Saturday Fulham Stuff - 07/12/24...

[WhiteJC]

Emile Smith Rowe opens up ahead of Arsenal reunion as he admits 'weird' feeling
Emile Smith Rowe is set to face Arsenal for the first time since leaving the club in August when his Fulham side take on the Gunners at Craven Cottage on Sunday

Emile Smith Rowe, the Fulham midfielder and former Arsenal player, has shared his feelings about the upcoming match against his old club.

The 24-year-old, who transferred to Marco Silva's team in August on a long-term deal, has been an ever-present figure for Fulham this season, contributing three goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

"It's a massive game for me personally," Smith Rowe expressed on Fulham's official website. "At the start of the season, in my head I've always been thinking about playing against my former team. It's going to be an exciting game."

He anticipates a mix of emotions when facing the Gunners, acknowledging it will be "a bit weird" and potentially emotional due to his long history with them.

However, he emphasised his commitment to Fulham: "But I have to make sure I do the job for Fulham."

Fulham are coming off a strong performance, having beaten Brighton 3-1, and will be eager to replicate last season's success against Arsenal, where they drew at the Emirates and won at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve. Smith Rowe praised both his current manager Silva and his previous boss Arteta as "very demanding" and clear in their tactical expectations.

With Arsenal sitting third and aiming for their fourth consecutive league win, Silva remarked in a press conference: "No-one surprises anyone in the Premier League any more.

"You know how Mikel and the Arsenal team respect everybody in this competition, they know that it's really tough to play and win games at this level.

"But I really believe that it's going to be even more difficult (than last season).

"Firstly, because with the game last night, it's going to be [a] really short [turnaround], and because they are in a great moment, definitely."



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/emile-smith-rowe-opens-up-30533484

[WhiteJC]

"I'm told..." – Expert says Liverpool are eyeing Premier League ace alongside Kerkez
Liverpool consider Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson an alternative to Milos Kerkez, according to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown.

Andy Robertson hasn't been at his best this season, despite improving recently, and with the Scot now 30 years of age, a long-term successor is required at left-back soon.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said that Liverpool are tracking Robinson as an option to come in, along with Bournemouth ace Kerkez:

"They want to sign a like-for-like replacement for Robertson. Kerkez is a player who fits that bill, and I'm told they've been looking at Antonee Robinson from Fulham," said Brown.

"Robertson has been a revelation for Liverpool, up and down that left flank he's been so influential for them for so many years now. But I think they want to sign a younger option because they're planning for the future.

"I wouldn't expect Robertson to leave any time soon, he'll still be there, but he'll have to be replaced eventually, and they're putting plans in place for that ahead of January. One issue is that there's a lack of real top-class left-backs about, and lots of clubs who need one.

"But Kerkez and Robinson are two they've been looking at and there are probably others on their shortlist, so we'll see what happens."

Our thoughts on Liverpool signing Robinson as Robertson's successor...
Robinson certainly ticks plenty of boxes for Liverpool, in terms of the profile of player they are looking for to replace Robertson, with the American now a proven Premier League player.

The Fulham man has now made a total of 114 appearances in the competition, and at 27, is a player right in the peak years of his career.

There is an argument to say that Kerkez is the superior option, however, not least because he is six years Robinson's junior, meaning he could be a more astute value-for-money signing overall.

There would be the threat of the USA international drifting past his best too soon at Liverpool, whereas Kerkez still has so many years ahead of him.

Robinson is more experienced and could slot in easier from the off, though, so there are arguments for either player, but either would ultimately be a strong addition by the Reds.



https://live4liverpool.com/2024/12/lfc-news/im-told-experts-says-liverpool-are-eyeing-premier-league-ace-alongside-kerkez/

[WhiteJC]

Real reason Reiss Nelson will not be available for Fulham against Arsenal as fresh injury blow is confirmed
The winger is on loan at Fulham from Arsenal

As many as three players with Arsenal connections could line up for Fulham against Mikel Arteta's side in the London derby on Sunday afternoon.

Former Gunners trio Bernd Leno, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe have become mainstays under Marco Silva, helping the Cottagers make a solid start to the season as they go into the weekend sitting sixth in the Premier League table.

Reiss Nelson has also contributed with two goals and an assist across all competitions. He too has become a regular over the past month or so having started five games in succession.

However, that run was always going to come to an end this weekend. As per Premier League rules, the 24-year-old cannot face Arsenal as the league's regulations restrict loaned players from taking part in matches against the parent club.

Unfortunately for Nelson he sustained a hamstring injury during Fulham's 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night and Silva fears the winger will be sidelined for longer than expected.

"Right now, Reiss Nelson was going to be out anyway because he's on loan from Arsenal," the Fulham boss told reporters. "The first feedback I got from the medical staff is that it's going to be a hamstring injury.

