Friday Fulham Stuff - 03/11/23...

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Fulham submit offer to bring £43m "machine" to Craven Cottage
Marco Silva could do with bolstering his attacking ranks in the capital.

Fulham have submitted an offer to bring an in-demand striker to Craven Cottage, according to a fresh report that has recently emerged.

Fulham's current attacking options
The Premier League outfit have Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz as their options at centre-forward as it stands, but it's fair to say that they haven't been performing at the level required since the start of the new top-flight season. Marco Silva's side have scored just nine goals during their opening ten games which is the joint third-lowest in the division level with newly-promoted Luton Town, so it's clear for everyone to see that the boss could do with entering the market to find a reinforcement who would be an upgrade on what he currently has in the building.

Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez could well be the perfect candidate to sign on the dotted line having firmly established himself as Arne Slot's best-performing offensive player so far this campaign (WhoScored - Feyenoord statistics), and he's already received plenty of attention from four clubs in England.

The 22-year-old has been attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle United, and whilst that quartet have started the new term a lot stronger, that hasn't stopped chiefs from wanting to enter the race, compete and try and beat their fellow competitors to their target's signature.

Fulham table bid for Santiago Gimenez
According to W Deportes (via Sport Witness), Fulham have made a bid for Gimenez. Feyenoord's centre-forward has "received an offer" from Silva's side worth approximately €50m (£43m), but it's unknown whether this includes bonuses. The Cottagers have "emerged as a candidate" to sign their target despite the huge interest from elsewhere, but with the club "not entirely big" in Europe, the chances of him accepting the proposal currently appear to be very slim.

Santiago Gimenez's record
In the Eredivisie this season, Gimenez has been in red-hot form having clocked up 16 involvements, 13 goals and three assists, in just ten outings (Transfermarkt - Gimenez statistics), with his insanely prolific form in the final third having seen him dubbed a "Mexican Machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Slot's left-footed talisman also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured six trophies at a senior level for both his club and country since the start of his career, so he would be able to pass on a much-needed winning mentality to the current squad who are already in the building.

Sponsored by Adidas, the striker has even recorded 38 shots over the course of the campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef - Feyenoord statistics), highlighting his constant desire to hit the back of the net which he's proving with every game that passes, so this is definitely a no-brainer of a deal to complete.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-news-santiago-gimenez-feyenoord-premier-leeague-latest-transfer-rumours-updates/

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Preview: The players need to stand up and fight for the club – few of them seem to care! This needs to end against Fulham!
Fulham -v- Manchester United
Premier League
Craven Cottage, London
Saturday 4 November 2023, KO 12:30 GMT

Manchester United travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday still seeking a victory following the return from international football last weekend. United have been beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend, which was not a great start.

The on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup, the holders were stunned by Newcastle United, last seasons finalists in another 3-0 defeat at the Theatre of Dreams. United's players seem to have either downed tools or forgot how to play football. They have brought this on themselves.

United are in a similar position under Erik ten Hag as they were under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. But it cannot be the sole responsibility if the manager as the only constant is the Glazers and the executives at the club.

United – Form, Goals Scored & Assists
Newcastle 3-0 L, City 3-0 L, Copenhagen 1-0 W, Sheffield 2-1 W, Brentford 2-1 W, Galatasaray 3-2 L

Goals: 4 – Casemiro, 3 – Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay, 2 – Bruno Fernandes, 1 – Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Hannibal Mejbri, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane

Assists: 3 – Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, 2 – Christian Eriksen, 1 – Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martínez, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Fulham – Form, Goals Scored & Assists
Ipswich 3-1 W, Brighton 1-1 D, Spurs 2-0 L, Sheffield 3-1 W, Chelsea 2-0 L, Norwich 2-1 W

Goals: 2 – Bobby De Cordova-Reid, João Palhinha, Carlos Vinícius, 1 – Tom Cairney, Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz, Andreas Pereira, Tim Ream, Willian, Harry Wilson

Assists: 2 – Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Harry Wilson, 1 – Andreas Pereira, Harrison Reed

Previous Meetings & Connections
United and Fulham have met 32 times in the Premier League. United have won 23 times, drawn six times with Fulham winning three times. United have scored 72 goals, winning two penalties and scoring one. Fulham have scored 33 goals, winning three penalties, scoring two.

