. They've not lost four in a row versus Fulham in all competitions since October 1982
    Fulham won on their last visit to face Newcastle at St. James' Park in March 2017, winning 3-1. The Whites had netted just two goals in their previous six trips before netting three last time out
    No team has lost more home games in the top four tiers of English league football this season than Newcastle (7).
    Fulham are yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their 17 league games so far this season - only four clubs have had a longer run from the start of a Premier League campaign (Blackburn 27 in 2011/12, Norwich 21 in 2011/12, Bolton 20 in 2009/10 and Leicester 18 in 1994/95)
    In total, Fulham haven't kept a clean sheet in their last 21 Premier League games, shipping at least twice in 18 of those
    Newcastle have lost nine of their last 14 Premier League games against promoted sides (W3 D2), including at home against Wolves this season

Merson's prediction

Newcastle. Without a doubt.

You're never going to stay up if you can't keep a clean sheet. West Ham beat Fulham in second gear, a struggling Manchester United the week before were 3-0 up in no time.

Huddersfield have got a chance of staying up because they may only need to score one goal to win a football match, with a good defence, but Fulham need to score two or three each week to even get near.

I really can't see Fulham keeping a clean sheet between now and the end of the season. They could be cut adrift, it's getting to that stage of the season. I'm not sure what this appointment of Claudio Ranieri has brought Fulham.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (16/1 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/newcastle-vs-fulham/preview/390934

 
The need for Mitro's Flame

Fulham need a hero right now.

Seventeen games into the Premier League season, Fulham have conceded 42 goals and only tasted victory twice leaving us stuck at the foot of the table and in desperate need of some Christmas cheer. We are currently just three points adrift, so the situation isn't quite at critical yet, but if we don't pick up at least 6 points from the next three games then I'm not sure if we can come back from this. The opportunities are right there in front of us with a trip to Newcastle tomorrow before hosting Huddersfield and Wolves. While there are no easy games in this league, the run ahead of us is probably the most gentle run that we have considering positions in the table.

In games like these we need our players to stand up and be counted, and tomorrow's trip to Newcastle could provide extra motivation for one Fulham man in particular. Aleksander Mitrovic first tasted English football with Newcastle, but the Serbian picked up an unfair reputation as a hot head and a liability. There have been several reasons put forward as to why it just didn't work for Mitrovic in the North East including that he didn't get on with Rafa Benitez and that the style of football didn't suit him. It was a match made in Heaven when Mitrovic was brought to the Cottage under Slavisa Jokanovic last January, with the striker firing us to the Premier League with his goals in the back half of last season.

He also has an impressive seven goals for us this season, not bad for a player whose club currently sits at the very bottom of the league. Without his goals we would be too far adrift already. As we approach a really busy Christmas period of festive football, Fulham need Mitrovic to reignite into a goal machine again. Recently he has found himself isolated and has then cut a frustrated figure, so the team need to increase the intensity and the speed of passes up to the Serbian upfront. We have been far too pedestrian most of the season, and this has resulted in our forward line seeing less and less of the ball. This naturally results in less chances and therefore less goals. It's not rocket science really.

Considering Mitrovic's rather unhappy time at Newcastle under Benitez, I'd back him to be even more motivated than normal to get one over on his former boss. If we get off to a good start, then we could have a solid platform upon which Mitrovic could tear apart his former side. On the other hand, the team will need to be wary of the Newcastle crowd who will do all they can to put them off. Mitrovic is a confidence player, so it's crucial that he doesn't let his head drop.

Our last trip to Newcastle was the best away trip I've experienced, with Ryan Sessegnon silencing a hostile Geordie crowd. We can only dream of something like that this time around. Maybe it's time for another hero?

#COYW



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/12/the-need-for-mitros-flame/

 
Forget it Ranieri – Fulham signing this out of favour Bournemouth ace would be a terrible blunder

Why signing Lys Mousset could turn out to be a massive blunder by Fulham

Fulham marked their long-awaited return to the English top-flight by going on a massive spending spree thanks to the deep pockets of owner Shahid Khan. With more than 10 new players being signed either permanently or on loan, there were huge expectations from this Fulham team.

While the fans would have been revelling their happiness during the first few weeks, the reality of the premier league is slowly starting to show on these Fulham players.

