Valerien Ismael identifies key area that West Brom need to work on ahead of Fulham clash
West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael has revealed that he believes that his team will need to find the right balance in regards to how they approach games if they are to achieve a great deal of success in the Championship this season.
The Baggies have managed to make an encouraging start to life under the guidance of the Frenchman as the club's players have already adapted to Ismael's distinctive style of play which relies heavily on pressing the opposition in the final-third.
Having secured a comfortable 3-0 victory in their showdown with Bristol City last weekend, West Brom will be determined to send out a real signal of intent to the rest of the Championship by securing a positive result in their clash with Fulham on Saturday.
Currently third in the second-tier standings, West Brom will move above their opponents in the table if they seal all three points at Craven Cottage.
Ahead of this game, Ismael has admitted that his side will need to find the right balance if they are to emerge as legitimate contenders for automatic promotion.
Speaking to the Express & Star, the Baggies boss said: "One thing I learnt in the Championship from last season – whether you win or lose, you have to find the right balance.
"You can't overact if you lose a game and you can't be euphoric if you win.
"Just try to find a balance because it is a marathon.
"The key is taking points with consistency, only like that will we get what we want.
"We are in October, the season finishes in May.
"There is still a long way to go.
"We know what we need to improve."
The Verdict
When you consider that the best sides in Championship history have managed to maintain their consistency at this level over the course of a season, it is hardly a surprise that Ismael wants West Brom to step up their performance levels in the coming months.
The Baggies boss is currently able to call upon the services of a host of players who have excelled at this level in recent years and thus will be confident in his ability to guide his side to a promotion push.
Set to face a Fulham side who will also be eyeing up an immediate return to the Premier League in 2022, it will be fascinating to see whether West Brom are able to secure their fourth away-league victory of the season on Saturday.
Ismael will be hoping that the likes of Alex Mowatt, who is currently averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.21 in the Championship, and top-scorer Karlan Grant will be able to help the Baggies seal an eye-catching result at Craven Cottage.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/valerien-ismael-identifies-key-area-that-west-brom-need-to-work-on-ahead-of-fulham-clash/
"I had to go" – Player explains summer Fulham exit, sees is at 'end of a little cycle'
Aboubakar Kamara's struggles to find the back of the net regularly for Fulham saw his game time restricted during his four-year spell in England.
The striker managed 17 goals and seven assists in 94 matches in all competitions for the Cottagers, out of which only three of them came in the Premier League.
He failed to score a goal in the league in the first half of the last season and lack of minutes at Craven Cottage convinced the 26-year-old to join Dijon on loan in the winter 2020 market.
After returning to the English capital in the summer, the player left Fulham permanently and sealed a switch to Greek side Aris, where Kamara is not only enjoying more playing time with his current club, but has also impressed so far, managing two goals and two assists in seven league matches.
Foot Mercato were given an opportunity to interview the frontman and when asked about his first few months with Aris, he detailed why he decided to leave the Championship side.
"Why this choice? I think it was an end, the end of a little cycle with Fulham. I don't know if I've been in this club long enough, if I shouldn't have stayed a little longer, but quite honestly I think more than it was the end of a cycle. I had to go, I had to discover new horizons to flourish and then just change of scenery," he said.
When quizzed if the recent statistics shows he has the confidence of his manager, Kamara said: "Exactly and that's also why I left Fulham even though I felt good at this club and had all my bearings at Fulham."
"After having had a discussion with the coach, a big discussion with my agents, but also a discussion with Aris, my choice fell towards Greece. Today I play every match so it's already positive on this point. When you are given confidence, it necessarily contributes to your development."
http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-go-player-explains-summer-fulham-exit-sees-end-little-cycle/
2 summer targets Fulham should revisit in January – do you agree?
Fulham have enjoyed a decent start to the Championship and currently find themselves 2nd in the league, behind only AFC Bournemouth.
With Fulham's new additions of Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz and an experienced manager in Marco Silva, many predicted that a return to the Premier League would be imminent.
The west London side got off to a fantastic start to the season where they were unbeaten in their opening five games. Despite a recent dip in form, Fulham are beginning to play their free-flowing football again and are currently the top scorers in the league with 33 goals.
Here we take a look at two summer transfer targets Fulham should revisit in January to give them a better chance of helping them gain promotion.
Matt Grimes
Swansea City captain Matt Grimes was a main target for Silva in the summer with the Welsh side rejecting bids worth up to £2.5 million.
Silva did add new signings in the middle of the park where Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina joined but have only made a combined six appearances between them.
The midfielder who is calm on the ball has played 14 times for the Swans this season and if Fulham were to get the deal done, he would bring quality to already an extremely solid midfield.
Grimes' contract does expire in the summer of 2022 so we could see Fulham swoop in for him at a cheaper price that they were originally going for.
Sirki Dembélé
A talented winger who has enjoyed a fine start to his first season in the Championship with Peterborough United.
Another player whose contract expires in the summer, Dembélé has helped play a key role for Posh this season and has already got four goals to his name.