United have kept 11 clean sheets in this fixture with Fulham keeping two. United players have been shown 44 yellow cards and two red cards with Fulham players being shown 43 yellow cards and one red card. This is a match that United really needs to step up in and win.

Andreas Pereira, Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole, Louis Saha, Edwin van de Sar, Paul Parker, Kieran Richardson, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Chris Smalling, Tim Fosu-Mensah, George Best and Charlie Mitten have all played for both Manchester United and Fulham.

Team News
Lisandro Martinez (ankle/foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee) Luke Shaw (other), Amad Diallo (knee) and Casemiro (ankle/foot) have all been ruled out due to injury. Jadon Sancho is out of action at this time due to personal problems at the club.

Raphael Varane (illness) has a 50% chances of being fit to face Fulham on Saturday. United will have to make do with the players they have at this time – who don't seem to be capable of looking interested in matches, let alone seeking to win them. A bad time for United.

Issa Diop (ankle/foot) is the only player that has been ruled out for Fulham in the run up to the clash with United. Oluwatosin Adarabioyo (groin/hip/pelvic), Adama Traore (thigh) and Kenny Tete (other) all have 25% chances of being available for this United clash.

Predicted United Starting XI – 4-3-3

Onana;

Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon;

Fernandes, Amrabat, Eriksen;

Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho
Predicted Fulham Starting XI – 4-2-3-1

Leno;

Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson;

Reed, Palhinha;

De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian;

Jimenez

Match Prediction
United have got to turn a corner with the season quickly ending any hopes of silverware with relegation an option with the form of the club at this time. United's players look disinterested in putting performances together which add fuel to major rifts at the club.

The same things seem to come back under different managers with different players at the club now but it is the same problem. Ten Hag has been backed financially but his authority at the club has not been awarded by the owners and the executives. It's never going to work.

The Glazers have turned United into a circus with supporters all over the world always blaming the manager with the players and the ownership always getting a chance to continue the decline. These players need to play for the shirt not their bank accounts. It's shocking that they don't care!

Fulham 2-0 Manchester United



https://mufclatest.com/preview-the-players-need-to-stand-up-and-fight-for-the-club-few-of-them-seem-to-care-this-needs-to-end-against-fulham/

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Sky Sports pundit seriously impressed with 'perfect' Fulham player's passing vs Ipswich
Bobby De Cordova-Reid put in a very impressive performance for Fulham last night as they defeated Ipswich Town.

Covering the match for Sky Sports (1/11 9:23pm), pundit Matt Murray was delighted with what he saw from the Jamaican international.

Fulham manager Marco Silva made a flurry of changes to his starting line-up ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Manchester United.

Only Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey and Bobby De Cordova-Reid retained their places in the Fulham side to face Ipswich Town.

One of the players who has been on the cusp of Silva's strongest XI is Harry Wilson and he found the back of the net within the first ten minutes.

Rodrigo Muniz doubled Fulham's lead before Tom Cairney sealed the win for the Whites.

De Cordova-Reid's performance was highlighted and he's given himself a great chance to start at the weekend.

His versatility has made him one of the club's most important players and he seems to be going from strength to strength under Marco Silva.

De Cordova-Reid stars for Fulham against Ipswich Town
Describing the third goal on Sky Sports, Murray said: "It's a really, really good finish from Tom Cairney and Fulham have been excellent.

"I said about subs coming on, and they've given them even more impetus, [Bobby] De Cordova-Reid gets his second assist of the night.

"Down the right-hand side, such composure to pick his head up, pull the back ball, perfect weight of pass and there's Tom Cairney.

"First-time finish, through Walton a little bit and Fulham are definitely through to the next round."

The £10m forward set up two goals and only misplaced seven passes during his 90-minute performance.

He played three key passes but may be slightly disappointed to have only won one of his six duels during the game.