All seemed fun and well until their talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic's form dropped off a bit. Since the start of November, he has only scored in one match – getting a brace in the 3-2 win over Southampton towards the end of November.

Considering the amount of money spent and the names brought in, this has been an underwhelming season so far for Ranieri's men.

Lys Mousset is a French forward who was signed by Eddie Howe of Bournemouth from French club La Havre in 2016. He is a mobile centre-forward who gets around the pitch with ease. Capable of bullying and running past the defenders, he hasn't been able to display the complete portfolio of his skills in the red and black of Bournemouth.

Having made only 9 substitute appearances in the premier league so far, he is yet to score in that competition. His lone goal for Bournemouth came in the EFL cup against MK Dons at the end of August.

With Mitrovic already available to them, Mousset is probably not the kind of striker that Fulham need. A player who can complement the playing style of Mitrovic would be the ideal target. A pacy forward who can dribble the ball and create spaces for the likes of Mitrovic and Schurrle to run into would be a better bet.

Mousset has various attributes that are quite similar to Mitrovic and would hence fit better in a team that needs a target man rather than a little forward who can get the players around him playing.

Since he is unproven, going for Mousset at this stage will be a massive risk from Ranieri and he isn't the kind of manager to make a move like that in the middle of a season. If Fulham spend further in the winter window, it should be on a player who would support Mitrovic up front and make the lives of the Fulham midfield players and wingers easier than it's been.

Considering their defensive record, Fulham should focus on strengthening the defence before splurging the cash on another extravagant transfer.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/12/22/forget-it-ranieri-fulham-signing-this-out-of-favour-bournemouth-ace-would-be-a-terrible-blunder/

 
Why Everton midfielder James McCarthy is the wrong man to save Fulham from relegation

Fulham are monitoring Everton midfielder James McCarthy ahead of the January transfer window, according to Bleacher Report's Dean Jones.

Yet the Everton midfielder is not the right man to save Fulham from relegation, due to his lengthy injury absence.

McCarthy broke his leg in January after a devastating challenge with Salomon Rondon, and the Irish international has not played a first team match since. In addition, the 28-year-old had only returned to first team action in December 2017 after missing nine months with knee and hamstring injuries.

In all, McCarthy's injury nightmare has resulted in the central midfielder playing just four times in the Premier League since March 2017 — more than a year and a half ago.

There is no doubt when fit, McCarthy is an excellent player, contributing tenacity, aggression, and quick passing in the centre of the park.

But if Fulham sign the Irishman in January, they will be expecting quick results out of a player who has barely seen the pitch in the past two seasons.

As a result, James McCarthy would be the wrong signing for Fulham to make in a bid for Premier League survival, as his recovery from long-term injury is incongruous to a fast revival of form.



https://tbrfootball.com/why-everton-midfielder-james-mccarthy-is-the-wrong-man-to-save-fulham-from-relegation/

 
Bruce said selling me might come back to bite him... then my goal beat him in the play-off final: Tom Cairney on his rise to fame and the survival battle at Fulham

    Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference
    In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham
    Fulham are bottom of the division and a manager down by mid-November
    In their case, it means 21 games to save a season, starting at Newcastle

Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference between the best and the rest.

In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham one evening in the Carabao Cup last month.

'That whole Man City midfield, god, genius players,' he tells Sportsmail. 'I was watching De Bruyne and he just sees the game, how it is moving at that point, how it will look in a moment.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714264-6521151-image-a-10_1545418244830.jpg)
Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference this season

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714270-6521151-image-a-11_1545418251062.jpg)
In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham one evening


Bruce said selling me might come back to bite him... then my goal beat him in the play-off final: Tom Cairney on his rise to fame and the survival battle at Fulham

    Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference
    In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham
    Fulham are bottom of the division and a manager down by mid-November
    In their case, it means 21 games to save a season, starting at Newcastle

By Riath Al-Samarrai for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:40, 21 December 2018 | Updated: 22:40, 21 December 2018

    e-mail

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Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference between the best and the rest.

In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham one evening in the Carabao Cup last month.

