Friday Fulham Stuff - 24/10/25...

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'Unique' Newcastle United star has given Eddie Howe major selection dilemma v Fulham
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has a major selection dilemma for the Premier League clash at home to Fulham.

Two years on from his Champions League debut, Lewis Miley is again impressing on the European stage for Newcastle United.

The 19-year-old was introduced at half-time against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday and despite ending up the losing side was recognised for his positive impact after assisting Nick Woltemade's goal.

As a result, Miley was rewarded with a start against Benfica on Tuesday night as the Magpies won 3-0 thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon and a double from Harvey Barnes.

'Top' performance by Lewis Miley against Benfica in the Champions League
Miley lined up in a three-man midfield, occupying the number six role with Bruno Guimaraes and Jacob Ramsey, another player brought into the starting line-up as the two number eights.

After the match, "unique" Miley came in for high praise from head coach Eddie Howe.

Howe said: "Yeah, top performance from Lewis, I think so much that goes into him giving that performance. It's the ability to absorb all the hype and the pressure of the game, and just deliver what he needed to.

"He's got that unique ability, he had it from the very first time he played, just to be himself and not be fazed by anything. But it was an outstanding performance in a game where he was working in minimal space.

"It was quite tight in the middle of the pitch, very intelligent, worked well with Bruno, in particular, because those two were combining quite well together, and yeah, great performance from Lewis."

What would be a good season for Lewis Miley?
Miley first broke into the Magpies' first team as a 17-year-old but saw his debut season (2023-24) cut short with over two months remaining due to a back injury.

The midfielder was on track to return for the first day of pre-season but days before suffered a freak metatarsal fracture. By the time Miley returned, Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton had established themselves in the team, while the lack of European football meant rotation was limited.

That restricted Miley to just four starts last season, a total he has already nearly equalled this season with three starts.

"Well, I think injury-free," Howe said when asked what a 'good season' would be for Miley. "I probably say that for every player, but Lewis has had certain injuries from last season, and I think he needs game time, he needs to play to develop - that's clear for any young player.

"But the big thing for me is he has to deserve that, I'm not just going to give it to him, he's got to actually deserve it, and I think nights like tonight will help him immensely to get more game time, to show that he's on a level playing field with the other players.

"We're dealing with Sandro, Joe, Bruno, to knock one of them out of the team is very, very difficult, but you saw Jacob Ramsey come into the team, he did very well today.

"Lewis shows the strength we have in midfield. Joe Willock did well in a very brief cameo, but the players in those positions, and they're all going to push each other hopefully for better performances."

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United midfield dilemma v Fulham
Following Miley's eye-catching display in the Champions League, Howe is facing a genuine midfield dilemma heading into Saturday's must-win Premier League clash at home to Fulham.

Sandro Tonali is expected to come back into the starting line-up having only remained on the bench against Benfica due to illness, but the other two places are far from clear. Howe could use the game to rest Bruno Guimaraes, while Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey will both hope to play.

But what is clear, at least in our opinion, is that on current form, Tonali, Guimaraes and Miley are Newcastle's best midfield three. Howe has already hinted at Miley needing a run of games and now feels like the perfect time.



https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-eddie-howe-lewis-miley-dilemma-fulham-5370374

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How Alex Iwobi solves our midfield problems
Dan Cooke doubles down on his desire to see Alex Iwobi playing in central midfield after his performance against Arsenal.

I wrote an article almost exactly two months ago about how I felt Alex Iwobi was stagnating slightly. He wasn't influencing games from the left flank in the way we were used to and that a potential change in position might help him.

That hasn't happened; he's remained in his usual spot and, to be fair, his performances have probably improved slightly - still a far cry from what we saw at the start of last season though.

That was until the 64th minute against Arsenal on Saturday. Marco made two changes, as a result of which Alex ambled over from the advertising hoardings of the Riverside Stand and nestled himself just to the right of the centre circle. I turned to Pritesh, who stands next to me, and we shared a nod of approval - we'd been hoping for this all season.