De Cordova-Reid put in a strong performance against Ipswich but it's hard to see Willian not coming back into the team at the weekend.

Whether it's the Jamaican international or Wilson who drops out is yet to be seen.

He could even play through the middle as he has in the past although Alex Iwobi's start to life at Craven Cottage means he might be one of the first names on the team sheet on Saturday.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/02/sky-sports-pundit-seriously-impressed-with-perfect-fulham-players-passing-vs-ipswich/

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Fulham beat in-form Ipswich to reach Carabao quarters
Fulham 3-1 Ipswich

Fulham eased through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2004 with a comfortable victory win at Ipswich.

Marco Silva's team were up against a Town outfit that had only lost once since their promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in April, but the Premier League side showed their class in Suffolk.

Harry Wilson provided the breakthrough for Fulham in the ninth minute with a cool finish and Muniz grabbed his first goal for the club in 19 months early into the second period to put the London outfit in control.

Tom Cairney confirmed Fulham's win with a third in the 77th minute and, while Elkan Baggott reduced the deficit late on, Kieran McKenna's Championship promotion hopefuls suffered a rare defeat in front of a packed Portman Road crowd.

The last meeting between these teams was three years ago in same competition and Aleksandar Mitrovic decided the tie that night, but goals had been hard to come by for the visitors since his summer exit to Saudi Arabia.

It was a different story for Ipswich, who put another three past Plymouth last weekend, but the high-flying hosts were 1-0 down after only nine minutes.

McKenna would have been disappointed after Ipswich's back four was pulled over to the right and Bobby Decordova-Reid spotted the unmarked Wilson, who impressively side-stepped the onrushing Christian Walton before the Welsh winger slotted into the empty net.

Goalkeeper Walton was one of 11 changes made by the home side and he almost conceded again six minutes later, but breathed a sigh of relief when Fode Ballo-Toure's deflected cross bounced off the crossbar and to safety.

Fulham also shuffled their pack with only three players retained from the draw at Brighton and Marek Rodak atoned for his poor pass when he tipped Kayden Jackson's low effort wide soon after the opener.

The quality of the Premier League side was clear though as Andreas Pereira arrowed a 22-yard shot wide before the visitors hit the woodwork again, with Ipswich's second-string struggling for fluency.

Calvin Bassey started the move with a fine run out from the back and nearly provided the perfect finish, but Walton unconvincingly parried his poked effort onto the post after Axel Tuanzebe, on his first start for Ipswich, cleared Ballo-Toure's cross straight to the Fulham centre-back in the 44th minute.

Town failed to heed that warning sign and, after no substitutions were made at the break, Silva's men doubled their lead five minutes into the second period.

A slick counter-attack did the trick with Wilson able to find Pereira and his cross took a slight touch off Ipswich defender Cameron Burgess to fall into the path of Muniz, who fired home from six yards to open his account for the season.

Wilson took a whack to the face straight from the restart, but picked himself up to waltz into the Town penalty area before Burgess' slide tackled denied him and Janoi Donacien blocked Bobby Decordova-Reid's follow-up shot.

McKenna made changes to try and set up a grandstand finish, but Cairney made the result safe when his low effort went through Walton after another assist by the excellent Decordova-Reid.

It looked like Ipswich would fire a blank for the first time this season, but substitute Baggott headed home a Jack Taylor corner with 11 minutes left to give the 28,221 crowd a consolation goal.



https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/football-league-championship/401893/fulham-beat-in-form-ipswich-to-reach-carabao-quarters/

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Beleaguered Ten Hag needs away-day boost at Fulham
London — So dire has Manchester United's home form been this season that perhaps the only saving grace as they prepare for the next match of a so-far torrid season is that it is away at Fulham.

Erik Ten Hag's stumbling United side were booed at halftime and fulltime on Wednesday as they surrendered the League Cup with a 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.

It was their second successive 3-0 home loss and they have lost five of their 10 home games in all competitions.

They are not exactly pulling up trees away from home either and fans will not have been fooled by narrow back-to-back victories at promoted sides Burnley and Sheffield United.

