Friends of Fulham

2 Fulham transfer dilemmas that are looming over the club right now as 31st August creeps closer

Fulham have started this Sky Bet Championship season in very spritely fashion indeed and Marco Silva will be pleased with what he is seeing.

Any hangover from their relegation from the Premier League appears to have subsided at Craven Cottage, and focus is firmly on this season and trying to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

It's early days, of course, but things are certainly looking promising in SW6 and Whites fans will hope that things are going to only get even better as we delve deeper into the season in the coming months.

Before then, meanwhile, the transfer window comes to a close at the end of this month and there are still a couple of issues Marco Silva will want sorting before the deadline...

The future of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Anguissa is a quality operator in the middle of the park and would be a real asset for Fulham if he ended up staying this summer but Marco Silva will want to know either way as to whether he is staying or going in the near future, just in case he wants to bring in an extra body if he does leave.

There's been considerable speculation linking Anguissa with a move away from the Cottage in recent weeks but nothing has gotten to a particularly formal stage as yet.

With just over a week left in the window, Silva will want to know exactly what's going to happen here.

Fabio Carvalho's contract
What a start to the season Carvalho has had, with him on the scoresheet again at the weekend in the win over Hull City.

He is a player of clear talent and has the potential to go far in the game, so it's obvious why Fulham have offered him new terms.

As yet, though, he has not put pen to paper and that has sparked speculation over his future.

Silva will want to know just what Carvalho is planning and if he is thinking of leaving, Fulham will want to know so they can get as good a price as possible.

You'd think signing a deal and playing regularly this year for the club would be the best course of action, though, so let's hope he does exactly that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-fulham-transfer-dilemmas-that-are-looming-over-the-club-right-now-as-31st-august-creeps-closer/

Talking Points: Hull

Mitro's On Fire

Aleksandar Mitrović's first half header means he has now netted in three consecutive Fulham matches. This is nothing new for the big man, though, as he has found the net five games in a row on two previous occasions for the Club. His first for the Whites away to Bristol City in February 2018 started a sensational run of seven goals in five outings, while he began the 2019/20 season in a purple patch, bagging in back-to-back fixtures against Blackburn, Huddersfield, Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – and then following that up with three goals for Serbia while on international duty. Something that hopefully bodes well for this week's matches...

Coping with injuries

The only blot on Saturday's copybook was the forced withdrawal of Tim Ream, Kenny Tete and Fabio Carvalho. All three have been in fine form in the early stages of the campaign, and so we'll be hoping for positive diagnoses this week. That said, the trio of substitutes who replaced them more than stepped up to the plate. Alfie Mawson looked solid and confident on his first Craven Cottage appearance since January 2020, you would have thought Bobby De Cordova-Reid had played right-back his entire life, and Frank Anguissa's introduction must surely have deflated those in the Hull dugout with the game already out of their grasp.

Well that sucked…or was it awesome?? Mixed feelings about that outing 🤣🤣 yes it is painful, no it is not life threatening. Thanks for the well wishes and concern 👍🏻👍🏻 Well done to Alf and Bob for stepping in and performing 👏🏻

— Tim Ream (@timream5) August 21, 2021

Magic Mika

Ever since being brought into the starting XI away to Huddersfield, Jean Michaël Seri seems to have relished the responsibility given to him by Marco Silva. Operating slightly deeper to give his midfield partner Josh Onomah the licence to roam, Seri has been dictating the rhythm of matches to fine effect. Add in an assist when Mitrović glanced home his inviting corner, and the Man of the Match award – his first since his debut – was more than justified.

Clean sheets up and running

There has been very little to criticise about Fulham's season so far, but you know Marco and his staff will have been very keen to see us nail down that first clean sheet. We had defended well in our previous three outings but conceded once in each, so it was pleasing to send Hull back up north without a consolation goal to their name. Paulo Gazzaniga faced three shots on target, but was equal to everything the Tigers threw at him.

Stoking the anticipation

Three teams have set the pace in the Championship this season, with Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City at the top of the pile with three wins and a draw apiece. Anyone who watched the EFL highlights on Saturday night will have seen the beautiful team goal that saw Stoke defeat Nottingham Forest – a far cry from the direct style they were long known for – and so this weekend's clash at the Cottage could be an absolute corker.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Talking-Points-Hull/

'No great loss' – Many Nottingham Forest fans react as reunion with former player takes u-turn

A move to bring Cyrus Christie back to Nottingham Forest from Fulham has broken down, according to Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (21/08, 22:59pm).

Christie spent last season on loan at the City Ground and established himself as a key player under Chris Hughton as the campaign went on.

The defender played every minute of the Championship campaign since making his debut in the third game of the season, and became an important player for the Reds.

Since returning to parent club Fulham, Christie is yet to make an appearance in the Championship under Marco Silva, with the Cottagers getting their season off to an excellent start.

Now, it has emerged via Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (21/08, 22:59pm) that Forest's move to bring Cyrus Christie back to Fulham has broken down.

It is claimed that the player was unable to agree personal terms with the club, with Forest now looking to explore other options at right-back.

Forest are in need of a new right-back, with Jordi Osei-Tutu currently out injured with a hamstring issue, and Carl Jenkinson also out of favour.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/no-great-loss-many-nottingham-forest-fans-react-as-reunion-with-former-player-takes-u-turn/

Harrison Reed reacts to Fulham's fine start to Championship season

Harrison Reed has been impressed by Fulham's start in their quest to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, as he nears his return from injury, as he shared a post on his personal Instagram page.

Three wins and a draw from their opening four league games under Marco Silva has the Cottagers sitting pretty at the summit of the second tier, but they are only just getting started and the return of Harrison Reed to add competition for places in midfield will only make them stronger.

Reed was influential in 28 appearances as Fulham were promoted via the play-offs under Scott Parker in 2019/20 and that experience should stand him in good stead for this season's push.

He posted: "The boys are on fire! Working hard to be back and can't wait to be out there helping the team."

The Cottagers are looking a very intimidating prospect under Marco Silva this season, with three successive wins following the opening day, seemingly without breaking into a sweat.

Fabio Carvalho and Aleksandar Mitrovic chipped in with first half strikes in back to back matches against Millwall and Hull City last week, oozing class and producing a standard comfortably above the level.

The Verdict

Reed will be a welcome commodity back in the first team, there is far greater competition than when he last played for the club in the Championship with Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa potentially both staying to ensure they can sustain an automatic promotion push.

Lee Bowyer's Birmingham City welcome them in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening, potentially an opportunity for Reed to get some game time against Championship opposition.

The 26-year-old will be confident he can dislodge the high profile talents ahead of him to reclaim a key spot in central midfield. All good selection problems for Marco Silva to have at this stage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/harrison-reed-reacts-to-fulhams-fine-start-to-championship-season/

USMNT REWIND: Antonee Robinson, Brenden Aaronson Shine for Their Clubs
Robinson assist helps keep Fulham unbeaten, Aaronson goal puts Salzburg on the doorstep of Champions League berth

Fulham FC is off to an unbeaten start in the English Championship season and U.S. Men's National Team defenders Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream certainly have played their part.


Relegated from the Premier League last season, the Cottagers find themselves atop the English Championship table with an impressive 3-0-1 start and 10 points as they begin their promotion bid.


Defense has been a cornerstone of Fulham's start, as it has conceded only three goals. The team secured its first clean sheet of the season, a 2-0 win over Hull City at Craven Cottage in London on Saturday.


