Saturday Fulham Stuff - 30/11/24...

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Pre-Spurs Press Conference
Marco Silva has called on his Fulham team to show courage when they take on the Premier League's most prolific side on Sunday.

After putting four past the champions last week, Tottenham Hotspur have now scored 27 goals this season – three more than league leaders Liverpool.

"I think their identity is clear," Silva said. "It's clear what Ange [Postecoglou] wants from the players. We understand enough from playing against them last season the way they play.

"They added one or two players last summer for the way they want to play, adding even more pace in the attack line, and more intensity in the first press as well. They have a striker [Dominic Solanke] that has the capacity to be really strong in the first press.

"It's clear, the identity, the way they want to play, looking always for the opposition goal, and trying always to create chances, create a scenario that when they build up, they put a lot of players in front of the ball, a lot of bodies between the lines as well.

"They have the capacity to create different scenarios and different problems for the opposition side. We know what they are going to do, of course we are aware of it, it's up to us to keep our organisation really strong, and quality in our defensive organisation.

"And it's a game where we have to be brave, brave like we normally are against any team, and we have to go there to be brave enough to challenge them and to match them, to fight for the three points.

"If you fear something, if you aren't brave enough, if we don't express ourselves on the pitch, it's going to be much more difficult.

"We are going to be Fulham Football Club inside the Tottenham stadium, and it's definitely going to be a good game, because we are capable of doing good things and facing a team of the quality of Tottenham."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/29/pre-spurs-press-conference/

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Team News: Joa set for spell out
Fulham will head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with just two fit centre-halves on Sunday.

Joachim Andersen's absence will come as little surprise after his enforced withdrawal from the Wolves defeat, but he's since been joined in the treatment room by Jorge Cuenca.

Injury may also deny Ryan Sessegnon a return to Spurs, while Harrison Reed was already out.

"Joachim is one of the players who is going to be out," Marco Silva confirmed. "Jorge Cuenca as well. Jorge got a knock during the week, and is going to be out of the game, too.

"Harrison Reed, as you know, as well. Ryan Sessegnon is still doubtful for the game. We have these four situations, these four players. Apart from that, all the others are going to be available."

When asked if he was able to put timeframes on any recoveries, Silva said: "Jorge I think is going to be quicker than Joachim. Joachim is going to be out for some games.

"It's difficult to sit here and be clear about the timeline, when he's going to be ready, but it's going to be the next few games."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/29/team-news-joa-set-for-spell-out/

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Marco Silva makes 'brave' demand as Fulham boss confirms injury blow before Tottenham clash
Cottagers looking to bounce back from last weekend's 4-1 loss to Wolves

Marco Silva has called for Fulham to be "brave" if they want to win away at Tottenham in the Premier League.

The Cottagers will look to bounce back from last week's humbling 4-1 home defeat to Wolves which ended a run of two straight victories for the west London club.

Spurs, who powered to a dominant 4-0 win at Manchester City last weekend, will be difficult opponents in the eyes of the Fulham boss.

Silva told reporters on Friday: "We have to be brave (against Spurs) to challenge them and to fight for the three points.

"We will enjoy the challenge. If you fear something and don't express ourselves, it's going to be more difficult.

"Last week was difficult to take. We want to reach certain standards. We had a bad game, we have to bounce back. That game shouldn't take away from the good things we have been doing."

Silva will be without summer signing Joachim Andersen for their trip to north London after the centre-back was substituted with an injury during last week's defeat.

The Portuguese boss revealed the Dane, who Fulham signed from Crystal Palace for a reported £30million, will be missing over the next few matches.

"Andersen is out. (Jorge) Cuenca is out too," he added.

"He got a knock during the week. (Harrison) Reed is out and (Ryan) Sessegnon is a doubt.

"Andersen is going to be out for the next few games."

Additional reporting from PA



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-joachim-andersen-tottenham-vs-fulham-premier-league-2024-b1197253.html

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham: Head-to-head record and past meetings
Fulham can earn a slice of club history when they make the trek across the capital to clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Cottagers are capable of going unbeaten in eight successive Premier League London derbies for the first time ever, but they were slaughtered 4-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

Meanwhile, Spurs have lost seven of their 16 Premier League London derbies under the wing of Ange Postecoglou, and the Lilywhites return to domestic duty after conceding a last-gasp equaliser in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record
Previous meetings: 105
Spurs wins: 55
Draws: 30
Fulham wins: 20

A satisfying head-to-head record to look at - at least until Sunday's fixture is done and dusted - the previous meetings, Tottenham Hotspur wins, Fulham wins and draws columns are all multiples of fives after 105 competitive clashes.