Fulham, in 14th place, will represent a far tougher assignment in Saturday's early kickoff than those two games even if Marco Silva's side have also struggled for consistency.

Eighth-placed United were savaged by the media, pundits and former players after Wednesday's capitulation with Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville at least showing some sympathy for Ten Hag.

"I don't know where he starts picking a side next, as none of them can really say they deserve to play," former United defender Neville told Sky Sports.

While the malaise at Manchester United is deep-rooted, Ten Hag appeared to have galvanised the squad last season, delivering the League Cup for a first trophy since 2017 and a third-placed finish in the Premier League.

It is now looking like another false dawn for a club that has been in decline since former manager Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago.

Former Ajax coach Ten Hag sounded a defiant note after defeat by Newcastle and the majority of United fans still appear to be behind him, instead directing their ire on the structural failings that have eroded the club's standing. Inevitably, however, the buck stops with the man hired to pick the team and he is running out of credit.

"If he doesn't get results in the next couple of games, fans' attitudes towards Ten Hag can change very quickly," former United striker Andy Cole told Sky Sports.

While United were being taken apart by Newcastle, Fulham were reaching the League Cup quarterfinals with victory over Championship high-fliers Ipswich Town.

They also earned an impressive point at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend and with Marco Silva penning a contract extension until 2026 there is a sense of stability and direction at Craven Cottage that is in marked contrast to United.

With surprise leaders Tottenham Hotspur hosting Chelsea on Monday, Arsenal and Manchester City could both move above them on Saturday. City will be expected to brush aside Bournemouth but Arsenal have a much tougher looking assignment as they travel to Newcastle for Saturday's late game.

Arsenal suffered a chastening League Cup defeat at West Ham on Wednesday when their squad players failed to shine.

But the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard will return at St James' Park.

"We have to use this defeat, this pain to prepare the best way to go to Newcastle and win," manager Mikel Arteta said.

Fourth-placed Liverpool travel to Luton Town on Sunday when fifth-placed Aston Villa are in action against Nottingham Forest. In the bottom half Everton will aim to maintain their recent upturn in form as they host Brighton.

Bottom club Sheffield United have suffered the worst start to a Premier League season by any club and will seek a morale-boosting win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Saturday.

Reuters



https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/soccer/2023-11-02-beleaguered-ten-hag-needs-away-day-boost-at-fulham/

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Report: Fulham eye struggling Super Eagles invitee
Fulham during the 2023 Summer transfer window secure the signature of two Nigerian players, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey

English Premier League side Fulham FC is reportedly keeping a close eye on KAA Gent forward Emmanuel Gift Orban, despite his slow start to the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian star, who made the move from Norway to Gent during the winter transfer window, has not replicated his impressive form from the previous season in the 2023-24 campaign.

Last season, Orban delighted Belgian football fans with 15 domestic league goals in just 16 appearances and an additional five goals in the Europa Conference League.

However, this season has seen him struggle to match those performances, with a recent goal drought of nine games ending in Gent's 5-0 victory over Breidablik.

Despite his current form, reports from Belgian media outlets suggest that Fulham is eager to help him realize his Premier League dreams in the upcoming transfer window.

The Super Eagles invitee is under contract with Gent until 2027, and there has been previous interest from prominent European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, who have considered him as a potential replacement for Harry Kane.

With Orban potentially available for transfer, Fulham may face competition from other European clubs vying for his signature.



https://soccernet.ng/2023/11/report-fulham-eye-struggling-super-eagles-invitee.html

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Premier League set to have first female referee as role in Man Utd clash confirmed
Rebecca Welch, 39, will make history on Saturday after being appointed as fourth official for Fulham vs Manchester United in the Premier League at Craven Cottage

 Rebecca Welch will make history as the first female referee to be involved in a Premier League game when she works on Manchester United 's game against Fulham on Saturday.

Fulham host United in the 12.30pm kick-off, and while most eyes will be on Erik ten Hag on the touchline following a run of dreadful results, Welch will also be present as fourth official. The 39-year-old has risen up the ranks at the PGMOL and, after becoming the first female to take charge of a Championship game in January, she will now become the Premier League's first full-time female fourth official.