Robinson, who has played every minute so far this season, set up Fabio Carvalho's goal in the 34th minute to take the score to 2-0.


Ream, the team captain who also has performed well in the four games, was forced from the contest after he landed awkwardly in the 21st minute. Manager Marco Silva said that the injury didn't appear serious. He was waiting for a medical report, which could determine the center back's availability for Septembers World Cup qualifying matches.


Earlier in the week, the U.S. pair went the full 90 minutes in Fulham's 2-1 win against Millwall on Tuesday.


LATE-MATCH HEROICS


Brenden Aaronson continues to remind fans and observers that his first season with Red Bull Salzburg hardly was a fluke.


The 20-year-old connected for a 90th minute winner in Salzburg's 2-1 first leg Champions League qualifying win against Brøndby on Tuesday. A halftime substitute, Aaronson latched on to a pass from Oumar Solet, took a touch with his left at the top of the box and fired a low blast inside the right post

Salzburg takes a 2-1 advantage to Denmark for the second leg on Wednesday. On Saturday, Aaronson followed up his goal by the full 90 minutes in Salzburg's 3-1 win against newly-promoted Austria Klagenfurt, taking the club to a perfect 5-0-0 record to start the Austrian Bundesliga season.



STILL A WINNER


New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner continued his unbeaten streak since returning from a victorious Concacaf Gold Cup as he backstopped a pair of wins. Turner made seven saves to help the Revs defeat D.C. United 3-2 on Aug. 18, and then had a three-save performance in their 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Turner is 4-0-1 since the confederation tournament.



GOOD TEAM WORK


Ricardo Pepi and Jesús Ferreira combined for FC Dallas' second goal in its 2-2 draw at the Houston Dynamo Saturday. With the game knotted at 1-1 in the 58th minute, Ferreira intercepted a mis-kick from goalkeeper Marko Marić and found Pepi, who slotted home a right-footed shot.

The 18-year-old Pepi, who was selected for the MLS All Star Game on Wednesday, has scored a team-best nine goals this season. The El Paso, Texas native was called into U.S. Under-23 camp for Olympic Qualifying in March and represented the country at the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil.



FIRST STEPS


Midfielder Tanner Tessmann made his Italian Serie A debut for Venezia, replacing Antonio Luca Fiordilino in the 63rd minute in a 2-0 setback at Napoli Sunday. Tessmann, a FC Dallas product, was shown a yellow card in the 75th minute.

Midfielder Gianluca Busio, who recently transferred from Sporting Kansas City and performed for the USMNT in its Gold Cup triumph, did not dress.



WHEN A POSITIVE IS A NEGATIVE


Christian Pulisic did not dress for Chelsea in its English Premier League game at Arsenal on Saturday, after he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. The U.S. Men's National Team's medical staff is working with Chelsea to determine Pulisic's status for the World Cup Qualifiers in September.

FULL RUNDOWN:



-- Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win vs. Real Salt Lake (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 2-1 win at LA Galaxy (Aug. 18)



-- Paul Arriola (D.C. United; MLS) - Injured, DNP in 2-1 loss vs. Atlanta United (Aug. 21); 14 minutes and a GOAL in 3-2 loss at New England Revolution (Aug. 18)



-- Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig; German Bundesliga) – 90 minutes in 4-0 win vs. Stuttgart (Aug. 21)



-- Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg; Austria Bundesliga) - 90 minutes in 3-1 win vs. Austria Klagenfurt (Aug. 21); 90 minutes and GOAL in 2-1 win vs. Brøndby in UCL qualifier (Aug. 18)



-- Julian Araujo (Los Angeles Galaxy; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. Colorado Rapids (Aug. 17)



-- George Bello (Atlanta United; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- John Brooks (Wolfsburg; Bundesliga) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Hertha Berlin (Aug. 21)



-- Gianluca Busio (Venezia; Italy Serie A) - Not in 18, DNP play in 2-0 loss at Napoli (Aug. 22)



-- Johnny Cardoso (Internacional; Brazilian Serie A) – 1 minute as a substitute in 2-2 draw at Santos (Aug. 22)



-- Reggie Cannon (Boavista; Portuguese Primeira) – vs. Santa Clara, Monday, 4:15 p.m. ET





-- Konrad de la Fuente (Marseille; French Ligue 1) - 20 minutes as a substitute before match suspension in the 76th minute at Nice (Aug. 22)



-- Daryl Dike (Orlando City SC; MLS) - Not in 18, DNP in 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 1-1 draw at Nashville SC (Aug. 18)



-- Sergiño Dest (Barcelona; Spain La Liga) – 81 minutes in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilboa (Aug. 21)



-- Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen; French Ligue 2) – 19 minutes as a substitute in 1-1 draw vs. Nancy (Aug. 21)



-- Julian Green (Greuther Fürth; German Bundesliga) – 90 minutes in 1-1 draw vs. Arminia Bielefeld (Aug. 21)



-- Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; MLS) - 90 minutes and ASSIST in 2-2 draw at Houston Dynamo (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 18)



-- Matthew Hoppe (Schalke 04; German 2. Bundesliga) - In 18, DNP in 4-1 loss at Jahn Regensburg (Aug. 21)



-- Sean Johnson (New York City FC; MLS) - At New York Red Bulls postponed, inclement weather (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss at Philadelphia Union (Aug. 18)



-- Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; MLS) - 89 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. Colorado Rapids (Aug. 17)



-- Weston McKennie (Juventus; Italian Serie A) – Not in 18, DNP in 2-2 draw at Udinese (Aug. 22)



-- Matt Miazga (Alaves, Spain La Liga) - Not in 18, DNP in 1-0 loss vs. Mallorca (Aug. 21)



-- Shaq Moore (Tenerife; Spain La Liga) - 4 minutes as a substitute in 1-1 draw vs. Sporting Gijon (Aug. 21)



-- Yunus Musah (Valencia; Spain La Liga) - Injured, DNP in 1-1 draw at Granada (Aug. 18)



-- Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; MLS) - 90 minutes and GOAL in 2-2 draw at Houston Dynamo (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 18)



-- Tim Ream (Fulham; English Premier League) - 21 minutes in 2-0 win vs. Hull City (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Millwall (Aug. 17)



-- Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund; German Bundesliga) – 70 minutes in 2-1 loss at Freiburg (Aug. 21); 78 minutes in 3-1 loss vs. Bayern Munich in German Super Cup (Aug. 17)



-- Bryan Reynolds (AS Roma, Italy Serie A) - In 18, DNP in 3-1 win vs. Fiorentina (Aug. 22)



-- Chris Richards (Bayern Munich; German Bundesliga) - 2 minutes as a substitute in 3-2 win vs. FC Cologne (Aug. 22); Not in 18, DNP in 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund in German Super Cup (Aug. 17)



-- Antonee Robinson (Fulham; English Championship) - 90 minutes, ASSIST in 2-0 win vs. Hull City (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Millwall (Aug. 17)



-- Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21): 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Columbus Crew (Aug. 21); 45 minutes in 1-0 win at FC Dallas (Aug. 18)



-- James Sands (New York City FC; MLS) - At New York Red Bulls, postponed, inclement weather (Aug. 21); 77 minutes in 1-0 loss at Philadelphia Union (Aug. 18)



