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Pundit says he'd 'much rather play for Liverpool' after Manchester United join race to sign Fabio Carvalho
Former striker and now pundit Noel Whelan has said that he would 'much rather' play for Liverpool than Manchester United when discussing Fabio Carvalho's future.

Carvalho, 19, has recently been linked with a surprise move to Manchester United.

The Fulham sensation has had a standout season in the Championship scoring seven goals and assisting five in 21 league outings, with Liverpool having come close to signing him last month.

The Reds were poised to sign Carvalho for a cut-price on deadline day. But the move fell through owing to failings in paperwork and Carvalho remains at Craven Cottage.

It still seems inevitable that he'll move to Anfield in the summer. But recent reports have suggested that Manchester United will try and hijack Liverpool's pursuit of Carvalho.

And speaking to Football Insider, Whelan had this to say on Carvalho's current situation:

"That would be very cheeky from Man United. But if I was Carvalho, I'd much rather play for Liverpool than Man United – that's just how it is.

"There are a lot of deep-rooted problems at Man United which need to be resolved, and that starts at the top.

"When you look at how Liverpool are run as a club, everything's in place and it's a very tight ship – which is a much more healthy atmosphere to be playing your football in.

"Liverpool have come in and shown interest in the player, he was close to joining. I'd be very surprised if he were to turn his nose up at joining them in favour of a move to Man United."

A Liverpool-type player...

Throughout this season, Carvalho has had the look of a Liverpool player about him. He creates and scores goals, he can play in a variety of attacking positions and he can operate well in an attacking team at Fulham.

Liverpool looks to be the ideal place for Carvalho to go and fulfil his potential. Manchester United's links are late and seem somewhat desperate, and Whelan is right about the current problems at Old Trafford and how Liverpool would be a much better fit.

But money talks and United still have a lot of that, so for Carvalho, his future is not yet decided.

His Fulham side are next in action against Peterborough United on Wednesday evening.



https://the72.co.uk/263723/pundit-says-hed-much-rather-play-for-liverpool-after-manchester-united-join-race-to-sign-fabio-carvalho/

Clarke-Harris starts: The predicted Peterborough United XI to play Fulham on Wednesday night

Peterborough United will be desperate to get off to winning ways without Darren Ferguson as they travel to league leaders Fulham tomorrow evening, with a home win looking likely at this stage.

Ferguson resigned as the relegation battlers' manager on Sunday night after failing to turn around his former side's form, leaving them in grave danger as they look to avoid dropping straight back down to the third tier following their promotion at the end of last term.

Losing a key asset in Siriki Dembele to AFC Bournemouth on deadline day though, they face a major uphill battle in their survival quest with both Derby County and Reading arguably having stronger squads on paper than Boro.

The Cottagers have endured contrasting fortunes this term, establishing themselves as the best team in the division at this stage with their attacking prowess proving to be too much for most teams in the Championship.

Marco Silva's men may have lost against Huddersfield Town at the weekend in what was a minor setback in their quest to secure the title – but they will be firm favourites going into this tie regardless of a managerial change for the away side with the home advantage at their disposal in the English capital.

Taking a deeper look at the visitors though, we have predicted the starting lineup they may go with in what looks set to be one of their toughest games of the campaign.


Steven Benda remains in goal for what could be his busiest night of the season – and is likely to be called into action several times. How many the hosts score may depend on his display.

Stability also has to remain in the defence, with Bali Mumba coming in for the suspended Hayden Coulson who was sent off against Derby at the weekend, though the other three remain the same with Frankie Kent and Josh Knight forming a partnership in central defence.

Nathan Thompson was exceptional at Pride Park and is likely to be called into action a lot more tomorrow evening with the likes of Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano to contend with.

Jeando Fuchs is the deepest player in midfield as he looks to provide Kent and Knight with the solidity needed to keep the score down – and this will be particularly important with the Cambridgeshire outfit moving away from a back three in recent games.

A 4-2-3-1 with captain Oliver Norburn alongside him could pay dividends – but they need slightly more going forward so he takes up a slightly more advanced position than Fuchs with Reece Brown alongside him.

In this case, the away side will need to be compact in a 4-1-4-1 system when defending – and how effectively they can transition between that and 4-3-3 in attack could determine the scoreline.

Joe Ward keeps his spot on the right – but Kwame Poku comes back in for Callum Morton on the left to provide a wide threat. Hugging that touchline will help to stretch a rarely-tested defence, so he could be a key man in keeping the ball away from his side's goal.

Similar applies to Jonson Clarke-Harris who makes his way back into the starting lineup to try and be the target man Boro will need as an outlet to alleviate pressure off their defence and keep possession in the Fulham half for as long as possible. His hold-up play could be crucial, so it will be interesting to see if he starts over Jack Marriott or not.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/clarke-harris-starts-the-predicted-peterborough-united-xi-to-play-fulham-on-wednesday-night/

Luke Harris: Fulham's next young star?

The Motspur Park conveyor belt is well known for producing precious young talent. Since the transformation of Fulham's youth set up began more than a decade ago under the stewardship of Huw Jennings and Malcolm Elias, who were recruited to London's oldest professional outfit by Alistair Mackintosh, this rather sleepy Surrey setting has become home to a category one academy that has quickly become the envy of many English clubs – and possibly plenty further afield.

Fulham have developed a reputation for being both astute developers of young footballers and not being afraid to blood them in their senior sides at an early age. The most classic example is Ryan Sessegnon, plucked from youth football at sixteen and promoted to the first team by Slavisa Jokanovic in 2016 without much fuss. The youngster took to the rough and tumble of the Championship seamlessly, making light of his tender age to deliver composed displays as a key part of the team that first reached the play-offs and then won promotion the following year – supplying the superb pass for Tom Cairney's memorable Wembley winner.