Fulham were linked with the 25-year-old last summer but reportedly could not agree a deal. If Fulham were able to get the deal done, he would be able to add pace and directness to what is already a talented attacking side.
https://the72.co.uk/254237/2-summer-targets-fulham-should-revisit-in-january-do-you-agree/
Fabio Carvalho sends six-word Instagram message to Leeds star after debut
Cody Drameh made his debut for Leeds United on Wednesday night against Arsenal and reported Leeds target Fabio Carvalho has posted on Instagram.
Drameh, 19, has been a mainstay of the Under-23 side that earned promotion from PL2's second tier to the first division last season.
For many, it was expected that Drameh would get his debut at senior level this season. Marcelo Bielsa threw him into the side on Wednesday.
He came up against Gabriel Martinelli, and the teen was superb. Renowned for his tackling, he dominated the Brazilian for much of the game.
His stats were excellent. Posting on Instagram, England Under-20 international Drameh underlined his delight to make his debut for Leeds.
Carvalho, 19, is a player that might be known to Leeds fans. He scored a couple of goals for Fulham's 23's against Leeds and Drameh in PL2.
He has since broken into the senior side under Marco Silva and scored four goals in 11 senior outings – but is currently out with an injury.
The Athletic said earlier this season that Leeds and West Ham were keen on signing Drameh's old Fulham teammate.
Carvalho has responded on Instagram to Drameh making his debut for Leeds – posting a touching six-word message.
https://tbrfootball.com/fabio-carvalho-sends-six-word-instagram-message-to-leeds-star-after-debut/
Preview: Fulham vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham and West Bromwich Albion square off at Craven Cottage on Saturday with both clubs looking to close the gap on Championship leaders Bournemouth.
These two teams have prevailed in four of their last six league outings, creating distance between themselves and fourth position.
Match preview
While the September international break came at the wrong time for Fulham, there can be no arguments that October's equivalent proved decisive in Marco Silva's men getting back on track.
Maximum points and 10 goals from fixtures against Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City and Nottingham Forest have moved the West Londoners back into second spot.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has continued his remarkable scoring streak, netting half of those goals to take his tally for the season to 15 strikes from just 14 appearances.
Nevertheless, Silva will likely be more satisfied with just one goal being conceded, a much-needed improvement on shipping nine times in their previous five fixtures.
Should they be able to keep things tight at the back and Mitrovic out of the treatment room, Fulham have the quality to close the five-point gap to the Cherries.
That said, momentum can quickly be lost on Saturday afternoon with the Baggies travelling to the capital with a point to prove after successive away defeats.
Remaining unbeaten at The Hawthorns will keep West Brom in the mix, but they need to improve away from the West Midlands if they are to last the pace in the second tier.
Valerien Ismael remains heavily reliant on Karlan Grant, the forward having now contributed six goals from his last six outings at this level.
While there will be relief that Jordan Hugill finally ended his drought against Bristol City, Grant may have to take on full responsibility on Saturday if West Brom are to trouble their hosts.
Fulham Championship form:
D W L W W W
West Bromwich Albion Championship form:
W W L W L W
Team News
After Fulham produced a clinical display at Forest, Silva may opt against making any changes to his starting lineup.
Harrison Reed is an option in midfield if the Portuguese decides on a more defensive-minded central two, while Fabio Carvalho will continue to be assessed in his recovery from coronavirus.
West Brom will be able to call upon Jake Livermore after the midfielder served a one-match ban for five yellow cards last time out.
He is expected to replace either Robert Snodgrass or Jayson Molumby in central midfield, while Alex Mowatt will be an option if he has recovered from injury.
Hugill should get the nod over Callum Robinson after getting on the scoresheet last week.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Odoi, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Seri, Cairney; Wilson, Decordova-Reid, Kebano; Mitrovic
West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Livermore, Molumby, Townsend; Phillips, Hugill, Grant
We say: Fulham 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Despite the narrow margin between these clubs in the standings, we can only back one winner in West London. While the Baggies may make it difficult for the Cottagers for the opening hour, Fulham's extra firepower should make the difference at some stage in the contest.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-west-brom-prediction-team-news-lineups_468555.html?cQx=NN&newsnow
Fulham assistant Luis Boa Morte and Man Utd legend Nicky Butt interested in Cardiff City job
The Fulham assistant is keen on taking the Cardiff City job
Fulham assistant Luis Boa Morte is among those to have thrown their hat in the ring for the vacant Cardiff City job, WalesOnline has been told.
Sources have indicated that Boa Morte's representatives have already been in touch to put the former Arsenal star forward as a candidate to succeed previous Bluebirds boss Mick McCarthy, and he is now believed to be on the long list of names that are being considered by the club's hierarchy.
The 44-year-old is currently working as number two to Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, having followed the Portuguese boss from previous club Everton, but is understood to be keen on testing himself as a number one.
His only previous role as a manager was with Sintrense in the third tier of Portuguese football, where he spent a few months before later going on to take a job as boss off the under-23s at Portimonense, and then the role of assistant at Maccabi Haifa in 2019.
It was then he was first snapped up by Silva.
Boa Morte, who has also worked as a scout at Arsenal, feels he has plenty offer as a manager in English football, having spent a majority of his 17-year playing career on these shores, and is also believed to have shown an interest in the vacancy at Charlton Athletic.
It's understood he's seen as someone that does fit the profile of what some members of the Cardiff hierarchy might be looking for, but the club are likely to take their time in whittling down the list of candidates.