'That whole Man City midfield, god, genius players,' he tells Sportsmail. 'I was watching De Bruyne and he just sees the game, how it is moving at that point, how it will look in a moment.
Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference this season
+10

Tom Cairney is going over the unseen subtleties that can make all the difference this season
In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham one evening
+10

In his mind is Kevin De Bruyne and the marvellous torment he inflicted on Fulham one evening
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'When the ball is coming to him it is like he knows where everyone is, in front of him and behind. Players like that, honestly, it's like they have wing mirrors.'

It is a nice phrase from a midfielder whose own powers of creation are none too shabby. And yet when talking of mirrors, and disparities in quality, it is hard to shake the thought that Cairney's club, the one he launched into the Premier League with a goal worth £160million, is becoming an ever smaller speck in the rear distance.

They are bottom of the division, a manager down by mid-November, and it's all a mystery when set against the question of how so much summer spending yielded such an underwhelming return.

If there is any hope in the situation, beyond the arrival of Claudio Ranieri and his history of alchemy, it is found in the realism of their captain. He is not one for swerving the truth.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714268-6521151-image-a-12_1545418662189.jpg)
They are bottom of the division, a manager down by mid-November, and it's all a mystery

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714274-6521151-image-a-13_1545418664728.jpg)
If there is any hope, besides Claudio Ranieri, it is found in the realism of their captain

In one answer, he says: 'We spent around £100m, a record amount for a newly promoted team — the owners have backed us, and with the quality we have in the squad we shouldn't be where we are.'

In another, on the subject of his side's most glaring weakness, he adds: 'We simply have to keep clean sheets because we have conceded a lot of goals. We need to improve defensively.'

Most issues in between are discussed with the same lack of gloss. Indeed, time in the company of this 27-year-old is fascinating, not least for the fact he has experience of big climbs and bouncing after falls, which feels especially relevant to Fulham at this moment.

In their case, it means 21 games to save a season, starting on Saturday at Newcastle; in Cairney's it meant building a career after being released by Leeds at 16 and then, having pushed open a door at Hull, getting sold on the cheap by Steve Bruce following Hull's promotion to the top flight in 2013.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714266-6521151-image-a-15_1545418678002.jpg)
Cairney built a career after being released by Leeds at 16 and then pushing open a door at Hull

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/18/7714272-6521151-image-a-14_1545418670229.jpg)
Cairney scored against Villa, simultaneously taking Fulham up and continuing his own ascent

There is a tale in that latter episode. 'It was a tricky time for me,' he says. 'I think Steve Bruce had arrived and in his first season I was badly injured. When I came back it was to a winning team that was on its way to getting promoted so I didn't get in so much.

'That summer I went off and trained hard. I wasn't really overweight beforehand but I maybe had a bit of puppy fat and when I came back after the summer I was in very good shape, but I could understand why as a young player I wouldn't be part of the manager's plans in the Premier League. So he let me out on loan to Blackburn and then sold me to them in the January for 600 grand or something quite low.

'I remember Gary Bowyer, the Rovers manager, telling me that Steve Bruce told him it could be one that would come back to bite him on the a***. It is weird how football works because Bruce was in charge of Aston Villa in the play-off final last season.'

Of course, Cairney got the only goal of that game, simultaneously taking Fulham up and continuing his own personal ascent since joining the club in 2015. He had been good at Blackburn, winning their player of the year award in 2013-14, but his progress at Craven Cottage has been stunning.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/19/7715584-6521151-image-a-18_1545421711350.jpg)
He had been good at Blackburn, winning their player of the year award in the 2013-14 season

In each of 2016-17 and 2017-18, he was part of the Championship team of the season, with 19 league goals and 15 assists across the two campaigns. To his view, the Fulham side of those two years was 'possibly the best to ever play in the Championship', and he puts his personal transformation down to the vision of Slavisa Jokanovic, who saw him as a central midfield orchestrator rather than a wide man.

'It sounds strange but playing under Slavs was the first time I had a foreign manager and I'm quite a technical player,' he says. 'Slavs is the first manager I had who has had that way of thinking, playing out from the back.'

The fact it has all gone awry this season was doubly difficult for Cairney because it cost Jokanovic his job last month. The task was always going to be difficult, given the nature of the Premier League, but the signing of 13 players in the summer left a desperately unbalanced and un-bonded squad. Jokanovic was sacked after a run of five points from 12 matches.

