Saturday Fulham Stuff (03/12/16)...

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Friday Nights Game

Nottingham Forest 2-1 Newcastle United

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REFEREE LANGFORD BACK FOR READING GAME

Match Referee News

Fulham v Reading

Championship Match Day 19 1617 at Craven Cottage

Saturday 3rd December 2016    KO: 15:00

Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands)

Referee Oliver Langford has been a League referee since August 2008 prior to which he reffed in the Blue Sq Premier.

He has refereed approaching 200 EFL matches and has taken charge of many high profile games, including several play-off semi-finals. In summer of 2016 he became part of the Select Group 2 of fulltime Championship referees.

Ref Langford last reffed Fulham in the season finale 1-0 victory against Bolton in which no one was yellow or red carded.

Reading were last bossed by Ref Langford in a 4-1 defeat away at Brentford at the end of September earlier this season. Six players were yellow carded two of them Reading players.

Last season Ref Langford was in charge of 41 games and gave out 99 yellows, a low average of just over two yellows per game, and 4 reds

This season he has reffed 18 games so far issuing 51 yellows, an increased but still below average of 2.8 yellow cards per game, and 1 red.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/referee-langford-back-for-reading-game.aspx

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Key Battles: Fulham vs Reading FC
A tough trip awaits The Royals on Saturday when they face Fulham. Here are the key battles ahead of the clash at Craven Cottage.


The main threat in Fulham's side, Chris Martin Ian Walton/Getty Images

Chris Martin vs Paul McShane
The 28 year old who made the surprise loan move from Derby on deadline day is Fulham's main threat up front.

Whilst at Derby, Martin scored 63 goals in 163 appearances which shows just how lethal he is when given the right service.

Martin may lack pace, but he makes up for it with technique, strength, fantastic heading ability and being so clinical in front of goal.

This season Martin has scored four times in 18 appearances for The Whites and will be looking to add to that when his side faces an in-form Reading side.

The best person to deal with this threat would be Paul McShane. The centre half put in a stellar performance last week against Bristol City making crucial tackles and throwing himself at everything. It was a true captain's performance.

McShane will have to be at that level on Saturday if he is to stop a player who on his day can cause most defences problems.

Here's a video of Martin demonstrating what he is capable of in Derby's 3-0 win at the Madejski back in October 2014.

Lucas Piazon vs Chris Gunter
The Brazilian Chelsea loanee could start against the club where he spent the entire of last season at.

The game will be a meaningful one for Piazon with the winger looking to prove to the Reading fans that he is still a top quality player.

Last season whilst on loan at Reading, Piazon scored five goals in 27 appearances in all competitions. However he was criticised by many Reading fans for being too weak and giving the ball away far too much. The performance against Birmingham at home springs to mind as a good example.

Hoping to keep Piazon quiet will be Chris Gunter, the Welshman will be looking to make sure the back four is solid having conceded their first goal in 447 minutes of football in the 2-1 win over Bristol City.

However, the right back got the assist for The Royals' wonderful second goal which was capped off by Roy Beerens firing home.

Gunter will try to get forward and support the wingers when his side have the ball. However he will also need to be aware of the pace that Fulham have in their side.

Here's a video Piazon's goals and assists during his time at Reading last season.

Denis Odoi vs Roy Beerens

The 28 year old, who was signed from Belgian side Lokeren in the summer, has played in all but two games this season.

However in those 16 games, the Belgian has only kept two clean sheets and has conceded 20 goals.

Like Gunter Odoi loves to get forward, supporting the likes of Sone Aluko down the right hand side. He also has the odd trick up his sleeve, as seen during their win over Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

Looking to cause problems for Odoi will be Roy Beerens, the Dutchman has got back to his best in recent weeks with an assist and a goal in the last few weeks.

Beerens will be looking to replicate that on Saturday, as Reading look to make it six wins in a row for the first time since the 2011/12 season, when Reading went on a eight match winning streak.

However he will have his work cut out against a team in which Reading have struggled against in years gone by.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/12/2/13805332/key-battles-fulham-vs-reading

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Jaap previews a tactical encounter at the Cottage

Gaffer prepared for tactical battle in West London...

Royals gaffer Jaap Stam is expecting an interesting tactical battle on Saturday when the Royals travel to Craven Cottage for a clash with Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Reading boss is well aware of Fulham's qualities and recognises the Royals will have to be at the top of their game if they are to extend their run to a sixth straight win in the league.