Meanwhile, sources have suggested Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is another to express an interest.
Butt left the Man United academy in the summer, and has been out of work ever since.
He too has been linked with a move to Charlton, although it's not clear where he would sit in the list of preferred candidates at Cardiff.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about his decision to move on, he said: "You put [the progress being made] to one side, it's your own career, when you get to the level I was at, I'd been there as a player for so long, then I went away and came back as a coach and was there again for so long.
"I believe in a working environment you don't want to stagnate too much, I felt like I was ready for a new challenge whatever that is going to be."
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-assistant-luis-boa-morte-21996829
Don Goodman delivers verdict on Fulham's talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic
Aleksandar Mitrovic has enjoyed an excellent start to this Championship campaign, scoring 15 goals in 14 appearances thus far.
The 27-year-old, who has already scored five times as many goals this time around as he did last season, only started 13 times during Fulham's relegation back to the Championship.
The Serbian international netted 26 times during The Cottager's promotion-winning season in 2019/20 and has always proven himself in Fulham colours.
The West London outfit currently sit second in the table, edging fellow relegated club West Brom to an automatic promotion spot.
Speaking to FreeSuperTips about Mitrovic and the quality that he possesses, Don Goodman said: "He's the best goal scorer in the Championship, I don't think anyone can dispute that.
"There are some good players in the Championship, but at the moment you'd be hard pushed to say there was a better one.
"There are better players technically and players who can influence games, but when you're the one sticking the ball in the back of the net, that's the biggest influence anyone can have in a football match.
"At Championship level he just seems to be able to do it at will.
"I'm a bit baffled to why, not that he didn't score in the Premier League, but he didn't play as often.
"There was clearly something going on between him and the coaches and maybe other stuff off the pitch that we don't know.
"There was something stopping his performance levels and he's shown in the past he can perform and score goals in the Premier League.
"He does it on the international stage and I just don't see any reason why he doesn't do it in the Premier League.
"He signed a long deal and maybe if Fulham make it, next season will be the season for him to show he can do it in the Premier League."
The verdict
Mitrovic has proven to be an excellent scorer of goals at Championship level and on the international stages, and whilst he has displayed his ability in the Premier League in glimpses, he has not been too consistent.
The 27-year-old offers physicality and attacking intelligence to Fulham's frontline too, but it is his ability to score goals, and vital ones, that has seen him emerge as one of the best players to grace the Championship over the years.
If Fulham can go on to win promotion back to the Premier League, then it will be no surprise to see Mitrovic thrive. He has all the tools to succeed in the top division, however, for one reason or another, it has not worked out quite yet.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/don-goodman-delivers-verdict-on-fulhams-talisman-aleksandar-mitrovic/
West Brom dealt potential Alex Mowatt injury blow
West Bromwich Albion have been handed a potential injury blow regarding the return to fitness of Alex Mowatt.
What's the latest?
According to Steve Madeley's recent report for The Athletic, the central midfielder, who missed the club's 3-0 win over Bristol City on Saturday as well as the 2-0 defeat to Swansea City last Wednesday as a result of a toe injury picked up against Birmingham City, could be ruled out once again for the Baggies' trip to Fulham this Saturday.
Ismael would be gutted
Considering just how impressive Mowatt has been for West Brom since making the move to The Hawthorns this summer, should the 26-year-old indeed be ruled out of what could arguably be Albion's biggest game of the season this weekend, it would undoubtedly leave Valerien Ismael gutted.
Indeed, over his 12 Championship appearances so far this season, the £6.3m-rated man has scored three goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 1.4 key passes per game.
The former England U20 midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.9 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and winning 5.3 duels per game.
These returns have seen the player who Steve Evans dubbed a "special" talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as West Brom's joint second-best performer in the league.
As such, should Ismael be without the 26-year-old for the top of the table clash against Fulham on Saturday, it would very much appear to reduce Albion's chances of picking up a positive result at Craven Cottage – something that could well mark the beginning of the end for West Brom's title hopes come next May, having already drifted away from top-spot AFC Bournemouth.
https://www.footballfancast.com/west-brom-news/west-bromwich-albion-wba-baggies-team-updates-injury-news-fulham-valerien-ismael-alex-mowatt-the-championship
"I'm amazed" – Surprise Man United 'did not come first' to sign star €15m midfielder
Manchester United should have made a move for Fulham midfielder Franck Zambo Anguissa this summer.
That's according to former Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini, who believes Premier League clubs failed to get themselves a bargain.
Anguissa joined Napoli on loan in the summer transfer window, electing to leave Fulham for a second time after their relegation to the Championship.
He's been a massive hit since his arrival, earning plenty of rave reviews for a series of impressive performances.
The move is very likely to be turned into a permanent one at the end of the season, if not sooner, with Napoli negotiating a €15m purchase clause in his original loan deal.
That's a bargain price given his performances in Serie A so far, which are unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Fulham or clubs in the Premier League.
And Sabatini thinks there are several in England's top flight who missed a trick, particularly Manchester United.
"I'm happy with what Giuntoli is doing: the Anguissa deal was fantastic," he told Calcio Napoli 24 TV, relayed by Tuttomercatoweb.