Wendy Toms, Natalie Aspinall and Sian Massey-Ellis have all worked in the top flight as assistant referees previously – and Massey-Ellis will also be working with Welch on Saturday as the assistant VAR from Stockley Park. Welch opted not to follow the assistant pathway and has instead worked her way up as a referee.

She has worked in both the men's and women's game and is now progressing rapidly by being given bigger fixtures. Welch took charge of Birmingham vs Preston in the Championship in January and then oversaw three games at the Women's World Cup in the summer in Australia and New Zealand.

She will work alongside referee John Brooks and assistants Lee Betts and Matthew Wilkes on Saturday. Welch will be tasked with keeping Ten Hag and Fulham boss Marco Silva in order, but would step up and become the referee if Brooks suffered an injury. And, if all goes well, a first Premier League refereeing role could be around the corner.

As ESPN reports, refereeing body the PGMOL are keen to increase the diversity in officiating at the highest level. In January, Bhupinder Singh Gill became the first Sikh-Punjabi to work as an assistant referee in the Premier League.

 Welch, from Washington in the north-east of England, started refereeing in 2010. She has been a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to be appointed to take charge of an EFL match when League Two side Port Vale played Harrogate in April 2021. She has also overseen two women's FA Cup finals.

She will become the first woman to be appointed as a fourth official in a Premier League game, but she won't be the first female fourth official in the division. Back in April 2017, Massey-Ellis acted as a fourth official for the second half of West Ham vs Everton after getting injured running the line in the first half.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-manutd-referee-rebecca-welch-31347986

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Hojlund, Fernandes And Rashford To Start | 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham ahead of their important Premier League clash at Craven Cottage this weekend.

Manchester United will face off against Fulham at Craven Cottage this Saturday afternoon as they try to secure a win on the road in the Premier League. The Red Devils suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss against Newcastle United which knocked them out of the EFL Cup earlier this week. Hence, they would be desperate to bounce back with a positive result versus the Cottagers.

Erik ten Hag will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation once again and could make a whole host of changes to his first XI for this game. Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will play from the start of this contest in the English capital.

4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence
Andre Onana will feature in between the sticks for Man United after conceding three goals in his last outing. Raphael Varane will function alongside Harry Maguire at the centre of Man United's backline as they try to keep things solid at the back during the game.

Diogo Dalot could get another chance to impress as the right-back while Sergio Reguilon hopes to put in a decent display as the left-back. Ten Hag would ask both of them to be a good defensive shape inside their half so that they can limit the chances the home team creates from the wide areas.

Victor Lindelof will offer cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.

Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay will anchor the midfield for Man United as they try to dictate the tempo of the game at the centre of the park.

The talented trio of Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will operate just ahead of them as part of Man United's attack. All three of them need to be at their best if Man United are to come away with all three points from Craven Cottage this weekend.

Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack
Rasmus Hojlund will lead the charge for the Red Devils on the offensive end of the field. He was rested on the bench in midweek and could be eager to impress against Fulham this Saturday afternoon.

Anthony Martial will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages of the game if Man United are in need of a goal by then.

https://the4thofficial.net/2023/11/4-2-3-1-manchester-united-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

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Fulham will need to break transfer record for Santiago Gimenez

Fulham will have to pay double their current transfer record to stand any chance of signing 15-goal in-demand striker Santiago Gimenez.

According to Team Talk, Fulham must break their current transfer record and pay almost double their present feat if they stand a chance of signing Santiago Gimenez. The need for a new prolific frontman led to Marco Silva looking at the 15-goal Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tottenham target.

Fulham's struggles on the pitch have been related to the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer and their inability to replace him adequately. Raul Jimenez hasn't done a job, while Carlos Vinicius continued to prove inconsistent with his displays.

Marco Silva could return to the market for another striker during January, as he might consider signing one his top priority. They have already expressed an interest in Santiago Gimenez, but there are many complications in pursuing the prolific 15-goal star from Feyenoord.

