Saturday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/24...

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McAvoy moves to Ayr United on loan
Fulham centre back Conor McAvoy has joined Ayr United on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Scottish youth international, a former captain of Fulham's under 21 and under 18s sides, gained his first taste of senior football during an outstanding loan spell with Wealdstone in 2021 but had a promising period on loan at Partick Thistle ended after just six weeks in 2023 following a serious knee injury.

McAvoy's new side are top of the Scottish Championship having won all four of their league fixtures so far.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/mcavoy-moves-to-ayr-united-on-loan/

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Fulham 'complete documents' in time to sign Arsenal star after deadline day transfer collapses
Fulham are said to have pivoted to an Arsenal man after seeing their deadline day transfer collapse.

Fulham have been forced into a late pivot amid Friday night's transfer deadline. The Cottagers were all set to sign winger Ernest Nuamah from Lyon on a permanent deal, but the deal collapsed in the final hour of the window, which officially closed at 11pm.

Though, with the help of the Premier League deal sheet, Fulham have bought themselves some extra time in a bid to get a winger over the line. The Cottagers need more depth in the position following the departure of the versatile Bobby Decordova Reid in the summer.

After issues emerged in the Nuamah deal late in the day, Fulham are said to have pivoted to Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson after Ipswich Town withdrew their interest in the final hour. Nelson was made available by the Gunners as they prepare to wrap up a loan deal for Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.

Nelson was available earlier in the summer having been largely starved for minutes, but a Sterling deal was not possible without his departure due to financial rules and Mikel Arteta's desire to avoid having unhappy players around the team, something Chelsea have struggled with over recent years.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Reiss Nelson to Fulham, agreement done after Ipswich Town deal off! Documents being prepared to get it done in time." He then added: "Reiss Nelson to Fulham, here we go! Loan deal done and documents completed in time."

Fulham are, of course, only now getting a loan deal instead of a permanent one, as would have been the case with Nuamah, but they will save themselves some cash, getting chance to see Nelson in action before potentially making the deal permanent at a later date. Given Arsenal's ever-improving squad, it's likely Arteta and the Gunners will be willing to sell Nelson next summer. He is currently under contract until 2027



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-complete-documents-in-time-to-sign-arsenal-star-after-deadline-day-transfer-collapses-4763653

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Ipswich Town: Fulham beat Blues to Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson
Ipswich Town transfer target Reiss Nelson is set to seal a last-minute move to Fulham, the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star understands.

 The Arsenal winger had initially chosen to join the Blues on loan, freeing up space for Raheem Sterling to join the Gunners from Chelsea this evening.

Nelson was reportedly heading to Suffolk for his medical after talks had progressed to an advanced stage, but had his head turned by late interest from the Cottagers.

The 24-year-old will now head to London to sign a season-long loan deal with Marco Silva's side, although he won't be registered in time to face Town at Portman Road tomorrow. Fulham have submitted a deal sheet to get the deal done.

Following the departures of Freddie Ladapo (released), Marcus Harness (Derby County, loan) and George Edmundson (Middlesbrough, loan), Ipswich's squad is at 25 players, the maximum number for the Premier League campaign.

 The on-again off-again move for Chelsea's Armando Broja has also collapsed, with Town's transfer business complete for the summer. Kieran McKenna's side have added 12 new faces to their squad.

TOWN SUMMER BUSINESS
 IN: Aro Muric (£8m, Burnley), Ben Johnson (free, West Ham), Dara O'Shea (Burnley, £12m), Jacob Greaves (Hull, £15m), Conor Townsend (£500k, West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (loan, Man City), Jens Cajuste (loan, Napoli), Omari Hutchinson (£18m, Chelsea), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton, £8m), Sammie Szmodics (£8m, Blackburn), Jack Clarke (£15m, Sunderland), Liam Delap (£15m, Man City).

OUT: Vaclav Hladky (Burnley, Bosman free), Janoi Donacien, Dom Ball (both released), Kayden Jackson (Derby, free), Sone Aluko (retired), Gassan Ahadme (Charlton, £1m), Idris El Mizouni (Oxford, £400k), Corrie Ndaba (Kilmarnock, undisc), Elkan Baggott (Blackpool, loan), Panutche Camara (Crawley, free), Freddie Ladapo (mutual consent), Marcus Harness (Derby, loan), George Edmundson (Middlesbrough, loan) Kieffer Moore, Jeremy Sarmiento, Brandon Williams, Lewis Travis (loans expired). 



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24553870.ipswich-town-fulham-beat-blues-arsenal-winger-reiss-nelson/

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Stansfield Departs

The Club can confirm that Jay Stansfield has joined Birmingham City on a permanent deal.

While part of the First Team group this season, Jay's desire for regular first team football, along with the package Fulham will receive, meant that a deal has proven beneficial for all parties.

Following his departure, Jay said: "Hiya Fulham fans. I just want to say a massive thank you for the last five years that I've been at this amazing club.

"I've taken this choice and opportunity to go and play first team football, and taken this next challenge to be able to develop my career, not just as a player but as a person.

"I can't thank the Club enough and all the fans, and everyone around the place, for the last five years and for making me into the person I am today.

"Fulham will always have a special place in my heart, as that's where I've made my home for five years.

"All the achievements that I've made, playing in the Premier League and scoring my first senior goal for such a major club, I can't thank the Fulham family enough for all the opportunities and the love they've given me.

"I wish you all the best for the future and hopefully we come across each other again soon."