Tottenham unsurprisingly boast the most successes with 55 under their belts, while Fulham have only beaten the Lilywhites 20 times down the years, and another 30 encounters have ended all square - including their maiden meeting in the Southern League in 1903.

One of those 20 Fulham victories came as recently as March 2024, though, as Marco Silva masterminded a terrific 3-0 triumph over Tottenham in the top flight, the second of three Cottagers wins during Ange Postecoglou's debut campaign.

That routine victory marked a second straight home win for the Cottagers over Spurs, who also fell to their foes' superiority on penalties in the second round of that year's EFL Cup, although they came up trumps 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October 2023.

Developing a penchant for home victories in this particular London derby, Tottenham have beaten Fulham four times in their last five matches at their headquarters, and they have not suffered defeat to the Cottagers on their own patch since a Dimitar Berbatov-inflicted 1-0 loss at White Hart Lane in 2013.

In fact, between December 2013 and January 2023, Tottenham won eight of their nine matches with Fulham in all competitions, the one minor aberration being a 1-1 top-flight stalemate at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January 2021.

Away from the Premier League, one of Fulham's most emphatic victories over Tottenham came in an FA Cup fourth-round tie in January 2011, where Mark Hughes led the Cottagers to a 4-0 thumping of Harry Redknapp's side.

Lilywhites legends also dominate the individual scoring records in this fixture, as Cliff Jones scored an unrivalled 13 goals in clashes between Spurs and Fulham, while Harry Kane and Jimmy Greaves both netted eight apiece.

Last 20 meetings
Mar 16, 2024: Fulham 3-0 Spurs (Premier League)
Oct 23, 2023: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Aug 29, 2023: Fulham 1-1 Spurs (EFL Cup Second Round)
Jan 23, 2023: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)
Sep 03, 2022: Spurs 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Mar 04, 2021: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)
Jan 13, 2021: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Jan 20, 2019: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)
Aug 18, 2018: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Feb 19, 2017: Fulham 0-3 Spurs (FA Cup Fifth Round)
Apr 19, 2014: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Dec 04, 2013: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)
Mar 17, 2013: Spurs 0-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Dec 01, 2012: Fulham 0-3 Spurs (Premier League)
May 13, 2012: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 06, 2011: Fulham 1-3 Spurs (Premier League)
Jan 30, 2011: Fulham 4-0 Spurs (FA Cup Fourth Round)
Jan 01, 2011: Spurs 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Oct 16, 2010: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)
Mar 24, 2010: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (FA Cup Quarter-Final)

Last 10 Premier League meetings
Mar 16, 2024: Fulham 3-0 Spurs (Premier League)
Oct 23, 2023: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Jan 23, 2023: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)
Sep 03, 2022: Spurs 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Mar 04, 2021: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)
Jan 13, 2021: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Jan 20, 2019: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)
Aug 18, 2018: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Apr 19, 2014: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Dec 04, 2013: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/head-to-head/spurs-vs-fulham-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_559410.html?newsnow

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Fulham boss Silva confirms Andersen injury blow
Fulham defender Joachim Andersen faces a spell on the sidelines, boss Marco Silva has confirmed.

Andersen went off injured during the recent 4-1 home defeat by Wolves and will miss this weekend's match against Tottenham along with Jorge Cuenca.

"Joachim will be out for some games, Jorge will be back sooner," said Silva.

Silva insisted Fulham will be "ambitious" but "realistic" against Spurs, who beat champions Manchester City 4-0 last weekend.

"One thing I am not going to do is not be realistic," he said.

"We are talking about one one the teams that everybody talks as one of the top six in this country.

"The key for you improve and move forward and go over your ambitions – the first thing is to be realistic and to understand the reality of the football club.

"But it is a football match and the best team is going to win – and then you have to show something and be ambitious and brave enough to fight for a result."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-silva-confirms-andersen-injury-blow

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Fulham star hailed as national hero and 'first world footballer' – Overcome doubts to shine again
Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez's return this season has delighted everyone, with numerous comments and analysis already on the matter so far.