Yes, for it to happen it had required 30% of our squad being injured, but Alex Iwobi was about to play as a number eight.

What I saw was his best half an hour in a Fulham shirt this calendar year. In those 30 minutes he did everything that our midfield has been severely lacking this season.

Drive
There's been so much discussion around the midfield pairing of Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic. As double pivots go, it's undoubtedly the lemon and herb of duos. It's minimal flair but maximum reliability. It's no bad thing and there's absolutely a time and place for it.

Sometimes though, you need something spicier.

Fulham have been too safe for large parts of this season, playing with two holding midfielders who don't have a predisposition for the unexpected. It makes us solid but also makes us easy to defend against and, at times, just a bit boring.

The biggest thing I think we've been missing is drive. A midfielder who picks the ball up from deeper positions and their first thought is about how can they get forward. That was Alex on Saturday. He carried the ball 265 yards across the whole game. Admittedly that doesn't sound like an interesting statistic, until you add the context that it's 70% further than any other Fulham player. He's such a powerful runner with the ball and being able to have that as a way to cut through opposition midfields is a real weapon.

However, he's not just limited to that. In that final half an hour, he ran the central area. He made more passes, had more touches, and made more tackles, than anyone else on the pitch, on either side. That's pretty exceptional.


Credit WhoScored.com

What I love most is where he is operating. The above photo shows all of his touches after he moved to number eight. As you can see, they effectively span both boxes, highlighting his dynamism and work rate. However, I've put a red circle around the ones that interest me most. Those half spaces towards and inside the final third are where we really lack threat.

We often miss out those spaces entirely, preferring to get the ball out to our wide men. With Iwobi playing centrally, he starts to attract the ball into different areas of the pitch, that just start to pose a new challenge to opposition defences. It allows us to have attacking threat both out wide and through the middle, which can only be harder to defend against.

Create space out wide
The other benefit of him playing centrally is that it creates space in the team for someone else to play on the left wing. Most people will want that to be Kevin, me included, but it could also allow Ryan Sessegnon to push further forward once Antonee Robinson returns.

There's only so long that our record signing can sit on the bench and whil his cameo performances have been hit and miss, he's clearly talented. Marco totally trusts Iwobi and it's hard to picture him being dropped in order to get Kevin in the starting line-up. This move, as it did on Saturday, let's you have both of them on the pitch.

As a result, you get a two-fold benefit. You get all of the positives that Iwobi brings to central areas but you also inject pace, chaos, and mercuriality to our left flank. Essentially, you make Fulham fun again (I'm considering getting this printed on a red baseball cap).

As I said the last time I wrote about this topic, it's probably too cavalier for some games, Newcastle away potentially being one of them. However, if I look ahead to 1 November, at home to Wolves, it feels like the perfect solution to assert our authority, in a season where we've been a little bit too passive.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/how-alex-iwobi-solves-our-midfield

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10 players could miss Newcastle United vs Fulham with defensive crisis admission
Eddie Howe and Marco Silva have some big absentees for Saturday's Premier League match at St James' Park

Newcastle United will face a Fulham side without SIX first-team players on Saturday as head coach Marco Silva was dealt another injury blow last weekend.

The Cottagers head north on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal which extended their poor run of form in the Premier League.

Their last victory in the league came back in mid-September, with last Saturday's defeat coming on the back of losses to Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Both sides have their fair share of injury issues heading into this weekend's St James' Park showdown, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe likely to be without at least three players.

Full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are covering from knee and hamstring injuries respectively, with the England pair missing for several weeks.

Livramento was ruled out for eight weeks after falling badly following a challenge from Arsenal's William Saliba, but Hall could be back in action before the November international break after tweaking his hamstring against Union Saint-Gilloise.

Summer signing Yoane Wissa could also make his first appearance in a Newcastle shirt in the coming weeks after he injured his knee while on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

His recovery period was extended by a couple of weeks, but he could be involved either against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup or against West Ham on November 2.