The club have offered first-team opportunities to a plethora of youngsters in recent seasons, with Patrick Roberts, Cauley Woodrow and Moussa Dembele being handed Premier League debuts whilst still teenagers. Fabio Carvalho is the latest starlet to shine on the senior stage – and there is a compelling argument to suggest that Scott Parker left the twinkle-toed number ten's introduction to a struggling first team too late. He scored on his full debut at Southampton, with the Whites only consigned to relegation, and has gone on to shine under Marco Silva in the Championship.

Silva has shown a willingness to give the next generation their opportunity. As well as his unstinting faith in Carvalho's ability, he handed Tyrese Francois a first senior start in the centre of midfield against Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough – no easy assignment – when there were more experienced options available. The head coach gave Adrion Pajaziti a debut in the League Cup and has looked to continue Jay Stansfield's progression to the first team squad wherever possible. Given that he regularly watches the youth sides and includes players in the first team, it can't be long before Luke Harris is the next youngster to make the step up.

The Welsh under 19 international's name has long been whispered by those who cultivate the club's academy prospects as potentially one of the best of the bunch. Harris was spotted in Jersey by Malcolm Elias and has enjoyed a rapid rise through the club's youth set up. A cultured passer who also has a keen eye for goal, Harris slotted seamlessly into Steve Wigley's under 18 side at just fifteen – scoring eight goals and adding three assists as he alternated between a conventional centre midfield role and the ten position. His reward for helping the young Whites win the U18 Premier League south for a second season in succession was to be fast-tracked into the under 23's set up by Wigley, who has quickly come to depend on Harris as a consistently 'high performer'.

    "He's a starter for the U23s now, it's as simple as that. The only time he's missed out on playing is when a member of the first team, who's come back from injury, comes down to us to play. I want to see him play for Fulham's first team. Then, if we can get him there, the world is his oyster."
    Fulham under 23s coach Steve Wigley on Luke Harris

He scored on his under 23 debut up at Sunderland and now has seven Premier League 2 goals to his name after a stunning nine-minute hat trick at Newcastle last night. Harris has become a key part of an under 23 side that leads the Second Division by an incredible twenty points, despite his youthfulness. He grabbed a brace as for the under 18s as Manchester City were dispatched in the quarter finals of the Premier League Cup a couple of weeks ago and there's more than a hint of Frank Lampard in those late darting runs into the box that leave despairing defenders looking round anxiously. Ten goals in eighteen appearances in youth football this term is a terrific record for someone who doesn't turn seventeen until April. You wouldn't bet against him making another step up before the end of the season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/luke-harris-fulhams-next-young-star/

Rodák: Move On & Focus

Marek Rodák is keen to move on quickly after a bad day at the office for Fulham against Huddersfield Town.

The in-form Terriers left the Cottage with a hard-fought victory on Saturday, though the fixture wasn't without controversy.

"It was a disappointing result," Rodák admitted. "Everyone thought we could have done better, even after we'd gone 2-0 down we thought we could get something.

"We pushed second half and were unlucky that we didn't score early. I think if we'd got one back earlier then they would have felt the pressure more.

"It's one of those games where nothing went right. Obviously their goals, it was a mistake for the first one, and then the second one I would say it was a bad decision.

"Then, when you're losing 2-0, it's hard to come back, especially in this league. And, to be fair to them, they're a good team as well, I think they were 14 unbeaten going into the game."

It was Rodák who was penalised for the decisive second goal when Sorba Thomas ensured contact was made with the Fulham 'keeper in the box.

"That's what it was," Rody said. "I saw him coming, so I stopped and waited for the ball to come into my hands.

"And then he's touched the ball and has fallen back on me, so straight away when I heard the ref's whistle I thought it was a foul on me.

"Then I looked and he'd pointed for a penalty, so I went and asked him what he'd seen, but he didn't want to talk to me at all.

"I understand it's hard for them, but he made the decision very quickly, and I don't think anyone thought it was a penalty. I think the guys on Sky said it wasn't a pen as well, so if there's VAR then I think that's a decision that gets changed.

"But we'll never know now, so it is what it is, we have to move on and focus on the next match. We've still got loads of games to go."

Peterborough United arrive in SW6 on Wednesday having accepted the resignation of Darren Ferguson at the weekend.

Asked if our opponents will be looking to impress a potential new boss, Rodák said: "Of course, but not even just for a new manager, they're also fighting to avoid relegation.

"They want to stay up, and I think everyone in this league wants to show what they can do when they play the top team, prove that they can beat them, show that they can improve, so they will be trying their hardest.

"Any game that comes and we get three points puts us closer to where we want to be at the end of the season.

"That's what it is, we just need to win our games, keep doing well, keep getting points, and keep ourselves in the position we're currently in."

The Posh gave us a real run for our money earlier in the season, with a late Aleksandar Mitrović goal and Rodák masterclass between the sticks proving the difference.

"It was a hard game, hard conditions, I remember it was very windy," Rodák recalled.

"They had a couple of good chances, we didn't play our best football but managed to score, and at the end we managed to hold on.

"I thought I played well there, made a couple of good saves to keep them out."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/22/marek-rodak-move-on-and-focus/

EFL expert issues score prediction for Fulham v Peterborough

After a seven match unbeaten run which included six wins, it was somewhat of a surprise to see Huddersfield Town snap Fulham's hot streak this past weekend at Craven Cottage.

The Terriers themselves have been on a long streak without losing which had spanned 14 matches in all competitions, and that was extended to 15 as Carlos Corberan's side downed the Cottagers 2-1.

That would have come as a shock to not only Fulham fans but Marco Silva, who in that run of seven matches saw his side win 7-0 once and 6-2 twice.

The Portuguese head coach will be looking for a reaction though and Peterborough United are the unlucky side who will have to come up against Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fabio Carvalho and the rest of the Londoners' dangerous attacking unit.

Posh are without a manager following the resignation of Darren Ferguson over the weekend and they have not won in their last nine league outings – losing seven of them.