Today it's the turn of ESPN and 'Digital Analyst' Rafa Ramos, who is full of praise for the Fulham star and the manner in which he's battled back from the traumatic head injury he suffered playing for Wolves four years go.

He says Jiménez 'still stands as a first-world footballer' and, four years on from 'still howls over the shadow of his tragedy'.

According to him the Fulham striker has transformed the 'bad omens' from that into 'generous hopes' that have allowed the 'Wolf of Tepeji' to howl louder.

He is flying high at this moment in time and his decision to continue playing football, completely against medical advice, has been richly rewarded.

Ramos says the 33-year-old has 'crossed the fortuitous bridge of the resurrection' in life and on the pitch, conquering a fear of death and finding his love for life strengthened. He 'decided to take risks' when he returned to playing, choosing the 'freshness of a new breath of life' over the 'lascivious kiss of death'.

As a result, he's enjoying his football more than even, starring for Fulham and securing his return to the Mexican national team as well. The latter saw 'stadiums packed with Mexicans' to celebrate that return and the superb display he put on for them in the win over the USA.

In fact, Ramos believes the Fulham star is the one Mexican player who 'sublimates the concept of resilience as a nationalist seal'. In other words, he's now a bit of a Mexican icon.

He may even be the most resilient Mexican footballer of all time, surpassing Hugo Sánchez and the trials he endured at Atlético de Madrid.

That's because the Wolf of Tepeji has overcome his own doubts, his family's doubts and the 'fearful diagnoses' of the doctors to ignore a universe that wanted to paralyse him and instead kept walking.

The shadow of that tragedy has now been 'extinguished' says Ramos and now Jiménez 'howls louder than ever' before.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-star-hailed-as-national-hero-and-first-world-footballer-overcome-doubts-to-shine-again/

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Semih Kilicsoy open to Premier League move amid emerging links
Semih Kiliscoy has boosted the prospects of Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, as the 19-year-old is open to moving to the Premier League.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Semih Kilicsoy is the subject of several well-known Premier League clubs. Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Besiktas prodigy. The 19-year-old has boosted the prospects of those English clubs as he is open to sealing a move to the Premier League.

The rise of Semih Kilicsoy
Semih Kilicsoy has gone from strength to strength since joining Besiktas JK from Arnavutköy Yayla Spor in 2016. The Turk progressed through the ranks at the Super Lig club before breaking into the first-team squad midway through the 2022/23 season.

The 19-year-old has been solid in the first few weeks of the 2024/25 campaign, providing three assists in seven appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, Kilicsoy's progress at Besiktas JK has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, including Ason Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

A man in demand
The Turkish international has been on Aston Villa's radar for a long time. The West Midlands club mulled over signing the Besiktas prodigy in the summer transfer window before the deal failed to see the light of day. However, Kilicsoy remains a target for Aston Villa, although they face stiff competition from Fulham.

Fulham's interest in Semih Kilicsoy is understandable. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a versatile attacker, with the Besiktas wonderkid emerging as a target. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will likely part ways with Miguel Almiron next year, thus creating the need for a new wide attacker. Kilicsoy is thus an option worth considering for Newcastle United.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, the North London giants are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing the Turk. Richarlison faces an uncertain future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after struggling to stamp his authority at the club. Kilicsoy has now boosted the Premier League clubs' prospects, as he is ready to join an English top-flight outfit.

While Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur will face stiff competition from foreign clubs, they will fancy their prospects, considering the 19-year-old Turkish prodigy is open to joining a Premier League side.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/11/29/semih-kilicsoy-open-to-premier-league-move-amid-emerging-links/

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Fulham U21 2-1 Leeds U21

Fulham Under-21s made it four wins on the spin with a comeback victory against Leeds United at Motspur Park.

It was a frustrating start for our Young Whites who went behind after just five minutes, but we were dominant from that moment onwards. Callum Osmand bagged a brace in the second period, equalising just after the interval with a stunning individual goal, before completing the turnaround in the 73rd minute.

However, it was a nightmare start at Motspur Park as Josh McDonald latched onto Sam Chambers' pass and calmly dinked the ball over Alex Borto.