"Fulham have got a great team," commented the manager. "I think it will be one of the most difficult games to play so far this season. The way they want to play is quite similar to what we like to do.

"They like to play out from the back, they've got quality attacking players who are comfortable on the ball as well. If you give them time they can make it very difficult for you so it is going to be a very interesting game on Saturday.

"I expect the opposition will be talking about us too and about what we've done up until now." he continued. "They'll know how we want to play and will probably want to try and prevent us playing out as well. That is the tactical part of the game that makes it interesting."

The Royals will be taking in excess of 3,000 travelling fans to Craven Cottage for the 3pm kick off at the weekend, and Jaap is aware how important an influence those supporters can be on his Reading side.   
 
"Everybody here wants to pick up as many points as possible," said Stam. "Especially over there in the way games you need the fans cheering you on. When things get a bit more difficult it helps you as a player.

"I've been there myself, sometimes when you play away games in the small grounds close to the pitch, if the fans are loud and back you up it can make things a lot easier when you are playing."

The Royals manager revealed his side have been working tirelessly on the raining ground this week in the build up to the game to make sure the team's shape will be as good as it can be, come the referee's whistle on Saturday.

Jaap says he and his staff have looked in detail at the opposition to make sure they and the squad are well prepared for Fulham's threats. 

"We've been watching the video clips of the opposition, thinking about shape and picking out where we can make the difference in the game," the gaffer revealed. "We're looking at what we can do both with and without possession, so we've been spending the week training to prepare for what is coming on Saturday.

"You need to be creative and inventive sometimes when you go in to games. We know about the opposition and how they like to play, we need to be aware of what they can do.

"We are working on all kinds of different shapes and formations so we can be prepared for what the opposition do," he continued. "We make sure we can carry out what we want to do because we believe focusing on our own game is very important."



Read more at http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/fulham-fc-craven-cottage-jaap-stam-sky-bet-championship-3445618.aspx#UucuZwJ8BEkHf7Uz.99

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Lucas Piazon set for Fulham return

Lucas Piazon could return to the Fulham side to face his former club Reading.
The Chelsea loanee, who was at Reading last season, was surprisingly dropped to the bench as Fulham were beaten 2-1 at Brighton last weekend.
Full-back Ryan Fredericks is also pushing to return to the starting line-up.
Boss Slavisa Jokanovic has a fully-fit squad to choose from with no new injury concerns.
Reading will be without centre-half Liam Moore for the trip to Craven Cottage.
The central defender was booked for the fifth time this season against Bristol City last week and will miss his first league game since joining the club.
Manager Jaap Stam has no fresh injury concerns as the Royals look for a sixth straight league win.
Stephen Quinn (knee) and John Swift (ankle) remain sidelined.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=452996

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View From The Town End: Fulham
What can Reading expect from Fulham tomorrow? We spoke to a man who knows a thing or two about our opponents.


Clive Rose/Getty Images

Andrew from fellow SB Nation site Cottagers Confidential gives us the Fulham view ahead of tomorrow's game with Reading at Craven Cottage.

How would you sum up your season so far?
Up and down. The season has been more bad than good, and there's still a chance we challenge for the top 6. Before the season I thought we were a top ten club that could finish in the top six if everything went right. That appears to be exactly what we are.

What are expectation levels like around the club? Do you still see yourself a Premier League side taking a break, or are you resigned to being a Championship level club for a while?
This is the first time in a while I think most fans are optimistic. We may (probably) won't get promoted this year, but Slavisa Jokanovic seems to have a plan. Almost every purchase the club has made has worked out, and with another window or two of strengthening this could be a really good side. Right now I'd guess that we'd be back up within the next couple years, but this division is hard and you never can know for sure.

Who should we be wary of on Saturday?
Fulham have a lot of good players. Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney are probably the two most dangerous. Sone Aluko will try to beat you with pace and athleticism Tom Cairney will beat you with skill and technique. Chris Martin has been one of the best players in the division for the last few years, but he hasn't really clicked with the team yet. You should hope that this weekend isn't the time he figures it out.

Any Reading player that's caught your eye?
It's really hard to watch the Championship in the United States, so I can't really say I've seen a lot of Reading play. Danny Williams is always a player I've liked. I have always thought he should have gotten more of a chance with the US National Team (perhaps with a change of coaches he will). Every time I see Reading play or even just catch some highlights he looks like a good player.