And former EFL midfielder turned pundit David Prutton is predicting no luck for them once again as he has the Championship table-toppers winning by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

"Fulham had a little bit of a reality check against Huddersfield on Saturday, losing just their fifth game all season and their first since mid-December," Prutton said on his Sky Sports predictions podcast.

"But it might just work to keep them on their toes and show them the job isn't quite done yet.

"Peterborough and Darren Ferguson parted ways over the weekend. He felt it was the right time to go, but whoever replaces him faces a huge task in trying to keep them up.

"This is the toughest possible assignment for his replacement, and it will likely be a home win."

The Verdict

Following Fulham's last loss before their defeat to the Terriers at the weekend, they followed up with a 7-0 battering of Reading, so Peterborough should be very worried.

Silva will be wanting his side to be ruthless against a team with a very leaky defence and they've certainly got the fire-power to cause some serious destruction.

It just depends which Fulham turn up though but even with Peterborough potentially having somewhat of a cliched 'new manager bounce', it's hard to see them getting anything from this.

They are lacking a cutting edge and some flair in the final third thanks to Siriki Dembele's departure last month and the last few months of the 2021-22 season could be a real struggle for Posh.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-expert-issues-score-prediction-for-fulham-v-peterborough/

Rodak ready to move from Huddersfield 'mistake'

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has admitted being at fault for Huddersfield's first goal on Saturday and wants to put that error behind him as soon as possible with a strong performance against Peterborough tomorrow night.

The Slovakian international was disappointed that he allowed Danny Ward's first-time shot to creep under his body on what proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the leaders at Craven Cottage. Rodak told Fulham's official website this afternoon:

"It was a disappointing result. Everyone thought we could have done better, even after we'd gone 2-0 down we thought we could get something. We pushed second half and were unlucky that we didn't score early. I think if we'd got one back earlier then they would have felt the pressure more.

"It's one of those games where nothing went right. Obviously their goals, it was a mistake for the first one, and then the second one I would say it was a bad decision. Then, when you're losing 2-0, it's hard to come back, especially in this league. And, to be fair to them, they're a good team as well, I think they were 14 unbeaten going into the game."

Rodak felt he was harshly done by after referee Tony Harrington awarded a penalty just before half time after he had collided with Sorba Thomas.

"That's what it was. I saw him coming, so I stopped and waited for the ball to come into my hands. And then he's touched the ball and has fallen back on me, so straight away when I heard the ref's whistle I thought it was a foul on me. Then I looked and he'd pointed for a penalty, so I went and asked him what he'd seen, but he didn't want to talk to me at all.

I understand it's hard for them, but he made the decision very quickly, and I don't think anyone thought it was a penalty. I think the guys on Sky said it wasn't a pen as well, so if there's VAR then I think that's a decision that gets changed. But we'll never know now, so it is what it is, we have to move on and focus on the next match. We've still got loads of games to go."

Rodak knows that Peterborough, who pushed Fulham really hard at London Road before Christmas, will be motivated to spring another surprise at Craven Cottage as they fight against relegation and look to impress a potential new boss after Darren Ferguson's departure.

"Of course, but not even just for a new manager, they're also fighting to avoid relegation. They want to stay up, and I think everyone in this league wants to show what they can do when they play the top team, prove that they can beat them, show that they can improve, so they will be trying their hardest.

Any game that comes and we get three points puts us closer to where we want to be at the end of the season. That's what it is, we just need to win our games, keep doing well, keep getting points, and keep ourselves in the position we're currently in."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/rodak-ready-to-move-from-huddersfield-mistake/

Barnsley & West Brom Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's away fixtures against Barnsley & West Bromwich Albion go on sale on Wednesday.

Marco Silva's side visit Oakwell to take on Barnsley on Saturday 12th March, kick-off 12.30pm before making the trip to The Hawthorns on Tuesday 15th March, to take on West Bromwich Albion, kick-off 8pm.

Tickets for both fixtures go on sale to 2021/22 Season Ticket Holders at 10am on Wednesday 23rd February, to 2021/22 Members at 10am on Friday 25th February and on General Sale at 10am on Monday 28th February.

Tickets for Fulham's trip to Barnsley start from £5 for juniors and £28 for adults, whilst tickets for our trip to the Hawthorns start from £5 for juniors and £23 for adults. More information on prices for Barnsley can be found here and West Brom can be found here.

Fans can secure their seats online or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

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/2022/february/22/barnsley-west-brom-tickets/

Games for mid-week 23/02

We're under the lights at the Cottage again for this Wednesdays game against Peterborough.
Well we had to loose sometime didn't we? having said that I think we played well in the 2nd half and if it wasn't for a couple of dubious ref' decisions, never a penalty and he missed an obvious handball, we might have got something from the game. Having said that Huddersfield deserved to get something from the game, perhaps a draw would have been a fairer result?

Darren Ferguson has resigned as Peterborough boss, I wonder how this will effect our game? new boss bounce? I doubt they'll have anyone in place for Wednesday, and anyway the chances of them making a huge difference as short notice are minimal?
Bournemouth have had their game against Swansea postponed, so this should be a chance for us to draw further away from 2nd place, however this is the Championship and we can't afford any sort of complacency!

I wonder of Mitro will make history this game?

Current form:
Fulham – WDWWL
Peterborough – LLLDL

Our record against Peterborough, such as it is, 2 wins, 0 losses and draws.

My team, I'm assuming that Muniz is still injured...


COYW's

Games of Interest...
Tuesday 22nd
M'borough v West Brom
Swansea v Bournemouth (postponed)

Wednesday 23rd
Derby v Millwall
Fulham v P'borough
QPR v Blackpool
Sheff Utd v Blackburn

---

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1981

Peterborough United will not a have a new manager in place for the daunting trip to Fulham
Peterborough United will not be appointing a new manager in time for the daunting trip to Championship leaders Fulham tomorrow (February 23, 7.45pm).