Tuesday's Champions League win over Benfica was secured without the involvement of Sandro Tonali, who had missed training with illness. The Italian midfielder was included on the bench and is expected to be involved against Fulham.

The visitors will come to Tyneside without several players, with Joachim Andersen's hamstring injury the latest in a long line of problems for Silva, particularly in defence.

"It is a muscle injury," Silva said last weekend. "Something in his hamstring. We need to see if it's something more serious now. We miss the backline completely. That is our reality right now."

Fulham are already without full-back Antonee Robinson with a knee injury, while defensive midfielder Tom Cairney will face a late fitness test on a back problem.

Midfielder Sasa Lukic is out for several weeks with a groin injury, along with winger Samuel Chukwueze who damaged his calf while on international duty with Nigeria.

Forward Rodrigo Muniz could return in November after picking up a thigh injury but is not expected to be involved against Newcastle, although Raul Jimenez started against Arsenal after recovering from a knock.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/10-players-could-miss-newcastle-32733014

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Nottingham Forest Could Turn to 'Genius' Manager if Dyche Project Fails
Nottingham Forest could target Fulham boss Marco Silva if their appointment of Sean Dyche does not work out as expected, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has exclusively revealed on the Market Madness podcast.

The City Ground outfit confirmed Dyche's appointment earlier this week on a deal running until the summer of 2027, with the 54-year-old becoming their third different manager this season.

Forest parted ways with Ange Postecoglou following their 3-0 home loss to Chelsea on Saturday and looked at several potential successors before turning to Dyche, who has not had a managerial job since being sacked by Everton in January.

Jacobs claims the Tricky Trees also considered appointing Silva but hit two stumbling blocks, including a £15m release clause inserted in his contract that runs until the end of the season.

Fulham Could Turn to Marco Silva
 Jacobs, speaking on Market Madness, revealed that Silva was an option for Nottingham Forest before they appointed Dyche and could be reconsidered as a target if the City Ground side opt for another new manager after the season:

"Regarding Marco Silva, he was an option for Nottingham Forest before hiring Sean Dyche.

"So, as we said earlier in the show, if it doesn't work out with Dyche, flash forward to next summer, Marco Silva will likely be there.

"Two stumbling blocks with pricing him out of Fulham. The first is that Silva doesn't really want to leave anywhere mid-season. So you may notice a pattern here.

"The second is that there's a £15million release clause, or thereabouts, and that's too expensive for a lot of the sides that may consider paying it, that might be treading quite a fine PSR line."

Silva, who took charge at Craven Cottage in the summer of 2021, led Fulham to the Championship title in his first season in charge and has since overseen three consecutive mid-table Premier League finishes.

Under the 'genius' Portuguese tactician, Fulham have finished 10th, 13th and 11th in the top flight and set a new club record in the Premier League last season by winning 54 points.

This term, the Cottagers are 15th after eight games, three places above Forest, who have won just once in their opening eight matches.

Dyche will take charge of his first game at the City Ground on Thursday – a Europa League clash against Porto – before visiting Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.



https://www.givemesport.com/nottingham-forest-marco-silva-manager-sean-dyche-fulham/

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Team News: Several absent for Newcastle
Fulham will be without a number of First Teamers when we make the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Antonee Robinson, Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz all missed the Arsenal defeat last week, and they have been joined in the treatment room by Joachim Andersen and Harry Wilson.

"Some good news, or fresh news. Others is not so good, unfortunately for us," was Silva's assessment of the squad fitness.

"Starting from the back, Kenny was already involved in the last game – not 100 per cent, but he was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far and he is going to be in contention for the game.

"Joachim Andersen, as we expected and as I mentioned after the match, has a muscle injury. It's not so serious, but he is going to be out and not available for the Newcastle match, Antonee Robinson neither, as well. Chukwueze still out, Rodrigo out.

"About Harry Wilson, he got a knock with the national team, a small issue. He made the squad to play against Arsenal, but let's see if he's going to be ready or not.