Any good or bad memories of games between the sides?
October 2012 was one of the most exciting and frustrating games I've ever watched. Fulham went down 1-0 early. Bryan Ruiz came on early in the second half and Fulham scored two quick goals. The game became super wide open and Reading managed to equalize in the 85' minute. Just three minutes later Dimitar Berbatov gave Fulham the lead again, only for Reading to equalize again in extra time. I think I felt every possible emotion over the last 20 minutes of that match.

Score prediction?
I think Fulham win this one. I think the regression to the mean for Reading starts this week and Fulham score at least two. I'll say 3-1.

Finally, any advice for travelling fans?
Fulham fans are usually pretty friendly to away supporters, so don't expect much trouble. If the weather is nice take the tube to the Putney Bridge station and walk through Bishop's Park to Craven Cottage. It's a wonderful beautiful walk and one of the best parts about the stadium.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/12/2/13807144/fulham-fc-v-reading-fc-efl-championship-december-2-2016-fan-preview

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Fulham need to sign Derby striker, insists Slavisa Jokanovic
Whites can activate clause to bring Martin to west London on a permanent basis


Back in the groove: Chris Martin

Slavisa Jokanovic has recommended Fulham sign Chris Martin on a permanent deal from Derby.

The head coach complained bitterly during the summer transfer window that Whites data analyst Craig Kline ignored potential targets because they failed to tick enough boxes on what was thought to be required.

One of those signings was Martin, a deadline day signing which saw the Rams striker join on loan for the season, although there is a clause that can see Fulham make the move a permanent one.

The decision does not rest with Jokanovic, but he believes that making the deal permanent is one that needs to be done.

He said: "It's not in my hands. My opinion is we need to sign a permanent deal with him. This is my opinion. It's a decision that is in the hands of the club."

It has been famine or feast for Martin since joining the club, with all four of his goals coming in the space of four games in October.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-need-sign-derby-striker-12262169

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Matchday Info

Have a read of all the key matchday details ahead of Fulham's meeting with Reading at Craven Cottage.

Possible opposition absentees

John Swift – ankle injury

Yann Kermorgant – knee injury

Stephen Quinn – knee injury

Liam Moore – suspension

Tickets

Tickets are available to buy on General Sale, priced from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. Buy on Friday before the £5 matchday increase!

Weather

It will be dry but chilly afternoon in SW6, with temperatures of around seven degrees come kick-off.

Coral match odds

Fulham: Evens

Draw: 5/2

Reading: 14/5

Form

Fulham: LWWDL

Reading: LWWWW


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/02/matchday-info-reading

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Fulham v Reading
SAT, 03 DEC 2016CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage

On-loan Fulham forward Lucas Piazon was a Reading goalscorer when the sides last met in a league fixture at Craven Cottage

BBC coverage
How to follow:
Final Score, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Fulham right-back Denis Odoi serves a one-match ban after picking up his fifth caution of the season in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton last weekend.

On-loan forward Lucas Piazon could return after dropping to the bench at the Amex Stadium.

Reading, looking for a sixth successive Championship victory, will be without suspended centre-back Liam Moore.

Midfielders John Swift and Stephen Quinn remain sidelined with ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Analysis

BBC Radio Berkshire's Tim Dellor:

Last season, Craven Cottage was an end of October horror show for the Royals. It was where their slide down the Championship table began.

Two-nil up with 49 minutes gone, everything seemed to be going to plan, before six minutes of madness during which they conceded three goals.

They never really recovered for the rest of the season. Only seven of the squad from that day remain at the club, so what happened then should be largely irrelevant now.

Reading have won five on the bounce, only conceding one goal in the process, so confidence ought to be high.

Off the pitch the ongoing ownership saga may not help the team, but fans will be confident they can exorcise the demons of October 2015.

Match facts

Fulham have won their past two home league games against Reading. They've never beaten them three times in a row at Craven Cottage before.
Reading have only failed to score in one of their last 10 league meetings with Fulham.
The Royals have the highest average possession in the Championship this season (62%).
The Whites have won just one of their past eight Championship matches at Craven Cottage (D4 L3).
Reading have made the fewest changes to their starting XI of any Championship side this season (24).
Fulham's Tom Cairney has created more chances from open play than any other Championship player (38).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38113358

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24th October 1903: Fulham (2) – QPR (2)

Team: Collins, Lyon, White, Bowman, Hitch, Bull, Hamilton, McCairns, Murphy, McGowan, Wilson

Attendance: 16,000

Rangers travelled to Craven Cottage on 24th October 1903 to take on Fulham in a Southern League fixture. The following match report appeared the following week in the 'Illustrated Police News:

'The Southern League fixture between Fulham and Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday at Craven Cottage was very interesting, seeing that these same teams will again meet on Saturday next to contest which side shall have the honour of entering the next round of the FA Cup.

When in September they met the Rangers colours carried the day, and their 2-0 victory earned them a couple of London League points.

Since that day the Fulham men have improved wonderfully, and they were expected to triumph over their neighbours, who had to leave Archer and Newlands out of their team.

Quite a great crowd of people had assembled when the players entered the field. "Captain" Collins, of the Rangers, having won the toss, Connor started the game for Fulham.

A corner was soon gained by Fulham as the result of a fine individual effort on the part of Soar.

The Rangers almost immediately followed suit, but their corner earned them a penalty and a goal. Orr was the culprit, and the referee, on the qui vive, noticed his unfair charge on Murphy, and hence the penalty from which Murphy himself scored.

A few minutes later, and after a period of fast but equal play, Soar, with a very clever shot, equalised.

Chances during the next few minutes were offered to Wilson and Connor, but both being hard pressed were unable to turn them to account.

Some smart work by Soar and Fletcher punctuated a period of pressure by the Rangers.

The crowd was growing intensely excited with each succeeding minute of the match, but for long the next goal could not be obtained.

More chances fell to both sides, and McGowan ultimately accepted one that came his way, and gave the Rangers the lead. Before the conclusion of the half, Fletcher, from a free kick, equalised.

It was a strenuous fight, which the spectators saw in the second half of the game.

The defenders on both sides did splendid work, Fryer repulsing a saucy charge by little McGowan that caused no small amusement.

The game ultimately closed with the first half score of 2 all remaining unaltered.

The Fulham team, it may be mentioned, have left London for Matlock, where they will remain until next Saturday, when they again meet their neighbourly opponents of Kensal Rise.'

It was said that the Fulham goalkeeper, Jack Fryer, was one of the heaviest players to have taken to a football pitch!

That cup-tie the following week ended in a 1-1 draw, but Fulham won the replay 3-1 at Craven Cottage.

Steve Russell

(My thanks to Colin Woodley for unearthing the match report and the wonderful illustration. Thanks also to Gordon Macey for his assistance)


http://www.indyrs.co.uk/2016/12/5688/

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Jokanović's Reading Preview

Slaviša Jokanović believes fans will witness two footballing sides at Craven Cottage on Saturday when Fulham play host to Reading.

Dutchman Jaap Stam has got the Royals playing some fluid football this season, and to devastating effect of late - they go into the weekend's fixture having won their previous five Sky Bet Championship outings.

"In some ways, we are a similar team," Jokanović stated. "We want to play with the ball and so do they. I believe we are a better team with the ball than without it, and the same goes for them.

"They are a team that play very good football and look to control the game, and we are going to try and put them in a situation where they don't get an opportunity to dictate the play.

"They have been playing very well. They've won their last five games but we are confident in ourselves, and nobody has outplayed us in recent games. We are confident we can show a good performance and win."

The Whites put in an impressive performance at promotion hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion last time out without taking anything from the game, but that defeat has not left Jokanović too downhearted.

"We are naturally disappointed after the last result but at the same time we are confident that this spell is behind us," he explained. "We keep improving and at the end of the day we understand we need to be better to get victories.

"Our ambition is the same and we need to believe in ourselves and push harder in order to win our next game.

"We conceded two goals from crosses against Brighton and this week we've been trying to fix that situation. We've been trying to find solutions to improve immediately.

"We need to mark our territory at Craven Cottage. We need to be more aggressive and put our opponents under pressure in order to give them problems. We need to push harder and be brave.

"We also need to avoid making unnecessary mistakes and be more clinical in the opposition's box. We are a new team and are still trying to find our way."

Denis Odoi is the only absentee for Fulham after he picked up a fifth yellow card of the season at the Amex Stadium, but Jokanović will have Scott Parker available again after the Captain served a similar suspension.

"Scott Parker is a very important player and is something of a coach despite the fact he's still playing," he stated. "I believe that myself, my staff and his teammates have the fantastic benefit of working with him.

"I try and use his experience. He's a real man, a father of four, and I enjoy a very good relationship with him. It is a pleasure to be able to have the chance to work with him."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/02/slavisa-jokanovics-reading-preview

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Fulham v Reading FC: Last season's horror show will have no impact, vows Jaap Stam
Royals saw a two-goal lead slip on their last visit to Craven Cottage - a defeat which sparked a dramatic collapse in form

Jaap Stam insists last season's capitulation at Fulham will have no bearing on Saturday's game in West London.