'It was a shame,' says Cairney, who missed most of the slump with an ankle injury. 'Slavs knew we were not winning games and we had spent a lot of money and were expected to do fairly well.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/19/7715614-6521151-image-a-22_1545421774567.jpg)
In each of 2016-17 and 2017-18, he was part of the Championship team of the season

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/19/7715620-6521151-image-a-21_1545421772559.jpg)
He puts his transformation down to  Slavisa Jokanovic, who saw him as a midfield orchestrator

'But it was difficult. I felt really bad for him. I had the best time of my career with him, and he had the team playing football that might have been the best the Championship has ever seen. He deserved his shot at the Premier League but it didn't go to plan.

'I gave it a few weeks and let the dust settle a bit and then I sent him a text saying thanks for everything, all the best in the future, and a few other things. He sent one back and Slavs being Slavs, it was a short reply. "No worries, this is football, good luck".

'Football is strange like that. People become a big part of your life and then they lose a job and you might never see them for the rest of your lives. It's the worst thing about football, really.'

The salvation job has fallen to Ranieri, who will forever be the benchmark in defied expectations. He has a major job on at Fulham and slight improvements on the pitch are happening in conjunction with a greater team-building effort off it.

'What he did at Leicester will always be the fairy-tale of the Premier League,' says Cairney. 'That won't be beaten. He has left his name in English football for ever but hopefully he can make another nice story with us.

'He is a warm character and he has shown he is good at getting people closer together. That is how Leicester won the title — they worked hard for each other. And he wants the same closeness here.'

It is something that is needed after the summer influx. 'When you bring a lot of new players in, that is the hardest thing, getting everyone playing together,' Cairney says. 'The gaffer knows that — he took all the players and staff for an Italian on Wednesday — and now it is about building something.'

It needs to happen fast if that spot in the rear-view mirror is to stay in sight.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6521151/Tom-Cairney-rise-fame-survival-battle-Fulham.html

 
TT Battle: Salomon Rondon vs Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle United were able to increase the distance between themselves and the Premier League relegation zone heading into their clash against Fulham after they beat Huddersfield Town 1-0.

Salomon Rondon grabbed the only goal of the game, which was his fourth in his last six appearances, and will be the player Fulham will need to be wary of given the current form he is in.

As for the west London club going forward, ex-Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is the man everyone can expect Claudio Ranieri to turn to as he looks to guide his side to safety.

Salomon Rondon
Having arrived at St. James' Park as probably Newcastle's highest profile signing of the summer, much was expected of Rondon.

And after a slow start to life in his new surroundings, the 29-year-old is now finally starting to live up to that expectation.

Leading the line for the Magpies, Rondon has been able to both score and create goals in recent weeks, helping his team climb the table following a dreadful start to the season.

More is still needed, though, from the Venezuelan if Newcastle are to improve their league position even further and avoid a relegation scrap.

Rafael Benitez's side are not blessed with goals in midfield or from the wide positions, making it imperative for Rondon to start finding the back of the net on a regular basis.

TT Grade: C+

Aleksandar Mitrovic
While it was a lacklustre beginning to the campaign for Rondon, individually, Mitrovic could not have asked for a better start.

The 24-year-old had no problems with scoring during the earlier part of this term and, without his goals, relegation would have probably been already nailed on for Fulham.

It is not just goals Mitrovic offers the team, though, with his all-round centre-forward play having also been very efficient so far.

With his strength, the Serbia international has been able to play with his back towards goal so well, holding off defenders before bringing his team-mates into the game with accurate lay-off passes.

Should Fulham be condemned to the Championship at the end of the season, there is no doubt that Mitrovic will be one player not joining them in any potential return to English football's second division.

TT Grade: B+

TT Verdict:

Assessing both their games, it is fair to say Rondon and Mitrovic are two very similar strikers. The duo are powerful No.9s who thrive when it comes to the physical side of the game.

However, as far as this season goes, Mitrovic has been more prolific, making Shahid Khan's deal to bring him from Newcastle to Craven Cottage permanently seem better than the one Mike Ashley sanctioned to acquire Rondon.

Only time will tell but, during this moment of time, it looks like Benitez might have been better off keeping Mitrovic in his ranks.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/features/transfer-battles/tt-battle-salomon-rondon-vs-aleksandar-mitrovic/

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 18 vs. Newcastle
Can Fulham finally get a nice present this Christmas holiday?