-- Josh Sargent (Norwich City; English Premier League) – 13 minutes as a substitute in 5-0 loss at Manchester City (Aug. 21)



-- Jordan Siebatcheu (Young Boys; Swiss Super League) - 58 minutes in 3-2 loss to Ferencvaros in Europa League qualifier (Aug. 18)



-- Zack Steffen (Manchester City; English Premier League) – In 18, DNP in 5-0 win vs. Norwich City (Aug. 21)



-- Tanner Tessmann (Venezia; Italy Serie A) - 27 minutes as a substitute in 2-0 loss at Napoli (Aug. 22)



-- Matt Turner (New England Revolution; MLS) - 90 minutes in 4-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 3-2 win vs. D.C. United (Aug. 18)



-- Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp; Belgian Pro League) - Not in 18, DNP in 4-2 loss at Omonia Nicosia in Europa League qualifier (Aug. 19)



-- Tim Weah (Lille; French Ligue 1) – 81 minutes in 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne (Aug. 21)



-- Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers; MLS) - 45 minutes in 3-0 loss at Austin FC (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 1-1 draw at Sporting Kansas City (Aug. 18)



-- DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray; Turkish Super Lig) - vs. Hatayspor, Monday, 2:45 p.m. ET



-- Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at LA Galaxy (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-1 draw vs. Minnesota United (Aug. 17)



-- Gyasi Zardes (Columbus SC; MLS) - Not in 18, DNP in 2-1 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 21); 45 minutes in 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls (Aug. 18)




https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/08/usmnt-rewind-antonee-robinson-brenden-aaronson-shine-for-their-clubs

Stoke City Tickets

Tickets are still available for Fulham's clash with Stoke City at Craven Cottage this weekend, as 1st takes on 3rd in the Sky Bet Championship!

The Whites will be looking to make it four wins in a row when we host the Potters on Saturday 28st August, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets for this fixture are each priced from £30 for adults, £25 for concessions and £15 for juniors. Adult Members will receive a discount on the price of their ticket, while all prices will increase by £5 on matchdays.

Fans are able to secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

BUY TICKETS

Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Stoke-City-Tickets/

Nottingham Forest dealt Cyrus Christie transfer blow

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Cyrus Christie back to the City Ground this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Sky Sports (via Football League World), who claim that the right-back's proposed move to Forest appears to have broken down, with it being reported that Dane Murphy failed to find a resolution regarding personal terms with the Fulham defender.

The report goes on to state that the 28-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract at Craven Cottage, suggesting that, should Marco Silva's side wish to receive any sort of fee for the Republic of Ireland international, they will have to sanction his sale this summer.

Hughton will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Christie was during his loan spell at Forest last season, in addition to the fact that Hughton is currently experiencing something of a defensive injury crisis at the City Ground, the fact that a move for the right-back looks to have broken down is sure to have left the 62-year-old gutted.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances for the Garibaldi last term, the £1.35m-rated man helped his side keep a whopping 14 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.2 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per game.

The player Martin O'Neill dubbed a "brilliant" talent also impressed in a creative capacity, registering three assists, creating three big chances for his teammates and making an average of one key pass per match.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Hughton's third-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, the addition of Christie would have certainly appeared to provide Hughton with a significant boost at a time when he desperately is in need of one, with his Forest side having lost all four of their opening fixtures of the Championship season, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

However, with a move for the Irishman now looking to be dead in the water, the Reds manager will have to turn his attention in what remains of the summer transfer window elsewhere regarding his search for defensive reinforcements – something that will undoubtedly be an extremely frustrating outcome for the 62-year-old.



https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-transfer-rumours/nottingham-forest-the-reds-garibaldi-chris-hughton-fulham-dane-murphy-cyrus-christie-the-championship

Silva set to ring the changes at Birmingham

Marco Silva says he will rotate his Fulham side for tomorrow night's trip to Birmingham City in the League Cup.

The Whites currently top the Championship after an unbeaten start to the new campaign and, with a stern test against fellow pacesetters Stoke City to come at Craven Cottage, Silva told Fulham FCTV that the Cup tie at St. Andrew's presents an opportunity for some of his fringe players to shine:

"Definitely. It was in my plans already. We have good competition [in the squad]. Unfortunately, we don't have all the squad ready now, if we did have then definitely we would change almost everything. We don't have this in this moment right now. We will do some changes because the players are playing well. The players who are on the bench are hungry to play football. Some are working really hard to get this chance and, again, they need to play.

"I want to see them playing. The Birmingham game will be important for us. We have respect for the competition as well, but this is a moment for some of the other players to show their quality. Our aim is to go there, to match them, to compete and to try and win the football match."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-set-to-ring-the-changes-at-birmingham/

'Talks have started' – Fulham player in surprise negotiations over move to Croatia, 'giving himself time to reflect'

In a very strange potential transfer, there is a chance that Fulham defender Maxime Le Marchand could end up in Croatia.

That's according to RMC Sport, who take to their live blog to bring us the news that the former OGC Nice centre-back is 'in contact with Dinamo Zagreb'.

It's explained that 'talks have started over the past few days' regarding a potential transfer, but the 31-year-old, who has just one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage, 'is giving himself some time to reflect' on the opportunity before taking a definitive decision on his future, as he 'privileges a return to France'.

Bought around the same time as Jean-Michael Seri, the Frenchman has had a bit more success at Fulham than his teammate managing 48 appearances in the white shirt compared to the Ivorian's 39.

However, the latter has found himself being used this season by Marco Silva, starting the last three games, which the Cottagers have all won.

With Le Marchand clearly out of the equation under the Portuguese manager, perhaps the move to Zagreb could be one to take if no one from Ligue 1 come knocking.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/talks-started-fulham-player-surprise-negotiations-move-croatia-giving-time-reflect/

Fulham's transfer stance on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa becomes clearer

Fulham are looking to sell Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa before the transfer window closes on August 31, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

That is despite Cottagers head coach Marco Silva insisting that he wanted the Cameroon international '100 per-cent involved' in the club's attempts to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The 25-year-old midfielder was a 2018 signing from French side Marseille, with Fulham paying reportedly around £30 million for his services.

Anguissa featured heavily in the Premier League but following the club's relegation to the Championship in 2019, he headed out on loan to Villarreal in La Liga for a season before returning to Craven Cottage yet again for top flight football.

The same scenario could be about to occur now Fulham are in the second tier once again, but this time Anguissa may be departing on a permanent basis.

Anguissa has appeared in three of Fulham's first four Championship games, but all of his outings have come off the substitutes bench.

And with AS Roma, Aston Villa, Everton and Arsenal all linked at different points this summer to the player, coupled with the strength in depth Fulham have in midfield, the Cottagers could cash in before the transfer window closes.

The Verdict

For a club in the Championship, Fulham's depth in the engine room is almost frightening.

You have Anguissa along with the likes of Harrison Reed, Jean Michael Seri, Josh Onomah and the club are also looking to sign Matt Grimes of Swansea City to add to that.

When you take all of that into consideration, it would make sense if they are looking to move Anguissa on, especially with the kind of clubs who are reportedly interested and the fact he's only appeared from the bench so far this season.

Anguissa is clearly a talented player but his sale would help Fulham massively when it comes to Financial Fair Play and it wouldn't be a shock if he was gone by the time September 1 rolls around.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulhams-transfer-stance-on-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-becomes-clearer/

Le Marchand 'in Dinamo Zagreb talks'

Fulham defender Maxime Le Marchand has opened talks with Dinamo Zagreb over a potential move to Croatia, according to reports from France.