"He's going to be out for this game for sure and probably the next game. Let's see how many more."

With that said, Smith Rowe is expected to feature against his former club and he's relishing the prospect of coming up against some familiar faces.

"It's a massive game for me personally," he said. "At the start of the season, in my head I've always been thinking about playing against my former team. It's going to be an exciting game.

"I think it's going to be a bit weird, knowing the players for so long, and having been there for a lot of my life, so it probably is going to be a bit of an emotional day.

"But I have to make sure I do the job for Fulham."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/reiss-nelson-arsenal-fc-fulham-latest-news-premier-league-b1198631.html

[WhiteJC]

'I had to quit Everton - now Arne Slot wants Liverpool to sign me before Man City do'
Antonee Robinson has become one of the Premier League's most highly-rated full-backs since parting ways with Everton in 2019, and Arne Slot is said to be eyeing a bid for the USA international

Antonee Robinson may have his allegiances tested in the January transfer window, with Arne Slot reportedly eyeing the talented left-back.

A United States international, the 27-year-old has broke through as one of the Premier League's top touted full-backs over the past couple of years. He joined the Everton youth system at 11 and signed his first professional contract at Goodison Park in 2015 but failed to make a single appearance for the first team before being sold to Wigan Athletic four years later.

Robinson spent one season with the Latics before making the move to Fulham in a £2million deal in 2020. He almost joined AC Milan during that period but missed out on a move to the San Siro due to an irregular heart rhythm which flagged up during his medical. Robinson later revealed it came down to drinking too much coffee.

While many players might have been disheartened to wave goodbye to their boyhood club where they rose through the ranks, Robinson has previously admitted that he had no regrets about leaving Everton. He explained: "Not one regret, no. Everton were always really honest with me, they just said, 'we've got rid of a few players but we definitely need to keep Bainesy [Leighton Baines].

"We can't get rid of Jags [Phil Jagielka], the captain, and lose Baines as well. It's getting rid of so much of Everton in the changing room and he's such a good player as well still. We've got him and [Lucas] Digne starts for us so you have to wait for two injuries to start so you're not even making the bench at the minute so we think it's best for you if you just leave.

"It's nothing to do with you, it's just you need to play'. I am really thankful they were that upfront and honest with me because it gave me the chance to go away and progress elsewhere." Since making his way to Craven Cottage, Robinson has impressed Fulham, making 164 appearances across all competitions for the club.

However, the defender could soon find his way back to Merseyside, albeit donning the red of Liverpool rather than the Toffee blue. According to Give Me Sport, Slot's side could be preparing for a bidding war against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City to acquire the talent's signature.

Liverpool only welcomed one new player to the squad over the summer in the form of winger Federico Chiesa, and it is reported that the Reds are looking at preparing a winter window bit for Robinson. However, Slot may have to splash out a reported £40million to acquire Robinson's services, with three years left on his current deal at Craven Cottage.

While Liverpool are currently sitting atop the Premier League, one area in which Slot's outfit have been lacking is the left-hand side of their defence. First-choice Andy Robertson has struggled to find his form, meaning Robinson acquisition could give Liverpool a big title boost.

Meanwhile, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Anfield also remains in question. The 26-year-old is out of contract next summer, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, all three of whom are yet to extend their contracts.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/antonee-robinson-arne-slot-liverpool-34236955

[WhiteJC]

Samantha Read on Brentford Women's FA Cup derby clash with west London rivals Fulham
Brentford Women face west London rivals Fulham in the FA Cup third round on Sunday at Bedfont Sports Club in a 3pm kick-off; Samantha Read: "It's been an amazing journey so far and we don't want it to end here - a win over Fulham in front of our home crowd would be incredible"

Defender Samantha Read said Brentford are "ready to make another statement", as the Bees welcome Fulham to Bedfont Sports Club for their FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

Karleigh Osborne's side have won every game they have played so far this season, but will face their toughest challenge to date this weekend as they come up against Fulham.

The Cottagers are also undefeated, plying their trade in the London South East Premier Division, one league above Brentford.

Read has been one of Brentford's most consistent performers this season, holding her place as one of the three centre-backs in Osborne's side.

"It's been a brilliant season so far," said Read. "Obviously a lot of the plaudits go to the forwards and rightfully so, but I feel as a defensive unit we have been extremely strong as well.

"Fulham are going to offer a tough challenge and I'm sure their forwards will have a lot of quality - but myself and my team-mates have no reason not to be confident with the form we are currently in."

"Fulham are going to offer a tough challenge and I'm sure their forwards will have a lot of quality - but myself and my team-mates have no reason to not be confident with the form we are currently in"
Samantha Read

Brentford put on another strong display and made history again by confirming their place in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time ever, following the side's 1-0 win over National League team, London Seaward.

A Nikki Woods strike was enough for the Bees to secure the win with her goal on 85 minutes, sending the Bees fans wild.