"I don't understand how nobody in the Premier League has noticed him. I'm amazed that top English clubs like United or Chelsea didn't come in on a Fulham player sooner."
You're certainly unlikely to find anyone arguing that Manchester United could do with a player like Anguissa in their side.
Indeed, he'd be the perfect addition for a midfield that is lacking a player like him, and €15m is the kind of bargain their finances would welcome.
Perhaps he's a player they can look at next summer if he continues to shine in Italy, although we're sure it'll be for more than what Napoli will pay if they are.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/im-amazed-surprise-man-united-not-come-first-sign-star-e15m-midfielder/
Fulham assistant manager Luis Boa Morte eyeing up Cardiff City job
Cardiff City's hunt for a new manager has caught the attention of Fulham assistant Luis Boa Morte, who is interested in taking up the vacant post.
Following Mick McCarthy's sacking, Cardiff City are on the hunt for a new manager.
A range of names have been linked with the vacant role at the Cardiff City Stadium, with the Bluebirds looking to bring someone in who can turn around their fortunes after a poor 2021/22 campaign so far.
Now, as per a report from Wales Online, Luis Boa Morte is showing an interest in the vacant post.
The 44-year-old, who is currently assistant manager to Marco Silva at Fulham, is said to have thrown his name into the hat. His representatives are reported to have made contact with Cardiff City over the possibility of taking up the job.
Boa Morte isn't the only new name to emerge, with former Manchester United man Nicky Butt also linked with the role.
Boa Morte's coaching experience
Since retiring in 2013, Boa Morte has picked up a decent amount of coaching experience at various levels.
He started out as a coach in Sporting Lisbon's youth set up before working with Arsenal as a scout from 2015 to 2017. Boa Morte was then given his first managerial role with Portuguese side Sintrense, remaining there for only five months. He then took up a role with Portimonense, where he stayed for a little over six months.
Since then, Boa Morte has been working as an assistant manager, spending a short spell with Maccabi Haifi before linking up with Marco Silva at Everton. He then linked up with Silva again earlier this summer following his appointment at Fulham.
https://the72.co.uk/254269/fulham-assistant-manager-luis-boa-morte-eyeing-up-cardiff-city-job/
Boa Morte keen on Cardiff job
Fulham assistant manager Luis Boa Morte is on Cardiff City's list of contenders to replace Mick McCarthy, according to reports from Wales this afternoon.
Wales Online claims that Boa Morte, who has served as Marco Silva's number two since the Portuguese head coach succeeded Scott Parker at Craven Cottage this summer, is keen on moving into management and that his agent has communicated an interest in the Cardiff vacancy to the club's owners. The same report suggests that Boa Morte has also indicated an interest in the Charlton Athletic managerial job after Nigel Adkins was sacked at The Valley.
Boa Morte has only briefly sampled senior management, during a stint with Portuguese third tier outfit Sintrense, and has previously worked with Silva when he was last in an English managerial job at Everton. The popular Portuguese winger made 203 appearances for Fulham during six seasons with the club as a player and kicked off his coaching career by working with the academy set-up at Motspur Park.
Cardiff, who sacked McCarthy after a run of eight straight league defeats, are currently in 21st position in the Championship – just two points above the relegation zone.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/boa-morte-keen-on-cardiff-job/
Games for the Weekend 29/10Back to the Cottage for this weeks game, this time we face West Brom, yet another 12:30 kick-off.(http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2122WestBromHome.png)
A 0-4 win against the "in form" team of the league was very impressive, in truth 0-4 flattered us but getting wins when your not playing at your best is the sign of a good team, keeping a clean sheet is a cherry on top.
This week-ends game should be very interesting, if we win we'll be 4 points ahead of West Brom, whilst a draw would see us remain a point ahead, if we loose they'll leapfrog us by 2 points. A win for either team could give a phycological advantage to the winners, and may prove pivotal for automatic promotion?
Mitro now has 15 goals, what an incredible return, he must be on target for setting the record for goals scored?
It was also really good to see Tom get the full 90 minutes, I was surprised how well he and Seri partnered, long may it continue.
Our record against West Brom is very good with 5 wins, 2 losses and 7 draws
Assuming there are no further injuries my team would be...
(http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WestBrom-H.png)
COYW's
Games of Interest...
Friday 29thQPR v Forest
Saturday 30thFulham v West Brom
Huddersfield v Millwall
Sheff Utd v Blackpool
Reading v Bournemouth
come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1782
Parker insists early kick-off between Fulham and West Brom is an 'irrelevance' to Bournemouth
Fellow promotion contenders Fulham and West Brom do battle in Saturday's early lunchtime kick off
Scott Parker insists West Brom's Saturday lunchtime visit to Fulham will not distract him from Bournemouth's match with Reading later that day.
In the Championship's early kick off, second place play third in an anticipated clash between two promotion contenders. Fulham host Valerien Ismael's side, with the winner set to briefly close the gap on the Cherries at the top of the table.
The Baggies currently sit in third place, one point behind Fulham and six behind Bournemouth. Asked if the match, which will take seven and a half hours before their game against Reading, will be difficult to block out of his mind, Parker dismissed any such notion.