The 31 year-old, who has made 48 appearances for Fulham since moving to Craven Cottage from Nice in 2018, has yet to make a competitive appearance under new boss Marco Silva and is widely expected to leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window. RMC Sport reports that Le Marchand, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Royal Antwerp, has started decisions with Dinamo but would prefer a return to France.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/le-marchand-in-dinamo-zagreb-talks/

Birmingham City v Fulham: Memorable meetings

Ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Birmingham City, we've taken a look back at a few famous wins at St. Andrew's. There's the night Jean Tigana's French revolution introduced itself to a national television audience, memories of a Mark Pembridge piledriver, when the late Papa Bouba Diop sealed a famous comeback and how Hugo Rodallega lifted the Whites off the bottom of the Championship table back in 2014. I'm sure you have plenty more memories – so feel free to share those in the comments.

Birmingham City 1-3 Fulham (18 August 2000)

This was one of the first indications that Jean Tigana's Fulham were set to be something special. Trevor Francis lauded the Whites' wonderful performance as the best he'd ever seen at St. Andrew's. In a clash billed as Geoff Horsfield's opportunity to remind Fulham what they were missing out on after the cult hero was shipped out of Craven Cottage shortly after Tigana's arrival, it was the visitors who made all the running in front of the Sky cameras. John Collins crashed home a first minute opener from the edge of the box before Louis Saha intercepted a dreadful pass from Darren Purse to double Fulham's lead and, although Danny Sonner halved the hosts' arrears, a quick free kick from Sean Davis restored the two-goal cushion.

Birmingham City 0-1 Fulham (27 October 2004)

This clash wouldn't live long in the memory in terms of quality but, at a time when Chris Coleman's side were struggling to pick up results, Fulham showed real resilience to complete a serious smash and grab raid to reach the fourth round of the League Cup. Mark Crossley made several outstanding saves to deny Dwight Yorke, Julian Gray and Jesper Gronkjaer as Blues dominated the contest, but it was Fulham who progressed despite barely threatening the home goal. The decisive goal was worthy of winning any game as veteran midfielder Mark Pembridge darted in from the left flank and curled an unstoppable 30-yarder past former Fulham keeper Maik Taylor.

Birmingham City 1-2 Fulham (22 January 2005)

Papa Bouba Diop's late header secured all three points for Fulham as the Whites came from behind to win a fiery fixture at St. Andrew's. Chris Coleman's men scored twice in five second half minutes as time ticked away and Birmingham looked to be heading for a crucial home win. The visitors shrugged off the setback of conceding Moritz Volz's own goal after Edwin van der Sar had saved from Emile Heskey, but the home crowd were furious with referee Phil Dowd after he adjudged that Damien Johnson had brought down Luis Boa Morte inside the box. Andrew Cole converted the penalty and, with the locals still fuming, Diop rose majestically at the back post to head home Mark Pembridge's free-kick to steal all three points.

Birmingham City 1-2 Fulham (27 September 2014)

This was a meeting of two former Fulham team-mates with Lee Clark in charge of Blues, whilst Kit Symons had been handed the Craven Cottage hotseat following the end of Felix Magath's disastrous tenure. A late strike from Hugo Rodallega earned Fulham's first win at the ninth time of asking and Symons' side showed great character to battle their way to three points after trailing to David Cotterill's beautiful curling effort. German full back Tim Hoogland rifled home an equaliser just after the hour when Nikolay Bodurov's effort fell kindly for him at a corner, before Rodallega punished some sloppy home defending to steer home the winner from a tight angle – sparking scenes of unbridled joy amongst the travelling support.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/birmingham-city-v-fulham-memorable-meetings/

European outfit make contact with Fulham over transfer for player

Dinamo Zagreb are interested in doing a deal for forgotten Fulham man Maxime Le Marchand.

The defender joined the Cottagers in 2018 when they were a newly-promoted Premier League side and he went on to make 26 appearances in the top-flight.

However, the Londoners were relegated and Le Marchand would struggle to make much of an impact in the next two years, as he featured in just 16 league games as Fulham went up and back down again, although he did join Antwerp on loan for a spell last season as well.

Now, back at Craven Cottage, Le Marchand doesn't appear to be in Marco Silva's plans as he hasn't been involved in a game since the Portuguese coach took over.

And, according to reports from France, the opportunity to join the Croatian champions is there, with talks having been held over a potential deal.

Despite that, it doesn't appear as though the switch is a formality, as the update does state that Le Marchand is considering his options as he had been keen on a return to France.

The verdict

It's clear that Le Marchand isn't needed at Fulham so a move would appear to suit all parties. Firstly, from the perspective of the player it would give him the chance to play regularly which he will want at this stage of his career.

Then, for Fulham, it frees up space in the squad and reduces wages, which will be a boost for them as they plan for life back in the Championship.

So, a move makes sense and it wouldn't be a surprise to see this happen before the deadline passes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/european-outfit-make-contact-with-fulham-over-transfer-for-player/

Cavaleiro earns Angola call-up after nationality switch

Fulham winger Ivan Cavaleiro has been called up for Angola's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers after having his nationality switch approved by FIFA.

Cavaleiro had won two senior international caps for Portugal but was allowed to change his nationality having appeared in less than three competitive fixtures at international level. He qualifiers for Angola through his father, Lindo, who won the youth national title as a promising young footballer. The former Wolves winger has been named in a 28-man squad by Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves for Angola's opening qualifiers against Egypt and Libya.

The 27 year-old has made four appearances under Fulham's new coach Marco Silva, scoring twice as a substitute in the impressive 5-1 against Huddersfield last weekend.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/cavaleiro-earns-angola-call-up-after-nationality-switch/

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Take Care Of Business Against Hull City

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8qQM4fApSfAtt5CcjSCQHS0uFRY=/0x0:1817x1234/1220x813/filters:focal(764x472:1054x762):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69765725/1234748066.0.jpg)
Photo by Tom West/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

This is our post match show of Fulham's 2-0 victory against Hull City.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/8/23/22638489/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-take-care-of-business-against-hull-city

Fabio Carvalho's contract
What a start to the season Carvalho has had, with him on the scoresheet again at the weekend in the win over Hull City.

He is a player of clear talent and has the potential to go far in the game, so it's obvious why Fulham have offered him new terms.

TK will be lauded and adored after he signs Carvalho to a four year contract extension before immediately selling him to Man City for 90 million !  :hook:

Surely with just a week before the window closes there should be a positive formal approach any day now if Anguissa is going to move. It will be good to get the matter settled one way or another.
Really difficult to understand why the window remains open for so long into the season.

Pre-Birmingham Press Conference

Tuesday night will give Marco Silva the opportunity to rotate his pack in the Carabao Cup, but progressing in the competition remains at the front of his mind.

With Fulham sitting top of the Championship, Silva was asked if the trip to Birmingham City would be an unwelcome distraction.

"Definitely not," he insisted. "We know the schedule already, it's not only just appeared now, and it could be a good moment for us to give minutes to players who can be really important in the future for us.

"They have not played much but they will be really important, I have no doubts about it, in the future for us.

"It's a good moment to play the game, and let's go to play and match them and try to go through in the competition."