After joining from Exeter City five years ago, Stansfield was prolific for Fulham's youth sides and was rewarded with a senior debut in a 2-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa in January 2020.

His first goal for the Whites came, ironically, at St Andrew's in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win at the start of 2021/22, with his second and last strike coming in an identical context earlier this week.

Everyone at the Club would like to thank Jay for his efforts over the last five years, and we wish him all the best back with Birmingham.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/30/stansfield-departs/

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Why did Ernest Nuamah's move to Fulham collapse?
Ernest Nuamah (20) had looked on the verge of completing a last-minute deal from Olympique Lyonnais to Fulham, however, the deal ultimately fell through. L'Équipe have now explained why.

It had been expected that the Ghanaian winger would join Everton, a club that OL owner John Textor is in talks to purchase. Nuamah had even agreed terms with the Toffees, according to Foot Mercato, only for Fulham to lodge a last-minute attempt to hijack the deal.

'He loves Lyon' – Nuamah's entourage
Romano reported that a deal between Fulham and Lyon had been agreed, however, Romano later added that the deal taking Nuamah to Fulham was on the verge of being called off after "new issues" arose.

The deal was then confirmed to be off. L'Équipe have now shed light on the situation. The publication understands that it is the player that refused to move to Craven Cottage as he did not wish to leave OL, especially since the Ligue 1 club had not found a replacement. "He loves Lyon," his enoutarge told L'Équipe.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/why-did-ernest-nuamahs-move-to-fulham-collapse/

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Birmingham sign Stansfield for £15m
Birmingham City have completed a deadline day deal for Fulham forward Jay Stansfield.

The League One side will pay an astonishing initial £15m for the 21 year-old. The deal could eventually rise to £20m with add-ons and the Premier League side have a 20% sell-on fee.

The England under-21 international has signed a seven-year contract at St. Andrew's.

Stansfield told Fulham's official website this evening:

Hiya Fulham fans. I just want to say a massive thank you for the last five years that I've been at this amazing club.

"I've taken this choice and opportunity to go and play first team football, and taken this next challenge to be able to develop my career, not just as a player but as a person. I can't thank the club enough and all the fans, and everyone around the place, for the last five years and for making me into the person I am today.

Fulham will always have a special place in my heart, as that's where I've made my home for five years. All the achievements that I've made, playing in the Premier League and scoring my first senior goal for such a major club, I can't thank the Fulham family enough for all the opportunities and the love they've given me. I wish you all the best for the future and hopefully we come across each other again soon."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/birmingham-sign-stansfield-for-15m/

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Birmingham sign Fulham's Jay Stansfield in record-breaking deal
Birmingham have smashed the League One transfer record to sign striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham.

Stansfield scored 12 goals in 43 appearances during a loan spell at Birmingham last season, but his goals could not keep the club in the Championship.

The striker then returned to haunt Birmingham in Tuesday's League Cup tie, scoring the second goal in Fulham's 2-0 victory at St. Andrews.

However, that will not be the last time that Stansfield will play at St. Andrews this season because has now completed a transfer to the League One side.

Birmingham splashout to sign Stansfield
As per journalist Sam Dean, Birmingham have smashed the League One transfer record to sign Stansfield on the final day of the transfer window.

Birmingham have agreed to pay £15m plus £5m in potential add-ons, with the deal also including a 20% sell-on clause and a £100,000 bonus if Chris Davies's side win promotion to the Championship.

The striker told Fulham's official website that he was keen to complete the move to gain regular first-team football at Birmingham.

Stansfield said: "Hiya Fulham fans. I just want to say a massive thank you for the last five years that I've been at this amazing club.

"I've taken this choice and opportunity to go and play first team football, and taken this next challenge to be able to develop my career, not just as a player but as a person.

"I can't thank the Club enough and all the fans, and everyone around the place, for the last five years and for making me into the person I am today. Fulham will always have a special place in my heart, as that's where I've made my home for five years.

"All the achievements that I've made, playing in the Premier League and scoring my first senior goal for such a major club, I can't thank the Fulham family enough for all the opportunities and the love they've given me. I wish you all the best for the future and hopefully, we come across each other again soon."

Stansfiedl delight to complete Birmingham return
Stansfield has also expressed his delight to return to St. Andrews after he finished last term as Birmingham's top scorer and clinched all the individual honours at the club's end-of-season awards.

"I am absolutely buzzing. It has been a long time coming, I think," Stansfield told Blues TV. "When I left, from the awards evening, the reaction from all the fans, even though it was a really tough season for Birmingham as a club and it didn't end the way we wanted it to end.

"I thought it was only right for me to come back here and take on this next challenge, and be part of such an amazing club and amazing project."

Stansfield has put pen to paper on a seven-year contract, and he now look to play a key role in Birmingham's promotion bid.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/transfer-talk/news/record-smashed-birmingham-splash-out-staggering-sum-for-fulhams-stansfield_551895.html?newsnow

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Nelson Joins On Loan

The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Reiss Nelson from Arsenal on a season-long loan.

A winger who is comfortable on either flank, and even has plenty of experience playing behind a striker, the 24-year-old offers another versatile option for Marco Silva's attack line.

Tony Khan said: "I'm very happy to welcome Reiss Nelson to Fulham Football Club! Reiss is a talented young player, and we're excited that he's joined the squad on loan!

"His arrival concludes a busy transfer window for the Club, and we're all looking forward to a great season ahead!