"No I'm fine with that to be fair in that sense. I think some people are probably not amongst it, but it is what it is. We are still so early on into the season.
"Fulham and West Brom is really an irrelevance to me. What is important is we go and win again against Reading."
All three teams are the betting favourites to secure promotion, with West Brom and Parker's old side Fulham looking for an immediate return to the top flight.
"I know that if we carry on the way we are going and keep doing what we're doing, and that has been having a sole focus about us getting better and improving, then we will win games in this division and we will be just fine.
"So I don't really take much notice of the other games. Let's get to Reading at the weekend, let's keep trying to put these performances like we have and let's try and get the points."
https://www.dorset.live/sport/football/football-news/parker-insists-early-kick-between-6126115
Molumby on life at Albion, breaking into the XI & Fulham
Jayson Molumby says settling into life at the Albion has been so simple for so many reasons and aided by several players who have made him feel extremely welcome.
The Irish international joined in the summer from Brighton and has quickly become a popular figure among his team-mates and the club's supporters.
Molumby had the fortune of knowing several first-team stars before his arrival, such as fellow Republic of Ireland internationals Dara O'Shea and Callum Robinson, as well as defender Matt Clarke and goalkeeper David Button from his time at the AMEX Stadium with the Seagulls.
The 22-year-old has also formed a strong friendship with Robert Snodgrass, but it's his relationship in particular with O'Shea which has been most beneficial in terms of helping him get to grips with life in the Midlands and at The Hawthorns.
Jayson said: "I've been really enjoying life here at West Bromwich Albion if I'm completely honest with you.
"I'm trying to come in every day with a smile on my face.
"I'm enjoying my football and I feel really settled here already which is a huge help.
"I'm enjoying being around the lads. I think we have a really good group.
"I've known Dara for about five or six years now and we're really good mates.
"He's been brilliant with me and I was actually living with him and his partner for about six or seven weeks when I first came here.
"For them to take me in and make me feel comfortable was unbelievable and I'm really grateful for that.
"He's done an awful lot since I've been here to make me feel at home.
"It's a huge help when you join a club and you already know some faces. You can lean on a few of the lads if you ever need anything.
"I've got Robbo, Dara, Butts and Clarkey who I already knew so it's been a huge help for me.
"I'm also very close with Snoddy. We spend a lot of time together outside of football.
"He's been brilliant with me on and off the pitch.
"For me and Snoddy, I think it was a case of having to be patient because the skipper and Alex have done so well in the middle.
"Hopefully we've shown what we can do."
Molumby has started Albion's last two Sky Bet Championship matches away to Swansea and at home against Bristol City.
And the Irishman has certainly caught the eye with a couple of tenacious, energetic and composed performances.
He says the time spent learning Valérien Ismaël's style and methods on the training pitch helped him get up to speed ahead of his opportunity to feature in the XI.
"I think I've done okay recently. There's things I need to be better at.
"It probably helped me to wait a bit until I played because I was working every day in training, finding out exactly how the gaffer wants us to play as a team and how he wants me to play as an individual.
"I feel like the more I play, the more I'll get used to the style and the more I'll understand what's expected of me.
"It's been great for me to get into the team. Getting the win the other day against Bristol City was great.
"I think I have a good understanding of what the gaffer expects from me. As long as I'm clear in what I need to do, then that's the route forward."
Molumby will hope to be named in the team for a third game running this weekend when Albion travel to London to face Fulham.
The Cottagers sit one place and one point above the Baggies in second, and Jayson says his side will certainly be going there intent on bringing three points back home.
"I suppose you could call it a big game. I know it's still early in the season, but we definitely want to beat the teams who are above us in the table at this moment in time.
"We want to put down a marker. We'll definitely be going there trying to win.
"The supporters are right behind us. We know that and we can feel their encouragement.
"To have them coming all the way down on Saturday, packing out the away end, it'll certainly give us a huge boost."
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/molumby-life-albion-breaking-xi-fulham
The Tony Gale ColumnThe response to the Coventry game has been just what we needed. That loss came completely out of the blue, but the way the lads have reacted since the international break has been phenomenal. QPR was a perfect game to come back to, with any negativity from the Coventry match long gone – what an atmosphere it was at the Cottage that day! We were clearly the better side, and so it was great to see us go on and win comfortably after they'd equalised. It was a fine example of the front foot football Marco Silva wants the team to play, and when you play like that, you're going to win some games with real style. And that's what we did against QPR.
Some saw the Cardiff game as a banana skin, but not me, I always fancied us in that one. The win was made all the sweeter by Tom Cairney's return to the team, and that was some volley he scored, too. Tom is a proven top player, and he'll be so keen to get back to the Premier League to prove himself there as well. It's been a long road to recovery for Tom, and I think he's going to really enjoy playing for Marco, as the Manager will get him doing what he does best.
I was a little worried about the Forest game, I must admit. Since he's been there, Steve Cooper has done a really good job and turned them around after taking over from my old pal Chris Hughton. They'd won four in a row before we turned up, so that was a great victory. Things did go our way at times, but things certainly didn't go in our favour at Coventry so we'll happily take them.