Terrell Works was on the hunt for a goal in his third consecutive game and he danced through the Leeds defence, showing twinkle toes to beat several opposition players, but he couldn't get a shot away.

The finest of margins denied us from levelling the match on 13 minutes as Aaron Loupalo-Bi made his way to the byline, pulling the ball back for Kristian Šekularac, who saw his shot deflect agonisingly wide of the post.

Our Young Whites must have thought their luck was out when Chris Donnell's thumping header rattled the crossbar following a deep Šekularac free-kick.

The Switzerland youth international was putting in some wicked deliveries from dead ball situations, with his corner looping over the head of Leeds 'keeper Rory Mahady, but Eddy Nsasi couldn't make contact after sneaking around the back unnoticed.

Hayden Mullins' side maintained their dominance until the end of the half as Osmand looked to whip a strike into the far corner from 18 yards, only for Dan Toulson to get in the way of the shot.

Osmand then dragged an effort narrowly wide from a similar position, but the final chance of the half fell to the visitors.

Borto was at full stretch to tip wide Rhys Chadwick's low free-kick, which took a deflection on its way through.

The chances continued to fall into the second period. Just three minutes after the restart, Works forced Mahady into a save, with the rebound falling at the feet of Loupalo-Bi, who somehow missed the target from ten yards.

But patience was key in this game and our route back into the game came through Osmand. The forward shifted the ball onto his right foot on the edge of the box and arrowed a powerful strike past Mahady.

Loupalo-Bi then tried his luck from range after driving through the middle of the pitch, but his left-footed shot was too high.

Osmand grabbed his second of the game in the 73rd minute, meeting Loupalo-Bi's pinpoint cutback before firing first time into the back of the net.

At the other end, the side netting denied McDonald his brace as he shot wide from a tight angle.

The visitors ended the contest with 10-men as Rhys Chadwick received a second yellow after getting involved in an off-ball scuffle.

Our U21s are next in action on Tuesday 3rd December with a trip to Woking in the National League Cup, kick-off 7pm.
Fulham U21: Borto, Gofford, Nsasi, Park, Nwoko, Donnell, Sekularac, Osmand, Gordon, Works, Loupalo-Bi (Olyott 82')

Subs: Underwood, Olyott, Schutter, Khan, Picotto

Leeds United U21: Mahady, Richards, Lopata-White, Toulson, Bird, Chadwick, Cresswell, Douglas (Lane 76'), Snowdon, McDonald, Chambers (Vincent 65')

Subs: Grainger, Dudley, Vincent, Lane, Pickles




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/29/fulham-u21-2-1-leeds-u21/

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Marco Silva reveals extent of Joachim Andersen injury blow ahead of Tottenham clash
Fulham boss Marco Silva has revealed that defender Joachim Andersen will miss Sunday's Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur due to injury.

The Cottagers are looking for a response after falling to a heavy 4-1 defeat in their recent home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fulham's miserable outing was compounded when Andersen was forced off after Silva had used all five of his substitutes.

Unfortunately for Fulham, Silva has now revealed that Andersen will be absent for Sunday's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the injury he suffered last weekend.

Silva confirms defensive injury blow
Silva also provided an update on three other members of the Fulham squad, including Andersen's fellow central defender Jorge Cuenca.

"Joachim is one of the players who is going to be out," Silva told reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference.

"Jorge Cuenca as well. Jorge got a knock during the week, and is going to be out of the game, too.

"Harrison Reed, as you know, as well. Ryan Sessegnon is still doubtful for the game. We have these four situations, these four players. Apart from that, all the others are going to be available."

With Andersen and Cuenca unavailable for selection, Fulham will head into matchday 13 with Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop as their only two fit centre-backs.

How long will Andersen be out for?
Silva provided the unfortunate news that Andersen will be out for "some games" when he was asked about a potential timeframe for his recovery.

"Jorge I think is going to be quicker than Joachim," Silva added. "Joachim is going to be out for some games.

"It's difficult to sit here and be clear about the timeline, when he's going to be ready, but it's going to be the next few games."

Andersen's absence represents a significant blow given the fact the Dane has been a regular fixture since he returned to the club from Crystal Palace in the summer.