"Come on Fulham!"

Like his teammates Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi, Nelson is a product of the highly successful Hale End academy at Arsenal, joining the club at the age of eight.

He made his senior debut in the Gunners' 2017 Community Shield victory over Chelsea, going on to make 16 appearances across all competitions that season.

The following campaign saw him gain further top-flight experience, this time in Germany with Hoffenheim, where he became the third-youngest player to reach five Bundesliga goals, and also sampled Champions League football.

He departed with seven goals in just 23 Bundesliga outings, and followed that up with his first goals in Arsenal colours in 2019/20, including a winner against Liverpool at the Emirates.

Another loan spell abroad saw him help Feyenoord reach the Conference League Final, with Nelson registering 11 goals involvements for the Dutch side.

Back at Arsenal, the winger was part of some pivotal moments as Arsenal finished as Premier League runners-up in 2022/23, perhaps most famously when he netted a 97th minute goal against Bournemouth to complete a remarkable comeback for his side.

It led to him winning the Premier League Gamechanger of the Season award, as well as the club's Goal of the Season trophy.

23 more appearances last season – as Arsenal again ran Manchester City close – took his tally for the club to 90, in which time he's scored eight times and provided nine assists.

A prolific scorer at youth level for England, Nelson netted 21 goals in 36 caps at Under-17 to Under-21 level.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/31/nelson-joins-on-loan/

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Reiss Nelson joins Fulham on loan
Reiss Nelson has joined Fulham on loan for the 2024/25 season.

The 24-year-old joined our academy at the age of eight and has made 90 first-team appearances, scoring eight goals and assisting nine times. He was part of our 2020 FA Cup-winning side and involved in our FA Community Shield victories in 2017 and 2020.

Reiss made 68 appearances across our academy teams, at Under-18, Under-19, and Under-23 levels, scoring 25 goals with 11 assists in the process. On his journey to our first team, Reiss signed his first professional contract with the club in December 2016.

The forward made his senior debut for us when he came on as a substitute in the season opener against Chelsea in the 2017 FA Community Shield, when we defeated Chelsea 4-1 on penalties at Wembley Stadium. Reiss's first goal for us came in a 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup at Emirates Stadium in September 2019.

Reiss's season-long loan with Fulham will be his third loan spell, following valuable experience with German side Hoffenheim in the 2018/19 season, and Dutch club Feyenoord in the 2021/22 season.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Reiss all the best for this coming season with Fulham.

The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.



https://www.arsenal.com/news/reiss-nelson-joins-fulham-loan

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Fulham bring in Nelson on loan
Fulham have completed a season-long loan deal to bring in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson following the successful submission of a deal sheet.

The 24 year-old pulled out of his move to tomorrow's opponents Ipswich Town in order to sign for the Whites, according to the Athletic. Nelson has made 90 appearances for the Gunners, scoring eight goals, but was keen to play first-team football after falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta last season.

The former England under-21 international came through the Hale End academy alongside his new Fulham team-mates Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe. He enjoyed successful loan spells at Feyenoord and Hoffenheim before helping Arsenal win the FA Cup in 2020.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-bring-in-nelson-on-loan/

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Arsenal winger joins Fulham on loan for 2024/25 season

    Fulham sign Reiss Nelson on loan
    Arsenal sanction exit due to pursuit of Raheem Sterling
    Nelson reunites with Emile Smith Rowe in west London

Reiss Nelson has joined Fulham on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

The winger was allowed to seek an exit on transfer deadline day of the summer window following the Gunners' late move to bring in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.

At first, Ipswich Town appeared to be the frontrunners for Nelson, but Fulham quickly advanced their interest in the 24-year-old.

Nelson's move to Fulham was confirmed in the early hours of Saturday morning after Fulham submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League to complete the transfer past the deadline.

The Whites have now taken on a second Arsenal academy graduate this summer. They had already completed the permanent £34m signing of Emile Smith Rowe weeks prior to Nelson's arrival.

Arsenal also waved goodbye to Eddie Nketiah on deadline day, with the homegrown striker heading south of the River Thames to sign for Crystal Palace in a deal that could be worth £30m if add-ons are met.

Nelson will not be able to make his Fulham debut this weekend, but could come into Marco Silva's side for their home match against West Ham United on the other side of the September international break.



https://www.90min.com/arsenal-winger-joins-fulham-on-loan-for-2024-25-season

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Birmingham City SMASH League One transfer record as they sign striker Jay Stansfield for £15m plus £5m in add-ons from Fulham

    Birmingham City completed the record-breaking signing of Jay Stansfield
    Stansfield spent last season on loan and has now joined the Blues permanently

Birmingham City smashed the League One transfer record as they completed the signing of striker Jay Stansfield on a seven-year deal from Fulham on deadline day.

Stansfield spent last season on loan at Birmingham and scored 12 goals in 43 Championship appearances. However, this was not enough to keep the Blues up as they were relegated to the third tier.

This did not stop Birmingham pursuing a permanent deal, though, and on Friday night they got their man, albeit at a costly price.

It is understood that Fulham will receive a guaranteed £15m, with up to £5m in add-ons, meaning the total fee could rise to £20m.

The previous record was the £4m that Birmingham spent on Austrian centre back Christoph Klarer earlier this summer.

Fulham also ensured there is a 20 per cent sell-on clause included, while there will also be a £100,000 bonus if Birmingham get promoted back to the Championship.