Aleksandar Mitrović got two at the City Ground to take his tally for the season to 15, and I'm starting to look at the record books now thinking it's well within his sights. I believe the record goals in a Championship season was Ivan Toney last year who got 31. Mitro is practically halfway to that total and it's not even November yet! If he can stay fit then I reckon he's got every chance of busting that record.
West Brom should be an interesting one on Saturday. They've got a very particular style under the new manager which makes them horrible to play against as they make it really difficult for you with their press. I don't think it's great on the eye, and some West Brom fans are unsure on it, but they are getting results with it. They've also got an overspill of Premier League players from last season, so they're a very difficult team to play against for several reasons.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/960x960/a8df02d0-31b2-11ec-b05c-974840bba2b0.jpg)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/28/the-tony-gale-column/
West Brom predicted XI v FulhamWest Brom are facing a top-of-the-table clash in the Championship on Saturday afternoon as they take on Fulham.
Valerien Ismael has numerous problems in his squad ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage including the fitness of Alex Mowatt.
Jake Livermore is also returning from suspension, meaning that there could be a selection headache in the next 48 hours.
Sam Johnstone will keep his spot in the side, and the keeper is simply undroppable at The Hawthorns this season.
Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend are also in that category at wing-backs, and they will be critical to three points here.
Keeping Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet will also be key to that, and Kyle Bartley will be tasked with that role in the middle of the back three.
Matt Clarke and Semi Ajayi either side of the skipper will bring good pace to the defence to halt the likes of Bobby Reid and Harry Wilson.
Livermore is back available for selection, and Mowatt may also be back, but we believe they could be made to wait.
Jayson Molumby and Robert Snodgrass were both sensational in the win over Bristol City and simply have to start at Craven Cottage.
There will be one change in the final third too.
Callum Robinson will start in the place of Jordan Hugill, with pace surely set to be a real weapon against the Cottagers.
Matt Phillips and Karlan Grant are the two who look to keep their spots under Ismael, and it looks as though they will continue.
Here's how we expect the Baggies to line up...
(https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/static/uploads/5/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-28-at-15.04.25.jpg)
https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2021/10/28/west-brom-predicted-xi-v-fulham/
'It is a marathon' - Valerien Ismael sends West Brom message ahead of massive Fulham tie
The West Brom manager was speaking ahead of Saturday's meeting with promotion rivals Fulham
West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael has urged his players to treat the campaign like a "marathon" as his side seek an instant return to the Premier League.
The Frenchman's charges face Fulham this Saturday in the 12.30pm kick-off slot in what will be a crucial contest for either side's promotion hopes.
The Albion boss knows that the season won't be defined by this weekend's trip to Craven Cottage, though, as the 46-game Championship campaign has a long way to go yet.
The second tier is rarely a straightforward beast, which is why Ismael wants his players to find a "balance" that will lead to "consistency" over the course of the season.
West Brom have only lost two league games so far as they sit third in the table six points behind leaders Bournemouth, but they have not strung consecutive wins together since the end of August and it's clear the manager wants the team to get better in this regard.
"We are satisfied with some areas but other areas we need to improve," Ismael said, as quoted by Express & Star.
"This is the game, that is my job – every game to improve the areas we need. When you look at the statistics, it's clear there are many areas that are positive.
"We have lost two games. Nobody wants to lose games. But it's part of the game, especially in the Championship.
"One thing I learnt in the Championship from last season – whether you win or lose, you have to find the right balance.
"You can't overact if you lose a game and you can't be euphoric if you win. Just try to find a balance because it is a marathon.
"The key is taking points with consistency, only like that will we get what we want.
"We are in October, the season finishes in May. There is still a long way to go. We know what we need to improve. We are not where we want to be 100 percent.
"But the transfer window will come in January. We have plenty of time and plenty of solutions to utilise to get to where we want to be.
"It's always a process. In the process, we are only just at the beginning. But we have to win games to give us the confidence we need."
He added: "It's our job to put the performances on the pitch. We need to give the feeling to our fans that we are trying everything to win the game.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/valerian-ismael-west-brom-fulham-21998678
Fulham man declares interest in Charlton Athletic vacancy
Former Portugal international footballer Luis Boa Morte has expressed an interest in becoming Charlton Athletic's new manager, according to Wales Online.
The 44-year-old is perhaps best known for his long stint at Fulham as a player after joining the Cottagers following stints at Arsenal and Southampton.
Boa Morte spent seven years at the London club before moving on to West Ham United, but in more recent years he has been an assistant coach to Marco Silva at both Everton and now Fulham.
He has little managerial experience at a senior level, with a stint at Portuguese third-tier side Sintrense being the only club on his CV, however he has also managed Sporting Lisbon's under-19's and Portimonense's under-23 side before he then became assistant manager of Israel's Maccabi Haifa in 2019.
Boa Morte has apparently also expressed an interest in the vacant Cardiff City job in the Championship, so it looks as though he is keen to make his mark in senior management after being a number two for a number of years.
Charlton are seeking a replacement for Nigel Adkins, who they sacked last week after just seven months in charge of the Addicks after he left them in 22nd position in League One, with former player Johnnie Jackson taking over in the interim.
The Verdict
Charlton have tried going down the experienced EFL manager route in Adkins and it hasn't worked out for them this season – but would Boa Morte be too much of a risk?