Matthew Etherington, who had been working as Darren Ferguson's assistant until the manager quit at the weekend, will take charge of the team alongside current under 23 coach Simon Davies. Davies is a former Fulham player.

The recruitment of a new manager has started and it's understood Posh hope to confirm an appointment before Saturday's Championship home fixture with Hull City (February 26).

Posh have won just one of their last 17 Championship matches.



https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/peterborough-united-will-not-a-have-a-new-manager-in-place-for-the-daunting-trip-to-fulham-3580546

Davies set for return to Craven Cottage with Peterborough

Peterborough United have confirmed this afternoon that Matthew Etherington will take temporary charge of first-team affairs whilst the club seeks a permanent successor to Darren Ferguson, who resigned following the weekend defeat by Derby.

Etherington, who had led Posh's youth sides before being promoted to assistant manager earlier this season, has brought in Simon Davies as his assistant which means that the Welsh winger – who started his career at London Road – will be due for a surprise return to Craven Cottage when Posh travel to Fulham tomorrow night.

Davies, who succeeded Etherington as under 23s coach at the Posh last year, made 167 appearances for the Whites between 2007 and 2013, scoring seventeen goals. He was part of Roy Hodgson's side that reached the 2010 Europa League final – famously scoring in the semi-final against Hamburg and the final against Atletico Madrid – and became a firm favourite with the Fulham faithful.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/davies-set-for-return-to-craven-cottage-with-peterborough/

Reed starts: The predicted Fulham XI to play Peterborough on Wednesday night

Fulham will be looking to get back to winning ways this midweek.

Marco Silva's side suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to play-off chasing Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Despite that defeat, the Cottagers remain six points clear of Bournemouth in second, and 10 points clear of the chasing pack in those play-off places.

However, Fulham will be wary that a loss of form could spiral which could jeopardise their promotion challenge.

Fortunately, their upcoming opponents are a Peterborough United side who are out of form, facing relegation and managerless.

Here is how we predict Silva to line up his side to face the second from bottom side on Wednesday night...


Given the relentless nature of the fixture calendar at the moment, Silva could opt to rest some players against Peterborough.

The likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Neeskens Kebano and Harrison Reed are all pushing for a start in the side.

Kenny Tete and Jean Michael Seri could also come into the side, depending on how heavily Silva may choose to rotate.

Tom Cairney, Fabio Carvalho and Harry Wilson could all use the rest as they have played a lot of minutes recently.

Nathaniel Chalobah and George Williams could also miss out, with rotation a very important aspect of Silva's management of Fulham's promotion challenge.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reed-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-play-peterborough-on-wednesday-night/

'The job isn't quite done yet' – Sky Sports' David Prutton issues prediction for Fulham vs Peterborough United

Fulham host Peterborough United at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening, where they will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 2-1 to Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

That loss was only the Cottagers' fifth loss all season and their first since mid-December.

Peterborough United will arrive in the capital managerless and reeling from a late loss to fellow relegation contenders Derby County. That reverse saw Darren Ferguson leave the Cambridgeshire club.

A victory for Marco Silva's side would see them consolidate their position at the top of the Championship table. It is a table that they lead by six points over nearest rivals Bournemouth and a chasing pack.

Three points from a win would be priceless for a Posh outfit already staring down the barrel of the relegation gun. They sit 23rd in the table and are currently two wins from safety.

However, Sky Sports presenter and match commentator David Prutton does not think that will be what happens. He sees Fulham getting back on track with an easy 3-0 win in his weekly predictions column.

Pruton's prediction
Prutton says, "Fulham had a little bit of a reality check against Huddersfield on Saturday, losing just their fifth game all season and their first since mid-December."

He adds, "But it might just work to keep them on their toes and show them the job isn't quite done yet."

The Sky Sports pundit concludes by adding, "Peterborough and Darren Ferguson parted ways over the weekend. He felt it was the right time to go, but whoever replaces him faces a huge task in trying to keep them up.

"This is the toughest possible assignment for his replacement, and it will likely be a home win."

Some team news
Fulham are firing on all cylinders and will have a full attacking array on display fronted by 31-goal Serb striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Silva is hopeful that Brazilian Rodrigo Muniz might be available for the game.

Peterborough United will arrive without on-loan left-back Hayden Coulson who received a red card against Derby County on Saturday.

Fulham sit on top of the Championship table with 64 points from 31 games. Peterborough sit 23rd in the table with just 21 points from their 31 games – they are five points from safety.

The game at Craven Cottage kicks off at 7:45 pm on Wednesday evening.



https://the72.co.uk/263751/the-job-isnt-quite-done-yet-sky-sports-david-prutton-issues-prediction-for-fulham-vs-peterborough-united/

Peterborough United: Matthew Etherington to take charge for Fulham trip


Peterborough United have announced assistant manager Matthew Etherington will be in charge for Wednesday's trip to Championship leaders Fulham.

Etherington, 40, has been part of the club's coaching set-up since 2018 and steps in following the resignation of Darren Ferguson on Sunday.

Ferguson ended his third spell as boss after a run of nine winless games, leaving Posh in a relegation fight.

Etherington will be assisted at Craven Cottage by under-23s boss Simon Davies.

Asked if Ferguson's resignation surprised him, Etherington told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "It did, if I'm being honest - knowing the manager and the way he is - but I fully understood why he came to that decision.

"I want to say thank you to him - I've been here four years, three of those years he was the manager, and he's been absolutely brilliant to me.

"You can see why he's been so successful and one of the greatest managers Posh have ever had."

Former Posh winger Etherington started his coaching career with the club's under-18 side in May 2018 and became Ferguson's number two following Mark Robson's move to West Ham in November.

His first game comes at a Fulham side who are six points clear at the top of the table, having scored a league-high 79 goals, while Posh are five points from safety, having conceded 61 times - the second worst defensive record in the division.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60480085

Posh head to Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening (7.45pm).