Following confirmation of his record-breaking move, Stansfield told BluesTV: 'I am absolutely buzzing. It has been a long time coming, I think.

'When I left, from the awards evening, the reaction from all the fans, even though it was a really tough season for Birmingham as a club and it didn't end the way we wanted it to end, I thought it was only right for me to come back here and take on this next challenge, and be part of such an amazing club and amazing project.'

The deal is still subject to league and FA clearance, but no issues are expected.

Stansfield played for Fulham against Birmingham on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, scoring in a 2-0 win for Marco Silva's side.

But he will now be pulling on a Birmingham shirt once more with the aim of helping them return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Birmingham have made a strong start to their League One campaign, picking up seven points from three games, leaving them in fifth place in the early stages of the season.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13798929/Birmingham-City-SMASH-League-One-transfer-record-sign-striker-Jay-Stansfield-15m-plus-5m-add-ons-Fulham.html

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Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Having faced two of the Premier League's most potent powerhouses in their first two games of the season, Ipswich Town face a friendlier fixture on Saturday, when Fulham head to Portman Road.

The Tractor Boys have some EFL Cup mistakes to rectify after losing on penalties against AFC Wimbledon in midweek, while Marco Silva's men got the better of Birmingham City.

Match preview
Only if Arsenal were visiting Ipswich's turf this weekend could McKenna's side have been handed a tougher start to life back in the Premier League, having been forced to pit their wits against Liverpool and Manchester City in their first two competitive battles of 2024-25.

After their engine blew in a 2-0 loss to the Reds, where their gung-ho first-half preceded a tepid second, Ipswich were briefly on cloud nine at the Etihad when Sammie Szmodics's opener trickled over the line, only for hat-trick hero Erling Haaland to inspire an inevitable Citizens comeback.

There was to be no immediate redemption tale for Ipswich in the EFL Cup either, as following a 2-2 draw with Wimbledon in normal time, Conor Chaplin's late leveller just delayed an embarrassing exit; Omari Hutchinson and Jack Taylor both fluffed their lines from the penalty spot.

With three losses to show from their opening three bouts of 2024-25, Ipswich now endeavour to avoid an unwanted first under McKenna, who has never lost back-to-back league home games in charge of the top-tier new boys.

Furthermore, not since the 2006-07 Championship season have Ipswich been condemned to defeat in their opening three games of a league campaign, and they have never opened a top-flight season with three straight losses, so unwanted history could be written on Saturday afternoon.

Likewise, Fulham have also been consigned to an early loss versus a Manchester outfit - going down 1-0 to Manchester United in the season's maiden match - but Silva's troops made Craven Cottage amends when Ipswich's 2023-24 Championship foes Leicester City paid a visit.

From North London to West London, two former Arsenal academy proteges in Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi propelled Fulham to their maiden success of the 2024-25 season, ensuring that Wout Faes's header - which was initially ruled out - would be meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

Following on from that deserved success in terrible capital conditions, Fulham avoided sharing Ipswich's EFL Cup fate at the home of Birmingham City, where Raul Jimenez and former Blues loanee Jay Stansfield struck inside the opening 15 minutes to send the Cottagers into round three.

Revelling in their third win from their last four competitive matches, Fulham can end a 16-year streak at Portman Road, as the capital outfit have not won at least two of their opening three games of a top-flight campaign since the 2008-09 season.

However, Fulham have had Ipswich's number ever since the start of the 2016-17 Championship season, beating the Tractor Boys in each of their last six showdowns, including a 3-1 win at Portman Road in the fourth round of last season's League Cup.

Ipswich Town Premier League form:

    L    L

Ipswich Town form (all competitions):

    L    L    L

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    L    W    W

Team News
No Ipswich players have reported any physical problems from the Man City or Wimbledon defeats, leaving Wes Burns (thigh), Nathan Broadhead (thigh), George Hirst (knee), Harry Clarke (calf) and Janoi Donacien (groin) in the medical bay.

McKenna did not hesitate to rotate for the EFL Cup, where new signings Chiedozie Ogbene, Kalvin Phillips, Dara O'Shea and Jens Cajuste were all named in the starting XI, but it would be a surprise to see any member of the quartet hold their place for Saturday; Jack Clarke may fare better.

Chaplin's last-gasp equaliser should also not be enough for him to keep his place over Szmodics, who is out to become the first Ipswich man since Adam Tanner in 1995 to score in their first two Premier League starts for the hosts.

While five Ipswich players are currently sidelined, the Fulham medical staff have been able to put their feet up in the early stages of the campaign, as Silva's men should have a clean bill of health once again this weekend.

The Cottagers boss handed a full debut to Sander Berge and a second Fulham start - and his first since his return - to Joachim Andersen in midweek, although that does suggest that the pair will return to the bench for the trip to East Anglia.

Indeed, Fulham could name the same Premier League side for the third game in a row, as Smith Rowe seeks to score in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since December 2021.


Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Muric; Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Clarke, Szmodics, Hutchinson; Delap

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

We say: Ipswich Town 1-2 Fulham

A refreshed set of Ipswich legs should not suffer a similar humiliation a la their Wimbledon woes, but McKenna's men are noticeably frail at the back and will certainly leave gaps for Fulham to exploit if they adopt a risky approach.