I think we all know how grim it looks for Fulham's chances to stay in the Premier League. At just nine points and with one of the worst defenses in the league, more than just a new coach and a player or two will have to be done in order for them to improve massively. Now you could argue that last weekend's defeat to West Ham was against one of the hotter team's in the top flight. However, Newcastle aren't that far behind in terms of their run of form.

Since the beginning of November, the Magpies have claimed 13 points in seven games. That being said, they only scored eight goals during that span and are still four points above the relegation zone. As long as Mike Ashley is within the vicinity this far north of the country, Newcastle will continue to be a defense-first club while Rafa Benitez is still managing the football club. There is just so much instability at all times at St. James' Park, that a city wide protest could happen any fixture considering how little has been invested in such a "big" club.

I mean, Aleksander Mitrovic was under contract with them and they thought it was a good idea to replace him with an older Salomon Rondon! Yeah, this Newcastle are about as cheap as they come, but they have such a world class coach that he masks everything toxic surrounding him. Bluntly, they have so much worse talent than Fulham do, but because they know their strengths and weaknesses is enough to be better than the rest of the the worst in the Premier League for now.

Until then, everything about Fulham is about as weak as it can get right now. As always, Fulham can keep changing tactics all they like and instill further belief, but as long as their attack is completely reliant on Mitrovic and the permanently inefficient Andre Schürrle, and their defense depends on the out-of-position Denis Odoi or the out-of-his-league Tim Ream, wins will be hard to come by. Maxime Le Marchand and Ryan Sessegnon are still injury doubts and with the way the club is going, that is still enough for this club to be so low in form and confidence right now.

Now Fulham will have plenty of the ball, and this tie could be a 0-0 draw if both teams aren't in the mood to work hard up front. But the visitors have to claim a win, so I continue to expect an open game, even if Newcastle don't want that to happen. Still though, the winners of Saturday's contest will clearly be the ones whose attacking players are most in the mood. Let's hope that, for once this time, Fulham have finally brought their shooting compasses and know exactly how to get past Martin Dubravka.

Until then, here are the players to watch out for the most at Tyneside.

Salomon Rondon

I personally prefer Ayoze Perez much more than Rondon in terms of who is the most dangerous forward in the team. But with a club-leading four goals and two assists this season, you can't ignore the Venezuela International's contribution. Along with that, Rondon has essentially doubled his goal contribution in his last three games. To top it all off, his 3.20 shots per contest are the highest rate he's had since he was at Zenit St. Petersburg back in 2014/15.

Now he has been an inaccurate shooter since arriving in England and that hasn't changed much since his move to Newcastle. His shots go on target just 31% of the time and, while improving, his 13.8% goal conversion rate is still well below his 15.0% career average since 2010/11. Add in the fact that he lacks other skill sets into his game, and you can see how easy it is to beat such a one-dimensional player. But Rondon has known who he is for a while and he will use that to as much of his advantage to guide Newcastle to victory.

Jonjo Shelvey

We go from one player that shouldn't really be that much of a danger with Fulham to another in Jonjo Shelvey. But because of what he brings as a ball-playing central midfielder is what makes him so dangerous. In fact, this seems to be like year-two of the former England man's career nosediving. This season, Shelvey's xG Chain and xG Buildup are the lowest they've been since 2014/15. His completed long ball passes, on the other hand, have reached career highs at 8.22 per contest. If anything, it just goes to show how conservative Benitez in terms of how he sets his players up tactically.

Mohamed Diame and Ki Sung-Yeung will provide the talent they need to shore up the defense, but Shelvey is easily their most important creator after all these seasons. While not high, Shelvey's 0.20 expected assists per 90 minutes is the highest among Newcastles that have played over a quarter of the Premier League season. The fact that you will not find a better creator on the team that is as good as Shelvey as a result.

Paul Dummett
All data from whoscored.com

Finally, Newcastle's defense has been the one saving grace from further embarrassment. However, plenty of their goal prevention has been from the work of Dubravka between the posts. However, if you are looking for someone who represents Benitez's system the most, its the longtime homegrown talent.