Obviously assistant coaches have to start somewhere if they want to be managers of a senior club, but Boa Morte may be too big of a risk to consider at this stage.
Jackson could also be a risk if the club lean towards him but at least the Charlton hierarchy will know in a few games time if the players are fighting for him, whereas bringing someone like Boa Morte in who has very little experience in management may be the wrong move.
Everyone's got to start somewhere though and Charlton would be a good club for Boa Morte to sink his teeth in to he just might not be the right fit right now for the Addicks.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ex-arsenal-and-fulham-man-declares-interest-in-charlton-athletic-vacancy/
Adarabioyo aiming to maintain momentum
Tosin Adarabioyo is fully focused on keeping Fulham's winning run going when the Whites face fellow promotion contenders West Brom this weekend.
Marco Silva's side notched up a third straight victory after the international break by winning 4-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday – and Adarabioyo was voted man of the match for another assured display at the break. The centre half told FFCTV of his delight at how the team has responded to the disappointment of defeat at Coventry earlier this month.
"It's very good to get nine points in a week and two clean sheets in three of those games. We all worked hard over the international break and came back stronger. The team has lots of confidence. We go out and try to enjoy it."
Adarabioyo, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Baggies earlier in his career, insisted that Fulham would be going for the win against Valerien Ismael's men on Saturday.
"That's what we're going for. We're working now and we're trying to work towards those three points on the weekend. We know what we need to do and we're going to get and give it our all."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/adarabioyo-aiming-to-maintain-momentum/
'His lack of managerial experience has to be a worry' – Fulham figure linked with Cardiff City job: The verdict
This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Fulham assistant manager Luis Boa Morte is interested in the vacant managerial role at Cardiff City, a report from Wales Online has revealed.
Cardiff are currently searching for a new manager following the sacking of Mick McCarthy on Saturday, after a run of eight straight defeats that has left the club 21st in the Championship table, two points clear of the relegation zone.
According to this latest update, Boa Morte has expressed an interest in the role, and has been placed on a long list of potential candidates to take over in the Welsh capital.
While Boa Morte is currently assistant to Marco Silva at promotion chasing Fulham, it is thought that the former Portugal international is keen to test himself in a number one role sooner rather than later.
The 44-year-old's only previous senior management experience came in the Portuguese third-tier with Sintrense between 2017 and 2018, but it is claimed that he fits the profile of manager Cardiff would be looking for.
So would Boa Morte be a good potential appointment for Cardiff to take over from McCarthy?
We put that question to some of our Football League World writers, and here, is a look at what they had to say.
Adam Jones
Fair play to Boa Morte for becoming the first-team coach at such an accomplished side in Fulham – but his lack of managerial experience has to be a worry for Cardiff fans if he ends up on the Bluebirds' shortlist.
In their current situation, they need someone with at least a couple of years of managerial experience under their belt, someone like Steve Cooper who is unfortunately unavailable now after his move to Forest.
It's clear the club needs a change of approach after McCarthy's dismissal and move towards a different type of coach – and that's something Boa Morte could be as a fresh face in the managerial game.
However, you feel the 44-year-old would benefit from at least one season under Marco Silva's wing after only being appointed as first-team coach in July, something he won't have under his belt if he makes the major jump to the Bluebirds.
Of course you could look at his time as manager of Sintrense as a plus, but after spending just five months there, it remains to be seen whether he has the necessary experience to step up.
The one good thing is the fact he has a huge amount of experience in the UK as a player, so this may not be a complete disaster if they sign him up. He's definitely one for the future and will no doubt go on to have a great managerial career, but Derek McInnes may be a better option for the Bluebirds in the short term.
Josh Cole
Although Cardiff cannot afford to dwell when it comes to finding a replacement for Mick McCarthy, appointing Boa Morte would be something of a risk.
The former Portugal international has yet to manage in the Championship, and thus may find it difficult to transform the club's fortunes.
Instead of taking a punt on Boa Morte, the Welsh side should try to convince an individual who possesses a great deal of managerial experience to take over the reins at The Cardiff City Stadium.
By nailing their recruitment, the Bluebirds could potentially achieve a relative amount of success in the Championship in the coming months.
Ben Wignall
A lot of names that have been linked to the vacant Cardiff role are either ones that aren't too experienced at Championship level or in management at all, so you can add Boa Morte as the latest one to that list.
Boa Morte does actually have experience of being a manager at senior level, but that was at a few levels below Portugal's top tier with Sintrense before he moved on to Portimonense to manage their under-23's.
Aside from that though Boa Morte's coaching experience has come as an assistant, and his last two jobs have been working under Marco Silva, so if he were to be appointed as a manager then you can imagine his philosophies and tactics would be close to what we're seeing at Fulham right now.
But this would potentially be a massive risk for Cardiff and even though they've already had bad experience with the whole route of going with a manager who has a mass amount of Championship knowledge with McCarthy, at least some recent experience in the EFL – even in League One or Two – would probably be better than a Boa Morte.
He's part of a good team at Fulham right now and he may want to branch back out into management at some point, but I feel as though there are better options out there for Cardiff to explore right now with Brian Barry-Murphy the one that personally intrigues me the most.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/his-lack-of-managerial-experience-has-to-be-a-worry-fulham-figure-linked-with-cardiff-city-job-the-verdict/
Opinion: Why Fulham need to take steps to offload 29-year-old in January
Then-recently relegated side Fulham enjoyed a productive summer at Craven Cottage despite their switch in manager, managing to bring in five recruits to complement an already strong squad.