Silva's settled starting XI have had time to gel and were worthy winners over one newly-promoted side last weekend, so we expect the Cottagers to prolong Ipswich's wait for a first point of 2024-25.




https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/ipswich-town/preview/preview-ipswich-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_551520.html

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Silva ready for 'unbelievable' Ipswich
Marco Silva has hailed Kieran McKenna and Ipswich Town for their 'unbelievable winning mentality' and warned his Fulham side to expect a serious examination at Portman Road on Saturday.

The newly-promoted outfit might have lost their first two top flight fixtures and gone out of the League Cup to League Two AFC Wimbledon last night, but the Fulham head coach insisted he would not be taking the challenge lightly ahead of the trip to East Anglia.

Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

"I expect a really tough game. They have an unbelievable winning mentality from the last two seasons. When you are promoted the way they were from League One to the Championship, and then Championship to the Premier League, I have to say that is unbelievable.

They've played two really tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City but the first game of the season was a really tough one for Liverpool; the way they played, the atmosphere. It was a solid start for them except for the result. They made life difficult for Liverpool and they started the game with the right intensity, mentality and doing everything to win the game. Since then, they have made very good signings that will probably be in the squad and maybe the starting eleven. It's another chance for them to play at home. The environment will be the same – really big support for the home side and it'll be a tough game.

They really trust in their philosophy and process. They've been really successful in the last two seasons and I think they will continue in the same way. We need to be at our best level to make life really difficult for them and we need to keep improving, because there is big room for us to improve in certain aspects of the game and we need to show that."

The Portuguese boss revealed that he feels more comfortable with the depth of his squad after watching Fulham's second string see off Birmingham on Tuesday night.

"We needed that game in the middle of the week. It's always tough when you change the [entire] eleven from one game to the other, but the individual quality was there from almost all of the players. It was a good test for us off the ball as they created different problems for us with the energy they played with. We were able to be solid, which was a good sign. It's good news to have all the players available.

Ryan [Sessegnon] is in a different situation. He needs these games to get in the right shape. It was amazing to see him play 95 minutes in the game. His connection with the fans is so crucial for him and it was great to see him on the pitch at the end with zero problems and training again today. Joachim [Andersen] doesn't need those types of games as he was playing at [Crystal] Palace. It was important for Jorge to get his first feeling of English football and Sander [Berge] needs minutes.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-ready-for-unbelievable-ipswich/

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How to watch Ipswich vs Fulham live: Steam link, team news, latest updates
Finally, for the first time in the Premier League, Ipswich Town get to play someone other than Liverpool or Manchester City on Saturday (10 am ET), when Fulham visit Portman Road.

WATCH IPSWICH vs FULHAM LIVE
On the bright side, Ipswich aren't even bottom of the PL table despite starting their season against two of the best teams in the world. Liverpool gave them precious little (0.15 xG on three shots) and Erling Haaland did what he does (that's code for: scored a hat trick) as the Tractor Boys scored from their only shot of the game, in the 7th minute. Now, against a side of fellow mortals, we will see a few of Kieran McKenna's ideas on display.

Fulham, meanwhile, fought tough at Old Trafford and nearly took a point against Manchester United before beating Leicester last weekend. Emile Smith Rowe bagged his first goal since joining from Arsenal earlier this summer, but it was another former Gunner, Alex Iwobi, who scored the winner for Marco Silva's side midway through the second half.

How to watch Ipswich vs Fulham live, stream link and start time
Kickoff time: 10 am ET Saturday (Aug. 31)
Venue: Portman Road
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

Ipswich focus, team news
    OUT: Wes Burns (thigh), Harry Clarke (calf), George Hirst (knee), Nathan Broadhead (thigh), Janoi Donacien (groin)

Fulham focus, team news
    No injuries to report

Ipswich vs Fulham prediction
Ipswich will sense this is their opportunity to show the world what they can do in possession, and Fulham will be happily waiting to do what they do best: launch counter-attacks through Smith Rowe, Iwobi and Adama Traore. Ipswich 1-3 Fulham.



https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/how-to-watch-ipswich-vs-fulham-live-steam-link-team-news-latest-updates

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Ipswich Town Matchday Preview

🆚 Ipswich Town
🏟 Portman Road
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 31st August
⏰ 3pm (BST)
#️⃣ IPSFUL

The opposition

The fixture computer was far from kind to Ipswich Town following their promotion to the Premier League, following up an opening day clash against Liverpool with a trip to the Etihad. They took a very early lead at Manchester City through new arrival Sammie Szmodics, but the champions quickly replied with three goals in five minutes, before adding a fourth late on.

The Carabao Cup didn't offer any better fortunes for the Tractor Boys in midweek, though they were much changed for the trip to AFC Wimbledon. An 86th minute equaliser from Conor Chaplin managed to force penalties, but they went on to lose 4-2 in the shootout.

Team news

🚜 Ipswich will be without Wes Burns, Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke and George Hirst on Saturday.

🤍 Marco Silva has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Tickets

The Club has sold out its allocation for this match, meaning 3,000 Fulham fans will be travelling to East Anglia to support the boys.

Kits

Both teams will be wearing their home outfield strips for this game, but Fulham's goalkeeper will be in the away kit to avoid a clash.

Coverage

Worldwide FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid. American fans can watch on Peacock.

Weather

⛅️ A cloudy but dry afternoon with sunny intervals is forecast, with temperatures around 20 degrees.

Parking

Fans driving to the game can book parking at this link.

Away fan guide

Ipswich have provided a guide for away fans, which can be viewed at this link.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/30/ipswich-town-matchday-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Ipswich Press Conference
Marco Silva says Ipswich Town cannot be underestimated ahead of this weekend's clash at Portman Road.