Just like they are now, Reading travelled to Craven Cottage in October 2015 sitting third in the Championship - six points off top spot.

But a season that promised so much collapsed in spectacular style - almost from the moment they let a 2-0 second half lead slip in the space of just six minutes against the Cottagers.

An eventual 4-2 defeat knocked the stuffing out of Steve Clarke's side and they never really recovered - sliding down the table during a miserable final seven months of the campaign.

The dramatic collapse in form is always traced back to that October afternoon at Craven Cottage - and several players who started that game are still at the club.

But Stam is adamant the mental scars of that afternoon in West London have long since disappeared.

"I wasn't here so I don't know what the feeling of the squad was at the time," said Royals' boss. "How the players were in terms of working together.

"I know they were on a good run at the time and were third in the league - but it's not going to be the same as last season."

Stam added: "We want to go there and get a result, try to perform and go forward without conceding any goals.

"I'm sure they said that last season as well but every game is different.

"I don't think the players are thinking about what happened last time - they need to just think about what we've been doing up to now."

Reading make the short trip along the M4 without influential centre-back Liam Moore, who is serving a one-match suspension.

Stam accepts the former Leicester City man will be a big miss, but he believes there are others in his squad who can come in and perform in his absence.

"Liam has made an impact since he's been here," said Reading's manager.

"He's a great centre-back - together with Macca they have formed a great partnership.

"But someone else will have to step in, we've got certain players who can do that and we've been working on the shape and how we want to play."

Stam added: "Everyone knows that when you go to Fulham you will have a difficult game - they are a good side.

"They have quality players, they want to play out from the back, keep possession and score goals.

"They have players who are comfortable on the ball and they have pace up front - so we need to be very aware of them."


http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-last-12263249

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Denis On Air

Denis Odoi will be live on fulhamfctv at half-time of Fulham's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Reading.

A yellow card in the previous game ruled the right-back out of the meeting with the Royals, so he'll be making his way to the gantry at the interval to discuss the opening 45 minutes.

If you're not coming to the Cottage for the match, make sure you're signed up to fulhamfctv to listen to Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid's live commentary, as well as Denis' half-time assessment.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/02/denis-on-air

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The Tilehurst End Prediction League: Matchday 19 - Fulham (A)

It's where it all came crashing down last season, but how will Reading fare at Craven Cottage this weekend? Guess the score in our Prediction League!

Reading made it five league wins in a row as they defeated Bristol City 2-1 last weekend, and 13 people correctly predicted that Jaap Stam's side would take all three points again. Of those, six people guessed the exact scoreline - myself, Illinois_royal, RiskAverse, Vince4788, EthanRFC_ and The inspector. Seven people also correctly predicted that Garath McCleary would be the first goal scorer, including myself, RiskAverse, and EthanRFC_, meaning we all picked up the maximum three points last weekend.

But now as we enter December, attentions turn to the trip to Fulham, where memories of last season's 4-2 defeat are still fairly painful. All you have to do is guess the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point as does a correct first goalscorer.

I think the score will be 1-1, with Sone Aluko being the first goalscorer. This series is of course done alongside Reading FC Away Days, and by watching their video which is out later, you can find out what James and Adam think will happen.

Good luck!


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/12/2/13819860/prediction-league-matchday-19-fulham-vs-reading-fc-efl-championship

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Fulham v Reading FC: Lucas Piazon claims he knows exactly what to expect from Jaap Stam's side
The Chelsea playmaker, on loan at Fulham, spent last season at Madejski Stadium

Lucas Piazon says he know exactly what to expect from Reading on Saturday.

The Brazilian playmaker, who spent the season on loan at Madejski Stadium from Chelsea last year, also had a spell in Holland during 2013/14 with Vitesse.

And the 22-year-old - now with Fulham - believes that will have prepared him well for what he will have to face against Jaap Stam's side this weekend at Craven Cottage.

He said: "I played in Holland for one season so I know how they want to play.

"They want to build-up from the back, they want to have the ball, keep possession and make the opposition move.


Fulham's Lucas Piazon.

"And they are doing well. I haven't watched a game of theirs but I can see they are doing well.

"Everyone that I've spoken to have said they are playing good football. But we play good football to so I think it will be a good match."

Fulham have had mixed results heading into Saturday's game having won just three of their last 14 matches.


http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-reading-fc-lucas-12265343

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Fulham making preparations for the January transfer window but Slavisa Jokanovic wants points first
Jokanovic has turned the tide at Craven Cottage in recent months and Fulham are now top six contenders

Fulham have started to think about what they are going to do in the January transfer window but Slavisa Jokanovic is only focused on winning games up until that point.

The Whites made 14 signings in the summer as they rebuilt after two successive seasons of struggle in the Championship.

Jokanovic has turned the tide at Craven Cottage in recent months and Fulham are now top six contenders.

What happens next month can define how a season progresses and the club are preparing for some activity during the winter window.


Summer signing: Denis Odoi

The Fulham boss said: "We have started to think about the January transfer window. We pretend it's in the shadow and are focused on what's immediately in front of us. The important thing is the next game.

"When we get to the transfer window, we'll be ready if we believe we need to protect or improve ourselves."

Jokanovic has previously stated that he wants to sign Derby loan star Chris Martin on a permanent basis.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-making-preparations-january-transfer-12267243

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CAIRNEY SAYS DOMINATING POSSESSION IS KEY

Fulham skipper Tom Cairney believes the key to troubling the division's top teams is to ensure the Whites dominate possession.

Despite having 59 per cent of the ball against Brighton , the Seagulls emerged victorious as goals from Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray cancelled out Kevin McDonald's first half opener.

Slavisa Jokanovic 's side host third placed Reading on Saturday and Cairney has challenged his side to ensure they enjoy time on the ball when they take on Jaap Stam's outfit.

Cairney said: "If we've got the ball then I feel like we'll dominate any team and create chances like we did on Saturday but we just didn't hit the back of the net enough.

Being more clinical and a little bit more streetwise and a bit stronger defensively"

Nevertheless, the captain is in no doubt that if Fulham play in a similar vein they can return to winning ways this weekend.

He added: "I believe we can beat anyone on our day, I mean Brighton are one of the favourites to go up and rightly so after what they did last year and with their recent form but I still don't think anyone's come here and done what we did to them."

Reading have won their last five Championship games and will provide another stern test for Jokanovic's team as they look to continue their push towards the top six.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/cairney-says-dominating-possession-is-key.aspx

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Stat Attack: Fulham's Cairney The Most Creative In Championship
The Cottagers' number 10 creates a load of chances - plus 19 other stats ahead of this weekend's game.


Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Head to Head
There have been a total of 49 meetings between Fulham and Reading, the first of which was a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup in 1905.
Fulham have won 19 times, Reading have won 16 times, and there have been 14 draws.
This fixture last season ended 4-2 to Fulham, whilst at the Madejski Stadium a 2-2 draw was played out.
Fulham have won their past two home league games against Reading. They've never beaten them three times in a row at Craven Cottage before.
Reading have only failed to score in one of their last 10 league meetings with Fulham.

Reading
Reading have had the highest average possession in the Championship this season (58.9%).
Jaap Stam has made the fewest changes to his starting XI of any Championship side this season (24).
The Royals are currently on a run of five consecutive league wins. No other Championship side has a streak that long.
With 82%, they are second to Fulham in terms of average pass accuracy.
Reading have been awarded nine penalties in the Championship this season, more than any other team.

The Opposition
Fulham have won just one of their past eight Championship matches at Craven Cottage (drawn four, lost three).
The Cottagers are second behind Reading in terms of average possession this season with 56.7%.
Their average pass accuracy is 82.7%, the highest in the Championship.
On average, Fulham take 14.4 shots per game. Only Bristol City and Newcastle United average more in the Championship.
Fulham win an average of 16.8 aerial duels per game in the Championship, which is fewer than any other team.

Danger Men
Fulham's top scorers so far this season are Chris Martin and Tom Cairney (4 goals), whilst Garath McCleary tops Reading's chart with 7.
Tom Cairney has created more chances from open play than any other Championship player (38).
The midfielder also has the highest pass success rate in the division (91.%). Teammate Floyd Ayite is second with 90.2%.
Garath McCleary has scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games than any other player in England's top four divisions so far this season (5).
Sone Aluko takes an average of 3.4 shots per game in the Championship, only the league's top scorer Dwight Gayle has more attempts per game.

Statistics sourced from the BBC, 11v11, WhoScored and Soccerbase.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/12/3/13823442/stat-attack-tom-cairney-the-most-creative-in-efl-championship-fulham-fc-vs-reading-fc