"Yesterday he was not in the condition, today he didn't train as well. Let's see tomorrow how he reacts. Nothing really serious, but let's see how he is going to be tomorrow, and after I will take a decision."

In more positive news, Saša Lukić and Tom Cairney could be involved on Tyneside after recovering from the injuries picked up in the Bournemouth and Arsenal fixtures, respectively.

"Tom Cairney, nothing special [with the injury] as we expected, is going to be in contention. Saša Lukić is going to be in contention," Silva confirmed. "The response from him has been very good.

"Top professional, top guy. He takes care of himself in a top way. He trained today again, let's see how he's going to be tomorrow."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/october/23/team-news-several-absent-for-newcastle/

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Fulham: Marco Silva issues seven-man injury update ahead of Newcastle clash
Two players will need to be assessed before the trip to Tyneside

Marco Silva has been dealt another injury blow with winger Harry Wilson a doubt for Fulham's trip to Newcastle this weekend.

Wilson has been carrying a knock since the international break and played 82 minutes during last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, but has not trained over the last two days.

Fulham's injury problems have escalated since the international break, with Silva calling it the worst run of injuries he has had since joining the club.

"Wilson is a doubt, let's see. He didn't train the last two days," Silva said in his pre-match press conference.

"He got a knock in the national team, a small issue in the national team. He made it against Arsenal. Let's see if he's going to be ready or not.

"Yesterday he was not in condition (to train), today he didn't train as well, let's see tomorrow how he's going to react.

"Nothing really serious, but let's see how he's going to feel tomorrow, and after that we're going to take a decision about him."

Silva added that his side would still be without Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring), Antonee Robinson (knee), and Samuel Chukwueze (calf) for their trip to St James' Park, saying it was difficult to put a timeframe on Muniz and Chukwueze's returns.

Defender Joachim Andersen came off in the first half against Arsenal with a hamstring problem. Silva confirmed he would not travel to Newcastle, but played down the injury's severity.

In more positive news, Silva confirmed that Sasa Lukic could be available, having missed the Arsenal defeat with a groin injury.

The Serbian midfielder, who started each of Fulham's first seven league games, had been expected to miss out against Newcastle, but has returned to training ahead of schedule and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

"The response from him has been very good; he takes care of himself. If he feels well, he will be in contention," Silva continued.

The same is true of right-back Kenny Tete, who was only deemed fit enough for the bench against Arsenal.

"Kenny was already involved in the last game, not 100% but was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far and he's going to be in contention for the game."

Fulham are looking for their first points in the league in over a month and take on a Newcastle side flying high after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League.

The same is true of right-back Kenny Tete, who was only deemed fit enough for the bench against Arsenal.

"Kenny was already involved in the last game, not 100% but was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far and he's going to be in contention for the game."

Fulham are looking for their first points in the league in over a month and take on a Newcastle side flying high after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-injury-latest-wilson-tete-silva-muniz-b1254615.html

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Newcastle handed early boost for Saturday – 4 ruled out and 2 late tests for Fulham
Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend, as Fulham come to St James' Park this Saturday.

It's a big chance to build on Tuesday's 3-0 win over Benfica and a massive game in the league, with us needing to kick on now after last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Brighton left us down in 14th.

Fulham have lost their last three games, suffering 3-1 defeats at Aston Villa and Bournemouth before losing 1-0 to Arsenal last weekend, where they suffered yet another injury blow, which has now been confirmed.

Captain and star centre-back Joachim Andersen was forced off early after feeling his hamstring, and he's today been ruled out of Saturday's trip at St James' Park.

Left-back Antonee Robinson is also set to be absent, although Serbian spoiler Sasa Lukic has a chance of returning after just resuming training.

In attack, right-winger Harry Wilson is a doubt after missing training over the past few days, while summer signing Samuel Chukwueze has been ruled out, with the former AC Milan winger suffering a calf injury away with Nigeria over the international break.