Kieran McKenna's side have lost both of their games so far in their first Premier League campaign since 2001/02, but they have had a brutal start to the season, facing Liverpool and Manchester City.

And despite losing those games 2-0 and 4-1 respectively, Silva has been impressed with the Tractor Boys, particularly in their Premier League opener against Arne Slot's side.

"I expect a really tough game," he said. "They have an unbelievable winning mentality from the last two seasons. When you are promoted the way they were from League One to the Championship, and then Championship to the Premier League, I have to say that is unbelievable.

"They've played two really tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City but the first game of the season was a really tough one for Liverpool; the way they played, the atmosphere. It was a solid start for them except for the result.

"They made life difficult for Liverpool and they started the game with the right intensity, mentality and doing everything to win the game. Since then, they have made very good signings that will probably be in the squad and maybe the starting XI.

"It's another chance for them to play at home. The environment will be the same - really big support for the home side and it'll be a tough game.

"They really trust in their philosophy and process. They've been really successful in the last two seasons and I think they will continue in the same way. We need to be at our best level to make life really difficult for them and we need to keep improving, because there is big room for us to improve in certain aspects of the game and we need to show that."

Silva made 11 changes for our Carabao Cup tie at Birmingham City in midweek, which saw debuts for Jorge Cuenca, Steven Benda and Sander Berge, as well as second debuts for Joachim Andersen and Ryan Sessegnon.

The gaffer was pleased to get minutes into the legs of the likes of Sessegnon, Cuenca and Berge in our 2-0 win - and even more delighted that no injuries were picked up in the victory at St Andrew's.

"We needed that game in the middle of the week," he said.

"It's always tough when you change the XI from one game to the other, but the individual quality was there from almost all of the players. It was a good test for us off the ball as they created different problems for us with the energy they played with. We were able to be solid, which was a good sign.

"Ryan is in a different situation. He needs these games to get in the right shape. It was amazing to see him play 95 minutes in the game. His connection with the fans is so crucial for him and it was great to see him on the pitch at the end with zero problems and training again today.

"Joachim doesn't need those types of games as he was playing at [Crystal] Palace. It was important for Jorge to get his first feeling of English football and Sander needs minutes.

"It's good news to have all the players available."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/29/pre-ipswich-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Ipswich vs Fulham: Premier League Preview, Gameweek 3, 2024
Fulham travel to newly promoted Ipswich, who will be looking to kick-start their season.

Returning to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years will bring many firsts to Ipswich, one of which will come this weekend with Fulham's visit to Portman Road.

It has been a hard start for the Tractor Boys on their return to top-flight football. They have lost to Liverpool and Man City and been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Wimbledon.

Ipswich started well against Liverpool and gave them a tough first half, but in the second half, they struggled to keep the intensity and got picked apart by the Red's quality.

Against Man City, Sammie Szmodics got the opener just seven minutes into his first Premier League start, but ten minutes later, the game was out of reach.

The Blues will have learned from their opening two games and will want to pick up their first points on their return to the Premier League.

Fulham had a solid start to the season, with a decent performance against Manchester United followed by a dominant win against newly promoted Leicester.

This game gives the Cottagers a new challenge. Ipswich will look to put pressure on them high up the pitch, which could create many opportunities on the counter.

The Whites record signing Emile Smith Rowe has had a great start to life at his new club, scoring his first goal in an excellent display against Leicester.

Fulham will be hoping to repeat last season's 3-1 win at Portman Road in the Carabao Cup.

Rodrigo Muniz will also be looking to repeat his heroics in this fixture after a slow start to the season where the striker seems unable to hit the back of the net.

Team news:

Ipswich
Ipswich will be without George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead for another month while the attackers recover from their injuries.

Harry Clarke, Janoi Donacien and Wes Burns also look set to be absent from the game. Burns will be a particularly missed as the Tractor Boys lack options down the right hand side and could do with his experience in the side.

Since the large defeat away at Man City, Ipswich have added to the squad, with Jack Clarke, Dara O'Shea, and Chiedozie Ogbene joining. These additions could make their league debuts against Fulham.

O'Shea and Ogbene, along with teammate Szmodics, were announced as part of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming fixtures.

Fulham
Fulham have no injury issues to worry about, allowing them to have a smooth start to the season. This could see them name the same lineup for the third game in a row.

The Whites have also been busy in the market, bringing in Joachim Andersen and Sander Berge, who will be trying to force their way into the team after their big-money moves and solid performances against Birmingham.
Likely lineups:

Ipswich (4-2-3-1)

Muric; Johnson, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Clarke, Szmodics, Hutchinson; Delap

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

Key Players:

Ipswich - Sammie Szmodics
After a great season in the championship last season, Szmodics finally got his premier league move with Ipswich.

The attacking midfielder has already scored four goals this season in four games, starting where he left off.

The Ireland international scored in his first Premier League start away at the champions and seems likely to fit in well at this level.

He will be crucial to Ipswich's success this season, as his goals become even more important without a dependable number nine.

Fulham - Adama Traore
After a tough season last year, during which his only start came in the last game against Luton, Adama Traore has started the season as Fulham's first-choice right winger.

The Spaniard has always struggled with end product but has looked very lively this season, getting an assist against Leicester and being the main threat away against Man United.

This game is perfect for Adama, as he could have lots of space behind the defence, as they like to push high.