All five, with the exception of Rodrigo Muniz who arrived from Brazilian outfit Flamengo, were already accustomed to English football and were all tasked with bringing different aspects to the team.
Harry Wilson, who recorded an exceptional 19 goal contributions for Championship rivals Cardiff City last term, joined in a £12m deal in what was the most expensive second-tier deal in the summer.
Showing consistency out on loan at the likes of Derby County, AFC Bournemouth and the Bluebirds despite not being able to make a full breakthrough and former side Liverpool, the Welsh international has been tipped to shine as one of the brightest and most gifted individuals in the Championship and has already recorded an impressive three goals and five assists in the league so far this season.
Paulo Gazzaniga arrived on the same day as the Welshman, joining on a free transfer on the expiration of his contract at Tottenham Hotspur and automatically being labelled and one of the best goalkeepers in the division.
Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah (permanent) and Domingos Quina (loan) arrived later on in the window as the Cottagers' third and fourth recruits from the Premier League, delivering a real statement of intent to the rest of the league.
Fair play to Marco Silva's men, they also managed to retain most of their key players despite their relegation, even though some of their loanees from last term including Joachim Andersen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to their parent clubs on the expiration of their temporary spells in west London.
One key man in Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa did depart late on in the window, albeit temporarily, but the Cameroonian reportedly requested to leave the club amid his wish to remain in a top European league and there was little choice but to let him go.
Not only was the midfielder's loan exit conducted in an orderly manner, but they also brought in a replacement in Chalobah to retain their unofficial crown of having one of the best midfields in the league.
So overall, you could definitely say the summer was a success for Silva's side, even with some doubting whether they should have paid so much money to lure 24-year-old Wilson to the English capital considering the financial impacts of Covid-19.
There is one qualm some Fulham supporters will have with one bit of business they failed to conclude – and that's the failure to offload outcast winger Anthony Knockaert.
The £15m signing has failed to make any real impact in the English capital since joining permanently in 2019, failing to make any of Silva's matchday squads in the Championship so far this term despite playing in the EFL Cup – and considering he signed for an eight-figure fee – he will no doubt be on a handsome salary.
After spending £12m on Wilson, having Knockaert on the wage books is the last thing they need as an outcast at the club and for the financial health of the club and mental wellbeing of the player, it's time for both parties to sever their ties and move on.
And with 18 months left on his contract by the time January comes around, this is probably the Cottagers' last chance to generate a considerable amount of revenue for his sale.
His value has obviously gone down with his lack of playing time, but at 29 in what is arguably supposed to be the peak of his career, interested teams could potentially take him off the second-tier side's hands if Fulham set their price tag low enough.
How much they should demand for him will be debated – but most people would probably agree that he needs to move on for the sake of all parties – because he still has the potential to thrive in the Championship or elsewhere.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/opinion-why-fulham-need-to-take-steps-to-offload-29-year-old-in-january/
'Should be some clash of styles' – Sky Sports pundit offers prediction for Fulham's crunch clash with West Brom
Two of the top teams in the Championship this season meet in London this Saturday lunchtime as Fulham welcome West Bromwich Albion to Craven Cottage.
Both outfits were relegated from the Premier League last season and after 14 matches of the current campaign just one point and one place separates them in the table.
After going unbeaten for the first 10 matches of the league season, inconsistency has crept up on the Baggies, who lost for the first time against Stoke City and a second one came at the hands of Swansea City last week.
Fulham have also had a stuttering run though which came mainly in September, losing to both Blackpool and Reading but their most humiliating moment came at the start of October when they were drubbed 4-1 by Coventry City.
The Cottagers have re-emerged from the October international break as a better team though and have recorded three wins on the bounce – and Sky Sports presenter David Prutton is expecting that run to continue when Valerien Ismael brings his side to the capital at the weekend.
"This should be some clash of styles at Craven Cottage," Prutton said on his Sky Sports predictions podcast.
"As things stand, it looks like these two could be fighting for one promotion spot along with Bournemouth! But we know how quickly these things can change in the Championship.
"There has been some criticism of Valerien Ismael's style in recent weeks at West Brom, and that will come into sharper focus against a silky Fulham attack.
"They need to find a way of disrupting Fulham's flow. I think there will be goals, but I'm backing the home side to edge it. 3-2."
The Verdict
Fulham seem to have plugged their defensive issues now – goalscoring has never been an issue but the four goals conceded at Coventry were a real worry.
However back-to-back clean sheets will breed confidence and also having Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring 15 goals in 14 appearances helps matters as well.
He's a man that West Brom are going to have to track carefully all afternoon but defensively there hasn't been many issues for much of the season for the Baggies – it's finding a clinical goalscorer that has been the issue.
Ismael is still searching for that man but in this particular match I can see Fulham being a bit too much for them and can see a 2-1 win for the Cottagers which would send them above their opponents at full-time.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sky-sports-pundit-offers-prediction-for-fulhams-crunch-clash-with-west-brom/