For starters, Feyenoord may not stop him from leaving in January, but with each good performance, his price tag could become massive when the next window opens. There have been suggestions that Real Madrid and Tottenham would have to break the Eredivisie record to sign the Mexican.

Realistically, many reports have suggested a €50 million price point, but Feyenoord will undoubtedly hope to collect well above that figure. Hence, if Fulham want to sign the Mexican, they must break their current transfer record and nearly double what they paid for Jean-Michel Seri years ago.

However, the massive interest from big clubs like Real Madrid and Tottenham might put Fulham in a low bracket if Gimenez was about to choose his preferred destination. Barcelona have also entered the chase for the Feyenoord star, but there are doubts whether they have the financial capacity to compete with rivals.

Yet, the Catalans have always managed to spring up surprises and make splashes in the market for the players they need. Gimenez's profile makes him a top marksman, and hence, the likes of Tottenham are also keen.

Both Tottenham and Real Madrid intend to explore a move for Gimenez around the January window. The 15-goal striker will indeed have more suitors around January, but there's a feeling he would prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

While the idea of Fulham being in the race sounds ambitious, the Cottagers do not have a chance of signing the striker unless they are exceptional enough to beat the competition. While Giminez appears destined to move out of Feyenoord, it may be for a top-notch club like Tottenham, Real Madrid, or even Barcelona.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/11/03/fulham-will-need-to-break-transfer-record-for-santiago-gimenez/

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Everton vs Fulham Carabao Cup quarter-final date 'confirmed' after announcement
Everton have been drawn against Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and a hint for when the tie will take place has been dropped.

Everton have a Carabao Cup quarter-final to look forward to after their comprehensive 3-0 victory over Burnley.

Goals from James Tarkowski, Amadou Onana and Ashley Young ensured the Toffees' comfortable passage into the last eight of the competition. While avoiding a Premier League relegation battle is Sean Dyche's priority this season, fans aplenty are already getting excited that Everton are three matches away from a Wembley appearance.

And Blues supporters would have been highly satisfied that a home tie against Fulham was drawn out of the hat. The Cottagers earned a 3-1 win against Ipswich Town to reach the quarters. And while Everton lost to the London outfit on the opening day of the Premier League season, marked improvements have been made since.

Quarter-final ties will take place the week commencing Monday 18 December. And it looks almost certain that Everton's clash against Fulham will take place on Tuesday 19 December at Goodison Park.

That is because Merseyside rivals Liverpool's last-eight game against West Ham United at Anfield has been selected to be broadcast live on Wednesday 19 December. Games at both Goodison and Anfield are unable to take place on the same day because of policing matters and the strain it would put on infrastructure.

The last time the two Merseyside clubs played on the same day at Goodison and Anfield respectively was on 3 January 1981 in the third round of the FA Cup. Everton earned a 2-0 triumph over Arsenal while Liverpool eased to a 4-1 success against non-league Altrincham.



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/everton-vs-fulham-carabao-cup-quarter-final-date-confirmed-after-announcement-4396032

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The favourites to win the 2023/24 Carabao Cup - ranked

    Eight teams progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-final after victories midweek
    Newcastle blitzed Man Utd, West Ham beat Arsenal and Liverpool made it past Bournemouth
    Port Vale and Middlesbrough are the only sides outside of the Premier League remaining

We now find ourselves at the point where the Carabao Cup gets a little interesting. Having reached the quarter-final stage, the prospect of winning silverware really kicks in for the eight remaining sides.

We lost several big clubs from the competition midweek, including holders Manchester United and Arsenal, but we have been left with an encouraging mix of top sides and underdogs.

Port Vale and Middlesbrough act as representatives outside of the top flight, while there are still some big dogs in the form of Liverpool, Chelsea and last year's finalists Newcastle United.

With that in mind, here are the favourites to win the 2023/24 Carabao Cup - ranked.

8. Port Vale
While Port Vale have not faced the sternest opposition en route to the quarter-final, you need a little luck as a lower league side in the Carabao Cup.