Up top, Brazilian striker and former Toon target Rodrigo Muniz is missing again, meaning veteran striker Raul Jimenez may start again.

Speaking on all of the above, Marco Silva said:

    "Some good news, some not so good. Joa (Joachim Andersen) – will be out. Robinson, out.

    "Lukic in contention. Chukwueze and Muniz out. Wilson is a doubt, let's see. Didn't train last two days."



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2025/10/23/newcastle-handed-early-boost-4-ruled-out-and-2-fulham-stars-facing-late-tests/

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Pre-Newcastle Press Conference
Marco Silva believes Newcastle United can be very satisfied with how they replaced Alexander Isak in the summer.

The Magpies were loathed to lose their top scorer, but eventually agreed a record deal with Liverpool for his transfer, and turned to imposing German Nick Woltemade to fill his boots.

The 6'6 frontman has proved an immediate hit on Tyneside, finding the back of the net four times in his first five Premier League matches.

"Very good striker, very good striker," Silva admitted. "Of course, they had, last three seasons, an unbelievable striker, too. It's not something new for them. It is a good sign, for them as a football club.

"When they lose a great striker – because Liverpool spent that amount of money on him – that means recruitment, and they did it well.

"They went for a slightly different style, but to spend the money they spent on him and the impact that he has had straightaway, I think is very good.

"One is slightly different, probably not so aggressive in the space like Isak was, much more a player that is very good leading the play. And, of course, inside the box he can score.

"He showed already that inside the box he can score in many different ways. The game against Brighton is a good example, the way he was able to finish in that way and score in that way.

"He's a very good one – the way sometimes he can be the extra midfielder and he'll come to link their game and support for them to beat the first pressure, for example. And, of course, inside the box his profile is a very good one."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/october/23/pre-newcastle-press-conference/

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Paul Merson expects Fulham to have focus elsewhere as they take on Newcastle United on Saturday
Fulham head to St James' Park on Saturday for a traditional 3 pm kick-off with Newcastle United hoping to build on their Champions League success in midweek.

The last time Newcastle won in the Champions League, they followed it up with a win in the Premier League, and Eddie Howe's side will be looking to do the same again on Saturday.

For whatever reason, the wins just haven't been coming for Newcastle in the league this season, while the performances have deserved more.

Paul Merson draws a parallel to Fulham, who he thinks deserve more points than they have on the board this season.

Paul Merson sees a big win for Newcastle on Saturday
In his score prediction for Sportskeeda, however, he feels Fulham will be eying a cup run and could slip up on Saturday as a result.

    "I can't believe where Newcastle are in the league table. I thought they were going to be top six at this stage, but they are 14th instead! But even their next opponents Fulham have underperformed so far this season. I'm not sure underperformed is the right word though, because there were games where Fulham deserved more in my opinion, but at least in terms of results, it has not gone according to plan at all.

    "When Newcastle play with energy, close teams down quickly and press high up the pitch, they are a great team. But as soon as the energy drops and they get tired, it's a huge struggle for them. I have a feeling they will move up the table soon though. Newcastle have a good team, the midfield is great and with Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade hitting form, they can soon go on a roll, winning three-four games on the spin! I'm not worried about them at all.

    "Fulham did well against Arsenal. But that defeat was their third straight loss in the Premier League. Unfortunately for them, I expect that run to continue this weekend as well. Fulham have Wycombe coming up in the fourth round of the EFL Cup next week and I think they will have one eye on that game. Marco Silva's team should look to have a real go at enjoying a deep cup run.

    "Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Fulham"

Newcastle need to build up momentum with three consecutive games at home
That's the kind of win we'll all be hoping for on Saturday, although, would it be too greedy to ask for a clean sheet too?

Newcastle really need to get the points on the board between now and the next international break, which, like the last one, could really halt their momentum.

Fulham will be the second of three consecutive games at home, all in different competitions, and a clean sweep would be fantastic.



https://nufcfeed.com/paul-merson-expects-fulham-to-have-focus-elsewhere-as-they-take-on-newcastle-united-on-saturday-1644572

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Fulham troubles mirror Newcastle United's as players must now avoid 'Big Time Charlies' tag
Newcastle United have a great chance to kickstart their Premier League campaign

After the caviar of the Champions League comes a bread and butter Premier League match. However Newcastle's domestic programme is their staple diet and they must start being consistent where it also matters greatly.

United have just won two successive European games scoring seven goals and conceding none, figures good enough to impress any mathematician. Compare those stats with their Premier League record - 14th out of 20, only two victories in eight matches, only seven goals scored in those eight fixtures.

Not for a moment would I label the Magpies Big Time Charlies but if they are to avoid such comparisons then they must get the business done on the home front.

They must score goals and win when it's rank and file. With respect, Fulham are not Arsenal or Manchester City, Liverpool or their like, but United must be up for it and view them as an opportunity with commitment and swarming intensity to collect there points.

We are in the middle of a three-match home run in three different competitions all within a week and searching for home comforts. Indeed starting with Benfica four out of five confrontations were scheduled for SJP so surely this is an ideal opportunity to turn an indifferent season onto a permanent upward curve.

Why do United look so impressive in Europe's premier competition but so toothless in their domestic league? Perhaps if we look beneath the surface and accept reality there is a reason.

It is that neither the Belgian League nor Portuguese League are anywhere near Premier League standard. United easily put two of their top sides to the buck - champions Union 4-0 on their patch and Portuguese runners-up Benfica 3-0 here. In comparison the PL is the best in the world and teams throughout are more organised, compact and committed, tactically aware with better individual talent.

Perhaps further proof is provided by the fact that Anthony Gordon has scored four Champions League goals and Harvey Barnes three (all in three games). Neither have notched in the Premier League.

It has to start now. You can only play in Europe's best competition if you are successful enough domestically to qualify.

Of course the Champions League is far from a doddle. To think so for even a fleeting moment would be laughable. Everest challenges lurk for United. We had one against Barcelona and will again when we visit Paris Saint-Germain. And it gets even harder the further you go.

However right now it is Fulham and a pressing need to right a wrong. United require goals at this level and must look beyond Nick Woltemade. Come on Gordon, Barnes and Jacob Murphy, come on Bruno, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Come on Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.

Undoubtedly Yoane Wissa will be a great help when he is fully fit and firing but when will that be? If Alexander Isak is suffering because of lack of sharpness through his own stupidity (not that we care) then Wissa also had no pre-season and hasn't played in the Premier League since the last campaign. That's a lot of ground to make up, a lot of rust to shake off.

By the way as in life generally money cannot buy everything. Liverpool won the PL title by a country mile but then gorged themselves spending an obscene £241m on just two players, Isak (£125m) and Florian Wirtz (£116m), and proceeded to lose four successive matches with both struggling. Balance isn't just something for tightrope walkers!

When they broke that disastrous run with a Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek Isak, who has forgotten how to score goals, had to be subbed at half-time. Right now he couldn't burst a balloon with a pin.

Fulham have suffered three straight losses and consequently have only a three point cushion above the relegation zone though no one really believes they will be in trouble come the end of the season.

Their biggest worry is losing manager Marco Silva whose contract is rapidly running down amid admiring glances from elsewhere which must trouble not only the hierarchy but the team. Footballers hate uncertainty.

A combination of injuries and no effective No 9 - where have we heard that before? - has done for the Cottagers. Their deadline day record signing, Kenny at £34.6m, hasn't hit the ground running (same as £55m Anthony Elanga), Raul is not quite the player he once was, Harry Wilson needs to find a cutting edge, and Adama Traore runs like a headless chicken.

United desperately need a third Premier League three pointer. I believe they will get it.

FOOTNOTE: As Sean Dyche prepares for his first PL match as Nottingham Forest boss away to high flyers Bournemouth on Sunday Frank Clark has revealed how immersed he is in the club.

Clark tells me that Dyche, who lives on the outskirts of the city and played for the club at youth level, has often attended the regular social get-togethers of Forest's old European Cup winners of which Frank is one of course.

The Growler's two sidekicks are top ranked old Forest players - Ian Woan and Gateshead born Steve Stone, a former Newcastle coach who won England honours in their colours.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-troubles-mirror-newcastle-uniteds-32732572

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Fulham injury news: Marco Silva delivers Joachim Andersen, Harry Wilson updates ahead of Newcastle trip
Fulham defender Joachim Andersen and winger Harry Wilson are struggling with injury ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

The Cottagers were without Antonee Robinson, Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz for last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has confirmed that the trio remain sidelined for the trip to St James' Park, while Andersen has been added to the injury list after being forced off in the first half last weekend.

"Some good news, or fresh news. Others is not so good, unfortunately for us," Silva told reporters in Thursday's pre-match press conference.

"Starting from the back, Kenny [Tete] was already involved in the last game - not 100 per cent, but he was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far, and he is going to be in contention for the game.

Anderson out, Wilson doubtful for Newcastle clash
"Joachim Andersen, as we expected and as I mentioned after the match, has a muscle injury. It's not so serious, but he is going to be out and not available for the Newcastle match, Antonee Robinson neither, as well. Chukwueze is still out, Rodrigo is out."

The Fulham boss has also revealed that Wales international Wilson faces a battle to prove his fitness in time for the weekend.

"About Wilson, he got a knock with the national team, a small issue. He made the squad to play against Arsenal, but let's see if he's going to be ready or not.

"Yesterday he was not in the condition, today he didn't train as well. Let's see tomorrow how he reacts. Nothing really serious, but let's see how he is going to be tomorrow, and after I will take a decision."

Silva provides positive Lukic injury update
In more positive news, key midfielder Sasa Lukic is in contention to feature after recovering from injury.

Silva explains that the Serbia international will have an important role to play if he starts against Eddie Howe's side.

"Very important. The physicality of the side - they are strong in all positions," Silva said. "The battle in the middle will be crucial like last season. [Sandro] Tonali and Joelinton, whoever they have, are solid, compact, aggressive and physical.

"We have to reach the same level of intensity to play in the way we want to play and to control the game."

Lukic's fellow midfielder, Tom Cairney, should also be available for selection despite being taken off with a back issue in the second half against Arsenal.

Silva will be challenging the players available to return the team to winning ways after enduring a run of three consecutive defeats.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/injury-news/news/silva-delivers-andersen-wilson-updates-ahead-of-newcastle-trip_584228.html

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Fulham have one player Newcastle United star Dan Burn hates playing against
Dan Burn will be paying particularly close attention to the teamsheet when Newcastle United face Fulham this weekend.

Eddie Howe's side face the Cottagers at St James' Park, as they aim to build on their Champions League victory over Benfica.

The Newcastle United manager must decide whether to make any changes to his side, but one department that will likely remain unchanged is the defence. The Toon backline kept a seventh clean sheet of the season against Benfica, giving Eddie Howe no reason to alter his defensive lineup.

That will mean Dan Burn continuing at left-back, which is not really where he wants to be. Centre-back is Burn's best position, but injuries to Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are forcing the England international to fill in.

He has coped admirably so far, but could now be set for his biggest challenge.

Dan Burn was happy to see the back of Adama Traore
During Dan Burn's previous stint at left-back for the Magpies, we saw him struggle against speedsters like Anthony Elanga and Chiedozie Ogbene.

Direct pace causes the 33-year-old problems, which is a concern when the Fulham squad includes Adama Traore.

With his outrageous speed and power, he is one of the toughest wingers for any full-back to face. That includes Burn, who has spoken openly about his hatred for playing against Traore.

During a 2022 interview with Sky Sports, Burn spoke about Traore making him feel slow as he celebrated his move to Barcelona.

"The only time I am slow is when I play against Adama Traore, then I really feel slow," he said.