Read went on to talk about how important the fans have been this season and how their support could help them pull off another big result against Fulham.

"The support this season has been beyond anything we have ever experienced as a team; we have made Bedfont such a fortress over the past two seasons and the noise really pushes us on," she said.

"It's been an amazing journey so far and we don't want it to end here - a win over Fulham in front of our home crowd would be incredible."



https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/brentford-women-v-fulham-fa-cup-samantha-read-match-preview

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva reminds Arsenal of weakness ahead of Premier League clash
Fulham beat Arsenal last term - with their victory aided by set pieces - as they prepare to take on the Gunners who themselves have become masters of dead ball situations

 Marco Silva is not fearing Arsenal's set piece onslaught - reminding everyone that it was Fulham who used them to beat the Gunners last term.

The north Londoners continued to enhance their reputation as specialists when it comes to scoring from dead ball situations. On Wednesday night they used two corners to score their goals as they secured a 2-0 win over Manchester United.

First Jurrien Timber and then William Saliba benefitted, adding to Arsenal's growing list of goals from corners and free-kicks. Already this term they've used set pieces to breach Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City - but last term it was Fulham giving them a taste of their own medicine.

Their meeting at the Emirates finished 2-2 early in the season and then Fulham won 2-1 at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve - and Silva remembers how they used set pieces to their advantage.

He said: "Last season, we did really well in that situation, we scored twice against them in set-pieces last season, and the reality is that they didn't score [from a set-piece] against us, and let's hope we can repeat the same."

Fulham secured an impressive win over Brighton in midweek as they jumped up to sixth. Another win at their home base and they would close to within three points over Arsenal, but Silva insists the Gunners won't be surprised by anything they bring.

"No-one surprises anyone in Premier League no more," he said. "You know how Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal team respect everybody in this competition, they know that it's really tough to play and win games at this level. And probably they are going to be even more aware because the reality is we played two great games against them last season – at the Emirates with the draw, and of course with the three points at Craven Cottage."

Arsenal meanwhile are embracing their set piece success, despite comparisons to Stoke City during their time under Tony Pulis. Arteta has joked that the Gunners want to become a jack of all trades and is happy to have the reputation they do.

He said: We want to be the kings of everything - at set pieces, the best in the world, at high press, the best in the world, attacking open spaces, the best in the world. We want the best atmosphere in the stadium, and be the best at everything."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-boss-marco-silva-reminds-34268084

[WhiteJC]

The problem Liverpool now have with Alexis Mac Allister after Everton postponement
Everton vs Liverpool has been called off on Saturday amid concerns about the weather and Storm Darragh.

This game will have to be replayed at a later date, and both teams now get a few days off to prepare for their next games.

There's no let-up for Everton as they prepare to face Arsenal next week, while Liverpool face a tricky game against Fulham.

Fulham caused Liverpool more than a few problems at Anfield last season. The Whites led 3-2 late in that game before two late goals earned Liverpool a 4-3 win.

Antonee Robinson says that game is the best atmosphere he has experienced, and it showed that Fulham are no pushovers.

Alexis Mac Allister scored a wonderful goal on that day, but after Everton vs Liverpool was postponed, the Argentine will now not be able to play in that match.

Alexis Mac Allister banned for Liverpool vs Fulham
Mac Allister was due to miss the Merseyside Derby due to a suspension regarding an accumulation of yellow cards.

Mac Allister's absence in that match would've been felt, but, with all due respect to Everton, their midfield isn't great and the Reds should've been able to dominate that area regardless.

Troy Deeney tipped Liverpool to win that match for a reason.

However, now, Mac Allister is set to miss the Fulham game, and that poses a different sort of problem.

Between Alex Iwobi, Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira and Sander Berge, Fulham's midfield has been in great form as of late, and Mac Allister's ability would be needed in this match.

The £35m man will miss the Fulham game, and that puts Liverpool at a disadvantage.

Who could replace Alexis Mac Allister?
Of course, a team like Liverpool has plenty of depth, so losing one player isn't the end of the world.

Curtis Jones would be able to slot into a midfield alongside Dominik Szboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch with relative ease.

Jones actually scored against Fulham in the EFL Cup semi-finals last year, and Jones has been in great form this season.

However, Mac Allister is perfectly suited to playing against Marco Silva's side, as he showed last year. He brings an energy to the midfield that other players can't match, and that can stifle the threat posed by Fulham's midfield players.

While it's not the biggest blow in the world, it is still a fresh minor issue that Liverpool now have to contend with heading into a match against a team that has been brimming with confidence as of late.

Fulham were never going to be easy opposition, but they'll be a bit harder to beat without Mac Allister's influence in the midfield.



https://tbrfootball.com/the-problem-liverpool-now-have-with-alexis-mac-allister-after-everton-postponement/