Peterborough United make the trip to London to face promotion favourites Fulham at Craven Cottage in Sky Bet Championship action on Wednesday evening (7.45pm) with Matthew Etherington set to take charge for the fixture following the departure of Darren Ferguson on Sunday.

Etherington will be assisted by former Fulham midfielder Simon Davies in the dugout alongside Goalkeeper Coach Mark Tyler. The trio will be looking to build on the unquestionable effort and commitment that has been demonstrated in recent fixtures.

The Cottagers have a wealth of talent at their disposal and promotion back  to the Premier League has to be secured for Marco Silva's men, who were surprisingly beaten by Huddersfield Town in their last fixture.

TEAM NEWS
Posh welcome back Harrison Burrows from injury, but will be without Hayden Coulson, who serves a one-match ban following his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Derby County on Saturday.

Ronnie Edwards is available for selection after injury, but Mark Beevers, Jack Taylor and Dan Butler are on the side-lines.

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who remains just one goal away from breaking Ivan Toney's Championship record of 31 in a season, is expected to lead the line for the Cottagers. Harrison Reed is pushing for a start after coming off the bench on Saturday.

FROM THE POSH CAMP
"My job is to prepare the team for the game at Fulham to the best of my ability and I will do that with help from Simon Davies and the remaining staff. It is a tough game, there is no doubt about that, but the shape of the team against Fulham in the earlier match between the two sides were good. We have a few players struggling with fitness, but we will leave it late and see who we have available," Matthew Etherington said.

FROM THE OPPOSITION
"You can create new ideas and have an impact on the squad. Peterborough made it difficult for us. We have prepared all the possible scenarios. Rodrigo is training with the team. He will not be involved tomorrow but he will be involved next Saturday. All the others are in good condition," Fulham boss Marco Silva said.

TICKET NEWS
Posh have sold just under 700 tickets for the game at Craven Cottage with tickets on sale at www.theposhtickets.com and via the Weston Homes Stadium Box Office. Tickets are on sale until 12pm on Wednesday from the Posh Box Office. Fans can pay on the night, but there will be a £5 price increase.



https://www.theposh.com/news/match-preview-fulham-v-posh

'Nothing went right' – Fulham's Marek Rodak reacts to difficult Huddersfield Town loss

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has expressed his disappointment at his club's 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield Town on Saturday while speaking to the club's official website.

The Slovak shot-stopper was involved in the game's controversy as his foul on Sorba Thomas led to the Terriers' second goal of the game.

Rodak reflected on the game while speaking to the club's official media channels, stating that it was just "one of those games" for Fulham as they fell to defeat.

"Everyone thought we could have done better," he said.

"Even after we'd gone 2-0 down we thought we could get something. We pushed second half and were unlucky that we didn't score early. I think if we'd got one back earlier then they would have felt the pressure more.

"It's one of those games where nothing went right. Obviously their goals, it was a mistake for the first one, and then the second one I would say it was a bad decision."

Foul or not?

Huddersfield Town's first goal came from Danny Ward and was the result of poor defending in the box from Fulham. Rodak's contact with Terriers ace Thomas resulted in a penalty, which was duly fired home by Duane Holmes for goal number two.

Star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was close to firing home from a Neco Williams low cross which travelled just behind him, but Bobby De Cordova-Reid provided a late goal to give Fulham a chance in the game.

Rodak doesn't believe he was at fault for the penalty decision and told of his thoughts in the interview.

He said: "I saw him coming, so I stopped and waited for the ball to come into my hands.

"And then he's touched the ball and has fallen back on me, so straight away when I heard the ref's whistle I thought it was a foul on me.

"Then I looked and he'd pointed for a penalty, so I went and asked him what he'd seen, but he didn't want to talk to me at all."

Fulham are currently top of the Championship table and show little chance of letting the spot go.

The defeat was the Cottagers' first of the year and only their fifth of the season under manager Marco Silva.

Huddersfield Town have had a similarly incredible run during the start of 2022. They are without a loss in the league since the end of November and now sit in 5th within touching distance of an automatic promotion spot in the Championship table.

Fulham face strugglers Peterborough United on Wednesday night and have the opportunity to extend the six-point gap between themselves and 2nd placed Bournemouth at the top of the table.



https://the72.co.uk/263805/nothing-went-right-fulhams-marek-rodak-reacts-to-difficult-huddersfield-town-loss/

Silva expects strong Fulham response to defeat

Fulham boss Marco Silva has backed his side to respond strongly to Saturday's loss to Huddersfield when struggling Peterborough visit Craven Cottage.

The Whites' 2-1 reverse was their first league defeat of the year but victory over Posh, who sacked manager Darren Ferguson on Sunday after losing at fellow strugglers Derby, would see them move nine points clear of second-placed Bournemouth.

Silva insists the performance against fifth-placed Huddersfield was not a concern and said the defeat was a good wake-up call to his side as they target an instant return to the Premier League.

"It was a really bad feeling after the last match," Silva said.

"But at the same time it can be good as a club when you don't win a football match because although it is really bad, you want to feel how we are creating a winning mentality inside this football club.

"Each bad result creates a big impact for ourselves and this means when something goes wrong in a game, whether it be the performance or the result, the feeling in the dressing room is how it should be.

"They don't need feedback from myself because they are feeling bad, but that is a good sign.

"You can feel disappointment, frustration, but at the same time we know it is just one game and we must react in a different way in the next game.

"For the Huddersfield game, I can say we didn't have a bad day, but we did have a bad result.

"We have reacted well whenever we have lost this season and now we have this match to show a reaction again."

Ferguson's axing led to ex-Fulham man Simon Davies, who spent seven seasons at Craven Cottage and scored in the semi-final and final of the Whites' memorable Europa League campaign in 2010, being placed in joint-caretaker charge.

Davies and former Tottenham and West Ham winger Matt Etherington will make their debut in the visitors' dugout on Wednesday.

"We know it was tough to win the first game away. Even if they change something or not, as always, we look to ourselves and prepare all the scenarios," Silva said.

"Each club plays for themselves, but the team that is in the first position is always a challenge to them, they can give that extra to take points from the game.

"We have to prepare for that – and we are."

Rodrigo Muniz is back in training but will make his return to the squad for Saturday's trip to Cardiff.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-expects-strong-fulham-response-to-defeat

Pre-Peterborough Press Conference

Marco Silva admitted Peterborough United will be something of an unknown quantity when they arrive at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

After Darren Ferguson's resignation at the weekend, it was announced on Tuesday afternoon that Posh coach Matthew Etherington would take interim charge of the side, assisted by Fulham legend Simon Davies.

"You have the two sides of the situation," Silva explained. "One is that the manager didn't have enough time maybe to prepare everything, to change what he wants to change, to have a straight impact on the team.

"At the same time, we don't have games to analyse with the new manager. These are the two things.

"He could change many things, [or] he can try to keep [things the same], because his time in charge maybe hasn't been enough to change many things in the squad.

"As a new manager he could try to create some new ideas to have an impact on their squad.

"But, as always, we will look at ourselves. Of course we respect and analyse Peterborough's games, but we look at ourselves, what we are able to do, what we must do to win the football match, and all our focus is around that.

"It's another Championship match and of course we respect Peterborough a lot. It was tough for us to win the first game away against them, they made that really difficult for us, but we won the game and we want to repeat that again.

"Even if they change something or not, we always look at ourselves and prepare for every possible scenario."

Every time Fulham have tasted defeat this season, we've bounced back with a positive result in our next outing.

And Marco is hoping for the same on Wednesday, though he knows the Huddersfield Town loss was far from a disaster.

"The players know that the big difference between the good teams and the great teams, is the way you react to a bad game or bad result," he stated. "So far we have done that, every time we had a bad result, we reacted in a very good way.

"This is what I expect from my players in tomorrow's match; a strong reaction from ourselves.

"We know what we did really well last game, and some things that we didn't do. It's clear to everyone what we should do differently, but it's clear to everyone as well that we took many positives from that game.

"For sure it wasn't one of our worst performances, we did many good things, our second half was really good.

"But we are here, we are ready to react again to do our best to get the three points."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/22/pre-peterborough-united-press-conference/

Silva confident Fulham can bounce back

Marco Silva feels confident Fulham can bounce back from their shock defeat by Huddersfield against Peterborough at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

The league leaders were beaten 2-1 by the Terriers last weekend as Carlos Coberan's men stretched their unbeaten run to fifteen games. Silva told his pre-match press conference that he expects his side to deal with the setback in the same way that they have responded to defeats so far in this campaign.

The players know that the big difference between the good teams and the great teams, is the way you react to a bad game or bad result. So far we have done that, every time we had a bad result, we reacted in a very good way. This is what I expect from my players in tomorrow's match; a strong reaction from ourselves.

We know what we did really well last game, and some things that we didn't do. It's clear to everyone what we should do differently, but it's clear to everyone as well that we took many positives from that game. For sure it wasn't one of our worst performances, we did many good things, our second half was really good. But we are here, we are ready to react again to do our best to get the three points."

The Fulham head coach recognises that Peterborough could be something of an unknown quantity, with the Posh having announced a caretaker management team of interim boss Matthew Etherington assisted by former Fulham winger Simon Davies this afternoon.

"You have the two sides of the situation. One is that the manager didn't have enough time maybe to prepare everything, to change what he wants to change, to have a straight impact on the team. At the same time, we don't have games to analyse with the new manager. These are the two things.

It's another Championship match and of course we respect Peterborough a lot. It was tough for us to win the first game away against them, they made that really difficult for us, but we won the game and we want to repeat that again. But, as always, we will look at ourselves. Of course we respect and analyse Peterborough's games, but we look at ourselves, what we are able to do, what we must do to win the football match, and all our focus is around that."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/silva-confident-fulham-can-bounce-back/

Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United playbook won't be ripped up in his absence at Championship leaders Fulham
Matthew Etherington won't be ripping up the Darren Ferguson playbook when he takes charge of Peterborough United's Championship game at leaders Fulham tomorrow (February 23, 7.45pm).

Etherington will be assisted by former Fulham star Simon Davies at Craven Cottage, probably for the one and only time as Posh are expected to have replaced Ferguson with a permanent manager in time for the home game with Hull City on Saturday (February 26).

Etherington was only promoted to the role of assistant manager by Ferguson three months ago. He was surprised to see his former boss resign on Sunday.

"He rang me to tell me," Etherington said. "I was surprised, but I also understood why he came to that decisions. I told him then, and I will say it publicly now, that Darren was brilliant with me and I have plenty to thank him for. I've been back at the club four years and he was first-team manager for three of them. I learnt so much from him and it was easy to see he was so successful here.

"Myself and Simon have been asked to take charge of tomorrow's game and then it will just be a case of waiting to see what happens. We know each other well and it won't be a case of tearing anything up selection-wise or tactics wise.

"We will prepare the team to the best of our abilities and try to give them a lift physically and mentally.

"We've been good in terms of commitment, determination and resilience in recent games and we've just asked the players to give us everything and we will give them everything in return.

"We know we are facing a very good Fulham side, but our performance against them at home is a good reference point for tomorrow. We played very well that day. Our shape was good and our distances were very good. They will expect to get a reaction after slipping up on Saturday, but there is more pressure on them than us."

Posh picked up a couple of knocks while losing at Derby County on Saturday so late fitness tests will be carried out.

Harrison Burrows is back in the squad after a foot injury, but left-back Hayden Coulson serves a one-match ban after his red card at Derby.



https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/darren-fergusons-peterborough-united-playbook-wont-be-ripped-up-in-his-absence-at-championship-leaders-fulham-3581022

Manager plans revealed for Peterborough United vs Fulham

After Darren Ferguson decided to mutually end his stint as manager at Peterborough at the weekend, the Championship side are now on the lookout for a new boss.

