Tuesday Fulham Stuff (24/01/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
'A WIN IS NEEDED TONIGHT' – READING FANS LOOK AHEAD TO TONIGHT'S CRUNCH CLASH WITH FULHAM

A promotion clash at the Madejski tonight see's fifth placed Reading, take on ninth place Fulham, in what is almost a must win game for the Royals.

A win tonight for Jaap Stam's men would see them climb up to third place, leapfrogging Leeds United and Huddersfield Town, whilst closing the gap on Brighton and Newcastle in the process.

However, tonight's game won't be a given, with Fulham also needing the points to close the gap on the Play-Off places and move up to seventh place, so Reading could be in for a firm test tonight.

Reading have lost their two games so they will be keen to get back to winning ways and where better to do it that in front of your own fans?

There is no doubt that this season has surpassed expectations so far for Royals fans, but the taste of a Play-Off spot has got them thirsty for a return to the top flight and tonight they can get their season back on track.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-win-is-needed-tonight-reading-fans-look-ahead-to-tonights-crunch-clash-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves prepare £2million offer for Preston North End forward

The Daily Mail understands that Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to make a £2million bid for Preston North End forward Callum Robinson. It is believed that Cardiff City and Fulham are also keen on snapping up the 21-year-old, but Wolves will try to get in quickly and give Preston the first decision to make.

The winger and striker is certainly no stranger to Wolves manager Paul Lambert, after it was the Scot who handed the youngster his first team debut when he was in charge of the Villa Park club a few seasons ago. Since then, Robinson has had several loan moves to Deepdale, which was eventually made permanent at the start of the season.

It remains to be seen if £2million will be enough for Preston to consider selling, but it appears somewhat unlikely given how he is currently enjoying a run in the side. Nevertheless, Lambert is determining which players he wants to add to his roster at Molineux, and Robinson is certainly on that list. Versatile Blackburn Rovers man Ben Marshall is another man that the club are desperate hoping to sign before next week's January transfer deadline.

The former Bristol City loanee has netted seven goals this season so far, and is currently enjoying a productive partnership alongside Jordan Hugill up front for the Lilywhites. Preston face Ipswich at home this weekend, where they fully expect Robinson to be in the starting eleven. The two clubs next meet on the final day of the season, but which club will he be playing for? Neil Warnock and Slavisa Jokanovic may have something to say about that, as they want to bring the player to Cardiff and Fulham respectively as well.


http://the72.co.uk/73565/wolves-interested-in-pne-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker speaks out about lack of first-team action and hints at permanent Chelsea exit
LUCAS PIAZON insists he'd love to become a regular for Chelsea - but staying at Fulham is a good alternative.

Lucas Piazon has extended his loan stay at Fulham

The 23-year-old striker has had five loan spells away from Stamford Bridge and doesn't look to have a future at the club.

He's currently plying his trade at Chelsea's neighbours where he's had his loan stint extended until the end of this term.

And Piazon says it's nice to have the chance to impress at one club.

"I came to Europe to play for Chelsea so if one day they want me there, I would be very happy," he told The Evening Standard.

"I also have a feeling that I'd like to stay longer in one place.

"For example, I'd like to come back from my summer holidays knowing where I will be playing in the season ahead.

"Could that be at Fulham? I am having a good time and I was happy to extend until the end of the season.

"We are doing a good job, not far from the top six. We can dream of promotion."


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/581480/Lucas-Piazon-Fulham-Chelsea-news-gossip

[WhiteJC]

 
JAAP STAM TO MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR FULHAM

Reading boss Jaap Stam is looking forward to another difficult task when Reading face Fulham this evening at Madejski Stadium, in a quick three day turn-around for his team after the trip to Derby at the weekend.

Stam is hoping his side can deliver a strong performance against the Cottagers, with a win taking Reading back to third position in the Sky Bet Championship table.

"We know how Fulham play," said the gaffer. "We know the way that they like to play. We know about the qualities of their players, it is a very good team and they are a very good footballing side.

"It is going to be a difficult game again but this league is all about difficult games. There is no easy game especially this season. We've said that before," he continued. "We can't win every game, you can see that against Derby.

The Royals first faced the Whites on the 30th of December, but the game only made it to half time before the officials called-off the encounter due to thick fog at Madejski Stadium.

Jaap knows the test Fulham will pose his players, but insist the team are focussed on implementing the right game plan to take maximum points from a side that sit only six points behind the Royals in the league.

"We are ready to play a very good Fulham side once more," the manager told the matchday programme. "We know our opponents play good possession football and we're all aware of the quality they possess, so we need to try to make it difficult for them and hopefully get ourselves a win.

"It will be another difficult one but we will be focussed on it and will work very hard. We will try and play in a certain way to make it difficult for them and hopefully we can win the game."


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/jaap-stam-to-make-it-difficult-for-fulham.aspx

[WhiteJC]

 
FA Charge

Fulham and Queens Park Rangers have both been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20(a) following their game on Saturday [21 January 2017].

It is alleged that in or around the 91st minute of the fixture, the clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. It is further alleged that in or around the 94th minute, they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

In addition, QPR coach Marc Bircham and Fulham Manager of First Team Medical & Sports Science Marco Cesarini have also been charged in relation to the same game.

It is alleged their behaviour in or around the 90th minute amounted to improper conduct.

All parties have until 6pm on 26 January 2017 to respond to the charges.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/24/fa-charge

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko ready to solve Fulham nightmare at Reading - although his boss has other ideas
The goalkeeper's fear of the penalty seems nothing compared to those with a white shirt on their backs - although fearless former Hull City player ready to meet demons

Sone Aluko will put his hand up for penalty-taking duties again should Fulham get another at Reading tonight.

However, his boss might have other plans.

The Whites No10 had already missed one this season against QPR, and even though he won another on Saturday - Chris Martin saw his 12-yarder saved to make it two misses for the Derby loanee this season.

Factor in Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney - also errant from the white dot so far - and that gaping goal has shrunk with five from seven attempts missed since August.

"I want to get back on them myself, of course I do," Aluko said.

"To be fair, we do a fair bit of work on penalties, but the goalie has guessed the right way, gone early and got to it.

"Two converted out of seven is a lot lower than we want though. We should not be missing that many penalties."

Whites gaffer Slavisa Jokanovic's first reaction after the latest miss was to allow Martin to make amends.

He may yet change his mind when push comes to shove equals pen at The Madejski.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sone-aluko-ready-solve-fulham-12496616

[WhiteJC]

 
ASTON VILLA STRIKER TRANSFER SCRAPPED AMID FEARS OF DRESSING ROOM MUTINY – REPORT

Fulham have scrapped their interest in re-signing Aston Villa's troublesome striker Ross McCormack, according to a report.

The Scottish Sun has claimed that the Cottagers' boss Slavisa Jokanovic was considering bringing the 30-year-old back to London.

However, it is believed that the dressing room were against bringing him back to Fulham, leading club chiefs to drop their interest amid fears of a mutiny.

The player made the switch to the Midlands in the summer from Fulham in a £12million deal after scoring 23 goals in 49 fixtures in all competitions.

But, it hasn't worked out for him so far at Aston Villa and he has scored just three goals in his first 22 appearances for the side.

Additionally, he has also been dropped down to the Under-23s by manager Steve Bruce after missing training due to "faulty gates."

Now it would seem that the player was also a disruption to his teammates at Fulham despite the success he brought to the side.

The Sun article states that he was understood to be a bad influence last season and the Fulham squad aren't keen on bringing him back into the team.

McCormack still has three years left on his contract at Aston Villa, but his time with the club may be coming to an end  after just six months.

Football Insider verdict:

McCormack has seemingly dug himself into his own hole due to a poor attitude. There is no doubt that he has some talent when he is on his game. However, he just hasn't shown that at Villa to accompany his own personal problems. A move away from the Midlands side may be the best for him, but with this latest story his value is only going to decrease. A number of teams may have seen the whole gate situation as a one off, but if they are to believe he was also a disruption at Fulham then they may steer clear. At 30 McCormack's career is nearing the last stages and he may have now wasted the opportunity to finally play at in the English top flight.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/championship-rivals-drop-interest-aston-villa-ace-player-feedback-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
BOTH QUEENS PARK RANGERS AND FULHAM HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOLLOWING SATURDAY'S GAME


Queens Park Rangers and Fulham have been charged following Saturday's game

Queens Park Rangers and Fulham have both been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20(a) following their game on Saturday [21 January 2017].
It is alleged that in or around the 91st minute of the fixture, the clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. It is further alleged that in or around the 94th minute, they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
In addition, QPR coach Marc Bircham and Fulham member of staff Marco Cesarini have also been charged in relation to the same game.
It is alleged their behaviour in or around the 90th minute amounted to improper conduct.
All parties have until 6pm on 26 January 2017 to respond to the charges.


http://www.thefa.com/news/2017/jan/24/qpr-fulham-charged-240117

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to loan out promising duo

HITC Sport understands Fulham are ready to loan out Cauley Woodrow and Lasse Vigen Christensen.

Fulham are open to loan offers for striker Cauley Woodrow and midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen before the close of the transfer window, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Woodrow and Christensen have found themselves out of favour in Slavisa Jokanovic plans in recent months despite starting the season in the team.

England Under-21 international Woodrow has made just one start in the Championship and his last appearance in the side came in the EFL Cup defeat to Bristol City in September.

It has been a similar situation for Danish midfield schemer Christensen with the player making just four appearances in the Championship this season.

Christensen, who joined Fulham from FC Midtjylland in 2012, has not featured in the first-team since September as he is well down the pecking order in Jokanovic's plans.

The duo are keen to stay and fight for their places in the team, but Fulham feel the pair would benefit by going out on loan and getting regular first-team action under their belts.

A number of Championship clubs are monitoring the situation of both players and Woodrow and Christensen could both leave Craven Cottage before the close of the window.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/24/fulham-to-loan-out-promising-duo/

[WhiteJC]

 
Stam: "This league is all about difficult games"

Royals boss previews tonight's clash with Fulham

Royals boss Jaap Stam is looking forward to another difficult task when Reading face Fulham this evening at Madejski Stadium, in a quick three day turn-around for his team after the trip to Derby at the weekend.

Stam is hoping his side can deliver a strong performance against the Cottagers, with a win taking Reading back to third position in the Sky Bet Championship table.

"We know how Fulham play," said the gaffer. "We know the way that they like to play. We know about the qualities of their players, it is a very good team and they are a very good footballing side.

"It is going to be a difficult game again but this league is all about difficult games. There is no easy game especially this season. We've said that before," he continued. "We can't win every game, you can see that against Derby.

The Royals first faced the Whites on the 30th of December, but the game only made it to half time before the officials called-off the encounter due to thick fog at Madejski Stadium.

Jaap knows the test Fulham will pose his players, but insist the team are focussed on implementing the right game plan to take maximum points from a side that sit only six points behind the Royals in the league.
   
"We are ready to play a very good Fulham side once more," the manager told the matchday programme.  "We know our opponents play good possession football and we're all aware of the quality they possess, so we need to try to make it difficult for them and hopefully get ourselves a win.

"It will be another difficult one but we will be focussed on it and will work very hard. We will try and play in a certain way to make it difficult for them and hopefully we can win the game."


Read more at http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jaap-stam-fulham-fc-sky-bet-championship-preview-3535393.aspx#K4QPqdEx10o9xy5p.99

[WhiteJC]

 
WOLVES IN THREE-WAY RACE FOR £2M-RATED 21-YEAR-OLD ATTACKER – REPORT

Wolves are set to rival Fulham and Cardiff to sign Preston's Callum Robinson in a deal worth £2million, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claimed on their transfer news blog (January 24, 10.57am) that Wolves boss Lambert will look to form a reunion with Robinson after their time together at Aston Villa.

However, Lambert will have to fend off interest from both Fulham and Cardiff if he is to sign the 21-year-old forward, who has starred since moving permanently to Preston.

Wearing the number 37 shirt, Robinson has had a hand in 10 goals in all competitions this season during his 29 league and cup appearances.

Scoring seven times against the likes of Brighton, Arsenal and Blackburn, Robinson has also turned provider on a further three occasions.

Robinson's form with Preston under Simon Grayson has seen the Lilywhites defy pre-season expectations of a relegation battle to sit in a lofty 11th place and just five points off the playoffs.

With a contract until the summer of 2019, it will take some convincing by Lambert to persuade Preston boss Grayson to sell the six-time England Under-20 international.

Football Insider verdict:
Bringing in Robinson from Preston could mean that Lambert's side have finally given up in their month-long chase for Blackburn star Ben Marshall. The two sides have argued throughout the window over a transfer fee for Rovers' number 10, with Owen Coyle's side holding out for more money despite the former Leicester ace's contract expiring in the summer. However, bringing Robinson to Molineux could see Lambert cool his interest in Marshall, as he tries to bolster his options on the flanks. Signing Robinson would prove a shrewd piece of business considering his form in the second tier of English football.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/wolves-three-way-championship-race-2m-rated-attacker-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
FA charge QPR and Fulham

QPR and Fulham have been charged by the Football Association following the angry scenes which erupted in the final minutes of Saturday's derby Loftus Road.

Both clubs have been charged with failing to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

In addition, QPR coach Marc Bircham and Fulham backroom staff member Marco Cesarini have been charged with improper conduct.

All parties have until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charges.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/bircham-cesarini-hit-fa-charges

[WhiteJC]

 
Opposition Camp

Speaking in his matchday programme notes, Reading manager Jaap Stam gives his thoughts on Tuesday night's rearranged fixture against Fulham.

"We know how Fulham play. We know the way that they like to play. We know about the qualities of their players, it is a very good team and they are a very good footballing side.

"It is going to be a difficult game again but this league is all about difficult games. There is no easy game especially this season. We've said that before. We can't win every game, you can see that against Derby.

"We are ready to play a very good Fulham side once more. We know our opponents play good possession football and we're all aware of the quality they possess, so we need to try to make it difficult for them and hopefully get ourselves a win.

"It will be another difficult one but we will be focused on it and will work very hard. We will try and play in a certain way to make it difficult for them and hopefully we can win the game."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/24/opposition-camp-reading

[WhiteJC]

 
Fog Forecast As Reading And Fulham Try Again

"We are ready to play a very good Fulham side once more. We know our opponents play good possession football and we're all aware of the quality they possess, so we need to try to make it difficult for them and hopefully get ourselves a win."
- Reading FC Manager Jaap Stam

"It is a massive game - every game in the Championship is massive, because everyone wants to be up there fighting to be in the play-offs and chasing everyone that's above them. So it's massive for us, and it'll be massive for them as well."
- Reading FC Midfielder John Swift

"The abandonment was a bit strange. It was lucky the game was level because otherwise I'm sure it would have been a bit controversial. We have to show Reading respect because they are ahead of us in the table. They play a similar passing style to us, so we are wary of them."
- Fulham Goalkeeper David Button

Due to a somewhat controversial postponement, Reading FC face Fulham on Tuesday evening for the third time this season. The last time the two sides met at the Madejski, the game was brought to a halt prior to the commencement of the second half because of foggy conditions.

Reading go into the rearranged game fifth in the Championship but have been suffering a dip in form of late. The Royals have now succumbed to two narrow league defeats against QPR and Derby following their 4-0 FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United. Fulham, meanwhile, are in ninth having won two, drawn one and lost one so far this month. Last time out they managed a 1-1 draw against a QPR side who have recently beaten the Royals.

The reverse fixture between the two sides earlier in the season is one that Reading will be hoping to avenge. Fulham won the game 5-0 courtesy of goals from Reading's own Chris Gunter, a brace from Chris Martin, Sone Aluko and Stefan Johansen.

If Reading are to get back to winning ways, they will have to do so without left-back Jordan Obita who is absent through suspension. Jaap Stam, however, has no new injury worries going into the game. Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic also has no new injury concerns but Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Based on the first-half of the abandoned fixture, it will be a tough game for the Royals. Both sides play in a similar fashion so it will be hard to break the away side down. Ryan Fredericks is a continuous threat for Fulham from the full-back position and has already shown that he has the beating of the Reading defence. The Lilywhites will also be boosted by the availability of Chris Martin, who did not feature last time out due to drama surrounding his loan.

If Reading are serious about contending for promotion, however, these are the kinds of games they have to be winning. Losing three league games on the bounce would also have an unwelcome impact on confidence so this is the time to string some positive results together.

Tonight's forecast: Dense fog with a severe weather warning due to poor visibility!


- See more at: http://www.royals.org/news/619/Fog_Forecast_As_Reading_And_Fulham_Try_Again#sthash.fF7wcSTD.dpuf

[WhiteJC]

 
MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, FULHAM ARE WELL IN THE RACE FOR PROMOTION

Jokanovic an early contender for Manager of the Season

They've spent the last three years desperately trying to prevent a slippery slope into the depths of the Football League. But forget Championship stability, Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham are well on-course for a return to the Premier League.

A 20th-placed finish last season combined with the arrival of no less than 14 new signings back in the summer meant a mid-table finish looked on the cards for the west London outfit.

But with a game in hand over their top-half rivals, the Cottagers could find themselves within two points of a play-off spot if they beat Reading tonight.

Do that, and we'll likely see the odds on them achieving a top six finish fall even shorter than the 6/4 currently on offer.

Jokanovic's men have been in incredible form of late, losing just three games in all competitions since October 1. To put that into perspective, promotion-favourites Newcastle United have lost more than that, as have Norwich City and Aston Villa over the same period of time.

They're two victories away from matching their total wins from last season, and have some 13 more points than they did at this stage in 2015-16.

So what exactly is going right?
They may have only scored two more goals than they managed at this point last campaign, but it's still the fourth highest figure in the division right now.

That means the current defensive unit have to take a lot of credit for the club's success this year.

Only the leading two sides in the Championship boast better goal difference figures,

A staggering 12 defenders represented Fulham on five or more occasions in the league last year, while Jokanovic experimented with his options.

However, of those 12 names, only two remain at the club – Tim Ream and Michael Madl. And between them, they have just 22 starts from a possible 52 games.

Instead, the Serbian has used the likes of Scott Malone, Tomas Kalas, Denis Odoi and academy product, Ryan Sessegnon.

The arrival of David Button in between the sticks has provided stability too – featuring in every game for the Cottages so far this season. And with eight clean sheets already to his name this season, he's already bettered the tally Fulham managed last time out (5).

A share of the burden
What makes Fulham's success thus far even more remarkable is that they've done it without two of their biggest names from last campaign – Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack.

Of their 66 league goals last campaign, the aforementioned pair netted 36 – and it's fair to say fans feared the worst when the two strikers left the club last summer.

And aside from Dembele and McCormack, only three other Fulham players bagged three or more goals throughout last season.

Compare that to the eight names that have managed to get on the scoresheet on more than three occasions this time out, and it's almost like we're watching a completely different team.

In fact, we are.

Between them, Fulham players have accumulated 359 league appearances this season. Of that figure, only 113 have come from players who were at Craven Cottage last campaign.

Yet despite such a high turnover in personnel, it hasn't taken long for this Fulham side to gel.

And this is a unit we're only expecting to get tighter the more they play alongside each other this year.

With that in mind, we'd not only be tempted by the 6/4 on offer for the Cottagers to find themselves in a play-off spot come May, we'd also seriously consider the 7/1 on offer for them to win promotion.


http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/championship/make-no-mistake-about-it-fulham-are-well-in-the-race-for-promotion.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading FC v Fulham preview: The three stars Royals need to watch out for at the Mad Stad
All the important info ahead of Tuesday night's game (8pm kick-off)

Reading FC are back at Madejski Stadium for two home games in the space of four days this week.

Fulham are the opponents on Tuesday evening, with the game being given a second chance following the abandonment at half time due to fog on Friday, December 30.

Royals go into the match (8pm kick-off) on the back of a three game losing run in all competitions, the most recent defeat being the 3-2 loss at Derby County last Saturday.

A win for Jaap Stam's side over the Cottagers would see the side jump up two places to third spot in the Championship table. Fulham, meanwhile, could reduce the gap between them and the play-offs to just two points with a win.

Reading will be without Jordan Obita, who serves a one-match suspension following his red card at Derby. Tyler Blackett is likely to take his place.

Fulham have no new injury worries but will be without Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano who are both on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

As part of the build-up to the game, we've asked getwestlondon reporter Tom Moore to identify three players Royals need to watch out for.

Tomas Kalas


The Chelsea loanee has been a vital component to how Fulham perform.

In the 18 games Kalas has played, the Whites have conceded 17 goals. In the eight he has missed, the club have conceded 14.

Tom Cairney


The midfielder has been superb for Fulham this season and has dictated the play for Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

The former Blackburn man has filled the on-field presence left by Scott Parker with aplomb.

Chris Martin


Back in the side and back in the goals.

The Derby loanee was the notable absentee for the abandoned game in December as he wanted a return to Pride Park Stadium but has resolved his differences with the Whites and scored in his last two games.


http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-v-fulham-preview-12499738