The Whites' starting XI has been pretty consistent so far this season, but Silva says whoever plays at St Andrew's will be there on merit.

"We have to manage the physical condition of our players," our Head Coach explained. "We're at the start of the season but playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, in eight days you have played three games, and it's almost with the same XI.

"Okay, Harry Wilson and Bobby Reid played [against Huddersfield] and then didn't play and we changed the wingers, but all the others were the same.

"We have to manage their physical conditions, let's see how they are and I will take the decisions.

"But, of course, it's a moment for me to see some of the players, because they are working so hard. They are deserving this chance, and it's a good moment for me to give the chance to them.

"It's not because we don't respect the competition, we will go there to match our opponent, to try to get the result we want to go through in the competition, definitely.

"The players are working so hard and they deserve this chance, and they will get the chance to show their quality."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Pre-Birmingham-Press-Conference/

Up next: Birmingham City (a)

Unbeaten in the league – with three impressive wins in a week – and sitting joint top of the Championship, Marco Silva has plenty of reasons to be very pleased with his first six weeks in charge at Fulham. The Portuguese head coach's professionalism and pursuit of high standards meant he professed dismay at not fully putting Hull City to the sword on Saturday, but it is clear that elements of his adventurous approach have percolated through to the first team squad. As starts go, this is Fulham's best since 2000/2001 – which is not a bad yardstick to measure against when you are trying to win promotion to the Premier League.

The challenge at Birmingham tonight is somewhat different. Cup runs, as rare as Fulham's are, are lovely things to have but a return to the top flight is most definitely the club's overarching ambition. That means, as Silva has already signalled, that there will be significant rotation of resources at St. Andrew's. It will offer an opportunity for some of those on the periphery so far this season – and given the way injuries dramatically forced a rejig within the first half an hour at the weekend – they could be playing for a place in Silva's first team plans.

The tussle with Lee Bowyer's charges takes on added significance for someone like Alfie Mawson, who would initially been viewing this as a chance to show a new head coach how he could fit the emerging Silva system. Should he get the nod tonight, it will be an opening to build on his impressive return against Hull and get more minutes under his belt at a time where there is still suspicion about his injury record. Whoever is selected at right back will come under some scrutiny after Kenny Tete's hamstring strain on Saturday. Fulham are well catered for in this position – but it will be intriguing to see which one of Cyrus Christie, coveted of late by Nottingham Forest, utility man Denis Odoi or Steven Sessegnon, who hasn't had the opportunities his talent merits, lines up there.

The rest of the side will likely be a bit mix-and-match with half an eye on Saturday's showdown with Stoke City, another of the early pacesetters, at Craven Cottage. There should be another outing for Tyrese Francois, who enjoyed an encouraging league debut against Middlesbrough on the opening weekend before being usurped by Jean-Michael Seri's stunning return, and you wonder if a couple of the youngsters who have shone during the under 23's excellent start to the new campaign. Sonny Hilton has shown a real eye for goal and Silva included Terry Ablade in a couple of the squads for the summer friendlies.

The most likely candidate for a start is Jay Stansfield, the promising young striker who has been training with the first team and has featured on the bench in the last couple of games. With Rodrigo Muniz heading to London today ahead of joining up with his new team-mates, this would be an ideal opportunity for Stansfield, so devastating for Fulham's youth teams in his first season after moving from Exeter before injury cruelly strike, to demonstrate his talents. He had a couple of impressive cameos under Scott Parker and certainly won't be overawed by the challenge.

Birmingham have made an impressive start to the new campaign, with the canny Bowyer proving an astute managerial appointment – who has offered some temporary relief from the other chaos engulfing the football club at the moment. Blues have played bright and disciplined football, with their only defeat coming against a Bournemouth side that they largely dominated. Changes will be the order of the day for Bowyer as well – and it remains to be seen whether former Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will be fit to make a first-team return this evening.

Chuks Aneke could be handed a start after scoring his first Birmingham goal in the impressive dismantling of Luton on Saturday, having followed his manager from Charlton in the summer, and seasoned Championship campaigners George Friend and Gary Gardner might feature too. Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong has oozed class on the wing and Fulham will need to watch the Dutch wide man carefully if he isn't given a night off.

With the league a priority for both sides, there might be a little levelling off in terms of intensity at times tonight – but this is a crucial fixture for many of the players likely to be involved. The gruelling Championship season tests even the most stacked of squads and, as we have seen already in the past few days, an injury crisis can strike at any time. A good performance this evening might make the difference between heading for the exit in the final hours of the transfer window and playing a key part in a promotion push. Silva, who will already know to be a demanding coach, will be watching carefully.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Sessegnon, Bryan, Mawson, Odoi; Francois, Anguissa; Decordova-Reid, Hilton, Kebano; Stansfield. Subs: L. Ashby-Hammond, Christie, Hector, Onomah, Ablade, Carvalho, Cavaleiro.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/up-next-birmingham-city-a-2/

Fulham boss talks squad rotation ahead of Birmingham City clash with several still sidelined

Fulham head to Birmingham City n the Carabao Cup Second Round tonight.

Championship table-toppers Fulham travel to St Andrew's this evening, to face a Birmingham City side who've claimed seven points from their opening four league games this season.

Marco Silva's side though are the standout performers in the Championship so far this season – they lead both West Brom and Stoke City on goal difference and speaking to the club ahead of tonight, the Portuguese boss spoke of rotating his squad tonight:

"We have to manage the physical condition of our players. We're at the start of the season but playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, in eight days you have played three games, and it's almost with the same XI.

"Okay, Harry Wilson and Bobby Reid played [against Huddersfield] and then didn't play and we changed the wingers, but all the others were the same.

"We have to manage their physical conditions, let's see how they are and I will take the decisions."

Fulham have had a few injuries to start the season – all of Tom Cairney, Terrence Kongolo, Anthony Knockaert, Maxime Le Marchand and Harrison Reed are yet to play under Silva.

Reed is thought to be nearing his return to fitness though the likes of Cairney and Kongolo still face a while on the sidelines.

"But, of course, it's a moment for me to see some of the players, because they are working so hard," Silva continued. "They are deserving this chance, and it's a good moment for me to give the chance to them.

"It's not because we don't respect the competition, we will go there to match our opponent, to try to get the result we want to go through in the competition, definitely.

"The players are working so hard and they deserve this chance, and they will get the chance to show their quality."

Fulham have some quality youngsters in their ranks. Fabio Carvalho has been a standout performer in the Championship so far this season with three goals in his opening four league outings, with the likes of Tyrese Francois and Abdul-Nasir Adarabioyo another couple of younger players who are part of Silva's plans.

Birmingham City will present another tough assignment for the Whites and expect both sides to field make-shift sides as they hope to maintain their positive starts to he Championship season.




https://the72.co.uk/247950/fulham-boss-talks-squad-rotation-ahead-of-birmingham-city-clash-with-several-still-sidelined/

Birmingham City: Lee Bowyer must unleash Chuks Aneke vs Fulham

After comfortably guiding his Birmingham City side to survival last season, and following an impressive summer transfer window, Lee Bowyer has managed to maintain the Blues' fine form into the club's 2021/22 Championship campaign – winning two, drawing one and losing one of their opening four league fixtures.

The 44-year-old has also guided his team through to the Carabao Cup second round, defeating Colchester United 1-0 in the first round two weeks ago, and the Blues face Fulham in that competition on Tuesday night.

With the competition perhaps not being a priority for Bowyer during a season in which the manager will undoubtedly be prioritising the club's league campaign, the fixture will allow him to rotate his side in order to take a look at a couple of younger talents, as well as his first-team fringe players.

One such player who falls into the latter category is Chuks Aneke, the 28-year-old summer signing from Bowyer's former employers Charlton Athletic.

Indeed, game-time has been limited for the £360k-rated forward at St Andrew's so far this season, having made three substitute appearances in the Championship, over which he has scored one goal and averaged just 24 minutes on the pitch per game.

However, Aneke demonstrated over his 38 League One appearances for the Addicks last term that he could well deserve a shot from the off against Fulham, with the £5.4k-per-week marksman scoring 15 goals, providing two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.3 shots and making 0.6 key passes per match.

These returns saw the man who Bowyer himself dubbed an "immense" talent earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Charlton's fifth-best performer in the third tier last season.

As such, it would certainly appear that, when he is given the opportunity, the forward can bring considerable returns to his club.

With not much at stake in a cup clash with the Championship table-toppers, it would seem highly advisable for Bowyer to give Aneke a chance from the off. His presence in and around the box could well terrify the Cottagers' backline, as well as affording the manager a chance to see what the 28-year-old is capable of producing against a challenging opponent.



https://www.footballfancast.com/birmingham-city-news/birmingham-city-the-blues-team-news-lee-bowyer-fulham-chuks-aneke-carabao-cup-the-championship

Birmingham Matchday Preview

Birmingham City v Fulham | Tuesday 24th August 2021 | 7.45pm | St Andrew's | #BIRFUL

The opposition

    Blues find themselves in Round Two of the Carabao Cup after a hard fought victory over Colchester United. It was a tight game against the League Two side – who had Fulham loanee Sylvester Jasper in their starting XI – but a 75th minute strike from teenager Marcel Oakley on his debut was enough to secure a 1-0 win.
    In the league, it's been a good start to the campaign for Lee Bowyer's men, taking seven points from their opening four matches. Last week they recovered from a smash and grab defeat by Bournemouth by putting five past Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
    City are also the only side to have conceded fewer league goals than Fulham in 2021/22, with the two scored by Bournemouth the only ones they've shipped so far.

Birmingham team news

Former Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been recovering from Covid but is now back training, while loanee Dion Sanderson could be handed a debut after building up his fitness in the PL2.

Fulham team news

Harry Wilson sits out the third and final game of his ban, while Tim Ream, Kenny Tete and Fabio Carvalho will be assessed after picking up knocks on Saturday. Marco Silva has already said, though, that he will be making changes for the Cup tie.

Tickets

This match is now off sale, with no tickets available to purchase on the night. Do not travel if you have not already purchased a ticket! For those collecting tickets, these will be available from the Away Car Park at St Andrew's.

Permutations

If the score is level after 90 minutes, we will have a penalty shoot-out.

Weather

It will be a dry and mild evening in the Midlands, with temperatures around 18 degrees.

FFCtv

We are not permitted to stream Carabao Cup matches, but live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid will be available to FFCtv subscribers.

Player insight

Alfie Mawson is hoping for some more minutes at St Andrew's having featured for the majority of Fulham's win over Hull City after replacing the injured Tim Ream.

"I was devastated that Tim had to come off injured, hopefully he's alright," he told FFCtv. "But you've got to be ready and I'm buzzing to be back out there.

"I feel like I'm in a good position at the moment, physically and mentally. It's times like this where you've got to come together and be ready.

"I thought Tuesday night was going to be a big game for me and a lot of the lads who have been on the periphery, and we have to be ready."

Form

Birmingham: WWDLW

Fulham: DWWW

Pre-match quote





https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Birmingham-Matchday-Preview/

Good news that Ream/Tete/Carvalho are being assessed and their injuries described as knocks, so even if they are rested tonight, as would be expected, hopefully they will be available for selection soon.

Silva 'asked board to sign Muniz'

Some interesting comments from Marco Silva on Fulham's recruitment – courtesy of the Athletic's Peter Rutzler. Asked specifically about the arrival of Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo, the Fulham head coach said:

"Was he a player that I asked the board to sign? Definitely. Like I asked to sign Harry Wilson, and like I asked to sign Paulo Gazzaniga. I cannot see football in a different way. You work with the board, but to be clear, they were players I asked 100 per cent to be signed. Rodrigo was a player that came from myself to the club, and of course after the club analysed him and all the others as well."

Silva's insistence on prolonging Fulham's interest in the Brazilian striker, which looked like floundering earlier this summer when Flamengo rejected the club's initial loan offer, may hint at a change in transfer strategy or at least greater influence for the new head coach than some of his predecessors have enjoyed. It is noteworthy that Silva suggests that the signings of Paulo Gazzaniga and Harry Wilson originated with him rather than other members of the club's recruitment team.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-asked-board-to-sign-muniz/

Wilson wins Wales call up

Fulham winger Harry Wilson has been named in the Welsh squad for their three September international fixtures.

Welsh boss Robert Page has named a 27-man squad for a friendly against Finland on 1 September and two World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Estonia. Wilson enjoyed a fine start to his Fulham career following his summer switch from Liverpool, scoring on his debut against Middlesbrough. The winger starred in the 5-1 win at Huddersfield, but was sent off for violent conduct midway through the second half at the St. John's Smith Stadium and serves the final game of his three match suspension this evening.

The 24 year-old has won 29 senior caps for Wales, scoring five goals and was part of the Welsh Euro 2020 squad.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/wilson-wins-wales-call-up/

Rodak named in Slovakia squad

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has been named in Slovakia's squad for their three World Cup qualifiers next month.

Rodak, who was part of Slovakia's Euro 2020 squad but did not feature at the finals, is likely to be Stefan Tarkovic's number one for the matches against Slovenia, Croatia and Cyprus as Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is unavailable after undergoing foot surgery over the summer and missing the start of the Premier League season.

The 24 year-old has played second fiddle to new signing Paulo Gazzaniga at Craven Cottage so far this season but is expected to get his chance to impress Marco Silva in tonight's League Cup tie at Birmingham City. Rodak has won six senior caps for his country and excelled as Fulham were promoted from the Championship in 2019/20 but then had to watch most of last season from the bench after the Whites signed Alphonse Areola on loan.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/rodak-named-in-slovakia-squad/

Fulham boss Marco Silva makes transfer admission after recent events

Fulham boss Marco Silva has confirmed that he asked the club's board to sign Rodrigo Muniz this summer, as per a recent post on Twitter by The Athletic's Fulham reporter Peter Rutzler.

The Brazilian centre forward became Silva's third new signing of the window since taking charge of Fulham on Friday and will add to the team's striking options moving forwards.

Aged just 20, Muniz is viewed as a great prospect for the future by the West London side and will be looking to make a long lasting impact alongside the club's other summer signings, Harry Wilson and Paulo Gazzaniga, at Craven Cottage.

Now Silva has been quick to stress that it was entirely his decision to bring the young striker to the football club, as he stated the following on the signing recently;

Silva: "This is a moment for me to see some players because they are working so hard. They are deserving the chance. It's not because we don't respect the competition. We will go to match our opponent, to get the result we want and go through the competition."

— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) August 24, 2021

Muniz arrives in the capital with a growing pedigree and the hope will be that he can repeat the sort of form that he showed during his time at former club Flamengo, who he scored five times in 24 games for before moving to England.