The side, who are currently flirting with relegation, are keeping their options open and are currently in the process of seeing who to appoint to take them forward for the rest of the year.

With the search ongoing though, it means that there will not be a permanent appointment in place by the time Peterborough face off against Fulham in midweek. It means that Matthew Etherington, who has previously never managed a side, will be in charge for the fixture as reported by BBC Sport.

The former Stoke man has been with Posh for a while now, having worked his way up through the ranks after he retired from playing. He began coaching with the team's Under-18 side before working his way up to an assistant coaching role.

Now, with the side in need of someone to lead the team in the interim, it looks as if he will be handed the main job until they can locate their next permanent boss.

It also means that, come the game against Fulham, Etherington will be taking charge of his very first game as a manager. He'll therefore be hoping to make a good impression and come away with something against a side that will be extremely hard to break down.

If he can manage even a point against the Cottagers though, then that will be seen as a success for the club.

The Verdict

Matthew Etherington has little to no experience in the management game but that isn't anything to worry about considering he will only be leading the side temporarily.

The former player though will want to make a good impression – and if he picks up some points during his time at the helm, who is to say he might not land the role until the end of the season? It's happened at plenty of clubs in the past.

Etherington has certainly done his rounds in terms of coaching and has worked his way up through the ranks with Posh too – so knows how the team works, how they function and what is needed to get the best out of them.

It'll therefore be interesting to see if he switches things up for the Fulham game and tries something new to try and get an eye-catching result or whether he will stick largely with the same tactics Darren Ferguson used and be merely a stopgap between appointments.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/manager-plans-revealed-for-peterborough-united-vs-fulham/

'Out for vengeance' – Fulham vs Peterborough United prediction: The72

Fulham will be looking to get back to winning ways against managerless Peterborough United on Wednesday night.

Marco Silva's side still sit pretty at the top of the Championship table, but they fell to defeat against in-form Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

They have a great chance to get back on track on Wednesday though, with Peterborough United travelling down to Craven Cottage for a Championship club. Posh are without a manager after Darren Ferguson departed the club, with the London Road side sat in 23rd place, five points away from safety.

Ahead of the game, some of our writers have issued their predictions for the game...

James Ray (@_jamesrray)

"Looking at this game on paper, this can surely only go one way.

"Fulham score for fun while Peterborough United have the Championship's second-worst defensive record this season. Posh may hope that caretaker boss Matty Etherington can bring a bounce after Ferguson's departure, but Silva's side will have too much for them to handle.

"Fulham will want to make a point after losing to Huddersfield Town too, so a comfortable home win should await."

Score prediction: Fulham 4-0 Peterborough United
Luke Phelps (@lukephelps72)

"Despite Posh parting ways with Darren Ferguson, and Fulham having the odd dip in form in the Championship, I really can only see this one going one way.

"Fulham should have far too much firepower for Peterborough to handle and after their unexpected defeat v Huddersfield Town last time out, they'll be out for vengeance."

Score prediction: Fulham 3-0 Peterborough United
Finlay Openshaw

"It doesn't get any easier for a struggling Peterborough side, who are desperate for goals just as much as points as they travel to free-scoring Fulham.

"Fulham will look to bounce back last weekend's defeat to retain their six-point lead at the top over title rivals Bournemouth.

"Peterborough need a reaction in this game after losing manager Darren Ferguson earlier in the week, but Fulham will see this as the perfect chance to get back to winning ways."

Score prediction Fulham 5-0 Peterborough United



https://the72.co.uk/263815/out-for-vengeance-fulham-vs-peterborough-united-prediction-the72/

Plymouth Argyle will put 'bad result' behind them and focus on bouncing back on Saturday

"It is a long season and games come very fast so we have to put bad results behind us and look forward as this is a very positive team."

Plymouth Argyle defender Steven Sessegnon said that the squad will be putting the defeat at Cambridge United behind them as they start a run of home games.

First half goals from Sam Smith and Jack Lankester were enough to give the U's all three points at home to the Pilgrims on Tuesday as the five game unbeaten run and four consecutive wins came to an end.

Other results helped the Greens out as despite losing, they stayed fifth in the table, with six of the next seven at Home Park.

The on-loan Fulham man made his debut for Argyle in the second half and said it was a proud moment to pull on the shirt for the first time and that the players won't be dwelling too much on the slightly disappointing performance and result.

"I was very proud to debut and it has been a long time coming," the 21-year-old said. "I am glad it has finally happened but unfortunately we couldn't get the three points.

"I knew how good of a team we are and the good football they play and looking to getting in and playing fast attacking football, so I was looking forward to this a lot.

"We have to consider the run we were on and good things don't always last forever. We can't be too disappointed and there is a big game on Saturday and we have to look forward to that. It is a long season and games come very fast so we have to put bad results behind us and look forward as this is a very positive team."

The transfer deadline day loan signing from Fulham has not been involved in any of the Pilgrims' three games since he arrived at Home Park, and boss Steven Schumacher said that he wasn't fully fit to start on Tuesday after his hamstring injury.

(https://i2-prod.plymouthherald.co.uk/incoming/article6705138.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_2440635.jpg)
Steven Sessegnon of Plymouth Argyle during the Sky Bet League match between Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday 22nd February 2022, Abbey Stadium, Cambridge Cambridgeshire - Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK

Schumacher said: "Joe Edwards had a little niggle yesterday in training, so I didn't feel it was right to risk him, so Ryan Broom started and Sess was on the bench.