Mohamed Salah caught out Leif Davis in the opener as he spun in behind him, which could be something Fulham look to exploit.

Match Details:

Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at the home of Ipswich, Portman Road.


What time is kick-off?
The game will kick off at 15:00 BST.

Where can I watch?
Due to the blackout, the game will not be available on TV, but highlights will be on Match Of The Day at 22:00 BST.



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2024/08/30/premier-league/1194474-ipswich-vs-fulham-premier-league-preview-gameweek-3-2024.html

[WhiteJC]

Morsy: Fulham Are a Really Tough Team
Town captain Sam Morsy is expecting a very tough game as the Blues face Fulham at Portman Road looking for their first Premier League points of the season.

Following defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, Town face a slightly less daunting visit from the Cottagers, but Morsy says the Londoners remain a strong and established side at Premier League level.

The midfielder also considers Marco Silva's side to be a good model for success following promotion from the Championship, having finished 10th and 13th since their most recent promotion in 2022.

"A lot of it's the unknown," Morsy said. "The first two were two incredible teams, but Fulham are a really good team. They've got three points so far and they could have had six.

"They're an established Premier League team with a very good manager and very good players. I remember they had a few back and forth seasons, but then they consolidated and got stronger every window and every season, and now they're a really tough team with good players.

"We're at the start of our journey in the Premier League and every game is an opportunity for us, especially the home ones where we've been so good over the last few years and we've got the crowd behind us. It's going to be a really good opportunity for us.

"It's going to be a tough game, but like always it's about us showing our best level and seeing what we can do."

The Blues have seen 12 signings join ahead of transfer deadline day, including Chiedozie Ogbene, Dara O'Shea and Jack Clarke in the past week.

While many of the team are new to the building, Town still have the core group of the players who proved so successful under Kieran McKenna in getting the club back into the Premier League.

Morsy does not believe the team has changed too quickly this summer, instead feeling that it is natural progression when a team has been promoted.

He said: "I think we signed about five players last January and about eight players in the summer, so there's always a turnover of players, that's just the nature of football.

"We've got a really tight knit squad and players have come over in different time periods over the summer and all adapted really well.

"You know that when you go to the Premier League there has to be changes. It's just about welcoming everyone in and try and help everyone adapt as quick as they can.

"In terms of settling in, all really good lads and have settled in well. It's a law of averages – some hit the ground running, some will take a little bit more time and some will take more time. That's just the reality of it, really.

"Our jobs as current players and staff is to try and make players feel as comfortable as possible to settle in and be happy. Usually that means better performances on the pitch."

That is a job that Morsy is relishing as the side's captain. The Egyptian, who will be facing Fulham exactly three years on from his own arrival from Middlesbrough, says making sure new additions are settled is a process that is beneficial for everyone at the club.

"That's going to be important how quickly people can show their personalities and just be themselves, you're not looking for anyone to be other than themselves," he said.

"That's what we want to encourage them to do to try and feel at ease, to come in and help not only adapt to our environment, but to improve it as well and improve the culture of the football club."

Among the new arrivals has been the loan acquisitions of Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste to compete with Morsy in the midfield areas, both coming with top pedigree in European leagues.

Phillips, in particular, has 31 England caps and experience of playing with Manchester City. While enduring a difficult few years, Morsy says Phillips has a point to prove just as much as anybody else.

"I think every player in every season has something to prove," he said. "Whether you were the best midfielder in the world last season like Rodri, he'll be coming back thinking he's got to show again he's the best player, so you've always got something to prove.

"Kalvin's a great lad, a really nice lad and really good player. Of course, when you go on loan you always want to show your best level, his goal will just be getting the best version of himself.

"He got signed for a lot of money for the biggest club in the world, so that shows you how good he is and how much they think of him. As players and staff, it's just about trying to help him as much as we can to hit his highest level."

The culture at Playford Road has often been credited as a significant factor in the Blues' rapid rise under McKenna in recent years.

Morsy says that mentality must remain in the Premier League, as well as the no fear factor, despite the level of opposition Town have and will be coming up against.

The 32-year-old said: "It's going to be massive. The last few years we've built a really good culture of working, improving and overachieving, really. Again, that's the goal this season with the tight knit squad, the really strong mentality and it's going to be important in every game.

"That's what we're going to do. If you don't and you're timid and cautious, you won't do well and you won't be here long anyway. We're going to do what's got us here, we're going to keep improving and we're going to be brave.

"The bravery and the courage is probably one of the biggest things that's got us here, and we have to take that up a level now. Individually and collectively it's about improving and getting better. What individual ceilings are or the team ceilings are, you don't know, but this is going to be a great environment for everyone to improve, get better and develop as a team.

"You never know when you're going to get your points, so it'll be important more than ever on Saturday."

It can be easy to forget that Morsy himself is in his debut season in the Premier League, having previously made 495 EFL appearances before this top flight debut earlier this month.

Asked if he feels like a Premier League player, he replied: "I don't really think about it. When you get out on Saturday, it's the same goals and the same pitch. A lot of it's the same, really.

"We just want to compete and do well, we don't want to show anybody too much respect. We're here because we had a fantastic season last season and we want to progress and do well this season."

With transfer deadline day in full swing, Morsy was asked whether it is something that is spoken about amongst players in the dressing room.

"It's always there," he responded. "It's undeniable not to say that you don't see bits and bobs. But really and truly, especially on a Friday, you're focusing on the game.