The League One outfit have beaten Fleetwood Town, Crewe Alexandra, Sutton United and Mansfield on their way to the last eight, with their upcoming tie against Middlesbrough the highest-ranked opponent they will have faced.

While they will be underdogs for the clash with Michael Carrick's side, a home affair gives them a greater shot at making an impressive semi-final appearance where they would be guaranteed to face Premier League opposition.

Bradford City were the last side to make the final of the competition outside of the top flight, could Port Vale do the same?

7. Middlesbrough
Similarly to Port Vale, it's not been a brutal journey to the quarter-final for Middlesbrough.

The Championship side have beaten Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Bradford and most recently Exeter City to make it this far, but a clash with Vale in the next round gives them a great chance to make the final four.

After a shocking start to the season, Carrick has got Boro back on track with eight wins from their last nine matches in all competitions. Now they have a chance to make the semi-final, with an outside shot of making the final of the competition for the first time since 2004 when they beat Bolton in their only League Cup triumph.

6. Fulham
Having beaten in-form Championship side Ipswich Town 3-1 midweek, Fulham have set up a quarter-final clash with Everton in December.

The Cottagers knocked out Tottenham on penalties in the second round, then beating Ipswich's rivals Norwich City before dumping out the Tractor Boys on Wednesday.

Fulham have never made it past the quarter-final in the competition's history, most recently reaching this stage in the 2004/05 season.

Marco Silva could write himself into club folklore if he was the first manager to bring a domestic cup to Craven Cottage.

5. West Ham United
Having scraped past Lincoln City in the third round, West Ham showed their quality to beat Arsenal 3-1 at the London Stadium to make the quarter-final.

David Moyes was rewarded with a challenging trip to Liverpool, a fixture West Ham have already lost 3-1 this season, but they will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset against the 2022 winners.

The Hammers last made the Carabao Cup semi-final in 2013/14, going on to lose 9-0 on aggregate over two legs against Manchester City. They will be hoping to do better should they make it beyond the Reds in December.

4. Everton
Having eased past his former club Burnley midweek, with the help of former Clarets Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski, Sean Dyche has helped Everton find some form at just the right time.

A slow start to the season has picked up in recent weeks, with the Toffees now having reached a first Carabao Cup quarter-final since the 2020/21 season.

A home tie with Fulham gives the Merseyside club a strong chance of making it to the last four, potentially setting up an encounter with city rivals Liverpool.

Everton have never won the League Cup before and haven't won a major domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 1995.

3. Chelsea
With no European football to focus on and an uphill battle to compete in the upper echelons of the Premier League this season, the Carabao Cup could prove a welcome distraction for Mauricio Pochettino in his debut season with Chelsea.

Having squeezed past AFC Wimbledon and Brighton in their first two games, Chelsea enjoyed a more comfortable evening against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday with a 2-0 win.

The Blues have struggled for consistency this season, but could channel their frustrations into the Carabao Cup. However, a tough home tie with Newcastle is on the horizon.

2. Newcastle United
In a repeat of last year's final, Newcastle were the ones who had the last laugh on Wednesday evening. The Magpies sauntered past a dismal Man Utd, winning 3-0 despite making a number of changes to their starting lineup.

Having now knocked both Manchester clubs out of the competition, things are not going to get a lot easier when they travel to Chelsea in the quarter-final.

The Magpies, having already shown their pedigree in the competition, will fancy their chances travelling to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea far from convincing this season.

If Newcastle go on to win the trophy, they will have done it the hard way.

1. Liverpool
Having endured some torrid times last campaign, the feel-good factor has returned to Liverpool. Darwin Nunez's stunner saw the Reds past Bournemouth in the last round, having eased past Leicester City previously.

The 2022 Carabao Cup winners will be aiming for a second crown in three years and a home quarter-final tie with West Ham will give them hope of making the latter stages of the competition.

Jurgen Klopp has plenty of knockout experience, as well as having participated in many finals since arriving at Anfield, giving the Reds a great chance of going all the way this year.

In the current form they're in, few would bet against them.



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