At 27, Paul Dummett should finish off the season with well over 200 appearances with the club and has basically not lost his starting left back position since 2014. However, you will not find any offensive output out of the four-times capped Welsh International. If anything, you'll be seeing loads of aerial duels won and little to no mistakes. Safety can known as death, but in this case, safety brings safe results. In the Premier League, avoiding being bad is half the battle for a club that is not in the top six. With Dummett in the lineup, you could do much worse than so many other fullbacks that can wow you and dissapoint you at the same time. Just check out Timothy Fosu-Mensah the last handful of games he's played.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/22/18151304/three-players-to-watch-matchday-18-vs-newcastle

Quote from: WhiteJC on December 22, 2018, 07:17:33 AM

The Whites have conceded an exorbitant amount of goals this season, with a large number coming from cut-backs to unmarked midfielders that Seri failed to deal with.

Grammatically, if you can count them the noun should be 'number' and 'amount' only if you can weigh it.  But, having conceded so many goals this season, perhaps amount is more appropriate  as in Fulham have conceded a tonne (or ton for imperial fans) of goals.  Other than  that, the assessment of Seri is painfully accurate.

 
Danny Simpson linked with a move away from Leicester City to reunite with Claudio Ranieri at Fulham

The defender worked under Ranieri during City's title-winning campaign.

Danny Simpson is the latest Leicester City player linked with a reunion with former manager Claudio Ranieri at Fulham.

The right-back played under Ranieri during City's title-winning season but has fallen out of favour under current boss Claude Puel and is effectively third choice.

Simpson is also out of contract at the end of the season and Puel had said he would allow the players who were surplus to requirements to find new clubs.

Simpson hadn't featured at all this season until Daniel Amartey broke his ankle against West Ham United and was ruled out for four months, but the injury has complicated the matter.

The Daily Mail state that Ranieri is keen to take the 31-year-old to Craven Cottage, but the report also suggests City are considering offering Simpson a new contract because of Amartey's injury, which would be a dramatic twist.



https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/danny-simpson-linked-move-away-2355235

 
Fulham fan talks Mitrovic, THAT leaky defence & the surprise player he sees as our weak link..


Ahead of today's bottom half clash with Fulham, we've been speaking to Jack Collins from @FulhamishPod, who's given us a nice little insight into the side we'll be coming up against come 3pm at St James' Park today.

Without further adieu, here's what he's had to say – starting with his strong assessment of ex-Mag Aleksandar Mitrovic – a player he believes would be 'world class' with just a bit more pace:

"Simply put, Mitrovic is a very, very good player; and no matter how much he worked or didn't work in systems, it's nuts to rule his quality out. That said, I can understand the frustrations with him in terms of counter-attacking – if he had pace, he'd be World Class!

"He's been so good for us that it's hard to knock him – his goal ratio speaks for itself and he's one of our few real leaders in the team, which means his worth soars.

"I'd love to see him get the ball delivered in more for him to attack, and I'm hoping that the return of Joe Bryan at left back will help to assuage that problem.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/12/22/fulham-fan-talks-mitrovic-that-leaky-defence-the-surprise-player-he-sees-as-our-weak-link/

 
Tom Cairney insists Fulham should not be bottom after spending over £100m on new players

Tom Cairney says Fulham should not be bottom of the Premier League after spending over £100m on "quality" players.

The newly-promoted Whites made 12 new additions in the summer but currently have the worst defensive record in the division, despite signing five defenders, with a minus-24 goal difference.

Claudio Ranieri has since succeeded the sacked Slavisa Jokanovic as manager and Sky Sports News understands Chelsea's Gary Cahill and Bournemouth's Lys Mousset are targets as Fulham look to sign another new centre-back and striker in January.

"We spent around £100m - a record amount for a newly-promoted team," Cairney told the Daily Mail. "The owners have backed us, and with the quality we have in the squad we shouldn't be where we are.

"When you bring a lot of new players in, that is the hardest thing; getting everyone playing together. The gaffer knows that. He took all the players and staff for an Italian on Wednesday - and now it is about building something.

"We simply have to keep clean sheets because we have conceded a lot of goals. We need to improve defensively."