The Denmark international has started nine of Fulham's last 10 Premier League matches, missing a 1-1 draw with Everton on matchday nine due to suspension.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/injury-news/news/major-blow-silva-reveals-extent-of-andersen-injury-blow_559439.html?newsnow

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Paul Merson predicts who will win when Tottenham take on Fulham in the Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur will look to use their 4-0 win against Manchester City as a springboard as they host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou's side played out a 2-2 draw against Roma in the UEFA Europa League but won't lose too much sleep over it as they are still well-placed to make it through to the knockouts.

In terms of their Premier League prospects, though, they need to keep racking up the wins to move into the top four as they are currently three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

They face Fulham next, who are just a point below them in the standings.

And Paul Merson feels Tottenham's inconsistency will come to the fore once again when the two sides lock horns in North London.

Paul Merson predicts Fulham to beat Tottenham
While Tottenham are on a bit of a high after their win against Manchester City, Fulham suffered a hammering at the hands of Wolves last weekend as they lost 4-1.

Despite the result, Merson feels Marco Silva's side can go toe-to-toe with Tottenham, adding that they weren't as bad as the scoreline suggested last weekend.

As for Tottenham, the Arsenal legend feels it's always one step forward and two steps back for them as he predicted them to suffer a shock 2-1 defeat in front of their home fans.

"Despite Tottenham beating Manchester City 4-0 and Fulham losing 4-1 to Wolves, it wouldn't surprise me if Spurs drop points in this game," wrote Merson in his column for Sportskeeda.

"That is how this club works. Tottenham can either wipe the floor with teams or comfortably get beat. Remember it was only two weeks ago they lost 2-1 to an Ipswich side that had not won until then.

"I reckon this will be a tough game for Spurs and I'm actually backing Fulham in this one.

"I don't think Fulham are as bad as the scoreline against Wolves suggests. They are a decent team and can upset any of the big boys in this division on their day. I have a feeling that will happen against Tottenham."

What does Tottenham's injury list look like?
In recent weeks, Spurs' injury list has grown, with Guglielmo Vicario the latest victim as he underwent ankle surgery earlier this week.

To make matters worse, Richarlison is not expected to play for Tottenham in 2024, with his hamstring injury reportedly worse than what was expected.

Nevertheless, Postecoglou has most of his bigger hitters fit and will look to take it game by game as they head into the busy festive run-in.



https://tbrfootball.com/paul-merson-predicts-who-will-win-when-tottenham-take-on-fulham-in-the-premier-league/

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Fulham star reveals 'really cool' transfer fell through amid Forest 'offer': 'I was looking forward to it'
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira says he was "looking forward" to joining French giants Marseille from the Cottagers before a deal fell through.

Pereira joined Fulham from Manchester United for around £8million in July 2022 and has made 94 appearances for them, scoring nine times.

He has adapted his game to play a little deeper this term following the summer sale of Joao Palhinha but has still been a key creative player under Marco Silva.

It has been revealed that Silva almost lost the Brazilian in the summer transfer window, however.

Pereira says Marseille held talks with him, while Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest also made an "offer".

The 28-year-old says it is 'unfortunate' that he could not move to Marseille from Fulham, which would have been a "really cool" move for him.

"From outside [England], there was an offer from Marseille, we talked, and unfortunately it didn't work out," Pereira said.

"In the last few days [of the transfer window], there was also an offer from Nottingham Forest. Those were the clubs that came closest to signing [me], but there was a lot of interest.

"Since I was on vacation, I was in more contact with him [agent, Giuliano Bertolucci]. But he always lets me know.

"He tells me, 'Look, there's a club interested, let's see what happens.'"

He added: "It would be really cool [to go to Marseille] because of the way [Roberto] De Zerbi plays football.

"I was looking forward to it, but we'll see now in January or at the end of the season if there will be a transfer or if I'll stay at Fulham.

"Sometimes, I see something and I go excitedly to talk to him [Bertolucci], 'Is this happening and you don't know about it?' And he says no. I think, 'Wow, it's complicated.'"

Fulham face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday and head coach Silva thinks his side can bounce back after being thrashed at home by Wolves last weekend.

"We have bounce-back mentality," he said. "Of course the next one is always important. It's important to analyse and be clear with the message to players to make them understand deeply what happened in the game.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-star-reveals-really-cool-transfer-fell-through-forest-offer-pereira