"But he's gone to Barcelona so it's sweet.

"I was buzzing [that Traore left Wolves]. I was more buzzing when he went to Barcelona than signing here."

Unfortunately for Burn, Traore's move to Barcelona was only a loan deal. He returned to Wolves, before joining Fulham in 2023.

This is now the 29-year-old's third season with Marco Silva's side, and he will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against Burn.

Why Dan Burn could be in luck when Newcastle United face Fulham
However, there are no guarantees that Traore will be afforded that luxury.

Burn could be in luck, as the one winger he absolutely hates coming up against is yet to start a Premier League game this season. Traore has appeared in six of Fulham's eight league games this season, all of which have been as a substitute.

The Spain international is somewhat out of favour, which could be to the benefit of Newcastle United's number 33.

Instead of facing Traore, Burn is likely to come up against Harry Wilson. He has been Fulham's primary right winger this season, having started there six times.



https://www.geordiebootboys.com/opinion/fulham-have-one-player-newcastle-united-star-dan-burn-hates-playing-against/

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Why Manchester United have Antonee Robinson as a model for a future transfer target
Ruben Amorim is still on the lookout for another player who can play at left wing-back, despite already signing two players for that role since becoming Manchester United head coach.

Manchester United signed five players in the summer transfer window, after recruiting two new players in the winter prior, which was Ruben Amorim's first transfer window as head coach.

In that time, United have signed three defenders, who are all under the age of 20. That includes Ayden Heaven (19), Diego Leon (18) and Patrick Dorgu (20).

However, the jury is still out on a lot of players, and Amorim is still in the process of rebuilding the squad.

The Portuguese coach will eventually want to have options available in each position as well as players who are versatile enough to operate in multiple roles, like Noussair Mazraoui.

Most United fans are expecting additions in midfield, with United already light on that front, with two players in their 30s (Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro) currently the preferred options in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system.

United could do with more attacking output from their wing-backs in that system, which may help explain why Amorim could consider further additions in that department. We already know the scouts are busy with United close to an agreement for wonderkid Cristian Orozco.

Man Utd eye player like Fulham's Antonee Robinson
Amorim has a number of players who can play as a left wing-back.

Diogo Dalot and Dorgu are the preferred options, but Mazraoui has also been known to play in the role last season, displaying his versatility to operate at a high standard on either flank.

The arrival of Diego Leon means United have more cover at left wing-back, after allowing Harry Amass to join Sheffield United on loan for the entire season.

However, reports suggest that Amorim has not settled on a left wing-back and may look to sign another player for that role in 2026.

Reliable reporter Ben Jacobs stresses that it depends on how the season goes at United, meaning Dorgu still has an opportunity to make the role his own.

Jacobs was asked if United are looking at any options at wing-back for the left flank, where he stated that Fulham's Antonee Robinson is a player admired by the club.

It is understood that Amorim wants a player with Robinson's athleticism and a player who is comfortable in a more defined role with enough pace to track back.

"It's going to sort of depend on how the season pans out to an extent," Jacobs said.

"I think Antonee Robinson at Fulham was looked at in the summer, age and injuries are perhaps prohibitive there, but a profile like that is going to be the type of player, even if it's not him specifically.

"Ruben Amorim wants that athleticism, the ability to have a player who is comfortable in a more defined role and also has the pace and athleticism to come back."

GiveMeSport previously reported that Fulham would want up to £40million for Robinson, after signing him from Wigan Athletic in 2020.

Antonee Robinson's impressive stats for Fulham
Robinson was one of Fulham's key players last season, after registering 10 assists and playing in 36 Premier League matches.

The left-back has yet to register a goal contribution this season and has made just four appearances, including one in the Carabao Cup.

The 28-year-old has recorded three goals and 21 assists in 193 appearances for Fulham since joining the club.

Robinson came through the academy at Everton before signing for Wigan in 2019.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/transfer-news/manchester-united-want-to-sign-someone-similar-to-40m-fulham-player/