The striker has put pen to paper on a five year deal with Fulham and could soon be involved in their upcoming games.

The Verdict

Silva has a reputation for buying players that have the potential to go onto bigger things and there is certainly a feeling that this signing falls into that category.

Muniz is very much an up and coming prospect and could well net the club a hefty profit in the years to come if he hits the ground running in the Sky Bet Championship.

As was seen during his time at Watford, Silva brought in Richarlison from another Brazilian club in Fluminense and the Hornets went on to benefit well financially after he first thrived at Vicarage Road and then left to join Everton.

The signing of Muniz once again showcases Fulham's financial might in comparison to their second tier rivals and the pressure and expectations will be set high for a player who is still very much making his way in the game.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-boss-marco-silva-makes-transfer-admission-after-recent-events/

Decordova-Reid starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face Birmingham tonight

Fulham are in Carabao Cup action this evening against fellow Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City.

The Cottagers have started the season very well indeed and underlined their credentials as promotion contenders early on with 10 points from a possible 12.

Now, though, focus is switching to the EFL Cup at least for tonight and it would be no surprise to see Marco Silva switch up his side and give some players a rest ahead of a cracking looking game at the weekend against strong starting Stoke City.

That said, Aleksandar Mitrovic could be given a rest with Bobby Decordova-Reid coming in and playing a more advanced role, whilst Neeskens Kebano may remain in the side with Ivan Cavaleiro on the other flank.

Fabio Carvalho may also be given a rest and that could see Tyrese Francois in the side as he looks to impress, too, whilst in defence we could see the likes of Joe Bryan, Alfie Mawson and Denis Odoi all given a run-out.

Marek Rodak could also get a start in goal, too.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/decordova-reid-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-birmingham-tonight/

Opposition report: Fulham
Fulham are the visitors as Blues compete in Carabao Cup Second Round action this evening. Here's everything you need to know about the away side...

FORM GUIDE:

10 goals scored, three wins and a draw in Fulham's opening four fixtures represents a good start for Marco Silva's side in the Sky Bet Championship.

The spoils were shared in their opener against Neil Warnock's robust Middlesbrough, before Fulham scored five as they swept aside Huddersfield Town in Yorkshire. A more closely fought affair would follow against London neighbours Millwall which ended in a 2-1 win, before Saturday's solid 2-0 away victory over Hull City.

This is the Cottagers' first game in the Carabao Cup this season – as one of the relegated sides they enter at the Second Round stage.

IN THE DUGOUT:

Portuguese manager Marco Silva is the man tasked with leading Fulham back to the top flight at the first attempt.

His entire career was spent in his homeland and his first job in management was with Estoril, whom he played for over a six year spell towards the end of his career.

From Estoril, he'd spend a season at Sporting Lisbon, whom he led to the Portuguese Cup before heading abroad for the first time. First with Olympiacos, where he won the Greek Super League, before he left for England, where he's managed for the past four years. The former right-back has had spells with Hull City, Watford, Everton and now Fulham.

The Cottagers have been big spenders this summer, recruiting the likes of Harry Wilson from Liverpool and more recently, Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo.

ONE TO WATCH:

Silva is likely to rest several first-team players this evening, so expect a runout for Bobby Decordova-Reid.

The former Bristol City man is into his third season with the Whites and will have a point to prove as Aleksandr Mitrovic and Fabio Carvalho continue their free-scoring form in the league.

The former Bristol City and Cardiff man has scored nine goals in 61 appearances for Fulham but is yet to get off the mark this season.

Quick, hard-working and experienced, he's one to keep an eye on this evening.

LAST TIME OUT:

Blues fell to a last-minute defeat when the two sides last met in 2020 at Craven Cottage.

Josh Onomah – still on the books at Fulham – scored five minutes into added time to inflict a cruel defeat on Pep Clotet's Blues, who had several opportunities themselves.

PREVIOUS KNOCKINGS:

Matches between Blues and Fulham have been contested for over 100 years and the two have met consistently since their first game in 1908.

Blues have been on the receiving end of a couple of defeats in the last two games between the pair but won three of the four games before that.

In the 92 overall matches between the sides, Blues have won 34, Fulham 30, with 28 draws.

DID YOU KNOW?

The original 'cottage' of Craven Cottage – Fulham's home ground – was built in the 18th century.

It was located in what would be the centre-circle of the ground and it's thought the surrounding woodland around the stadium was part of Anne Boleyn's hunting grounds.



https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2021/opposition-report-fulham/

Preview: Blues V Fulham
Blues host Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

It is just a second League Cup meeting between the two sides as both look to progress having made strong starts to their respective Sky Bet Championship seasons.

Blues come into tonight's encounter having thrashed Luton Town 5-0 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Scott Hogan's brace and goals from Marc Roberts, Gary Gardner and Chuks Aneke saw Blues back up the M1 with all three points and a best away win in almost ten years.

A first round win over Colchester United came a fortnight ago, with Marcel Oakley's goal seeing Blues through on a memorable first-team debut. 

As for the visitors, they are unbeaten in the league having won three and drawn once. On Saturday, they dispatched Hull City 2-0 at Craven Cottage - Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fabio Carvalho both scoring for the third game in succession.

THE OPPOSITION

London's oldest professional football club are yet to play a game in the League Cup this season and will make their bow against Blues, having been relegated from the Premier League in May.

It's a tournament Fulham have enjoyed limited success in over the past few decades - their best runs since the 1970s came in the early 2000s when they twice made the quarter-finals.

But a priority this season will surely be a return to the top flight for Marco Silva's team, who were relegated with three games to play in May under the management of former boss Scott Parker.

Their Portuguese manager, who signed in the summer, is well versed in English football and brings experience having had spells in the dugout at Everton, Watford and Hull City.

LAST TIME OUT

Blues enjoyed a superb afternoon at Kenilworth Road as they trounced the Hatters 5-0. Hogan's brace, a thumping Roberts header, Gardner's excellent strike and Aneke's bundled effort – his first for the club – sealed the victory. The win marked a fourth clean sheet in five games for Bowyer's side as they continue their impressive start to the new campaign.

As for the visitors, Mitrovic and rising star Carvalho both scored as Fulham beat newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday. Mitrovic, playing his fifth season with the Cottagers headed home from a corner midway through the first-half, whilst Carvalho added a second ten minutes later. Defensively, Silva's team weren't troubled by the Tigers as they notched a first clean sheet of the term and extended their unbeaten run.

WE MEET AGAIN:

Fulham 1-0 Blues, Saturday 4th July 2020

An empty Craven Cottage saw Fulham squeeze past Blues in July 2020.

Josh Onomah's 95th-minute strike was harsh on Blues, who'd seen a number of Jude Bellingham attempts well-saved by Marek Rodak in the first-half.

Rodak's opposite number Lee Camp also had a bright game, saving well from Joe Bryan, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Onomah, before the latter's late winner.

TEAM NEWS:

Lee Bowyer has no fresh injury concerns. Dion Sanderson and Neil Etheridge continue to work towards full fitness.