"He showed some little bits of quality when he came on and I'm pleased to have him finally involved."



https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/plymouth-argyle-put-bad-result-6705120

Up next: Peterborough United (h)

Saturday's stumble at the hands of in-form Huddersfield stirred the emotions. It was infuriating for a couple of reasons: there was a lingering sense of injustice at the final whistle after Fulham were on the wrong end of a couple of contentious penalty decisions, but there was little doubt that the Whites were far from their free-flowing best. It certainly served as a reminder of the Championship's unpredictability and the folly of suggesting, as many have, that promotion to the Premier League, is now a foregone conclusion.

The performance was particularly uneven. Marco Silva suggested that his side were the best on the pitch and the league leaders did create plenty of scoring opportunities but they looked laboured in possession at times and were diffident in defence. A well-drilled Huddersfield side, who were dangerous on the break, took full advantage to extend their unbeaten run to fifteen matches and Carlos Corberan's men look like a decent bet for the play-offs, which would have surprised everyone who saw them get ruthlessly taken apart at home in August.

The challenge for Fulham is to bounce back immediately and avoid any poor run of form that would give heart to the chasing back. Silva has decisions to make ahead of the visit of relegation-threatened Peterborough. Marek Rodak has admitted his culpability for Huddersfield's first goal and hopes to put that behind him, whilst Antonee Robinson's recent form at left back is a real concern. Fulham's central midfield lacked bite at the weekend, with Nathaniel Chalobah particularly passive and Tom Cairney unable to dictate proceedings in his usual fashion. One of those two should make way for either Harrison Reed or Jean Michael Seri, who hasn't started a game since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Peterborough will be something of a unknown quantity after Darren Ferguson called time on his third spell with the club following defeat to Derby at the weekend. The Posh were always likely to find life back in the Championship tough, but the decision to part with one of their best players – Siriki Dembele – on deadline day only served to make things more difficult. The Posh will be under of the stewardship of a caretaker manager team for the trip to Craven Cottage, with Matthew Etherington, who had done a sterling job with their youth team set-up before being promoted to assistant manager last year, assisted by Fulham legend Simon Davies. Their tenure could be as short as a single game with Grant McCann heavily tipped to return to the club where his managerial career began.

In his comments after his interim appointment was confirmed, Etherington insisted that he wouldn't be parting too drastically from Ferguson's approach, highlighting the narrow home defeat by Fulham in November as an example of how his side can compete with the league leaders. Posh were unfortunate not to get a point that day, thwarted by a few important saves by Marek Rodak, and beaten by an expert header from Aleksandar Mitrovic. They might view this evening as a bit of a free hit, but five points from safety, Peterborough badly need to improve a desperate away record which seen them lose fourteen of sixteen matches on the road this season, conceding 43 goals.

The visitors will definitely be without Hayden Coulson, who is suspended after his Pride Park dismissal. The former Sunderland protégé Bali Mumba could come in, whilst Jonson Clarke-Harris is an option should Etherington want to shake-up his front three. Fulham could extend their lead at the top of the table to six points again tonight, with Bournemouth hampered by two successive possessions, and banishing the deflation from Saturday's defeat will be firmly at the forefront of their minds.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Williams, Bryan, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed, Cairney; Wilson, Kebano, Carvalho; Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah, Seri, Decordova-Reid, Stansfield.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/up-next-peterborough-united-h/

Sessegnon makes his Argyle bow

It's been a long time coming, but on Tuesday night, Steven Sessegnon finally made his debut for the Greens.

Steven, who joined the Pilgrims on loan from Fulham back in the January transfer window, came on as a 68th minute substitute, replacing Ryan Broom, in Argyle's 2-0 Sky Bet League One defeat to Cambridge United.

Despite the result at the end of the game, he was delighted to have finally put the shirt on and get involved.

"I'm very proud," Steven said, "it's been a long time coming as well.

"I've looked forward to coming in and playing with the boys, so I'm glad it's finally happened.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't get the three points but I'm very happy to make my debut."

Since signing on deadline day, Steven has had to sit from the side lines as he recovered from a slight hamstring injury.

He travelled with the squad to Gillingham on Saturday and was involved in matchday squad for the first time at the Abbey Stadium.

He said, "I was looking forward to getting in and playing with the boys, playing fast attacking football, so I was looking forward to this day a lot.

"I had a bit of a set back with my hamstring but I'm just glad I'm back out, I'm at my happiest when I'm out playing, especially for this club."

Now that he's made his bow, Steven is feeling positive about the push towards the end of the season and getting as high up the Sky Bet League One table as possible.

He has admitted that Tuesday night's result does not reflect on how well the Greens have been doing so far this season, so believes that nobody should feel downhearted about it.

"I think we've got to consider the run we were on," Steven said, "good things don't last forever I guess but I don't think we can be too disappointed.

"We didn't have the greatest of days, but there's a big game Saturday so we've got to put it past us and look forward to the big game.

"It's a long season. I know we're halfway through, but games come very fast, and then by the time you know it's the end of the season, so we've got to put bad results behind us and look forward because this is a really positive team."

As all players are, Steven was told about the Green Army when he joined and played in front of just over 900 of them on Tuesday night.

He has expressed his excitement of being able to play in front of them again, especially at a packed-out Home Park.

"I've definitely been told about the fans of this club and how passionate they are, and I absolutely love it, and I look forward to seeing them this weekend.

"I've seen videos so I can see how loud and passionate the fans are, so I look forward to being at Home Park and I'm sure they will do their jobs on pushing us forward"



https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/sessegnon-makes-his-argyle-bow

Sessegnon makes Plymouth debut

Steven Sessegnon made the first appearance of his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle – coming on as a second half substitute in the Pilgrims' 2-0 defeat by Cambridge United last night.

The England under-21 international has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since being loaned out by Fulham for first-team football on transfer deadline day. He played the final 22 minutes of a disappointing defeat for Steven Schumacher's side, but was upbeat in speaking to Plymouth's official website:

"I'm very proud – it's been a long time coming as well. I've looked forward to coming in and playing with the boys, so I'm glad it's finally happened. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the three points but I'm very happy to make my debut."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/sessegnon-makes-plymouth-debut/