Fulham travel to Newcastle on Saturday looking for only their third win in 18 Premier League games. The west London club are three points off safety and seven behind the Magpies in 14th.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11588666/tom-cairney-insists-fulham-should-not-be-bottom-after-spending-over-100m-on-new-players

 
Why statistics are deceptive as far as Newcastle's home form is concerned, claims Rafa Benitez

Newcastle United have lost seven of their nine home matches so far this season, more than any other side in England's top four divisions

Rafa Benitez accepts Newcastle United must start collecting a greater number of points at St James' Park if they are to pull clear of the relegation zone - but he insists the Magpies have performed better on home soil than their results suggest.

United host bottom-of-the-table Fulham on Tyneside on Saturday, with Newcastle having suffered seven defeats in their opening nine Premier League matches at St James' Park this term - the most of any team in England's top four divisions.

Aside from back-to-back victories over Watford and AFC Bournemouth last month, the Magpies have failed to pick up a point on Tyneside - yet Newcastle have lost just twice on the road all season.

Benitez has admitted in recent weeks that the Magpies' counter-attacking style means they are better suited to playing away from home, given that United can sit off the opposition and look to pick them off on the break.

When they play at St James' Park, however, the onus is often on Newcastle to break down stubborn opposition defences and, given their lack of creativity in the final third, they struggle to do so.

As a result, visiting sides such as West Ham United, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been able to pick Newcastle off on the counter - just as the Magpies so often do themselves to opponents on their travels.

"I have tried to explain before that normally when you play away, the other team is going against you," Benitez said ahead of Saturday's relegation clash with Fulham.

"They have to win in front of their fans, so they are a little bit more open and so you have more spaces, so then you can exploit the counter-attack.

"When you play at home, you have some teams who come to sit deep, they are normally more organised, and then it's very difficult to find the space, so you end up making more mistakes and they can counter-attack.

"It's a question of the position of the others teams and, also, the main difference is in the final third. At home you have to be very precise and accurate, and if you make these mistakes then you are exposed in defence."

While Benitez accepts that Newcastle's results in front of their home fans have been disappointing, he refutes the suggestion that the Magpies have failed to perform on Tyneside in the majority of those matches.

Rather, the Spaniard cites the defeats to Wolves and Brighton & Hove Albion as two games he felt Newcastle deserved to win - while he also points to the fact that their opening three fixtures at St James' Park were against so-called 'Big Six' sides in Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Therefore, in Benitez's opinion, the statistics are slightly deceptive - even if he acknowledges that Newcastle are a team who appear more comfortable on their travels.

"I would like to win all the games home and away. If you are asking me: 'What do you prefer?' It doesn't matter," Benitez added of United's form at St James' Park.

"But, obviously, if you are winning more games at home, you have more fans at the same time happy. But, if we can get the points that we need, then it doesn't matter to me where [we collect them].

"Our form at home also, if you see the teams that we have played - Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal - and, after, some of the other games like Brighton and Wolves, with the referee's mistakes, it was very clear we could have won these games, and we could lose the others because the top sides are very, very strong.

"But still we were very close in all of them - very close. So, for me, it's just a question of time. Hopefully against Fulham we start winning, and then we will have more confidence [at home] like we did against Bournemouth or Watford.

"Hopefully we can enjoy a little bit more at home, too, winning games again."

Newcastle are unbeaten against the teams below them in the table, with the 14th-placed Magpies having faced all of the bottom six bar Fulham already this term.

Interestingly, all of those relegation clashes have taken place away from St James' Park, though - with United having collected nine points from trips to Crystal Palace, Southampton, Cardiff City, Burnley and, most recently, Huddersfield Town - and now Newcastle must translate those positive results back to Tyneside.

And Benitez is keen to defeat the Cottagers on Saturday not only in order to bolster United's position in the table - Newcastle are currently four points above the drop zone, and seven clear of Fulham - but also so he can hand "passionate" Magpies supporters an early Christmas present, too.

"Yeah, but for everyone here. I think for a manager, especially at this time, everybody is talking about it being for us, but I think more so for every single fan," Benitez said when asked if a win over Fulham would represent a nice early Christmas present for himself.

"We are professionals and we want to win, but sometimes we don't appreciate that the fans, they have real, real passion - so for them, maybe, it is even more important than for us. Or maybe it is the same level [of importance] for both."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-fulham-rafa-benitez-15585617