HEAD TO HEAD:

Blues wins: 34

Draws: 28

Fulham wins: 30

LAST FIVE MEETINGS:

Championship 04 Feb 2017 – Blues 1-0 Fulham

Championship 09 Dec 2017 Fulham 1-0 Blues

Championship 06 May 2018 Blues 3-1 Fulham

Championship 09 November 2019 Blues 0-1 Fulham

Championship 04 July 2020 Fulham 1-0 Blues

BLUESTV:

Competition regulations prevent the match from being streamed on BluesTV. However, subscribers in the UK can enjoy full audio commentary from the Carabao Cup tie.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Assistant Referees: OliverBickle and James Vallance

Fourth Official: Aaron Jackson



https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2021/preview-blues-v-fulham/

LOAN ROUND-UP: WICKENS MAKES DEBUT

Goalkeeper George Wickens made his league debut on Saturday for Wealdstone FC, who fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Woking.

Our stopper made a couple of strong saves and despite the scoreline, was pleased to make his debut:

"It was a nice feeling to make my debut and perform well in it. It's a big step up in terms of physicality and what I'm having to deal with.

"I feel it's the best thing for me in terms of pushing on and hopefully becoming a First Team player at Fulham in the future."

Sylvester Jasper celebrated his first win with League Two outfit Colchester United at the weekend. The 19-year-old got another 82 minutes under his belt, as the U's secured a 2-1 away win against Oldham Athletic.

Things were just as good for Timmy Abraham over in Wales, with Newport County picking up a 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers. Timmy was introduced in the 62nd minute but was unable to help the Exiles to a second goal.

Jerome Opoku did not feature in the squad for Danish side Vejle Boldklub.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Loan-Round-Up-Wickens-Makes-Debut/

Fulham: Marco Silva must unleash Rodrigo Muniz vs Birmingham

Marco Silva's reign at Fulham could hardly have got off to a better start, with the Cottagers currently sitting top of the Championship table, having picked up 10 points from their opening four fixtures of the season, as well as enjoying a very successful summer transfer window.

Indeed, having already secured the arrivals of Paulo Gazzaniga and Harry Wilson this summer, Tony Khan recently revealed that Fulham have also landed a £7.2m deal for Flamengo centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz.

With a Carabao Cup fixture against Birmingham City coming up tonight for the Cottagers, the game against Lee Bowyer's men could well provide Silva with the perfect opportunity to blood the 20-year-old into his side.

Indeed, the Brazilian seems to be an incredibly exciting prospect, having scored three goals, registered one assist and created two big chances over his nine Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A appearances for Flamengo so far this year, returns which saw the youngster earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.16.

As such, the £2.7m-rated man would not simply appear to be a prospect for the future of Fulham – he is a player who boasts the ability to make a big difference for the club in their push for promotion this season.

It is likely that it will take the man who Khan dubbed an "exciting" talent a little while to adjust from the Brazilian game to England, but the relatively risk-free Carabao Cup clash against Birmingham could well be an ideal chance for Silva to see Muniz in action, as well as granting the striker valuable game-time as he becomes accustomed to his new surroundings.

Once the 20-year-old is up to speed in west London, we would not bet against him flourishing under the guidance of Fulham's Portuguese manager – something we could well see the first glimpse of against the Blues tonight.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-the-cottagers-team-news-marco-silva-rodrigo-muniz-birmingham-city-carabao-cup-the-championship

18-year-old defender starts: The predicted Birmingham City XI vs Fulham tonight

Birmingham City face fellow Championship side Fulham at St. Andrew's this evening as they look to progress to round three of the League Cup.

Lee Bowyer will want to build on Saturday's magnificent 5-0 win at Luton but his heavily rotated team in the victory over Colchester earlier this month shows that the cup is not the priority for Blues this season.

Therefore, with one eye on the weekend trip to Barnsley, the boss is expected to make plenty of changes again and here we look at the XI he will go with.


Neil Etheridge is pleasingly closing in on a return to action but this game is likely to come too soon for the number one, meaning Connal Trueman should get another opportunity.

Meanwhile, Bowyer is sure to go with the same back four that beat the U's, so the regular defensive unit get a rest. Fans will be pleased to see how youngsters Marcel Oakley and Nico Gordon get on in a tough test.

Moving forward, the chance to get minutes for Riley McGree, Jordan Graham and Ivan Sanchez will delight the boss and it will be down to those individuals to impress and show why they deserve to play on a Saturday. With Gary Gardner having started on the bench at Kenilworth Road, he should come into the XI as well.

Finally, Jonathan Leko and Chuks Aneke will also be keen to get a rare start this season and they too will be hoping to give Bowyer a selection dilemma moving forward by getting on the scoresheet.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/18-year-old-defender-starts-the-predicted-birmingham-city-xi-vs-fulham-tonight/

3 curveballs that Marco Silva could throw at Lee Bowyer ahead of Fulham's cup trip to Birmingham City

Fulham travel to St Andrew's in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening with plenty of options at Marco Silva's disposal in looking to rest and rotate, or even surprise Lee Bowyer.

18-year-old Marcel Oakley scored the only goal of the game as the Blues got past Colchester United 1-0 in the first round, and they will be looking to continue their positive momentum on Tuesday evening.

With eight days to go in the window, Silva still has an embarrassment of riches for the level of opposition and the cup competition will not change that, key men so far this season Fabio Carvalho and Aleksandar Mitrovic could be rested with new signing Rodrigo Muniz possibly making his full debut after his transfer from Flamengo.

There may also be opportunities for Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert to get some minutes as they enter the final stages of their returns from injury.

Here, then, we look at three curveball selections Silva could make to freshen up his side on Tuesday evening...

Play-off hero Joe Bryan
Silva could name 11 changes from the club's 2-0 home win over Hull City on Saturday and probably produce a lineup that would compete inside the top six of the Championship.

Joe Bryan could be one to come in for the trip on Tuesday evening, to give Antonee Robinson a rest at left-back.

Bryan bagged an extra-time brace for the Cottagers as they beat Brentford 2-0 in the 2019/20 play-off final, and even outside of that performance was a key man in their promotion. His delivery from wide areas is his standout strength and the 27-year-old could be in a position to provide an assist or at least create some chances if Muniz gets the nod.

Championship ace to roll back the years?
Anthony Knockaert has won promotion from the Championship three times, once with Fulham, and the league's Player of the Year Award in 2016/17.  There are fitness concerns over his selection however it seems likely he will play some part in the match.

A nightmare for fullbacks in years gone by but at 29 after a slow and steady year at Nottingham Forest last term, the fear factor is no longer present around the Frenchman.

Knockaert will be determined to show his manager that he can contribute to Fulham's automatic promotion push, by proving his fitness and skillset on Tuesday evening, the League Cup presents the perfect opportunity and with the Blues not boasting anywhere near the Cottagers' strength in depth, Knockaert could cause all kinds of problems on Tuesday evening.

Unknown quantity
Rodrigo Muniz is likely to come in for his first appearance in Fulham colours at St Andrew's, the 20-year-old scored four times in 19 Brazilian Serie A matches prior to the move, with the Cottagers acquiring his services for £7.2 million according to Transfermarkt.

With so little experience in the senior game it is hard to gauge what we can expect immediately from Muniz, however, the fee suggests a lot at Championship level.

The deal speaks volumes to Fulham's leg up in the second tier this season, with the ability to spend over £7 million on a man set to play second fiddle to Aleksandar Mitrovic in this campaign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-curveballs-that-marco-silva-could-throw-at-lee-bowyer-ahead-of-fulhams-cup-trip-to-birmingham-city/