"Ultimately, most people are on social media unless you're off it and you don't see anything. Most of it is rumours anyway all the time, but I just tend to focus on the game. When there is news you normally hear about it last."



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/47794/morsy-fulham-are-a-really-tough-team

[WhiteJC]

Ipswich Town vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction
Ipswich Town will be eager to get off the mark in the 2024/25 Premier League season when they host Fulham at Portman Road on Saturday.

Gameweek 3 of the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off this weekend before we pause for the first international break of the new campaign. The latest round of fixtures gets underway with the game between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion before five simultaneous fixtures follow, including Ipswich Town vs Fulham.

Ipswich Town would have hoped for a better start to life in the Premier League after over two decades than facing a baptism of fire against Liverpool and Manchester City in the first two matchdays. However, despite the daunting task and successive defeats, the Tractor Boys have given a good account of themselves thus far. However, Kieran McKenna must be disappointed with his team's ouster from the EFL Cup against AFC Wimbledon earlier this week.

Unlike Ipswich Town, Fulham progressed to the EFL Cup third round after beating Birmingham City 2-0 earlier this week. That was the West London club's second successive victory after beating Leicester City 2-1 last weekend. So, the Cottagers are building momentum after starting the new season with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Ipswich Town and Fulham clashed last season in the EFL Cup round of 16, with Marco Silva's charges clinching a straightforward 3-1 win. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics
Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna has a few pressing injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. Against Fulham on Saturday, the Ipswich Town manager will be bereft of the services of five first-team players.

Janoi Donacien (groin), Harry Clarke (calf), Wesley Burns (hamstring), George Hirst (knee), and Nathan Broadhead (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. However, McKenna has enough resources to produce a competitive performance on Saturday.

Arijanet Muric should take his spot between the sticks, with Ipswich Town lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Fulham. The backline will likely feature Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves, Luke Woolfenden, and Leif Davis.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Samy Morsy and Massimo Luongo in the double pivot. Sammie Szmodics should reprise the No. 10 role and continue his impressive start as an Ipswich Town player. Finally, Liam Delap should lead the line for the home side against Fulham, with Jack Clarke and Omari Hutchinson being the two wide attackers.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Muric; Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Clarke, Szmodics, Hutchinson; Delap

Fulham
Unlike his counterpart in the Ipswich Town dugout, Marco Silva does not have any fitness issues to deal with ahead of the trip to Portman Road. The Fulham manager will have a full-strength squad on Saturday.

Silva's crucial decision will revolve around Joachim Andersen and Sander Berge after the duo made their mark in the EFL Cup second round earlier this week. While the former should start this weekend, the latter might appear off the bench.

Bernd Leno is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Fulham lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Ipswich Town. The backline should feature Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson.

As for the midfield unit, Sasa Lukic will likely pair up with Andreas Pereira in the double pivot, with Berge an option on the bench. Emile Smith Rowe should reprise the No. 10 role, with Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi being the two wide attackers. Finally, Rodrigo Muniz should lead the line for the away side against Ipswich Town.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

Key Stats

    The only previous Premier League meetings between Ipswich Town and Fulham came in the 2001/02 season, with the Tractor Boys remaining unbeaten against the Cottagers (1-1 away, 1-0 at home). The Cottagers have won their last four league meetings with Ipswich, with Saturday's clash the first since a 4-1 home win in January 2018. The West London club had been winless in nine league games against the Tractor Boys before this run (D3 L6).
    Ipswich Town have lost their opening two Premier League games this season; only in 1949/50 (third division south), 1956/57 (third division south), and 2006/07 (Championship) have the Tractor Boys lost their opening three matches of a league campaign.
    Ipswich Town have never lost consecutive home league games under Kieran McKenna, with Saturday's game his 59th at Portman Road. The Tractor Boys last suffered consecutive home losses in January 2021 in League One under Paul Lambert.
    Andreas Pereira has created 13 chances in the Premier League this season, six more than any other player. It is the most by a player in a team's opening two games in a Premier League season since 2012/13 when Leighton Baines also created 13 chances for Everton.
    Sammie Sam Szmodics scored in his first Premier League start in Gameweek 2, finding the back of the net in their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City. The last Ipswich player to score in his first two Premier League starts was Adam Tanner in January 1995.

Player to Watch
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe must have been a reluctant mover in the summer transfer window after leaving his boyhood club to join fellow London club Fulham. However, he has taken to life with the Cottagers like a fish to water, almost immediately making his mark for Marco Silva's team.

Smith Rowe scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham in the 2-1 win over Leicester City last weekend, ending a run of 31 appearances without a strike in the competition. He will aim to score in consecutive games for the first time since finding the back of the net in four appearances in December 2021 for Arsenal. It might be foolish to bet against him repeating what he did last week.

Prediction
Ipswich Town 2-2 Fulham
Ipswich Town might be yet to get off the mark in the 2024/25 season after a disappointing loss to AFC Wimbledon earlier this week. However, the hosts have shown some positive signs and will unlikely start the new campaign with four successive defeats. In addition, the Tractor Boys remain the most enterprising team in the Premier League this term.

On the other hand, Fulham will be no pushovers despite Ipswich Town's resilient performance on Saturday. Marco Silva's men will produce another eye-catching display, with Emile Smith Rowe making his mark again. However, there might not be much to separate the two sides, with The Hard Tackle predicting a 2-2 draw at Portman Road.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/08/30/ipswich-town-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction/